bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adsorption mechanism and valency of catechol-functionalized hyperbranched polyglycerols
Authors: Krysiak Stefanie , Wei Qiang , Rischka Klaus , Hartwig Andreas , Haag Rainer , Hugel Thorsten
Published: May 2015

Nature often serves as a model system for developing new adhesives. In aqueous environments, mussel-inspired adhesives are promising candidates. Understanding the mechanism of the extraordinarily strong adhesive bonds of the catechol group will likely aid in the development of adhesives. With this aim, we study the adhesion of catechol-based adhesives to metal oxides on the molecular level using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The comparison of single catechols (dopamine) with multiple catechols on hyperbranched polyglycerols (hPG) at various pH and dwell times allowed us to further increase our understanding. In particular, we were able to elucidate how to achieve strong bonds of different valency. It was concluded that hyperbranched polyglycerols with added catechol end groups are promising candidates for durable surface coatings.
Antibiotic resistance and virulence genes of extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli from tropical estuary, south India
Authors: Sukumaran Divya , Mohamed Hatha Abdulla A
Published: May 2015

Introduction: Escherichia coli strains can cause a variety of intestinal and extraintestinal diseases. Extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC) strains have the ability to cause severe extraintestinal infections. Multidrug resistance among ExPEC could complicate human infections. Methodology: Escherichia coli strains were isolated during the period of January 2010 to December 2012 from five different stations set at Cochin estuary. Susceptibility testing was determined by the disk-diffusion method using nine different antimicrobial agents. A total of 155 strains of Escherichia coli were screened for the presence of virulence factor genes including papAH, papC, sfa/focDE, iutA,and kpsMT II associated with ExPEC. Results: Among the 155 E. coli isolates, 26 (16.77%), carried two or more virulence genes typical of ExPEC. Furthermore, 19.23% of the ExPEC isolates with multidrug resistance were identified to belong to phylogenetic groups B2 and D. Statistically significant association of iutA gene in ExPEC was found with papC (p < 0.001) and kpsMT II (p < 0.001) genes. ExPEC isolates were mainly resistant to ampicillin (23.07%), tetracycline (19.23%), co-trimoxazole (15.38%), and cefotaxime (15.38%). The adhesion genes papAH and sfa/focDE were positively associated with resistance to gentamicin, chloramphenicol, and cefotaxime (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Co-occurrence of virulence factor genes with antibiotic resistance among ExPEC poses considerable threat to those who use this aquatic system for a living and for recreation.
Detection and genotyping of Leptospira spp. from the kidneys of a seemingly healthy pig slaughtered for human consumption
Authors: Verma Ashutosh , Soto Esteban , Illanes Oscar , Ghosh Souvik , Fuentealba Carmen
Published: May 2015

Introduction: Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease caused by pathogenic Leptospira spp.  Leptospirosis is maintained in an environment due to chronic kidney infection of a wide variety of domestic, peridomestic and wild reservoir mammals. In this study the role of pigs in maintenance of leptospires on the Caribbean island of St. Kitts was investigated. Methodology: The condemned kidneys of 60 pigs slaughtered at a St. Kitts abattoir were screened by a quantitative-PCR for the presence of Leptospira spp. Positive samples were genotyped using a six-gene based multilocus sequence typing scheme. Results: Leptospiral DNA was detected in the kidneys of one of the 60 pigs. Multilocus sequence typing identified the infecting species to be L. interrogans. Conclusions: Detection of this zoonotic pathogen in the kidneys of a seemingly healthy pig raises concerns regarding the subclinical carriers of the disease among the island’s swine population.
New data on recently described rodent species Paulina's Limestone Rat Saxatilomys paulinae Musser, Smith, Robinson & Lunde, 2005 (Mammalia: Rodentia)
Authors: Nguyen Nghia , Nguyen Dang , Ngo Tuong , Nguyen Duy
Published: May 2015

Paulina's Limestone Rat Saxatilomys paulinae Musser et al., 2005 was first discovered by Musser et al. (2005) based on specimens from the Khammouane Limestone National Biodiversity Conservation Area (NBCA) in Khammouane Province in central Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR). This tower karst landscape is part of the Central Indochina Limestone massif, which extends eastward into north-central Vietnam in Quang Binh and Quang Tri Provinces.

In April 2014, we conducted a rodent survey and collected four (4) whole specimens of Saxatilomys paulinae in Quang Binh province. This is the first record of Saxatilomys paulinae in Vietnam. External and craniodental characteristics of all specimens clearly exhibit the characters of Saxatilomys paulinae as described in Musser et al. (2005)​. The rats are of medium size (HB: 160.3 ± 2.03 mm, T: 192.3 ± 6.69 mm) with some specific morpological characteristics. The external and craniodental measurement of the specimens from Vietnam tend to be larger than those of specimens from Lao. However, this needs to be verified by more studies in future. The habitat of Saxatilomys paulinae in Vietnam is characterized by complicated terrain comprising low karst towers (around 400 m) with steep slopes covered under limestone humid evergreen forest. The forest has been affected by selected timber logging in the past, but still has a complex 4-layer structure. The population of Saxatilomys paulinae in Vietnam is threatened by rodent trapping/snaring and habitat disturbance. More status surveys should be conducted to assess the species distributional range and its population status for undertaking relevant conservation measures.
Excellence in IT Project Management
Authors: Elliott Michael , Dawson Ray
Published: May 2015

With almost thirty years since the start of our quest to find Fred Brooks' magical “Silver Bullet” to slay our productivity horrors, and twenty years since the first Standish report on IT project success and failures, are we getting closer? This paper discusses and challenges current thinking on process improvement initiates to provide answers of how we can significantly improve IT project productivity and consider that to achieve a step change in improvement requires a different approach. Recent Standish research has highlighted the Agile Methodology as being particularly successful for the smaller IT project. However, what specifically is creating this improvement? Is it the process itself or is there something that the process enables? The hypothesis presented is that in order to create the step change improvement in IT project management delivery, we need to significantly improve the inter-personal skills of the whole IT project management team. The revolution for improved productivity will stem from challenging the typical career paths of technology learning to provide a much greater focus on the softer skills.
Reconstructing Handwriting Character Font Models with Incorrect Stroke Order
Authors: Matsukida Hirotsugu , Mieno Yuta , Fujioka Hiroyuki
Published: May 2015

This paper considers the problem for reconstructing handwriting character fonts based on the so-called dynamic font method. In particular, supposing that the authors are given such character fonts with incorrect stroke order, the authors develop a scheme for correctly modifying the stroke order of characters. Such a scheme is developed by utilizing the so-called starting point fixation method and the dynamic font method. Then it is shown using a theory of smoothing splines that the authors can reconstruct the character fonts to natural cursive characters even when the stroke order of characters is incorrect. The usefulness and effectiveness are examined by experimental studies.
Application of WMN-SA Simulation System for Node Placement in Wireless Mesh Networks
Authors: Sakamoto Shinji , Lala Algenti , Oda Tetsuya , Kolici Vladi , Barolli Leonard , Xhafa Fatos
Published: May 2015

One of the key advantages of Wireless Mesh Networks (WMNs) is their importance for providing cost-efficient broadband connectivity. In WMNs, there are issues for achieving the network connectivity and user coverage, which are related with the node placement problem. In this work, the authors consider the router node placement problem in WMNs. The objective is to find the optimal distribution of router nodes in order to provide the best network connectivity (the maximal number of connected routers) and coverage (maximal number of covered clients). The authors apply their proposed WMN-SA simulation system in a realistic scenario of the distribution of mesh clients considering Itoshima City, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. From simulation results, they found many insights that can be very important for real deployment of WMNs.
An Improved Counter-Forensic Algorithm to Erase the JPEG Compression Artifacts
Authors: Sheng Guorui , Yang Bo
Published: May 2015

With the growing awareness of the fraud case for digital images, the researchers have developed some forensic techniques that based on the intrinsic statistical history or trace left by the jpeg compression to determine an image's manipulation. Aiming at these forensic algorithms, special anti-forensic techniques was developed by removing footprints caused by jpeg compression. In this paper, the authors present an improved counter-forensic scheme that based on parameter adjustment. The simulation shows that by using the proposed strategy and combining the chaotic theory, the scheme can erase the quantization artifacts perfectly, even when the compression factor .
A Distributed and Scalable Solution for Applying Semantic Techniques to Big Data
Authors: Amato Alba , Venticinque Salvatore , Di Martino Beniamino
Published: May 2015

The digital revolution changes the way culture and places could be lived. It allows users to interact with the environment creating an immense availability of data, which can be used to better understand the behavior of visitors, as well as to learn about their thoughts on what the visit creates excitement or disappointment. In this context, Big Data becomes immensely important, making possible to turn this amount of data in information, knowledge, and, ultimately, wisdom. This paper aims at modeling and designing a scalable solution that integrates semantic techniques with Cloud and Big Data technologies to deliver context aware services in the application domain of the cultural heritage. The authors started from a baseline framework that originally was not conceived to scale when huge workloads, related to big data, must be processed. They provide an original formulation of the problem and an original software architecture that fulfills both functional and not-functional requirements. The authors present the technological stack and the implementation of a proof of concept.
Methodology Fit in Offshoring Software Development Projects
Authors: Xu Peng , Yao Yurong
Published: May 2015

Offshoring has become a viable alternative for companies to lower software development costs and leverage labor resources worldwide. To achieve success in offshoring software development projects, a vendor must choose appropriate development methodologies. This study aims to examine how methodology fit affects offshoring project performance. The authors propose that methodology fit affects project performance through interfirm knowledge sharing between vendors and clients. In addition, the impact of methodology fit on knowledge sharing is dependent on relational capital between vendors and clients. A survey was conducted among software companies in China that provide offshoring services. 108 completed questionnaires were collected. The results confirm the authors' hypotheses.
Control Algorithms for Robot Manipulator
Authors: Nawrocka Agata , Kot Andrzej , Nawrocki Marcin
Published: May 2015

The subject of this work is to develop a control system for the two degree of freedom robot manipulator. Manipulators play an increasingly important role not only in flexible automation production systems but also in medicine and rehabilitation process [3]. High-speed and high-precision trajectory tracking are indispensable capabilities for versatile applications of manipulators. Even in well-known industrial applications manipulators are characterized by structural and / or unstructured uncertainty. Through structural uncertainty we miss a situation in which we have a dynamic model of the object, but because of the uncertainty unknown parameters such as load, inaccuracies in constant torque actuators etc. to create a properly working control system is a difficult issue. In contrast, unstructured uncertainty is related to the unknown of the dynamic model, which may be due to many reasons such as the presence of high-frequency modes of the manipulator, neglected time-delays, nonlinear friction etc. In this case, when the dynamic model of the system is not known a priori (or not available), the system must first be identified, then the control law is developed based on the estimated model [5, [6[7].These problems cause that it is very difficult to find good control system but simple. In this case, the different algorithms for control system of the manipulator was proposed. The first classical PD controller was tested. Next the system design for PD controller with compensation of gravitational forces.
Semi-Active Suspension System for 2S1 Tracked Platform in Application of Improvement of the Vehicle Body Stability
Authors: Nabagło Tomasz , Jurkiewicz Andrzej , Kowal Janusz
Published: May 2015

In the article, a new solution of a semi-active suspension system is presented. It is based on a sky-hook strategy model. This solution in 2S1 tracked platform is applied to improve body vehicle stability and driving comfort. The solution is applied in two versions of the 2S1 vehicle suspension model. First one is a basic model. This suspension is based on existing construction of the 2S1 platform suspension. It is based on torsion bars. Second one is a modified model, based on spiral torsion springs. In this model a new solution of idler mechanism is applied. It provides constant tension of the tracks. Semi-active suspensions simulations results are compared with results of models with passive versions of the suspension to highlight the improvement level. Simulations are conducted in the Yuma Proving Ground conditions. Results of all models simulations are compared and analyzed to improve stability and comfort level in conditions of the modern battlefield. Stability level is analyzed for weapon aiming tasks. Comfort level is analyzed for the vehicle crew efficiency.
Materials Ranking by Means of Multi Attribute Decision Making
Authors: Paris Adrian Stere , Târcolea Constantin
Published: May 2015

The first part of the work shortly describes possible mathematical methods for decision making. The paper gives an overview with general comments on multi-criteria problems, related to the preferences and the priorities of the decision-makers. The paper proposed and solves an example for material rating by a multiple attribute decision making. The MADM and PCA methodologies have been applied to rank out ten alternatives. Similar materials were selected using both techniques.
Bidirectional Load Planning Procedure for Job-Shops with Availability Time-Windows for Specific Machines
Authors: Catană Mădălin Gabriel , Tonoiu Sergiu , Purcărea Mihail
Published: May 2015

This paper presents a bidirectional load planning procedure for job-shops with availability time-windows for specific machines. This heuristic procedure uses priority rules and reverse planning directions to progressively construct two schedules: one for machines with availability constraints (the bottlenecks) and upstream, and other for bottlenecks downstream. Bottlenecks schedule is driving the schedule for all other non-bottleneck machines. Makespan reduction for aggregate schedule is finally performed if possible, by left shifting scheduled operations to their earliest start times.
Off-Line Programming and Functioning Simulation of Robotic Flexible Manufacturing Cell for Part's Turning
Authors: Ivan Andrei Mario , Nicolescu Florin Adrian , Avram Georgia Cezara , Mantea Adrian Theodor
Published: May 2015

This paper presents the works performed by the authors in the field of robotic flexible manufacturing cell offline programming and simulation. The study includes a manufacturing cell structure which includes a part transport system, a CNC lathe / turning centre and an articulated arm type industrial robot. The robot performs the task of loading / unloading the CNC lathe / manufacturing centre and manipulating the parts inside the cell, while the machining operations are performed by the CNC manufacturing centre. After briefly presenting the layout of the cell, the paper focuses on describing the methods used for offline programming and simulation of the tasks performed by the industrial robot. The software package used is ABB RobotStudio. The results of the research work are a process simulation and validation for CNC lathe / machining centre loading / unloading operation and part manipulation performed by the industrial robot and assisted task programming for this application using ABB RobotStudio software. The assisted offline programming and simulation general methods used, as well as the procedures for each stage of the applications are described, in order to illustrate the specific operation for each cell and offline programming aspects.
Mixed-Mode Testing for an Asymmetric Four-Point Bending Configuration of Polyurethane Foams
Authors: Apostol Dragoş Alexandru , Constantinescu Dan Mihai , Marsavina Liviu , Linul Emanoil
Published: May 2015

Many efforts have been made recently to determine the fracture toughness of different types of foams in static and dynamic loading conditions. Taking into account that there is no standard method for the experimental determination of the fracture toughness of plastic foams, different procedures and specimens were used. This paper presents the polyurethane foam fracture toughness results obtained experimentally for three foam densities. Asymmetric four-point bending specimens were used for determining fracture toughness in mode I and in a mixed one, and also the influence of the loading speed and geometry of the specimen were investigated.
Modelling of Residual Stresses in Dental Restorative Polymer Based Materials
Authors: Lamanna Giuseppe , Sepe Raffaele
Published: May 2015

A methodology for residual stresses calculations is proposed. Common photo-curing dental restorative materials under different C-factors are considered as case studies. Reaction kinetics, curing shrinkage, and viscoelasticity map were required as input data on a structural FE solver. Post cure effects were considered in order to quantify the residual stresses coming out from natural contraction with respect to those debited to the chemical shrinkage. The analysis showed for a given test case that stresses build-up due to the thermal contraction (after the completion of restoration) are comparable with those emerging due to thermal shrinkage.
Microscopic Analyze of Insoles Composite Structures Behavior under Water Immersion, Temperature Variation and Saline
Authors: Baritz Mihaela , Cotoros Laura Diana , Dumitrescu Lucia
Published: May 2015

A number of issues related to composite structure analysis of variants of insoles, commonly used for getting comfortable wearing or improvement of posture deficiencies are presented in this research paper. In the first part of a paper some variants of biomechanical system consisting of composite structures - namely foot and insoles variants undergo analysis are presented and analyzed. This study aims to determine how these insoles react to the effect of temperature and humidity parameters during different time period. In the second part of the paper the experimental system and how to choose the group of samples analyzed are presented. The results and conclusions obtained from this study and the establishing the structural changes, evidenced by microscopic analysis are analyzed in the final part of the paper.
Failure of an Advanced Five Layers RT800 Composite
Authors: Gheorghe Vasile , Teodorescu-Draghicescu Florin , Ionescu Dora Raluca
Published: May 2015

This paper presents mechanical properties of five layers RT800 glass mat laminate impregnated with polyester resin and subjected to three-point bending tests until break. The RT800 glass mat used as reinforcement presents randomly disposed short glass fibers with 845 g/m2specific weight. From the cured plate, twenty specimens have been cut and placed on a three-point bending device and tested using a materials testing machine with servo hydraulic command. The specimens have been carried out at Compozite Ltd Brasov and the experimental tests have been accomplished at SC INAR SA Brasov and Transilvania University of Brasov. Outstanding mechanical properties of this kind of material have been found in which the specimens have suffered delamination mainly in their median part.
Green Synthesis of Silver-Bacterial Cellulose Composites Using Turmeric Powder Extract
Authors: Isopencu Gabriela , Stroescu Marta , Stoica-Guzun Anicuta , Jinga Sorin Ion , Ferdes Mariana
Published: May 2015

Abstract. Bacterial cellulose-silver (BC-silver) composites are known as biomaterials with good antimicrobial properties. The aim of this paper is to present a green route to produce antibacterial BC-silver composites using Curcuma longa tuber powder (turmeric) extract as reducing agent. The effect of medium pH and immersion time in the turmeric extract upon the silver nanoparticles was studied. The synthesis of silver nanoparticles deposited on bacterial cellulose was confirmed by ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS) spectral studies, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). The antibacterial activity of the nanocomposites was studied by inhibition zone method against Escherichia coli K12-MG1655, all the composites having a good antimicrobial activity.
Numerical Modeling of the Impact Behavior of a Polyurethane Foam Specimen
Authors: Jiga Gabi , Stamin Ştefan
Published: May 2015

The increasing interest for new materials in designing of new structures led to a real need to use powerful analysis tools, able to take into account correctly, their specific performance. Advantages of multilayer structures are now well understood, these materials having already part of the structural components of aeronautics and not only. The use of polyurethane rigid foam (PU) has grown rapidly, due to the excellent properties of energy conservation, a good combination of mechanical strength and weight - lower than other traditional materials with similar mechanical properties. In this paper the authors create a numerical model of polyurethane foam which will be used in further studies of impact behavior of sandwich structures with a polyurethane foam core, coated with steel or aluminum thin layers.
The Influence of the Sheared Profile’s Shape on the Punching Force
Authors: Sindilă Gheorghe
Published: May 2015

The punching force computed in a theoretical way differs from the one determined experimentally because of the actual conditions in which the shearing of the material takes place (such as the material’s thickness and nature, the clearance between the active elements, the lubrication recipe, the mechanical properties’ anisotropy, the thickness variation, the punching speed, the sheared profile’s length and shape etc.). This paper emphasizes the influence of the sheared profile’s shape on the punching force.
Model for Economic Optimization of the Tool Life and the Cutting Speed at Drilling of the Steel 2NiCr185
Authors: Blăjină Ovidiu , Vlase Aurelian , Iacob Marius
Published: May 2015

In the specialized literature the cost of the machining process has been analyzed using a number of approaches and varying degrees of simplification to determine the optimum tool life and the tool speed. The accuracy of prediction is dependent on the degree of sophistication of the model. The purpose of this paper is the optimization of the cutting tool life and the cutting speed at the drilling of the stainless steels in terms of the minimum machining cost. A more comprehensive nonlinear programming model to minimize the total cost at the drilling of a stainless steel is developed in this paper. The optimum tool life and the associated tool speed are obtained by solving this model. The results can be taken into consideration in the educational studies and in the theoretical technical research. They can be implemented in the manufacturing activity.
Calculus of the Relationship of the Axial Cutting Force at Drilling of the Stainless Steel 10TiNiCr180
Authors: Vlase Aurelian , Blăjină Ovidiu , Iacob Marius
Published: May 2015

This paper studies the cutting force at drilling of the stainless steel 10TiNiCr180. The structure of the cutting force relation was modified with respect to the relation available in the technical literature for common steels. The tool speed was included in the calculus relation. The experimental data and their subsequent processing represent the original contributions of the authors to the estimation of polytropic exponents and to the assessment in terms of structure of the calculus relation of the cutting force. The paper also contains graphs for the variation of the cutting force with parameters of the cutting technology. The graphs are drawn based on the analytic relationship of the cutting force, obtained in the paper, using the mathematical softwareMaple. The results presented in this study can be taken into consideration in the educational studies and in the theoretical technical research. They can be implemented in the manufacturing activity. Our further studies aim these problems for another steels classes and cutting machining processes.
Calculus of the Relationship of the Cutting Moment at Drilling of the Stainless Steel X15CrNiSi20-12
Authors: Vlase Aurelian , Blăjină Ovidiu , Iacob Marius
Published: May 2015

This paper studies the cutting moment at drilling of the stainless steel X15CrNiSi20-12. The structure of the cutting moment relation was modified with respect to the relation available in the technical literature for common steels. The tool speed was included in the calculus relation. The experimental data and their subsequent processing represent the original contributions of the authors to the estimation of polytropic exponents and to the assessment in terms of structure of the calculus relation of the cutting moment. The paper also contains graphs for the variation of the cutting moment with parameters of the cutting technology. The graphs are drawn based on the analytic relationship of the cutting moment, obtained in the paper, using the mathematical softwareMaple. The results presented in this study can be taken into consideration in the educational studies and in the theoretical technical research. Also, they can be readily implemented in the manufacturing activity. Our further studies aim these problems for another steels classes.
Considerations on Cutting Regime Influence of NC Laser Cutting Machine Tool on Processed Surface Quality
Authors: Biris Cristina , Bologa Octavian , Girjob Claudia , Racz Sever Gabriel
Published: May 2015

This paper presents the study of the influence of cutting parameters on surface quality in laser cutting of metallic materials. In this paper, it is shown which of the cutting parameters have the greatest influence on the quality of the processed surfaces by measuring various roughness parameters. After the experimental research was carried out a ranking of the factors of influence on the response functions was made, also graphs of dependency to various parameters of roughness were made.
Roughness of the Revolution Surfaces Processed by Honing
Authors: Pruteanu Octavian , Carausu Constantin , Nedelcu Dumitru
Published: May 2015

The honing is one of the most common processes used for finishing, especially for vehicles motors, ships motors etc. The national and international researches in the field were developed long time ago. They regarded the establishment of some proper working conditions for actual situations, based on the type of the processed material, the type of the abrasive material and on the working equipment. The objective of this research was to establish optimal working parameters: the spindle speed and the linear-alternative speed of the hone and the processing period in order to obtain the desired values of roughness, necessary for the proper functioning of the motors.
Sheet Moulding Compounds of Large Auto Body Parts Made from Polymeric Composite
Authors: Teodorescu Draghicescu Florin , OPRAN Constantin Gheorghe
Published: May 2015

The paper presents the parameter influence on the process of pressing aids in reinforced thermosetting polymer mold blanks Sheet Moulding Compound type (SMC) used to obtain large pieces of automotive bodywork. In the first part of the paper presents complex recipe constitutive factors of R-SMC prepreg, analyzing and choosing the optimal tehnnology of each component type, depends on the application blank piece and specific technical and economic parameters. Further the paper presents the influence of compression parameters (time, pressure, temperature) on the pressing process and optimize the parameters for each blank so that the reproducibility of the mass production process of obtaining large parts of Figures Size automotive to be insured. Finally it presents a model highlighting induced reorientation of fibers in the manufacture of SMC's as if prepregs of R-SMC, there is a dependency between the SMC belt speed production and planar orientation of the fibers in the direction of forward her.
Characteristics of Dental Microsurgery Instruments for a Database System
Authors: Băilă Diana Irinel , Mocioiu Oana Catalina , Gheorghe Marian
Published: May 2015

In dental microsurgery, different dental instruments are used for teeth microsurgery and related diseases. The dental instruments materials are very different, e.g., plastics, stainless steel, titanium alloy, cobalt chrome alloys, diamond powders. The dental instruments materials must be nontoxic for the human body, with good corrosion resistance, mechanical strength and aging resistance, as well a high degree of cleanliness to allow sterilization in good conditions. Few representative dental microsurgery instruments, as well as relevant characteristics of some specific materials are presented.
Development of a Drilling Machine for an Asymmetric Element with Multiple Holes
Authors: Stroe Sergiu , Onescu Constantin , Inal Cagri
Published: May 2015

The aim of this paper is to develop a drilling machine for 5 holes simultaneously manufactured for an asymmetric element from automotive industry. The function analysis system technique (FAST) and SADT (Structured Analysis and Design Technique) is used to identify, describe and categorize the drilling machine functions in order to propose technical solution. The paper propose an original solution with flat extruded engine for the closest 2 holes to avoid the usage of multispindle head.
Innovative Design of Polymeric Systems Used in Manufacturing of Gear Pumps
Authors: OPRAN Constantin Gheorghe , Pricop Mircea , Teodoru Constantin
Published: May 2015

This paper present the results of the researches regarding innovative design of polymeric systems used in manufacturing of gear pumps with application to reversible pumps used both as pumps as well as motors or steps of the flow dividers. It shows the description of reversible gear pump, with compensating seal in the innovative variant and compensation sealing system for reversible pumps – innovative design. For this innovative solution has been developed a system of compensation sealing kit for reversible pumps – innovative design. In order to obtain these products was necessary to make molds for vulcanization and injection molding tools for polymeric products having special construction considering the size and special profile products. They highlight the competitive advantages of innovative compensation sealing system made by polymeric products. The paper also shows numerical analysis of the fluid at gear pumps using innovative compensation sealing proving the correctness and the advantages of new variants of sealing. The performances reversible pump that uses innovative new sealing system are homogeneous and high levels of performance than those with seals in the classic system.
Raw Material Incoming Inspection Process Improvement – A Case Study
Authors: Iliescu Dragoș , Diaconu Ion , Mateias Ion , Gheorghe Marian
Published: May 2015

A process improvement of incoming inspection for the materials used by a steelmaking enterprise is explained in this paper. The applied methods were described with examples considering the need of the improved process. The process complexity is explained in turn by the existence of the involved actors that need to exchange information about the inspected materials. The results obtained by the improved process justify the action started in 2012 for the incoming inspection process by a more constant quality level of the materials, reduction of the overall process duration, better materials information exchange and a convenient method for supplier surveillance and evaluation.
Study on New Product Development, by Networking
Authors: Popescu Liliana Georgeta , Brîndaşu Paul Dan
Published: May 2015

The paper presents a situation of working in network in order to design or improve a new product. To implement theoretical models and to validate a working algorithm into a virtual research, there was proposed a specific theme from drilling and chamfering tool. The facilities offered by the research centers – database, software - led to rapid selection and configuration solutions, demonstrating achieving research productivity growth and a substantial reduction of times redesign.
Network Business Environment for Open Innovation in SMEs
Authors: Țoniș-Bucea-Manea Rocsana , Catană Mădălin Gabriel , Tonoiu Sergiu
Published: May 2015

The SMEs represent an important factor of growth in both developed and developing countries, into which, however, they face different obstacles in the process of innovation. This paper analyses how open communication and collaboration can help SMEs in their struggle for sustainable innovation and profitable market competition. Based on a literature review, a number of obstacles that SMEs have to overcome in their current activity and possible support to be competitive are revealed. The main benefits and particularities of implementing open innovation in SMEs are presented. The necessity of a supportive business environment for SMEs is demonstrated. An improved open innovation model for SMEs is developed.
Sustainable Extraction, Proccesing and Power Plants for a Database System
Authors: Băișan Cristina Elena , Gheorghe Marian
Published: May 2015

Industry is one of the economy sector with an important impact over the environment, such as natural resources depletion, energy consumption, pollution etc. It is essential that engineering companies perform their research, design, implementation and exploitation activities in order to contribute to environmental preservation, and, in the same time, to be aware and use the sustainable developments that have already been achieved. The present main contributions are the revealing, critical analysis and characterization of case studies on sustainable solutions regarding different extraction, processing and power plants, as an important support for the completion of a new database system with eco-achievements from different fields.
Parametric Modeling of Surfaces Using CATIA v5 Environment
Authors: Ghionea Ionuţ Gabriel , Devedžić Goran , Ćuković Saša
Published: May 2015

The goal of the CAD parametric modeling is to create a 3D representation, flexible and complex enough to encourage the engineer to easily consider a variety of designs with the cost of applying changes as low as possible. Geometric modeling systems provide a virtual environment similar to the real one in which the physical model is constructed/designed and manipulated. Using such a system, the engineer models, adds, deforms and edits parts in the process of detailing a shape. The virtual model may look the same as the real physical model, but it’s intangible. However, the 3D virtual model is accompanied by its mathematical description, parameters, restraints and these eliminates the need of measurements for prototyping or mass production, can be modified at any modeling phase, can be tested in various ways etc., which is a major disadvantage of using a physical part. This paper presents some theoretical aspects regarding the design process of products including surfaces and a few case studies showing the many possibilities in creating complex surfaces using the CATIA v5 software.
Design and Analysis of Disturbance Force Observer for Machine Tools Application
Authors: Jamaludin J. , Jamaludin Zamberi , Chiew T.H. , Abdullah Lokman
Published: May 2015

In milling process, the quality of tracking performance is influenced by the characteristics of the cutting forces generated during the material removal process. The undesired frequency harmonics of the cutting force contributes negatively to the positioning accuracy. An effective compensation of these harmonics is desired. This paper presents and discusses a disturbance force observer as an approach to estimate and compensate effect of external disturbance forces on system performance. Knowledge of the properties of the disturbance signal is essential for the design of an observer. A Fast Fourier Transform analysis of the disturbance force reveals the harmonics content of the signal. The frequency harmonics is a function of the spindle rotational speeds. The results show effective compensation of the cutting force with reduced amplitudes of the harmonics frequency content.
A Built-In Test Circuit for Detecting Open Defects by IDDT Appearance Time in CMOS ICs
Authors: Hashizume Masaki , Suenaga Shohei , Yotsuyanagi Hiroyuki
Published: May 2015

A built-in test circuit is proposed to detect an open defect in a CMOS IC by means of appearance time of dynamic supply current of the IC. A layout of an IC embedding the test circuit is designed. It is shown by Spice simulation that an open defect in the IC can be detected with the test circuit.
Development of Three-Axis Mini Milling Machine for Small Scale Production
Authors: Mohd Hadzley Abu Bakar , Samsudin Muhammad Hafiz , Zamri Mohd Najib , Raja Abdullah Raja Izamshah , Kasim Mohd Shahir , Abdullah Abu
Published: May 2015

This paper presents the processes to develop a cost-effective small scale 3-axis CNC milling machine. The designed machine tool consisted of stepper motors, bearing, linear guide, ball screw mounting systems, inverter and electronic controller, in which all of these are assembled together in a form of 3-axis operating system. The machine has a built up with the size of 1000 mm (length) × 1000 mm (width) × 650 mm (long) accompanied with a worktable with a dimension of 300 mm (length) × 300 mm (width) × 20 mm (long), and 24,000 rpm maximum spindle speed. To control the movement of the machine, open source software was utilized with the aid of G-Codes to assign the movement of the CNC axes. From the machining test, the machine was found to be capable to machine a metal work piece with high cutting speed and reasonable accuracy. The machine developed in this study offers efficiency and flexibility in the manufacturing production which enables to reduce capital cost due to the small-scale facility.
Design and Development of Weaving Aid Tool for Rattan Handicraft
Authors: Abdullah Zulkeflee , Fadzlina Nurul , Amran Mohd , Shamsudin Shamsul Anuar , Shahir Mohd , Fadzli Khairul
Published: May 2015

The main purpose of this project is to design and develop an assisting tool in manufacturing of rattan handicraft. Rattan is a non-timber forest resource which has a variety of functions in the making of handicrafts and furniture. The production of rattan handicraft typically carried out using manual and traditional methods. However, there are some problems to be faced by the craftsman in making the handicrafts such as the time constraints for the creation of products, due to the difficulty in term of the size, and the pain in the hands while making the handicraft products. Therefore, assisting tools or devices in manufacturing of rattan handicraft are needed to solve the problem. The methods used are questionnaire survey, CATIA software for RULA analysis and SolidWork software for FEA analysis.
Optimization of Cutter Geometry Features to Minimise Cutting Force on Machining Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) Engineering Plastic
Authors: Izamshah Raja , Husna Nurul , Hadzley Mohd , Amran Mohd , Kasim Mohd Shahir , Sivaraos Sivaraos
Published: May 2015

Machining of thermoplastic material poses several challenges due to its low melting temperature and high thermal expansion which directly related to cutting force. Thus, controlling the cutting force and temperature is desirable for machining polyetheretherketone (PEEK). The cutting force is dependent on friction and shearing action produced by the tool. It is indicated the cutting force is significantly affected by tool cutter geometry. This paper aims to control the cutting force by optimizing the cutter geometries especially rake, clearance and helix angle on machining PEEK. The two –flutes of solid carbide ball nose end mills were used to conduct the experiments and the cutting force acquired was measured using piezoelectric dynamometer. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) approach was applied to design and analyse the optimal combination of tool geometry feature for machining PEEK. Based on obtained results, the best optimal values of tool geometry which contribute to minimum of cutting force were 17° rake angle, 26° of helix angle and 10° of clearance angle. The best control of tool geometry ultimately improves the cutting performance and reduces defect caused by high cutting forces.
Assessing the Significance of Rate and Time Pulse Spraying in Top Spray Granulation of Urea Fertilizer Using Taguchi Method
Authors: Rostam Omar , Dimin Mohd Fairuz , Sivaraos Sivaraos , Luqman H.H. , Said M.R. , Keong Lau Kok , Norazlina Mohamad Yatim , Norhidayah M. , Shaaban Azizah
Published: May 2015

Studies in urea granulation process using Top Spray Fluidized Bed Granulator (TSFBG) is still limited and requires in-depth research about the effectiveness and influence of droplets to the formation of urea granule (UG). Rate and time interval of spraying technique (Pulse) significantly influence the physical properties of urea granules. Cassava starch dissolves in water was selected as the binder released at various time interval to observe impact of spray droplet on UG size formation. Using Taguchi Method, the study had identified three leading factors contributed to the formation of droplet size namely volume of binder (VOB), time pulse of spraying (TPS) and spraying rate (SR). These factors were then evaluated in terms of the influence on response as signal-to-noise analysis (S/N ratios) from Taguchi to validate UG size in range 2 mm to 4 mm from screening process with respect to the actual experimental data. These results were useful for future experiment reference to determine pressure drop and surface contact during interaction between droplet and urea powder particles using TSFBG to obtain uniform UG size and smooth surface layer with reasonable hardness.
A Study on CAD/CAM Application in CNC Milling Using Industrial Clay
Authors: Muhamad Bustaman Nurul Wahieda , Abu Mansor Mohd Salman
Published: May 2015

Throughout the production process, improper planning and exploitation of the CAD/CAM system leads to the low level utilization of the CNC milling machine. In product design, tangible prototype is fabricated using CAD/CAM techniques in the design phase to analyse and modify the product before actual production. In this research, industrial clay is used as the prototype material. The objectives of the study are to investigate the machining parameters of industrial clay using the CNC milling machine and to apply the CAD/CAM system in producing a clay sample part via the CNC milling machine. Using uncomplicated and low cost setup for the fabrication method, an industrial clay sample part is prepared in the CAD/CAM system and shaped using the CNC milling machine. The difference between the simulated and the actual machining time of the machined part is analysed.
Experimental Setup for Ultrasonic-Assisted Desktop Fused Deposition Modeling System
Authors: Maidin S. , Muhamad M.K. , Pei E.
Published: May 2015

Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is an additive manufacturing (AM) process that has been used in various manufacturing fields. However, the drawback of FDM is poor surface finish of parts produced, leading to surface roughness and requires hand finishing. In this study, ultrasonic technology will be integrated into a desktop FDM system.Ultrasound has been applied in various conventional machining processes and shows good machined surface finish. However, very little research regarding the application of ultrasound to AM has been carried out. Our previous research found that the extrusion nozzle of the FDM system could withstand the high vibration transmitted at 40 kHz of frequency from an ultrasonic transducer. The aim of this paper is to discuss three novel setups of using ultrasound devices attached to a desktop FDM system to study its feasibility to improve the surface finish of parts produced. A comparative study was made and it was found that the second setup (Concept 2) was most suitable due to its safety and reliability aspects.
A Comparative Study between Silicon Germanium and Germanium Solar Cells by Numerical Simulation
Authors: Zulkefle Ahmad Aizan , Zainon Maslan , Zakaria Zaihasraf , Mat Hanafiah Mohd Ariff , Razak Nurul Huda Abdul , Shahahmadi Seyed Ahmad , Akhtaruzzaman Md. , Sopian Kamaruzzaman , Amin Nowshad
Published: May 2015

This paper presents the performance between silicon germanium (SiGe) and crystalline germanium (Ge) solar cells in terms of their simulated open circuit voltage, short circuit current density, fill factor and efficiency. The PC1D solar cell modeling software has been used to simulate and analyze the performance for both solar cells, and the total thickness is limited to 1μm of both SiGe and Ge solar cells. The Si0.1Ge0.9 thickness is varied from 10nm to 100nm to examine the effect of Si0.1Ge0.9 thickness on SiGe solar cell. The result of simulation exhibits the SiGe solar cell give a better performance compared to Ge solar cell. The efficiency of 9.74% (VOC = 0.48V, JSC = 27.86mA/cm2, FF =0.73) is achieved with Si0.1Ge0.9 layer of 0.1μm in thickness whilst 2.73% (VOC = 0.20V, JSC = 27.31mA/cm2, FF =0.50) efficiency is obtained from Ge solar cell.