bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Definition and characterization of localised meningitis epidemics in Burkina Faso: a longitudinal retrospective study
Authors: Tall Haoua , Hugonnet Stéphane , Donnen Philippe , Dramaix-Wilmet Michèle , Kambou Ludovic , Drabo Frank , Mueller Judith E
Published: January 2012

Background

The epidemiology of meningococcal meningitis in the African meningitis belt is characterised by seasonality, localised epidemics and epidemic waves. To facilitate research and surveillance, we aimed to develop a definition for localised epidemics to be used in real-time surveillance based on weekly case reports at the health centre level.

Methods

We used national routine surveillance data on suspected meningitis from January 2004 to December 2008 in six health districts in western and central Burkina Faso. We evaluated eight thresholds composed of weekly incidence rates at health centre level for their performance in predicting annual incidences of 0.4%and 0.8% in health centre areas. The eventually chosen definition was used to describe the spatiotemporal epidemiology and size of localised meningitis epidemics during the included district years.

Results

Among eight weekly thresholds evaluated, a weekly incidence rate of 75 cases per 100,000 inhabitants during at least two consecutive weeks with at least 5 cases per week had 100% sensitivity and 98% specificity for predicting an annual incidence of at least 0.8% in health centres. Using this definition, localised epidemics were identified in all but one years during 2004-2008, concerned less than 10% of the districts' population and often were geographically dispersed. Where sufficient laboratory data were available, localised epidemics were exclusively due to meningococci.

Conclusions

This definition of localised epidemics a the health centre level will be useful for risk factor and modelling studies to understand the meningitis belt phenomenon and help documenting vaccine impact against epidemic meningitis where no widespread laboratory surveillance exists for quantifying disease reduction after vaccination.
Single/low-copy integration of transgenes in Caenorhabditis elegans using an ultraviolet trimethylpsoralen method
Authors: Kage-Nakadai Eriko , Kobuna Hiroyuki , Funatsu Osamu , Otori Muneyoshi , Gengyo-Ando Keiko , Yoshina Sawako , Hori Sayaka , Mitani Shohei
Published: January 2012

Background

Transgenic strains ofCaenorhabditis elegansare typically generated by injecting DNA into the germline to form multi-copy extrachromosomal arrays. These transgenes are semi-stable and their expression is silenced in the germline. Mos1 transposon or microparticle bombardment methods have been developed to create single- or low-copy chromosomal integrated lines. Here we report an alternative method using ultraviolet trimethylpsoralen (UV/TMP) to generate single/low-copy gene integrations.

Results

We successfully integrated low-copy transgenes from extrachromosomal arrays using positive selection based on temperature sensitivity with avps-45rescue fragment and negative selection based on benzimidazole sensitivity with aben-1rescue fragment. We confirmed that the integrants express transgenes in the germline. Quantitative PCR revealed that strains generated by this method contain single- or low-copy transgenes. Moreover, positive selection marker genes flanked by LoxP sites were excised by Cre recombinase mRNA microinjection, demonstrating Cre-mediated chromosomal excision for the first time inC. elegans.

Conclusion

Our UV/TMP integration method, based on familiar extrachromosomal transgenics, provides a useful approach for generating single/low-copy gene integrations.
Patterned Si thin film electrodes for enhancing structural stability
Authors: Cho Gyu-bong , Noh Jung-pil , Sung Ho-jin , Lee Sang-hun , Im Yeon-min , Ahn Hyo-jun , Kim Ki-won
Published: January 2012

A patterned film (electrode) with lozenge-shaped Si tiles could be successfully fabricated by masking with an expanded metal foil during film deposition. Its electrochemical properties and structural stability during the charge-discharge process were examined and compared with those of a continuous (conventional) film electrode. The patterned electrode exhibited a remarkably improved cycleability (75% capacity retention after 120 cycles) and an enhanced structural stability compared to the continuous electrode. The good electrochemical performance of the patterned electrode was attributed to the space between Si tiles that acted as a buffer against the volume change of the Si electrode.
Effect of triplet multiple quantum well structures on the performance of blue phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Lee Seokjae , Koo Jaryong , Hyung Gunwoo , Lim Donghwan , Lee Donghyung , Lee Kumhee , Yoon Seungsoo , Kim Wooyoung , Kim Youngkwan
Published: January 2012

We investigate multiple quantum well [MQW] structures with charge control layers [CCLs] to produce highly efficient blue phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes [PHOLEDs]. Four types of devices from one to four quantum wells are fabricated following the number of CCLs which are mixed p- and n-type materials, maintaining the thickness of the emitting layer [EML]. Remarkably, such PHOLED with an optimized triplet MQW structure achieves maximum luminous and external quantum efficiency values of 19.95 cd/A and 10.05%, respectively. We attribute this improvement to the efficient triplet exciton confinement effect and the suppression of triplet-triplet annihilation which occurs within each EML. It also shows a reduction in the turn-on voltage from 3.5 V (reference device) to 2.5 V by the bipolar property of the CCLs.
Densification characteristics of chromia/alumina castables by particle size distribution
Authors: Zhao Jingming , Kim Taesuk , Kim Gichul , Hwang Kyuhong , Bae Dongsik
Published: January 2012

The quality of the refractories applied on integrated gasification combined cycle should be a key factor that affects both the reliability and the economics of gasifier operation. To enhance the workability of chromia/alumina castables, three types of ultrafine alumina powder were added to improve the workability. Densification behavior of such castables in the presence of ultrafine alumina was assessed through the measurement of parameters like flow value, viscosity, bulk density, apparent porosity, and microstructure evaluation by an SEM study. It's proved that the specific surface area and particle size distribution of ultrafine powders in matrix parts greatly influence the densification behavior of these castables.
Surveillance in eastern India (2007-2009) revealed reassortment event involving ns and PB1-F2 gene segments among co-circulating influenza a subtypes
Authors: Sarkar Mehuli , Chanda Shampa , Chakrabarti Sekhar , Mazumdar Jaydeep , Ganguly Anirban , Chadha Mandeep S , Mishra Akhilesh C , Chawla-Sarkar Mamta
Published: January 2012

Background

Influenza A virus encodes for eleven proteins, of which HA, NA, NS1 and PB1-F2 have been implicated in viral pathogenicity and virulence. Thus, in addition to the HA and NA gene segments, monitoring diversity of NS1 and PB1-F2 is also important.

Methods

55 out of 166 circulating influenza A strains (31 H1N1 and 24 H3N2) were randomly picked during 2007-2009 and NS and PB1-F2 genes were sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis was carried out with reference to the prototype strains, concurrent vaccine strains and other reference strains isolated world wide.

Results

Comparative analysis of both nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences, revealed presence of NS gene with A/PR/8/34(H1N1)-like mutations (H4N, Q21R, A22V, K44R, N53D, C59R, V60A, F103S and M106I) in both RNA-binding and effector domain of NS1 protein, and G63E, the HPAI-H5N1-like mutation in NEP/NS2 of five A/H1N1 strains of 2007 and 2009. NS1 of other A/H1N1 strains clustered with concurrent A/H1N1 vaccine strains. Of 31 A/H1N1 strains, five had PB1-F2 similar to the H3N2 strains; six had non-functional PB1-F2 protein (11 amino acids) similar to the 2009 pandemic H1N1 strains and rest 20 strains had 57 amino acids PB1-F2 protein, similar to concurrent A/H1N1 vaccine strain. Interestingly, three A/H1N1 strains with H3N2-like PB1-F2 protein carried primitive PR8-like NS gene. Full gene sequencing of PB1 gene confirmed presence of H3N2-like PB1 gene in these A/H1N1 strains.

Conclusion

Overall the study highlights reassortment event involving gene segments other than HA and NA in the co-circulating A/H1N1 and A/H3N2 strains and their importance in complexity of influenza virus genetics. In contrast, NS and PB1-F2 genes of all A/H3N2 eastern India strains were highly conserved and homologous to the concurrent A/H3N2 vaccine strains suggesting that these gene segments of H3N2 viruses are evolutionarily more stable compared to H1N1 viruses.
An Embodied View of Misunderstanding inMacbeth
Authors: Spolsky Ellen
Published: January 2012

The project of describing how people understand each other’s unspoken motivations, beliefs, commitments, and intentions had been housed in departments of linguistics or philosophy until about twenty-five years ago, when some developmental cognitive scientists intervened with different kinds of arguments and evidence. As part of the same broad movement toward academic interdisciplinarity, several young philosophers and some literary scholars have begun to visit the laboratories of psychologists, neurologists, and evolutionary biologists to learn and also to develop joint research projects, using older and newer theories of mind to advantage. Although a full-scale comparison of all the work in the separate and combined fields cannot be attempted here, I would like to make some preliminary comments about the relationship among philosophical and cognitive theories of understanding intentionality, pointing to particular strengths and weaknesses which bear on their usefulness to literary studies. My claim is that their gaps and their complementarity can be seen with particular clarity when they are used to describe interpretive failures in a complex literary text such as Shakespeare’s Macbeth.
Introduction: Exchange Values: Poetics and Cognitive Science
Authors: Bruhn Mark J.
Published: January 2012

Theory of literature, literary criticism and interpretation, literary and cultural history, semiotics of culture, linguistics, rhetoric and communications, cultural anthropology, cognitive studies, translation theory:... the common denominator of all this diversity is the ambition to understand literary and cultural texts both in their own right and in the context of other... systems; to develop advanced theories of literature, communication, and culture, and advanced methods of research; and to integrate the study of literature within the evolving larger field of the human sciences and ultimately that of the sciences at large.
Phosgene-free synthesis of 1,3-diphenylurea via catalyzed reductive carbonylation of nitrobenzene
Authors: Vavasori Andrea , Ronchin Lucio
Published: January 2012

1,3-Diphenylurea (DPU) has been proposed as a synthetic intermediate for phosgene-free synthesis of methyl N-phenylcarbamate and phenyl isocyanate, which are easily obtained from the urea by reaction with methanol. Such an alternative route to synthesis of carbamates and isocyanates necessitates an improved phosgene-free synthesis of the corresponding urea. In this work, it is reported that Pd(II)-diphosphine catalyzed reductive carbonylation of nitrobenzene in acetic acid (AcOH)-methanol proceeds in high yield and selectivity as a one-step synthesis of DPU. We have found that the catalytic activity and selectivity of this process depends on solvent composition and on the bite angle of the diphosphine ligands. Under optimum reaction conditions, yields in excess of 90 molar % and near-quantitative selectivity can be achieved.
Practice, theory and reflection: An examination of writing in performance training and research
Authors: IGWEONU KENE
Published: January 2012

This article focuses on my own practice and experience of teaching in the performing arts to examine how reflection could be used as a tool for facilitating learning in a way that does not construct practice and theory as distinct or opposing binaries. In it I argue that the superficial
nature of the boundary between practice and theory often traps creative and performing arts students in a mindset that militates against critical and analytic writing as they struggle to make connections between their studio practice and wider theoretical contexts. Consequently, the article
draws primarily on Maziar Raein's argument for a 'cohesive framework for knowledge' that recognizes the inter-relatedness of theory and practice in knowledge formation to argue that practice and theory operate along a continuum of knowledge. The article equally considers Paul Kleiman's argument
about the centrality of the creative process in bridging the perceived gap between practice and theory within the creative and performing arts. Finally, I discuss the use of 'reflective breaks' in my teaching on the performing arts programme at Swansea Metropolitan University as a way of deconstructing
the artificial boundaries between practice and theory.
Function of regulatory T-cells improved by dexamethasone in Graves' disease
Authors: Hu Yun , Tian Wei , Zhang Ling-Ling , Liu Hao , Yin Guo-Ping , He Bang-Shun , Mao Xiao-Ming
Published: January 2012

Objective

Intrathyroid injection of dexamethasone (DEX) has been used to treat Graves' disease (GD); however, the mechanism of this treatment remains poorly understood. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of DEX on the function of regulatory T (Treg) cells (CD4+CD25+T cells) in patients with GD.

Methods

Peripheral blood was obtained from 20 patients with GD, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated by Ficoll–Hypaque density gradient separation. CD4+CD25–/CD4+CD25+T cells were isolated by immunomagnetic selection and DEX was co-cultured with PBMCs or isolated T-cells for 72 h. Treg cell function was analyzed using the proliferation rate of CD4+CD25–T cells.

Results

The proportion of Treg cells and the transcription factor forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) mRNA expression in PBMCs decreased in GD patients compared with healthy subjects, and Treg cell function was impaired in patients with GD. Although the proportion of Treg cells andFOXP3mRNA expression in PBMCs did not increase, the function of Treg cells improved after the treatment with DEX. Moreover, the proportion of T-helper 2 (Th2) cells was decreased by the DEX treatment.

Conclusions

DEX could effectively improve the function of Treg cells and set up a new balance of Th1/Th2 in GD patients. This study might help to further understand the immune mechanism of the intrathyroid injection of DEX in the treatment of GD and facilitate the potential use of this therapy.
Humanização no cuidado de enfermagem nas concepções de profissionais de enfermagem
Authors: Chernicharo Isis de Moraes , Silva Fernanda Duarte da , Ferreira Márcia de Assunção
Published: January 2012

Pesquisa sobre os elementos que constituem as concepções de profissionais de enfermagem sobre a humanização do cuidado. Participaram 12 profissionais que atuam no cuidado de enfermagem, na clínica médica de um hospital público federal. Realizaram-se entrevistas individuais, semiestruturadas e observação sistemática. As concepções dos sujeitos sobre humanização remetem ao cuidado empírico (conhecimento científico), estético (a arte da enfermagem), pessoal (autoconhecimento) e moral (o cuidado ético). Conclui-se que a humanização no cuidado tem estreita aproximação com as relações interpessoais e com a gestão de saúde, tornando necessário um maior investimento no preparo de profissionais para que estes tenham uma abordagem mais humana e menos protocolar, que interfira na qualidade do cuidado.
Ejercicio físico con ritmo: intervención de enfermería para el control de la hipertensión arterial en un municipio del estado de México
Authors: Reza Cleotilde García , Sánchez Patricia Belén Mondragón , Pilar Matiana Morales del , Castro Maria Elizabeth Medina
Published: January 2012

Estudio casi experimental pre y postest sin grupo de control, cuyo objetivo fue analizar los beneficios de un programa de ejercicio físico con ritmo en personas con hipertensión arterial dirigido por enfermería en un municipio del Estado de México. Se realizó un programa de intervención en 110 pacientes con hipertensión arterial, en 20 sesiones de ejercicio físico con ritmo habiendo aceptado participar del estudio mediante la firma de consentimiento informado. Para el análisis de datos se utilizó como prueba de significación x² con valor de p=0.05. Dentro del estudio intervinieron 99 mujeres; de ellas, 81.8% son amas de casa. Después de la intervención, la presión arterial sistólica mostró disminución significativa en 8.28 mmHg y la presión diastólica 4.72 mmHg. El programa de ejercicio físico con ritmo provocó efectos favorables sobre la presión arterial, como una actividad de enfermería en su rol de educador.
Effect of substituting Si with Al and adding organic compounds on the luminescence properties of SiAlON phosphors
Authors: Izawa Takamasa , Kusunoki Tsuneo
Published: January 2012

Abstract— Fundamental investigations on the effect of modifying the composition of nitride phosphors on their luminescence properties are required to enhance their luminescence efficiencies. In this study, the composition of nitride phosphors was modified by substituting Si with Al and adding organic compounds to investigate their effect on the luminescence of SiAlON phosphors. This approach improved the luminescence efficiency and shifted the luminescence wavelength.
Perspectives on Context and Contextualism
Authors: Stalmaszczyk Piotr , Kopytowska Monika
Published: January 2012

Perspectives on Context and Contextualism
Processing of calibration measurements on EZB-3
Authors: Hašková V. , Lipták M.
Published: January 2012

Processing of calibration measurements on EZB-3

The calibration of horizontal circles results in a set of discrete correction values. These corrections are obtained in specific circle positions chosen by the size of the calibration step. For further use it is necessary to know the correction values for any location on a horizontal circle; therefore, it is necessary to know the function of the continuous corrections of a horizontal circle. This could be achieved from the measured values by several methods. In the article two methods are presented for determining this function through the approximation of polynomial and trigonometric series.
Swidden Farming as an Agent of Environmental Change: Ecological Myth and Historical Reality in Indonesia
Authors: Henley David
Published: January 2012

Swidden farming, once condemned as a major cause of deforestation, has increasingly come to be seen as a form of forest management and even conservation. Under traditional conditions, it is now assumed, swiddening was a sustainable practice and cultivation cycles were long enough to allow forest to regenerate during the fallow interval. This article tests these assumptions against historical evidence from Sulawesi (Indonesia) in the period 1820-1950. The data show that intensive bush-fallow swidden systems, with fallow periods of just five to six years, were already the norm in the early nineteenth century, when average population densities were still low and production for commerce limited. In most cases these traditional short-fallow systems were sustainable, in the sense of not entailing progressive deforestation beyond an established swidden-fallow complex. But within that complex the natural forest was permanently replaced by a much less rich and diverse anthropogenic vegetation. In some areas, moreover, swidden farming took an unsustainable, itinerant form involving the creation of fire-climax grassland. This too appears to have been a traditional pattern; there is no evidence that it resulted from population growth, or from external influences such as migration or commerce. The view of traditional swidden farming as an environmentally benign practice is an idealised one, and should not be allowed to obscure the fundamental incompatibility of agriculture with nature conservation.
Book Reviews
Authors: Tucker Richard , Lehmann Philip N. , Tomalin Emma
Published: January 2012

Chris Pearson, Peter Coates and Tim Cole, eds., Militarized Landscapes: From Gettysburg to Salisbury Plain (Richard Tucker)
Libby Robin, Chris Dickman and Mandy Martin, eds., Desert Channels: The Impulse to Conserve (Philip N. Lehmann)
Bron Taylor, Dark Green Religion. Nature Spirituality and the Planetary Future (Emma Tomalin)
Modeling and Control of a Flux-Modulated Compound-Structure Permanent-Magnet Synchronous Machine for Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Authors: Zheng Ping , Tong Chengde , Bai Jingang , Zhao Jing , Sui Yi , Song Zhiyi
Published: January 2012

The compound-structure permanent-magnet synchronous machine (CS-PMSM), comprising a double rotor machine (DRM) and a permanent-magnet (PM) motor, is a promising electronic-continuously variable transmission (e-CVT) concept for hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). By CS-PMSM, independent speed and torque control of the vehicle engine is realized without a planetary gear unit. However, the slip rings and brushes of the conventional CS-PMSM are considered a major drawback for vehicle application. In this paper, a brushless flux-modulated CS-PMSM is investigated. The operating principle and basic working modes of the CS-PMSM are discussed. Mathematical models of the CS-PMSM system are given, and joint control of the two integrated machines is proposed. As one rotor of the DRM is mechanically connected with the rotor of the PM motor, special rotor position detection and torque allocation methods are required. Simulation is carried out by Matlab/Simulink, and the feasibility of the control system is proven. Considering the complexity of the controller, a single digital signal processor (DSP) is used to perform the interconnected control of dual machines instead of two separate ones, and a typical hardware implementation is proposed.
The Evolutionary Innovation of Nutritional Symbioses in Leaf-Cutter Ants
Authors: Aylward Frank O. , Currie Cameron R. , Suen Garret
Published: January 2012

Fungus-growing ants gain access to nutrients stored in plant biomass through their association with a mutualistic fungus they grow for food. This 50 million-year-old obligate mutualism likely facilitated some of these species becoming dominant Neotropical herbivores that can achieve immense colony sizes. Recent culture-independent investigations have shed light on the conversion of plant biomass into nutrients within ant fungus gardens, revealing that this process involves both the fungal cultivar and a symbiotic community of bacteria including Enterobacter, Klebsiella, and Pantoea species. Moreover, the genome sequences of the leaf-cutter ants Atta cephalotes and Acromyrmex echinatior have provided key insights into how this symbiosis has shaped the evolution of these ants at a genetic level. Here we summarize the findings of recent research on the microbial community dynamics within fungus-growing ant fungus gardens and discuss their implications for this ancient symbiosis.
Crushing or Splitting Medications: Unrecognized Hazards
Authors: Gill Donna , Spain Margaret , Edlund Barbara J.
Published: January 2012

Given the high use and the cost of medications in the current economy, one way older adults may save money on prescription costs is to split some of their medications in half. However, not all oral medications can be split. Splitting inappropriate medications such as extended-release tablets can be harmful and in some instances very dangerous. In addition to splitting medications, older adults who have difficulty swallowing pills may resort to crushing the medication for ease of administration. This option is also problematic and potentially harmful if the medication is not intended to be crushed. Clinicians managing the care of older adults need to discuss medication administration, clarify the dosing schedule, and clearly indicate the route of administration. Patients should be cautioned not to split or crush a medication without checking with the health care provider or pharmacist.
Simulation of Fatigue Failure of Rail Joint Bolts by FEA
Authors: Li Xiao Peng , Nie Hui Fan , Yuan Wei Jie , Wen Bang Chun
Published: January 2012

It is well known that the fatigue failure of bolts can affect the performance of rail joint and the safety of train running. In this work, the influence of the bolt torque and radius of rounded root of rail bolt on the fatigue strength of the rail bolt are studied by Finite Element Contact Analysis method. And the influence effects of the wheel impact and temperature force of the rail caused by temperature changed on bolt failure are studied. The results indicate that properly torque and increasing the radius of rounded root rail bolt can reduce the stress concentration at the root of rail bolt and this will improves the fatigue strength and the working life of the rail bolt and rail joint. The repeated temperature force of the rail and wheel impact force are playing an important role in the influencing factors on fatigue failure of the rail joint bolts. Due to this, the two bolts near the rail joints will to be fatigue failure almost earlier than others. That is one of the reasons why the bolts should be preloaded or replaced regularly.
Vibration Control and Design of Vehicle Engine Mount Activated by Magnetorheological Fluid
Authors: Deng Zhao Xue , Zheng Ling
Published: January 2012

Magneto-rheological (MR) fluid mount demonstrates excellent performance of vibration isolation in a wide frequency range and potential application in engineering. In this paper, a new mixed mode MR mount is proposed and an analytical model is established and used to predict the performance of MR mount. Meantime, a six degrees of freedom dynamic model of an in-line four-cylinder engine which has three points mounting system is derived by considering the dynamic behaviors of MR mount and its state space form is established. LQR and fuzzy-logic controllers are designed and synthesized to actively control the imposed vibration. The simulation results show that the proposed LQR or fuzzy-logic controllers can isolate the vibration of vehicle engine in a wide frequency range. The amplitudes can be suppressed well by employing this mount system. Its effectiveness will be verified via experiment in the second part of this work.
Research of Film Uniformity on Vacuum Coating by Magnetron Sputtering with Multi-Sites
Authors: Huang Ying , Gao Shi Tie , Liu Meng
Published: January 2012

A new type of multi-site magnetron sputtering system has been researched, which has more than one workbench. Based on the operating principle of the magnetron sputtering system which with a circular plane target, a mathematical model has been developed to simulate and discuss the influencing factors on the film thickness uniformity. The results showed that when the substrates were rotating axially and eccentrically, the film thickness distribution were affected by both the target-substrate distance and the eccentricity. If the eccentricity was constant, the film thickness would become thinner when the target-substrate distance increased, and the thickness uniformity tended to be improved. If the target-substrate distance was constant, the thickness uniformity would become better when the eccentricity increased. Moreover, if the substrate rotated axially and revolved around the target simultaneously, the thickness uniformity would become better when velocity ratio of axial rotation to revolution increased. And the effect of the thickness uniformity became small gradually if the ratio increases to a certain degree. In addition, increasing the etching area properly not only could conduct the film distribution to better, and improve the substrate film thickness uniformity also. Finally, taking a series of experiments, and analyzing the experimental data, the conclusion of the study results in the paper had been verified.
HHT Based Analysis on Experiments of Rotor System with Rub-Impact
Authors: Yong Yang , Zhang Shuai , Qu Yan Huai
Published: January 2012

Based on the demand of engineering, the motion characteristics and time-frequency properties of rotor system with rub-impact at fixed limiter are studied by experiment. Three typical cases at different rotating speeds are chosen from the experiment. On the basis of traditional amplitude spectrum and shaft center orbit methods, Hilbert-Huang transformation is applied to the fault signals analysis. Fault features are characterized completely and accurately by Hilbert spectrum. It is show that the vibration of the system is with typical characteristic of periodic motions and corresponding time-frequency (instantaneous frequency) -amplitude /energy representations in the rotor system with rub-impact at fixed limiter.
Energy Analysis Method Based on Wavelet Transform for Sensor Fault Diagnosis
Authors: Qian Peng Peng , Liu Jin Guo , Zhang Wei , Wei Ying Zi
Published: January 2012

Wavelet analysis with its unique features is very suitable for analyzing non-stationary signal, and it can also be used as an ideal tool for signal processing in fault diagnosis. The characteristics of the faults and the necessary information on the diagnosis can be constructed and extracted respectively by wavelet analysis. Though wavelet analysis is specialized in characteristics extraction, it can not determine the fault type. So this paper has proposed an energy analysis method based on wavelet transform. Experiment results show the method is very effective for sensor fault diagnosis, because it can not only detect the sensor faults, but also determine the fault type.
Speech Enhancement Using Wavelet Neural Network with Sub-Band Adaptive Matched Filter
Authors: Yang Dan , Xu Bin , Ye Lin Lin , Wang Xu
Published: January 2012

Wavelet Neural Network (WNN) Is a Time-frequency Analysis Method, which Detects the Subtle Small Changes in the Signal Frequency Domain. Adaptive Filter Provides a Kind of Simple and Applied Method for Processing Signals in Noise. in this Paper, we Proposed a New Speech Enhancement Technique which Is Based on Wavelet Neural Network Using Adaptive Matched Filter Adjusting Weight. we Choose the Signal with Noise Pollution as the Input Signal and then Put it to the Trained Wavelet Neural Network. Wavelet Decomposition and Wavelet Neural Network Weights Processing Adopt Signal Sub-band Adaptive Matched Filter, the Output Signal of Wavelet Neural Network Is an Approximation Form of Original Signal. the Results Show that the WNN Is a Quite Effective Method for the Speech Enhancement and Improving the Ration of Signal to Noise.
Research and Application of Machine Vision in Industry
Authors: Liao Wei , Pei Xiao Rui
Published: January 2012

This paper briefly introduce the concept and characteristic and form of machine vision inspecting system, elaborate its application in industry, the present status and development prospects of the application in geometry measurement are described in detail, and deal with emphatically its critical technical points and the corresponding solutions.
Two De-Noising Methods Based on Gabor Transform
Authors: Shen Yong Jun , Zhang Guang Ming , Yang Shao Pu , Xing Hai Jun
Published: January 2012

Two de-noising methods, named as the averaging method in Gabor transform domain (AMGTD) and the adaptive filtering method in Gabor transform domain (AFMGTD), are presented in this paper. These two methods are established based on the correlativity of the source signals and the background noise in time domain and Gabor transform domain, that is to say, the uncorrelated source signals and background noise in time domain would still be uncorrelated in Gabor transform domain. The construction and computation scheme of these two methods are investigated. The de-noising performances are illustrated by some simulation signals, and the wavelet transform is used to compare with these two new de-noising methods. The results show that these two methods have better de-noising performance than the wavelet transform, and could reduce the background noise in the vibration signal more effectively.
Optimization Mode Research of Weighted Undirected Graph
Authors: Fan Wei , Wang Hong , Liu Feng , Xing Qian
Published: January 2012

An algorithm is described for constructing a weighted undirected graph structure, based on the principle of directed acyclic graph, used the improved Floyd algorithm to improve the multi-node version of the evolution of information in order to release as an indicator of difference, to improve the reliability of multiple versions of data storage and multi-version storage and query efficiency. Theory and examples show that efficiency is improved using the optimization model in multi-node information system.
Blood Flow Velocity Changes in the Middle Cerebral Artery Induced by Driving Fatigue
Authors: Wang Hong , Chi Xiao Mei , Yan Ya Jing , Zhang Ning Ning
Published: January 2012

The cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) of middle cerebral artery (MCA) was detected during the fatigue driving using Transcranial Doppler. The CBFV was also analyzed after the fatigue driving by different means of relaxation to alleviate brain fatigue. The results show that the CBFV in MCA is reduced by driving fatigue.
Research on Dynamic Characteristics of Serial-Parallel Combination Joint with Flexible-Cable
Authors: Fang Li Jin , Wei Yong Le , Tao Guang Hong
Published: January 2012

In order to design the humanoid dual-arms high voltage transmission line inspection robot, the robot model is given and the working mechanism of the robot crossing obstacles is introduced, and the motion trajectory of the robot when it is moving is analyzed. The dynamic equations of the serial driven and the serial-parallel driven robotic arm are presented based on Lagrange equation and the dynamic characteristics of the wrist and elbow joint are simulated. The numerical simulation result of the serial driven robotic arm shows that the elbow joint has great torque when the robot moves horizontally and vertically. However, the numerical simulation result of the serial-parallel driven robotic arm shows that the elbow joint torque reduces greatly comparing with the serial driven arm. By analyzing the results of the simulation experiment, it can be seen that this serial-parallel combination driven joint with flexible-cable can reduce the elbow torque greatly and improve the load capacity of robotic arm comparing with the serial driven joint, which can solve the problem that the torque of serial driven joint in dual-arms inspection robot is too high.
A Relationship between Movement Time and Traveled Distances in Forward/Backward Direction Cooperative Task
Authors: Ahmad Faizal S. , Ryojun Ikeura , Hayakawa Soichiro , Sawai Hideki
Published: January 2012

The research main objective was to generate a smooth cooperative rigid object transfer by a human hand and a robot manipulator mimicking the same task performs by two humans. In achieving such objective, the relationship between movement time and traveled distances of the cooperative task performed by two humans were investigated. A motion capture system was utilized to record the movement of two subjects namely, Leader and Follower during the cooperative transfer of an object using their right hands in a seated position. The cooperative task was performed in forward/backward directions relative to the Leader. The Leader informed the Follower on the onset and the terminating position prior to the execution of the cooperative task. Both subjects moved the object towards the target together. The results show a linear relationship between movement time and traveled distances. Both subjects were found to have similar relationship for the cooperative task in the same direction. In forward/backward cooperative task, the direction is not significant in influencing the relationship between movement time and traveled distances. The relationship will be tested with robotic motion in the next phase of the research.
Kinematic Analysis of Three-Wire-Driven Parallel (TWDP) Robot
Authors: Yu Tao , Han Qing Kai
Published: January 2012

In the paper, a novel new gravity-constrained (GC) three-wire-driven (TWD) parallel robot is proposed. With its mechanism model, three typical kinematics analytical models, including horizontal up-down motion, pitching motion and heeling motion and their corresponding simulations are given in detail. In static analysis, the change of tensions in the wires is calculated based on previous kinematics analysis. The simulation results show the robot has good movement stability. The paper can provide useful materials to study of dynamics and control on wire-driven robot.
Key Posture Extraction from Object Manipulations Experiments
Authors: B. Melo Nicholas , Watanabe Tetsuyou
Published: January 2012

In this work we present a novel concept for key posture by looking for grasping similarities among several grasping experiments. To highlight the nature of key posture idea, the object used in experiment had different sizes, although share the same type. Grouping the extracted data by joint, we search for time interval with high data concentration. If this time interval is shared by many joints in the same experiment we can extract key posture from that interval. The key posture can help a robotic hand system to grasp, control and manipulate the object through a specific task.
A Judgment Criterion of Crossing Obstacle Ability for Lunar Rover with Track Angle
Authors: Gu Kan Feng , Yang Guo Yong
Published: January 2012

The problem of traversing obstacles for a six-wheeled rocker bogie lunar rover is presented. Based on the analysis of forces and rover movement track angle, a criterion to determine traversing obstacles ability for the rover is developed to predict whether the robot can overcome current obstacle. The concept of traversing obstacles ability index is presented, which can be used to describe the trafficability of the rover quantificationally. The caculated results of wheels driving torques by this method can be used as a reference for confirming appropriate driving torque with the wheels during they challenge the terrain. A numerical example is given to illustrate our method.
Study on Acc/Dec Algorithm Based on Piecewise Polynomial in CNC
Authors: Ji Guo Shun , Chen Zhi Ping , Zhang Ju Yong , Liu Wei
Published: January 2012

In order to improve the stability of feed movement in high speed CNC system, the feedrate planning algorithm based on piece-wise polynomial function was proposed. The flexible transition of feedrate was realized through maintaining linear continuous jerk. The principle of the proposed algorithm was introduced and the method to generate smooth motion profile based on the proposed algorithm was presented. The rapidity, stability and tracking accuracy of the feedrate planning algorithm to linearity, S curve and the proposed one were analyzed. The proposed algorithm is simple and it can be applied in acceleration/deceleration before interpolation in high speed feed movement to improve the stability of it. The proposed algorithm was applied in multi-contour high speed processing and the result indicated that it could improve the stability of large-scale parts motion.
Planar Contour Primitive Recognition of Thin Sheet Part Dimensional Inspection System
Authors: Wu Ji Gang , He Kuan Fang , Qin Bin
Published: January 2012

According to the two indices of inspection accuracy and inspection speed, a planar contour primitive recognition method of thin sheet part dimensional inspection system based on curvature and HOUGH transform is proposed. A contour point classification algorithm based on neighborhood values is developed, and a curvature threshold method is selected to filter the contour points, and a projection height method is selected to distinguish the property of the primitive and classify the contour points, and the straight line primitive and arc primitive segmentation and merging algorithms are constructed respectively by HOUGH transform. The inspection accuracy and inspection speed of the proposed method are compared and analyzed by contrast experiments between the proposed method and four dominant point detection methods such as Chung & Tsai method and so on. The dominant point detection ability of the proposed method is tested by a simulation planar contour which includes all kinds of dominant points. The experimental results indicate that the proposed method can recognize primitives exactly, the inspection speed is fast and the universality is good.
Climbing and Turning Control of a Biped Passive Walker by Periodic Input Based on Frequency Entrainment
Authors: Suzuki Soichiro , Cao Ying , Takada Masamichi , Oi Kentaro
Published: January 2012

This study is aimed at stabilizing a three dimensional biped passive walker in various environments and achieving climbing and turning control. The novel control method synchronizes a period of the changing motion of the stance leg in frontal plane (frontal motion) with a period of the swing leg by periodic input in order to stabilize the three dimensional passive walker. A mechanical oscillator is utilized to change the period of the frontal motion. The target path of the oscillator is automatically generated based on frequency entrainment in order to adjust the period of the frontal motion. In the climbing and turning control of the passive walker, the amplitude and the phase generating algorithm of the target path of the oscillator are improved. It is analytically demonstrated that the biped passive walker can be stabilized even in climbing and turning.
High Density Ozone Generation System Using Fuzzy Inference Engine
Authors: Lee Wang Heon , Kim Ilh Wan , Kim Ka Bil
Published: January 2012

Ozone (O3) is generated by voltage control inverter of single phase sinusoidal waveform different from current control inverter of three phase used in motor control. Ozone quantity is directly proportional to the frequency as well as the voltage of power supply. In this paper, we propose not only a voltage control inverter of 600Hz and step-up transformer from 220V to 12KV using IGBT, but also fuzzy inference engine using MADANI Min-Max composition so as to generate the high density ozone generation. We substantiate that the proposed Ozone generation system produces the double quantity of ozone and higher efficiency than conventional ozone system using the current control inverter through lots of real experiments on the developed ozone system.
Study on Design Method of Logistics Platform Based on SOA & ESB
Authors: Yu Yong
Published: January 2012

The quick development of internet technology and electronic commerce has driven the demand of internationalization of logistics services. The internationalization trend of logistics requests that local logistics system should integrate with other information systems in terms of data, business and knowledge. However, the integration among heterogeneous systems has always been the key problem to the development of internet technology. More and more information systems of the logistics enterprises become “information solitary islands”, due to the incompatibility of IT en-vironment, database format or knowledge structure. As the demand of business and technique changing, a large number of “solitary islands” are destined to be legacy systems, which causing a great waste of resources. The article employed the SOA (Service Oriented Architecture) framework and ESB (Enterprise Service Bus) technology to solve integration problems among heterogeneous systems. SOA is a software architecture theory, which based on services as components. ESB is employed to supply SOA with base architecture of message-oriented middleware in the term of in-cremental bus. However, there isn’t any integrated design method for logistics system based on SOA & ESB up to now. To fill the gap, this article presents an integrated design method through analyzing the integration environment of logistics platform, building service directory, designing system architecture and service components. The most significant results show that Firstly, this ar-ticle has presented a stratified implementation model for logistics platform to implement SOA con-cept into system model framework, so as to guide the design and development. Secondly, it also presents methods of system analysis and design with samples in following steps: service catalogue design, integral architecture design, service design, service and module depending design and ser-vice implementation design. The whole design method has been used successfully in actual project of design and development of international logistics platform. It is proved that this method can effi-ciently create integrated service logic, reduce the cost of design and development, and improve the compatibility of logistics system.
Implementation Mechanism of Automated Reconciliation for Web Services Protocols
Authors: Yu Hai Dong , Zou Ying , Liu Fang
Published: January 2012

The paper mainly researched the game actions among partners in complex interactions supported by Web Service. It studied web service provider’s implementation decision satisfied with perfect Bayesian equilibrium thus results a controllable equilibrium route in voluntary implementation. It also contributes to the problem of voluntary implementation when the planner is also a player and finds out the full characterization of it. So the implementation mechanism can always get the reconciliation of web service, which is able to effectively facilitate dynamic interactions among trading partners in a peer to peer mode.
A Research on the Extraction and Interpretation of Power Line Communication Noise Pattern Using Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Seo Chung Ki , Jeong Su Mi , Chung Duck Jin
Published: January 2012

A PLC is more sensitive in noise than other wired communication system that is cable, DSL, and optical LAN. Therefore it considered as a crucial point in commercialization of PLC. For the commercialization of PLC, noise reduction and cancelation technique are needed. Therefore, it is definitely required to analyze and interpret the effects and types of the noise, exactly. The purpose of this work is to separate and extract the various noise of power line from data signals.
A Study on the Effective Gas Safety Management Using Smart Appliances
Authors: Park Gyou Tae , Lyu Geun Jun , Kim Young Gyu , Kim Young Dae , Kim Hie Sik
Published: January 2012

In this paper, we developed and tested the effective gas safety management system by using wireless intelligent gas safety appliances to monitor gas flow and pressure, earthquake in a micom-gas-meter, to check combustible gas leaks and temperature (upper 100°C) in an automatic extinguisher and to measure smoke and CO gas. Then our system takes safety measures such as cutoff, warning and messages to protect a serious risk if results of event are abnormal, communicates with a wall-pad including a gateway with ZigBee network in buildings and to inform the event to user via the safety management program in our server. Also, the inner cutoff valve of intelligent gas meters and automatic extinguishers are operated automatically if irregular events are occurred.
Nonlinear Vibration Analysis of Machine-Tool Guideway System with Clearance
Authors: Luo Hai Tao , Liu Yu Wang , Wang Hong Guang , Zhou Wei Jia
Published: January 2012

This paper studies hysteretic effect of machine-tool guideway system with clearance, establishes the nonlinear dynamics model of guideway system with symmetric clearance, and obtains the equivalent damping and equivalent stiffness coefficients using asymptotic method. With the use of time-domain graph, frequency-domain graph, phase trajectory figure, Poincare section figure, bifurcation diagram, and lyapunov exponent figure, the dynamics response of damping and external vibration frequency effect on system is studied. The result shows that the period, double-period and chaos movement will occur when the system parameters change in certain range.