bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relations intellectuelles et artistiques entre la France et la Grèce au xxe siècle
Authors: Arnoux-Farnoux Lucile
Published: July 2015

Octave Merlier (1897-1976) et Roger Milliex (1913-2006) sont deux grands néohellénistes et philhellènes qui ont joué un rôle déterminant dans les relations culturelles entre la France et la Grèce au XXe siècle, aussi bien par leurs travaux personnels que par les fonctions officielles qu’ils ont exercées. S’ils n’ont pas hésité à prendre clairement position à titre personnel quand il le fallait, en particulier durant la Deuxième Guerre mondiale, ils sont surtout connus pour leur contribution essentielle à la constitution de réseaux franco-grecs d’intellectuels et d’artistes, grâce à des initiatives aussi audacieuses qu’originales. En se faisant les inlassables intermédiaires entre les deux pays, c’est évidemment l’idée d’une culture méditerranéenne et, plus largement, européenne, qu’ils ont servie.
Jean Ballard, une figure du « travailleur intellectuel »
Authors: Brun-Franc Christel
Published: July 2015

Les directeurs de revue sont presque toujours considérés comme des intellectuels. Pourtant, cette notion pose problème et les définitions s’opposent. En confrontant plusieurs d’entre elles, nous proposons de nous interroger sur le personnage de Jean Ballard, directeur de la revue marseillaise les Cahiers du Sud entre 1925 et 1966, au travers de trois des critères principaux qui semblent définir un intellectuel (l’absence d’intérêt pour les questions pratiques, l’engagement politique et une grande faculté de conceptualisation). Nous circonscrirons notre propos à la période de l’entre-deux-guerres. Devant l’impasse à laquelle nous aboutirons, plutôt que d’utiliser cette notion mouvante, nous préférerons revenir au concept d’« intellectualité » et de parler, en ce qui le concerne, de « travailleur intellectuel ».
Groupes d’intellectuels en France et en Grèce dans l’entre-deux-guerres. Chemins parallèles ?
Authors: Polycandrioti Ourania
Published: July 2015

Fondée sur deux groupes d’écrivains littéraires et d’intellectuels en Méditerranée (le groupe des Cahiers du Sud à Marseille, constitué autour de Jean Ballard, et celui constitué autour de l’écrivain Stratis Myrivilis à Lesbos, au nord-est de la Grèce), la présente étude tente une première approche parallèle de ces groupes, considérés comme foyers de création littéraire et artistique et de diffusion des idées. Le profil des deux groupes, le mode de leur formation, leur position régionale et périphérique par rapport à un centre culturel plus ou moins dominant, et notamment leur perception symbolique et identitaire de la mer Méditerranée ou de la mer Égée dans le contexte des rapports entre centre et périphérie ainsi que dans le contexte géopolitique et culturel méditerranéen de l’entre-deux-guerres constituent des manifestations intellectuelles parallèles qui demandent d’être étudiées, dans le cadre d’une histoire intellectuelle en Méditerranée.
Convergence of Accounting Standards towards IFRS in Brazil
Authors: Salotti Bruno M. , Carvalho L. Nelson
Published: July 2015

Brazilian legislation introduced the convergence towards IFRS as from 2008; it was achieved in a gradual pace, with full adoption being required from the December 31, 2010 closings on. The process of convergence had started earlier on, with the setting up of a Brazilian Accounting Standards Board around 2005, which began preparing the field for the full convergence that ultimately was validated with the 2007 piece of legislation that initiated the whole process. Then, the objective of this chapter is to describe this process, discussing consequences stemming from that adoption. To achieve this, we describe how the Brazilian accounting model has developed since 1940 until 2010, as well as the main technical, conceptual and practical changes derived from this. We understand that, despite all the difficulties, Brazil achieved full success in this process and the ending balance was very positive for the development of accounting practices and of accountants themselves.
Accounting Standards in Peru
Authors: Nakasone Gustavo A. T. Tanaka
Published: July 2015

In this chapter a review of the current financial accounting situation in Peru is reviewed. Accounting or any type of accountability system has been around in Peru for several centuries and a number of factors (cultural, legal, economic and financial, historical and political) have played an important role in its evolution. This chapter aims at analyzing the Peruvian accounting system with special emphasis on IFRS for SMEs. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of available data were applied for this research as well as surveys and interviews to relevant players in the Peruvian accounting system. The most important conclusions are: 1) A number of different accounting standards –not only full IFRS or IFRS for SMEs- are applied in Peru; 2) The claim that IFRS for SMEs are widely applied by Peruvian companies should be rejected and 3) It should be recognized that most of the SMEs in Peru use accounting for tax purposes only, and disregard the use accounting for decision making.
International Financial Reporting Standards for Latin American Small and Medium Enterprises
Authors: Berríos Myrna R.
Published: July 2015

The purpose of this chapter is to describe the process followed by Latin America to adopt International Financial Reporting Standards for Small and Medium Enterprises (IFRS for SMEs), based on examples about the approaches used by seven South American countries – Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela. These countries have followed different models of harmonization to IFRS for SMEs. Harmonization models may be grouped into five categories: maintenance of local financial reporting standards, adaptation of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) to local standards, full or partial adoption of IFRS, adoption of another country's standards, and convergence to diminish differences between local standards and IFRS. Regardless of the chosen mode of harmonization, SMEs face particular challenges as major players in the Latin America and Caribbean region with needs to greater access to finance sources and simplification of laws and reporting standards to be able to achieve global competitiveness.
IFRS for SMEs
Authors: Iris de Morais Márcio , Macagnan Clea Beatriz
Published: July 2015

In this chapter examines the perception of accountants in the State of Mato Grosso, from Brazil, on continuing professional education on IFRS applied to small and medium enterprises - SMEs. After the introduction, where we present this chapter, we contextualize the theory of human resources, with theoretical assumptions. In the next item, we revise of Brazilian accounting standards for SMEs and their regulatory environment. The literature review is completed with the item that addresses content on continuing education. The next step we present the methodology and the date analysis. To collect the evidence, we used questionnaires to accountants responsible for active financial services companies in the State of Mato Grosso. With a sample of 302 responses from a population of 1597 organizations, a descriptive analysis using frequency distribution, measures of central tendency and variability was performed. It is concluded that the perception of accountants indicates that they recognize the possibility of improvement in job performance, as well as greater employability and income. They still set regular level of difficulty in the submission of financial statements in accordance with the new standard: IFRS for SMEs. The study indicates the need to offer continuing education, pointing the Regional Accounting Council and universities as important promoters in the process of qualification of accounting professionals.
Computational Journalism
Authors: Ziegler Lady Dhyana
Published: July 2015

In this chapter, the use and application of big data in the news gathering process is discussed. The author explains how the combination of journalism, computer science, and social research introduces a new paradigm to the news industry and academic programs. The chapter explains how the impact of computational journalism on the news product and the use of big data analytics are applied to assess trends and habits of human interaction in all aspects of news coverage. The author purports that big data is essential to the news industry to make predictions and/or draw conclusions to produce a better news package. The author stresses the point that shaping news in a big data world challenges the foundation of journalistic principles and practices but the credibility and integrity of the news product must be maintained. The chapter introduces the Z Wheel communication process model as a new tool for shaping news in this big data environment.
Web 2.0 and News 2.0
Authors: Gibson Kyle , Gomer Greg
Published: July 2015

This chapter examines the effects that Web 2.0 technologies have had on traditional news organizations and how those organizations have been forced to adapt their content style, speed of production, and distribution models. It specifically focuses on real-time analytics and how news organizations can utilize new opportunities presented by social media platforms and web usage mining to analyze their audience, the competition, and popular opinions. The chapter will explain in detail how a news organization can compile data from social media and web usage, gain insights from that data, and act upon those insights. To further examine real-time analytics, the chapter presents real examples from BostInno, an online news source, where real-time analytics affected content and distribution. To conclude, the authors will reflect on the impact real-time analytics has on the news industry and how it might affect it in the near future.
The Disruptive Impact of Emerging Technology
Authors: Murray Gordon J.
Published: July 2015

In this chapter, context for understanding the phenomenon of “big data” and disruptive innovation is introduced relative to current changes affecting the future of the journalism industry. Perspective is provided on market forces and emerging technologies that now shape the demand for data journalism. Current best practices and strategies to analyze, scrape, personalize, visualize and map data are presented. Trends and resources to access data and effectively analyze information are outlined for journalists to use when researching and reporting online. Three contemporary case studies explore the day-to-day operations and decision-making processes of media organizations struggling to remain profitable; adapt to changing consumer demands and try to serve a new demographic that is increasingly global, wireless, mobile and socially networked.
Effect of Steam Explosion Pretreatment on Size Reduction and Pellet Quality of Woody and Agricultural Biomass
Authors: Lam Pak Sui , Lam Pak Yiu , Sokhansanj Shahab , Bi Xiaotao T. , Lim C. Jim , Melin Staffan
Published: July 2015

Steam explosion is a thermo-chemical pretreatment widely used to disrupt the ultra-structure of the cell wall of the ligno-cellulosic fiber to improve the fractionation of the major ligno-cellulosic components of the biomass for biochemical conversion. In recent years, steam explosion pretreatment has been applied on the fibers for improving the pellet quality of woody and agricultural biomass for thermo-chemical conversion. The improved qualities include high bulk density, low equilibrium moisture content, higher heating value, mechanical strength and moisture resistance. All of these desirable properties allow the steam exploded pellets to be handled and stored outdoors safely, similar to coal. This also raises lots of interests in considering pellets as preferable feedstock for the thermal power plant or bio-refinery facilities. In this chapter, the state of art of research findings on the effect of steam explosion on size reduction and pellet quality of woody and agriculture biomass will be discussed.
Fluid Dynamic and Mixing Characteristics of Biomass Particles in Fluidized Beds
Authors: Tannous Katia , Lourenço Joana Bratz
Published: July 2015

The study of fluid dynamic and mixing characteristics of biomass particles in fluidized beds is fundamental for comprehension of thermal conversion processes. In this chapter a review of literature showed a large lacks of technical information about the quality of fluidization and representative models concerning binary mixtures (biomass and inert). A case study was presented involving Eucalyptus grandis wood and tucumã endocarp in order to obtain fluid dynamic parameters such as the characteristic fluidization, velocity and porosity, and the bed expansion. These parameters were more significant for mixtures with smaller diameter and mass fraction ratios, and sphericity ratio, due to the facility of beds to fluidize. A map was presented to identify the limits of effective mixtures considering four classes as a function of the complete fluidization Reynolds' and Archimedes' numbers. Empirical correlations have been proposed and showed a good agreement with the experimental work.
Liquid Products Characterization from Pyrolysis and Gasification
Authors: Sánchez Caio G. , Figueiredo Renata Andrade , Figueiredo Flávio Augusto Bueno , Sánchez Elisabete Maria Saraiva , Arauzo Jesús , Callejo Alberto Gonzalo , Vigouroux Rolando Zanzi
Published: July 2015

In this chapter there is described a tentative of obtain and characterize pyrolysis liquids from cashew nut shell, using a suggested classification of tars. The large amount of tar definitions and measurement methods, as well as the wide spectrum of organic compounds, makes it almost impossible to capture “tars” with a clear definition. And so, in order to facilitate the study of the evolution of liquid fraction composition, the compounds have been grouped according to their chemical nature, but differently from other works, it was extended the range of compounds in order to evaluate the influence of the reactor parameters in liquid fraction compositions. It is described, as well, the pyrolysis and gasification of cashew nut shell, that has been studied in a laboratory scale reactor. It was quantified and classified the production of liquids (tar) and evaluated the final temperature influence (800, 900 and 1000 °C) and the use of N2 in pyrolysis case, and a mixture of N2 and steam or air in the gasification case. Finally, it is described the identification and quantification of tar compositions, by CG-MS and CG-FID analyzes. Around 50 different compounds have been detected in the liquid fraction obtained, most of them being present at very low concentrations and it is observed that in the pyrolysis and gasification processes, phenol and benzene were the major chemical groups, and this fact agree with others works, presented here in a bibliographic revision.
Probabilistic Preferences Composition in the Classification of Apparel Retail Stores
Authors: Ribeiro Rodrigo Otávio de Araújo , Meza Lidia Angulo , Sant'Anna Annibal Parracho
Published: July 2015

This paper employs the probabilistic composition of preferences to classify stores by their operational efficiency. Probabilistic composition of preferences is a multicriteria analysis methodology based on the transformation of assessments by multiple attributes into probabilities of choice. The numerical initial measurements provide estimates for location parameters of probability distributions that are compared to measure the preferences. The probabilities of choice according to each attribute separately are aggregated according to probabilistic composition rules. A classification of two sets of stores into five classes is performed.
Factors that Affect Customers Readiness for Internet-based BI Services
Authors: Even Adir , Parmet Yisrael , Erez Laks
Published: July 2015

The banking industry is a strong leader in the use of Internet technologies for revolutionizing customer services. This study explores demographic and financial factors that may affect the use of Internet-Banking (IB) services provided by a large bank. The study analyzed certain IB activities for a large sample of the bank's customers. The analysis highlights some usage characteristics and patterns that have evolved around the more traditional IB services, such as account-status inquiries and fund transfers. However, with a newly-developed Business-Intelligence (BI) application, such patterns have not evolved yet. This can be explained by the different nature of this novel BI application, and by the time required for end-users to assimilate and adopt such an innovative application. The findings can help understanding customers' IB needs, detecting customer-segments that use the IB services differently, and help developing and personalizing advanced IB services, such as the online BI tool.
Agent based Resource Allocation Mechanism Focusing Cost Optimization in Cloud Computing
Authors: Singh Aarti , Malhotra Manisha
Published: July 2015

A cloud computing environment offers a simplified, centralized platform or resources for use when needed on low cost. One of the key functionality of this type of computing is to allocate the resources on an individual demand. However, with the expanding requirements of cloud user, the need of efficient resource computing is also emerging. The main role of service provider is to effectively distribute and share the resources which otherwise would result into resource wastage. In addition to the user getting the appropriate service according to request, the cost of respective resource is also optimized. In order to surmount the mentioned shortcomings, this paper proposes a new agent based optimized resource assignment algorithm which is not only responsible for searching comprehensive services but also considers reducing the cost of virtual machines which are consumed by on-demand services only.
Videoconferencing in Business Meetings
Authors: Larsen Sjur
Published: July 2015

This article investigates users' perceptions of videoconferencing (VC) as a mode of communication in business meetings. The study demonstrates that affordance theory is a fruitful theoretical perspective for understanding what shapes users' perceptions of how well VC works as a communication technology in business meetings. The article is based on observation and qualitative interviews with VC users in a multinational company. The findings suggest that multiple factors affect user perceptions of VC, including technical features, VC room setup, competence, culture, meeting norms, and organizational issues. The affordance perspective adopted in this study may provide practitioners with a theoretically based understanding that can improve their ability to guide VC implementation in organizations.
Fish Fight
Authors: Gambarato Renira Rampazzo , Medvedev Sergei Andreevich
Published: July 2015

The 2010–2013 Fish Fight campaign, produced by Channel 4 in the United Kingdom and hosted by chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, is a transmedia experience designed to (1) draw the public's attention to the reckless discarding of caught fish because of the quota system intended to conserve fish stocks in the domain of the European Union; and to (2) pressure the authorities to change the European Common Fisheries Policy. The article analyzes the transmedia strategies of the Fish Fight campaign in order to demonstrate how the multiplatform media production contributed to (1) make the public aware of the wasteful discarding of healthy fish at sea under the European fishing quotas; and (2) to amend the European Union's fishing policies. The research findings point to the effective role of transmedia storytelling strategies in raising awareness in the political sphere through public participation in supporting relevant issues, influencing policy change.
Facebook as a Marketing Tool
Authors: Chamorro-Mera Antonio , Miranda F. Javier , Rubio Sergio
Published: July 2015

Social networks are one of the more notable sociological phenomena of the last years. Moreover, its apparition and acceptance by majority of the citizens also suppose an important challenge for the firms. Social networks are a new and relevant channel of communication and interaction with their consumers. For this, firms have to create their own place in the social network and actively manage the content that shares and the dialogue that is supported by their followers. In the first part of this paper, the authors explain the creation of an index to evaluate the presence of the companies in the social network more used to international level, Facebook. The Facebook Assessment Index (FAI) is formed by several indicators grouped in three dimensions: popularity, interactivity, and content. In the second part, the authors applied this index to the 150 largest firms according to Fortune 2011 ranking. At present, only 44% of these firms tested had an international official Facebook page. The results showed that the larger firms are those that in general terms best manage their presence on Facebook, have the greatest number of followers and a high degree of interactivity with them. However, the most interesting contribution of this work lies not in identifying firms that achieve higher scores on the FAI, but in comparing the pages with each other and making suggestions of ideas and practices that may improve a firm's Facebook presence as a marketing tool.
Online Bonding and Bridging Social Capital via Social Networking Sites
Authors: Ahmed Azza Abdel-Azim Mohamed
Published: July 2015

This research aimed to explore types of online social capital (bridging and bonding) that the Emiratis perceive in the context of social networking site (SNS) usage. A snow-ball sample of 230 Emiratis from two Emirates, Abu Dhabi and Dubai was used. The results showed that WhatsApp was the most frequent SNS used by the respondents. Also, a significant correlation of the intensity of social networking usage and bridging social capital was found, while there was no significant association between SNS usage and bonding social capital. The factors determined the SNSs usage motivations among the respondents were: Exchange of information, Sociability, Accessibility, and Connections with overseas friends and families. Males were more likely than females to connect with Arab (non-Emiratis) and online bonding social capital. Both genders were the same in their SNSs motivations and online bridging social capital.
Learner Acceptance of Using Virtual Patient Encounters to Train Foreign Healthcare Professionals in Swedish
Authors: Fors Uno G. H. , Courteille Olivier
Published: July 2015

Healthcare professionals need good communication skills to be able to communicate with patients. In such provider-patient communication, the professional needs to be well understood by the patient, but also be able to understand subtle parts of a medical history taking dialogue with worried, sick or mentally affected patients. Virtual Patients (VPs) – learning environments that simulate encounters between a patient and a physician – were used to prepare 26 immigrating professionals in Swedish for healthcare practitioners. The professionals were speaking nine different foreign languages and used two different VP systems to train patient communication. Almost all participants welcomed the use of VPs for training communication in healthcare Swedish and 19 of the 26 users indicated that they considered that VPs should be mandatory to use in future courses. Targeted individual training in provider-patient communication with Virtual Patients seems to be of great educational value and well accepted by immigrating healthcare professionals.
Corrosion Resistance and Blood Compatibility of AZ31B Mg Alloy with Anodic Oxidation/TiO2 Composite Film
Authors: Shao Hong Hong , Zhu Zi Hong , Liu Xue Li
Published: July 2015

The anodic oxidation/TiO2 composite film was prepared on the surface of AZ31B Mg alloy by DC magnetron sputtering. The corrosion resistance and blood compatibility of the film were systematically studied by electrochemical, dynamic clotting time and platelet adhesion test. The results shows that the corrosion current of AZ31B Mg alloy was 6.409×10-8A/cm2 after anodic oxidation treatment, which has decreased 4 orders of magnitude compared to the untreated samples and the corrosion resistance is improved greatly. The clotting time of anodic oxidation/TiO2 film is about 53 min, which has increased 1.3 times compared to anodic oxidation film (40min). Platelets adhesion to anodic oxidation/TiO2 film are less than the one adhesion to anodic oxidation film, and there are no pseudopodia and aggregation, which indicate that the blood compatibility of anodic oxidation/TiO2 film is better than anodic oxidation film.
Conception of Assistive Equipment for Rehabilitation of Patients with Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Wong Lap Nam , Hong Yue Zhen , Sui Jian Feng , Xu Rui , Ji Lin Hong
Published: July 2015

Mobility is the urgent requisite of post spinal cord injury (SCI) patient. Since the alternative and compensatory approach is considered as the major function of mobility assistive device for post-SCI patients, the device should possess capability to acclimate to the ‘abnormal’ gait generate by the patients who usually undergo alternative and compensatory rehabilitation in their neural circuit. The functional ability of individual should be taking into account. Yet according to the requirement of neuro-protective treatment in post-SCI rehabilitation processing, locomotor-like activity is still an essential factor to patient. This study presents a novel concept and prototype of assistive technology base on foot control strategy to take an equilibrium between mobility and gait realization. To demonstrate that foot-induced over-ground locomotor assistive method is capable of achieving locomotor-like activity (dragging step), simulation analysis and prototype preliminary experiment have been conducted. Simulation analysis show that foot-induced assistance can allow more volitional activity compare to the hip-knee-induced assistive device. Yet the input and disturbance act on such kind of device may be increased. Surface electromyography (sEMG) from muscles of lower limb (right rectus femoris, right biceps femoris and right gluteus maximus) have been recorded during the preliminary experiment, and the mean of integrated EMG (iEMG) was used as evaluation of muscle activity. The result of the testing show that the mean of iEMG in the right gluteus maximus was reduced in the swing phase when the subject moving ahead with the prototype, but no significant change in the right rectus femoris. It may imply that foot-induced over-ground locomotor assistive device can reduce the muscle activity when patient complete locomotor-like movement and retain some amount of residual recruitment of lower limb, instead of substituting arbitrarily.
A Comparative Study of the Mechanical Properties of Hierarchical Trabecular Bone with other Approaches and Existing Experimental Data
Authors: Khaterchi Houda , Belhadjsalah Hedi
Published: July 2015

The bone is a hierarchically structured material with mechanical properties depending on its architecture at all scales. Water plays an important role in the bio-mineralization process and serves as a plasticizer, enhancing the toughness of bone. In this paper, a trabecular bone multiscale model based on finite element analysis was developed to link scales from sub-nanoscopic scale (Microfibril) to sub-microscopic (Lamella) in order to predict the orthotropic properties of bone at different structural level. To identify the orthotropic properties, an inverse identification algorithm is used. Furthermore, the effect of water is incorporated. Good agreement is found between theoretical and experimental results.
Discussion of Approach for Extracting Pure EOG Reference Signal from EEG Mixture Based on Wavelet Denoising Technique
Authors: Zhang Chao Zhu , Kareem Abdullah Ahmed
Published: July 2015

Several problems in EEG-brain signal analysis are not solved, such as presence of an artifact during the recording process, particularly the eye artifact (ElectroOculoGram (EOG)) which makes the analysis of EEG-brain signals very difficult. Blind source separation technique is one of the important techniques used to clean the EEG signals from different types of artifacts. Independent component analysis (ICA) techniques are widely used for this purpose, but unfortunately the ICA techniques have inherent shortcoming such as source ambiguity and unordered components. Therefore, the researchers used ICA-Reference algorithm. The main problem in ICA-Reference algorithm is to find clean reference signal to extract the wanted signal. Recently, many algorithms proposed to generate the artifact reference, but unfortunately, clean artifact signal not satisfied. In this paper wavelet denoising technique is used to solve this problem by decompose the artifact reference signal into pure artifact signal and residual neural signal. The proposed algorithm used frontal channels instead of EOG channels to extract the EOG reference signal.
Fabrication of Three Dimensional Structures in Polymer-Based Microchannels with Lost-Wax Casting Method
Authors: Chung Chun Hui , Chen Yann Jiun
Published: July 2015

Polymer materials have been utilized in microfluidic devices because of their properties and competitive cost for single-use devices. However, most microfabrication processes can not produce true three dimensional features in polymers. In this study, a new method with lost-wax casting was proposed to fabricate three dimensional microstructures in polymer-based microchannels. A feasibility study was conducted with epoxy and paraffin wax sacrifice. The microchannel with both-end fixed horizontal rods was produced with precise dimension. This structure is not possible to be fabricated by other replicating methods such as hot embossing or casting. The proposed lost-wax casting process is expected to advance the development of three dimensional polymer-based microchips for both the experimental research in laboratory and the mass production in industry.
Mechatronics Design of Intelligent Robotic Gripper
Authors: Asheber W.T. , Lin Chyi Yeu
Published: July 2015

This work presents multi-functional robot arm gripper design along with vision and tactile sensor for efficient grasping and manipulation tasks. The design emulates human’s hand fingers structure using linkages and direct drive through slider-crank mechanism transmission. The structural elements are optimized for a finest performance in motion and force transmissibility of the gripper fingers. The main future of this design is its reliability to grasp and manipulate unknown object while its system complexity is reduced. The gripper has a tool change fixture incorporated into its palm, which will reduce time wastage and do assembling in one go. The gripper is equipped with two cameras in its palm; subsequently it will efficiently seek the target object and perform its prehensile task with intelligently determined grasping force.
A Concept Selection Method for Designing Climbing Robots
Authors: Guo Jiang Long , Justham Laura , Jackson Michael , Parkin Robert
Published: July 2015

This paper presents a concept selection methodology, inspired by the Verein Deutscher Ingenieure (VDI) model and Pugh's weighted matrix method, for designing climbing robots conceptually based on an up-to-date literature review. The proposed method is illustrated with a case study of ongoing research, the investigation of an adaptable and energetically autonomous climbing robot, in Loughborough University.
Simulation Lower Limb Muscle Activation Patterns on Gait Rehabilitation Robot Device
Authors: Cheng Pi Ying , Lai Po Ying , Hsieh Cheng Li , Lun Wei I
Published: July 2015

Rehabilitation robot is usefully to improves walking ability on patients with gait disorders. Over the last decade, rehabilitation robot device replaced the training of overground and treadmill. The purpose of this study was to compare the differences in muscles activities of simulated human leg while walking on two gait rehabilitation robots: the exoskeleton rehabilitation robot and the end-effector rehabilitation robot. We have built models of simulated human leg, exoskeleton rehabilitation robot and end-effector rehabilitation robot. The results showed that rectus femoris and tibialis anterior muscles of the simulated human leg were more active while walking on the exoskeleton rehabilitation robot. The results of this study may provide technical improvement for gait rehabilitation robots, so that lower limb muscles movement can be more correctly achieved for normal individuals during gait rehabilitation training.
Detection of Low-Contrast Defects in Optical Films Using Sigma-Based Segmentation Technique
Authors: Chiou Yih Chih , Wu Chih Wei
Published: July 2015

Optical film is an important component for LCDs, cell phones and other mobile devices. It is crucial to ensure an optical films is defect-free. However, derive from the inherent translucent characteristic, many images of defects of optical films are low contrast. Low-contrast defects are notorious for their difficult to be detected. As some low-contrast defects are barely visible to human being without special training, it is indeed a challenging task to capture low-contrast defect images. To overcome the difficulty, we thoroughly investigated various of imaging and lighting technologies.
After images have been captured successfully, we devided the captured defects, based on their sizes, into two categories, i.e. macro defects and micro defects. To detect both large and small defects, we set up a macro inspection system and a micro inspection system, respectively. In the study, we provide an easy to understand approach to reveal low-contrast defects. The experimental results showed that the proposed inspection system and method is capable of detecting low-contrast defects such as uneven coatings, streaks, white spots and foreign particles.
Machine Vision-Based Automatic Placement System for Solenoid Housing
Authors: Ho Chao Ching , Chen You Min , Chi Tien Yun , Kuo Tzu Hsin
Published: July 2015

This paper proposes a machine vision-based, servo-controlled delta robotic system for solenoid housing placement. The system consists of a charge-coupled device camera and a delta robot. To begin the placement process, the solenoid housing targets inside the camera field were identified and used to guide the delta robot to the grabbing zone according to the calibrated homography transformation. To determine the angle of solenoid housing, image preprocessing was then implemented in order to rotate the target object to assemble with the solenoid coil. Finally, the solenoid housing was grabbed automatically and placed in the collecting box. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed system can help to reduce operator fatigue and to achieve high-quality placements.
Precise Absolute Distance Measurement by Dual 70 MHz Mode-Locked Fiber Lasers
Authors: Liu Tze An , Chuang Yi Chen , Lee Hau Wei , Hsu Po Er , Peng Jin Long
Published: July 2015

We employed a gold coated glass cover plate to fabricate the dual compact free running fiber laser combs. It had been used for a difference of repetition rates tunable LIDAR (light detection and ranging) system. Our study shows that the ranging precision is 0.4 μm and the non-ambiguity range is 2.1 m with averaging time of 0.4 s for the distance of 1.09 m. The system with 1 kHz-high update rate and the large non-ambiguity range is potentially useful for manufacturing application applied in absolute distance measurement.
Thermal Stability of Anodic Layers on Aluminum Alloys
Authors: Sokol V. , Shulgov V.
Published: July 2015

The thermal stability of anodic alumina layers made by the open circuit potential measurements and electron microscopy is discussed. The crack growth resistance of the anodic alumina layers has been studied depending on the initial aluminum alloy composition and the anodization regimes.
Synthesis and Luminescence Properties of KBi(MoO4)2:Eu3+
Authors: Terebilenko K. , Miroshnichenko Mila , Tokmenko Inna , Chornii Vitalii , Hizhnyi Yuriy , Nedilko Sergii , Slobodyanik Nikolay
Published: July 2015

Polycrystalline KBi(MoO4)2 has been grown from molten system K-Bi-Mo-O. Solid solutions KBi1-xEux(MoO4)2 (x = 0.001 - 0.100) have been prepared by solid state synthesis and characterized by powder IR spectroscopy, DTA analysis, X-Ray powder diffraction and luminescence spectroscopy. It was found that all investigated Eu3+-containing molybdates reveal intensive photoluminescence lines related to f-f electronic transitions in Eu3+ ions. The KBi1-XEuX(MoO4)2 crystals with low Eu3+ concentration reveal also intrinsic host luminescence under excitation in the ultraviolet (UV) spectral region at T = 4.2 K.
Photoluminescence of Eu3+ Ions in Lu3(Ga,In)5O12:Eu3+ Films Grown by LPE Method
Authors: Luchechko Andriy , Syvorotka I.I. , Zakharko Yaroslav , Syvorotka Igor M.
Published: July 2015

High quality thin epitaxial films of Lu3(Ga,In)5O12:Eu3+ were grown by liquid phase epitaxy (LPE) method from Bi2O3-based flux. Excitation and emission spectra as well as luminescence decay kinetics of Lu3(Ga,In)5O12:Eu3+ epitaxial films were studied under UV excitation. The photoluminescence spectra of Eu3+ ions in Lu3(Ga,In)5O12:Eu3+ are characteristic to the f→f transition in the Eu3+ ions that occupied dodecahedral sites in the garnet structure. The efficient energy transfer between Bi3+→Eu3+ is observed at the excitation of Lu3(Ga,In)5O12:Eu3+ films in Bi3+ excitation band with maximum at 288 nm. The Eu3+ decay curves of all investigated films show non-single exponential behavior at room temperature.
Optimization of Light Collection from Crystal Scintillators for Cryogenic Rare Decay Experiments
Authors: Mokina V.M. , Danevich F.A. , Kobychev V.V. , Kobychev R.V. , Kraus Hans , Mikhailik Vitalii , Solsky I.M.
Published: July 2015

The aim of this work is optimization of light collection in conditions similar to that in cryogenic scintillating bolometers. Energy resolution and relative pulse amplitude of scintillation detectors were measured using CaWO4 crystals with different shapes (cylindrical, hexagonal, cube and triangle prism), reflector materials and shapes, optical contact and surface conditions (polished and diffuse). Light collection was simulated using the ZEMAX ray-tracing software. The results of the simulations are in good agreement with the measured values of light output. Scintillators in the shape of a triangular prism with diffused surface surrounded by an external mirror shaped as truncated cone provide the highest light collection efficiency.
Structural and Electro-Physical Properties of ZnO Films, Obtained by a MOCVD Method on Glass and Silicon Substrates
Authors: Avramenko K.A. , Roshchina Nina N. , Olkhovik G.P. , Smertenko Petro S. , Zavyalova Lyudmyla V.
Published: July 2015

This paper reports on the ZnO film structures obtained by MOCVD method from acetylacetonate of zinc and diethyldithiocarbamate of zinc on silicon substrates at 280-320 оС substrate. The structural, emitting and transport properties of the ZnO films were examined by X-ray diffraction, Scanning electronic microscopy, Photoluminescent microscopy and Current-Voltage methods. The electrical transport mechanisms were analyzed on the base of differential and injection approaches. The ZnO/Si structure with ZnO film obtained was found to be appropriate for use in electronic devices due to their structural and electrical properties.
The Influence of Annealing in Saturated Water Vapor on LiNbO3 Crystals Optical and Electrical Properties
Authors: Yatsenko Aleksandr V. , Pritulenko A.S. , Yevdokimov S.V. , Sugak Dmytro Yu. , Syvorotka I.I. , Suhak Yu.D. , Solskii I.M. , Vakiv M.M.
Published: July 2015

The temperature dependence of the dark electrical conductivity of the LiNbO3(LN) crystals annealed in saturated H2O and D2O vapor in the range 293...400 K is investigated. It is found that the activation energy of the electrical conductivity is equal to (0.71 ± 0.02) eV and is close this value of LN samples, reduced in hydrogen. Annealing in ampoules with H2O vapor also lead to LN optical spectra changes such annealing in H2. The nature of this phenomenon is discussed.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure, Luminescence and Electronic Band Structure of K2BiZr(PO4)3 Phosphate Compound
Authors: Chornii Vitalii , Hizhnyi Yuriy , Nedilko Sergiy G. , Terebilenko Kateryna , Zatovsky I. , Ogorodnyk Ivan , Boyko Volodymyr
Published: July 2015

The single crystals of langbeinite-related K2BiZr(PO4)3 have been obtained for the first time by spontaneous crystallization method from K-Zr-P-O-F molten system. The compound crystallizes in a space group P213 with cell parameter a = 10.30360 Å. The framework is built up from isolated Bi/ZrO6 octahedra connected together by PO4 units. For the two K+ cations two types of oxygen coordination numbers 9 and 12 are observed. The photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy studies of K2BiZr(PO4)3 are carried out under the VUV synchrotron excitations. The electronic structure of K2BiZr(PO4)3 crystal is calculated by the FLAPW method. The PL spectra reveal two main components in the UV and visible spectral regions (peaking near 3.6 and 2.7 eV respectively). It is assumed that the UV PL component of K2BiZr(PO4)3 originates from transitions in ZrO6 polyhedra, while the visible one is related to Bi3+ ions in oxygen coordination.
Effect of Isovalent Substitution on the Formation and Luminescence Properties of Solid Solutions BiPXV1-XO4 Doped with Europium (III)
Authors: Bychkov Konstantin L. , Terebilenko Katerina V. , Linnik Rostyslav P. , Slobodyanik Nikolay S.
Published: July 2015

Solid solution BiP0.9V0.1O4 from BiPXV1-XO4 system has been synthesized by solid state synthesis at 973 K. It has been shown that the phosphate-vanadate can be prepared as a single phase for x =0.9, while higher degree of (P/V)O4 substitution in BiVO4 has not been detected for the range studied. The substitution peculiarities have been investigated by X-Ray powder diffraction, infrared and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The luminescence spectrum of BiPXV1-XO4:Eu3+ solid solution reveal intensive photoluminescence lines related to f-f electronic transitions in Eu3+ ions.
Crystal Structure and Luminescence of Layered Perovskites Sr3LnInSnO8
Authors: Titov Yuriy , Nedilko Sergiy G. , Chornii Vitalii , Scherbatskii V. , Belyavina Nadiya , Markiv Vasil , Polubinskii Vitalii
Published: July 2015

The Sr3LnInSnO8(Ln = La, Pr, Nd) layered perovskites were synthesized and their structures have been determined by X-ray powder diffraction. Luminescence properties of the synthesized polycrystalline compounds Sr3PrInSnO8and Sr3NdInSnO8were investigated. Photoluminescence spectra of Sr3PrInSnO8substantially depend on excitation wavelength unlike Sr3NdInSnO8compound. The correlations between peculiarities of the crystal structures and photoluminescence properties have been discussed.
TEM Investigations of the Microstructure of 7CrMoVTiB10-10 Steel Weld Metal
Authors: Pańcikiewicz Krzysztof , Zielińska-Lipiec Anna
Published: July 2015

7CrMoVTiB10-10 (T24) steel is recommended for fabrication of boiler components such as water walls, water panels or headers without post weld heat treatment (PWHT). The chemical composition of this steel and cooling conditions after welding influence the susceptibility to cracking in weld metal during and after welding. TEM investigations showed that in the as-welded microstructure mixtures of bainite and martensite were dominating. This has an important implication for technological properties.
Pad Welding of Inconel 625 Layer on Structural Steel Used in the Power Industry
Authors: Osuch Władysław , Michta Grzegorz , Kruk Adam
Published: July 2015

Due to aggressive gases produced during combustion process of biomass, some elements of the power boiler should be covered with a material that possesses very high corrosion resistance (e.g. Inconel 625). This paper presents results of microstructural studies of Inconel 625 padding weld on waterwall elements (made of 13CrMo4-5 steel) for steam boiler designed for biomass combustion. The microstructural studies were carried out using Scanning- as well as Transmission Electron Microscopy methods. The padded weld layer exhibited dendritic structure. In the weld layer γ phase with an increased dislocation density and stacking faults was observed. In the base material (13CrMo4-5 steel) titanium nitrides, complex carbides and Laves phase enriched in niobium were observed.
Electron Microscopy Investigation of Inconel 625 Weld Overlay on Boiler Steel
Authors: Petrzak Paweł , Blicharski Marek , Dymek Stanisław , Solecka Monika
Published: July 2015

The investigation was focused on the microstructure characterization as well as changes in chemical composition and hardness of water wall tubing weld overlaid with Inconel 625. The analysis comprised studies in a light and electron microscopy scale that included the evaluation of weld overlays microstructure and microsegregation of alloying elements across the overlay and base metal interface. The particular attention was turned to the distribution of the main element content (Fe, Ni, Mo, Nb, Cr) in the base metal fusion zone as well as in the weld overlay itself. It was shown that the solidification process resulted in significant segregation in alloying elements giving rise to the substantial differences in chemical composition between dendrite cores and interdendritic spaces. It is believed that the microsegregation together with precipitation of secondary phases may contribute to the deterioration of corrosion resistance and overall mechanical properties of weld overlay including ductility and fracture toughness.
Scanning Electron Microscopy in the Studies of Hydrated Cementitious Materials Microstructure Formed in the Presence of some Heavy Metals Containing Admixtures
Authors: Nocuń-Wczelik Wiesława , Trybalska Barbara
Published: July 2015

The calorimetric measurements together with microscopic observations and analyses relating to the interaction of cement paste with sulfate and nitrate solutions of various concentration were carried out. These salts modify the rate of cement hydration at early age. In the presence of sulfates the formation of some well crystallized calcium sulfates or calcium sulfoaluminates can be found. In case of nitrates there is no additional products. However, one can observe that the calcium silicate phase becomes less fibrous but more compact, with very small individual particles, as the nucleation from the liquid phase is disturbed. There are the accompanying cations incorporated in this product.
Influence of Sr-Doping on the Structure of LaCoO3 Thin Films Prepared by Pulsed Laser Deposition
Authors: Kopia Agnieszka , Cieniek Łukasz , Kowalski Kazimierz , Kusiński Jan
Published: July 2015

The aim of the research was to investigate the influence of strontium on the structure thin films La1-x SrxCoO3 (x=0; 0.1, 0.2). The LaCoO3 and LaCoO3 doped by Sr films were grown by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) on Si [100] substrate using an Excimer KrF (= 248 nm). To characterize the structure and morphology of the thin films were used the SEM, AFM and XRD methods. X-Ray Diffraction analysis showed only LaCoO3 phase in the thin film not doped andLa0.1Sr0.9CoO3 and La0.2Sr0.8CoO3 phases in thin films doped by Sr. The crystallites size, calculated by Williamson-Hall plots, was smaller for films doped by Sr. The surface of the thin films was free from the drops. SEM analysis showed change of the shape of thin films as a result of doping by Sr. Highly developed layer surface was observed using the AFM microscope for thin films doped by Sr.