bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Edificio administrativo suspendido en Stade – Alemania
Authors: Burmester G.
Published: July 2016

Su planta baja comprende: el hall, sala de conferencias, salas auxiliares, etc. Las plantas intermedias albergan las oficinas. En el nivel inferior hay un pabellón-mirador —destinado para aquellos que quieren verla y no tienen permiso para visitarla desde el cual los visitantes pueden contemplar la totalidad de las instalaciones y, además, mediante maquetas y diapositivas llegar a conocer el funcionamiento de esta Central de energía atómica.
La superficie total del edificio es de 1.000 m2.
Con la excepción de los cimientos, arcos, tirantes, sótano y foso del ascensor, el resto del edificio ha sido construido a base de hormigón ligero —pretensado—, con lo que se ha conseguido un óptimo aislamiento térmico, una notable disminución de peso y una ele gante esbeltez general.
Casa de campo en la playa de Jávea, Valencia – España
Authors: De Jorge M.
Published: July 2016

El acoplamiento a una suave ladera cubierta de pinos, que desciende hacia la playa, determina una serie de dormitorios escalonados, según la pendiente del terreno, que culminan en la parte superior de la vivienda con el dormitorio principal, situado ya en el mismo plano que el salón-comedor, las terrazas principales N. y S. y la cocina y servicios anexos.
En la parte inferior se sitúa un estudio-sala de música, con entrada independiente y un porche cubierto para invierno, junto con la bodega, leñera y otros servicios y espacios previstos para una posible ampliación.
Comprobación a punzonamiento según la instrucción española EH-80
Authors: Jiménez Montoya P.
Published: July 2016

No disponible.
La seguridad del trabajo en la construcción
Authors: Rodríguez Ventura
Published: July 2016

No disponible.
Nuevo edificio para la delegación de hacienda en Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. España
Authors: Pallarés José María
Published: July 2016

Para disponer las dependencias de esta Delegación de Hacienda se ha aprovechado el edificio que albergaba la antigua Jefatura Provincial del Movimiento.
Aparte de las modificaciones lógicas derivadas del cambio de uso, el edificio en sí era insuficiente de cara a las nuevas necesidades de superficie, por lo que se amplió hasta agotar la edificabilidad permitida. Esto trajo consigo diversos problemas estructurales motivados, especialmente, por las características del terreno —ganado al mar en fecha reciente—.
En la distribución de los servicios destaca su correcta funcionalidad y la facilidad de acceso para los distintos usuarios, que evita interferencias entre el público y el personal de la Delegación.
Análisis de estructuras de hormigón armado y pretensado en teoría de segundo orden
Authors: Marí  Bernat Antonio R.
Published: July 2016

No disponible.
Hormigones ligeros y obras públicas. Francia
Authors: Vié G.
Published: July 2016

Entre las causas del empleo, cada vez más amplio, del hormigón ligero frente al hormigón tradicional se encuentran: menor peso, menor contracción durante el fraguado, transporte menos costoso, colocación y manejo más fácil, etc.
En este artículo se describe la realización de una pasarela en Grenoble (Francia), de 125,70 m de longitud, de los cuales 68,80 son de hormigón ligero.
El tablero, de una anchura de 6,7 m de longitud y pretensado longitudinalmente, está formado por una viga-cajón de 1,5 m de altura e inercia constante. La cimentación se realizó sobre pilotes de 800 a 1.000 mm de diámetro prefabricados in situ. Los estribos son del tipo contrapeso.
La pasarela se construyó en dos mitades, cada una de ellas sobre una orilla del río Isère, uniéndose posteriormente una vez colocadas en su emplazamiento final.
Patología de las cimentaciones
Authors: Uriel Ortiz Ángel
Published: July 2016

Este artículo se dedica a los fallos de cimentaciones intrínsecos, cuya causa está en el incorrecto diseño de la cimentación o en su defectuosa construcción. Se excluyen los fallos inducidos por operaciones constructivas en las proximidades o por los efectos de nuevas estructuras, que serán el objeto de otro artículo.
Los fallos de cimentaciones son demasiado frecuentes y muy raramente pueden calificarse de inevitables. Causan daños estructurales, cuando no el colapso completo de la estructura, de difícil y costosa reparación. Provocan trastornos a los usuarios, ponen a veces en peligro sus vidas y haciendas, llegándose en ocasiones al desalojo de inmuebles y a su demolición. Las operaciones de recalce, cuando aún se está a tiempo y vale la pena salvar la estructura, son delicadas y, casi siempre, muy onerosas.
Son escasos los artículos dedicados a describir casos concretos de fallos de cimentaciones y a dar cuenta de los errores cometidos, por razones obvias. La expresión fallos de cimentaciones es eufemística, pues, en la mayoría de los casos, los fallos son humanos. A menudo, se echa al terreno la culpa de la aparición de grietas en estructuras, con evidente injusticia; el terreno es inocente por completo. Achacar los daños a «vicios del suelo» (así denominados en el Art. 1.591 de nuestro Código Civil) que no ha sido posible detectar, o a fenómenos imprevisibles, sólo excepcionalmente está justificado.
La lectura de tales artículos es altamente recomendable. Una buena experiencia profesional ha de estar bien nutrida del conocimiento de lo que no se debe hacer. Saber por qué mecanismos ocurren más habitualmente los fallos de cimentaciones o cuáles son sus causas más comunes es tan importante o más que una buena formación sobre los métodos de diseño y cálculo de cimentaciones. Esa experiencia puede lograrse a base de fracasos personales; pero es preferible obtenerla a través del conocimiento de los fracasos de los demás (Jiménez Salas, 1970).
Este artículo se va a ilustrar con algunos ejemplos, cuyo recuerdo puede ayudar a otros a no incurrir en los mismos errores. Se pretende, así, contribuir a que la larga lista de fallos de cimentaciones crezca más lentamente.
Edificio de servicios múltiples Valladolid/España
Authors: Méndez Eduardo
Published: July 2016

A partir de los módulos de la Junta Coordinadora de edificios administrativos, establecidos en función de las necesidades de espacio de los distintos puestos de trabaja se ha realizado este edificio que engloba las numerosas dependencias de varios Ministerios e Institutos.
En esencia la construcción se compone de dos niveles de sótano para aparcamiento y servicios; una planta baja destinada a cafetería y salón de actos; dos cuerpos elevados, destinados a oficinas, enlazados por el núcleo de comunicaciones verticales.
Para la estructura, así como para el dimensionamiento de los puestos de trabajo y de los huecos de ventana, e inclusa del despiece del pavimento y del falso techo, se ha partido de un módulo base de 1,25 X 1,25 metros.
«The Iron Bridge»: El primer puente metálico
Authors: Dobbie Ian , Salas Julián
Published: July 2016

Se describe en este artículo, mediante reportaje gráfico y la traducción parcial de un folleto editado por el Museo «The Iron Bridge», el contexto histórico y las circunstancias técnicas en las que se proyectó y ejecutó tan famoso puente.
La inauguración del puente tuvo lugar el 1 de enero de 1781. El arquitecto autor del proyecto fue Thomas Farnolls Pritchard, realizando los elementos fundidos Abraham Darby III.
Análisis de estructuras de hormigón armado y pretensado
Authors: Murcia Vela Juan , Aguado de Cea Antonio
Published: July 2016

El análisis de estructuras de hormigón armado y pretensado constituye en la actualidad tanto por su amplitud como por su tradición una gran línea de investigación, la principal hasta la fecha de la Cátedra de Hormigón de la Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros de Caminos, Canales y Puertos de la Universidad Politécnica de Barcelona. En ella se encuentran implicados, de forma directa, todos los profesores de la Cátedra (Antonio Aguado, Antonio Mari, Enrique Mirambell y Juan Murcia) en el momento actual, así como un becario de Formación de Personal Investigador del Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia (Ignacio Carol).
Esta línea de investigación puede, por su amplitud, subdividirse de hecho en otras líneas o ramas s algunas de las cuales ya se han desarrollado; en otras en las que se empieza a trabajar ahora y, por último, en otras que se iniciarán en función de los medios de todo tipo disponibles.
Lope de Vega, en la encrucijada de la novela (corta): sentencias y aforismos en las Novelas a Marcia Leonarda (1621 y 1624)
Authors: Blanco Emilio , Sánchez Jiménez Antonio
Published: July 2016

El artículo intenta explicar la diferente concepción política que se desprende de los textos que anteceden a las Novelas a Marcia Leonarda. La mención de “hombres científicos” y “aforismos” en 1621 indica que Lope probablemente se apuntó primero a la moda tacitista como una estrategia más de medro cortesano en la corte del nuevo rey. Las referencias únicas a las “sentencias” en 1624, así como otros paratextos lopescos, prueban que Lope pronto abominó de los autores “políticos” y tacitistas para volver a posiciones más tradicionales.
Orígenes de la Ortografía de la RAE: primeras aportaciones de Bartolomé Alcázar (1715) y de Adrián Conink (h. 1716)
Authors: Freixas Margarita
Published: July 2016

El “Discurso proemial de la orthographía de la Lengua Castellana” publicado en los Preliminares del Diccionario de Autoridades (1726) constituye el primer tratado ortográfico elaborado por la Real Academia Española. La importancia de esta obra en el inicio del proceso de regulación ortográfica del español moderno justifica la necesidad de ahondar en su conocimiento a través de documentos hasta ahora no estudiados. Mediante el análisis del contenido de la copia de los discursos de Bartolomé Alcázar (“Sobre si la Z es letra castellana”, 1715) y de Adrián Conink (“Discurso de la Orthographía de la lengua castellana”, h. 1716), conservada en el ms. 112 de la Biblioteca de la Real Academia Española, es posible conocer mejor los principios que sostienen las primeras reglas ortográficas de la Corporación. Para ello, no solo se tiene en cuenta la evolución de las normas desde sus primeras formulaciones por Alcázar y Conink hasta su redacción en el “Discurso proemial”, sino también los acuerdos en materia ortográfica reunidos en las Actas (1713-1739).
Francisco Rico y su Quijote
Authors: Gómez Moreno Ángel
Published: July 2016

Este artículo-reseña valora positivamente el Quijote publicado por Francisco Rico con motivo del IV Centenario de la Segunda Parte del clásico (1615). Lo que se echa en falta no es de la exclusiva incumbencia del editor o su equipo: estudiar los libros de caballerías, la tratadística militar o la literatura hagiográfica, que se revelan fundamentales para entender el Quijote, son tareas que competen a todos los cervantistas. Detalles al margen, las herramientas a disposición del lector configuran un status quaestionis fresco y preciso; del mismo modo, las fichas lexicográficas cumplen bien su función, aunque las relativas a la botánica esperan una revisión en profundidad.
A Computational Model for Texture Analysis in Images with Fractional Differential Filter for Texture Detection
Authors: Hemalatha S. , Anouncia S. Margret
Published: July 2016

This paper is dedicated to the modelling of textured images influenced by fractional derivatives for texture detection. As most of the images contain textures, texture analysis becomes the most important for image understanding and it is a key solution for many computer vision applications. Hence, texture must be suitably detected and represented. Nevertheless, existing texture detection algorithms consider texture as a unique feature from edges. The proposed model explores a novel way of developing texture detection algorithm by mimicking edge detection algorithms. The method assumes that texture feature is analogous to edges and thus, the time complexity is reduced significantly. The model proposed in this work is based on Gaussian kernel smoothing, Fractional partial derivatives and a statistical approach. It is justified to be robust to noisy images and possesses statistical interpretation. The model is validated by the classification experiments on different types of textured images from Brodatz album. It achieves higher classification accuracy than the existing methods.
Appraisal of Partner Enterprises under GTFNS Environment
Authors: Sahu Anoop Kumar , Sahu Atul Kumar , Sahu Nitin Kumar
Published: July 2016

In present research, a Multi-Criterion Decision Making (MCDM) appraisement index/module/framework is conceptualized from the resource of literature survey in extent of agile strategy of Supply Chain Management (SCM). The vagueness, impreciseness as well as inconsistency associated in measures and their metrics (sub-measures) is considered in the presented work and the assessment of the experts panel is acquired ‘described subjectively' in linguistic terms and transformed into Generalized Trapezoidal Fuzzy Number set (GTFNs). Thus, a fuzzy performance index model has been introduced in purpose to evaluate an Overall Fuzzy Performance Index (OFPI) and also to identify the barriers/ill-strong measures. The novelty of exposed research exists in evaluation period of OFPI. In preview researches, it was indeed imperative to assign the appropriateness ratings as well as priority weights for second level metrics (sub-measures) and priority weights individual 1st level measures for evaluating the OFPI under 2nd level hierarchy of SC. The present research compensates this research gap and the authors developed a model pertaining to MCDM, which answered towards said dilemma. The OFPI has been evaluated by availing same data excluding priority weights of individual 1st level measures. Furthermore, a revised ranking approach accompanied with fuzzy performance important index has fruitfully been implemented to identify the barriers/ill-strong measures.
Medical Case Based Reasoning Frameworks
Authors: El-Sappagh Shaker , Elmogy Mohammed Mahfouz
Published: July 2016

Case-Based Reasoning (CBR) is one of the most suitable AI techniques for building clinical decision support systems. Medical domain complexity introduces many challenges for building these systems. Building the systems' knowledge base from the Electronic Health Record (EHR), the encoding of case-base knowledge with standard medical ontology, and the handling of vague data are examples of these challenges. Although several advantages of using CBR in medicine have been identified, there are no real systems acceptable to physicians. This systematic review examines the current state of CBR and its limitations in the medical domain, especially for diabetes mellitus. The critical evaluation of the status of diabetes CBR systems presents unique opportunities for improving these systems. The literature review covers most of the English language studies extracted from relevant databases by using search terms relating CBR, ontology, Fuzzy, and standard terminology concepts. The authors identify 38 articles published between 1999 and 15 January 2015, which represent original researches in CBR domain. The study includes 15 (39.5%) non-medical studies and 23 (60.5%) medical studies with ~22% for diabetes CBR. A list of 18 integrated evaluation metrics has been proposed and used in the analysis. The results show that the non-medical CBR systems achieved higher advances (50%) than medical systems (42.9%). In addition, the diabetes management CBR systems achieve the lowest advances (21.4%) compared to other systems. These shortages explain the question “why CBR paradigm are not fully utilized in the commercial medical systems?” As a result, there is a distinct need for more comprehensive enhancements in clinical CBR especially diabetes systems.
Enablers for Patients to Adopt Web-Based Personal Health Records (PHR)
Authors: Sohn Changsoo , Yeo Younsook
Published: July 2016

This study analyzed what are enablers to adopt web-based Personal Health Records (PHR) from patients' perspective while many studies are conducted from providers' perspective. Patients may consider Perceived Value of Information, Perceived Worthwhileness of Searching, Privacy, Information Trust, and Security before adopting web-based PHR. By using HINTS (Health Information National Trends Survey), this study found out that Perceived Value of Information is the most critical enabler for patients to adopt web-based PHR. Privacy, Information Trust, and Security are also enablers to adopt web-based PHR. But, Perceived Worthwhileness of Searching is not statistically significant to explain adoption of web-based PHR. However, Perceived Value of Information is strong antecedent of Perceived Worthwhileness of Searching. Based on this study, patients are more likely to adopt web-based PHR when they realize that web-based PHR provides valuable and reliable information with protecting privacy and security.
Relationships between Individuals' Convergence Readiness and Performance in Using Mobile Phones
Authors: Chang Po-Chien
Published: July 2016

Due to the emerging trend of digital convergence, the uses of self-service technologies (SSTs) on mobile devices are pervasive worldwide. However, most studies have devoted their efforts to the adoption of new technologies, few studies and business practices paid attention to the evaluation and consequences of mobile user behaviors, such as the uses of a mobile phone for information, communication and self-related services. Hence, this study developed a model by integrating technology readiness and individual performance to assess the individuals' level of readiness and various behavioral patterns in the use of mobile phones. The results show the perceptions of optimism and innovativeness are effective indicators that explain individuals' performance and usage behaviors in the use of mobile phones. The behavioral patterns of using various self-service technologies on mobile phones are segmented and have hierarchical effects. The research implications are valuable to IS implementation and service marketing in the domain of digital convergence.
Are We There Yet?
Authors: Asunka Stephen
Published: July 2016

This study used aspects of the classical Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to predict instructor acceptance and adoption of a tablet computer (tablet PC) for mobile learning in a Ghanaian higher education institution. Following a distribution of a customized tablet PC (known as Campus Companion) to all instructors of the institution, and an expectation that they will use these devices to support and facilitate mobile learning, data on instructor perceptions, attitudes, and behavioral intention to use the technology were gathered and analyzed. Thirty-eight (38) instructors participated in the study. Findings show that instructors' intentions to use the tablet PC for mobile learning are very low, and are significantly influenced by their perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and attitude towards the device. Implications of these findings for practice and further research are discussed within the context of the adoption of tablet PCs for mobile learning within the Ghanaian higher education context in particular and the developing world in general.
Why Controls Are Used in Platform Ecosystems?
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Sandip , Nikou Shahrokh , Bouwman Harry
Published: July 2016

Existing literature on control in software development context considers only the principal-agency relationship between controller and controlee. However, the principal-agency relationship cannot be assumed between ecosystems leader and partners, which are independent organizations. This paper aims to study the critical role played by inter-organizational control mechanisms in a mobile platform ecosystems. Based on an Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) approach with 38 experts with diverse backgrounds, this research aims to identify and prioritise the most important roles of control portfolio in the platform ecosystems. Though traditionally controls are primarily used to coordinate between partners with divergent objectives, ecosystems leaders use control primarily to capture a higher share of value of the service. The findings provide further insights on two other roles of control in platform ecosystems: (i) accessing complementary resources and (ii) managing interdependency between partners. This research extends organizational control theory to the context of emerging platform-based ecosystem.
A State Decision Tree based Backtracking Algorithm for Multi-Sensitive Attribute Privacy Preserving
Authors: Zhang Yanchao , Liu Qing , Cheng JunJun , Yang JiJia
Published: July 2016

Beyond l-diversity model, an algorithm (l-BDT) based on state decision tree is proposed in this paper, which aims at protecting multi-sensitive attributes from being attacked. The algorithm considers the whole situations in equivalence partitioning for the first, prunes the decision tree according to some conditions for the second, and screens out the method with the least information loss of equivalence partitioning for the last. The analysis and experiments show that the l-BDT algorithm has the best performance in controlling the information loss. It can be ensured that the published data is the most closed towards the original data, so as to ensure that the published data is as useful as possible.
Extracting Influential Nodes in Social Networks on Local Weight Aspect
Authors: Cheng Jun Jun , Zhang Yan Chao , Zhou Xin , Cheng Hui
Published: July 2016

Studies have shown that influential nodes play an important role in all kinds of dynamic behavior in the complex network. Excavation or recognition of such nodes contributes to the development of application areas such as social network advertising and user interest recommendation. Although some heuristic algorithms such as degree, betweenness, closeness and k-shell (or k-core) can identify influential nodes at the same time, they are disadvantaged in terms of accuracy and time complexity. Based on this, the authors propose a novel local weight index to distinguish the node influence based on the theory of ties strength. This index emphasizes that the node influence is jointly decided by the quantity and quality of the neighbors, and its time complexity is much lower than closeness and betweenness. With the aid of SIR information transmission model, this paper verifies the validity of local weight index.
Combining Block DCV and Support Vector Machine for Ear Recognition
Authors: Hailong Zhao , Junyan Yi
Published: July 2016

In recent years, automatic ear recognition has become a popular research. Effective feature extraction is one of the most important steps in Content-based ear image retrieval applications. In this paper, the authors proposed a new vectors construction method for ear retrieval based on Block Discriminative Common Vector. According to this method, the ear image is divided into 16 blocks firstly and the features are extracted by applying DCV to the sub-images. Furthermore, Support Vector Machine is used as classifier to make decision. The experimental results show that the proposed method performs better than classical PCA+LDA, so it is an effective human ear recognition method.
Research on the Extension of SCTP Protocol on the Heterogeneous Wireless Network
Authors: Yuan Yao , Zhang Dalin , Tian Lin , Shi Jinglin
Published: July 2016

As a promising candidate of general-purpose transport layer protocol, the Stream Control Transmission Protocol (SCTP) has its new features such as multi-homing and multi-streaming. SCTP association can make concurrent multi-path transfer an appealing candidate to satisfy the ever increasing user demands for bandwidth by using Multi-homing feature. And multiple streams provide an aggregation mechanism to accommodate heterogeneous objects, which belong to the same application but may require different QoS from the network. In this paper, the authors introduce WM2-SCTP (Wireless Multi-path Multi-flow - Stream Control Transmission Protocol), a transport layer solution for concurrent multi-path transfer with parallel sub-flows. WM2-SCTP aims at exploiting SCTP's multi-homing and multi-streaming capability by grouping SCTP streams into sub-flows based on their required QoS and selecting best paths for each sub-flow to improve data transfer rates. The results show that under different scenarios WM2-SCTP is able to support QoS among the SCTP stream, and it achieves a better throughput.
Towards a Comprehensive Process Model for Transitioning MIS to KMS
Authors: Anderson Ricardo , Mansingh Gunjan
Published: July 2016

Information Systems today are dominated by large amounts of computing infrastructure often mapping business processes to people and data. The conversion of this data into meaningful information is fairly well established, although these systems have not been extensively exploited within developing countries. Even in developed economies, where resources and experience flourish, many still struggle with moving from information management to knowledge management. Given that knowledge is posited as the new organizational wealth, it becomes important to integrate knowledge into improving the business and its operations. In this study, a comprehensive process model that guides the conversion of an existing information system to a knowledge management system is developed and evaluated. This is primarily applicable in the developing country context. The results indicate that the model sufficiently represents and organizes the activities to be carried out to meet the desired outcome of converting an existing information system into a knowledge management system.
Knowledge Retention in the Service Industry
Authors: Gonzalez Rodrigo Valio Dominguez
Published: July 2016

Currently, the challenge for researchers and managers in the area of knowledge management is to study methods and models that promote and facilitate the acquisition, retention, distribution and utilization of knowledge by individuals and groups of organizations. The main objective of this paper is to analyze how a company that operates in multi-site service sector is organized internally in order to retain the acquired knowledge. The research strategy used is the simple case study, applied in a large multinational company. The findings points out that the service providing organizations should focus their knowledge retention process in a specific department toward this goal. This department has the task of identifying and registering the best practices and learned lessons among all the employees working on different clients in databases, in addition, to promote the integration of these employees in order to promote the distribution of tacit knowledge.
SPORTAL
Authors: Hasnain Ali , Mehmood Qaiser , Sana e Zainab Syeda , Hogan Aidan
Published: July 2016

Access to hundreds of knowledge bases has been made available on the Web through public SPARQL endpoints. Unfortunately, few endpoints publish descriptions of their content (e.g., using VoID). It is thus unclear how agents can learn about the content of a given SPARQL endpoint or, relatedly, find SPARQL endpoints with content relevant to their needs. In this paper, the authors investigate the feasibility of a system that gathers information about public SPARQL endpoints by querying them directly about their own content. With the advent of SPARQL 1.1 and features such as aggregates, it is now possible to specify queries whose results would form a detailed profile of the content of the endpoint, comparable with a large subset of VoID. In theory it would thus be feasible to build a rich centralised catalogue describing the content indexed by individual endpoints by issuing them SPARQL (1.1) queries; this catalogue could then be searched and queried by agents looking for endpoints with content they are interested in. In practice, however, the coverage of the catalogue is bounded by the limitations of public endpoints themselves: some may not support SPARQL 1.1, some may return partial responses, some may throw exceptions for expensive aggregate queries, etc. The authors' goal in this paper is thus twofold: (i) using VoID as a bar, to empirically investigate the extent to which public endpoints can describe their own content, and (ii) to build and analyse the capabilities of a best-effort online catalogue of current endpoints based on the (partial) results collected.
An Extensible Game Engine to Develop Animated Facial Avatars in 3D Virtual Environment
Authors: Zarrad Anis
Published: July 2016

Avatar facial expression and animation in 3D Collaborative Virtual Environment (CVE) systems are reconstructed through a complex manipulation of all details that compose it like muscles, bones and wrinkles in 3D space. The need for a fast and easy reconstruction approach has emerged out in the recent years due to its application in various domains; 3D disaster management and military training etc. These details simulation must be as realistic as possible to convey different emotions according to the constantly changing situations in CVE during the runtime. For example, in 3D disaster management, it is important to use dynamic avatar emotions; firefighters should be frightened when dealing with a fire disaster and smiling when treating injures and evacuating habitants. However, the solution of facial animation remains a challenge that restricts the rapid and ease development of facial animation systems. In this work, the author presents extensible game engine architecture to easily produce real-time facial animations using a script atomic action without having to deal with control structures and 3D programing language. The proposed architecture defines various controllers, object behaviors, tactical and graphics rendering, and collision effects to quickly design 3D virtual environment. Firstly, the author gives the concept of atomic expression, and the method to build a parametrized script file according to the atomic expression. Then the author shows the validity of the generated expressions based on the MPEG-4 facial animation framework. Finally, the feasibility of the proposed architecture is tested via a firefighter scenario. The author's approach has the advantages over previous techniques of fitting directly an easy and faster technology with a high degree of programming independence. The author also minimizes the interaction with the game engine during the runtime by injecting dynamically the XML file into the game engine without stopping or restarting the engine.
Antagonistic Shape Memory Alloy Actuators in Soft Robotics
Authors: Le Tien Sy , Schlegel Holger , Drossel Welf Guntram , Hirsch Andreas
Published: July 2016

The paper presents research concerning the utilization of shape memory alloys in terms of an antagonistic actuator system. The main focus is to determine arrangements for the necessary movements and also to evaluate a suitable control methodology. Most use cases of soft robotics can be accomplished by either linear actuators (cf. earthworm), circular actuators (cf. brachial joint) or a combination of both. Hence, for the research, those two scenarios were taken into account. The paper describes the used simulation model, which bases on a thermo-mechanical submodel of a single SMA actuator. It complements interconnections of physical parameters like temperature, percentage of martensite, elongation and tension. Furthermore, it is shown, how the submodels are connected in a suitable way to establish the required use cases.The position control of either the transversal position or the angle is realized by a PID or PI controller. The paper also shows the impact of parameter changes in the SMA on the achievable position accuracy. Also different strategies for controller design will be discussed.
Performance Index for Servo Drives under PI Speed Control
Authors: Quellmalz Johannes , Schlegel Holger , Rehm Matthias , Kirchner Henry , Neugebauer Reimund
Published: July 2016

The paper points out a minimum variance based performance index for restricted controller structure, known in literature and applied in process industries. The theory is introduced briefly. As core of the paper adaption to the topic of speed control for electromechanical drives is shown. Simulational and experimental results for various single and dual-mass systems show good sensitivity to relevant parameters. As main drawback, the index prefers tough controller settings.
A Concept for Intelligent Tool Exchange System for Industrial Manipulators
Authors: Mężyk Jordan
Published: July 2016

For years now, the industrial manipulators have substituted human in many types of works during the manufacturing process. With robots the production rate increases, as does the quality of the product. The application of industrial manipulators increases the safety in the factories which in turn leads to savings. However, there are several difficulties in introduction of robotics into the production line. One of them is usually large cost of purchase and implementation of the robot. The proposed concept of the intelligent system for tool exchange is to address the stated issue. The aim of the system is to provide a mechanism for quick tool exchange supported by a decision making module that will constitute the self-reconfigurable industrial manipulator that is able to assess the situation at the production line, recognize the product and make decision on the operations to be performed, their sequence and which tool to use to perform that operation. Such a system of manipulator equipped with functions for reconfiguration and adaptation will be a solution for all applications where the production assortment changes quickly and is made in short series, and in particular for SMEs, which cannot afford purchase of several robots. They would buy one instead and let it perform variable tasks.The article briefly presents the concept of the hardware part of the exchange system, which includes both construction and the electronic modules for the tools, and concentrates on the concept of software expert system and database that allows intelligent decision making. The software control of the system is divided into four levels: the basic level, technical level, task level and procedure level. The basic level defines the movement of the robot such as: positioning, rotation, approach to the position etc. This level uses to control system of the applied manipulator and the data contained in the electronic modules of the tools. The basic level reflects the typical low-level control of the manipulator. The technical level defines the technical movement of the robot, small procedures related to the calibration of the tools, operation with the tool magazine (picking up and putting away) and related to tool maintenance – locking, unlocking, power supply, air supply and similar. The task level defines the operations related to the task performed on the object. Depending on the defined task the proper tool is selected (e.g. gripper, camera or a laser scanner) and, based on the data collected from sensors, performs the operation (e.g. scans the surface of the object). The highest level of control is totally independent on the hardware control system of the manipulator and the hardware of the robotic stand. Using the available databases and the recognition systems (e.g. cameras) makes decisions on what type of object appears on the production line and what operation is to be performed. The operations are defined as metacode that is interpreted and performed by lower control levels structurally bound to the control system of the manipulator.
Unmanned Ground Vehicle Energy Efficiency Validation in Territory Surveillance Mission
Authors: Väljaots Eero , Sell Raivo , Rimasauskas Marius
Published: July 2016

This paper describes test case of an energy efficiency validation method. Test case is selected as surveillance mission which is simple and common case for universal unmanned ground vehicle where environment dynamics has major influence. The prototype UGV platform is equipped with combined measurement system providing data about dynamic parameters of platform physical movement as well as real-time energy consumption. Platform energy efficiency is evaluated on several stages, enabling to evaluate both mechanical design and control system algorithms. In addition, environment interaction with the vehicle is measured also for analyzing the vehicle limitations and scope of use. Real-condition missions are used for vehicle design validation purposes.
Correction of Characteristics of Transverse Vibration Subsystems of Complex Mechanical or/and Mechatronic Systems
Authors: Buchacz Andrzej
Published: July 2016

In this paper the application of analysis within transverse vibrating subsystem of complex or/and mechatronic systems by means of the exact and approximate methods were the main purposes of work. The second purpose - of the work was to solve the task of assignment of frequency-modal analysis within characteristics of mechatronic system. Classical and unclassical methods to solve this problem have been used to obtain the dynamical characteristics in the Gliwice research Centre. During the analysis of the diagrams of characteristics of confirmed system it has been determined that in case of approximate method the resonance frequencies cover with those which have been determined with exact method. However, the values of the characteristic in other areas are different. The main aim of this paper was to compare the transients of characteristics of mechanical subsystem within the transverse vibrating discrete – continuous mechatronic system, obtained by exact and approximate, that means Galerkins method and to answer to the question – if the method can be used to nominate the characteristics of mechatronic systems. The main subject of deliberation was to determine the flexibility of the mechanical system with constant cross section using the exact and Galerkin’s method. The problems presented in this paper, such as the analysis of subsystem of mechatronic and mechanical complex systems is however the introduction to the synthesis of transverse vibrating mechatronic systems with assumed frequency spectrum.
Braking Current Spectral Characteristics for Linear Induction Motor with Short Secondary Part
Authors: Karaliunas Bronius , Matkevicius Edvardas , Mitkiene Brone
Published: July 2016

The submitted list of scientific publications and literature indicate, that so far there have never been comprehensively analysed the braking modes of the Linear Induction Motor (LIM) with a short secondary part. The article deals with the theoretical simulation model of such a LIM, containing even, odd or fractional number of the active (excitation) zones. The spectral analysis method is used to calculate the spectral characteristics of the motor braking. After having applied, Fourier and Laplace integral transformations for the non – periodic volumetric density functions of the braking current, there have been derived the analytical expressions of the continuous amplitude spectra. These obtained expressions successfully meet/harmonize the analysis of spectral characteristics of the primary and secondary magnetic field.
Fuzzy Controller for Aircraft Anti-Icing System - Initial Design and Analysis
Authors: Grzesik Norbert , Kowalik Kamil
Published: July 2016

Authors research concern use of fuzzy expert systems in military and civilian aviation applications. Generally, the main effect of human efforts, in the case of those systems, is to create a machine with a set of behaviors and attitudes that would allow it to work independently, adjustable to changing environmental conditions and participate in decision making process. Fuzzy expert inference system supporting aircraft anti-icing system designing algorithm was described in this publication. The system uses Matlab, Fuzzy Logic Toolbox software. All problem analysis are only authors point of view about anti-icing system support. Use this technology in aircraft anti-icing system is pioneer. There are lack of publications in this topic in worldwide literature.
Dynamics of Linkage Mechanism Solved by Means of Contour Graphs and Bond Graphs
Authors: Drewniak Józef , Garlicka Paulina , Kopeć Jerzy , Zawiślak Stanisław
Published: July 2016

The dynamical analysis of a linkage mechanism is described in the paper. The contour graph method was utilized. The method allows for assigning a contour graph to a particular mechanism. In next step analysis is performed in algorithmic manner distinguishing the contours and generating kinematical and dynamical equations based upon theses contours. Decomposition of the system is utilized, therefore more simple subsystems are analyzed. Aggregated solution is compatible with all other classical methods however the approach is algorithmic and effective.
Application of an Automatic Plant Irrigation System Based Arduino Microcontroller Using Solar Energy
Authors: Ersin Çağatay , Gürbüz Riza , Yakut Ali Kemal
Published: July 2016

In this system, plants’ optimum water need level is controlled by Ardiuno Uno Microcontroller. With the help of the buttons on the Lcd Shields, the plant species are chosen and after the humidity level is entered, it is controlled by Ardiuno Uno Microcontroller. When the humidity level of the earth decreases, Ardiuno Uno Microcontroller sends data for irrigation the plant and takes photo of it with Raspberry Pi before irrigation. The e-mail which contains necessary datum and photos is sent to related person. When the irrigation of the plants reaches the chosen humidity level, Ardiuno Uno Microcontroller stops irrigation and Raspberry Pi sends photos of the plant as an e-mail to the related person again after irrigation. The energy of this system is provided by the battery charging.
Magnetosensitive Polymer Composites and Effect of Magnetic Field Directivity on their Properties
Authors: Dragašius Egidijus , Korobko Evguenia , Novikava Zoya , Sermyazhko Elena
Published: July 2016

Mechanical properties of polymer composite materials, containing ferromagnetic small dispersed particles of carbonyl iron that create structures along force lines of the magnetic field have been investigated. In paper the influence of the polymer matrix material and the orientation of ferromagnetic particles inside it on the properties of polymer composites are considered in the regimes of horizontal shear, vertical shear and periodical (sinusoidal) deformation of the samples. Magnetic properties at the change of magnetic field induction B in the range of 0 to 1 T are determined.
Modelling of Mechanical Structure of Atomic Force Microscope
Authors: Dzedzickis Andrius , Bučinskas Vytautas , Šešok Nikolaj , Iljin Igor
Published: July 2016

This paper dedicated of introduction of dynamic model of improved mechanical system of sensor of atomic force microscope. The subject of the research is enhancement of dynamic characteristics of cantilever - main mechanical part of sensor. These characteristics defines frequency of oscillations of mentioned cantilever and are main limitations of the speed of scanning procedure of the microscope. Modification of original dynamic system of atomic force microscope made adding nonlinear additional stiffness, created by stream of compressed air. In order to determine dynamic characteristics of modified system there are necessary to create corresponding dynamic model. Parameters of such model were defined using experimental research and theoretically from 3-D model of microscope cantilever. Solution of this model brings dependencies between air gap, pressure of compressed air and oscillation frequency of cantilever. Finally, results there are presented and conclusions are drawn.
Clonal Characteristics of Circulating B Lymphocyte Repertoire in Primary Biliary Cholangitis
Authors: Tan Yan-guo , Wang Yu-qi , Zhang Ming , Han Ying-xin , Huang Chun-yang , Zhang Hai-ping , Li Zhuo-min , Wu Xiao-lei , Wang Xiao-feng , Dong Yan , Zhu Hong-mei , Zhu Shi-da , Li Hong-mei , Li Ning , Yan Hui-ping , Gao Zu-hua
Published: July 2016

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is an autoimmune liver disease characterized by elevated serum anti-mitochondrial Ab and lymphocyte-mediated bile duct damage. This study was designed to reveal the clonal characteristics of B lymphocyte repertoire in patients with PBC to facilitate better understanding of its pathogenesis and better management of these patients. Using high-throughput sequencing of Ig genes, we analyzed the repertoire of circulating B lymphocytes in 43 patients with PBC, and 34 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Compared with healthy controls, PBC patients showed 1) a gain of 14 new clones and a loss of 8 clones; 2) a significant clonal expansion and increased relative IgM abundance, which corresponded with the elevated serum IgM level; 3) a significant reduction of clonal diversity and somatic hypermutations in class-switched sequences, which suggested a general immunocompromised status; 4) the reduction of clonal diversity and enhancement of clonal expansion were more obvious at the cirrhotic stage; and 5) treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid could increase the clonal diversity and reduce clonal expansion of the IgM repertoire, with no obvious effect on the somatic hypermutation level. Our data suggest that PBC is a complex autoimmune disease process with evidence of B lymphocyte clonal gains and losses, Ag-dependent ogligoclonal expansion, and a generally compromised immune reserve. This new insight into the pathogenesis of PBC opens up the prospect of studying disease-relevant B cells to better diagnose and treat this devastating disease.
The Minor MHC Class I Gene UDA of Ducks Is Regulated by Let-7 MicroRNA
Authors: Chan Wing Fuk , Parks-Dely Julie A. , Magor Brad G. , Magor Katharine E.
Published: July 2016

In many nonmammalian vertebrates, the genomic organization of the MHC class I region leads to biased expression of a single classical MHC class I gene coevolving with TAP transporters, whereas class I genes are poorly expressed. This contrasts to the three codominantly expressed classical MHC class I genes in humans and mice. In a sequenced haplotype from White Pekin duck, Anas platyrhynchos, there is one predominantly expressed MHC class I, UAA, although they have five MHC class I genes in the complex, arranged TAP1-TAP2-UAA-UBA-UCA-UDA-UEA. The UAA gene, situated proximal to the TAP2 gene, is expressed at levels 10-fold greater than that of another expressed gene, UDA. Three duck MHC class I genes (UBA, UCA, and UEA) are predicted to be partially or completely inactivated by promoter defects, introduction of in-frame stop codon, or the lack of a polyadenylation signal. In this study, we confirm that UBA, UCA, and UEA are indeed inactivated through genetic defects at the promoter, whereas UAA and UDA have functionally equivalent promoters. To examine promoter accessibility, we performed bisulfite sequencing and show that none of the MHC class I promoters are inactivated by methylation. We determine that UDA is differentially regulated through its 3′ untranslated region. Namely, expression of UDA is downregulated by let-7 microRNA, whereas the predominantly expressed MHC class I UAA is not. Regulation of UDA by let-7 microRNA suggests that the lower expression level is maintained for its function in immunity.
Cutting Edge: IL-4, IL-21, and IFN-γ Interact To Govern T-bet and CD11c Expression in TLR-Activated B Cells
Authors: Naradikian Martin S. , Myles Arpita , Beiting Daniel P. , Roberts Kenneth J. , Dawson Lucas , Herati Ramin Sedaghat , Bengsch Bertram , Linderman Susanne L. , Stelekati Erietta , Spolski Rosanne , Wherry E. John , Hunter Christopher , Hensley Scott E. , Leonard Warren J. , Cancro Michael P.
Published: July 2016

T-bet and CD11c expression in B cells is linked with IgG2c isotype switching, virus-specific immune responses, and humoral autoimmunity. However, the activation requisites and regulatory cues governing T-bet and CD11c expression in B cells remain poorly defined. In this article, we reveal a relationship among TLR engagement, IL-4, IL-21, and IFN-γ that regulates T-bet expression in B cells. We find that IL-21 or IFN-γ directly promote T-bet expression in the context of TLR engagement. Further, IL-4 antagonizes T-bet induction. Finally, IL-21, but not IFN-γ, promotes CD11c expression independent of T-bet. Using influenza virus and Heligmosomoides polygyrus infections, we show that these interactions function in vivo to determine whether T-bet+ and CD11c+ B cells are formed. These findings suggest that T-bet+ B cells seen in health and disease share the common initiating features of TLR-driven activation within this circumscribed cytokine milieu.