bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical and microbiological features of bacteremia caused by Enterococcus faecalis
Authors: Ceci Mónica , Delpech Gastón , Sparo Mónica , Mezzina Vito , Sánchez Bruni Sergio , Baldaccini Beatriz
Published: November 2015

Introduction: Enterococcus faecalis is a frequent etiologic agent of invasive infections in hospitalized patients. The aim of this study was to analyze clinical and microbiological features of bacteremia caused by E. faecalis. Methodology: Between 2011 and 2013, significant bacteremia caused by E. faecalis in hospitalized patients was studied. Patient characteristics, comorbid conditions, and 14-day mortality were recorded. Virulence genes esp, gelE, and cylA; opsonophagocytosis resistance; resistance to bactericidal effect of normal serum; beta lactamase production; and susceptibility to ampicillin, vancomycin, teicoplanin, gentamicin, and streptomycin were investigated. Results: E. faecalis strains were recovered from 33 bacteremic patients. Polymicrobial bacteremia was diagnosed in 2 patients; 10 patients died. Virulence genes were found in strains from both deceased patients and survivors. Sources of bacteremia included urinary tract infections (36.4%), vascular catheters (15.1%), abscesses (9.1%), and unknown (48.5%). Underlying diseases included cancer (30.3%), diabetes (36.4%), cirrhosis (6.1%), renal (36.4%), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (2.0%). Co-morbidities included alcohol use (26.1%); glucocorticoid therapy (19.0%); prior antibiotic therapy (60.6%); and central venous (21.2%), arterial (12.1%), and urinary (63.6%) catheters. Also, 57.6% of patients came from the intensive care unit (ICU); 33.3% had mechanical ventilation. Significant mortality-associated conditions included polymicrobial bacteremia, oncological disease, APACHE II score ≥ 20, ICU stay, renal disease, central venous catheter, and mechanical ventilation. Conclusions: Outcome of patients was associated with their status and not with the presence of virulence genes in E. faecalis strains. A significant percentage of bacteremia had undetermined origin. An alternate origin may be the gastrointestinal tract, through translocation.
Législation nationale, administrations intermédiaires et pratiques locales : la mise en rythme des réformes agraires au Nord (vers 1760-vers 1795)
Authors: Jessenne Jean-Pierre
Published: November 2015

Dans le cadre d’une réflexion sur l’originalité de la France septentrionale en révolution, le dossier agraire soulève à plein la question, qui est au cœur du processus révolutionnaire, de la conjugaison et de l’interaction toujours renouvelées entre d’une part les impulsions ou événements nationaux, d’autre part les exigences ou les refus dans le pays par les habitants eux-mêmes. Dans cette contribution, qui fait le choix d’un Nord largement compris entre Île-de-France et Flandres, nous observons ce processus en distinguant et associant les trois dimensions de la question agraire et de l’accès à la terre, à savoir la propriété foncière, mais aussi les modes d’exploitation, y compris sous forme communautaire, et inévitablement pour le xviii e siècle, l’emprise seigneuriale. En fait ces questions se posent dès le milieu du xviii e siècle dans la confrontation des changements et des blocages, qui est facteur de tensions dans les campagnes septentrionales. La mise en mouvement révolutionnaire pose immédiatement le problème de la compatibilité entre nouvelle législation et mobilisations paysannes, si bien que les comportements contradictoires s’aggravent au Nord de 1789 à 1792. Pas étonnant donc que le paroxysme révolutionnaire de 1792 à 1794, s’avère aussi une épreuve de vérité sur le plan agraire, à la fois par les équivoques de la législation, entre redistribution égalitaire et protection de la propriété, et par le test de l’application compliquée des dispositions législatives. Dans cette dynamique, le Nord s’avère souvent révélateur de phénomènes nationaux et parfois original.
Jacques D’Hondt, lecteur et conteur de Hegel
Authors: Bourgeois Bernard
Published: November 2015

Jacques D’Hondt pensa d’abord le hégélianisme et son mystère spéculatif en contant Hegel et son secret politico-théologique. Mais il a pensé son propre engagement historique originellement marxiste en devenant ensuite un marxien hégélien, pour découvrir enfin en Hegel le penseur vrai.
Determination of zearalenone, deoxynivalenol and metabolites in bile of piglets fed diets with graded levels ofFusarium toxin contaminated maize
Authors: Brezina U. , Rempe I. , Kersten S. , Valenta H. , Humpf H.-U. , Dänicke S.
Published: November 2015

For the simultaneous determination of zearalenone (ZEA), deoxynivalenol (DON) and their metabolites α-zearalenol (α-ZOL), β-zearalenol (β-ZOL), zearalanone (ZAN), α-zearalanol (α-ZAL), β-zearalanol (β-ZAL) and de-epoxydeoxynivalenol (DOM) in bile of piglets, a liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry method including sample preparation with combined immunoaffinity columns (DZT MS-Prep®) has been developed. The analyte concentrations were determined by the use of isotopically labelled internal standards. The mean recoveries for all analytes ranged between 80 and 99%. The determined limits of detection and quantification ranged from 0.01-0.60 and 0.04-2.0 ng/ml, respectively. ZEA, DON and their metabolites were analysed in bile of female piglets fed diets containing 0.01/0.03, 0.05/0.59, 0.08/1.27, 0.17/2.01 and 0.29/4.52 mg ZEA/DON per kg during 29 days of treatment. After 1, 3, 8, 15, 22 and 29 days four piglets per group were slaughtered. ZEA, α-ZOL, β-ZOL, DON and DOM were quantified in almost all bile samples, whereas ZAN, α-ZAL and β-ZAL could only be quantified sporadically. Moreover, dose- and time-dependent effects were observed for most analytes. The toxin residues in bile correlated well with the respective mycotoxin intake per kg body weight and day and the mother toxin concentration in the diets. Due to these high correlations the exposure to dietary ZEA and DON could be predicted by the use of the corresponding regression equations. Strictly speaking these relationships are only valid for the experimental conditions of the underlying experiment. Furthermore, for practical application the individual variation need to be additionally considered.
Vision Enhancement in Bad Weather
Authors: Anwar Md. Imtiyaz , Khosla Arun
Published: November 2015

Road accident is a serious issue in most of the countries due to degraded visibility in bad weather such as fog, haze and rain. A better visibility is a key requirement for passenger's safety while maintaining the speed of the vehicle. Researchers throughout the world are focusing to enhance the visibility through bad weather mainly due to fog or haze to minimize accidents. Many efforts are being put up to clearly visualize the scene using computer vision. Classifications of fog and analysis of de-weathering techniques are prime motive of research. This book chapter addresses and summarizes the progress in the development of vision enhancement techniques for road safety in turbid medium, particularly with fog which greatly affects the vision. This chapter also presents a brief comparative analysis on different weather conditions and classification of fog which is important for application point of view.
Utilizing Image Color Channels for High Payload Embedding
Authors: Chaudhary Ankit , Kumar Sandeep
Published: November 2015

Steganography is the technique which has been used in many fields for hiding information and many different versions for each application are available in the literature. This chapter demonstrates how to increase the security level and to improve the storage capacity of hidden data, with compression techniques. The security level is increased by randomly distributing the text message over the entire image instead of clustering within specific image portions. The degradation of the images can be minimized by changing only one least significant bit per color channel for hiding the message. Using steganography alone with simple LSB has a potential problem that the secret message is easily detectable from the histogram analysis method. To improve the security as well as the image embedding capacity indirectly, a compression based scheme is introduced. Various tests have been done to check the storage capacity and message distribution.
Metal Artifact Reduction
Authors: Desai Shrinivas D. , Kulkarni Linganagouda
Published: November 2015

Metallic implants are known to generate bright and dark streaking artifacts in x-ray computed tomography (CT) images. These artifacts cause loss of information, reduces the resolution, forms noise which hinders diagnostic capability. The reduction of metal artifact is of immense importance in the present scenario. We propose seeded watershed segmentation-interpolation based sinogram correction method to reduce the metal artifacts caused by metallic implants. We tend to find projection bins affected by the metallic objects in the raw projection data and to replace the corrupted values by appropriate estimates. The novelty of proposed method lies in segmentation of metal part from the CT image by seeded watershed segmentation method, using IlastiK tool. Proposed method is experimented using dataset pertaining to different clinical cases. Solution is studied for correctness by quantitatively as well as qualitatively. The result presents significant improvement in artifact reduction aiding to better diagnostic ability.
Biometric Identification System Using Neuro and Fuzzy Computational Approaches
Authors: Borah Tripti Rani , Sarma Kandarpa Kumar , Talukdar Pranhari
Published: November 2015

In all authentication systems, biometric samples are regarded to be the most reliable one. Biometric samples like fingerprint, retina etc. is unique. Most commonly available biometric system prefers these samples as reliable inputs. In a biometric authentication system, the design of decision support system is critical and it determines success or failure. Here, we propose such a system based on neuro and fuzzy system. Neuro systems formulated using Artificial Neural Network learn from numeric data while fuzzy based approaches can track finite variations in the environment. Thus NFS systems formed using ANN and fuzzy system demonstrate adaptive, numeric and qualitative processing based learning. These attributes have motivated the formulation of an adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system which is used as a DSS of a biometric authenticable system. The experimental results show that the system is reliable and can be considered to be a part of an actual design.
Application of Charge System Search Algorithm for Data Clustering
Authors: Kumar Yugal , Sahoo Gadadhar
Published: November 2015

This chapter presents a charged system search (CSS) optimization method for finding the optimal cluster centers for a given dataset. In CSS algorithm, while the Coulomb and Gauss laws from electrostatics are applied to initiate the local search, global search is performed using Newton second law of motion from mechanics. The efficiency and capability of the proposed algorithm is tested on seven datasets and compared with existing algorithms like K-Means, GA, PSO and ACO. From the experimental results, it is found that the proposed algorithm provides more accurate and effective results in comparison to other existing algorithms.
Widening the Lens
Authors: Pierce Janine M. , Velliaris Donna M.
Published: November 2015

To meet the challenge of bridging the digital divide among Net Generation students and Higher Education (HE) lecturers, a ‘Storyboard' methodology was piloted at the South Australian Institute of Business and Technology (SAIBT). Within an Associate Degree in Management program, a digital story-telling assessment task was introduced into a ‘Communication in Organisations' course to augment culturally diverse students' engagement with the discipline, as well as advance their English-language proficiency and academic achievement. Photos were gathered and shared over the trimester to capture students' reflections on what they were learning and how that felt at the time. Students then digitally collated the photos into a final original and introspective photo-story ‘film' that encapsulated the challenges, realisations and successes of the teaching and learning journey.
The Role of Instructor in Virtual Environments
Authors: Tshabangu Icarbord
Published: November 2015

The use of online technologies to advance educational goals at every level has come a long way and continues to impact the traditional outlook of many higher education institutions as they seek to remain relevant in the 21st century. This chapter briefly touches on the background of virtual learning and the philosophical values embedded in online learning. While the use of technology has become ubiquitous, the value of human activity cannot be underestimated hence this chapter explores in depth the role of the instructor as an enabling factor in virtual learning environments. The focus for discussion has therefore been on key pedagogical areas seen as hinging upon the skill and professionalism of the instructor. Enhancing action learning in virtual classrooms has been identified as a key tool in advancing critical thinking; nourishing students' learning experiences; ensuring higher achievement, and minimizing isolation and students' disaffection in online settings.
Crowd Learning
Authors: Kalisz David Elijah
Published: November 2015

Understanding sources of learning has become a major area of research in Education Management. Building on the assumptions that crowd learning is distributed across societies and education institutions and that it creates an innovative perspective for education for next-generation over the time, this article examines the link between formal education and innovative crowd-created knowledge. The article concludes by examining implications of crowd learning concept for actual and future education management systems. This paper explores how the crowd learns and remembers over time in the context, and how more realistic assumptions of student experience may be used in building crowd knowledge processes. The aim of the paper is to determine the assessment of crowd learning, its history, concepts and its influence on future learning process, including the changing instructor's role.
Management Andragogies
Authors: Tandon Soma Kamal
Published: November 2015

In an attempt to find out the teaching methods currently in use in Indian B-schools and to assess the response to the concept of using literature as a Management teaching too, a survey was conducted among Indian B-school faculty. The aim of the survey was to find out the teaching methods used by B-school faculty members, the types of constructive, co-operative and Art & Literature methods used; the response to using literature as a Management teaching tool and the issues envisaged in using literature as a Management teaching tool. Based on the inputs from interactions with B-school faculty from Mumbai (India) and review of related literature such as research articles and case studies, a suitable research tool (questionnaire) was constructed in Google docs. Qualitative analysis was done on the data collected on the basis of teaching experience and subject taught. The chapter will demonstrate the analysis done and the findings thereof.
The Fractal Spiral Model in Integrative Trauma Processing
Authors: Garnier Pierre-Henri , Courtial Jean-Pierre
Published: November 2015

This article applies the integrative spiral model of psychotherapy described by Laub and Weiner (2013) to the case of a patient who suffered a near-drowning experience. An enhancement to the model is put forward based on actor-network theory (Law, 1999, Latour, 2005), giving it a fractal (same pattern at different scales or details level) structure and “centralisation/densification” dynamic. The process of centralisation converges the risk of death from a traumatic event towards a central node within the association network of self-awareness. This central node is then able to develop a reassuring ‘counter-centre', which is gradually densified through the relationship and complicity shared with the therapist during the therapy.
Evaluation of Electronic Customer Knowledge Mediating by Electronic Customer Attraction on Electronic Customer Acquisition
Authors: Jarrah Mufleh Amin
Published: November 2015

In today's increasingly strong, competitive environment and rapidly changing business economies of the world, the electronic customer knowledge is becoming a key factor within organizations as it places considerable emphasis and excessive attention to improve their electronic customer acquisition. As a result, electronic customer knowledge and electronic customer attraction are widely used in the banks to effectively support electronic customer acquisition. In this present business situation, the Jordanian Islamic banking sector has become a highly competitive environment. The purpose of this paper is to suggest a model that defines how the combination between electronic customer knowledge processes and electronic customer attraction would successfully support electronic customer acquisition.
Impacts of Data Centres on the Environment
Authors: Nazir Tawfeeq
Published: November 2015

In the present era, the concept of virtualization is very common due to the advent of ICT. The data centers are the building blocks of IT business organizations providing the capabilities of centralized repository for storage, management, networking and dissemination of data. Continuous growth and demand in computational power endorsed for the creation of high scale data centers, requires very large amount of electrical power which acquires high operational cost and emission of carbon dioxide. These data centers not only consume a tremendous amount of energy but are riddled with IT inefficiencies and ill effects to the environment. This paper assesses to aggregate different impacts from different data centers, and so on. The future will bring increasing pressure for Data Center managers to use less electricity, buy “greener” equipment and take increased responsibility for the responsible management of e waste Power, Pollution and the Internet (2013).
Energy Efficiency of a Web and Database Server System
Authors: Kommeri Jukka , Abaunza Felipe , Niinimaki Marko , Thanisch Peter , Niemi Tapio
Published: November 2015

Energy-efficiency of server hardware, web server software and databases has been widely studied. However, studies that combine these aspects are rare. In this paper the authors present an energy-efficiency evaluation of a web and database application. They concentrate on the following aspects: server BIOS and operating system energy optimization and “bursting” i.e. queuing requests and then executing them in bursts. The authors have used the bursting method with both a database application and a web plus database application. Their results indicate about 10% energy savings using this method. They analyse the model by statistical tools and present an equation to express the quality of service versus burst wait time relationship.
Contra-Diction
Authors: Abelman Robert
Published: November 2015

This article summarizes findings from several investigations that have performed a DICTION-based content analysis of the mission and vision statements of distinctive types of academic institutions. Key linguistic components found to constitute a well-conceived, viable, and easily diffused institutional vision were isolated, measured, and compared to normative scores gathered from a nation-wide sample of colleges and universities. Findings revealed significant stylistic differences across institution types regarding clarity, complexity, pragmatics, optimism and the ability to unify the campus community, as well as key differences between mission and vision statements. In doing so, they provided a prescription for how mission and vision statements can better serve as guiding, governing, and self-promotional documents, particularly in times of crisis, change and negative press.
Considerations on the Vibratory Motion of a Medical Electro-Mechanical Equipment
Authors: Dragomirescu Cristian , Iliescu Victor
Published: November 2015

The paper analyses the vibratory motion of an electro-mechanical device acting medical equipment. The study is performed using the specific methods of the theory of the dynamical systems. The induced vibrations, their variation in time and the evolution of the system, as a function of the initial conditions, are studied, examining the fulfilment of the constraints prescribed in the literature, in order to achieve a maximal therapeutic benefit. The suitable operation ranges are determined, which establishes the starting point for the design of such equipment.
A Method to Increase the Natural Frequency of a Ground Moving System
Authors: Turcanu Daniel , Nicola Iulian , Prisecaru Tudor , Predoi Cristian
Published: November 2015

The paper presents the summary of the finding solution process for the vibrations attenuation of a ground moving system designed for a terrestrial / aerial drone. A spring was calculated, a damping system was designed and natural frequency simulated. Comparison was made between the natural frequencies obtained for both situations: the ground moving system equipped with the damper and without the damper.Key words: natural frequency, modal analysis, 3D printing, dumper.
Investigation of Wear Properties of EBM Processed Ti6Al4V with UHMWPE for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Mohammadhosseini Afshin , Fraser Darren , Masood S.H. , Jahedi Mahnaz
Published: November 2015

The wear of polymeric bearing material in contact with metallic biomedical implant has often been the main cause of long-term clinical failure of such implants. Very few studies seem to have been undertaken to investigate the wear behaviour of Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight-Propylene (UHMWPE) bearing material in contact with titanium alloy implant material under various loading conditions. This research paper presents an investigation on the wear properties of UHMWPE under dry and wet sliding conditions at different loading conditions. In this study, the well-known pin-on-disk equipment was used to carry out the sliding wear test. The titanium pin was made by Electron Beam Melting (EBM) technology and machined to rub on the UHMWPE disk. The aim is to understand the wear characteristics of UHMWPE in relation to Ti6Al4V alloy under various loading and lubricating conditions. Results include volume loss and wear rate analysis.
Inviscid Nozzle for Aerospike Rocket Engine Application
Authors: Bogoi Alina , Rugescu Radu D. , Misirliu Valentin Ionut , Bacaran Florin Radu , Predoiu Mihai
Published: November 2015

A computational method for the steady 2-D flow in axially symmetrical rocket nozzles with a given profile is developed, in order to determine the Maximum thrust contour of rocket engine nozzles with large expansion ratio. The optimized nozzles proved a more than 10% increase in the integral specific impulse recorded during the variable altitude atmospheric flight of rocket vehicles. The method is well suited for application in the design of the optimum contour for axially-symmetric nozzles for atmospheric rocket ascent, specifically for aerospike type nozzles, as for other similar industrial applications in gas and steam turbine technology.
Fuzzy Control of a Quadrotor for Reconstructed States Feedback Using Multiobserver
Authors: Ramírez Luis , Zúñiga Manuel , Romero Gerardo , Lara David , Rabhi Abdelhamid , Pegard Claude
Published: November 2015

A type of aircraft that is currently being very reference in the area of ​​control is the quadrotor helicopter, compared to other UAV's (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles UAV's-) has been of great interest for the research groups. Principally were developed for military applications. However, UAVs don’t have only military use, also civilian use and it is in this last field that can have multiple applications. The State variables of the system obtained are, however, in the most general case, internal operation of the system variables whose values ​​can’t be measured directly on physical quantities. An observer is used for to reconstruct partially or completely the state vector of a system from the known inputs, outputs and the dynamic model of this. The reconstruction and calculation of the state variables is performed in a system known as Multiobserver. Applying the fuzzy representation of type Takagi-Sugeno, also known as multi-model [1], in dynamic model of the quadrotor and developing an algorithm based in law control for reconstructed states feedback, the vehicle is stabilized.
Numerical Simulation Method for Velocity Sensors Calibration in High Speed Flows
Authors: Stika Laura Alina , Boscoianu Mircea , Vilag Valeriu Alexandru , Porumbel Ionuţ
Published: November 2015

The paper presents RANS numerical simulations carried out to calibrate the Pitot tube velocity measurements in order to extend the accurate measurement range to high velocities, up to 250 m/s. Three calibration methods are proposed, able to reduce the rms error of the velocity measurement from an initial value of 6.5 m/s, to 3.11 m/s, 2.33 m/s, and 0.08 m/s, respectively. As the accuracy of the calibration method increases, the complexity and the portability of the method for other flows and other Pitot tube dimensions is found to decrease.
About the Calculus of Fatigue Resistance to Limited Durability for Thermoplastic Polyurethane Membrane
Authors: Suciu Mihaela , Tripa Mihai Sorin , Ghioltean Lucia , Paunescu Daniela
Published: November 2015

This paper presents an original work about the calculus of fatigue resistance to limited durability for a desmopan membrane, a thermoplastic polyurethane membrane. For this research we needed the values of stresses, determined by Finite Elements Method (FEM). In order to apply FEM, we needed mechanical characteristics of thermoplastic polyurethane membrane, characteristics that have been determined by Digital Image Correlation Method. Mechanical characteristics and geometrical characteristics, with loadings too, are input for FEM soft. The calculus of fatigue resistance to limited durability serves to reliability studies of the thermoplastic polyurethane membranes, that diaphragm pumps are equipped.
Path and Trajectory Planning for Vehicles with Navigation Assistants
Authors: Gîrbacia Teodora , Margarit Andrei , Mădălin Simion , Mogan Gheorghe
Published: November 2015

For autonomous vehicles an important problem is to plan and accurately follow the optimal trajectory between the start point and the target, without collision with the obstacles placed in the environment. In order to obtain a continuous motion along the planned path for a vehicle with navigation assistants, especially when avoiding obstacles, the transition between a straight segment and circle arcs has to be done through using an additional curve. This paper present an algorithm based on clothoid curves for optimal steering using as case a vehicle with navigation assistants. The developed algorithm has been tested in a real environment and results have been presented.
Structural, Kinematic and Static Modelling of a Pneumatic Muscle Actuated Gripper System
Authors: Deaconescu Tudor , Deaconescu Andrea
Published: November 2015

The paper presents the stages of the development process of a novel, light and eco-friendly, bionic type gripper system. The motions necessary for gripping are achieved by original, auto-adaptive, bio-inspired systems with the pneumatic muscle as motion generator. The method utilised for developing the novel gripper system is analogy-based design, a tool aimed at widening the field of inspiration for design by adding models from nature. Further paper discusses the structure of the gripper system and determination of the speeds and forces/torques transmission functions.
Modeling and Simulation of an Orthodontic Process
Authors: Nemeş Olimpia , Mureşan Vlad , Coloşi Tiberiu
Published: November 2015

The paper presents an original solution for the mathematical modeling and simulation of an orthodontic process. The orthodontic process is treated as a distributed parameter, its model being expressed using a partial differential equation, respectively the tooth movement is represented as the approximating analytical solution which verifies the mentioned equation. In order to prove the model usability, some interesting simulations are shown in the paper. The obtained model can be numerically simulated using a software application and the simulation results can be used in order to assist the dentist to establish the orthodontic treatment parameters (at the start of the treatment and during the treatment, too; for example the initial force which has to be applied, respectively its ulterior value adjustments).
Diversification of Water Network Tanks Volume
Authors: Rak Janusz , Pietrucha-Urbanik Katarzyna
Published: November 2015

Diversification of the water volume has a particularly positive role in crisis situations related to water supply in urban and industrial areas. The function of water supply tanks is to compensate water supply for a settlement unit in a daily cycle, stabilizing the pressure in the supply area. In crisis situations, tanks capacity is used for the purposes of fire. A new function is the use of stored water as an emergency source of water supply during failure. Water supply network tanks act as reserves for various types of undesirable events. The previous methods of analysis and risk assessment in water supply systems did not include directly the assessment of volume diversification in a given number of water supply network tanks. For this purpose the Shannon-Wiener index, as well as the author’s index, based on the polynomial function, were proposed. These indices enable to perform an objective assessment of the water volume diversification degree ​​​and comparing the various subsystems of collecting water on the example of seven water supply system in the south of Poland. Perspectives for the development of research direction, that is safety management, is a challenge for both theoreticians and practitioners working in the water supply companies.
Transitory Dynamics Evaluation inside Driving System of Demolition-Cutting Technological Equipment due to Variable Tool-Material Interactions
Authors: Nastac Silviu , Debeleac Carmen , Simionescu Cristian
Published: November 2015

Computational dynamics of technological equipments dealing with intensive, shock-like and various working regimes frames the area of this research paper. A widely used type of demolition-cutting equipment supplied by hydrostatical driving system was adopted, and ordinary scenarios of equipment exploitation have been proposed in order to dignify the very short but strong transitory states deeply depending on the material characteristics and the regime parameters. Elastic, dissipative and plastic components have been considered to compose the global characteristic of the processed material interacting with cutting tool. The authors propose a simplified rheological model intended for modeling and simulation of demolished structural elements based on composite materials, like reinforced concrete. This model is very useful for simulation the variable dynamics of the interaction between the demolition-cutting equipments and the composite elements in order to evaluate the parameters evolution within the process, and obviously, to optimize driving system for minimize transitory effects and vibratory evolutions. The advantage of this computational approach results from the reduced resources involved by simulation tasks, taking into account the global evaluation of the resistant forces usually required for this kind of behavioral analysis.
Study for Improving Laser Beam Welding Efficiency
Authors: Ciobanu Robert , Donţu Octavian , Besnea Daniel , Spanu Alina , Avarvarei Iulian
Published: November 2015

The aim of this paper is to highlight a method for improving laser beam efficiency. The laser weld bead profile depends on various parameters such as beam power, welding speed, wavelength of the laser radiation or the initial temperature of the material. Taking into account that laser beam welding efficiency is usually limited by synchronization of the laser source parameters, new methods were developed. In this paper is analyzed the influence of preheating the material and of the wavelength of laser radiation on the laser weld bead profile. Improvement in penetration depth was noted for preheating the material to around 140°C.
Increasing Performances in High Pressure Casting Process of Aluminium Alloys
Authors: Galitu Eugen Madalin , Constantin George
Published: November 2015

The purpose of this paper is to present the influence of the casting parameters in the process of producing aluminium alloy components of gearbox housing type in automotive industry. The project has as objectives the minimization of the most common casting defects met in casting of gearbox housings through adjusting the parameters of the process. In order to minimize these defects, it was studied the casting speeds in phases I and II, multiplication pressure of phase III and the mould temperature that is influenced by both the cooling channels inside the mould and the spraying process of the mould (lubrication/cooling) that helps regulate the optimum temperature. The experimental results showed that the casting defects such as pores, cast in stages, shrinkage cavities, gas holes and tightness are significantly reduced by periodically controlling and correcting the specific casting parameters.
Graphical Method in CATIA to Profile the Hob Mill for Generating the Slitting Saw Cutter Teeth
Authors: Frumuşanu Gabriel , Teodor Virgil , Oancea Nicolae
Published: November 2015

The generation of the ordinate surfaces whirl attached to a centrode (e.g. cylindrical or helical gears teeth generation) with a hob mill is an efficient method, also recommended in machining the teeth of slitting saw cutter with high dimensions. Profiling the hob mill conjugated to the disc-tool (slitting saw cutter) teeth, depending on its tooth profile, is a specific problem. There are known both analytical methods to profile the hob mill – e.g. the Gohman method (which uses an intermediary surface – the reference rack-gear), and graphical methods (developed in AutoCAD). A profiling method, which uses the CATIA environment facilities in graphical design, laying on the principle of helical motion de-composition (Nikolaev theorem) has been recently suggested. In this paper, we present a method for hob mill profiling, in graphical form, based on a complementary theorem (the Minimum distance method). The reference rack-gear, conjugated to the disc-tool teeth, is firstly profiled and then, by starting from it, the peripheral surface of the hob mill for machining the slitting saw cutter teeth is determined.
Finite Element Analysis for Deep Drawing Process and Part Shape Optimization
Authors: Iordan Ionela , Dogariu Constantin , Mohora Cristina
Published: November 2015

The paper presents some aspects regarding the sheet metal deep drawing process and shape optimzation for such parts using Finite Element Analysis. Simulation based design approaches have been used for forming processes. Using similar approach, a full process simulation and optimisation was undertaken in the present work. The work done here involved computer simulations of the forming processes to evaluate the amount of strain and stress each forming process contributed to the final product. Based on the simulation results, recommendation to change the product shape were presented. Not all the virtual products should be manufactured and the Finite Element Analysis eliminate all the possible errors and let the designers to optimize the geometry before designing the Molds and Dies for Deep Drawing process.
Heat Transfer Analysis of Extruded Rectangular Fin over Conventional Rectangular Fins by Numerical Simulation
Authors: Sivaraja Subramania Pillai , Balakumar P.K. , Sudha G. , Parthiban R.
Published: November 2015

Improving the performance of the computers and maintaining the operating temperature is an important task for the computer hardware manufacturers. The junction temperature of the electronic components is a critical problem which needs to be addressed in a competent way. Due to the improvement in the technology, the size and weight of the electronic components reduced to a greater extent and which in turn increases the operating power and speed. This increases the heat generated by the electronic component. Electronic components normally use conventional rectangular fin as heat sink for the step up in heat transfer. The need is to make a heat sink design that should overcome the problem related to transfer of heat by the electronic components. The heat transfer depends on parameters like heat sink’s surface area, pitch, design and material used. Optimization of the fin design by number of experiments is more expensive and laborious as well. CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) simulation validated with experimentation can be a good alternative for performing series of experiments. CFD modeling and simulation for the best fin design has been carried out for the current study. An alternative design for conventional rectangular fin has been proposed for this study called as Extruded Rectangular Fin (ERF). The proposed ERF shows good heat transfer when compared to conventional and interrupted rectangular fin with holes. Optimum cooling achieved for the system with the fin aspect ratio of 3.5.
Asymmetrical Solar Still with Various Basin Materials
Authors: Prakash Malaiyappan , Natarajan Elumalai
Published: November 2015

A solar still is efficient and attractive application of renewable energy (solar) in the distillate production. In this work, the solar still with different basin materials viz; plastic, glass, and galvanized iron (GI) with basin area of 1m x1m and slope of 13○ were fabricated and tested in Anna University, Chennai. The basin materials are taken according to the low cost that is easily available in the local areas. The bottom and side losses of the still are considerably reduced, due to the low cost insulation material (thermcol) beneath the basin liner. The stills are experimentally investigated on a clear day (03/04/2014). Comparison of the various basin materials under the same weather conditions is done. A model economic analysis calculation for the asymmetrical single-basin and single-slope solar still is verified.
Experimental Investigation on Performance, Emission and Ignition Delay Analysis of Biodiesel Addition in Diesel-Ethanol Blends
Authors: Prabakaran Balasubramanian , Padmanaba Sundar Shanmuga
Published: November 2015

In this work biodiesel of various proportions has been blended with E20 (20% ethanol and 80% diesel). Bio-diesel concentrations are varied at 10%, 20% and 30% while ethanol concentration was maintained at 20%. Performance, emission and variation of ignition lag of the fuel blends were analyzed. There was a very good reduction in CO emissions by 28% in comparison with E20 and 80% in comparison with diesel. NOx emissions of the blends were decreased by 16% compared with diesel and no variation with E20. Brake Thermal Efficiency (bte) of the blends was higher by 11% up to 75% load and 4% at full load compared with diesel and lesser by 2% in comparison with E20. Ignition-delay of the blends was longer than diesel, and the cetane number of the blends were lower than diesel. Brake Specific Energy Consumption (bsec) is slightly higher than diesel.
A Simulation Study of Flow and Pressure Distribution Patterns in a Two Stage Three Bucket Savonius Vertical Axis Wind Turbine
Authors: Premkumar T. Micha , Seralathan S. , Ravikumar T.S. , Jayagopal J.
Published: November 2015

Performance of Savonius vertical axis wind turbine can be increased by incorporating end plates, deflector plates, curtains, shielding, guide vanes etc in their designs. However, multi-staging of conventional VAWT rotors could be a viable proposition in terms of improvement of power output. Numerical analysis involving three bucket Savonius turbines are not available in the open domain. The objective of the present numerical investigation is to study the flow and pressure distribution patterns in the two-stage three bucket Savonius vertical axis wind turbine. The performance of SVAWT is based on the maximum difference in pressure between the upstream and downstream of the turbine. Velocity vector plots shows the energy transfer occurring from the fluid to the blade within the flow field in the upstream and downstream of the turbine. The trail of the wake left behind the SVAWT was observed in the downstream of the turbine. It is observed that eddies in large scale are present around the turbine flow field.
Theoretical Investigation on Combustion with Preformed Vortex Patterns
Authors: Asogan K. , Venkatesan Jamuna
Published: November 2015

The formation of swirl to improve mixing in the fuel-air mixture through induced turbulence, by making changes in the combustion chamber geometry has been the key interest mentioned in the published research, academic and commercial works. The occurrence of shock waves has long been the effect of engine detonation. Both these things involve variation in the fluid’s dynamic characteristics, thermodynamic and physical states that are controllable by the use of mechanically produced waves. This paper aims at exploring the ways by which optimal combustion can be achieved through wave assisted combustion.
Optimal Blend for the Performance and Emission Analysis of C.I & V.C.R Engine Fuelled with Animal Tallow Methyl Esters (ATME) Blended with Diesels
Authors: Mamilla Venkata Ramesh , Narayana G. Lakshmi , Rakesh A. , Krishna B. Vamsi
Published: November 2015

This Paper deals with the study of the potential substitution of Animal Tallow Methyl Ester (ATME) Blends for diesel as fuel for automobiles and other industrial purpose.The objective of this paper is to analyse the performance and emission characteristics of the animal tallow methyl esters and comparing them with petroleum diesel. The tests were carried out on a 3.5 KW, single cylinder, and direct injection engine. Engine tests have been carried out on 20% increase in steps of ATME blends with the aim of obtaining comparative measures of brake power, specific fuel consumption and emissions such as CO2, CO, HC, smoke density and NOx to study the behavior of the diesel engine. The performance and emission characteristics affected by various parameters like compression ratio which shows the major impact on engine performance by fuelling with biodiesel.Tests are also carried out on Variable Compression Ratio Engine B20 (ATME) which results in minor decrease in thermal efficiency with significant improvement in reduction of carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons when compared to diesel. The experimental result shows that 20% of blend shows better performance with reduced pollution on V.C.R engine.
Development and Application of PIC Form
Authors: Okamoto Kenji , Tsuruta Ken , Naitou Takafumi
Published: November 2015

Polymer Impregnated Concrete is concrete into which monomer is impregnated to achieve polymerization. The research and development of PIC had been conducted since 1960’s and concentrated in 1970s. The method of impregnating polymer partially into the surface of concrete of structures such as road bridges slabs and hydraulic dams came into practical use in the U.S.A
Influence of Coagulation of Polymer Dispersion on the Properties of Polymer-Modified Mortar
Authors: Cai Yong , Wang Pei Ming , Zhong Shi Yun
Published: November 2015

The coagulation process of polymer dispersion in cement-based materials is different from that of the pure polymer dispersion during drying and film formation. This process is influenced by the various ions released from cement hydration and the interaction between polymer and cement grain in the water. This paper focuses on the coagulation of polymer dispersion during cement hydrating and the influence on the performances e.g. water absorption, flexural and compressive strength and bonding strength of cement mortar. Commercial anionic styrene-acrylate polymer dispersion was investigated in the coagulation process in the polymer-modified cement paste with polymer to cement ratio (p/c) from 5% to 20% and water to cement ratio of 0.3. The amount of coagulated polymer particles was measured by testing the solid content of the supernatant of the diluted polymer-modified cement paste for a period of time. The calorimetric property was measured by TAM AIR calorimeter. Water absorption and mechanical properties of the modified mortar were also measured according to the China standard. The result showed that the polymer dispersion mixing with cement was found to be coagulated in the very early stage under the low polymer to cement ratio, and the quantity of the polymer particles remained in the liquid is quite low within few minutes during this fast coagulation process. The fast coagulation process undermines the influence of polymer dispersion on the cement hydration and the heat evolution. But it has negative impact on the mechanical properties and water resistance. Adding of surfactant into the polymer dispersion extends the coagulation process and improves these performances.
Advanced Active Prestressed CFRP in RCC Structures
Authors: Rai Gopal L.
Published: November 2015

. The need for rehabilitation of reinforced concrete structures is rapidly increasing. Fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) composite materials for concrete structures have high strength-to-weight ratios that can provide high prestressing forces while adding minimal additional weight to a structure. They also have good fatigue properties and exhibit low relaxation losses, both of which can increase the service lives and the load carrying capacities of reinforced concrete structures. Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite system is integrated system based on carbon fibres and epoxy resins. By prestressing the CFRP laminates, the material is used more efficiently as a part of its tensile capacity is utilised and it contributes to the load bearing capacity under both service and ultimate load condition. This is an ideal technique as it combines the advantage of using noncorrosive and lightweight advanced composite material in the form of FRP laminates with high efficiency offered by external prestressing. An innovative mechanical anchorage system was developed to prestress the FRP laminates directly by jacking and reacting against the RCC structure.This paper describes the use of Prestressed CFRP laminates for strengthening of RCC structures including practical applications on slabs and bridges. Also it elucidates the post strengthening testing carried out for the validation of this technique.
Serviceability Behavior of Reinforcement Concrete Beams with Polypropylene and Steel Fibers
Authors: Kabashi Naser , Krasniqi Cene , Hadri Ragip , Nushi Violeta , Dautaj Arton
Published: November 2015

Serviceability Limit States (SLS) may lead to the design of concrete elements internally reinforced with Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP).In many types of concrete structure loss the serviceability due to wide cracks, number of cracks or large deflection is not uncommon behaviour in concrete structures or concrete beams.The flexural ductility affects the serviceability deflection of RC beams once flexural cracking take place.Imprvement will be focused on the use of polypropilene fibres , which is the subject of thispaper. The performance of concrete with fibers is judged by the flexural toughness obtained by load-deflection curves. The flexural toughness of concrete is depend on different types of fibersin use.Its tougness will be reperesent in the behaviour of RC memebres at failure. Sometimes, it is difficult to use the flexural toughness to judge the behavior of concrete structures under service load. The result of cracking on concrete beam due to the applied load and the method of loading to monitor and check the performance of concrete with different types of fiber arediscussed in this paper. The reductionin the dimension of cracks and the effect of energy disipations of polypropilene fibres will be the main aim of this research work.