bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Des dispositifs pour les élèves perturbateurs : les collèges à l'heure de la sous-traitance ?
Authors: Moignard Benjamin , Rubi Stéphanie
Published: November 2013

Cet article relève d’une étude en cours auprès de 85 collèges, répartis sur 31 villes de 3 départements d’Île-de-France, impliqués dans 37 dispositifs externalisés des établissements, visant la prise en charge des collégiens exclus temporairement. Ces dispositifs interrogent les nouvelles formes de gestion éducative des élèves « perturbateurs » par l’école et les collectivités territoriales. Nous présenterons les modalités de mise en œuvre de ces dispositifs en interrogeant les contextes de leur développement, les formes de partenariat engagées, les processus de désignation des élèves concernés. Nous verrons ainsi comment ces dispositifs conduisent à des formes de sous-traitance de la mission éducative des établissements scolaires et posent le risque du développement d’espaces supplétifs tentant de pallier les difficultés de l’école.
Accréditation-habilitation dans l'enseignement supérieur : de la distinction à la sanction
Authors: Agulhon Catherine
Published: November 2013

L’évaluation est aujourd’hui au cœur de la gouvernance d’universités autonomes. L’Agence d’évaluation de la recherche et de l’enseignement supérieur (AERES), agence externe créée en 2007, a élaboré une procédure complexe d’évaluation intégrée qui mobilise les acteurs de l’université. L’analyse des rapports d’évaluation produits ces dernières années par l’AERES sur les masters permet de relever les critères retenus qui recouvrent les attendus de l’administration et donc les transformations des conceptions de l’enseignement universitaire. Attractivité des formations, partenariat avec le monde économique, performances en termes de taux organisent ces évaluations. En conséquence, sont renforcés la hiérarchisation et le classement des disciplines et des établissements, leur mise en concurrence.
Processus de négociation didactique et mesure du niveau des élèves : des fonctions concurrentes de l'évaluation
Authors: Millon-Fauré Karine
Published: November 2013

Cet article s’intéresse aux éventuels biais qui pourraient apparaître durant une évaluation sommative notée. Après avoir retracé les diverses fonctions assignées à ce processus, ainsi que les perturbations évoquées dans les recherches antérieures, nous avons voulu mieux comprendre les pratiques effectives, notamment dans les établissements ECLAIR (écoles collèges lycées ambition innovation réussite). Pour cela, nous avons cherché à perturber l’équilibre de la relation didactique en proposant à quinze classes de quatrième, issues de collèges divers, un énoncé mathématique conforme aux exigences institutionnelles. En étudiant les réactions des enseignants et des élèves durant les différentes étapes de cette évaluation externe, nous avons pu mieux comprendre quelles étaient leurs pratiques ordinaires. Nous avons ainsi mis en évidence, tout particulièrement dans les établissements ECLAIR, diverses concessions susceptibles de dénaturer le processus d’évaluation. Ces manifestations d’un jeu alternatif conjoint au sein de la classe confèrent parfois comme seul objectif à l’évaluation, le maintien de la relation didactique, au détriment de toute autre fonction et notamment d’une éventuelle mesure du niveau des élèves.
Apprendre à philosopher à l'école primaire : une « propédeutique philosophique » ?
Authors: Agostini Marie , Mallet Jeanne
Published: November 2013

Face à un enseignement problématique de la philosophie en classe de terminale et à l’appel à l’instauration d’une « propédeutique philosophique » (Jamet, 1990), des pratiques philosophiques s’invitent aujourd’hui à l’école primaire. Mais ces pratiques peuvent-elles vraiment prétendre constituer une propédeutique philosophique selon les exigences de l’enseignement de la philosophie en classe de terminale ? Pour traiter cette question, nous nous sommes basées sur la matrice philosophique de Michel Tozzi (1993), appuyée entre autres par les travaux de Galichet (1996) et de Léonardy (1993). Nous avons mis en place une expérimentation dans une classe de CM2 afin de vérifier si une pratique philosophique comme la discussion à visée philosophique (DVP) y répondait. Cet article se propose d’en faire un compte-rendu.
Anti-Models for Universitary Education
Authors: Cipolla-Ficarra Francisco V. , Ficarra Valeria M.
Published: November 2013

In this work of heuristic evaluation, the authors present the state-of-the-art and the results of an analysis of university educational systems to detect anti-models, which have increased the number of the unemployed in the active population of Southern Europe, especially in Catalunya (Spain). The results of this analysis have allowed the authors to carry out a first table of heuristic evaluation called Evaluation of the Excellence in Education (EEE). The table serves to detect the quality of the academic offer in computer science and multimedia. The authors also present a set of strategies stemming from semiotics and the categories of interactive design to detect the lack of credibility of online information through the analysis of the online textual and visual context.
Application of Verification Techniques to Security
Authors: Kammüller Florian , Probst Christian W. , Raimondi Franco
Published: November 2013

In this chapter, the authors give a short overview of the state of the art of formal verification techniques to the engineering of safe and secure systems. The main focus is on the support of security of real-world systems with mechanized verification techniques, in particular model checking. Based on prior experience with safety analysis—in particular the TWIN elevator (ThyssenKrupp) case study—the current case study ventures into the rising field of social engineering attacks on security. This main focus and original contribution of this chapter considers the security analysis of an insider attack illustrating the benefits of model checking with belief logics and actor system modeling.
Educational Social Networks as a Means for Better Social Cohesion in Education
Authors: Podgorelec Vili , Dobrina Maša
Published: November 2013

In the chapter, the authors argue whether social networks can contribute to the enhanced sense of community in an educational environment. Several studies show that the creation of a proper social environment with proper social integration has important positive effects on the students’ success in learning environments. In the chapter, the results of the study performed at the University of Maribor are presented, which show that social networks can enhance social cohesion, improve communication between members, and contribute to goal achievement of a social group.
Learning by Means of an Interactive Multimodal Environment
Authors: Zanolla Serena , Canazza Sergio , Rodà Antonio , Foresti Gian Luca
Published: November 2013

This chapter presents the Stanza Logo-Motoria, an Interactive Multimodal Environment (IME) for learning, which the authors have been developing and experimenting with since 2009 in several educational institutions. The aim of this chapter is a) to describe the activities carried out by the Resonant Memory, the first application for the Stanza Logo-Motoria, b) to illustrate the validation protocol of the system used as a listening tool for learning English as a Second Language (ESL), and finally, c) to document the positive partial results that demonstrate the improvement in ESL oral comprehension in pupils using the Stanza Logo-Motoria. The authors have also found that this environment can offer pupils: a) a truly interactive multimodal learning experience, b) a social opportunity for learning among children, and c) an intrinsically motivating experience.
Learning Computer Vision through the Development of a Camera-Trackable Game Controller
Authors: Albarelli Andrea , Bergamasco Filippo , Torsello Andrea
Published: November 2013

The trade-off between the available classroom time and the complexity of the proposed task is central to the design of any Computer Science laboratory lecture. Special care must be taken to build up an experimental setup that allows the students to get the most significant information from the experience without getting lost in the details. This is especially true when teaching Computer Vision concepts to prospective students that own little or no previous background in programming and a strongly diversified knowledge with respect to mathematics. In this chapter, the authors describe a setup for a laboratory lecture that has been administered through several years to prospective students of the Computer Science course at the University of Venice. The goal is to teach basic concepts such as color spaces or image transforms through a rewarding task, which is the development of a vision-based game controller similar in spirit to the recent human-machine interfaces adopted by the current generation of game consoles.
Prediction of Change-Prone Classes Using Machine Learning and Statistical Techniques
Authors: Malhotra LinRuchika , Bansal Ankita Jain
Published: November 2013

For software development, availability of resources is limited, thereby necessitating efficient and effective utilization of resources. This can be achieved through prediction of key attributes, which affect software quality such as fault proneness, change proneness, effort, maintainability, etc. The primary aim of this chapter is to investigate the relationship between object-oriented metrics and change proneness. Predicting the classes that are prone to changes can help in maintenance and testing. Developers can focus on the classes that are more change prone by appropriately allocating resources. This will help in reducing costs associated with software maintenance activities. The authors have constructed models to predict change proneness using various machine-learning methods and one statistical method. They have evaluated and compared the performance of these methods. The proposed models are validated using open source software, Frinika, and the results are evaluated using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis. The study shows that machine-learning methods are more efficient than regression techniques. Among the machine-learning methods, boosting technique (i.e. Logitboost) outperformed all the other models. Thus, the authors conclude that the developed models can be used to predict the change proneness of classes, leading to improved software quality.
New Generation of Artificial Intelligence for Real-Time Strategy Games
Authors: Novak Damijan , Verber Domen
Published: November 2013

Artificial intelligence in computer games is still well behind academic artificial intelligence research. The computer power and memory resources have increased exponentially over the last few years and improved game artificial intelligence should not hinder the performance of the game anymore. Improvements of game artificial intelligence are necessary because an appropriate artificial intelligence for the more advanced players does not exist today. This chapter discusses artificial intelligence for real-time strategy computer games, which are ideal test beds for research on movement, tactic, and strategy. Open-source real-time strategy game development tools are presented and compared, and an enhanced combat artificial intelligence algorithm is proposed.
Art, Future, and New Technologies
Authors: Cipolla-Ficarra Francisco V. , Ficarra Valeria M.
Published: November 2013

The authors present the first results of a heuristic evaluation of online content and the social networks that allows the detection of the manipulators of the mass media communication, the universities, and the research centers in the Iberian Peninsula. They present the strategies used in a technique of heuristic evaluation called CASTE – Computer Art, Software, and Technology Evaluation. Finally, a first graphic is presented that shows the results of applying CASTE and the manipulating extension in other territories of the disguised research business in art and new technologies.
“Cozinha da Madeira”
Authors: Nisi Valentina , Nunes Nuno , Isarankura Kanarak , Forlizzi Jodi
Published: November 2013

Sustainability is an outstanding global issue. Our present vision of wellbeing requires resource consumption that cannot be reproduced in a sustainable way. In this chapter, the authors present a case study of “Cozinha da Madeira” (CdM), a service design concept. CdM is a design concept that highlights how one can leverage tourism in order to promote sustainable services and experiences. Through the design of the CdM transformational experience, one invites customers to appreciate local products, resources, and traditions of the island, and in general orient themselves towards more sustainable practices in their further travels abroad as well as in their own home countries. The authors are currently developing a Web-based mobile application based on the premises and research presented in this chapter in order to deliver the service to potential users and evaluate the hypothesis.
“E-Culture System”
Authors: Clusella María Mercedes , Mitre María Gabriela
Published: November 2013

This chapter presents the results obtained by the International Institute Galileo Galilei (IIGG), a research unit of Fundaringenio, within the framework of the research project developed in 2009 that consists of the design of a basic model of “e-culture system” that can promote and disseminate world cultures, including Santiago del Esteros`s culture (the culture of a northwestern region of Argentina). Culture as a complex phenomenon is studied from the Systemic Paradigm, which is optimized by the transdisciplinary features that allow the concurrence of other complementary perspectives. The methodic process consists of the systemic modelling process and the retroprospective methodology. This process begins with the conception of the Meta Model to be achieved; the Existed Model is built in relation to its past and history. After that, the Existing Model is developed in relation to its present. Each one corresponding to the different scenarios of the events, and they are the basis of the features of “santiagueñidad.” From these, an Operative Model is designed and adapted. The authors present the validation of an operative model, through analogy simulation using the technique of syntegration for the processing of empirical evidence, collected from a statistical sample selected for this purpose. The results confirm the selected features of “santiagueña” culture and the generation of a more general and comprehensive model that could be of value to other cultures and instrumental applications such as in large organizations or companies.
Human Factors in Computer Science, New Technologies, and Scientific Information
Authors: Cipolla-Ficarra Francisco V. , Alma Jacqueline , Carré Jim
Published: November 2013

The research work presents a set of rhetorical questions with regard to the new profile that an expert or an editor of scientific information must have regarding computer science and other interactive systems online and offline. The main interrelations between the communicator of the new technologies and those who generate or present themselves as authors of those breakthroughs are also presented, that is, the marketing of sciences. Finally, real examples that show how the economic factor prevails over the neutrality of science are inserted.
The Excellence of the Video Games
Authors: Cipolla-Ficarra Francisco V.
Published: November 2013

This chapter presents a diachronic vision of the evolution of the main classical games in the computer followed by a look at computer-assisted teaching until the mid-nineties. Later, systems aimed at education in off-line and online support are analyzed simultaneously. Through this diachronic study, how many design features have endured until the present day can be seen.
Revision of the Groupware Users Interface Development Methods
Authors: Sosa Mabel del V.
Published: November 2013

Complexity inherent to groupware systems implies a considerable effort in design and development because of the need of multi-discipline collaboration work and the technical difficulty involved in the task (shared data, complicated collaborative activities, task distribution, group awareness, feedthrough, etc.). A key element for usability is the groupware user interface disposed to the enhancement of the group work quality in such aspects as coordination, communication, collaboration, etc. Different fields of computer science, HCI (Human Computer Interaction), CSCW (Computer Supported Cooperative Work), UCD (User Centered Design), and SE (Software Engineering), have contributed with the methodology, process, and tools model, which facilitates and improves different aspects of user interface development for collaborative environments. Still, the analyzed proposals do not completely cover the development process of a complete groupware system where interactive aspects are integrated with collaborative issues, not only in the interface but also in the application itself. Methodological proposals are analyzed in this chapter to detect how far they go in covering the development issues and trying to detect the strong and feeble points of every one, identifying the relevant aspects not yet covered in the fields dedicated to user interface development in this kind of system.
What Kind of Trade Integration Would the SCO’s Further FTA Be?
Authors: Sorhun Engin
Published: November 2013

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), whose the history dates back to “Shanghai five,” was founded in 1996 in order to deal with security and border issues. However, in the course of time, the organization has expanded the cooperation ground: the vision of the organisation has been recently enlarged so as to intensively emphasise economic issues such as forming a free trade area and initiating an economic integration. Since the potential economic effect is ambiguous and initially depends on the actual trade structure among the member countries, it is crucial for policymakers to have the right tools to evaluate the economic effect of such an initiative. The aim of this study is to provide practical guidance to policymakers for determining the potential economic effect of a further Free Trade Area (FTA) to be founded within the SCO. For this purpose, a set of indicators are used to determine the potential effect at regional and industrial levels that a possible regional trade arrangement may yield for the participating countries. It is concluded that there is a geographical bias towards trading among the members. To overcome this, there are two possible solutions for the SCO if it attempts a FTA: It should generate inter-industry and intra-industry trades and initiate new members.
The Future of the European Union in the Framework of Globalization
Authors: Nergiz Ebru
Published: November 2013

The future of the European Union is highly linked to globalization. The European Union is a global actor. It unites half a billion people. It is the world's largest economic block, with a quarter of global GDP. Managing globalization and strengthening its rules is vital for the European Union. One-fifth of Europe's wealth depends on its openness. In this chapter, the future of the European Union is examined in the framework of globalization. There are three key issues for the European Union in managing globalization. Firstly, economic globalization is discussed. Secondly, its cultural dimension, which means a stronger dialogue of civilizations and nations, is evaluated. Finally, the need to protect global security in terms of climate change and sustainable sources of energy is analyzed.
Leadership and the Function of Discourse on International Political Economy
Authors: Gurel Pinar Altiok , Yilmaz Recep , Cambaz Nevin Ozgur , Yilmaz Nurten
Published: November 2013

This study focuses on the concept of leadership. It aims to explain the relationship between language and leadership. In this theoretical essay, firstly, the concept of leadership is discussed and then the relationship between semiotics, language, and discourse is described. Taking the obtained theoretical frame as a base, the function of language as a sign of leadership is studied within the frame of leadership approaches. The relationship stated in the study provides a theoretical route map for the academicians conducting empirical studies in this field, and this is the reason why this study is authentic and unique. With the effects of globalization rapidly increasing, the considerations of leadership have also changed, and new leadership typologies have emerged to supply the needs of the information age. Both at home and abroad, language skills and good command of language provide a global and competitive advantage for leaders, and this increases the significance of acquiring the skills mentioned.
Speed Bump vs. Road Kill on the Fiber-Optic Highway
Authors: Bérci Margaret E.
Published: November 2013

This chapter examines the early research on self-efficacy and beliefs of educators as it relates to the professional identity they must adopt in the information age. The overarching goal here is to challenge the wisdom associated with the super speeds at which teachers often adopt the use of multimodal media. The discussion does not debate the effectiveness of infusing technology into the classroom to guide students in the construction of knowledge; rather, it takes a position that there needs to be greater caution regulating the speed at which teachers are required to travel the Information Highway. The discussion also challenges the generalization that students are ahead of their teachers in the effective use of digital technologies, a condition that places teachers in the role of digital immigrants in the land of technology.
Teaching and Learning Fused through Digital Technologies
Authors: Yang Xiaohong
Published: November 2013

The invisibility of the many in university classroom instruction sounds anachronistic in the age of the Internet, where learning is made meaningful by personal drives, personal choices, and personal possessions of learners. Reported here is a reconstructive effort at integration of teaching and learning by exploring the open nature and availability of the read/write Web in a pedagogic, hybrid course in China. This chapter is based on three key ideas: (1) learning community, (2) iterative learning process, and (3) reconstruction of personal conceptualizations through the dynamics of social discourse. By embodying target knowledge in the learning process, intuitive and reasoning powers of individual learners were shaped into primary driving forces through selective reading, classification tasks, and essay writing. In the intensive multi-level dialogues that followed, students reconstructed their personal conceptualizations of target knowledge, learning, and self-concepts, which were consolidated and developed further through monthly reflections and a term paper.
Designing for Computational Expression
Authors: Weintrop David , Wilensky Uri
Published: November 2013

In this chapter, framed by Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory, Wilensky and Papert’s restructuration theory, and Noss and Hoyles’ theoretical construct of webbing, the authors explore four practical design principles facilitating the creation of learning environments that can overcome the challenge of introducing learners to computational expression in meaningful contexts and can start learners down the path towards computational literacy. The four design principles discussed are (1) low-threshold interfaces, (2) task-specific tools, (3) visual feedback, and (4) in-context examples. The heart of this chapter presents these features and their design rationales in the context of a qualitative study examining participants’ use of RoboBuilder, a blocks-based, program-to-play game.
Preservice Teachers’ Knowledge Construction with Technology
Authors: Zhou George , Xu Judy
Published: November 2013

Today’s teachers are expected to use digital technologies in their teaching. However, teacher education programs do not yet effectively develop teachers’ capabilities to teach with technology. In order to search for best approaches, this chapter starts with an epistemological discussion on knowledge, and then moves to a more specific discussion about the nature of preservice teachers’ learning about using technology to teach. Using the framework of Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge, the chapter argues that methods courses of a teacher education program are the key space where preservice teachers can be trained to use technology in subject teaching. Particularly, the Microteaching Lesson Study approach in methods courses was considered an effective way for the development of technology proficiency. A small recent supports the arguments and articulates the success and challenges of the Microteaching Lesson Study approach.
Emergent Digital Literacy and Mobile Technology
Authors: Robinson Helen Mele
Published: November 2013

Higher education early childhood teacher preparation programs in the United States are guided by the National Association for the Education of Young Children Standards for Initial and Advanced Early Childhood Professional Preparation Programs (NAEYC, 2010). With technology infused throughout the standards, teacher preparation programs are confronted with the challenge of priming preservice teachers to be technologically literate educators ready to cultivate engaging curriculum for 21st century learners. It is essential for early childhood educators to bring together components from developmentally appropriate practice, multiple intelligence theory, and emergent digital literacy to form an effective curriculum plan. This chapter offers details of a teacher preparation program that utilizes a multisensory learning approach to prepare early childhood preservice teachers who are capable of infusing technology into developmentally appropriate curriculum planning.
Study Skills in the Digital Age
Authors: Robnolt Valerie J. , Rhodes Joan A.
Published: November 2013

Study skills, as defined by Harris and Hodges (1995), are the “techniques and strategies that help a person read or listen for specific purposes with the intent to remember” (p. 245). With over 34 percent of the world’s, and approximately 79 percent of North America’s, population using the Internet (Internet World Stats, 2012) and the percentage of classrooms in the U.S. that have Internet access increasing from three percent in 1994 to 94 percent in 2005 (Wells & Lewis, 2006), the way that students study and are taught to study must change. To teach study skills, teachers should use the explicit explanation model of reading (Stahl, 1997), which involves the teacher modeling, students practicing with the teacher scaffolding their use of the skills, and then students using the skills independently, using both print and digital texts. This chapter discusses these issues.
Preparing Intermediate and Secondary Teachers of Reading Today
Authors: Dredger Katie
Published: November 2013

This chapter is a teacher’s toolkit of engaging ideas that use digital technologies in classrooms encouraging students to read, write, and communicate. The innovative approaches, employed by working teachers, include social networking, recording applications, digital photography, word clouds, glogs, slide presentations, and other multimedia tools. This chapter also challenges teacher educators to nurture dispositions of action research and reflection in new teachers so that as tools continue to emerge, teachers will retain a commitment to learning and to consuming with a critical and adventurous spirit.
A Second Life in Qualitative Research
Authors: Bhattacharya Kakali
Published: November 2013

Many institutions of higher education do not have well-developed qualitative research methods programs. Consequently, the role of qualitative research is minimized, and its legitimacy questioned as the methodology of choice in dissertations, relegating qualitative research as second fiddle to quantitative research. In this chapter, the authors present how using a three-dimensional multiuser virtual/digital world called Second Life serves as a fertile and rigorous space for critically engaged ethnographic practices in an institution where resources for qualitative research are scant. Using information extracted from students’ projects conducting mini-ethnographies in Second Life, their YouTube podcasts, students’ reflections in learning key concepts in qualitative research without prior exposure to this methodology, the authors engage in a discussion of transformative learning experiences. Discussion of transformative learning experiences includes an intersection of critical dialogue of integration of digital technologies, virtual worlds in qualitative research, kind of learning and learners produced as a result, and reflections necessary for pedagogically aligned instructional design and delivery.
Costs of Information Services and Information Systems
Authors: Parsons Steve G.
Published: November 2013

The large number of cost terms in use regarding information services contributes to confusion in discussion and cost analysis. This confusion can largely be resolved by focusing on decisions rather than on products and cost terms. This decision focus is consistent with the proper application of total cost of ownership approaches and a real options perspective for evaluating managerial flexibility. Information services also tend to display public good-like characteristics. The non-rivalrous nature of production (i.e., low marginal cost of production) and the perishability of services have critical implications for investments and complex pricing. In addition, some information services and other Internet-based services, can display network effects, which also have important implications for managing the life cycle of the service. Finally, the implications of big data for information services are briefly considered.
ICT Investments and Management for Organizations
Authors: Angelou Georgios N. , Economides Anastasios A.
Published: November 2013

Developing the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) strategy that supports the overall organization’s business strategy is critical for generating business value. Recognizing the inadequacy of traditional quantitative cost-benefits analysis for evaluating and managing ICT investments, researchers suggest multi-criteria analysis, integrating quantitative and qualitative modeling. This chapter introduces the Balance Scorecard (BS) decision analysis framework and combines it with Real Options (ROs) analysis, in a qualitative and quantitative perspective, for modeling the business flexibility as well as for evaluating and controlling the ICT investments strategy. The multi-criteria ROs modeling applies to all perspectives of the BS framework providing a holistic decision-making model for ICT business.
Information Quality on Yahoo! Answers
Authors: Fichman Pnina
Published: November 2013

Along with the proliferation of the Social Web, Question and Answer (QA) sites attract millions of users around the globe. On these sites, users ask questions while others provide answers. These QA sites vary by their scope, size, and quality of answers; the most popular QA site is Yahoo! Answers. This chapter aims to examine the quality of information produced by the crowd on Yahoo! Answers, assuming that given enough eyeballs all questions can get good answers. Findings illustrate a process of answer quality improvement through crowdsourcing questions. Improvement is achieved by having multiple answers to any given question instead of a single answer, and through a mechanism of answer evaluation, by which users rank the best answer to any given question. Both processes contribute significantly to the quality of answers one can expect to find on Yahoo! Answers.
E-Banking in India
Authors: Das Rituparna
Published: November 2013

This chapter deals with the evolving process of electronic banking in India, focusing on the risks facing different payment and settlement systems. It covers how the banks are managing risks in payments and settlement systems within the ambit of Internet banking activities as per regulatory guidelines in India. In the process, it refers to a number of national and international institutions and countries.
The Bearing Capacity and the Rational Loading Mode of Pigeon during Takeoff
Authors: Liu Ting Ting , Cai Lei , Wang Hao , Dai Zhen Dong , Wang Wen Bo
Published: November 2013

A bio-robot treats the living animal itself as the robot-moving carrier, which possesses good mobility and adaptability even in complicated non-structured environments. As one of the flyable bio-robots, pigeon-robots have been studied for several years. However, how to arrange the equipments on board effectively to minimize the impact to pigeons natural flight has not been considered. In this study, we estimated the bearing capacity of a pigeon during takeoff by increasing the weight gradually. Different loading modes have also been compared to find a rational way to reduce the influence of the loading to flyability. These results are expected to be helpful to the design of pigeon-robots.
A Biologically Motivated Flight Control System for PAVs
Authors: Yu Yang , Wang Zheng Jie , Guo Mei Fang
Published: November 2013

In this paper, the methods of bionic flight control system for PAV are researched and a simplified model contained bionic-sensor component is designed. Based on some idealized assumptions, a simulation is accomplished. The results demonstrated that it is feasible to develop a bionic flight control system and the system is able to provide a compact and low-priced design scheme for PAV.
Finite Element Analysis in the Characteristics of Ostrich Foot Toenail Traveling on Sand
Authors: Zhang Rui , Liu Hai Bao , Zhang Si Hua , Zeng Gui Yin , Li Jian Qiao
Published: November 2013

The ostrich foot toenail plays a crucial role in the process of ostrich foot traveling on sand. 3D laser scanner was used to measure the three-dimensional point clouds of ostrich foot toenail surface morphology, and the three-dimensional model of ostrich foot toenail was reconstructed by using reverse engineering technology. The finite element analysis in the interactions between ostrich foot toenail and sand was implemented by Abaqus and Hypermesh. The quasi-static analytical results of ostrich foot toenail inserting the sands showed that the groove structure of the toenail had a better sand fixation effects, the tiptoe structure was conducive to insert into the sands, and the inverted triangular structure of the toenail had the weak disturbance on the sands which produced the less resistance of the toenail inserting the sands. According to the velocity and the stress fields in the process of the ostrich foot toenail dynamically traveling on sand, ostrich foot toenail tiptoe could help to improve the thrust of traveling on sand, the groove area of the toenail played the effects of sand fixation and flow limitation in the process of ostrich foot toenail traveling on sand.
Keywords: ostrich foot toenail, reverse engineering, model reconstruction, finite element simulation, sand fixation and flow limitation.
Research on Kinematic Modeling of Octopus-Like Arm Manipulator Composed with Mixed Joints
Authors: Zhao Jiang Hai , Ye Xiao Dong , Qian Wen Huan
Published: November 2013

Due to the space constraints and obstacles, the traditional industrial manipulator is too difficult to achieve some tasks, such as the gluing for the wing bulkhead of the aircraft and the maintenance for cooling pipes of the nuclear power plant, etc. Continuum manipulator, inspired by the trunk and the tentacle, proves to be very effective for above-mentioned tasks. A novel octopus-like biomimetic robots, is proposed in this paper, which is consisting of continuum joints and discrete joints, and provide a host of benefits, such as the large space of movement, the high flexibility and the heavy load. A novel analytical approach for solving kinematics of the octopus-like arm manipulator with mixed joints is presented in this paper. Based on the bionic mechanism of the continuum manipulator constructed from mixed joints, the robot configuration is established. In this paper, we present a detailed formulation and explanation of a novel kinematic model for the continuum robots with mixed joints. The modeling method based on the Denavit–Hartenberg parameters(also called DH parameters) is used to depict the motion of robot. The robot is comprised of the continuum joint and the rotated joint, so the kinematic model of continuum joint is crucial for constructing that of the whole robot. The continuum joint is equivalent to a section of elastic body, whose D-H parametors can be obtain from the constant-curvature method. Then the forward kinematics of the whole robot can be builded in a D-H frame. Research results will create a new modeling method for the octopus-like continuum manipulators with mixed joints, which can give a new approach for the design on the biomimetic manipulators operating in the unstructured envirement.
Research on Morphology Specificity of Gecko Feet at Different Scales
Authors: Cai Lei , Mei Hao , Wang Wen Bo , Wang Hao , Dai Zhen Dong
Published: November 2013

The fine-level structure of toes contributes to the extraordinary climbing ability of G. gecko. Research on the morphology specificity of gecko feet at different scales provides anatomical information for revealing geckos motor ability and provides theoretical basis and data which can support the development of the robot gecko feet. During the research, we used KEYENCE (VHX-600E) digital microscope system to observe and photograph the forefoot and hindfoot of G. gecko at different scales. The image processing as well as calculation of foot area and toe area was done using image processing software after the number of toe setae lamella was counted. Results: there was no significant difference between the numbers of setae lamellae on the first toes in both forefoot and hindfoot (p>0.3). The same situation also appeared in the second and forth toes. Significant difference between the numbers of the third toe setae lamella in forefoot and hindfoot was observed, the same situation also happened in the fifth toes of the forefoot and hindfoot (p<0.01), the difference between the whole area of the forefoot and hindfoot was extremely significant (p<0.005). The area of the first toe in forefoot was different from the corresponding one in hindfoot (p<0.05), while the areas of the other four toes were extremely significant from the corresponding ones in hindfoot (p<0.005). The results of the research suggest that specific designs should be adopted in the devisal of forefoot and hindfoot as well as the corresponding toes.
Surface Texture and Mechanical Behavior of Claw Material in Beetle Dorcus titanus (Coleoptera: Lucanidae)
Authors: Yang Zhi Xian , Liu Ze Hua , Dai Zhen Dong
Published: November 2013

Biomaterials have an integrated, hierarchical structure with outstanding mechanical properties which are far beyond those achieved by using the same synthetic materials. nanoindentation techniques have recently been adapted for studying the biological materials. In this paper, the surface texture and nanomechanical properties of claw material in beetleDorcus titanuswere investigated. It is founded that the claw possesses of an optimized shape as well as the non-smooth surface texture with many stripes like as the fullows close to the arc inside. The results of nanoindentation tests indicate that the modulus value of the claw cuticle near the tip (11.25±0.57 GPa) is over three times larger than that near the claw root (3.61±0.22 GPa) and there is an incremental hardness and modulus values from the claw root to the tip. Quantitive measurements on the nanomechanical properties of claw material could help to develop biomimetic materials suitable for industrial products.
Modeling of Fish Adaptive Behaviors in Unsteady Flows
Authors: Ma Zhao Wei , Hu Tiang Jiang , Zhou Han , Wang Guang Ming , Zhang Dai Bing
Published: November 2013

Fish can swim swiftly in complicated flow environments, which conceives inspirations for man-made underwater vehicles. This paper concentrates on observation and modeling of fish adaptive behaviors in unsteady flows. A good representative of bony fish,crucian, is taken as the experimental specimen for investigating biological adaptation with response to alteration of surrounding flow patterns. Difference of swimming parameters is confirmed by recorded samples within several flow patterns. Furthermore, a bio-inspired gait model is constructed to stimulate fish adaptive behaviors, since the traditional model is hardly suitable. The model is inspired and supported by biological neural oscillators. By using the developed neural oscillator model, not only certain rhythmic motions under a steady flow pattern can be generated, but also behavioral transitions between multiple different patterns within unsteady flows come true. Experimental results validate the effectiveness of the developed neural model in continuously and smoothly regulating fish propulsive patterns within unsteady flows.
Study on Wear of Bionic Roller Based on Arca Subcrenala Lischke
Authors: Teng Feng Ming , Zhang Xing Wang , Liu Fang Yuan , Cong Qian
Published: November 2013

Based on the Arca subcrenala Lischke’s surface morphology and its excellent wear resistance, we designed and processed the cement roller stripe-shaped surface. We used test optimization and regression analysis techniques, made the number of stripes and stripe’s depth as the experimental factors, and have studied the stripe-shaped cement roller wear mechanism. We received the relationship function between roller wear with the depth and number of stripes, explored the influence of resistance about wear based on the various test factors, and made a simple analysis about the wearable mechanism of the stripe-shaped Bionic roller.
Effect of Top Structure on Adhesion of Carbon Nanotubes Based Gecko Inspired Dry Adhesive
Authors: Li Da , Zhao Ai Wu , Wang Da Peng , Sun Heng Hui , Liu Er Hu , Wu Rong , Zhang Mao Feng , Guo Hong Yan , Gao Qian , Mei Tao
Published: November 2013

Vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNT) arrays were designed to mimic natural foot-hairs of geckos in order to elucidate the adhesion mechanism. We fabricated and systematically investigated adhesive properties of the VACNT arrays with different top structures. Balancing the gas ratio and pressure used for low pressure chemical vapor deposition (CVD) processing controls the top structures of VACNT arrays which determine the strength of adhesion. Their contact behaviors were observed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The VACNT arrays attached the target surface by different contact behavior based on the different top structures. The different contact behavior varied adhesive properties of VACNT arrays. VACNT arrays with free top structure present higher adhesion strength due to the side contact with target surface, which indicated that the top structure is an important factor enabling generation of a strong adhesion. These results present clear implications for the role of top structures in VACNT arrays based synthetic gecko systems, which is important for fabrication of gecko-inspired dry adhesives.
Study on the Tribological Behavior of the Foamed Copper Filled with Epoxy Matrix
Authors: Ji Ke Ju , Xu Yin Song , Zhao Hui Hui , Huang Zheng Gen , Dai Zhen Dong
Published: November 2013

In order to improve the thermal performance and wear resistance of the polymer, foamed copper filled by the curable epoxy-matrix composite are developed as tribological materials. Graphite and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were incorporated the contents as friction additives. The tribological properties of the foamed-copper reinforced composites were investigated on an UMT-2 friction and wear tester. An electric field was imposed between the specimen and disc to monitor the formation of transfer film by means of contact resistance. It is found that the foamed-copper reinforced composites possess better wear resistance than homologous polymers, and the smaller is the aperture, the better the wear resistance. While the friction coefficients increase for the local direct contact between the copper and the steel disc. The copper skeletons contribute to the timely transfer of friction heat and the load-sharing. The foamed-copper unit was modeled from the foaming mechanism of the polyurethane foam. Two parameters of the surface area density of foamed copper and the area ratio of copper at the friction interface were quantized based on two kinds of typical contact models. The modeling analysis can lead to a better understand the influence of metallic skeletons on the wear performance of composite.
Characteristics on Stability of a Hydraulic-Driven Bionic Structure Based on Undulating Rhythm Motion
Authors: Xu Hai Jun , Yi Sheng Yao , Zou Teng An , Zhang Lei
Published: November 2013

Hydraulic system has special application for bionic structure and rhythm motion, since driving structure and method has huge influence on characteristic of bionic propelling. With a bionic undulating propeller driving by hydraulic system, some analysis on stability of bionic motion unit and undulating wave has been brought forward. Results show that stability characteristics can be improved while adjusting parameters of bionic structure and hydraulic system, as well as the rhythm motion be ameliorated. All these will make important guidance for enhancing bionic propelling efficiency, and have been validated partly by some experiments on a bionic undulating propelling prototype.
Bionic Sawblade Based on Grasshopper Incisor for Corn Stalk Cutting
Authors: Li Chang Ying , Jia Hong Lei , Zhang Zhi Hong , Wang Gang
Published: November 2013

Grasshopper [Chondracris rosea rosea(De Geer)] possesses sharp and serrated incisors that have an advantageous capacity for cutting plant. The special outline of the incisor lobe described by reverse engineering was used for the prototype of the teeth of bionic saw manufactured by Wire Electronic Discharge Machine. In total one traditional saw and four bionic saws (which teeth are full teeth, first teeth, second teeth, and third teeth) were manufactured and compared for the cutting property. The experiments for cutting corn stalk using bionic saws and traditional saw were conducted in laboratory conditions using universal testing machine at quasi-static speed of 4 mm per second. The results show that the cutting force and the average energy consumed for cutting corn stalk using bionic saw is lower compared with commercial saw. 8.95 J consumed for cutting a corn stalk using bionic saw of full teeth in average is lower by 12.85% than 10.27 J needed for traditional saw. In additional the average cutting force for four types of bionic saws is lower than that of traditional saw. The least average force is 41.11 N for bionic saw of first teeth much lower than 71.97 N for traditional saw. In conclusion, the special shaped incisors of grasshopper are a potential prototype that can be exploited to develop new cutting element to cut lignocellulosic biomass more efficiently. These results would be helpful for designing cutting elements on crop harvesting, biomass size reduction and other processing machinery.
Prospects of Using Bionic Technologies in Oil/Gas Development
Authors: Liu He , Shi Bai Ru , Zheng Li Chen , Chen Lin , Yang Qing Hai , Pei Xiao Han
Published: November 2013

Presently there are some challenging technological problems which severely restrain the progress of oil/gas development and production. To address these existing specific challenges, solutions enlightened and obtained from bionics have been applied. This paper reviews the applications of the most influential bionic technologies in the oil/gas development and production engineering, which include bionic non-smooth surface, shape memory polymer, bionic porous material, etc. Some successful field applications of these bionic technologies are described in detail, e.g. the application of the non-smooth theory in the solid expandable tubular technology to reduce friction resistance, and the utilization of bionic porous material as sand control screen to effectively improve sand retention and reduce the influent resistance. The vision of the potential bionic technologies, such as bionic inflow-control devices and nanorobots are also discussed.