bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Who are the owners of the firm: shareholders, employees or no one?
Authors: CHASSAGNON VIRGILE , HOLLANDTS XAVIER
Published: September 2013

The issue of firm ownership is an ongoing debate. For several decades, contractarian theory has undoubtedly shaped the academic debate in both law and economics. Proponents of this approach suggest that shareholders can legitimately be considered the owners of a firm because they hold shares. This approach, though attractive, is legally incorrect. Legal scholars have noted that a corporation cannot legally belong to shareholders or other stakeholders; no one owns the firm (and a corporation). The question of firm ownership masks the following crucial issue: Who should govern the firm? In this article, after returning to the theoretical debate on firm ownership and explaining why a firm cannot be owned, we shall analyze power as the core of firm governance. This approach is a potentially relevant and accurate way to address the problems of specific human investment, collective creation and productive (consummate) cooperation in modern firms.
Evolutionary significance of long-distance dispersal and hybridisation in the New Zealand endemic genus Hoheria (Malvaceae)
Authors: Wagstaff Steven J. , Molloy Brian P. J. , Tate Jennifer A.
Published: September 2013

Parsimony and SplitsTree analyses of ITS and 5′ trnK/matK sequence data were used to assess the extent of hybridisation and its evolutionary significance in the New Zealand endemic genus Hoheria A.Cunn. The seven species of Hoheria form a monophyletic group along with the New Zealand endemic genus Plagianthus J.R.Forst. & G.Forst. and the Australian endemics Asterotrichion Klotzsch. and Gynatrix Alef. This strongly supported clade is sister to a clade of Australian species of Lawrencia Hook. The inferred evolutionary history of Hoheria suggests that the extant species are derived from a common ancestor that arrived in New Zealand by long-distance dispersal. There was little divergence among the species of Hoheria in either their ITS or trnK/matK sequences. Two known Hoheria hybrids exhibited overlapping heteromorphic nucleotides at virtually all of the variable positions. Approximately 40% of the other Hoheria accessions in our study retain similar heteromorphic sites. These polymorphisms were shared among the deepest branches in the ITS phylogeny, which potentially suggests that hybridisation has occurred throughout the evolutionary history of Hoheria. The phylogenetic structure of the ITS phylogeny completely collapsed in the strict consensus tree, and there was significant conflict between the biparentally inherited ITS phylogeny and the maternally inherited trnK/matK phylogeny. However, the removal of known and suspected hybrids resulted in parsimony trees that were more resolved. SplitsTree analyses revealed incompatible signals in the data, but recovered well supported groups that diverged from a central boxy network. Although the species of Hoheria are isolated by their ecological preferences or geographical distributions, interspecific hybrids are common in urban areas where the species are often planted.
Painting and Poetry in Early Modern Spain: The Primacy of VenetianColorein Góngora’sPolyphemusandThe Solitudes*
Authors: Vitagliano Maria A.
Published: September 2013

Luis de Góngora’sFable of Polyphemus and Galatea(1612) andThe Solitudes(1613) have inspired comparisons to painting ever since they first appeared in manuscript form at the Court of Philip III. Engaging the doctrine ofut pictura poesis, which notes the kinship between painting and poetry, Góngora creates pictorial conceits modeled in color as if using a painter’s palette, and thus his poems read like imaginary art galleries. By way of both plastic and discursive references to the Venetian school, Góngora inserts his poetry into one of the most salient polemics of his time, theparagone tra colore e disegno, the debate over the supremacy of Venetian color versus Florentine draftsmanship. This essay seeks to provide a reading of Góngora’s major poems in light of theparagoneas it played out in seventeenth-century Spain among art theorists and painters such as Francisco Pacheco and Domenico Theotocopoulis (El Greco), and intertwined with related discourses pertaining to artistic progress and innovation, including the link between aesthetics and religious reform.
On the analysis of cheating
Authors: Miller Barry
Published: September 2013

Cheating, as a psychological mechanism, is common to all, weaving through early family dynamics and evolving sexual identities. When it erupts in our love relationships, confusion, destruction, and de‐integration of existing psychological states occur for all those affected by the cheating. The eruption of cheating can be viewed as a spontaneous response of the individual to disrupt a state of psychological stagnation and regression that may have no conscious path for dissolution. The transgressive actions bring up the possibility of a secret or separated consciousness, potentially breaking into states of existing merger in the established relationship system. This prior state of adaptation may have provided stability and security, while limiting the development of a separated consciousness with its urge toward acknowledgement. These essential, spontaneous elements in cheating can be found in Jung's later description of the psychology of the transference, where illicit impulses are seen at the foundation of the drive for individuation. The familiar psychological complex of the one betrayed is also explored, highlighting the potential for maturation in the one most wounded by the cheating. Clinical material is utilized here to amplify the relationship between cheating and the need for psychological evolution.
Subchronic and Reproductive/Developmental (Screening Level) Toxicity of Complexation Products of Iron Trichloride and Sodium Tartrate (FemTA)
Authors: Lynch Barry , Emmen Harry , van Otterdijk Francois , Lau Annette
Published: September 2013

A complexation/reaction product, termed FemTA, of sodium tartrate [D(–)‐ and L(+)‐tartaric acid and mesotartaric acid], sodium hydroxide, and iron trichloride may have use as an anticaking agent in salt preparations. FemTA is composed of about 4% sodium tartrate, approximately 10% mesotartaric acid, approximately 7% chloride, approximately 4% iron, approximately 7% sodium, approximately 0.3% sodium oxalate, and approximately 65% water. FemTA was tested in a 90‐d oral toxicity study, which included a screening level reproductive/developmental toxicity phase, in Harlan Wistar rats. FemTA was administered by oral gavage at 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg body weight/d prior to and during mating, or about 20, 40, or 80 mg of iron/kg body weight/d, such that males received 90/91 d of treatment and females 104 to 109 d. Treatment was associated with inflammatory lesions of the lower GI tract at the mid‐ and high‐dose levels, increased liver and kidney weights, increased serum bile acids and blood urea nitrogen, decreased chloride, and changes to hematological parameters consistent with inflammation. The effects were considered the result of iron overload. There were no effects on reproductive/developmental toxicity parameters. The no‐observed‐adverse‐effect level (NOAEL), based on gastrointestinal tract effects was 500 mg/kg body weight/d. The NOAEL for reproductive/developmental toxicity was 2000 mg/kg body weight/d, the highest dose tested.
How to Object to Radically New Technologies on the Basis of Justice: The Case of Synthetic Biology
Authors: Hunter David
Published: September 2013

A recurring objection to the exploration, development and deployment of radical new technologies is based on their implications with regards to social justice. In this article, using synthetic biology as an example, I explore this line of objection and how we ought to think about justice in the context of the development and introduction of radically new technologies. I argue that contrary to popular opinion, justice rarely provides a reason not to investigate, develop and introduce radical new technologies, although it may have significant implications for how they ought to be introduced. In particular I focus on the time dependency of justice objections and argue that often these function by looking only at the implications of the introduction of the technology at the point of introduction, rather than the more important long‐term impact on patterns of distribution and opportunity.
Use of Transoesophageal Ultrasound to Visualise the Aortopulmonary Region in two Normal Friesian Horses and Three Friesians with Aortic Rupture or Aortopulmonary Fistulation
Authors: de Bruijn M. , van Loon G. , Ploeg M. , Gröne A. , De Clercq D. , Decloedt A. , van Weeren R. , Back W. , Delesalle C.
Published: September 2013

Aims

Aortic rupture and aortopulmonary fistulation are reported with increased incidence in the Friesian breed. In contrast to Warmblood horses, the aorta in Friesian horses typically ruptures at the level of the ligamentum arteriosum (Ploeg et al. ). This remote location often creates difficulties in identifying the rupture with transthoracic ultrasound. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of transoesophageal visualisation of the aortopulmonary region with a linear probe in both standing unsedated horses and horses suffering from aortic rupture.

Methods

Five Friesian horses, 2 healthy and 3 affected, were subjected to transthoracic ultrasound (2.5 MHz sectorial probe GE) followed by transoesophageal ultrasound (7.5 or 10 MHz linear probe). Correct oesophageal introduction of the probe was guided by means of endoscopy. After visualisation of the aortopulmonary region, horses were anaesthetised, and the transoesophageal ultrasound was repeated. In 4 horses, simultaneous carotid artery catheterisation was performed, to visualise the catheter at the zone of interest. After obtaining a diagnosis, all affected horses were subjected to euthanasia and autopsies were performed.

Results

The aortopulmonary region could be visualised in all horses. In the affected horses presence or absence of a periaortic blood cuff, aortic rupture and or aortopulmonary fistulation could be clearly identified. In one horse during carotid catheterisation, the catheter could be guided into the fistulation site, which was clearly visualised by means of transoesophageal ultrasound.

Conclusions and practical significance

Transoesophageal ultrasound by means of a 7.5 or 10 MHz linear probe allows for good visualisation of the aortopulmonary region and for diagnosing aortic rupture in Friesian horses. The technique will be further developed as an elegant noninvasive way to screen Friesian horses for this pathology, even in the standing nonsedated horse.

Ethical animal research

Owner informed consent was obtained for all horses. Sources of funding: This study was funded by the Dutch Royal Friesian Studbook and Scil Animal Care. Competing interests: None.
OSWALD VON WOLKENSTEIN'S MULTILINGUAL SONGS IN EUROPEAN CONTEXT: THEORY AND PRACTICE*
Authors: Murray David
Published: September 2013

This article considers Oswald von Wolkenstein's two multilingual songs, ‘Do fraig Amors’ and ‘Bog dep’mi was tustu da’, in the light of a longer European tradition of polyglossia in which poets contemplated the pan‐European nature of lyrical culture. Comparison is drawn with the thirteenth‐century poets Raimbaut de Vaqueiras and Dante, whose important activity in multilingual poetry clearly foreshadows Oswald's intellectual engagement with the specificity of individual languages and their applicability to writing courtly love lyric. Close examination of Oswald's manuscript transmission, however, shows a clearer awareness of the practical concerns affecting polyglot lyric – principally incomprehension and scribes deforming ‘foreign’ languages. The Austrian poet emerges as a thoughtful and sometimes ludic participant in a European intellectual preoccupation, whose contribution outstrips earlier and more acclaimed Romance actors.
Gastric and Enterohepatic Non‐Helicobacter pylori Helicobacters
Authors: Flahou Bram , Haesebrouck Freddy , Smet Annemieke , Yonezawa Hideo , Osaki Takako , Kamiya Shigeru
Published: September 2013

A substantial number of reports published in the last year have contributed to a better understanding of both human and animal infection with non‐Helicobacter pylori Helicobacter species (NHPH). Gastric infection of humans with Helicobacter suis and Helicobacter felis as well as unidentified NHPH has been described to cause a chronic gastritis and a variety of clinical symptoms, whereas enterohepatic NHPH, including Helicobacter cinaedi, Helicobacter bilis, and Helicobacter canis, have been reported to be associated with human diseases such as bacteremia, cellulitis, cutaneous diseases, and fever of unknown origin in immunocompromised hosts. In various animal species, including dogs and laboratory mice, high rates of infection with NHPH were described. For gastric NHPH, mainly H. suis and H. felis infection was studied, revealing that differences in the immune response evoked in the host do exist when compared to Helicobacter pylori. Pathogenic mechanisms of infection with Helicobacter pullorum, H. bilis, and Helicobacter hepaticus were investigated, as well as immune responses involved in H. bilis‐, Helicobacter typhlonius‐, and H. hepaticus‐induced intestinal inflammation. Complete genome sequences of Helicobacter heilmannii strain ASB1 and a H. cinaedi strain isolated in a case of human bacteremia were published, as well as comparative genomics of a human‐derived Helicobacter bizzozeronii strain and proteome or secretome analyses for H. hepaticus and Helicobacter trogontum, respectively. Molecular analysis has revealed a function for type VI secretion systems of H. hepaticus and H. pullorum, the Helicobacter mustelae iron urease, and several other functional components of NHPH. In each section of this chapter, new findings on gastric NHPH will first be discussed, followed by those on enterohepatic Helicobacter species.
Gender Role Attitudes, Labor Supply, and Human Capital Formation
Authors: Kosteas Vasilios D.
Published: September 2013

This study examines the relationship between attitudes toward women's roles in the labor force and human capital acquisition. I analyze both educational attainment and post schooling training spells. Holding more traditional attitudes about gender roles is associated with both lower educational attainment and lower probability of participating in post schooling training episodes. Also, gender role attitudes appear to have significant indirect effects on human capital acquisition, operating through a lower probability of labor market participation.
Comparative evaluation of galactomannan optical density indices and culture results in bronchoscopic specimens obtained from neutropenic and non‐neutropenic patients
Authors: Ağca Harun , Ener Beyza , Yılmaz Emel , Ursavaş Ahmet , Kazak Esra , Özkocaman Vildan , Çetinoğlu Ezgi Demirdöğen , Dilektaşlı Aslı Görek , Akalın Halis , Özkalemkaş Fahir , Ali Rıdvan
Published: September 2013

Aspergillus infections are major causes of morbidity and mortality among immunocompromised patients. This study was designed to investigate the galactomannan assay optical density (OD) indices relative to the culture results in bronchoscopic samples obtained from neutropenic and non‐neutropenic patients. Galactomannan OD indices from 1427 samples from 2005 to 2012, which were sent from 839 patients and were composed of bronchial lavage (BL = 727) and bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BAL = 700), were retrospectively analysed. The recovery rates of Aspergillus species from these specimens were 9.4% from the combined patient group and 13.3% from the neutropenic group. Aspergillus fumigatus complex was the most frequently isolated species. The mean and median OD indices of the positive and negative culture samples are approximately 5 and 1, respectively, and 91% of all culture‐positive samples have ≥1 OD index value. The receiver‐operating characteristics curve analysis demonstrated that the feasibility of the Aspergillus galactomannan assay and Aspergillus galactomannan test has superior accuracy in BAL compared to BL fluids, and the test is not affected by the immune status of the patient. We suggest that the Aspergillus galactomannan test, which uses bronchoscopic material, leads to an earlier diagnosis and if the OD index is found ≥1, fungal growth can be expected.
Innovative strategies targeting obesity and non‐communicable diseases in South Africa: what can we learn from the private healthcare sector?
Authors: Lambert E. V. , Kolbe‐Alexander T. L.
Published: September 2013

Over 50% of South African adult women and 30% of adult men are either overweight or obese, and nearly half of all adults are insufficiently active, with major increases in obesity‐associated healthcare expenditures since 1980, a high proportion of which are paid by private health insurance. In this paper, we describe the Vitality programme, an incentivized health promotion programme from South Africa's largest private health insurer, Discovery Health, with over 2.5 million beneficiaries. Wellness activities of the programme include health risk assessments, subsidized gym memberships and smoking cessation or weight loss programmes with many incentives, including cash back on purchases of healthy foods. This incentive‐based programme has shown a significant relationship between levels of engagement in wellness activities, in particular increasing participation in fitness‐related activities, with lower healthcare expenditure and an increase in the overall ratio of healthy foods to total food purchases. This programme demonstrates that incentives may reduce the barriers for entry into care, increase preventive screening and increase engagement in healthy behaviours for prevention and management of obesity. This ‘carrots versus sticks’ approach may have implications for public health policy even in lower‐ and middle‐income settings and underserved communities.
Complete Moment Balancing of Contra Planar 5R Linkages
Authors: Moore Brian , Gosselin Clément
Published: September 2013

In this paper, the complete shaking force and moment balancing conditions for a special class of planar 5R linkages, the contra 5R linkage, is considered. Contra 5R linkages are planar 5R linkages in which the two input links are mechanically coupled and rotate at the same speed in opposite directions. A method to derive necessary and sufficient conditions on the design parameters to achieve moment balancing without introducing additional components is presented. Using this method, a complete classification of all shaking force and moment balanced contra 5R linkages is given.
A Composite Vibration Spectrum for a Machine for Vibration Based Condition Monitoring
Authors: Elbhbah Keri Ali , Sinha Jyoti K.
Published: September 2013

Vibration-based condition monitoring requires vibration measurement on each bearing pedestal and then signal processing for all the measured vibration data to identify fault(s), if any, in a rotating machine. Such a large vibration data set makes the diagnosis process complex generally for a large rotating machine supported through a number of bearing pedestals. Hence a new method is proposed in the present research study to construct a single composite spectrum using all the measured vibration data set. This composite spectrum is expected to represent the dynamics of the complete machine assembly and can make fault diagnosis process relatively easier and straightforward. The paper presents the concept of the proposed composite spectrum and the results when applied to a laboratory test rig with different simulated faults.
Identification of the Biomechanical Parameters of the Riders of Two-Wheeled Vehicles by Means of Vibration Testing
Authors: Doria Alberto , Tognazzo Mauro
Published: September 2013

In bicycles and motorcycles the mass of the rider is a relevant share of the total mass and the passive response of the rider’s body to vibrations influences the dynamics and stability of the whole system. Therefore advanced models of two-wheeled vehicles have to include a passive biomechanical model of the rider. This paper focuses on the development of biomechanical models able to simulate the response of the rider to yaw and steer oscillations and on the identification of the rider’s body mechanical properties. Rider models composed by some rigid bodies with lumped stiffness and damping elements in the articulations are developed. The inertial properties of the rider’s model are calculated from anthropometric data. The stiffness and damping properties are obtained from laboratory tests in which the rider rides a motorcycle mock-up driven by a hydraulic shaker generating yaw oscillations. The responses of the districts of the human body are measured by means of rate gyros and the frequency response functions (FRFs) between the measured angular velocity and the enforced angular velocity are calculated. The tests are carried out both with the hands on the handle-bar of the motorcycle mock-up and with the raised hands. Biomechanical parameters are identified by means of best fitting techniques. Experimental results relative to 5 riders are presented and the identified biomechanical parameters are discussed. The proposed biomechanical models make it possible to calculate the rider’s response to steer oscillations as well, some results are presented.
An Experimental Study on Machinability of Austempered Ductile Irons During Dry Turning by Ceramic Cutting Tools
Authors: Guo Xuhong , Wan Dongdong
Published: September 2013

Experimental investigation on the dry-turnned machinability of austempered ductile iron (ADI) samples using CC650 ceramic cutting tools were carried out in this paper, in which ADI samples are isothermally quenched at 300°C, 350°C, 400°C (hereafter referred as ADI300, ADI350, ADI400, respectively), chip morphologies were also characterized using scanning electron microscope (SEM).Results showed that they own different machinabilities based on the analysis of cutting forces and chip characteristics, strongly implying that ADI350 sample exhibits a relatively improved machinability while its mechanical properties are excellent. However, the cutting force of ADI400 is largest due to its lowest strength, hardness and toughness. The chips of ductile iron (DI) are continuous, while the chips of ADI present segmented and less coiled. The shear localization in the primary and secondary shear zone of ADI chips are correlated with the cutting forces and the wear rate of cutting tools. High carbon austenite transform into marten site due to transformation induced plasticity (TRIP) mechanism during the machining operation lead to an increase in cutting forces and a decrease of machinability.
Conceptual Design Theory in Education Versus Practice in Industry: A Comparison Between Germany and the United States
Authors: Maurer Christoph , Widmann James
Published: September 2013

The early stages of product development are arguably the most important in the design of successful products. This paper describes different approaches to the conceptual design phase of product development, how they are taught to undergraduate engineering students, and how they are practiced in industry both in Germany and in the United States. The authors note that teaching the early stages of product development to future engineers at German Universities is more focused on methodology and processes. In the United States teaching design is more about being creative and overcoming individual constraints in order to find good and unconventional concepts. To understand how the conceptual phase is implemented in industry, the authors interviewed 16 companies in Germany and the United States. A thematic analysis was performed on the responses. In German industry, the authors observe uncertainty about how to apply process management in the very early stage of product development where different concepts are developed and evaluated. In U.S. industry most companies do not claim to follow a process during the early stage of concept development. Observing the differences between what is taught to engineering students in school and what is practiced in industry some conclusions recommendations are drawn. The observations demonstrate a weakness in process reliability during the early stage of product development both, in German and U.S. industry that should motivate academia to adapt its pedagogy in order to enable future engineers to create successful concepts.
Reliable Method to Detect and Assess Damages in Beams Based on Frequency Changes
Authors: Gillich Gilbert-Rainer , Praisach Zeno-Iosif , Iavornic Claudiu Mirel
Published: September 2013

The paper presents a method to detect, locate and evaluate damage severity of Euler-Bernoulli beams, based on how natural frequencies change due to damages. Previous researches that dealt with this issue focused only on quantitative changes, mainly considering a global stiffness reduction in the damaged area. The authors have contrived a correlation between the strain energy stored in a segment of the beam, which is proportional with the mode shape curvature of a considered vibration mode at that location, and the frequency change for this mode if damage appears on that segment. This reveals that for an element of the beam, the stiffness change of a certain mode for a given damage varies between zero and a maximum, depending solely on the location of that element. Moreover, one has to consider different stiffness changes for a damaged element placed on a certain location, depending on the vibration mode. This rule how frequencies of various modes change due to damage are used to create patterns, based on relative frequency shifts, which characterize damaged beams in respect to defect location and severity. The method was validated by numerous experiments, which proved its accuracy and reliability.
Exploring Dynamic Non-Idealities in Multi-Frequency Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Solares Santiago D.
Published: September 2013

Multi-frequency atomic force microscopy (AFM), in which the microcantilever is driven at more than one frequency, has emerged as a promising technique for simultaneous topographical imaging and material property mapping. While enabling significant advantages over traditional tapping-mode AFM, the greater dynamic complexity of multi-frequency AFM also requires deeper understanding on the part of the user in order to properly interpret the results obtained. This paper illustrates this challenge by exploring a few key dynamic non-idealities, which if neglected could lead to errors of interpretation. These non-ideal phenomena offer a unique opportunity for mechanical engineers to make significant contributions to nanoscale science by providing an increased understanding of the imaging process dynamics and by developing mitigation strategies for dynamics-related artifacts.
Reasoning: Installation Process Step Instructions as an Automated Assembly Time Estimation Tool
Authors: Miller Michael , Griese David , Peterson Matthew , Summers Joshua D. , Mocko Gregory M.
Published: September 2013

Assembly time estimation is an important aspect of mechanical design and is important for many users throughout the life-cycle of a product. Many of the current assembly time estimation tools require information which is not available until the product is in the production phase. Furthermore, these tools often require subjective inputs which limit the degree of automation provided by the method. The assembly of a vehicle depends on information about the product and information describing the process. The research presented in this paper explains the development and testing of an assembly time estimation method that uses process language as the input for the analysis.
A Study of Fatigue-Life Estimation and Reliability Analysis for Dental Implants
Authors: Tsai Yuo-Tern , Lu Y. K. , Hsu Y. Y. , Lu J. B.
Published: September 2013

Recently, dental implants (DIs) are extensively utilized on edentulous patients. The bio-compatibility & physical properties of DIs are severely specified since it belongs to the products of biomedicine. Generally, DIs must pass a series of tests before they are approved to use in human body. In this paper, a method of probabilistic fatigue-life estimation was proposed to fulfill reliability life prediction of DIs. The probabilistic form of fatigue-life evaluation is developed based on material constants namely fatigue strength coefficient and fatigue strength exponent. The procedure is developed based on the shift of the fatigue-life curve to the desired value of the probability of occurrence. This estimation model yields the life distribution in respect of the scatter of the cyclic properties of DIs.

The CAD models of DIs are first constructed to perform computer simulation analysis for establishing the fracture spots. The stress analysis and life estimation were carried out by ANSYS software. The simulation results are further compared with the experimental data obtained by fatigue testing to determine the estimated model of fatigue life. The parameters of the model were determined by linear regression method based on the combination of the simulated and experimental data. The reliabilities of DIs were further investigated to provide an index of life-safety of DI at different cyclic loads. The analyzed results may be useful while programming the fatigue testing of DIs.
Symmetry Breaking in an Initially Curved Micro Beam Loaded by a Distributed Electrostatic Force
Authors: Medina Lior , Gilat Rivka , Krylov Slava
Published: September 2013

The asymmetric buckling of a shallow initially curved stress-free micro beam subjected to distributed nonlinear deflection-dependent electrostatic force is studied. The analysis is based on a two degrees of freedom reduced order (RO) model, resulting from the Galerkin decomposition with linear undamped eigen-modes of a straight beam used as the base functions. Simple approximate expressions are derived defining the geometric parameters of beams for which an asymmetric response bifurcates from the symmetric one. The necessary criterion establishes the conditions for the appearance of bifurcation points on the unstable branch of the symmetric response curve; the sufficient criterion assures a realistic asymmetric buckling bifurcating from the stable branches of the curve. It is shown that while the symmetry breaking conditions are affected by the nonlinearity of the electrostatic force, its influence is less pronounced than in the case of the symmetric snap-through criterion. A comparison between the RO model results and those obtained by direct numerical analysis shows good agreement between the two and indicates that the obtained criteria can be used to predict non-symmetric buckling in electrostatically actuated bistable micro beams.
A Numerical Quasi-Static Method for the Identification of Frictional Dissipation in Bolted Joints
Authors: Festjens Hugo , Chevallier Gael , Dion Jean-Luc
Published: September 2013

The hereby paper investigates a way to compute the micro-sliding dissipations that occurs in built-up structure using modal coordinates. This numerical method extends the former quasi-static approach to modal displacements through the use of finite element analysis. Considered structures are supposed to behave linearly except for a lumped bolted joint. It is firstly assumed that mode shapes of such structures are few affected by contact non-linearities in joint interfaces. This assumption allows to apply the normal eigenmodes of the linearized structure as boundary conditions on a model reduced to the bolted joint. The method relies on a corrected quasi-static analysis associated with the Masing rules. Those assumptions enables to avoid the considerable numerical expense due to non-linear dynamics. In order to improve the simulation, a mode shapes correction is also implemented. The formulation of the method is detailed and investigated on the classical lap-joint benchmark.
Methods of Robotics and the Pseudoinverse to Obtain the Least-Squares Fit of Measured Points on Line-Profiles
Authors: Davidson J. K. , Savaliya S. B. , He Y. , Shah Jami J.
Published: September 2013

Tolerances on line profiles are used to control cross-sectional shapes of parts, such as turbine blades. A full life cycle for many mechanical devices depends (i) on a wise assignment of tolerances during design and (ii) on careful quality control of the manufacturing process to ensure adherence to the specified tolerances. This paper describes a new method to improve the quality control of a manufacturing process by converting measured points on a part to a geometric entity that can be compared directly with tolerance specifications. The focus of this paper is the development of a new computational method for obtaining the least-squares fit of a set of points that have been measured with a coordinate measurement machine along a line-profile. The pseudo-inverse of a rectangular matrix is used to convert the measured points to the least-squares fit of the profile. A numerical example is included for a convex line-profile that is formed from line- and circular arc-segments.
Suppression of Period-Doubling Bifurcation in Passive Dynamic Walking With Delayed Feedback Control
Authors: Harata Yuji , Iwano Koji , Asano Fumihiko , Ikeda Takashi
Published: September 2013

This paper investigates the effect of period-doubling bifurcation on passive dynamic walking (PDW) of a compass-like biped robot which consists of three point masses and two legs. The gait pattern of the robot consists of a single-support phase and a double-support phase which occurs instantaneously. The support and swing legs are exchanged at the double-support phase. Period-doubling bifurcation of PDW occurs when the slope angle of the ground becomes large, and the robot walks with a long step and a short step, alternately. Hip torque is designed based on delayed feedback control (DFC) to suppress the bifurcation. The equation of motion for the robot is numerically integrated and the walking speed is calculated. The simulation results show an increase in walking speed after a period-two gait emerges. Then, DFC is applied to the gait and stabilizes it to a period-one gait. After a period-four gait emerges, DFC is also applied to the period-four gait and stabilize it to period-two and period-one gaits. By comparing the period-one gait with the period-four and the period-two gaits, it is shown that the period-two gait has the fastest mean walking speed. The effect of the robot parameters is investigated and it is shown that the fastest walking speed for the period-one gait can be obtained when a leg mass position is chosen to a certain value.
Determining Optimal Building Direction for Rapid Prototyping Based on Unit Sphere Searching
Authors: Li Ye , Zhang Jian
Published: September 2013

Although Rapid prototyping, as a material-additive process, is able to create complex geometries that traditional material-removal processes cannot achieve, it still suffers from its limitation due to the layer manufacturing nature. In order to minimize staircase effects, selection of building orientation is an important step in implementing rapid prototyping processes. This paper presents a method to select the optimal direction that leads to minimized volumetric error in building a part from layer manufacturing processes. A unit sphere is discretized first to give potential directions in a 3-D space, and then each facet comprising an STL geometric model is mapped onto the discretized unit sphere as a great circle individually. Both an exhaustive search and a chain searching strategy are presented to identify the globally optimal direction for building a 3-D geometry. At the end of the paper, examples are presented to show the effectiveness of the method.
ANCF Modeling of the Contact Geometry and Deformation in Biomechanics Applications
Authors: Gantoi F. Marina , Brown Michael A. , Shabana Ahmed A.
Published: September 2013

The purpose of this investigation is to demonstrate the use of the finite element (FE) absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF) and multibody system (MBS) algorithms in modeling both the contact geometry and ligaments deformations in biomechanics applications. Two ANCF approaches can be used to model the rigid contact surface geometry. In the first approach, fully parameterized ANCF volume elements are converted to surface geometry using parametric relationship that reduces the number of independent coordinate lines. This parametric relationship can be defined analytically or using a spline function representation. In the second approach, an ANCF surface that defines a gradient deficient thin plate element is used. This second approach does not require the use of parametric relations or spline function representations. These two geometric approaches shed light on the generality of and the flexibility offered by the ANCF geometry as compared to computational geometry (CG) methods such as B-splines and NURBS (Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines). Furthermore, because B-spline and NURBS representations employ a rigid recurrence structure, they are not suited as general analysis tools that capture different types of joint discontinuities. ANCF finite elements, on the other hand, lend themselves easily to geometric description and can additionally be used effectively in the analysis of ligaments, muscles, and soft tissues (LMST), as demonstrated in this paper using the knee joint as an example. In this study, ANCF finite elements are used to define the femur/tibia rigid body contact surface geometry. The same ANCF finite elements are also used to model the MCL and LCL ligament deformations. Two different contact formulations are used in this investigation to predict the femur/tibia contact forces; the elastic contact formulation where penetrations and separations at the contact points are allowed, and the constraint contact formulation where the non-conformal contact conditions are imposed as constraint equations, and as a consequence, no separations or penetrations at the contact points are allowed. For both formulations, the contact surfaces are described in a parametric form using surface parameters that enter into the ANCF finite element geometric description. A set of nonlinear algebraic equations that depend on the surface parameters is developed and used to determine the location of the contact points. These two contact formulations are implemented in a general MBS algorithm that allows for modeling rigid and flexible body dynamics.
Self-Calibrating Mass Flow Sensor
Authors: Reinke Ryan E. , Dankowicz Harry
Published: September 2013

This paper discusses the development of a method for on-the-fly, self-calibration of a mass-flow sensing system on a harvest combine in order to enable accurate mass-flow sensing and, consequently, yield mapping, under varying input conditions, for example due to changes in the moisture content of harvested grains or the aging of elevator paddles. The proposed method relies on a known or estimated physics-based relationship between the grain dynamics through the grain elevator and a measured force imparted on an impact plate through collisions with the grains. The paper provides a summary description of the modeled relationship between the rate of mass flow and impact-plate sensor readout and conceptualizes the self-calibration scheme through the introduction of an additional, controllable, degree of freedom of the plate. The validity of the self-calibration technique is illustrated through off-line application to bench-top and full-scale experimental test data.
Optimal Sample Augmentation and Resource Allocation for Design With Inadequate Uncertainty Data
Authors: Lin Pin-Yi , Chan Kuei-Yuan
Published: September 2013

Uncertainty modeling in reliability-based design optimization problems requires a large amount of measurement data that are generally too costly in engineering practice. Instead, engineers are constantly challenged to make timely design decisions with only limited information at hand. In the literature, Bayesian binomial inference techniques have been used to estimate the reliability values of functions of uncertainties with limited samples. However, existing methods assume one sample as the entire set of measurements with one for each uncertain quantity while in reality one sample is one measurement on a specific quantity. As a result, effective yet efficient allocating resources in sample augmentation is needed to reflect the relative contributions of uncertainties on the final optimum. We propose a sample augmentation process that uses the concept of sample combinations. Uncertain quantities are sampled with respect to their relative ‘importance’ while the impacts of bad measurements, which affect the evaluation of reliability inference, are alleviated via a Markov-Chain Monte Carlo filter. The proposed method could minimize the efforts and resources without assuming distributions for uncertainties. Several examples are used to demonstrate the validity of the method in product development.
Hybrid Manufacturing System Modeling and Development
Authors: Nagel Jacquelyn K. S. , Liou Frank W.
Published: September 2013

Reliable and economical fabrication of metallic parts with complicated geometries is of considerable interest for the aerospace, medical, automotive, tooling and consumer products industries. In an effort to shorten the time-to-market, decrease the manufacturing process chain, and cut production costs of products produced by these industries, research has focused on the integration of multiple unit manufacturing processes into one machine. The end goal is to reduce production space, time, and manpower requirements.

Our research into hybrid manufacturing systems has lead to the integration of additive and subtractive processes within a single machine footprint such that both processes are leveraged during fabrication. The laser aided manufacturing process (LAMP) system provides a rapid prototyping and rapid manufacturing infrastructure for research and education. The LAMP system creates fully dense, metallic parts and provides all the advantages of commercial laser metal deposition (LMD) systems. This hybrid system is a very competitive and economical approach to fabricating metallic structures. Hybrid manufacturing systems facilitate a sustainable and intelligent production model and offer flexibility of infrastructure to adapt with emergent technology, customization, and changing market needs.

This paper summarizes the salient research activities and the findings of those activities related to the modeling and development of the hybrid manufacturing system. Our qualitative and quantitative modeling efforts, as well as the resultant system architecture are described.

The approach and strategies utilized in this research coalesce to facilitate an interdisciplinary approach to the development a hybrid manufacturing system to produce metal parts that are not only functional but also processed to the final desired surface-finished and tolerance. Furthermore, the approach to hybrid system modeling and development can assist in general with integrated manufacturing systems.
Managing Semantic Consistency in Model-Based Systems Engineering Using a Matrix Structure
Authors: Ye Yun , Jankovic Marija , Bocquet Jean-Claude
Published: September 2013

Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) currently lacks a formalized way of managing modeling consistency. This paper presents a new methodology for semantic consistency management in MBSE. At its core, a matrix structure which extends the Multiple Domain Matrix (MDM) and Engineering Systems Matrix (ESM) is used to organize semantic relations between modeling elements created by using various modeling languages and tools, and to represent how they change over time. In addition, this paper describes how the new matrix can be automatically maintained by a plug-in module which manages the bidirectional information transformation between the model and the matrix. We show that the utilization of our methodology has potential in avoiding ambiguous namings in models, enhancing the traceability of modeling elements as well as reducing manual work. A real world engineering use case with air-conditioning is used to show the utilization of our methodology.
Haptics-Augmented Training Software for Undergraduate Engineering Mechanics
Authors: Karadogan Ernur , Williams Robert L. , Moore David R. , Luo Tian
Published: September 2013

This paper presents the development efforts for a set of software activities and tutorials to augment teaching and learning in standard required undergraduate engineering mechanics courses. Using these software activities, students can change parameters, predict answers, compare outcomes, interact with animations, and feel the results. The overall system aims to increase teaching and learning effectiveness by rendering the concepts compelling, fun, and engaging. The problem with current examples and homework problems is that they are flat, static, boring, and non-engaging, which may lead to student attrition and a less than full grasp of fundamental principles. We implement integration of haptics technology with educational products to enable improvement in undergraduate engineering mechanics education. The current system is composed of a computer (laptop or desktop), a haptic device and a set of haptic modules. Currently, two modules, Interactive Free-Body Diagram (Box Motion) and Rigid Body Dynamics (Box Motion), were developed and several others are under development.
Combining Life Cycle Assessment and Linear Regression Analysis to Determine Significant Design Characteristics
Authors: DeVierno Ashley , Thorn Brian , Carrano Andres L.
Published: September 2013

For designers it is difficult to pin-point the design characteristics that could be changed to reduce the environmental impact of their products. This paper describes a method for determining the design characteristics that have a significant relationship with environmental impact that arises at product end-of-life.

In this method, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Linear Regression Analysis (LRA) are combined. LCA is used to quantify the environmental impact of products from the extraction of their raw materials to their disposal. LRA is used to determine the design characteristics that have the most significant relationship with environmental impact.

Combining LCA and LRA gives the designer the ability to (1) establish a relationship between design characteristics and their environmental impact, (2) determine the most significant design characteristics that influence environmental impact, and (3) validate design changes with their influence on product environmental impact.

In the case study described here, the design characteristic, Volume, is shown to have significant relationship with the end-of-life environmental impact of cellular phones. This trend is consistent with the results of the one-phase end-of-life disposition assessments that evaluated disassembled cellular phones.

With the results of this method, designers can focus their sustainable design efforts on modifying and improving the design characteristics that have the strongest relationship with environmental impact.
Large-Scale Modal Analysis on Multi-Core Architectures
Authors: Suresh Krishnan , Yadav Praveen
Published: September 2013

We propose here a subspace augmented Rayleigh-Ritz conjugate gradient method (SaRCG) for solving large-scale eigen-value problems. The method is highly scalable and well suited for multi-core architectures since it only requires sparse matrix-vector multiplications (SpMV).

As a specific application, we consider the modal analysis of geometrically complex structures that are discretized via non-conforming voxels. The voxelization process is robust and relatively insensitive to geometric complexity, but it leads to large eigen-value problems, that are difficult to solve via standard eigen-solvers such as block-Lanczos.

Such problems are easily solved via the proposed SaRCG, where one can, in addition, exploit the voxelization structure to render the SpMV assembly-free. As the numerical experiments indicate, the resulting implementation on multi-core CPUs, and graphics-programmable-units is a practical solution to automated eigen-value estimation during early stages of design.