bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk factors and outcomes associated with surgical site infections after craniotomy or craniectomy
Authors: Chiang Hsiu-Yin , Kamath Aparna S. , Pottinger Jean M. , Greenlee Jeremy D. W. , Howard Matthew A. , Cavanaugh Joseph E. , Herwaldt Loreen A.
Published: November 2013

Object

Many studies that have evaluated surgical site infections (SSIs) after craniotomy or craniectomy (CRANI) did not use robust methods to assess risk factors for SSIs or outcomes associated with SSIs. The authors conducted the current study to identify risk factors for SSIs after CRANI procedures and to evaluate outcomes attributed to SSIs.

Methods

The authors performed a nested case-control study of patients undergoing CRANI procedures between 2006 and 2010 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. They identified 104 patients with SSIs and selected 312 controls. They collected data from medical records and used multivariate analyses to identify risk factors and outcomes associated with SSIs.

Results

Thirty-two percent of SSIs were caused by Staphylococcus aureus, 88% were deep incisional or organ space infections, and 70% were identified after discharge. Preoperative length of stay (LOS) ≥ 1 day was the only significant patient-related factor in the preoperative model (OR 2.1 [95% CI 1.2–3.4]) and in the overall model (OR 1.9 [95% CI 1.1–3.3]). Procedure-related risk factors that were significant in the overall model included Gliadel wafer use (OR 6.7 [95% CI 2.5–18.2]) and postoperative CSF leak (OR 3.5 [95% CI 1.4–8.5]). The preoperative SSI risk index, including body mass index, previous brain operation, chemotherapy on admission, preoperative LOS, procedure reason, and preoperative glucose level, had better predictive efficacy (c-statistic = 0.664) than the National Healthcare Safety Network risk index (c-statistic = 0.547; p = 0.004). Surgical site infections were associated with increased LOS during the initial hospitalizations (average increase of 50%) or readmissions (average increase of 100%) and with an increased risk of readmissions (OR 7.7 [95% CI 4.0–14.9]), reoperations (OR 36 [95% CI 14.9–87]), and death (OR 3.4 [95% CI 1.5–7.4]).

Conclusions

Surgeons were able to prospectively assess a patient's risk of SSI based on preoperative risk factors and they could modify some processes of care to lower the risk of SSI. Surgical site infections substantially worsened patients' outcomes. Preventing SSIs after CRANI could improve patient outcomes and decrease health care utilization.
Gross-total resection outcomes in an elderly population with glioblastoma: a SEER-based analysis
Authors: Noorbakhsh Abraham , Tang Jessica A. , Marcus Logan P. , McCutcheon Brandon , Gonda David D. , Schallhorn Craig S. , Talamini Mark A. , Chang David C. , Carter Bob S. , Chen Clark C.
Published: November 2013

Object

There is limited information on the relationship between patient age and the clinical benefit of resection in patients with glioblastoma. The purpose of this study was to use a population-based database to determine whether patient age influences the frequency that gross-total resection (GTR) is performed, and also whether GTR is associated with survival difference in different age groups.

Methods

The authors identified 20,705 adult patients with glioblastoma in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registry (1998–2009). Surgical practice patterns were defined by the categories of no surgery, subtotal resection (STR), and GTR. Kaplan-Meier and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to assess the pattern of surgical practice and overall survival.

Results

The frequency that GTR was achieved in patients with glioblastoma decreased in a stepwise manner as a function of patient age (from 36% [age 18–44 years] to 24% [age ≥ 75]; p < 0.001). For all age groups, glioblastoma patients who were selected for and underwent GTR showed a 2- to 3-month improvement in overall survival (p < 0.001) relative to those who underwent STR. These trends remained true after a multivariate analysis that incorporated variables including ethnicity, sex, year of diagnosis, tumor size, tumor location, and radiotherapy status.

Conclusions

Gross-total resection is associated with improved overall survival, even in elderly patients with glioblastoma. As such, surgical decisions should be individually tailored to the patient rather than an adherence to age as the sole clinical determinant.
Occipital condyle to cervical spine fixation in the pediatric population
Authors: Kosnik-Infinger Libby , Glazier Steven S. , Frankel Bruce M.
Published: November 2013

Fixation at the craniovertebral junction (CVJ) is necessary in a variety of pediatric clinical scenarios. Traditionally an occipital bone to cervical fusion is preformed, which requires a large amount of hardware to be placed on the occiput of a child. If a patient has previously undergone a posterior fossa decompression or requires a decompression at the time of the fusion procedure, it can be difficult to anchor a plate to the occipital bone. The authors propose a technique that can be used when faced with this difficult challenge by using the occipital condyle as a point of fixation for the construct. Adult cadaveric and a limited number of case studies have been published using occipital condyle (C-0) fixation. This work was adapted for the pediatric population. Between 2009 and 2012, 4 children underwent occipital condyle to axial or subaxial spine fixation. One patient had previously undergone posterior fossa surgery for tumor resection, and 1 required decompression at the time of operation. Two patients underwent preoperative deformity reduction using traction. One child had a Chiari malformation Type I. Each procedure was performed using polyaxial screw-rod constructs with intraoperative neuronavigation supplemented by a custom navigational drill guide. Smooth-shanked 3.5-mm polyaxial screws, ranging in length from 26 to 32 mm, were placed into the occipital condyles. All patients successfully underwent occipital condyle to cervical spine fixation. In 3 patients the construct extended from C-0 to C-2, and in 1 from C-0 to T-2. Patients with preoperative halo stabilization were placed in a cervical collar postoperatively. There were no new postoperative neurological deficits or vascular injuries. Each patient underwent postoperative CT, demonstrating excellent screw placement and evidence of solid fusion. Occipital condyle fixation is an effective option in pediatric patients requiring occipitocervical fusion for treatment of deformity and/or instability at the CVJ. The use of intraoperative neuronavigation allows for safe placement of screws into C-0, especially when faced with a challenging patient in whom fixation to the occipital bone is not possible or is less than ideal.
La conciliation travail-famille : un enjeu complexe pour le féminisme d’État
Authors: Revillard Anne
Published: November 2013

Si les politiques affectant l’articulation entre vie familiale et vie professionnelle constituent un enjeu clé du point de vue des droits des femmes, elles ont longtemps été définies en France à partir d’objectifs étrangers à ces derniers, notamment en fonction de préoccupations familialistes, natalistes, économiques ou de laïcisation. Le constat du rôle essentiel de ces politiques dans la définition de la citoyenneté sociale des femmes invite toutefois à examiner les orientations prises en la matière par des instances gouvernementales ayant pour mission spécifique la défense des droits et des intérêts des femmes – instances communément désignées sous l’appellation de « féminisme d’État ». Créées à partir du milieu des années 1960, ces structures gouvernementales ont revendiqué une place dans la définition de la politique de conciliation travail-famille, à partir d’une perspective centrée sur les droits des femmes. Pour autant, leur manière d’envisager cette question n’a pas été uniforme.
L’administration électronique ou l’e-administration
Authors: Oberdorff Henri
Published: November 2013

An electronic civil service or e-administration.

Providing administrative services electronically is an outstanding lever to reform and modernise the civil service. It contributes to the transformation of the administration but cannot be an end in itself. Without doubt e-administration offers targeted innovation in relations between users and the civil service and between government offices. Electronic interchanges make it easier to carry out administrative formalities and remote services are becoming a reality much appreciated by government service users. On-line storage areas can be established for personal administrative data. The capacity of information transfer systems to function in tandem can bring the civil service closer in catering to users, although the digital divide should not create further exclusions. E-administration must respect the basic rights and liberties of users who are also citizens. The virtual modernisation of the civil service must also include genuine reforms.
Les transformations de l’État-providence néerlandais et l’accès aux droits sociaux [L’exemple de la municipalité d’Amsterdam]
Authors: Hamel Marie-Pierre
Published: November 2013

Transformations in the Dutch welfare state and access to entitlements. The example of the Amsterdam city authority.

The Netherlands faced a crisis at the end of the 1970’ s in their version of the welfare state and redirected their social benefit system towards a targeting policy, i. e., allocating resources and aid to the people who most needed them. The new policy included a special effort to identify and know more about their target audiences. The author uses the example of the Amsterdam city authority to present the tools, information technology in particular, used by the services in charge of managing and distributing specific targeted benefits. In addition to the technical specifics, the author describes both the advantages (better identification of people concerned) as well as the ambiguity introduced by such tools, in particular the risk of division between the assisted population and the population that finances such protection without being privy to it. Furthermore, discrepancies are possible in terms of individual freedoms and rising costs and thus the extent of generosity from this policy of social redistribution.
Pas de politique d’accès aux droits sociaux sans information sur les publics vulnérables [Un défi pour les administrations]
Authors: Warin Philippe
Published: November 2013

No policy on welfare entitlement without information about vulnerable audiences. A challenge for government.

Government is required to make entitlement to welfare benefits easier. It is particularly responsible for targeted answers which are now offered to offset the fraying structure of work-related welfare coverage. For organisations in charge of awarding benefits and welfare assistance (Social Security organisations, central and local government offices), the issue is not whether such measures are sound or not ; they are required to implement them. However, these organisations sufficiently prepared not to overlook anyone. Accordingly, information on entitlement to benefits is an important datum which service providing organisations must master as effectively as possible. To ensure effective implementation of new welfare measures, they must be able to identify the target audiences and make sure that the intended services and benefits reach them, and in several places this is precisely the crux. There are various reasons for believing that shared information systems must be developed.
Le droit de l’aide et de l’action sociales à l’épreuve de «l’acte II de la décentralisation»
Authors: Borgetto Michel , Lafore Robert
Published: November 2013

Benefit and welfare action laws tested against «decentralisation, act II ».

New decentralisation statutes enacted in 2003 are drawing a new portrait of welfare and benefits by promoting the department as the «leader » of the policy. The authors analyse the transfer of skills in terms of both content and consequences, of which there are many : legal consequences with the new definition of responsibilities, but also in terms of organisation given the transfer from national to departmental (i. e., local) services. Such consequences also lead to new positions being adopted by political authorities, as the department is promoted to a «welfare department » with ramifications at political, financial and philosophical level. The very definition of aid and welfare law is currently being tested.
Déviance et réussite scolaire à l’adolescence
Authors: Lagrange Hugues
Published: November 2013

Les échecs scolaires, l’absentéisme, l’implication dans des délits sont des comportements corrélés chez les adolescents. De ce fait, on est souvent amené à les penser comme des inconduites délibérées ou comme le produit d’un échec dans l’exercice de l’autorité. S’appuyant sur l’analyse des dynamiques scolaires au collège et des inconduites sanctionnées d’un échantillon d’adolescents âgés de 16 ans résidant dans des villes de la vallée de la Seine, à Paris et dans l’ouest de Nantes, l’auteur tente de préciser le rôle des héritages social, culturel et familial, et de leur combinaison. Il s’efforce également de prendre en compte les interactions entre les déterminations reçues et la biographie des adolescents, notamment leurs performances scolaires antérieures, leur travail présent.
La décentralisation du RMI : quels effets, quels enjeux pour les CAF ?
Authors: Pépin Jean-Louis , Blandin Olivier
Published: November 2013

La loi de décentralisation du 18 décembre 2003 a transféré aux conseils généraux l’ensemble du pilotage du dispositif RMI. Certes confirmées comme organismes gestionnaires du volet paiement de la prestation, les caisses d’Allocations familiales (CAF) s’inscrivent désormais dans un nouveau champ d’action territorial. Qu’il s’agisse du processus d’élaboration des conventions, dont l’objet est de préciser l’étendue des compétences qui leur sont déléguées, ou de l’instauration des mécanismes de régulation et d’échanges avec les départements pour gérer la prestation, les CAF ont été engagées dans une dynamique de construction de nouvelles relations de coopération avec les acteurs locaux dans un cadre qui laissait ouverts de nombreux espaces de négociation. Basé sur les enseignements livrés par l’étude monographique de quatre CAF, cet article examine les évolutions qu’elles ont eu à introduire dans leur propre fonctionnement et les possibilités qu’elles ont pu saisir de se positionner dans le territoire comme acteur des politiques sociales locales.
Des effets du divorce et du non-divorce sur les enfants
Authors: Martin Claude
Published: November 2013

Cet article propose de revenir sur les principales conclusions des travaux de recherche existant au plan international et d’explorer la question des effets du non-divorce pour les couples qui connaissent le désamour et le conflit conjugal. Qu’en est-il en somme de ces couples qui renoncent au divorce pour épargner leurs enfants, au risque de produire des effets tout aussi dévastateurs voire plus dévastateurs encore s’ils s’installent dans la conflictualité quotidienne, de ces couples qui décident de vivre ensemble séparés – mode de vie qualifié de « living together apart » ?
Les déterminants sociaux et psychiques du crime dit « passionnel »
Authors: Mercader Patricia
Published: November 2013

Le crime dit « passionnel » est un symptôme particulièrement éclairant de la façon dont les modèles sociaux, faisant l’objet d’une transmission familiale, sont porteurs de fantasmes et de positions inconscients. À travers une approche psychosociologique, l’auteure cherche à mettre en évidence les liens qui existent entre la domination masculine et les positions psychiques que peuvent assumer les hommes et les femmes qui commettent ce type de crime. L’étude menée ici permet de poser l’hypothèse que ces criminel-le-s ont grandi dans des familles dominées par le maternalisme et l’autoritarisme. Cantonnées au domestique, les femmes s’engouffrent dans le maternalisme. Figés dans la parade virile, les hommes font preuve d’autoritarisme. Devenus parents, ils exposent leurs filles et fils à la répétition. Globalement, ces familles fonctionnent sur un mode duel et archaïque, marqué par l’emprise, souvent physique et toujours psychique.
Entre parents et enfants : liens et relations à l’épreuve du cheminement vers la vie adulte
Authors: Bidart Claire , Pellissier Anne
Published: November 2013

The process of transition toward adulthood is changing historically and this affects the evolution of the relations between young people and their parents. Have such relations therefore become individualistic and elective or is there still something structural in them which relates to symbolic places that resist time ? How does the affinity relation forged between two adults interact with the irremovable bond between parents and children ? Based on a longitudinal survey which follows a group of young people over several years, this article shows that the ties of kinship retain a permanent nature, in particular in painful and conflicting family situations. Relations with family members are implemented more freely and in a more varied manner ; at the transition to adulthood, they become increasingly personalised. There is some ambiguity in such developments, however. For young people, becoming a parent turns out to be very embedded in their relations with their own parents which focuses on the ‘ two-fold inter-generational dimension’.
Choix d’activité des mères et garde des jeunes enfants : une comparaison européenne
Authors: Chaupain-Guillot Sabine , Guillot Olivier , Jankeliowitch-Laval Éliane
Published: November 2013

À partir des données de la vague 7 (2000) de l’European Community Household Panel, cet article s’intéresse aux choix d’activité des mères dans différents pays européens et à leur décision, lorsqu’elles ont de jeunes enfants à charge, de recourir ou non aux services de garde. L’étude porte sur l’ensemble des États membres de l’Europe des Quinze. Les comportements des mères, dans chacun de ces pays, sont analysés à l’aide de deux modèles Logit polytomiques (non ordonnés). Le premier modèle se focalise sur la décision d’offre de travail (une distinction étant introduite entre activité à temps partiel et activité à temps complet). Dans le second modèle, on oppose les trois situations suivantes : non-emploi ; emploi et garde intra-ménage ou non rémunérée ; emploi et garde rémunérée. Les résultats des estimations montrent que l’ampleur des effets des principaux facteurs pris en compte (taux de salaire, niveau de rémunération du conjoint, nombre d’enfants à charge et âge du plus jeune enfant) varie assez fortement selon les pays. S’agissant de l’impact de la présence d’un enfant de moins de 3 ans sur la probabilité d’emploi des mères, les différences observées semblent pouvoir s’expliquer en partie par les caractéristiques des dispositifs de conciliation entre vie familiale et vie professionnelle.
Participation de l’État et de l’environnement social à l’aide aux personnes sans emploi [Une comparaison des aides publiques aux États-Unis, Canada, Grande-Bretagne, Danemark et France ]
Authors: Boismenu Gérard , Dufour Pascale
Published: November 2013

Les nouveaux modes d’action de l’État dans l’investissement du champ social sont l’un des angles d’attaque pour saisir la nature de la restructuration de la protection sociale. Cela conduit à souligner l’interface entre l’intervention publique, d’une part, et les réseaux de proximité, la famille et le secteur associatif, d’autre part. Cet article met en relief les dynamiques entre l’État, le secteur associatif, la famille et le marché, telles qu’elles se manifestent dans les pratiques développées de cinq pays [ France, Danemark, Canada (dont le Québec), Grande-Bretagne et États-Unis] dans les politiques auprès des personnes sans emploi. Il ressort que l’action de l’État envers l’environnement social de proximité (famille et secteur associatif) occupe une place centrale dans le traitement des personnes sans emploi. La clé d’interprétation de l’action menée repose sur l’idée d’une tension entre deux logiques conceptuelles et d’action qui traverse la formulation et l’application des politiques. Cette tension réelle permet de départager les pays selon leur démarche sans pour autant présupposer une détermination préalable ni une cohérence «déjà là » de l’action publique des États.
Les disparités locales d’insertion des bénéficiaires du RMI
Authors: Goujard Antoine
Published: November 2013

L’insertion des bénéficiaires du revenu minimum d'insertion (RMI) varie d’une commune à l’autre. Pour analyser ces inégalités, une source administrative exhaustive a été mobilisée : le fichier des prestations légales et d’action sociale de la Caisse nationale des Allocations familiales. L’objectif de cet article est de préciser la nature et l’ampleur des inégalités territoriales, et ce de façon essentiellement descriptive. À partir des passages des allocataires par le dispositif d’intéressement, sont évaluées les disparités brutes d’insertion au niveau de la France métropolitaine à l’échelle des communes. D’importantes disparités s’affirment, même si certaines zones du territoire présentent des taux de retour vers l’emploi moins inégaux. Ce constat peut être en partie imputé à des différences de structure de la population des allocataires du RMI. Pour mesurer l’ampleur de ces effets de composition et la portée des effets réellement locaux, sont alors prises en compte les disparités nettes de ces effets de composition, comme si la population des "RMIstes" était la même quelle que soit la commune considérée. Les écarts d’une localité à l’autre restent très élevés. Les effets purement locaux sont le plus souvent déterminants, même si ce n’est pas le cas sur tout le territoire.
Cu-catalyzed trifluoromethylation of aryl iodides with trifluoromethylzinc reagent prepared in situ from trifluoromethyl iodide
Authors: Nakamura Yuzo , Fujiu Motohiro , Murase Tatsuya , Itoh Yoshimitsu , Serizawa Hiroki , Aikawa Kohsuke , Mikami Koichi
Published: November 2013

The trifluoromethylation of aryl iodides catalyzed by copper(I) salt with trifluoromethylzinc reagent prepared in situ from trifluoromethyl iodide and Zn dust was accomplished. The catalytic reactions proceeded under mild reaction conditions, providing the corresponding aromatic trifluoromethylated products in moderate to high yields. The advantage of this method is that additives such as metal fluoride (MF), which are indispensable to activate silyl groups for transmetallation in the corresponding reactions catalyzed by copper salt by using the Ruppert–Prakash reagents (CF3SiR3), are not required.
Les origines des Cahiers pédagogiques en 1945
Authors: Riondet Xavier
Published: November 2013

L’actuelle revue des Cahiers pédagogiques voit le jour dans la région Rhône-Alpes en 1945. Les origines de la revue se situent en marge de la science de l’éducation lyonnaise et les Cahiers pédagogiques se développent à partir de réseaux reliés aux expérimentations des « classes nouvelles » (1945-1952). L’article se propose de questionner, à travers l’histoire de la revue, la nature et l’influence de ces réseaux qui se situent en marge de l’histoire des réformes éducatives, des didactiques disciplinaires et des sciences de l’éducation. En conclusion, l’article envisage l’utilisation de concepts et de méthodes particulières pour saisir la complexité, mais également la richesse épistémologique d’objets d’étude liés au militantisme pédagogique dans le cadre de recherches d’envergure.
Trajectoires de coparentalité post-rupture conjugale. Une étude exploratoire qualitative
Authors: Tremblay Julie , Drapeau Sylvie , Robitaille Caroline , Piché Émile , Gagné Marie-Hélène , Saint-Jacques Marie-Christine
Published: November 2013

L’objectif de cette étude qualitative est de mieux comprendre comment les parents décrivent leur coparentalité et son évolution à travers deux transitions familiales vécues, la séparation et la recomposition. 25 parents (23 mères et 2 pères) séparés en moyenne depuis 8 ans et ayant des enfants âgés entre 5 et 20 ans ont été rencontrés. L’analyse du discours des participants permet de décrire quatre composantes de la coparentalité : la division des tâches et des responsabilités parentales, le soutien et le sabotage, l’accord éducatif et la gestion des interactions familiales, de même que leur évolution suite à la séparation. Cette évolution, ainsi que l’imbrication des composantes dans chaque situation familiale, met en lumière six trajectoires de coparentalité post-rupture. Trois principaux facteurs contextuels : la survenue d’événements ponctuels marquants, l’âge des enfants et le temps écoulé depuis la séparation, ont été associés à l’évolution des trajectoires.
The Implementation of Camellia and SMS4 Cryptographic System Based on FPGA Dynamic Reconfiguration Technology
Authors: Wang Jian Xin , Sui Mei Li
Published: November 2013

The paper describes the design and application cryptographic algorithm of SMS4 and Camellia by using the FPGA partial reconfiguration technology. The design and simulation implement on Xilinx VirtexII-Pro XC2VP30 FPGA development board, and the test results show the validation of design. SMS4 uses the 1061 slices and Camellia uses 2148 slices. The UART test platform we developed is use to verify the reconfiguration status and results. The reconfiguration algorithm shows the balance between high performance and low complexity in area. The theoretical and practical research of dynamic partial reconfiguration has a broad space for development and application prospect in information security domain.
The Pair-Wise Error Analysis on Space-Time-Frequency Coding MIMO-OFDM System
Authors: Shao Chao , Wang Chuang , Zhao Long Kai
Published: November 2013

The closed form of pair-wise error probability analysis of space-time-frequency (STF) coding in MIMO-OFDM system is provided. The matrix of STF and channel multiplexing is established. The impact of STF and channel multiplexing matrix on pair-wise error probability of system is analyzed. The optimal structure of STF and channel multiplexing matrix for minimization of pair-wise error probability of system is analyzed. Finally, the computer simulation of pair-wise error probability about spatial correlation MIMO channel is providedThis document explains and demonstrates how to prepare your camera-ready manuscript for Trans Tech Publications. The best is to read these instructions and follow the outline of this text. The text area for your manuscript must be 17 cm wide and 25 cm high (6.7 and 9.8 inches, resp.). Do not place any text outside this area. Use good quality, white paper of approximately 21 x 29 cm or 8 x 11 inches (please do not change the document setting from A4 to letter). Your manuscript will be reduced by approximately 20% by the publisher. Please keep this in mind when designing your figures and tables etc.
A New Classification Algorithm of MPSK Signals Based on Phase Distribution
Authors: Xu Jian Fei , Wang Fu Ping , Wang Zan Ji
Published: November 2013

Based on the phase distribution which is defined in this paper, a new classification algorithm of M-ary phase shift keying (PSK) signals is proposed. To classify the modulation type of the M-ary PSK signal, the phase distribution of the unclassified signal is calculated firstly, and then the characters of the signal modulation are extracted by computing the FFT of the phase distribution. Moreover, the method is improved in this paper that it is extended to MPSK baseband signals with frequency offset, and the calculation complexity is reduced. Simulation result shows that the accuracy rate of the classification of BPSK, QPSK and 8PSK signals can reach 98.5% when the symbol length is 500, SNR is 3dB, and 16PSK signals can also be well classified when the SNR improves to 9dB.
Effects of Dielectric Materials on Impedance Characteristics of Embedded Small Normal Mode Helical Antenna
Authors: Liao Yi , Zhang Yuan , Liang Zi Chang , Fang Jin Peng , Gao Wei
Published: November 2013

The normal mode helical antenna (NMHA) is widely selected on RFID and wireless communication applications and often placed in a dielectric material for protection and miniaurization design. In this paper, the effects of dielectric materials with finite dimension on resonant frequency and impedance characteristics of embedded small NMHA were investigated. Three parameters related to the dielectric material were considered. Significant results were obtained by varying each one of these electrical dielectric parameters. It provides an effective guidance for designers to tune the antenna to desirable complex impedance when surroundded dielectric materials are employed.
Experimental Research on the Health Monitoring of the Composite Patch System Using Lamb Waves
Authors: Zhang Yi Shan , Wang Zun , Wang Zhi
Published: November 2013

This paper describes an experimental study on the use of Lamb wave propagation for the integrity assessment of the composite patch system. Composite repairs are performed to the cracked specimen. Two piezoelectric sensors were installed around the composite patch. The piezoelectric sensor response was recorded periodically during the fatigue test. Three types of the damage index based upon the piezoelectric sensor response were selected and calculated to describe the health of the composite patch system. The results show that the damage index based upon the waveform relativity has the best correlations with the expanding process of the damage of the composite patch system.
Effects of Gamma Irradiation on Dosimetry Characteristic of Rhizophora apiculata Dye Solution
Authors: Baha Azlina , Sharif A. , Abdullah S.Z.
Published: November 2013

The dosimetry characteristic of Rhizophora Apiculata dye solutions with and without 2, 3, 5 - triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) salt to low dose of gamma irradiation up to 100Gy were investigated spectrometrically. The maximum absorbance was peaking at wavelength of 664nm characteristics of red colour. The dose responses at 664nm wavelength were found decreased with increase of gamma irradiation leading to colour bleaching of the dye solution. The dose sensitivity value of dye solution with TTC lower compared to dye solution without TTC. The colour stability of dyes solutions also have been investigated, the absorbance spectra found no significant change after stored in a dark room at room temperature for 2 weeks.
Energy Absorption of Hybrid Composite Tubes under Axial Compression
Authors: Othman A. , Arifin A.A. , Abdullah S. , Ariffin A.K. , Mohamed N.A.N.
Published: November 2013

The effect of specific absorbed energy on pultruded profile and thin-walled aluminum composite square cross-section tubes were studied via experimentally. The type of strand mat E-glass reinforced polyester resin was conducted in this study. The specimens of square pultruded and thin-walled wrapped strand mat E-glass composite were compressed under quasi-static of obliquely loadings from the top moving plat platen. For each specimen of composite tubes, triggering mechanism was applied on frontal end top of the tube to obtain the progressive failure throughout the crash event. The pultruded profile tube wall-thicknesses of 2.1 mm and thin-walled aluminum 1.9 mm thickness wrapped 3 layer woven fabric were examined, and the effects of crushing behaviors and failure modes were discussed. Results showed that the tubes energy absorption capability was affected significantly by different type of composite made in term of internal energy.
Warpage Characterization of Thin and Centrally-Gated Injection Molded Part by Applying Cavity Pressure Measurement
Authors: Zamani H. , Azmoudeh S. , Shelesh-Nezhad K.
Published: November 2013

Two types of injection molded parts including parts with thin shell feature and parts molded with radial flow pattern are highly susceptible to the warpage. In this research, the warpage performance of a thin and centrally-gated disk was experimentally investigated. The melt pressure-time traces of two different locations inside the mold cavity were monitored by employing piezoelectric transducers. The results indicated that the pressure difference magnitude of melt at two locations along the radial flow path is related to the extent of molded part deformation. Moreover, it was pointed out that the high magnitude of warpage is because of two conflicting actions in the molded part comprising expansion as a result of viscoelastic recovery in the central region, and thermal contraction in the edge region of the thin disk. The molding variables encompassing injection speed, holding pressure, back pressure, mold temperature and screw rotational speed affected the thin disks deformation in order of significance.
The Measurement of Railway Using VRS GPS
Authors: Lee Eun Soo , Lee Woo Sang , Lim Kwang Man , Bang Myung Seok
Published: November 2013

This study is based on those data gathered on a 450m-long railway with a VRS GPS. In addition, certain location data on a railway were gathered through three 'Continuous VRS GPS' measurements and one 'Stop & Go VRS GPS' measurements while a railway-maintenance vehicle with GPS receivers mounted on its left & right sides was moving, Based on these location data, an average inter-rail space was analyzed. As a result of the analysis, the inter-rail space ranged from 1480mm to 1530mm. Based on the standard design dimension of an inter-rail space equal to 1,500mm and the average VRS GPS accuracy of ±3cm permissible in South Korea, the range was acceptable. Furthermore, if the center of a GPS receiver is placed over the vertical line of a rail center, more accurate location data on the railway could have been gathered.
Impact Test and Bioactivity Properties of Polycaprolactone (PCL) by Addition of Nano-Montmorillonite (MMT) and Hydroxyapatite (HA)
Authors: Haq Reazul Haq Abdul , Bin Wahab Mohd Saidin , Wahit Mat Uzir
Published: November 2013

This report described the Impact Test result and Bioactivity Properties of biodegradable Polycaprolactone (PCL) blend with nano- Montmorillonite (MMT) and Hydroxyapatite (HA). The amount of nano-MMT is varies from 2 to 4 by weight % meanwhile the amount of HA is fixed to 10 by weight percentage (wt%). The addition of nano-MMT and HA filler is to tune and indirectly improve the mechanical and bioactive properties of PCL. The samples for these test are injected from injection molding machine. The Impact test are conducted using Charpy Method. From the analysis it is found that the toughness of PCL are decreased by the addition of these fillers. PCL/MMT composites gives a better result compare to PCL/MMT/HA composites. This is due to the HA characteristic which is brilttle and tends to reduce the ductile properties of the polymer. From the Simulated Body Fluis (SBF) result, formation of apatite layer at the surface of the composites is evidence of excellent bioactivity properties of HA. The enhance of bioactivity has been proved while incorporation of HA into PCL/MMT composite. SEM-EDX image showed the bulk formation of apatite layers on the composite surface with 10 wt% HA after 3 days immersed in SBF solution.
A Variable Structure Attitude Control System Design Based on Finite Time Stability
Authors: Jiang Rui Min , Zhou Jun , Guo Jian Guo
Published: November 2013

A variable structure attitude control system design method that guarantees the finite-time stability is proposed for hypersonic vehicle attitude control. According to the characteristics of the hypersonic vehicle longitudinal attitude model, it is considered to comprise attack angle control loop and angular rate control loop. The attack angle controller and pitch angular rate controller based on variable structure control are designed respectively which ensure the finite-time stability. The finite-time stability of the whole attitude control system has been proved .The simulation results illustrated that the proposed attitude controller has good rapidity and robustness.
Design and Simulation of Electro-Pneumatic Motion Sequence Control Using FluidSim
Authors: Kumar Ravi , del Rosario Jay Robert B.
Published: November 2013

Applying the principles of electro-pneumatics (EP) in food and beverage industries with the integration of timer and counter in a motion sequence control. Double acting cylinders are utilized in this study that will properly simulate the effect of different electro-pneumatics control systems. Forward motion sequence control directed the entire EP circuits and piston rod’s operation speed are controlled. The sensing information of all linear actuators is carried out by limit switches or electrical rollers that sense whether an extension or retraction has occurred. This information is passed to different relays such as counter relay, relay with switch-off delay and relay with switch-on delay.
Teleoperation Transparency Using Model Predictive Control
Authors: Nasry Hany , Xu Wei , Gong Jian Wei , Chen Hui Yan
Published: November 2013

Teleoperation means operating a vehicle or a system remotely over a distance.Teleoperation extends human capabilities to perform tasks remotely by providing the operator withsimilar conditions as those at the remote location. Generally, operator should be supported inreal-time with an accurate data about the teleoperation environment. This paper proposes atime-delay compensation algorithm for environment construction to modify the well-developed BITAGV to be teleoperated. This Algorithm includes predicting the vehicle position in the future timeusing Model Predictive control (MPC). Then, environment is constructed according to this positionusing the Laser scanner. Real and simulation experiments are presented to illustrate the performanceand effectiveness of the algorithm in compensating time-delay for Teleoperation.
Research on the Three-Dimensional Simulation and Emulation Technique of NC Machining Based on CORBA
Authors: Zhang Ying , Shi Xin
Published: November 2013

This paper firstly analyzes traditional NC machining simulation technique and its flows. On this basis, it puts forward a method that implements NC machining three-dimensional simulation and emulation system architecture using distributed object CORBA component technology and OpenGL graphic technology [1,2], and details information about the model of this architecture, use Visual C++ as developer tool to implement NC machining simulation which is independent of platform and network.
Active Control Comparison of Vibration in Flexible Spacecraft Using Different Active Friction Joints
Authors: Mojaz Sahar Bakhtiari , Kashani Hamed
Published: November 2013

Vibration properties of most assembled mechanical systems depend on frictional damping in joints. The nonlinear transfer behavior of the frictional interfaces often provides the dominant damping mechanism in structure and plays an important role in the vibratory response of it. For improving the performance of systems, many studies have been carried out to predict measure and enhance the energy dissipation of friction. This paper presents a new approach to vibration reduction of flexible spacecraft with enhancing the energy dissipation of frictional dampers. Spacecraft is modeled as a 3 degree of freedom mass-spring system which is controlled by a lead compensator and System responses to step function evaluated. Coulomb and Jenkins element has been used as vibration suppression mechanisms in joints and sensitivity of their performance to variations of spacecraft excitation amplitude and damper properties is analyzed. The relation between frictional force and displacement derived and used in optimization of control performance. Responses of system and control effort needed for the vibration control are compared for these two frictional joints. It is shown that attitude control effort reduces, significantly with coulomb dampers and response of system improves. On the other hand, due to stick-slip phenomena in Jenkins element, we couldn’t expect the same performance from Jenkins damper.
Hot Deformation Behavior of TC21 Alloy
Authors: Xu Hai Lin , Dong Hong Bo , Wang Yong
Published: November 2013

The dynamic recrystallization behavior of TC21 alloy during hot compression deformation was investigated at 870~990 °C and strain rate of 0.001~10 s-1 on a Gleeble-3500 thermo-simulation machine. The results show that dynamic recovery and dynamic recrystallization occurs during hot deformation. As the deformation temperature increases and strain rate decreases, the softening caused by dynamic recrystallization is more obvious. According to the relevance of flow stress, strain rate and deformation temperature, the dynamic recrystallization activation energy is obtained. The constitutive equation and dynamic recrystallization kinetics motel are set up through analyzing and calculating the data of thermo-simulation.
Multichannel Computer Screen Recording System Based on FPGA and ARM
Authors: Liang Chun Feng , Li Bing Chan , Tang Yan Fa , Sun Hong Liang
Published: November 2013

A multichannel computer screen recording system based on Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) and Advanced RISC Machines (ARM) is introduced in this paper. This system has both Video Graphics Array (VGA) and Digital Video Interface (DVI) inputs, and supports the resolution of 1920x1080 and any common resolutions that do not exceed 1600x1200. The system can simultaneously record VGA and DVI signal by using the FPGA as the MUX of VGA and DVI. The experimental results showed that the algorithm used in this system, which combined the wavelet transform and listless zerotree entropy coding, achieved significantly higher quality of the decoded images than JPEG with the same compression ratio. The mapping of FPGA to SRAM method ensures the bit stream band width between FPGA and ARM. With the compression ratio of 50, the system can record 20 frames per second at the resolution of 1600x1200.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Rarefied Gaseous Flows in Nano-Channels
Authors: Mao Zhi Hong , Bao Fu Bing , Huang Yuan Lin
Published: November 2013

Molecular dynamics simulation method was used to study the rarefied gaseous flows in nanochannels. A pressure-driven force was introduced to drive the gas to flow between two parallel walls. The effects of driven force magnitude and channel height were investigated. The results show that a single layer of gaseous molecules is adsorbed on the wall surface. The density of adsorption layer decreases with the increase of channel height, but doesnt vary with driven force. The velocity profile across the channel has the traditional parabolic shape. The average velocity and gas slip velocity on the wall increase linearly with the increase of pressure-driven force. The gas slip velocity decreases linearly with the increase of channel height. The ratio of slip to average velocity decreases linearly with the increase of channel height.
The Research of Energy-Saving in Air Conditioning Water Cooling System by Frequency Conversion Pump and Constant Pressure Control
Authors: Wang Hong Jie , Wang Fang , Huang Yuan Yuan , Zhang Liang
Published: November 2013

The main research point is analysis of energy conservation on water cooling system in air conditioning engineering in this paper. After discussing the running characteristics for frequency water pump controlling variable speed and changing the flow. Then the cooling system adopts the new control method that constant branch pipe pressure difference in the most unfavorable end, and the water pump in parallel configuration, combined with the frequency conversion technology. At last from the experiment data and the actual test of the water cooling system, the energy-saving effect with variable pump of constant pressure control is validated.
System Identification and Control of Fast Steering Mirror Based on Voice Coil Actuators
Authors: Chen Wei , Chen Si Hai , Wu Xin , Fu Wen
Published: November 2013

Fast steering mirror (FSM) is one of the key devices in the light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system and higher resolution and broader operating bandwidth are necessary. In this paper, we present a FSM based on the voice coil actuators (VCA), with a large scanning angle, although, the scanning linearity and bandwidth of the FSM are limited by the presence of mechanical resonance. A mathematical model is proposed to investigate the dynamic behavior of the FSM and based on this system model, a closed-loop controller is introduced to reject the mechanical resonances of the FSM. With the proposed controller, the non-linearity of 50Hz is reduces from 14.58% to 2.13% and the bandwidth enhances from 1244.1rad/s to 2073.5rad/s. The testing result shows that the performance of the FSM is greatly improved.
Design of Anti-Pinch Window Lift Control Module
Authors: Chang Jing Xin , Wu Wen Song , Luo Feng
Published: November 2013

This paper puts forward a control scheme based on LIN bus for automotive anti-pinch power window. The article first gives an overview of the structure and function of the system, and then describes the design of the hardware and software in detail. We choose a 16-bit Freescale chip MC9S12VR64 which has a mixed signal processing performance as the microcontroller. The anti-pinch algorithm is mainly based on the Hall signal, and the network communications use LIN bus. Finally, through trial and error to amend the anti-pinch algorithm, we get a satisfactory result.
Offline and Simplified Industrial Automation Processes Employing Robotic Manipulators
Authors: Magsino Elmer R. , del Rosario Jay Robert B.
Published: November 2013

One of the predominant applications of the theories and principles of robotics is in industrial automation particularly in automotive manufacturing. This paper explores some mini-projects related to industrial automation that will help students and even robotics enthusiasts understand the kinematics of each manipulator. These projects can be as simple as following a straight line to as complex as adding machine vision and online intelligence to the robotics manipulator.
Scaling Laws of Wear by Slurry Abrasion of Mild Steel
Authors: Rathod Avishkar , Sapate Sanjay G. , Khatirkar Rajesh K.
Published: November 2013

Wear by slurry abrasion is very expansive problem that must be taken into consideration while selecting the material for the transportation of slurry through pipeline. Abrasive wear generally occurs when abrasive slurries come in contact with the industrial engineering components or slurry transporting pipes. The abrasive particles carried by slurries eventually remove the material from the encountering surfaces which results in the early failure of the component in service. In present investigation an attempt is made to study the effect of load, slurry concentration, sliding distance on the abrasive wear behaviour of mild steel. The slurry abrasion experiments were carried out using slurry abrasion test apparatus with silica sand slurry. The findings of the present investigation indicate that slurry abrasion volume increased with slurry concentration, load and sliding distance, although the magnitude of increase was different in each case. The SEM observation of worn out surfaces revealed micro ploughing and micro cutting as wear mechanisms.
A Novel Path Planning Algorithm for Autonomous Underwater Vehicle
Authors: Yin Bo , Liu Bing , Cao Jing
Published: November 2013

A path planning algorithm based on sector scanning for AUV was proposed in this paper. By reducing the frequency of the calculation of the path planning, this method solved the problem that AUV can not respond to the frequent control instructions of path planning because of AUV’s poor flexibility. Meanwhile, by making the path more clear and reliable, the algorithm improved the operability of responding to the path planning results and operating the controlling of AUV’s moving. Simulation results show that this method is feasible and efficient.