bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design of an Embedded CMOS Temperature Sensor for Passive RFID Tag Chips
Authors: Deng Fangming , He Yigang , Li Bing , Zhang Lihua , Wu Xiang , Fu Zhihui , Zuo Lei
Published: May 2015

This paper presents an ultra-low embedded power temperature sensor for passive RFID tags. The temperature sensor converts the temperature variation to a PTAT current, which is then transformed into a temperature-controlled frequency. A phase locked loop (PLL)-based sensor interface is employed to directly convert this temperature-controlled frequency into a corresponding digital output without an external reference clock. The fabricated sensor occupies an area of 0.021 mm2 using the TSMC 0.18 1P6M mixed-signal CMOS process. Measurement results of the embedded sensor within the tag system shows a 92 nW power dissipation under 1.0 V supply voltage at room temperature, with a sensing resolution of 0.15 °C/LSB and a sensing accuracy of −0.7/0.6 °C from −30 °C to 70 °C after 1-point calibration at 30 °C.
A Wireless LC Sensor Coated with Ba0.9Bi0.066TiO3 for Measuring Temperature
Authors: Radovanovic Milan , Mojic-Lante Bojana , Cvejin Katarina , Srdic Vladimir , Stojanovic Goran
Published: May 2015

This paper presents a passive LC wireless sensor for measuring temperature. The sensor is designed as a parallel connection of a spiral inductor and an interdigitated capacitor and it was fabricated in a conductive layer using LTCC (Low Temperature Co-fired Ceramic) technology. The inderdigitated capacitor electrodes were coated with a thin film of bismuth doped barium titanate (Ba0.9Bi0.066TiO3), whose permittivity changes with temperature, which directly induces changes in the capacitance of the interdigitated capacitor and consequently changes the resonant frequency of the sensor. The measurements of S-parameter of the sensor were performed using a Vector Network Analyzer (E5071B, Agilent Technologies, Santa Clara, CA, USA), whose port was connected to the antenna coil that was placed around the sensor in order to be able to wirelessly detect temperature, in the temperature range from 25 °C to 165 °C.
First Catch Your Fish: Designing a “Low Energy Fish” Label
Authors: Grinnall Andy , Burnett Simon
Published: May 2015

This paper explores the application of information design principles to label design for fish packaging, identifying energy implications for the product. This stage of the project has consisted of: A review and distillation of the relevant literature on information and label design; environmental and labelling standards; and literature on consumer reaction to the design and information content of the label. Considering the design of a label requires the analysis and integration of a variety of factors while attempting to satisfy the demands of consumers and retailers.
Les transformations du secteur de la pêche dans l'ancienne U.R.S.S (Changes of the fishing industry in the Former Soviet Union)
Authors: Carré François
Published: May 2015

Résumé. - Grâce au lancement d'une puissante flotte de pêche dans les années 1960-1970, qui opérait partout dans l'Océan Mondial, l'URSS s'était hissée au tout premier rang des producteurs mondiaux de poisson. Mais la création des zones de 200 milles, l'épuisement de certaines ressources et surtout l'effondrement du système soviétique ont fortement perturbé ce secteur économique qui reposait pour l'essentiel sur de grosses entreprises d'Etat fortement subventionnées et tournées vers l'approvisionnement d'un marché intérieur quasiment fermé.

L'introduction de l'économie de marché a révélé la lourdeur et le vieillissement de l'outil de production, inadapté à un marché ouvert à la concurrence. L'éclatement territorial de l'URSS est une raison supplémentaire de désorganisation, puisque les républiques maritimes qui s'étaient spécialisées dans la pêche à l'époque où elles devaient ravitailler l'ensemble de l'Union, se retrouvent à la tête d'un potentiel de production disproportionné à leur marché (Républiques Baltes par exemple).
Recompositions territoriales en Russie et alentour (Territorial recombining in Russia and around)
Authors: Radvanyi Jean
Published: May 2015

Résumé. - Depuis cinq ans déjà, l'URSS n'est plus. La Russie doit prendre en compte toutes les conséquences induites par son territoire réduit, ses nouvelles frontières. C'est là un processus d'autant plus difficile que, profitant de sa faiblesse actuelle, ses principaux voisins - y compris les membres de la CEI - essaient, avec l'aide occidentale, de rééquilibrer les rapports géopolitiques dans toute l'Eurasie.
Vivre loin de Moscou : l'exemple de la presqu'île de Kola (To live far from Moscou : the exemple of the Kola peninsula)
Authors: Cabanne Claude
Published: May 2015

Abstract. - Mourmansk oblast is a good example of the difficult situation of peripheral districts in Russia now. The economic crisis is general. The standard of living is more and more falling. Nobody sees the renewal of activity. The environment stays awful with a great place of naval forces and consequences of previous nuclear trials.
Jeux d'acteurs urbains dans l'agglomération de Moscou (The strategies of urban players in the Moscou agglomeration)
Authors: Burgel Galia , Burgel Guy
Published: May 2015

Résumé. - Pendant de longues années après le début de la pérestroïka, Moscou apparaissait comme figée sous le poids accumulé des «glaciations» de l'ère soviétique. Toutes ces rigidités sont bouleversées par l'irruption subite du changement urbain. Les années 1992-1994 apparaissent tournantes. Derrière l'accélération des rythmes de la capitale et l'incertitude sur ses nouvelles stratifications sociales, se cachent en fait des remaniements beaucoup plus profonds encore dans les jeux d'acteurs urbains. La situation semble relativement simple dans la ville soviétique. Tout émane des structures centralisées de l'Etat et du Parti qui concentrent les principes idéologiques, les organes de décision et les moyens financiers de l'investissement. La chaîne descendante des pouvoirs urbains était aussi la preuve de la vraie schizophrénie de la société soviétique, écartelée entre son modèle théorique et son fonctionnement réel. Dans une certaine mesure, le triangle actuel - pouvoir politique municipal, pouvoir économique des investisseurs privés, pouvoir social des habitants - renvoie à un fonctionnement plus habituel. L'apprentissage du libéralisme économique et des articulations dans une société mixte entre privé et public, débouche sur l'accouchement difficile de la démocratie politique. Moscou est un bon laboratoire de ces interrogations des métropoles d'aujourd'hui.
Un siècle d'érosion sur les moraines du Petit Âge glaciaire au Spitsberg nord-occidental (A century of erosion into the Little Ice Age moraines in the northwestern Spitsbergen)
Authors: Mercier Denis
Published: May 2015

Abstract. - Spitsbergen affords abundant elements of chronological measurements to quantify processes, rhythm and rates of denudation. Frontal moraines of the Little Ice Age present one century of post-glacial evolution. In this oceanic polar environment, the runoff processes are most important than periglacial processes. A rate of denudation of 8 mm per year is estimated for these moraines.
Filarial hydrocele: a neglected condition of a neglected tropical disease
Authors: Otabil Kenneth Bentum , Tenkorang Seth Boateng
Published: May 2015

Filarial hydrocele is the most common chronic manifestation of lymphatic filariasis (LF) and poses a major public health burden to several filarial endemic countries. This review highlights the socio-economic impact of the disease, the role of the immune system in hydrocele development, current diagnostic approaches, and the control and management of filarial hydrocele. In the quest to facilitate the global effort to eliminate filarial hydrocele as a neglected tropical disease, a more comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis and development of the condition is important. In general, success has been achieved using annual treatment with ivermectin, but much remains to be done, particularly with late-stage infected individuals where surgery remains the only option. Studies have successfully demonstrated that inhibition of embryogenesis in adult female worms occurs after weeks of tetracycline treatment. Even more intriguing was the observation that the Wolbachia endosymbionts potently induce proinﬂammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factors (TNFs) and vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs), which are crucial for the development of filarial hydrocele. Furthermore, reports from human studies show that doxycycline treatment significantly ameliorates filarial hydrocele and markedly reverses early-stage filarial hydrocele. However, with the enormous challenges that face LF elimination such as global funding, logistics, civil wars, and drug resistance, a more relentless and collective approach from local governments as well as other stakeholders is needed to accelerate the fight against filarial hydrocele if the goal to eliminate it by 2020 is be to achieved.
Seroepidemiology of hepatitis B virus infection among Chinese schizophrenia patients
Authors: Zhu Huijuan , Liu Xingxiang , Xue Yong , Shen Chong , Li Yinghui , Wang Aili , Ding Yi , Zheng Zhi , Dong Chen
Published: May 2015

Introduction: This study aimed to analyze the characteristics of HBsAg, HBsAb, coexistence of HBsAg and HBsAb, and the genotypic distribution of HBV in Chinese schizophrenia patients. Methodology: A total of 1,694 schizophrenia patients, 9-85 years of age, were recruited for the present study. HBsAg, HBsAb, and HBV DNA were detected with commercial methods. ALT, AST, γ-GT, TBIL, and IBIL were measured by an automatic biochemistry analyzer. All statistical analyses were performed with SPSS 13.0. Results: The seroprevalence of HBsAg and HBsAb in 1,649 schizophrenia patients was 11.0% and 54.6%, respectively. HBsAb seroprevalence significantly decreased with the duration of the disease (p = 0.0009). The lowest seroprevalence of HBsAg was determined in 9.4% of the patients who had had the illness for < 1 year, and then increased to 11.7%, 11.3% and 11.7% in the patients who had had the illness for 1–5 years, 6–10 years and > 10 years. HBsAg and HBsAb coexisted in 69 individuals, which comprised 4.2% of the total subjects, and in 38.1% of the HBsAg-positive patients. Additionally, HBV titers were quantified in 64 HBsAg-positive samples; the highest virus titer was 6.14×108 copies/mL, while 12 patients had less than 500 copies/mL. Moreover, among 48 HBV strains isolated from 62 HBsAg-positive samples, 33 and 15 strains belonged to genotypes C and B, respectively. Conclusion: Genotypes B and C HBV were the dominant genotypes distributed in schizophrenia patients, and the HBsAb seroprevalence significantly decreased with illness duration. Effective prevention strategies for against HBV transmission are required.
Treatment of pediatric diarrhea: a simulated client study at private pharmacies of Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India
Authors: Diwan Vishal , Sabde Yogesh D , Byström Emma , De Costa Ayesha
Published: May 2015

Introduction: In low- and middle-income countries such as India, private pharmacies play an important role in medical treatments, offering advice for common illnesses such as diarrhea and respiratory tract infections. There is a need to explore the details of the dispensing practices at the private pharmacies in low- and middle-income countries. Methodology: The present study used simulated client methodology to assess the actual dispensing practices for patients with pediatric diarrhea at private pharmacies in an urban setting of an Indian province. Results: This study identified 164 private pharmacies (84.10%) in the study setting that engaged in the practice of dispensing prescription drugs without prescriptions. Only about 40% asked clients if they had a prescription from a doctor. The average duration of consultations at the pharmacies was 1.3 minutes (range, 0.5–6 minutes). The dispensing of drugs was not in compliance with the recommended guidelines and regulations. The most commonly dispensed drugs were antibiotics (40.24%); of these, quinolones either alone or in combination with imidazoles were the most frequently dispensed. The other commonly dispensed drugs were antimotility drugs (31.10%) and Lactobacillus acidophilus (probiotics; 23.17%). The drugs were dispensed in inappropriate doses due to the absence of indications. Conclusions: Overuse and misuse of all these prescription drugs dispensed by pharmacies pose significant issues, such as resistance, dangerous side effects, and high costs. At the same time, the pharmacies did not dispense recommended drugs such as oral rehydration solution and zinc, which they are authorized to dispense without a prescription.
Colistin alone or combined with sulbactam or carbapenem against A. baumannii in ventilator-associated pneumonia
Authors: Yilmaz Gul R. , Guven Tumer , Guner Rahmet , Kocak Tufan Zeliha , Izdes Seval , Tasyaran Mehmet A. , Acikgoz Ziya Cibali
Published: May 2015

Introduction: Colistin use has increased over the last ten years because of multidrug-resistant microorganisms. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and microbiological efficacy of colistin alone or in combination with sulbactam or carbapenem in the treatment of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) due to multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extremely drug-resistant (XDR) A. baumannii. Methodology: Cases treated for VAP because of MDR and XDR A. baumannii between January 2011 and January 2013 were included in the study. The primary and secondary outcome for colistin alone, colistin with sulbactam, and colistin with carbapenems were evaluated. The primary outcomes were clinical efficacy and microbiological efficacy; the secondary outcomes were nephrotoxicity, length of hospitalization, and mortality. Results: A total of 70 VAP patients were evaluated. A total of 17 patients (24.3%) were administered colistin alone, 20 patients (28.6%) were administered colistin and sulbactam, and 33 patients (47.1%) were administered colistin and carbapenem. Clinical and microbiological response rates were higher in the carbapenem combination group (63.6% and 63.6% in both) than in the sulbactam combination group, which registered 55.0% and 60.0%, respectively. However, this did not represent a significant difference statistically (p > 0.05). There was also no significant difference between colistin alone and the combination groups regarding clinical and microbiological efficacy and mortality. Conclusions: Neither the administration of colistin alone nor colistin combined with either sulbactam or carbapenem had any noticeable advantage in the treatment of VAP in terms of clinical response, microbiological response, nephrotoxicity, length of hospitalization, and mortality.
Ebola from emergence to epidemic: the virus and the disease, global preparedness and perspectives
Authors: Dhama Kuldeep , Malik Yashpal Singh , Malik Satya Veer Singh , Singh Raj Kumar
Published: May 2015

Humans constantly encounter threats from many infectious, zoonotic, and devastating pathogens. Outbreaks of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), bird flu, and swine flu posing pandemic threats have compelled health agencies to follow global preparedness for combating the emerging deadly pathogens. The outbreak in West Africa of highly contagious Ebola viral disease (EVD) that started in Guinea in December 2013, assumed global proportions to become the largest outbreak of EVD and the most prominent international health concern. With fatality rates of nearly 50%–90%, it has claimed, as of 11 April 2015, 10,619 human lives out of a total of 25,626 cases reported worldwide. Ebola virus (EBOV), a member of Filoviridae family, is associated with severe, often lethal, hemorrhagic fever disease in humans and animals. The animal hosts, including non-human primates and reservoir hosts (fruit bats), play a significant role in transmission and maintenance of EBOV in nature. Although no approved vaccine for the prevention of EVD currently exists, disease control can be greatly enhanced by timely laboratory confirmation through blood tests using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Adherence to strict sanitary and hygienic measures, monitoring and surveillance of EBOV, as well as quarantine checks on international trade, transport, and visitors from affected countries are mandatory to prevent and control the spread of EVD. This review describes the salient properties of EBOV and the development of novel diagnostics, vaccines, and control strategies for this emerging disease of high public health concern and international emergency.
Effect of combination therapy between thyme oil and ciprofloxacin on ulcer-forming Shigella flexneri
Authors: Allam Nanis Gamal , Eldrieny Ezzat Abd El-Aziz , Mohamed Amira Zaky
Published: May 2015

Introduction: Shigella flexneri is a Gram-negative bacteria that has the ability to invade the epithelium of the colon and cause colon ulcers. Methodology: The ability of isolated Shigella flexneri from bloody diarrhea to cause colon ulcers was investigated by histopathological examination via oral administration of the bacteria to adult male albino Sprague-Dawley rats. The antibacterial activity of thyme oil, ciprofloxacin, and their combination were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Results: Oral administration of 12 × 108 CFU/mL of S. flexneri was able to cause colon ulcers. Thyme oil had the highest antibacterial activity among other investigated oils (minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] 150 µL/L). Ciprofloxacin had the highest antimicrobial activity against S. flexneri (MIC 0.4 mg/L). The synergism between thyme oil and ciprofloxacin showed the maximum growth inhibition of S. flexneri. The synergistic activity of thyme oil and ciprofloxacin succeeded in healing the epithelial surface of the colon and decreased the inflammation of the lamina propria; it also decreased the bacterial load in the infected colon, while the commercial drug failed to heal the colon ulcer. Thyme oil, ciprofloxacin, and their combination showed different degrees of effects on the bacterial cell structure by transmission and scanning electron microscopes. Conclusions: The combination of thyme oil and ciprofloxacin gave synergistic activity, which proved to be more effective in inhibiting the growth of ulcer-forming S. flexneri, healing the colon ulcer, and decreasing infiltration of the lamina propria with inflammatory cells.
DNA Barcoding of the parasitoid wasp subfamily Doryctinae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) from Chamela, Mexico
Authors: Gutiérrez-Arellano Daniela , Gutiérrez-Arellano Claudia , Zaldívar-Riverón Alejandro
Published: May 2015

Background and aims. The Doryctinae is a considerably diverse, poorly studied group of parasitoid wasps and one of the most diverse subfamilies within Braconidae. Taxonomic knowledge of this group remains highly incomplete, specially in the tropics. In Mexico, it has been reported as the subfamily with the highest number of recorded genera. A preliminary Barcoding study carried out in the Chamela region, located near the Mexican pacific coast in Jalisco, identified 185 barcoding species of Dorytinae assigned to 19 identified doryctine genera. This work updates the later study, representing a three years effort to assess the species richness of this subfamily for the Chamela region.

Materials and methods. Ten collecting field trips of 5 to 10 days each were carried out from June 2009 to May 2011. A 2% divergence criterion using the BIN system implemented in BOLD was followed in order to establish species boundaries among the specimens that were collected.

Results and conclusions. A total of 961 specimens were collected, from which 883 COI sequences were obtained. The sequences generated corresponded to 289 barcoding species and 30 identified genera. The most speciose genera were Heterospilus Haliday (170 spp.), Ecphylus Förster (19 spp.), Allorhogas Gahan (15 spp.) and Callihormius Ashmead (14 spp.). Addition of previously collected material increased the diversity of the subfamily in the region to 34 genera and 290 species. Paraphyly of Heterospilus with respect to Neoheterospilus and Heterospathius was again recovered. Twenty new species and two new genera (Sabinita Belokobylskij, Zaldívar-Riverón et Martínez, Ficobolus Martínez, Belokobylskij et Zaldívar-Riverón) have been described so far from the material collected in this work.
Propiedades estructurales, mecánicas y eléctricas de aleaciones del sistema ternario Ag-Bi-Zn
Authors: Minic Duško M. , Premovic Milena M. , Živkovic Dragana T. , Manasijevic Dragan M. , Dimic Mirjana Z. , Petrovic Zvonko R. , Markovic Smiljana M.
Published: May 2015

Este trabajo estudia las propiedades estructurales, mecánicas y eléctricas de aleaciones seleccionadas del sistema ternario Ag-Bi-Zn. Las aleaciones elegidas se han caracterizado por medio de difracción de rayos X, microscopía óptica, microscopía electrónica de barrido combinada con espectrometría de dispersión de energía, así como por medio de medidas de conductividad eléctrica y dureza Brinell. Por medio de modelos de regresión se han calculado las líneas de isoconductividad eléctrica y dureza para todo el sistema Ag-Bi-Zn.
Reproduction and size at first maturity in a Mediterranean exploited Callista chione bivalve bed
Authors: Galimany Eve , Baeta Marc , Durfort Mercè , Lleonart Jordi , Ramón Montserrat
Published: May 2015

The smooth clam Callista chione is an Atlantic-Mediterranean species that is commercially exploited in several European countries. Several aspects of its reproduction were studied in a coastal location of the northwestern Mediterranean as a tool for sustainable fisheries management. Gonadal development was classified into 6 different stages, ranging from immature to degradation of the remaining sexual structures. Results showed that C. chione was able to reproduce throughout the year but a main spawning period occurred in spring. First records of hermaphrodites were found for this species. The mature spermatozoa measured 4.70±0.66 μm (without the flagellum), including a very short acrosome of 0.75±0.09 μm. The mid-piece of the spermatozoa had a mitochondrial sheath composed of five mitochondria. Ripe oocytes ranged from 60 to 80 μm in length. Size at first maturity (SL50) was estimated for the first time in a Mediterranean population, showing values of 30.26 mm in 2005-2006 but only 21.45 mm in 2014.
Further Mediterranean expansion of the non-indigenous bryozoan Celleporaria brunnea: multiple records along the Italian coasts
Authors: Lodola Alice , Ferrario Jasmine , Occhipinti-Ambrogi Anna
Published: May 2015

In the framework of a wider systematic survey aimed at studying non-indigenous species in Italian harbours and marinas, the ascophoran bryozoan Celleporaria brunnea was detected for the first time in the western Mediterranean Sea. The species is presumably native to the Pacific coasts of North America and is distributed from British Columbia to the Galapagos Islands (Ecuador). In the Mediterranean Sea, C. brunnea was first recorded in 2004 in the inner part of Izmir Bay near Alsancak harbour (Turkey) and later reported along the Lebanese coasts. The species was recently detected in Cascais marina in Portugal and in the Arcachon Basin (France), documenting the first records in the eastern Atlantic. The finding in the Italian harbours of La Spezia (Liguria), Olbia (Sardinia) and Lampedusa (off Sicily) marks its western and northernmost occurrence within the Mediterranean basin. Pathways of introduction into the western Mediterranean Sea are discussed, concluding that hull fouling is the most likely vector. The species may be expected to appear soon in other harbours of the Mediterranean basin.
An Efficient Adaptive Strategy for Melody Search Algorithm
Authors: Ashrafi Seyem Mohammad , Kourabbaslou Noushin Emami
Published: May 2015

An efficient adaptive version of Melody Search algorithm (EAMS) is introduced in this study, which is a powerful tool to solve optimization problems in continuous domains. Melody search (MS) algorithm is a recent newly improved version of harmony search (HS), while the algorithm performance strongly depends on fine-tuning of its parameters. Although MS is more efficient for solving continuous optimization problems than most of other HS-based algorithms, the large number of algorithm parameters makes it difficult to use. Hence, the main objective in this study is to reduce the number of algorithm parameters and improving its efficiency. To achieve this, a novel improvisation scheme is introduced to generate new solutions, a useful procedure is developed to determine the possible variable ranges in different iterations and an adaptive strategy is employed to calculate proper parameters' values and choose suitable memory consideration rules during the evolution process. Extensive computational comparisons are carried out by employing a set of eighteen well-known benchmark optimization problems with various characteristics from the literature. The obtained results reveal that EAMS algorithm can achieve better solutions compared to some other HS variants, basic MS algorithms and certain cases of well-known robust optimization algorithms.
Identification of Helicopter Dynamics based on Flight Data using Nature Inspired Techniques
Authors: Omkar S. N. , Mudigere Dheevatsa , Senthilnath J. , Kumar M. Vijaya
Published: May 2015

The complexity of helicopter flight dynamics makes modeling and helicopter system identification a very difficult task. Most of the traditional techniques require a model structure to be defined a priori and in case of helicopter dynamics, this is difficult due to its complexity and the interplay between various subsystems. To overcome this difficulty, non-parametric approaches are commonly adopted for helicopter system identification. Artificial Neural Network are a widely used class of algorithms for non-parametric system identification, among them, the Nonlinear Auto Regressive eXogeneous input network (NARX) model is very popular, but it also necessitates some in-depth knowledge regarding the system being modelled. There have been many approaches proposed to circumvent this and yet still retain the advantageous characteristics. In this paper, the authors carry out an extensive study of one such newly proposed approach - using a modified NARX model with a II-tiered, externally driven recurrent neural network architecture. This is coupled with an outer optimization routine for evolving the order of the system. This generic architecture is comprehensively explored to ascertain its usability and critically asses its potential. Different implementations of this architecture, based on nature inspired techniques, namely, Artificial Bee Colony (ABC), Artificial Immune System (AIS) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) are evaluated and critically compared in this paper. Simulations have been carried out for identifying the longitudinally uncoupled dynamics. Results of identification indicate a quite close correlation between the actual and the predicted response of the helicopter for all the models.
Resolution of a Vehicle Routing Problem with Simultaneous Pickup and Delivery
Authors: Berghida Meryem , Boukra Abdelmadjid
Published: May 2015

This document deals with a variant of the famous NP-hard () vehicle routing problem called the Vehicle Routing Problem with Simultaneous Pickup and Delivery VRPSPD. In VRPSPD, the customer makes simultaneous demand of pickup and delivery. The delivery is made from a single depot, while the collection is done throughout the trip. Vehicles providing the service have limited capacities. In each route, the charge of a vehicle must not exceed its capacity at any time. The authors will present the work that has led to the development of a technique for solving VRPSPD. This technique is based on a cooperative approach reaping the benefits of three metaheuristics to reach a solution to the problem of advantageous quality.
Including Client Opinion and Employee Engagement in the Strategic Human Resource Management
Authors: Belhaj Rachid , Tkiouat Mohamed
Published: May 2015

The trend in the Human Resources Management is to enhance it to the strategic level, this paper intends to provide an advanced decision making tool in the field of the Strategic Human Resources Management applying a combination of an augmented SWOT analysis approach to evaluate and to rank strategies and a Fuzzy Inference System (FIS) to eliminate the vagueness in the expressed opinions. The version of SWOT utilized here includes the client opinion and employee engagement besides to the traditional experts' assessment, while the FIS is an instrument that treats the data coming from SWOT analysis with the goal of avoiding the uncertainty that may come from the opinions expressed in the SWOT analysis and so to improve the ranking of the strategies. The results show improvements in prioritization of strategies in the way that besides knowing the decision to make for each, the model shows us also what to do regarding every strategy (what to maximize and what to minimize while talking about strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threat).The proposed model can be applied for strategies prioritization and decision making problems in all fields.
Success Factors for Data Protection in Services and Support Roles
Authors: Ruivo Pedro , Santos Vitor , Oliveira Tiago
Published: May 2015

The transformation of today's information and communications technology (ICT) firms requires the services and support organizations to think differently about customers data protection. Data protection represents one of the security and privacy areas considered to be the next “blue ocean” in leveraging the creation of business opportunities. Based in contemporary literature, the authors conducted a two phases' qualitative methodology - the expert's interviews and Delphi method to identify and rank 12 factors on which service and support professionals should follow in their daily tasks to ensure customer data protection: 1) Data classification, 2) Encryption, 3) Password protection, 4) Approved tools, 5) Access controls, 6) How many access data, 7) Testing data, 8) Geographic rules, 9) Data retention, 10) Data minimization, 11) Escalating issues, and 12) Readiness and training. This paper contribute to the growing body of knowledge of data protection filed. The authors provide directions for future work for practitioners and researchers.
Relay Selection Scheme for Cooperative Communication Systems in Fixed Decode-and-Forward Mode
Authors: Wen Jyh-Horng , Li Jheng-Sian , Hou Hsiang-Shan , Yang Cheng-Ying
Published: May 2015

Cooperative system is a tendency in the future communications because it provides a spatial diversity to improve the system performance. This work considers the cooperative communication systems in Fixed DF Mode. The scenario includes multiple source stations, multiple relay stations and multiple destination stations. For the whole system, the maximum throughput approaching is the major purpose. Hence, to select the relay stations for signal transmission could be the important scheme to achieve the optimal system performance. With the exhaustive search method, easily to realize, the optimal selection scheme could be found with a highly complicated calculation. In order to reduce the computational complexity, a relay selection scheme is proposed. With different situations of the communication systems, the performances evaluations obtained with both the proposed algorithm and the exhaustive search method are given for comparison. It shows the proposed algorithm could provide a solution approaches to the optimal one. It could apply the proposed scheme to the practical without a delay because of long-time calculation.
Identification of Motion-Based Action Potentials in Neural Bundles
Authors: Klinger Volkhard , Klauke Arne
Published: May 2015

Realizing a nerve signal based prostheses control or limb stimulation is a great challenge in medical technology. It requires a recording and an identification process of the motion-based action potentials of motor and sensory nerves within the corresponding neural bundle. Two additional key factors are used by multi agent-based learning algorithm: The anatomical disposition of the nerves within the neural bundle and the inverse kinematic. In this paper the authors introduce the Smart Modular Biosignal Acquisition, Identification and Control System and its application environment. They present the different process levels and their characteristic identification contribution and they give an overview of the multi-agent based identification framework. The authors show the verification environment and present results regarding the first-level identification procedure.
Advanced Solutions for Healthcare Facility Management
Authors: Longo Francesco , Nicoletti Letizia , Chiurco Alessandro , Calogero Antonio
Published: May 2015

This paper presents a simulation study carried out within a private healthcare facility with the aim of understanding whether or not it is able to handle a greater flow of incoming patients as well as the related impact on the overall efficiency. As a result, the simulation outcomes have pointed out the need for an internal work re-organization that has been devised through Lean Management tools and methodologies. The simulation model has, then, been used to predict the intended changes effects as well as their feasibility. Particular attention has been paid on the care administration process, provided that research activities are still ongoing to investigate other processes in the patient value chain where there is still substantial room for improvement. The proposed research work is grounded on an in dept analysis of the main processes and activities taking place in the healthcare facility as a starting point for the simulation model development. Afterwards, simulation has been used for “as-is” analyses and, in combination with Lean Management approaches, for “what-if” studies whose results and findings are discussed.
Contingency Design for Reliability in a Supply Chain
Authors: Bereriche Youcef , Ait-Kadi Daoud
Published: May 2015

In this paper, the authors propose a reliability based design optimization approach for optimal inventory design in emergency operation, considering reliability target. In this context, the reliability of an inventory system is defined as the probability that the available inventory level meets all population demand during crisis period. Inventory support for emergency operations is complicated by uncertainties of demands and duration of crisis period. The inventory system is considered as a structure that undergoes an external load represented by the demand of population during crisis period. Moreover, the supply chain resists to this load by its strength represented by the quantity of products available at the distribution center. Reliability based design optimization approach is proposed to perform an optimal design of inventory system in emergency operation without making any particular assumption on distribution of population demand and duration crisis period. The simulation software SIMIO is used to validate the proposed method by conducing simulation analysis using several examples with different distributions of population demand and duration crisis period. The results indicate clearly that the proposed method gives an optimal design with reliability much closer to target value.
A Geo-Informatics Technique for the Management of Meningitis Epidemic Distributions in Northern Nigeria
Authors: Ayanlade Oluwatoyin S. , Baloye David O. , Jegede Margaret O. , Ayanlade Ayansina
Published: May 2015

This study aims at examining and mapping the spatiotemporal distribution of meningitis epidemic, in relation to climate variability, using GIS and Remote Sensing techniques. Using the northern part of Nigeria as a case study, data on meningitis epidemic were obtained from the archive of National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria for the periods between 1998 and 2013. The data were updated with collection from Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS). Also, Nigerian Ministry of Health has compiled consistent statistics on meningitis incidence for the periods. A meningitis distribution map was derived from an environmentally-driven form of predicted probability of epidemic experience as it is in International Research Institute for Climate and Society (IRI) Database. The results showed that Meningitis Epidemic is very high during months with low rainfall. Thus, seasonality of rainfall and temperature are important determinants of Meningitis Epidemic incidence in the Northern part of Nigeria. Therefore, it can be confirmed, as cited in some literatures, that the distribution of the epidemics has a strong association with the environment, especially climate variability. Although meningitis surveillance systems in Nigeria have improved, they still fall short of the sensitivity required to demonstrate incidence changes in vaccinated and non-vaccinated cohorts and complementary approaches may be needed to demonstrate the impact of the vaccines. There is however, a need for a new technology and innovation like an integrated GIS, and other environmental modeling system, to allow health practitioners as well as policy makers, for better management, productivity and profitability.
The Impact and Interaction Effect of HR and IT Applications on the Performance of Customer Relationship Management in the Banking Industry
Authors: Wang Yu-Chiang , Yang Yi-Feng
Published: May 2015

This study investigates the impact of human resource (HR) capability and information technology (IT) application, and their potential interaction effect on the development of customer relationship management (CRM) performance in the banking industry. A total of 800 questionnaires were distributed in the summer of 2012 to five Taiwanese banks which have applied the e-CRM system to their customer service operations. The empirical analysis was carried out with two samples, the sales personnel and the customers, and the multiple hierarchical regression were performed to test for main effects and interaction effects on CRM performance. The findings showed that the positive performance of HR and IT capabilities. In addition to the direct influences of the resources, the main result is towards the interaction of these capabilities, which leads to the predictions of its CRM advantage.
Benchmarking for Practical Training in Computational Fluid Dynamics
Authors: Parra-Santos M. Teresa , Castro Francisco
Published: May 2015

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is the useful design tool for engineers that requests strong knowledge of fluid mechanics and numerical skills. Learning by doing has significant impact on the success rate of this difficult subject. This paper presents a workshop developed for engineering degree where different scaled down projects is accomplished by students and peers evaluated. Students improve their understanding of the strong and weak points of the numerical models and gain an insight into the fluid dynamics processes learnt in the classroom. Beside, other transversal skills are developed such as critical thought and collaborative work.
Identification of Complex Shear Modulus of MR Layer Placed in Three-Layer Beam – Part 1: Finite Element
Authors: Romaszko Mateusz , Snamina Jacek
Published: May 2015

The paper presents the finite element, which can be used to analyse the vibration of a three–layer beam with magnetorheological (MR) fluid layer. The MR fluid layer was sealed with silicone rubber. On the basis of the analysis of displacements, deformations of each layer has been established. Next, potential and kinetic energy of the three–layer beam were calculated. Because of the complexity of the beam with MR fluid, efficient solutions can be obtained only after discretization of the system. The finite element method was used in the study. For this purpose the mass and stiffness matrices were determined for the proposed linear finite element of two nodes and four degrees of freedom in each node.
Magnetic Field Analysis of the Actuator in a Semi-Active Vibration Control of the Beam with MR Fluid
Authors: Romaszko Mateusz , Łacny Łukasz
Published: May 2015

In this study the analysis of the magnetic field distribution of an electromagnet is presented. This electromagnet is used as an actuator in a semi-active vibration control of the three-layer beam with MR fluid. Two separate numerical methods are used for the purpose of calculating the magnetic field distribution. The first method is based on the Finite Element Method and implemented using ANSYS software. The second, simplified one is based on the assumption that the electromagnet can be substituted by a simple magnetic circuit divided into separate paths, with each sub-path defined by the value of reluctance of the corresponding electromagnet part. The comparison of the results from both methods with the ones obtained from an experiment is also presented and analyzed in the paper.
Methodology for Recognizing Manufacturing Features of Prismatic Components from DXF Files
Authors: Armasoiu Giorgiana Elena , Gheorghe Marian
Published: May 2015

Recognition of manufacturing features associated to certain parts using DXF files have been proposed by a number of reseraches. Since the database stuctures that provide geometric information regarding the parts differ from one CAD system to another, the interpretation and modification of these data are difficult or impossible. This paper presents an algorithm for extracting the design features from a data exchange file format, supporting the development of automated process planning system for prismatic parts.
Development of Modeling Process in Rapid Freeze Prototyping
Authors: Savin Alexandru , Floca Alexandru , Trifănescu Mihai , Ionescu Nicolae , Vişan Aurelian
Published: May 2015

Through rapid prototyping [1,2] it can be achieved both conceptual models: the final prototypes and functional parts in less time than with conventional technologies. The author of this paper shows the dependence of the diameter of liquid nitrogen spray nozzles according to the diameters of the water spray nozzle, a factor that is important in determining the amount of liquid nitrogen required to freeze the drop of water. Regarding the deposited layer thickness estimation, the author presented two theoretical models of contact between water droplets, which depend on the step between two consecutive drops of water.
On a New Chain Planetary Transmission for Renewable Energy Systems - Part I: Product Design
Authors: Saulescu Radu , Neagoe Mircea , Jaliu Codruta , Munteanu Olimpiu
Published: May 2015

Mechanical transmissions are frequently used in renewable energy systems (RES), either as speed reducers in solar tracking systems (e.g. worm drive, planetary gear), or as speed increasers in small hydropower converters or wind turbines. Most of them are conventional transmissions characterized by large overall dimensions and/or low efficiencies; therefore, new mechanical transmissions with higher performances are highly investigated. The paper presents the development of an innovative chain planetary transmission for hydro/wind applications. The speed increaser transmission requires a well-defined transmission ratio according to the application (3 – 5 for hydro, 6 – 30 for wind), good efficiency, relative simple and compact structure, easy maintenance, and low-cost. The final proposed solution overcomes some limits of the RES transmissions, significantly increasing the efficiency while decreasing the system size and eliminating the chain pre-stressing. The steps of the product design process applied for innovative generation of high performance mechanical transmissions are shown in the Part I. The proposed chain planetary transmission integrated into a micro hydropower application is analyzed in the Part II: virtual prototyping, physical testing and optimization stages and results are detailed.
On a New Chain Planetary Transmission for Renewable Energy Systems - Part II: Virtual Prototyping and Experimental Testing
Authors: Saulescu Radu , Jaliu Codruta , Neagoe Mircea , Climescu Oliver
Published: May 2015

Mechanical transmissions are frequently used in renewable energy systems (RES), either as speed reducers in solar tracking systems (e.g. worm drive, planetary gear), or as speed increasers in small hydropower converters or wind turbines. Most of them are conventional transmissions characterized by large overall dimensions and/or low efficiencies; therefore, new mechanical transmissions with higher performances are highly investigated. The paper presents the development of an innovative chain planetary transmission for hydro/wind applications. The speed increaser transmission requires a well-defined transmission ratio according to the application (3 – 5 for hydro, 6 – 30 for wind), good efficiency, relative simple and compact structure, easy maintenance, and low-cost. The final proposed solution overcomes some limits of the RES transmissions, significantly increasing the efficiency while decreasing the system size and eliminating the chain pre-stressing. The steps of the product design process applied for innovative generation of high performance mechanical transmissions are shown in the Part I. The proposed chain planetary transmission integrated into a micro hydropower application is analyzed in the Part II: virtual prototyping, experimental testing and optimization stages and results are detailed.
New Design Concepts in Computer Assisted Design of Robotic Flexible Manufacturing Cell for Part's Turning
Authors: Nicolescu Florin Adrian , Ivan Andrei Mario , Avram Georgia Cezara , Mantea Adrian Theodor
Published: May 2015

This paper presents the works performed by the authors in the field of robotic machine tending applications, focusing on flexible manufacturing cells (FMC) integrating industrial robots (IR) performing CNC machine tool's and machining center's loading / unloading tasks. Considering different types of parts typically manufactured and a rough classification of these parts with respect to their specific shape and size, a three manufacturing cell design principles are proposed for different work piece category. Following these general guidelines, for each proposed principle, an example of cell structure and 3D CAD model was developed using CATIA software. Each flexible manufacturing cell has a specific structure pattern, different layouts being discussed including part storage / transport system, CNC lathes / turning centers machining capabilities and articulated arm / hybrid kinematic type IR specific embedding into the FMC. The core of the article is focused on presenting the structure of each proposed FMC specific approaches in promoting very recent technical developments / new products embedding, as well as full integration of presented new design concepts in turning part's manufacturing FMC.
Modelling, Simulation and Optimization of a Packaging and Palletizing System
Authors: Popa Cicerone Laurentiu , Cotet Costel Emil , Gavrila Stefan , Ionita Valentin
Published: May 2015

This paper presents a material flow management case study based on our research in modelling, simulation and optimization for a packaging and palletizing system. The studied system allows packaging, palletizing, wrapping and storage of several types of products within a food company. For each type of product to be packaged and stored a material flow system simulation is necessary in order to identify and eliminate the bottlenecks and to obtain an optimized system in terms of productivity. Because the optimization algorithm is the same for different kind of products we will illustrate our research using a single type of product. We will focus the case study on packaging coffee bags in boxes. The boxes are positioned on pallets in order to create a stack that will be wrapped for storage. We used Flexim 7 simulation software for modelling, simulation and optimization of the packaging and palletizing system.