bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Research on Shell Strength and Pressurize Reliability of Underwater Vehicle Mating Device
Authors: Zhang Zhong Lin , Wang Li Quan
Published: September 2013

Underwater vehicle has abroad applications in submarine rescue and deep-ocean workstation and so on. Moreover, mating device strength and skirt mouth pressurize is important condition for working safe. In order to realize reliable mating, endure force analyzing on steady mating to platform was put up and load to finite element model. The computing result of finite element model and experimental value is accordant. The research and experiment on pressurize methods was finished, the result show that O-type pressurize and lip-type pressurize has ensured pressurize reliability. This paper can provide reference for analogy structure Strength and pressurize reliability.
Methodology for an Integrated Life Cycle Approach to Design for Environment
Authors: Low Jonathan Sze Choong , Lu Wen Feng , Song Bin
Published: September 2013

To ensure that the economic and environmental impact over the entire product life cycle is taken into consideration during the design process, an integrated life cycle approach to Design for Environment (DfE) must be taken. In this paper, we describe the application of the product structure-based methodology for integrated life cycle analysis as a DfE decision-support tool. While maintaining an integrated perspective of the product life cycle, this methodology modularises the product life cycle model to the individual parts of the product structure; thus, allowing product designers to analyse the parts independently from the rest of the product system and enabling them to systematically evaluate the design alternatives. Using a case study on a dive torchlight, we demonstrate how through our proposed methodology, design alternatives for the product can be evaluated based on the life cycle eco-efficiency.
The Application of the Fireproof Wood Treated with Fire Retardant in the Warship Cabin
Authors: Zhang Wen Bo
Published: September 2013

The materials and surface treatment of warship cabin walls affect not only the safety but also the habitability. The performances of the specific fire retardant are investigated according to the requirements of Chinese Standard GB8624. The experiment is conducted in Cone Calorimeter. The results show that it is a noninflammable material, which has an excellent flame retardant effect arriving at B1 level of the standard. It provide a diverse selection of cabin materials.
Interference Fit Stress Concentrations with Full Chamfered Hub
Authors: Pérez-Cerdán Juan Carlos , Lorenzo Miguel , Blanco Carmen
Published: September 2013

Quantitative determination of stress concentrations factors (SCF) in interference fits joints is highly relevant since they are not given by the theory of pressure cylinders commonly used for designing them. We study the capability of using a full chamfered hub as a geometrical design for reducing SCF. Stresses distributions and stresses concentrations factors are analyzed as a function of parameters that define the hub geometry with the aim of optimizing the design of proposed modified hubs. To achieve this goal, diverse numerical simulations by means of the finite element method (FEM) were carried out in order to quantitatively estimate the stress state existing at hub-shaft interface.
Service Engineering: A Framework of Integrated Manufacturing System
Authors: Chen Qi Yu , Wu Zhi Heng , Deng Zhi Wen , Luo Liang Chuan
Published: September 2013

In this paper, we analyze the service relationship among the participants of integrated manufacturing system, and present a framework of service engineering of integrated manufacturing system. That is a kind of service-oriented manufacturing model. Manufacturers pay more attention to customer participation and their experience in the process of manufacturing and servicing. In the network economy era, integrated manufacturing system is built with the participants network-based cooperation. A new model of service of integrated manufacturing system is based on cloud computing. Service providers offer their services through the network, to make the cooperation more effective, to add the value for customers. At the same time, the coordinated innovation services model become an ordinated way to promote the cooperation of the participants of integrated manufacturing system.
Capability-Based Adaptation of Production Systems - Practical Case Study in TUT-Microfactory Environment
Authors: Järvenpää Eeva , Lanz Minna , Tuokko Reijo
Published: September 2013

Today’s production systems need to adapt rapidly to changing product requirements. Adaptation can be eased by formal models, representing product requirements and system capabilities, which convey the needed information for adaptation planning activities. This paper presents an adaptation approach, which is based on matching the product requirements to the resource capabilities, and applies it to a practical case study in TUT-microfactory environment.
Open Shop Dense Scheduling Algorithm Based on Semi-Matching Theory
Authors: Zhan Yong , Zhu Hai Tao , Zhong Yu Guang
Published: September 2013

Open shop scheduling problem was studied, and a dense scheduling algorithm based on semi-matching theory was proposed. Using decomposition strategy, the scheduling problem was converted into iterations of resource assignment. Based on this, dense scheduling was constructed by the construction and optimization of primal solution. To improve computational efficiency, the semi-matching model of the resource assignment problem with the optimal function of load balancing was developed. The optimal semi-matching searching algorithm based on augmenting path was proposed. And a dense scheduling construction method with two steps was proposed, as well as initial solution optimization methods and mechanisms to eliminate interference among machines. At last, the validity of the developed scheduling algorithm was illustrated by benchmarks of Taillard.
The Mechanism of Electrochemical Discharge (ECD)
Authors: Karnik Madhuri , Ghosh Amitabha , Shekhar Rajiv
Published: September 2013

The paper proposes mechanism of electrochemical discharge ECD based on the results of experiments in stagnant electrolyte cell (SEC). The experiments conducted in SEC have demonstrated that the physical characteristics of ECD, instantaneous current wave form (ICWF) in the cell at the time of discharge and voltage gradient developed near the tip of the discharging electrode are polarity dependant. It has been also observed that the formation of gas-vapour sheath round the tip of electrode is the benchmark leading to the discharge. Hence, an attempt has been made to suggest the polarity dependant ionization processes that can take place in the gas-vapour sheath near the discharging electrode, assuming that the ionic processes taking place at the electrodes in an electrochemical cell do not change at the time of discharge. The emission of electrons can take place from the surface of cathode due to either the field emission or thermionic emission (since the temperature of cathode shoots up in the film boiling regime) or by positive ion impact. The field ionization of gas molecules in the sheath formed around the anode tip can take place leading to tunneling of electrons from neutral gas molecules under the action of high electric field (2-51010V/m) [1] into the surface of the anode.
Manufacturability of Sheet Metal Design with the Help of Product Data Management (PDM)
Authors: Huhtala Merja , Lohtander Mika , Varis Juha
Published: September 2013

In the today’s industry the sheet metal design plays a huge role, it has been said that almost the half of the designing is concentrating to sheet metals. But the lack of knowledge of the typical sheet metal aspects and basic rules of sheet metal designing, has led in to situation where more and more products are poor designed. This automatically leads to situation that the products are not manufacturing friendly. Designing time is shortening year after year, so the pressure to design the part as fast as possible is huge. Unfortunately all the design information and the design intent is processed and filtered to be fit for the Product Data Management (PDM) system. As the PDM was firstly designed to be used only for the storage base for the design drawings and other data; the feature-information and design intent is lost. This paper deals with two distinct yet interlinked themes. The first theme is the new requirements set for the new Product (Life-time) Information systems that can save the product information and design intent. And the second theme is the modern, light-weight and updatable product-services that allow the manufacturability to be ensured before product realization. With the help of novel product-service such as Design Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) for sheet metal industry designers will able to design in shorter time manufacture friendly sheet metal products.
Disassembly Sequence Planning Based on Poisoning Ant Colony Algorithm
Authors: Wang Wei Lin , Shi Xian Jie
Published: September 2013

Disassembly of scrap product is a necessary procedure of products recycling and reusing, which is an important part of whole life cycle of the products. Scrap product disassembly process planning can reduce the cost of disassembly operation. It can also improve operation efficiency and the enterprise competitiveness. A new improved algorithm is developed based on the basic ant colony algorithm, which is poisoning ant colony algorithm. Poisoning ant colony algorithm is applied to realize the search and optimization for feasible disassembly sequence solution set with disassembly root diagram. Finally, the optimal sequence is obtained based on evaluation objective function. Toxic environment and life value are also introduced to this algorithm. The characteristics of the algorithm are preferable search and convergence property.
Optimal Tooth Surface Modifications in Face-Hobbed Hypoid Gears
Authors: Vilmos Simon
Published: September 2013

In this study, an optimization methodology is proposed to systematically define head-cutter geometry and machine tool settings to introduce optimal tooth modifications in face-hobbed hypoid gears. The goal of the optimization is to simultaneously minimize tooth contact pressures and angular displacement error of the driven gear, while concurrently confining the loaded contact pattern within the tooth boundaries. The proposed optimization procedure relies heavily on a loaded tooth contact analysis for the prediction of tooth contact pressure distribution and transmission errors. The objective function and the constraints are not available analytically, but they are computable, i.e., they exist numerically through the loaded tooth contact analysis. The core algorithm of the proposed nonlinear programming procedure is based on a direct search method. Effectiveness of this optimization was demonstrated by using a face-hobbed hypoid gear example. Considerable reductions in the maximum tooth contact pressure and in the transmission errors were obtained.
Computerised Tooth Profile Generation of Conjugated Involute Internal Gears
Authors: Fetvaci Cuneyt
Published: September 2013

This paper studies the conjugated involute profile which are used in internal gear pumps. In this type of gear mechanisms, the internal gear profile is completely conjugate of the external gear profile. A composite line of action curve is obtained because the root fillets also play role in engagement cycle. The perfomance of the mechanism is increased. By applying consequent transformations, firstly the tooth surface of the generated external gear is obtained and secondly the tooth surface of the conjugated involute internal tooth surface is obtained. Also asymmetric tooth is considered. Mathematical models of generating and generated tooth surfaces are given. Based on the given mathematical models, a computer program is developed to obtain generating and generated surface. Conventional and conjugated involute profiles are compared.
Prediction of Heat Generation and Temperature Distribution in High Speed Preloaded Ball Screws
Authors: Oyanguren Aitor , Ulacia Ibai , Larrañaga Jon , Gallo Angel , Arana Aitor , González Roberto
Published: September 2013

The general trend in the field of machine tools is to increase the speed of feed axes with the aim of reducing manufacturing times, high speed machining is a significant example of such increase. Ball screws have proven their ability to fulfill requirements of workpiece positioning accuracy, nevertheless, the heat generated in the screw-nut interaction increases proportionally with the speed of the axes. As a result, an increase in temperature takes place, which causes thermal expansion of the ball screw, producing positioning errors and decreasing the service life of the ball screws, therefore it is important to have effective methods for predict the temperature.The main objective of the present work is to predict the heat generated in the screw-nut contact based on analytical models in order to estimate the temperature distribution in the nut. For this purpose a heat transfer FE model of a preloaded high speed ball screw nut has been developed. Additionally, experimental heating tests have been performed to validate the FE numerical model. In this way, the temperature predictions obtained at different working conditions have less than 6% of deviation comparing with the experimental results.
Implications of Contact Parameters on the Dynamics of Chain Drives
Authors: Pereira Candida , Ambrósio Jorge , Ramalho Amilcar
Published: September 2013

A multibody formulation is used to accurately describe the relation between the different components in chain drive systems and their full dynamics [1]. All components, including sprockets, are represented by rigid bodies connected to each other by revolute clearance joints [2]. The complete formulation is implemented in a computational simulation tool integrating all relevant dynamic characteristics inherent to chain drives and incorporated in the general-purpose multibody program [3]. Penalty contact force models are considered for modelling the revolute clearance joints, particularly those proposed by Lankarani and Nikravesh to quantify the normal contact force [4]. The friction force is accounted for based on the modified Coulombs friction law [2]. This work draws on the influence of dry contact parameters such as friction coefficient, restitution coefficient and clearance value on the dynamics of chain drives. The effect of a pretension level is also analyzed.
On the Development of a Manipulator Type Parallelogram 3-DOF for the Optimization Trajectory
Authors: López Enríquez Víctor Hugo , Granados Alejo Vignaud , Martín Del Campo Vázquez Roberto , Santander Bastida Francisco Javier
Published: September 2013

This article presents the main aspects of modeling, design and development of a manipulator type parallelogram 3-DOF for the control of path tracking with open architecture, this model allow easy maintenance and program modification. The design and manufacturing tasks was aided by CAD/CAE/CAM technology. The assembly and commissioning was carried out by the integration of the mechanical and electronic components. The integration and evaluation of the control algorithms during the prototype manipulation was obtained by the kinematic and dynamics models and Lagrange equations of motion. Finally, results of monitoring control paths are present through testing in the joint and cartesian spaces, the results showed the optimum performance of the manipulator under different parameters of control.
Design and Analysis of a Novel 5 Dimensional Active Vibration Isolator with Parallel Mechanism
Authors: Liu Jian Kun , Wang Shuai , Li Bing , Hu Ying
Published: September 2013

A novel 5-DOF parallel mechanism applied to active vibration isolation is proposed in this paper. And by using Newton-Euler approach we set up models of the kinematics and dynamics of the isolator. Besides, a wide-range giant magnetostrictive actuator (GMA) composed of a GMA and a micro-displacement amplification mechanism is designed for the actuation of the isolator. Finally modal analysis of this isolator is carried out in ANSYS software to testify that the parallel mechanism is suitable for active vibration isolation.
Comparison of Different Life Cycle Impact Assessment Software Tools
Authors: Ren Zhong Ming , Su Dai Zhong
Published: September 2013

The comparison of five popular life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) software tools was conducted, including CES EDUPACK, Solidworks Sustainability, Sustainable Minds, SimaPro, and Gabi. Six comparison criteria were used, regarding the function to define a product and its life cycle, LCIA methods employed in the software, availability for the user to modify/update the databases embedded in the software, and detail information and Presentation of the results. The comparison results provide useful information for the user to select suitable software tools for LCIA applications.
Cold Rolling Strip Off-Tracking Online Monitoring Method via Wireless Sensor Network with Self-Powered Nodes
Authors: Yang Jian Hong , Li Min , Huang Ke Hua
Published: September 2013

The problem of off-tracking in looper area of a cold rolling strip production line is usually unavoidable especially when the looper carriage is located far away from the strip deviation detection device. The looper carriage itself is the best place for installing the detecting sensor. However, the wired monitoring system is not suitable because the carriage is moving and the power of common wireless monitoring system has to be recharged manually and frequently due to a high power consumption of the detecting sensor. A novel method of strip off-tracking online monitoring method via wireless sensor network with self-powered nodes is proposed, which is helpful to overcome the difficulties of the conventional methods. The energy of the wireless monitoring node was supplied by an electromagnetic induction generator driven by a devised transmission mechanism. An intelligent power-recharging control module including a single-ended primary-inductor converter was designed to charge the lead acid battery using a floating charging strategy. A selective space diversity scheme for receiving node in the wireless sensor network was put forward to resist path loss and fading in industrial environment. Theoretical analysis and experiment results have proved the feasibility of the proposed method.
Experimental Research on the Feature Extraction of Underwater Transient Signal
Authors: Sun Shi Jun , Li Yang
Published: September 2013

After the aerial object enters the water, splash sound forms. It composes of water entry pulse signal, quiet interval, and bubbles fluctuant signal. To extract the characteristics of the splash sound, characteristics of the three parts of the signal are analyzed in theoretically. And then experimental research is done, in which five different targets are adopted to be launched under different conditions. Comparing with the results of different conditions, we draw some conclusions which coincide with the theoretical analysis.
Investigating the Design of Condition Monitoring Systems to Evaluate Surface Roughness under the Variability in Tool Wear and Fixturing Conditions
Authors: Abbas Jabbar , Al-Habaibeh Amin , Su Dai Zhong
Published: September 2013

Surface finish of machined parts in end milling operations is significantly influenced by process faults such as tool wear and tool holding (fixturing system). Therefore, monitoring these faults is considerably important to improve the quality of the product. In this paper, an investigation is presented to design the condition monitoring system to evaluate the surface roughness of the workpiece under effects of gradual tool wear and different types of the fixturing system. Automated Sensor and Signal Processing Selection (ASPS) approach is implemented and tested to determine the sensitivity of the sensory signals to estimate surface roughness under the variable conditions in comparison to surface roughness measurement device. The results indicate that the system is capable of detection the change and the trend in surface roughness. However, the sensitive features are found to be different based on the change in the fixturing system.
Research on the Optimization Method of the Friction Plate Backlash
Authors: Li Sheng Long , Gao Liang , Zhang He
Published: September 2013

Friction plate, the key part of the planetary transmission, is often damaged by the impact of the geer mesh. And the reason of the impact damage is not known yet. The backlash of the friction plate is crucial to the impact damage, thus the relationship of the backlash and impact damage is dissgussed in this study.The mathematic model is built up to calculate the impact force and the ADAMS dynamics simulation software is used to check the result of the mathematic model and get the dynamic characteristics of the impact force and provide the basis for the optimizing of backlash. Keywords: friction plate;impact of geer mesh;geer backlash;mathematic model
Fatigue Life Analysis of Wire Rope Strands with Finite Element Method
Authors: Gerdemeli Ismail , Kurt Serpil , Anil Ali Semih
Published: September 2013

In this study, fatigue life of axial loaded wire rope strands are investigated in computer environment. For this purpose generated models about finite element analysis of wire ropes, conducted researches and fatigue condition of wire ropes are investigated. The condition required in order not to contact outer wires with each other is expressed with the purpose of modeling simple strand and the generated model is confirmed by using defined geometrical values. 3D solid model of 1+6 simple strand used in finite element analysis is generated in CAD software SolidWorksTM. Finite element analysis of simple strand is done by FEA software ANSYSTM. Fatigue analyses are done by ANSYS/Workbench for experimental groups generated by using 3 different parameters which are strand length, helix angle and force range. Graphics, which show fatigue life variance of axial loaded 1+6 simple strand, are created by obtaining fatigue life distribution according to Goodman approach.
Design and Finite Element Analysis of Gantry Crane
Authors: Gerdemeli Ismail , Kurt Serpil
Published: September 2013

Today in the world, shipyards industry work continuously and build a ship in limited time. They need a lot of cranes in different tonnages to lift and move the parts of the ships. Projects of the cranes design in need of the shipyards. While designing the crane geometry, the load which will be lifted, the lifting height and the situation of the area where the crane will work should be considered. The main characteristics as the height of the crane, the distance between the rails, the lifting height, speed of the crane and speed of the trolley are determined. The geometry of all parts and the features of the power and transmission components are specified. The suitability of the geometry is tested with an analyze program. Three dimensional geometry of the crane is built with a CAD program, and then this geometry is modeled with using the finite element method.
FEM Analysis of Helical Rolling of Steel Balls
Authors: Pater Zbigniew
Published: September 2013

In this paper, two helical rolling processes for producing balls with a diameter of 40 mm are compared – the traditionalrolling and wedge rolls rolling. The process analyses were performed using Simufact.Forming, a FEM-based software program, and the same process parameters were applied in the analyses. Based on the calculations results (the distributions of effective strain, damage criterion, roll wear as well as the variations of forces and rolling moments during the processes), advantages and disadvantages of the considered rolling methods could be presented.
Analysis of Instability for the String-Net Structure in the Deployable Antenna
Authors: Luo Ani , Liu He Ping , Wang Yong Fan , Song Jian Hua , Ma Wen Tao , Mao Wen Jin , Zeng Qing Fu
Published: September 2013

There is a wide application for the string-net structure in the areas of architecture and spaceflight. In the area of spaceflight, the string-net structure is mainly used in the deployable antenna. The three-dimensional string-net structure is a kind of typical string-net structures applied on the deployable antenna. Here the string-net structure is analyzed. At first, composition of the string-net structure is presented. Then the dynamical relaxation method is used to obtain the solution for movement of the structure after its instability. At last, using numerical simulation, tensions in the strings are computed. It is proved finally that the three-dimensional string-net structure still possesses the capability of keeping its shape and stiffness after its instability.
Standardising Academic Transfer Tool: Converting Curriculum Documents to XCRI Format Using UML
Authors: Zheng Yong Jun , Alcover Pedro , Maia Cristiano Cardoso , Awoniyi Taiwo
Published: September 2013

Currently, the conversion of Microsoft Word documents to XML (EXtensible Markup Language) is notably unstable and inconsistent. The main objective of this paper is to research a method to convert Microsoft Word documents to XML without any loss of information during the conversion process. This paper also discusses the associated difficulties when converting Word documents to XCRI (Exchange of Course Related Information) and demonstrates the effectiveness of the output for the research project; finally, as an outcome of this research, the method and system developed to convert course information from a Microsoft Word template to an XCRI can be employed by other institutions.
Simulation of Pedestrian Colliding with Microbus Windshield
Authors: Du Xue Jing , Li Jin Peng
Published: September 2013

In order to research the injury of pedestrian collided with microbus windshield, the finite element model of pedestrian and windshield are established based on the characteristics of pedestrian collision with microbus windshield in traffic accident to simulate the collision process by ANSYS/LS-DYNA. In the condition of different impact velocities, HIC, TTI and stress intensity of pedestrian are studied in simulation test. The results illustrate that with the impact velocitys increasing the original impact energy, stress intensity, acceleration, HIC, and TTI increase. Also, the collision time is prolonged. Collision in head, the head of pedestrian would suffer serious injury with more than 29 km/h impact velocity. The chest would suffer serious injury with more than 25 km/h impact velocity in condition of colliding on chest.
Advanced Design Optimisation by Means of Multiobjective Evolutionary Algorithms: The Case of Two Real World Applications
Authors: Benkhelifa Elhadj , Tiwari Ashutosh , Abdel-Maguid Mohamed
Published: September 2013

The Design Optimisation (DO) of Complex Systems is often a multidisciplinary task and involves multiple conflicting objectives and design constraints, where conventional methods cannot solve efficiently. This paper presents Advanced DO by Means of Evolutional Algorithms in two Real World Applications Electronics and Micro-Electro-Mechanical-Systems (MEMS). The former is presented in the context of multi-objective evolutionary synthesis and optimisation of analogue systems. As for the latter, DO of MEMS bio-mimetically is a very novel area of research, Which addresses the compelling change in the traditional landscape of the associated research disciplines by seeking to provide a novel biologically inspired computational platform for DO of micro-scale designs. This paper presents the latest advancements in the application of EAs in the DO of MEMS and analogue electronic systems and the emergence of the new area of Multidisciplinary Optimisation'.
Monitoring and Digitising Human-Workpiece Interactions during a Manual Manufacturing Assembly Operation Using KinectTM
Authors: Prabhu Vinayak A. , Tiwari Ashutosh , Hutabarat Windo , Turner Christopher
Published: September 2013

Automation boosts competitiveness of manufacturing companies and is pervasive in modern industry. However, skilled manual labour is still used in a variety of complex tasks and is currently irreplaceable. A solution may lie in understanding the interactions between a human worker and the workpiece during a manufacturing task and digitising these interactions to potentially enable automation of the task. In this paper, a method to observe, record and digitise human-workpiece interactions using the Microsoft KinectTM is described. A manual threaded-fit assembly of a two-component pen housing is chosen. Essential information about the manual assembly is extracted from the recorded interaction data. The developed mechanism being markerless and unobtrusive is helpful in recording human-workpiece interactions in a factory without affecting normal operations.
The Analysis and Control of Exoskeleton Upper-Limb Rehabilitation Robot
Authors: Wang Lan , Yin Zheng Qian , Sun Yuan Hang
Published: September 2013

Based on the analysis of the methods for upper limb rehabilitation training, an anthropomorphic upper-limb exoskeleton was developed. Anatomical and physiological characteristics and upper limb joint ranges of motion are also considered. The rehabilitation robot is achieved by 4 single-axis revolute joints which are shoulder abduction-adduction (abd-add), shoulder flexion-extension (flx-ext), elbow flx-ext and wrist flx-ext. Kinematics and dynamics analysis of the rehabilitation robot are made. The passive rehabilitation mode and active rehabilitation mode are researched, and the result of experenment is shown that the robot can finish the rehabilitation task well.
Walking Stability Analysis of Multi-Legged Crablike Robot over Slope
Authors: Chen Xi , Wang Gang
Published: September 2013

This paper deals with the walking stability analysis of a multi-legged crablike robot over slope using normalized energy stability margin (NESM) method in order to develop a common stabilization description method and achieve robust locomotion for the robot over rough terrains. The robot is simplified with its static stability being described by NESM. The mathematical model of static stability margin is built so as to carry out the simulation of walking stability over slope for the crablike robot that walks in double tetrapod gait. As a consequence, the relationship between stability margin and the height of the robots centroid, as well as its inclination relative to the ground is calculated by the stability criterion. The success and performance of the stability criterion proposed is verified through MATLAB simulation and real-world experiments using multi-legged crablike robot.
Track Link-Terrain Interaction Simulation Based on Terramechanics
Authors: Li Guang Bu , Dai Li , Xu Ming Hua , Shi Feng Ying
Published: September 2013

A review of terramechanics terrain models and discuss on their application in link-terrain, wheel-terrain and tire-terrain interaction are taken. Three kinds of pressure–sinkage relationship proposed by Bekker and Reece are studied. The loading and unloading is introduced in the model. And the relationship between the maximum shear stress and applied normal pressure is derived. The link tractive effort and drawbar pull at a given slip of an assumed shape and mass are deduced. Also the link moves in two dimensions. At last, the relationship of terrain sinkage vs. time, terrain pressure vs. sinkage and drawbar pull vs. slip for the link-terrain interface are simulated. The simulation is in good agreement with that got by Bekker.
Analysis of the Barriers to Environmental Management Systems Implementation in the Libyan Oil Industry
Authors: Irhoma Ammar , Su Dai Zhong , Higginson Martin
Published: September 2013

Adhering to an Environmental Management System (EMS) is the start point in moving an organisation towards a sustainable future. The aim of this study is to identify the barriers for effective implementation of an EMS (ISO4001) in the Libyan oil sector, which would benefit in smoother implementation in future and as a result will lead to environmental sustainability to the oil sector and the country as a whole. To meet the aim, literature reviews and interviews were carried out, and a case study of Azzawya Oil Company in Libya was conducted. The results of the study show that the most significant barriers are those related to poor leadership and management, resources issues of financial, HR and technical were the second most significant barrier, and external political obstacles of organizational culture and negative attitudes were the third most significant barriers. It is recommended that awareness of environmental issues in the oil sector is raised through the provision of effective human resource management along with appropriate financial and technical means.
Eco-Design of a Basin Mixer in Geometric Modeling Phase
Authors: Gaha Raoudha , Benamara Abdelmajid , Yannou Bernard
Published: September 2013

Reducing the environmental impacts of products surrounding us in our daily lives has become a common concern for the industry as well as for consumers. The practice of a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) allowsdeterminingnot only the environmental impacts centers but also the overriding factors on which it is still possible to act at the design phase. The geometric modeling phase in the design process represents an important step to make the necessary changes on the product in order to reduce its environmental hotspots. In this paper, we have eco-designed a basin mixer by acting on its geometric modeling phase, after identifying its various environmental hotspots from a LCA practiced and determining the factors still editable on CAD phase. An environmental comparison between the eco-designed mixer and the original one has been established, which shows a 66% reduction of impacts linked only to the amount of material used.
Development of an Online System for Recycling Consumer Electronic Products Using the Internet, NFC and RFID Technologies
Authors: Peng Wen Jie , Su Dai Zhong
Published: September 2013

An Internet-based system for recycling consumer electronic products has been developed, which monitors the recycling process of electronic products and rewards consumers with incentive points to motivate them to recycle waste electronic products. The system enables the consumers to view the points rewarded online and make a purchase with the reward points. The system has the following functions: customer log-in, online recording of the recycled electronic products, management of customer incentive points, and mobile payment. Within the system, the customer log-in module is built to validate the customers identity using a NFC (near-field communication) enabled smartphone, and allow the authorised customer to log in the system. The recycling monitoring module is used to monitor the process of recycling the electronic products. With this module, the serial number of each electronic product is retrieved using the RFID technology; and the information of the electronic product with the serial number is gained via the remote data centre. With the product information gained, the customers incentive points are obtained based on the products life cycle impact assessment results, which are calculated by the system, and then rewarded to the customer. The points could be used for the mobile payment in the form of electronic money. A case study has been conducted which verified the system developed.
A Growing Demand for Monitoring and Evaluation in Africa
Authors: Porter Stephen , Goldman Ian
Published: September 2013

When decision-makers want to use evidence from monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems to assist them in making choices, there is a demand for M&E. When there is great capacity to supply M&E information, but low capacity to demand quality evidence, there is a mismatch between supply and demand. In this context, as Picciotto (2009) observed, ‘monitoring masquerades as evaluation’. This article applies this observation, using six case studies of African M&E systems, by asking: What evidence is there that African governments are developing stronger endogenous demand for evidence generated from M&E systems?The argument presented here is that demand for evidence is increasing, leading to further development of M&E systems, with monitoring being dominant. As part of this dominance there are attempts to align monitoring systems to emerging local demand, whilst donor demands are still important in several countries. There is also evidence of increasing demand through government-led evaluation systems in South Africa, Uganda and Benin. One of the main issues that this article notes is that the M&E systems are not yet conceptualised within a reform effort to introduce a comprehensive results-based orientation to the public services of these countries. Results concepts are not yet consistently applied throughout the M&E systems in the case countries. In addition, the results-based notions that are applied appear to be generating perverse incentives that reinforce upward compliance and contrôle to the detriment of more developmental uses of M&E evidence.
A serological survey of brucellosis in wild ungulate species from five game parks in Zimbabwe
Authors: Motsi Tatenda R. , Tichiwangana Shadreck C. , Matope Gift , Mukarati Norman L.
Published: September 2013

A retrospective serosurvey was carried out between 2009 and 2012 to detect antibodies to Brucella spp. in free-ranging African wildlife ungulates from five selected game parks in Zimbabwe. Samples were drawn from wildlife-livestock interface and non-interface areas in Zimbabwe. A total of 270 serum samples from four different species, namely African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) (n=106), impala (Aepyceros melampus) (n = 72), black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) (n= 45) and white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) (n = 47), were tested. The percentage of positive samples was 17.0% in buffalo (18/106; 95% CI: 9.72% – 24.1%) and 1.4% in impala (1/72; 95% CI: 0% – 4.2%). No antibodies to Brucella spp. were detected in the two rhinoceros species. The difference in the percentage of seropositive cases between buffalo and impala was significant (p< 0.05). Seropositivity to Brucella spp. was higher (19.1%) in adult buffalo compared with juveniles and sub-adults younger than six years (5.9%). Further, seropositivity was marginally higher (20.4%) in animals from wildlife-livestock interface areas than in those from non-interface areas (13.45%; OR = 1.45) although the difference was not statistically significant. The study showed that brucellosis could be more widespread in buffalo and may circulate in this species independently in the absence of contact with cattle, whilst rhinoceros may be considered less susceptible to brucellosis. The role of the wildlife-livestock interface in the epidemiology of brucellosis in wildlife and livestock is probably overstated but needs to be explored further.
An exegetical analysis of the vision of peace in the Book of Isaiah (2:1�5)
Authors: Groenewald Alphonso
Published: September 2013

The vision in Isaiah 2:1�5 of nations streaming to Zion in the days to come to receive Yahweh�s Torah is one of the best-known texts in the entire Book of Isaiah. The chapter begins with the description of Yahweh, the universal Judge, who issues effective decrees and exercises authority over the earth from atop Mount Zion. The standards for the nations� relationships amongst themselves are set by Yahweh. The nations will learn peace and practice peace. The question of Israel�s relationship to the nations is addressed in many texts in the Old Testament, but they do not offer a uniform opinion on this matter. The Book of Isaiah goes a step further than other texts: the Torah is also valid for the other nations. In this article the focus will be on Isaiah 2:1�5. The relationship of this text with other parts of the Book of Isaiah will also be addressed.
Flaxseed Soluble Dietary Fibre Enhances Lactic Acid Bacterial Survival and Growth in Kefir and Possesses High Antioxidant Capacity
Authors: HadiNezhad Mehri , Duc Camille , Han Nam Fong , Hosseinian Farah
Published: September 2013

This study investigated the capability and efficiency of flaxseed soluble dietary fibre /mucilage to enhance bacterial survival and growth in kefir as well as the antioxidant activity of the mucilage. Crude flaxseed mucilage was extracted using a microwave method, followed by enzymatic and dialysis treatments to obtain pure mucilage. The antioxidant activities of the pure and crude mucilage were measured using different assays. Microbial analyses, pH and total titratable acidity (TTA) were measured in kefir samples, supplemented with probiotic bacteria (Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis) and pure or crude flaxseed mucilage during 28 cold storage periodat 4 ºC. The results showed that for all kefir samples, the total bacteria counts were above7.9 log cfu/mL at the end of cold storage period. However, kefir samples supplemented with pure flaxseed mucilage enhanced significantly (P < 0.05) higher viability of bacteria (9.5 log cfu/mL) and acidity (0.78% TTA). An overall pH decline of 0.2 was observed during cold storage period. The total phenolic content (TPC) in crude mucilage was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than pure mucilage (10.5 ± 0.2 and 5.7 ± 0.1 mg Gallic acid equivalent /g flaxseed, respectively). The mucilage from crude flaxseed exhibited strong antioxidant activity; Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) value of 51.2 ± 3.3 ?mol Trolox equivalent /g, 53.7 ± 2.8% discoloration for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and 68.3 ± 9.2% Beta-Carotene bleaching which was well in agreement with high TPC. This study demonstrated that flaxseed mucilage acts as a good source of prebiotic, enhancing lactic acid bacteria growth in kefir model in addition of their high antioxidant beneficiary.
Development of a rapid cell‐fusion‐based phenotypic HIV‐1 tropism assay
Authors: Teeranaipong Phairote , Hosoya Noriaki , Kawana‐Tachikawa Ai , Fujii Takeshi , Koibuchi Tomohiko , Nakamura Hitomi , Koga Michiko , Kondo Naoyuki , Gao George F , Hoshino Hiroo , Matsuda Zene , Iwamoto Aikichi
Published: September 2013

Introduction

A dual split reporter protein system (DSP), recombining Renilla luciferase (RL) and green fluorescent protein (GFP) split into two different constructs (DSP1–7 and DSP8–11), was adapted to create a novel rapid phenotypic tropism assay (PTA) for HIV‐1 infection (DSP‐Pheno).

Methods

DSP1–7 was stably expressed in the glioma‐derived NP‐2 cell lines, which expressed CD4/CXCR4 (N4X4) or CD4/CCR5 (N4R5), respectively. An expression vector with DSP8–11 (pRE11) was constructed. The HIV‐1 envelope genes were subcloned in pRE11 (pRE11‐env) and transfected into 293FT cells. Transfected 293FT cells were incubated with the indicator cell lines independently. In developing the assay, we selected the DSP1–7‐positive clones that showed the highest GFP activity after complementation with DSP8–11. These cell lines, designated N4R5‐DSP1–7, N4X4‐DSP1–7 were used for subsequent assays.

Results

The env gene from the reference strains (BaL for R5 virus, NL4‐3 for X4 virus, SF2 for dual tropic virus) subcloned in pRE11 and tested, was concordant with the expected co‐receptor usage. Assay results were available in two ways (RL or GFP). The assay sensitivity by RL activity was comparable with those of the published phenotypic assays using pseudovirus. The shortest turnaround time was 5 days after obtaining the patient's plasma. All clinical samples gave positive RL signals on R5 indicator cells in the fusion assay. Median RLU value of the low CD4 group was significantly higher on X4 indicator cells and suggested the presence of more dual or X4 tropic viruses in this group of patients. Comparison of representative samples with Geno2Pheno [co‐receptor] assay was concordant.

Conclusions

A new cell‐fusion‐based, high‐throughput PTA for HIV‐1, which would be suitable for in‐house studies, was developed. Equipped with two‐way reporter system, RL and GFP, DSP‐Pheno is a sensitive test with short turnaround time. Although maintenance of cell lines and laboratory equipment is necessary, it provides a safe assay system without infectious viruses. With further validation against other conventional analyses, DSP‐Pheno may prove to be a useful laboratory tool. The assay may be useful especially for the research on non‐B subtype HIV‐1 whose co‐receptor usage has not been studied much.
Berechnung spezifischer Geschwindigkeitskonstanten k(E) für Zerfallsreaktionen I. Pyrolyse und Photolyse von NO2
Authors: Gaedtke H. , Troe J.
Published: September 2013

Nach der Theorie des aktivierten Komplexes werden spezifische Geschwindigkeitskonstanten k(E) für Zerfallsreaktionen bei verschiedenen Anregungsenergien E berechnet. Zur Lokalisierung der Lage aktivierter Komplexe wird das Prinzip des Minimums der Zustandsdichte systematisch angewandt. Wegen der starken Kopplung zwischen Reaktionskoordinate und Molekülrest liegen die aktivierten Komplexe weit vor den Zentrifugalmaxima. Ihre Lage hängt stark von der Anregungsenergie, jedoch nur schwach vom Rotationszustand ab. Bei zu hohen Anregungsenergien existieren aktivierte Komplexe im definierten Sinne nicht mehr. Die Berechnungen von k(E) stehen in guter Übereinstimmung mit Experimenten zur Photolyse von NO2 sowie zur thermischen Dissoziation und Rekombination O + NO  NO2 im Hochdruckbereich.
Multivariate pattern analysis of DTI reveals differential white matter in individuals with obsessive‐compulsive disorder
Authors: Li Fei , Huang Xiaoqi , Tang Wanjie , Yang Yanchun , Li Bin , Kemp Graham J. , Mechelli Andrea , Gong Qiyong
Published: September 2013

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) studies have revealed group differences in white matter between patients with obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD) and healthy controls. However, the results of these studies were based on average differences between the two groups, and therefore had limited clinical applicability. The objective of this study was to investigate whether fractional anisotropy (FA) of white matter can be used to discriminate between patients with OCD and healthy controls at the level of the individual. DTI data were acquired from 28 OCD patients and 28 demographically matched healthy controls, scanned using a 3T MRI system. Differences in FA values of white matter between OCD and healthy controls were examined using a multivariate pattern classification technique known as support vector machine (SVM). SVM applied to FA images correctly identified OCD patients with a sensitivity of 86% and a specificity of 82% resulting in a statistically significant accuracy of 84% (P ≤ 0.001). This discrimination was based on a distributed network including bilateral prefrontal and temporal regions, inferior fronto‐occipital fasciculus, superior fronto‐parietal fasciculus, splenium of corpus callosum and left middle cingulum bundle. The present study demonstrates subtle and spatially distributed white matter abnormalities in individuals with OCD, and provides preliminary support for the suggestion that that these could be used to aid the identification of individuals with OCD in clinical practice. Hum Brain Mapp 35:2643–2651, 2014. © 2013 The Authors Human Brain Mapping Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc..