bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multimodality in the Preparation of Teachers of the Social Studies
Authors: Bérci Margaret E.
Published: November 2013

The chapter outlines a project designed to address the challenges in developing and delivering the Social Studies methods course. The knowledge base represents a symbiotic integration of selected philosophical, theoretical, and methodological ideas. Specifically, it reports on two pilot courses that integrate online, traditional face-to-face, and Web-based formats. The project scaffolds the resulting weave with the Case Study process for Problem-Based Learning. This integration advances teacher education practice and facilitates the development of teacher candidates' democratic understanding of the issues surrounding the teaching and learning of Social Studies. It demonstrates the usefulness of multimodality in Education.
The Use of Digital Story Expressions with Adolescents to Promote Content Area Literacy
Authors: McAdams Laurie , Gentry James
Published: November 2013

The meaning of literacy has evolved to include digital, electronic, and visual expressions. Students enter classrooms possessing a level of proficiency with these new literacy skills, yet they encounter predominantly traditional print formats. Research suggested incorporating digital technologies into instruction has the potential to enhance reading comprehension, as well as foster the development of critical thinking. This chapter describes how two middle school teachers, a language arts teacher and a social studies teacher, incorporate digital story expressions into their curriculum as a way to address both students’ and teachers’ digital knowledge, skills, and behaviors. This process, detailed in this chapter, includes taking an initial assessment of students’ skills levels, developing cross-curricular connections, drafting an assessment plan, and maintaining collaborative efforts during the instructional sequence.
Are IT Outsource Engagements Offering the Expected Values and Benefits?
Authors: Folinas Dimitris , Smit Jan
Published: November 2013

This study addresses a variety of operational aspects within the Information Technology (IT) infrastructure outsourcing arena within the South African market segment. The key issues are whether outsourcing engagements are delivered according to how customers expect the services to be and whether the possibilities exist for these types of services to be delivered at a reduced cost and at the same time increase the productivity in which the services are being delivered. The study was conducted through a narrative approach in the form of a structured in-depth interview process with 10 top executives in some of the largest organizations within South Africa. The organizations that were focused on for the research are either outsourcing service providers or customers to outsourcing service providers, all of which operate internationally. The research has shown that although these benefits are considered values that outsourcing offers, organizations within the South African market do not feel that this is the case, especially when considering costs and skilled resources.
High-Lift Mechanism of a Bionic Slat
Authors: Ge Chang Jiang , Ge Mei Chen
Published: November 2013

To avoid broadband noise from a slat cove, the deployed slat contour is usually modified by filling cove, but the design is sensitive to aerodynamic performance. In the paper, a bionic slat without a cove is built on the basis of a bionic airfoil (i.e. stowed bionic multi-element airfoil), which is extracted from a long-eared owl wing. The quasi-two-dimensional models with a deployed bionic slat and a stowed bionic slat are manufactured by rapid manufacturing and prototyping system, respectively, and measured in a low-turbulence wind tunnel. The results are used to characterize high-lift effect: the lift coefficients of the model with a stowed slat are larger at less than 4°angle of attack, but the model with a deployed slat has the larger lift coefficients at greater than 4°angle of attack. Furthermore, the deployed bionic slat can increase stall angle and maximum lift coefficient, but also delay the decline of the lift coefficient curve slope meaning that the leading-edge separation is postponed within a certain range of angle of attack. At the same time, the flow field around the models is visualized by smoke wire method. The leading-edge separation of the model with a stowed slat is shown at low Reynolds number and angle of attack. However, the finding does not occur in the flow field of the model with a deployed slat at the same conditions, probably because the gap between the bionic slat and the main wing results in favorable pressure gradient, the deployed bionic slat decreases the peak of adverse pressure gradient by increasing the chord of the bionic multi-element model, and the bionic slat wake excites transition to the boundary layer on upper surface of the main wing. This superiority may be used as reference in the design of the leading-edge slat without a cove.
Locomotive and Adhesive Behavior of Apopestes spectrum on Murals in Mogao Grottoes, Dunhuang
Authors: Ji Ai Hong , Wang Wan Fu , Yan Jun Feng , Wu Fa Si
Published: November 2013

Adhesion of insects on murals is one of key factors leading to the biological diseases of wall paintings in cave temples. Murals in Mogao Grottoes, Dunhuang is art treasures. It is very important to study insects damage on murals for Mogao Grottoes preservation. We recorded locomotion and adhesive behavior ofApopestes spectrumon murals in Mogao Grottoes and simulated murals. The insects can creep steadily on inclined mural surfaces which angle of slopes are 90°, 135° and 180°, respectively. Its gait parameters were adjusted with the change of angle of slope.Apopestes spectrumadjust their locomotive and adhesive patterns on vertical murals with the change of roughness of the murals surface. The insects cant adhere on two kinds of simulated mural surfaces in ultramarine and realgar color whose roughness are 1.154~1.156 μm. And they can adhere on seven kinds of simulated surfaces in iron yellow, indigo, white lead, red lead, orpiment, vermilion and yellow lead color whose roughness are 1.319~2.714 μm depending on the mechanism of mechanical interlocking between claws and substrates. With the help of wing flapping, the insects can creep on these simulated murals.Apopestes spectrumcan freely move and stably adhere by claws on other seven kinds of simulated surfaces in atacamite, ink, talc, gypsum, natural red soil, azurite and malachite color whose roughness are 3.129~6.662 μm. When insects climb on murals, their claw tips flip on the substrates and damage the surface the murals. Keywords: insect, locomotion, adhesion, mural, claw
Morphing Models of a Bat Wing in Flapping Flight
Authors: Guan Zi Wu , Yu Yong Liang
Published: November 2013

Kinematic models, which contain flapping and deformations, of a bat flapping wing when it flies at medium speeds are presented in the study. The deformations include cambering - morphing in the chordwise direction, bending - morphing in the spanwise direction and twisting respecting angles of attack (AOA) varying along the length of the wing. In the study, we assumed a circular-arc-shaped deformation when cambering or bending occurs, and introduced controlling parameters for each morphing. Then we showed the expressions of the controlling parameters varying with time at the bat flight speed of 3m/s according to the data provided by a literature, and verified the reasonability of the assumptions at last.
Anatomical Study of Insect Flight Structure
Authors: Ge Cheng Bin , Ji Ai Hong , Han Tao , Li Chang Long
Published: November 2013

Compared with the fixed-wing and rotary-wing aerial vehicle, the bionic ornithopter has unique advantages in flying maneuverability and flexibilities, becoming one of the focuses of current researches. Because of their high speeds, long distance flight sand low energy consumptions, more and more attentions has been paid to flying insects. Their unique physical structures and flight modes will enlighten the bionic ornithopter. In this paper, four insects flight-related muscle biological structures were dissected to specify the effects of the muscles. Then the flapping wing behavior of two of these insects was tested to guide for design of the bionic ornithopter. The anatomic results showed that they commonly own the dorsoventral muscles, whose weight proportions increase with their body wall thickness. The three-dimensional flapping traces of Dragonflies and Uangs are respectively 8-shape and resemble-8-shape. With combines of anatomy and flapping wing behavior test, the dorsoventral muscle and the tergal longitudinal muscle affect some flight parameters (flapping wing frequency, flapping wing angle, flapping wing movement, etc.). But these flight parameters changes were not sure entirely caused by the muscles. The study of insect physiology structure and flight mode not only can help the further understanding of the production mechanism of high-lift when insects flying, but also can provide theoretical support for development of the bionic ornithopter.
A New Kind of Electro-Active Nano-Composite Actors Based on SSMA-Reinforced Nafion
Authors: Ru Jie , Yu Min , He Qing Song , Wang Bao Lei , Dai Zhen Dong
Published: November 2013

Ionic polymer metal composite actuators (IPMCs), a new kind of smart material, have taken much attention as suitable candidates for the next generation actuators, micro-electromechanical systems, medical devices and micro air vehicles. In this paper, a new kind of IPMCs was developed by incorporating sulfonated poly (styrene-co-maleic anhydride) (SSMA) into the Nafion structure to overcome some of the major drawbacks of traditional electro-active polymers. The results show that the ion exchange capacity and water uptake ratio of the SSMA-Nation membrane increased dramatically. Compared with general IPMCs, the maximum bending displacement and the maximum blocking force of the SSMA-reinforced IPMCs improved greatly: the 1 wt.% SSMA-IPMC exhibited the maximum bending displacement of 11 mm up to 1.4 times, while the 5 wt.% SSMA-IPMC exhibited the maximum blocking force of 26 mN up to 1.2 times.
An Inchworm Bionic Stepping Actuator Based on PZT/ER Hybrid Dive and Control
Authors: Liu Guo Jun , Liu Jian Fang , Li Jian Qiao , Yang Zhi Gang , Zhu Jia
Published: November 2013

An unconventional inchworm stepping actuator based on bionics is presented, which consists of driving unit (PZT stack pump), fluid control unit (ER fluids valve), actuating mechanism (precision hydraulic cylinder). As a new type of precision force/ displacement driving and positioning system, it inherits the advantages of conventional inchworm actuators, and also has its own remarkable characteristics, such as that stepping displacement can be adjusted precisely through varying the working voltage and frequency, etc. The driving unit is actuated jointly by double PZT stacks; Multi-channel parallel cylindrical ER fluids valve is designed as the control valve. In the lab, the inchworm bionic stepping actuator based on PZT/ ER hybrid dive and control is designed and manufactured, and the related performances are testedsystematically. The maximum driving force reaches 49N, and the step size and driving speed VS the working voltage shows a good linear relationship under three different signal waveforms. At the same time, in the frequency range less than 40Hz, the driving speed VS the frequency approximately shows a linear relationship. When working voltage is 100V and rectangle wave signal inputs, the step size reaches 12.6μm. When the working voltage and frequency is 100V, 40Hz, respectively, the driving speed reaches 420μm/s. The maximum drive speed of test prototype reaches 1051 μm/s, when working in frequency 75 Hz. The systematic test shows that the method using PZT and ER hybrid drive and control technology to develop a new type of inchworm bionic stepping actuator is feasible, which provides a reference for the future development of new type of actuator.
Design of a Portable IPMC Actuator Tester
Authors: Zhang Meng , Yu Ming , He Qing Song , Wang Bao Lei , Ru Jie , Dai Zhen Dong
Published: November 2013

As a new intelligent material, IPMC (Ionic polymer-metal composite) can be driven under low voltage with large deformation, and has been widely used in biomedical and robotic systems. Traditional IPMC testing system is bulky, high cost, and inconvenient to use. In order to achieve the portability and convenience of the IPMC testing system, a small and low-cost IPMC tester was designed. The power supply and control system of the tester were integrated into an IPMC electrode clamp. The main research work included control system circuit design, electrode clamp and overall exterior design. The displacement measurement results showed that the design for the IPMC tester was correct and feasible.
A New Ortho-POD Biotribometer for Orthopaedic Biomaterials Wear Testing
Authors: Hua Zi Kai , Fan Yong Wei
Published: November 2013

Wear has been the primary failure mode affecting the long-term performance of orthopaedic implants. The tribological evaluation of orthopaedic biomaterials in vitro is regarded as an essential material characterization before implantation. In this paper, a new biotribometer of pin-on-disk type, the Ortho-POD, was designed and built for the biotribological tests of orthopaedic biomaterials. The primary goal of developing this Ortho-POD is to simulate and predict the wear properties of orthopaedic biomaterials in clinical application, especially in the form of hip, knee and spine prostheses. This 6-station Ortho-POD, including a pin guiding module, a motion module, a framework module and a loading module, provides multidirectional slide track shapes and variable load via a computer-controlled programmer. A frequency controller and heating system were assembled in the Ortho-POD so as to offer a wide range of testing conditions. Keywords-biotribology; wear; orthopaedic biomaterial; pin on disk; wear testing
Biomimetic Films of BLMs Based on Conductive Hybrid Films of Au NPs and Cellulose
Authors: Liu Zhi Ming , Wang Xue Feng , Wu Wen Jian
Published: November 2013

A new type of biomimetic films of bilayer lipid membrane (BLM) supported by conductive hybrid film of Au nanoparticles (Au NPs) and cellulose is developed. The facile preparation method of the conductive hybrid films and the relevant micro conducting mechanism under electrochemical redox environment are revealed. The regenerated cellulose film is prepared from the cellulose/N-methylmorpholine N-oxide monohydrate solution. After the cellulose film is regenerated by deionized water, Au NPs in the colloid react with the newborn cellulose film. Rectangular pieces of dry hybrid films with one ends clamped with copper foil are used as electrodes. The lipid solution of phospholipid and cholesterol with a ratio of 3:1 is brushed onto the surface of dry hybrid films. There are only reducing currents in the cyclic voltammetry responses of biomimetic films under the aqueous electrolyte solution of 0.1 mol/L KCl, 1 mmol/L K3[Fe (CN)6] and 1 mmol/L K4[Fe (CN)6]. It means that the anions of [Fe (CN)6]4- are almost impossible to be oxidized into [Fe (CN)6]3- by the positively charged surfaces of Au NPs under voltages below 0.3 V.
Hybrid Biological Fiber-Reinforced Resin-Based Friction Materials Friction and Wear Performance Test
Authors: Ma Yun Hai , Ma Sheng Sheng , Shen Sheng Long , Tong Jin , Guo Li
Published: November 2013

Friction material is essential for automotive braking system. Based on previous study of existing friction material problems, hybrid biological fiber-reinforced resin-based friction materials (HBRMs, from the reinforced fiber component of resin-based friction materials) were explored in this study. Bamboo fiber, jute fiber and wool fiber (all have length of 3-5 mm) were processed to make three types of HBRMs and considered as three factors of biological reinforced fiber in test using orthogonal experimental design. Each factor had three levels of 1%, 2% and 3% fiber mass fraction while the ratio of other raw materials remains unchanged. According to the orthogonal experimental design table, nine formulations (denoted as M1-M9) were determined to test the HBRMs. For comparison, non-bio-fiber reinforced friction material (NBM) was added in the test. The properties of the HBRMs tested included Rockwell hardness, impact strength and density. The friction and wear performance of the braking materials was examined by a speed friction tester. The results show that the friction coefficient of the HBRMs was slightly higher than that of the NBM, indicating biological fibers affected the friction coefficient. The friction coefficient of the HBRMs decreased firstly with the increase of temperature and had the lowest value when the temperature reached 300°C, and it increased then as temperature increased. During recovery process, the friction coefficient of the HBRMs firstly increased with the decrease of temperature and then decreased greatly when the temperature dropped to 100°C. The wear rates of the HBRMs increased with the increase of temperature and reached maximum value when temperature reached 200°C, then it decreased with the increase of temperature. The results of fuzzy comprehensive evaluation analysis on the friction coefficient and wear rate show that the best comprehensive properties were presented when the mass fraction of bamboo, jute and wool fiber were 3%, 3% and 1%，respectively.
Preparation and Characterization of SPS-PMHS Hybrid Ionic Polymer-Metal Composites Studies
Authors: Ding Yan , Jiao Zhan Shi , Xu Yun Xia , Guo Dong Jie , Dai Zhen Dong
Published: November 2013

A macromoleclar polymer (Sulfonated polystyrene - Polyhydromethylsilane, SPS-PMHS) was synthesized from polystyrene by sulfonation, acylation, amination and hydrosilylation. Characterization of the hydrosilylation process was performed with attenuated total reflectance-fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. The SPS-PMHS was homogeneously dispersed in the Nafion matrix with doping level of 33.3 wt %. Experimental results show that the yield tip-displacement values of the polymer nanocomposite have not been enhanced, but the nonaqueous working time is 2.7 times higher than that of the virgin nafion.
Design of Control Strategy for Autonomous Perching with a Quadrotor
Authors: Chi Wan Chao , Low Kin Huat , Hoon Kay Hiang , Tang Johnson
Published: November 2013

Perching with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) has been an emerging topic in the field of biomimetic engineering during last decade. Taking the newly designed gripping mechanism into account, a control strategy for autonomous perching with a quadrotor is further proposed, implemented and validated in this paper. Based on the perching procedure of birds in nature, this article focuses on the steps of engaging with the target during perching, latching to the target after engagement and releasing from the target when de-perching. The autonomous control strategy is integrated into the gripping mechanism after it is derived. Experiments on its effectiveness and reliability with a quadrotor are finally conducted, showing that the control strategy is capable of autonomously perching a quadrotor to a target pole.
Simulation of Bionic Anti-Drag Subsoiler with Exponential Curve Feature Using Discrete Element Method
Authors: Zhang Jin Bo , Tong Jin , Ma Yun Hai
Published: November 2013

Subsoiling, as an important mode of conservation tillage, can break plowpan and increase permeability and water retention ability of soil which increase the crop yield. Subsoiler, as a key component of subsoiling, significantly effects on the tillage resistance. Reduction of working resistance of subsoiler can decrease output power of tractor and then further reduce the cost of subsoiling operation. The existing subsoilers have problem of overlarge subsoiling resistance. The conventional methods to resolve such problem include optimal design of the structural parameters of subsoiler and application of oscillation subsoiling device, but those methods not only make the structure of subsoiler more complex, but also increase the cost of agricultural production. Based on biomimetics principles, the upper surface outline of the claw of the house mouse (mus musculus), which has exponential function curve feature, was applied to the structural design of cutting soil edge of subsoiler shaft. Accordingly, the bionic subsoiler which has exponential function curve feature was designed and manufactured. The comparative experiments were conducted using the two types of subsoilers which have exponential function curve shape and parabola type in tillage depth at 300mm and 350mm with the forward velocitys of 0.5m/s and 1.0m/s in the indoor soil bin. The horizontal tillage resistances of the two types of subsoilers were measured using remote-measuring system of agricultural machinery dynamic parameters under different experimental conditions. The results showed that the horizontal tillage resistances increased with the increase of tillage depth and forward velocity. The horizontal tillage resistances of bionic anti-drag subsoiler (BAS) were obviously less than those of parabola type subsoiler (PTS) under same experimental conditions and the reduction was in the range of 8.5-38.2%. It indicated that the cutting soil edge of shaft with exponential function curve structure has remarkable anti-drag property. The simulations of tillage processes of the two types of subsoilers were conducted using discrete element method (DEM), the stress fields and velocity fields were obtained under different simulation conditions. The results showed that the directions of stress fields and velocity fields of the two types of subsoilers have forward and upward variation trend, but the directionality of contact stress of PTS was nonuniform compared with BAS, and such results lead to an increase in soil disturbance. The intensities of stress field and velocity field of BAS were obviously less than those of PTS under same experimental conditions, The results of simulation were consistent with the results of tillage experiments, indicating that the bionic subsoiler with exponential function curve feature has significant anti-drag property. The exponential function curve can be applied to the structural design of cutting soil edge of subsoiler aiming to reduce tillage resistance.
A Multi-Step Neural Control for Motor Brain-Machine Interface by Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Wang Fang , Xu Kai , Zhang Qiao Sheng , Wang Yi Wen , Zheng Xiao Xiang
Published: November 2013

Brain-machine interfaces (BMIs) decode cortical neural spikes of paralyzed patients to control external devices for the purpose of movement restoration. Neuroplasticity induced by conducting a relatively complex task within multistep, is helpful to performance improvements of BMI system. Reinforcement learning (RL) allows the BMI system to interact with the environment to learn the task adaptively without a teacher signal, which is more appropriate to the case for paralyzed patients. In this work, we proposed to apply Q(λ)-learning to multistep goal-directed tasks using users neural activity. Neural data were recorded from M1 of a monkey manipulating a joystick in a center-out task. Compared with a supervised learning approach, significant BMI control was achieved with correct directional decoding in 84.2% and 81% of the trials from naïve states. The results demonstrate that the BMI system was able to complete a task by interacting with the environment, indicating that RL-based methods have the potential to develop more natural BMI systems.
Design of the Bionic Rehabilitative Leg Based on the Passive Gait Biped
Authors: Liu Zhen Ze , Liu De Jun , Zhang Lei , Tian Yan Tao
Published: November 2013

The wearable assistive and rehabilitative leg is a complex mechanical device mounted with the underactuated joints based on the bionic mechanism. This device can ameliorate the movement function of the nerve and muscle system of the lower extremity. By applying the bionic control strategy and exerting force on the lower extremity of patients, the walking gait of normal human being can be simulated. The patients with leg deformity who need to be remedied can benefit from this method. The expense on medical treatment can be considerably reduced by this kind of device, which alleviates the burden on family and society economically. The walking stability controller is designed for researching the biped robots in 3D ( three-dimensional) space. By constructing the almost-cyclic Lagrange function, the biped robot dynamic system is decoupled into sagittal and lateral portions. Then the potential energy shaping and kinetic energy shaping controller is designed for the sagittal portion of under-actuated robot in 2D space , so that the stable walking gait and bionic characteristic gait can be obtained; the output zero dynamic controller is applied to control the lateral counterpart, which satisfies the dynamic decoupling conditions of the system. The simulation results show that the proposed method is effective.
Effects of Bionic Geometric Structure Press Rollers on Reducing Rolling Resistance and Adhesion against Soil
Authors: Tong Jin , Zhang Qing Zhu , Chen Dong Hui , Chang Yuan , Wang Hong Chang
Published: November 2013

Press roller is a commonly used tool for compacting soil to a suitable compactness. An ideal press roller should be able to ensure a low adhesion and rolling resistance in a suitable compaction. However, in tillage operation, the phenomenon of soil adhesion occurred widely when press roller worked. In this research, the ventral surface of dung beetles was taken as the bionic prototype and bionic ridged geometric structure press rollers were designed using ultra high molecular weight polyethylene material. Under the same testing conditions, press rollers with different geometrical details were conducted to examine the effect of ridge section diameter, ridge height to diameter ratio and the number of ridges along the circumference of the rollers on rolling resistance and soil adhesion. The results showed that the all bionic rollers exhibited lower adhesion than a conventional roller. While, only ridged bionic roller with suitable size could reduce rolling resistance. The bionic roller with the ridge diameter of 40 mm, dimensionless ratio of height to diameter of 0.5, the number of 12 indicated the lowest resistance in this work, 25 % lower than conventional roller.
Study on Optimization of CPG Model for Lower Limb Prosthesis
Authors: Guo Xin , Li Ming Yue , Xu Cai Yu
Published: November 2013

A Multitude of different prosthesis designs have been developed for restoring transtibial and transfemoral amputees’ mobility.But yet,most of them are considered as passive devices.Therefore,more and more researchers develop bionic controller that simulate the biological certral pattern generator,namely CPG.This paper presents a new control method using bipedal robotics technology and bio-inspiration based on CPG.To begin with,we present the fundamental measurement of human walking gait and the device mainly includes three-dimensional camera system,digitized movements analyzer and so on.We choose hopf oscillators as CPG simulation unit.And after several tests,five oscillators are just right for a single joint.We change the simple hopf oscillator equation.Thus corresponding to the knee,CPG modeling finally generate actual human angle curve.Then we define learning equation as learning a given periodic signal.By trying different values of the different parameters we obtain the desired walking curve of knee joint.Using the obtained parameters,learning equation reproduce knee joint angle.According to the signal of the accelerometer that placed in the hip to adjust learning equation,so the amputees can easily control the speed of walking.Matlab simulation results show that the same trend with changes in human joint angles,which lay a good foundation for the control of active prostheses.
Analysis and Design of Hydraulic System of a Hydraulically Actuated Quadruped Robot
Authors: Li Zhi , Li Hong Kai , Zhang Hao , Dai Zhen Dong
Published: November 2013

Abstract.Quadruped not only possess excellent kinetic speed and stability but also can adapt to various complex terrains, with the result that hydraulically actuated quadruped bionic robots with high load and outstanding adaptability have become the research hotspot. Hydraulic system, which is regarded as the dynamic part of a hydraulic quadruped robot, has a direct effect on the kinetic capability of robots. Based on dog’s structure bionics, hydraulically actuated quadruped robot was designed. In accordance with distribution modes of hydraulic cylinders which drive robot’s kinetic joints, a hydraulic oil-line system of the robot was designed in this paper. Combining the maximum design kinetic velocity, trotting movement pattern within foot’s work space was planned. Velocity curve of each joint’s hydraulic cylinder was obtained through simulation analysis of dynamic analysis software. According to the structure of asymmetrical hydraulic cylinder, minimum flux which the oil hydraulic pump theoretically requires at the robot’s maximum kinetic speed was calculated. With practical experience, the oilsource parameter which could meet the demands of hydraulic quadruped robot were determined.
Biological System Behaviours and Natural-Inspired Methods and their Applications to Supply Chain Management
Authors: Fan Xue Mei , Zhang Shu Jun , Hapeshi Kevin , Yang Yin Sheng
Published: November 2013

People have learnt from biological system behaviours and structures to design and develop a number of different kinds of optimisation algorithms that have been widely used in both theoretical study and practical applications in engineering and business management. An efficient supply chain is very important for companies to survive in global competitive market. An effective SCM (supply chain management) is the key for implement an efficient supply chain. Though there have been considerable amount of study of SCM, there have been very limited publications of applying the findings from the biological system study into SCM. In this paper, through systematic literature review, various SCM issues and requirements are discussed and some typical biological system behaviours and natural-inspired algorithms are evaluated for the purpose of SCM. Then the principle and possibility are presented on how to learn the biological systems' behaviours and natural-inspired algorithms for SCM and a framework is proposed as a guide line for users to apply the knowledge learnt from the biological systems for SCM. In the framework, a number of the procedures have been presented for using XML to represent both SCM requirement and bio-inspiration data. To demonstrate the proposed framework, a case study has been presented for users to find the bio-inspirations for some particular SCM problems in automotive industry.
The Effects of Mini Implant and Anterior Arch Hook Heights on En Masse Retraction: A Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Deng Wen Wen , Wang Fang , Machibya Ferdinand M. , Gao Shang , Wang Xiao Long , Hu Min
Published: November 2013

Introduction: An en-masse retraction with mini implant (MI) anchorage may be associated with unwanted intrusion/extrusion and uncontrolled tipping of anterior teeth. An optimum combination of MIs and hooks heights is required for proper treatment results. Materials and Methods: Maxillary finite element models were constructed from a cone beam CT scan of a patient’s orofacial region. The initial tooth displacement at 200g force with 0.019 × 0.025-in stainless steel working archwires engaged in 0.022 brackets slot was assessed. The three-dimensional displacement was examined at various MI and AAH heights. Results: The lower MI position caused extrusion of the central incisors, but the teeth were intruded at higher (6- and 8-mm) MI heights. While the shorter (2- and 4-mm) hooks extruded the central incisors, the higher (6- and 8-mm) intruded the teeth. The higher MI and hooks reduced the palatal tipping of central incisors. The distobucal cusp of the first molar was intruded, while the mesiobucal cusp was extruded in all models: Nonetheless, the shorter hooks and low MI had small molar tipping effects. Conclusions: The higher MIs caused intrusion and less palatal tipping of the central incisors crowns. The increase in hook height resulted into extrusion and reduction in palatal tipping of the central incisors crowns.
Performance Analyses and Experimental Verification for the Clamping Mechanism of Die Casting Machine
Authors: Wu Guo Yin , Tang Wen Cheng , Wan Shui Ping
Published: November 2013

The research object of this paper is double-toggle clamping mechanism of DC3500 die casting. The theoretical formulas of stroke ratio and force amplification are proposed and the prototype model is established in ADAMS to generate kinematic and mechanical curves. Moreover, experimental values are used to verify the validity of the theoretical formulas and simulation model, and the causes of experimental error are gaven. Thus, the theoretical model can be adopted directly for the design of larger double-toggle clamping mechanism to simplify the design cycle.
Flow Field Analysis of a Horizontal Wave Flow Turbine Power Plant Based on FLUENT
Authors: Wang Shi Ming , Tian Ka , Lv Chao , Wang Ya Nan
Published: November 2013

Used Profili, Gambit and FLUENT software to build 2D model of the horizontal wave flow turbine power plant which developed by Shanghai Ocean University, and to simulate its pressure and velocity flow field under the RNG k-ε turbulence model with rotational speed accordingly 75r/min, 110r/min and 150r/min while the incoming flow velocity was 2m / s .By showing and analysing its pressure speed clouds, summarized the flow regular impacts to the rotaional turbine,which provided an important numerical reference to the blade strcture optimization and its strength check and indicated a right simulation method to solve the similar fluid simulation project.
Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis for Flow Field of Radiator Air Intake in the Powertrain Compartment
Authors: Song Lin Lin , Zhang Wei Zheng , Cao Yuan Fu , Zeng Ya Lei
Published: November 2013

A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of tank powertrain compartment was constructed for cooling air flow and heat transfer analysis. The key points temperatures of the powertrain compartment were tested, and the numerical values have a good agreement with the measurement datas. Detailed cooling air flow field distributing characteristic through radiators in the powertrain compartment were obtained through numerical method, with different fan speeds and ambient wind speeds. These results can provide the basis for the choice of the fan speed on specific condition and the air flow distribution of the radiator.
Study on Chemical Enhanced Primary Treatment of Sewage
Authors: Luo Jun Hong , Huang Chong Hao , Zhang Yong
Published: November 2013

Chemically enhanced primary treatment (CEPT) process have advantages of low pollution load and low costs, it can greatly improve the removal efficiency of organic matter by primary treatment , so the process has been studied widely and intensively. In this thesis, the mechanism, coagulant type, dosage and precipitation time were studied.
The Scalability Studies of CAN Bus Based on SONEC
Authors: Liu Yu
Published: November 2013

There is great significance to deliver as much as possible valid data by making full use of CAN bus network limited bandwidth in the case of fixed baud rate for network. Because the CAN network data transmission efficiency optimization method (SONEC) can improve the efficiency of data transmission network based on CAN bus; by using this method the author studied the bus network scalability, and found that the use of the constructing network method can significantly improve the scalability performance of bus network. A CAN bus example as the research object is used for contrast analysis to prove the analysis validity. The method studied above has the important significance to CAN bus network structure.
Research of Self-Adjust Compromise Control Strategy about Comfort and Stability of Quarter Vehicle
Authors: Chen Jie Ping , Qiao Yin Hu , Feng Wu Tang , Guo Wan Shan
Published: November 2013

On the basis of the MRD 1/4 vehicle model, and combined with the thought of mixed control of skyhook damper and ground-hook damper, a hybrid semi-active control strategy that the coordinated parameters are adjusted automatically according to the vehicle speed is put forward in order to meet the requirements of the riding comfort and the adhesive performance under different working conditions. Based on the reconfigured standard Grade B and C road excitation signals, simulation researches on vertical vibration of vehicle body, dynamic deflection of vehicle suspension and dynamic loads of tires are carried on respectively at the speed of 10m/s, 20m/s and 30m/s. As shown in the results of the simulations, compared with passive suspension the vibration is decreased about 10 percent, the dynamic loads of tires maintain the same level on the whole, and the suspension deflection had increased in certain degree. This demonstrates that the devised control strategy of semi-active suspension can effectively improve the riding comfort and the adhesive performance of vehicles at various speeds.
Smooth Trajectory Planning for 3-UPU Parallel Manipulator
Authors: Osgouie Kambiz Ghaem , Asfia Amir Hossein , Sadooghi Mohamad Hossein , Kazemabadi Abolfazl Ahmadi
Published: November 2013

Exciting the mechanical resonance mode and vibration caused by non-smooth trajectories can cause some failure in the structure of the robot and its actuators. This work proposes a smooth trajectory planning for 3 degree of freedom (dof) 3-upu parallel manipulator. We have used optimization method to define the smooth trajectory for this robot. In this paper an objective function has been used which contain a term related to the total execution time and a term corresponding to the integral of squared jerk. Some constraints have been applied to the problem as the input of our system. Task space and joint space trajectory are then considered as the output. In this method optimization techniques such as genetic algorithm and fmincon (function of MatLabTM ) have been investigated. Six via points have been considered and B-splines have been used to present kinematic quantities.
Research and Design of Automatic Traction Cutting System for Aluminum Profile Production Based on ARM
Authors: Guo Hua , Yu Sheng Wen
Published: November 2013

This paper analyzes the technical requirements for traction cutting in aluminum profile production, established a double tractor motion model, and according to the model, designed a traction control system based on ARM and wireless communication technology, designed the hardware circuit, write the corresponding control program and defined the protocol for wireless communication, so that the system has good compatibility, the system is fully implemented dual tractor motion model, the whole system has been tested in an aluminum profile factory, the experiment proved that the system is fully meet the requirements of the factory. And the system has the following advantages: inexpensive, simple structure, stable performance and good application prospect.
A Study of Properties of Dilute Polymer Systems Prepared with Polymer-Bearing Wastewater
Authors: Yang Jing , Li Jing Yan , Pan Li Li , He Jin Gang , Yang Kun
Published: November 2013

Isoconcentration flooding systems were prepared, their viscosity, shearing resistance, viscoelasticity, stability and molecule clew size were measured and the impact of polymer-bearing wastewater on polymer performance was determined in order to study the impact of polymer systems prepared with polymer-bearing wastewater on polymer performance in the polymer flooding process of Daqing oilfield. The result indicates: at the same preparation concentration, the storage modulus, loss modulus, viscosity stability, molecule clew size and shearing resistance of polymer solution systems are increased with increase in the polymer concentration in wastewater, the properties of a fresh water system are better than those of a wastewater system, the properties of a physicochemical wastewater system are better than those of a biochemical wastewater system, and the residual polymers in sewage have good viscosity increasing capacity. Therefore, polymer-bearing wastewater improves the properties of polymer systems to a certain degree and can be used as water for polymer system preparation.
Collision Detection Application for Virtual and Augmented Reality Aided Manufacturing System
Authors: Novak-Marcincin Jozef , Novakova-Marcincinova Ludmila
Published: November 2013

Virtual reality is one of the most challenging technologies nowadays and it shows great promises for its usage in engineering field. Paper develops application of detection module in virtual reality system. It discusses function, integration and also operation of such module within the system together with description of system architecture. It shows integration of this module into simulation loop with defining necessary parameters for module operating.
Mobile Sync Client Design of Cloud Storage System
Authors: Jiang Bing , Ma Guo Yu , Ma Sheng , Xie Jian Feng
Published: November 2013

This paper introduces the client design based on Android mobile sync of cloud storage system, including system architecture and its module design. Through the Android mobile sync client software, user can access the cloud server to implement some functions, such as upload and download, data backup and restore, file management and sharing in the distance. Under the LAN environment, the client system has successfully completed the tests of both function module and assembly verification. The results show that the whole system runs in good condition.
High Quality 3D Restoration of Photographed Structures Using V.R. Technologies
Authors: Butnariu Silviu , Gîrbacia Florin
Published: November 2013

The paper describes methods for graphical reconstruction from a single image acquired with a completely uncalibrated camera or even from lithography. The proposed method involves a multimodal approach, such as: digital photogrammetry, 3D photo modelling, CAD design, parameterization, VRML programming. In addition, we propose a visualization method based on Virtual Reality technology, using an immersive CAVE like 3D system. The 3D reconstructed model offers the possibility of details visualization, quickly change the geometry, textures, environment, viewpoint and size and can also be easily accessed using Internet browsers and a VRML client plug-in. As an example and a practical application of the presented method, there was completed the virtual 3D reconstruction of the demolished church Sf. Vineri from Bucharest. The sources of virtual reconstruction were archival, architectural and contemporary historical information.
Rapid Prototyping in Developing Process with CA Systems Application
Authors: Novakova-Marcincinova Ludmila , Novak-Marcincin Jozef
Published: November 2013

Rapid Prototyping (RP) presents the automatic production of physical parts using by additive manufacturing technology. The start techniques for Rapid Prototyping became available in the late 1980s and were used to produce models and prototype parts. Today they are used for a much wider range of applications and are even used to manufacture production-quality parts in relatively small numbers. Rapid Prototyping is widely used in the automotive, aerospace, medical, and consumer products industries. In paper is presented process of design product development, product production and testing of products produced by Fused Deposition Modelling rapid prototyping technology.
Study of the Discrete Wavelet Transform Based on JPEG2000 Image Compression Algorithm
Authors: Cai Jin , Wang Shuo
Published: November 2013

JPEG 2000 is a new image coding system that uses state-of-the-art compression techniques based on wavelet technology. As interactive multimedia technologies evolve, the requirements for the file format used to store the image data continue to evolve. The size and bit depth collected for an image to increase the resolution and extend the dynamic range and color gamut. Discrete Wavelet transform based embedded image coding method is the basis of JPEG2000. Image compression algorithm for the proper use and display of the image is a requirement for digital photography.
Kinematics Analysis on the Last Exertion Skills of Chinese Woman Javelin Thrower Lv Huihui
Authors: Wang Ying , Zhou Ji He , Zhao Long Fei
Published: November 2013

Chinese women javelin thrower Lv Huihui won the championship of China Long Throw Open in 2013. However, there was still a large gap between her result and the world record. In order to improve her stroking techniques and enrich technological theories, we used advanced three-dimension picture to take up Lv Huihuis spell throw in game site. We also made three-dimension analysis on the last exertion skill and got the kinematics parameter to compare with the foreign elite women javelin thrower. The results show that Lv Huihuis stretch angel is 13.8° smaller than world elite athletes. Her flexibility is not so good that she cant do the full bow action completely. As for the last left knee stretching process, Lv Huihui and other Chinese elite athletes get the results of 5.3°and 10.2 °, while world elite athletes get 16°. It shows that Chinese athletes left knee stretching is not good. Lv Huihuis release speed is 23.36m/s, better than the Chinese athletes average level 21.36m/s, but this speed is much slower than the world elite athletes release speed 24.80m/s. It is the major reason that makes Lv Huihui remain a large gap with the world elite athletes.
Preparation of Gold-Nickel Phosphide Core-Shell Nanoparticles via a Facile Solution Method
Authors: Ping He Mei , Chen Yuan Zhi , Zeng De Qian , Xu Rui , Guo Hui Zhang , Wang Lai Sen , Peng Dong Liang
Published: November 2013

Core-shell nanomaterials have been one of the most attracting research targets in the field of nanoscience and technology due to the multiple functionalities contributed from different components. In this paper, we report a facile solution synthetic method for the preparation of gold-nickel phosphide core-shell nanoparticles that have a near-spherical morphology and a size of ~20 nm. Transmission electron microscopy along with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analyses reveals a core-shell structure consisting of gold core and nickel phosphide shell. The optical absorption data show that the surface plasmon resonance band of gold in the visible range is greatly decreased by coating nickel phosphide shell. The result of magnetic measurement reveals that the as-prepared core-shell nanoparticles basically exhibit paramagnetic characteristics. The obtained gold-nickel phosphide core-shell nanoparticles can be applied in application fields such as catalysis.