bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge Management in Support of Enterprise Risk Management
Authors: Rodriguez Eduardo , Edwards John S.
Published: May 2015

Risk management and knowledge management have so far been studied almost independently. The evolution of risk management to the holistic view of Enterprise Risk Management requires the destruction of barriers between organizational silos and the exchange and application of knowledge from different risk management areas. However, knowledge management has received little or no attention in risk management. This paper examines possible relationships between knowledge management constructs related to knowledge sharing, and two risk management concepts: perceived quality of risk control and perceived value of enterprise risk management. From a literature review, relationships with eight knowledge management variables covering people, process and technology aspects were hypothesised. A survey was administered to risk management employees in financial institutions. The results showed that the perceived quality of risk control is significantly associated with four knowledge management variables: perceived quality of risk knowledge sharing, perceived quality of communication among people, web channel functionality, and risk management information system functionality. However, the relationships of the knowledge management variables to the perceived value of enterprise risk management are not significant. We conclude that better knowledge management is associated with better risk control, but that more effort needs to be made to break down organizational silos in order to support true Enterprise Risk Management.
STAR-TRANS Modeling Language
Authors: Zisiadis Dimitris , Thanos George , Kopsidas Spyros , Leventakis George
Published: May 2015

Transportation networks are open and accessible, by design, and thus vulnerable to malicious attacks. Transportation networks are integral parts of larger systems, where individual transportation networks form a network-of-networks within a defined geographical region. A security incident on an asset can propagate to new security incidents in interconnected assets of the same or different networks, resulting in cascading failures in the overall network-of-networks. The present work introduces the STAR-TRANS Modeling Language (STML) and provides a reference implementation case. STML is a feature-rich, domain specific, high-level modeling language, capable of expressing the concepts and processes of the Strategic Risk Assessment and Contingency Planning in Interconnected Transportation Networks (STAR- TRANS) framework. STAR-TRANS is a comprehensive transportation security risk assessment framework for assessing related risks that provides cohered contingency management procedures for interconnected, interdependent and heterogeneous transport networks. STML has been used to produce the STAR-TRANS Impact Assessment Tool.
Proposed Isomorphic Graph Model for Risk Assessment on a Unix Operating System
Authors: Patra Prashant Kumar , Pradhan Padma Lochan
Published: May 2015

Control and risk are the two parts of the coin. Risk assessment is the process of identifying uncertainties, vulnerabilities and threats to the operating system resources in order to achieve business objectives. Risk evaluation involved deciding what counter measures to take in reducing uncertainty to the lowest level of risk. Control is probably the most important aspect of communications security and becoming increasingly important as basic building block for system security. Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) is a primary method of protecting system resources. AES is inversely proportional to the Risk (C=K/R) & mean while control is directly proportional to the quality of standard. AES Control will be optimize the risk as well as improve the IS standard. Control is directly proportional to risk mitigation & mitigation is directly proportional to standard. This paper contributes to the development of an optimization method that aims to determine the optimal cost to be invested into security method, model & mechanisms deciding on the measure component of operating system resources (i.e. Processor, Memory & Encryption). Furthermore, the method & mechanism optimize the cost, time & resources is supposed to optimize the system risks. The proposed model would be update the value of Processor, Memory & Encryption key dynamically as per business requirement and availability of technology & resources. Proposed model is going to be optimizing risk and maximizing the performance. In this study the researchers develop an isomorphic graph model for optimizing risk in the Unix operating system.
The Role of a Sustainability Informatics Framework in Transportation Systems
Authors: Jia Lin , Cumbie Barry , Sankar Chetan S. , Yu Jian
Published: May 2015

This article develops a Sustainability Informatics Framework, a framework that connects Information Technology with sustainability and is based on the Belief-Action-Outcome and Energy Informatics frameworks. The triple-bottom line (People, Planet, and Profit) is adopted as a criterion for measuring sustainability and three sustainability indices are first formulated and then visualized using Sustainability Dashboards. This framework is then used to analyze transportation systems. This leads to the development of research propositions that can expand the role of the Information Systems discipline to research on areas of sustainable nation building.
Maturity and Process Capability Models and Their Use in Measuring Resilience in Critical Infrastructure Protection Sectors
Authors: Houston Jr. Clemith J. , Sicker Douglas C.
Published: May 2015

This paper provides a literature review and survey of maturity and process capability models, Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) tools and frameworks to identify strategies for assessing and measuring resilience and risk management capabilities, with a specific focus on the electricity generating sector. The focus is on the use of models such as CERT-RMM, and others, as a means of addressing challenges associated with cyber security and risk management. Foundational concepts, terminology and definitions are provided; examples of maturity and process capability models are presented and discussed, tools that enable process capability and resilience are identified, including those specific to the electricity generating sector. The evolution of models and how they have addressed challenges is presented, in addition to the characteristics and differences of models and the growth in domains where they can be used. The benefits of the application of process capability and maturity models in maintaining and enhancing resilience and cyber security protection is supported in this paper and recommendations for research opportunities that may yield further insight and measurement capabilities are offered.
Critical Risk Path Method
Authors: Iromuanya Chi , Hargiss Kathleen M. , Howard Caroline
Published: May 2015

Existing approaches to risk management in construction procurement primarily dwell on strategies designed for commonly identifiable risk factors in typical project environments. Commonly identifiable risk factors would include too early or late material delivery - a condition typically ameliorated by implementing a Just In Time (JIT) plan; inferior construction materials typically mitigated by employing trusted vendors; or ineffective contractors primarily avoided by the use of experienced contractors. The purpose of this paper is to present a coherent model for procurement risk management for construction and infrastructure development projects within the context of dynamic project environments - complex, or chaotic. For the purpose of this study, a critical risk path activity is one in which a delay of activity completion not only leads to project delay, but does so in a manner that may be fatal to project or at best, far greater than the actual delay. The study incorporates observations and theory with practical application for improving initiatives by emergency infrastructure development response organizations such as FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) and USACE (US Army Corps of Engineers) in the United States, the NEMA (National Emergency Management Agency) in Nigeria, or ANDMA (Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority) etc. This study presents risk response plans aimed at improving the potential occurrence of positive risk aspects while reducing, or eliminating the same for negative risk occurrences. This study explored material, equipment, and skilled labor procurement strategies related to project risk management from the perspectives of scheduling, cost, and quality - three factors often referred to as the triple project constraints. It identified gaps within specific national and multinational organizations' approaches, and provided detailed recommendations for process improvements from the procurement management perspective to ensure the potential for successful project outcomes in unstable project conditions.
Agent-Based Modeling for Carpooling
Authors: Knapen Luk , Yasar Ansar-Ul-Haque , Cho Sungjin , Bellemans Tom
Published: May 2015

Modeling activities and travel for individuals in order to estimate traffic demand leads to large scale simulations. Most current models simulate individuals acting in a mutually independent way except for the use of the shared transportation infrastructure. As soon as cooperation between autonomous individuals is accounted for, the individuals are linked to each other in a network structure and interact with their neighbours in the network while trying to achieve their own goals. In concrete traffic-related problems, those networks can grow very large. Optimization over such networks typically leads to combinatorially explosive problems. In this chapter, the case of providing optimal advice to combine carpooling candidates is considered. First, the advisor software structure is explained; then, the characteristics for the carpooling candidates network derived for Flanders (Belgium) are calculated in order to estimate the problem size.
RETRA
Authors: Inampudi Venkata S. , Kondaveti Russell , Ganz Aura
Published: May 2015

In this paper, the authors introduce a real time web based tool for resource allocation (RETRA) that can assist the incident commanders and resource managers in the complex task of emergency resource deployment for multiple simultaneous incidents that occur in close geographical proximity. RETRA real time inputs include the location of the emergency sites and the required resources with associated priorities. It generates an optimal deployment plan so that emergency sites with highest priorities for a resource are assigned that resource in the least amount of time. The optimal solution is presented graphically using Google Maps. RETRA can be used for emergency resource deployment at the initial response stage of a disaster. 1
A Case Study for Business Integration as a Service
Authors: Chang Victor
Published: May 2015

This chapter presents Business Integration as a Service (BIaaS) to allow two services to work together in the Cloud to achieve a streamline process. The authors illustrate this integration using two services, Return on Investment (ROI) Measurement as a Service (RMaaS) and Risk Analysis as a Service (RAaaS), in the case study at the University of Southampton. The case study demonstrates the cost-savings and the risk analysis achieved, so two services can work as a single service. Advanced techniques are used to demonstrate statistical services and 3D Visualisation services under the remit of RMaaS and Monte Carlo Simulation as a Service behind the design of RAaaS. Computational results are presented with their implications discussed. Different types of risks associated with Cloud adoption can be calculated easily, rapidly, and accurately with the use of BIaaS. This case study confirms the benefits of BIaaS adoption, including cost reduction and improvements in efficiency and risk analysis. Implementation of BIaaS in other organisations is also discussed. Important data arising from the integration of RMaaS and RAaaS are useful for management and stakeholders of University of Southampton.
A Sensitivity Analysis of Critical Genetic Algorithm Parameters
Authors: Kim Eungcheol , Jha Manoj K. , Kang Min-Wook
Published: May 2015

Genetic Algorithms (GAs) have been applied in many complex combinatorial optimization problems and have been proven to yield reasonably good solutions due to their ability of searching in continuous spaces and avoiding local optima. However, one issue in GA application that needs to be carefully explored is to examine sensitivity of critical parameters that may affect the quality of solutions. The key critical GA parameters affecting solution quality include the number of genetic operators, the number of encoded decision variables, the parameter for selective pressure, and the parameter for non-uniform mutation. The effect of these parameters on solution quality is particularly significant for complex problems of combinatorial nature. In this paper the authors test the sensitivity of critical GA parameters in optimizing 3-dimensional highway alignments which has been proven to be a complex combinatorial optimization problem for which an exact solution is not possible warranting the application of heuristics procedures, such as GAs. If GAs are applied properly, similar optimal solutions should be expected at each replication. The authors perform several example studies in order to arrive at a general set of conclusions regarding the sensitivity of critical GA parameters on solution quality. The first study shows that the optimal solutions obtained for a range of scenarios consisting of different combinations of the critical parameters are quite close. The second study shows that different optimal solutions are obtained when the number of encoded decision variables is changed.
Assessing Human Reliability Behaviour from Use of Technology for Ships Navigating within Coastal Water
Authors: Olanrewaju Oladokun Sulaiman
Published: May 2015

The traditional approach to the study of human factors in the maritime field involves the analysis of accidents without considering human factor reliability analysis. The main approaches being used to analyze human errors are statistical approach and probability theory approach. Another suitable approach to the study of human factors in the maritime industry is the quasi-experimental field study where variations in performance (for example attention) can be observed as a function of natural variations in performance shaping factors. This chapter analyzes result of modelling for human error and human reliability emanating from the use of technology on board ship navigation in coastal water areas by using qualitative and quantitative tools. Accident reports from marine department are used as empirical material for quantitative analysis. The literature on safety is based on common themes of accidents, the influence of human error resulting from technology usage design, accident reports from MAIB, and interventions information are used for qualitative assessment. Human reliability assessment involves analysis of accidents in waterways emanating from human-technology factors. The chapter reports enhancement requirement of the methodological issues with previous research study, monitoring, and deduces recommendations for technology modification of the human factors necessary to improve maritime safety performance. The result presented can contribute to rule making and safety management leading to the development of guidelines and standards for human reliability risk management for ships navigating within inland and coastal waters.
WLAN Systems for Communication in Transportation Systems
Authors: Scopigno Riccardo
Published: May 2015

Vehicular Ad-Hoc Networks (VANETs) are wireless networks primarily meant to enforce vehicular safety. The incumbent international VANET solution is based on an adaptation of WLAN to the 5.9 GHz band and to the vehicular environment: it is universally known as IEEE 802.11p. One of the main reasons for the success of IEEE 802.11p lies on the functional requirement of a decentralized solution, that is, one able to work in the absence of infrastructure. While Filed-Operational Tests are being developed world-wide and new VANET applications, not restricted to safety, are being developed, new requisites are emerging. Some limitations of the IEEE 802.11p are coming to light as well: stakeholders must be aware of them to prevent misleading conclusions on reliability and, most importantly, improper solutions for the safety which the protocol is aimed at.
Managing Risk in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Supply Chains' Using Quality Function Deployment (QFD) Approach
Authors: Faisal Mohd. Nishat
Published: May 2015

Supply chain risk management (SCRM) is the process of risk mitigation in supply chains achieved through collaboration, coordination and application of risk management tools among the partners, to ensure continuity coupled with long-term profitability of the supply chain. Supply chain risks emanate from multiple sources and similarly risk mitigation in supply chains is dependent on several variables. The most difficult part of supply chain risk management is prioritizing risks and an understanding of the relationships among various types of risks and risk mitigation variables. Drawing from the standard framework, in this research a modified house of quality is developed to understand the relationships between various supply chain risks and risk mitigation variables. It helps to prioritize various risks and understand the current status of the supply chain and the deficient areas with regard to risk mitigation capabilities. The structured QFD process provides the supply chain managers a conceptual map that enables the improvement of planning and control of various risks that could impact a supply chain.
Evolution of Security Engineering Artifacts
Authors: Felderer Michael , Katt Basel , Kalb Philipp , Jürjens Jan , Ochoa Martín , Paci Federica , Tran Le Minh Sang , Tun Thein Than , Yskout Koen , Scandariato Riccardo , Piessens Frank , Vanoverberghe Dries , Fourneret Elizabeta , Gander Matthias , Solhaug Bjørnar , Breu Ruth
Published: May 2015

Security is an important quality aspect of modern open software systems. However, it is challenging to keep such systems secure because of evolution. Security evolution can only be managed adequately if it is considered for all artifacts throughout the software development lifecycle. This article provides state of the art on the evolution of security engineering artifacts. The article covers the state of the art on evolution of security requirements, security architectures, secure code, security tests, security models, and security risks as well as security monitoring. For each of these artifacts the authors give an overview of evolution and security aspects and discuss the state of the art on its security evolution in detail. Based on this comprehensive survey, they summarize key issues and discuss directions of future research.
Adding Electric Vehicle Modeling Capability to an Agent-Based Transport Simulation
Authors: Waraich Rashid A. , Georges Gil , Galus Matthias D. , Axhausen Kay W.
Published: May 2015

Battery-electric and plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles are envisioned by many as a way to reduce CO2 traffic emissions, support the integration of renewable electricity generation, and increase energy security. Electric vehicle modeling is an active field of research, especially with regards to assessing the impact of electric vehicles on the electricity network. However, as highlighted in this chapter, there is a lack of capability for detailed electricity demand and supply modeling. One reason for this, as pointed out in this chapter, is that such modeling requires an interdisciplinary approach and a possibility to reuse and integrate existing models. In order to solve this problem, a framework for electric vehicle modeling is presented, which provides strong capabilities for detailed electricity demand modeling. It is built on an agent-based travel demand and traffic simulation. A case study for the city of Zurich is presented, which highlights the capabilities of the framework to uncover possible bottlenecks in the electricity network and detailed fleet simulation for CO2 emission calculations, and thus its power to support policy makers in taking decisions.
TraffCon
Authors: Collins Kevin , Muntean Gabriel-Miro
Published: May 2015

Traffic congestion is a major issue in the modern society, and unfortunately, it continues to worsen as the number of cars on the road grows behind the ability of existing road infrastructures to cope. Additionally, vehicle fuel consumption and gas emissions are increasing, and concentrated efforts to propose solutions to reduce these and consequently the pollution are needed. In this context, this chapter presents TraffCon, an innovative vehicle route management solution, which makes use of a novel best route selection algorithm for vehicular traffic routing and of vehicular wireless communications to reduce not only journey times but also fuel consumption and as a direct consequence vehicle gas emissions. The chapter shows how TraffCon can be supported by an IEEE 802.11p sparse roadside-vehicle network with very good results in comparison with classic approaches.
Study on Effect of Acid and Heat Treatments of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes on Benzene Detection
Authors: Chobsilp Thanattha , Wongwiriyapan Winadda , Issro Chaisak , Muangrat Worawut , Chaiwat Weerawut , Eiad-Ua Apiluck , Charinpanitkul Tawatchai , Suttiponpanit Komkrit
Published: May 2015

Effect of acid and heat treatments of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on benzene detection was investigated. For acid treatment, MWCNTs were treated by hydrochloric acid (HCl) for 1 h meanwhile other batches of MWCNTs were treated by heating under air ambient at 500°C for 1 h. Pristine, HCl-treated and heat-treated MWCNTs were separately coated with ethyl cellulose (EC) by spin-coating prior to fabrication of three different sensors named as EC/pristine MWCNTs, EC/HCl-MWCNTs and EC/heat-MWCNTs sensors, respectively. Each fabricated sensor was exposed to benzene vapor at room temperature for testing its sensing performance based on an increase in its electrical resistance which was sensitive to benzene vapor. Response of the sensors fabricated from EC/HCl-MWCNTs and EC/heat-MWCNTs were 3.66 and 1.92 times higher than that of EC/pristine MWCNTs, respectively. Sensitivity of all sensors would be attributed to swelling of EC, resulting in loosening of MWCNT network after benzene vapor exposure. In addition, the difference of sensing response of the EC/pristine MWCNTs when compared with those of EC/HCl-MWCNTs and EC/heat-MWCNTs would be ascribed to different crystallinity and functionalization of MWCNTs sidewalls, suggesting that acid and heat treatments of MWCNTs would be promising techniques for improvement of benzene detection.
Effects of Nickel on Properties of Cement Mortar Derived from the Co-Burning of Industrial Waste and its Leaching Behavior
Authors: Sinyoung Suthatip , Taweekitwanit Ekkachai , Kajitvichyanukul Puangrat
Published: May 2015

Burning of hazardous waste in cement kiln is the new technology based on waste derived and alternative fuels. Besides being the alternative way to destroy hazardous waste, this method provides alternative material as raw material or the fuel in the cement production process. This disposal method can be applied if the contaminant either does not appear in the emission or leach from cement to environment. This work focused on properties and the leaching behavior of nickel from cement. The resulting clinker was analyzed for the content of free lime and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was done. The identification of MgNiO2 peaks in XRD pattern was found in all clinkers with nickel addition in the range of 0.5-2.0 wt.%. Results obtained from this part suggested that nickel incorporated in the clinker phase and may combine with magnesium to form the new compound as MgNiO2 during the burning process. To study the leaching behavior, M3051A, NEN:7341 and pH static leach test were used. Results showed that approximately 3% of nickel can be leached to environment. From the pH static leach test, nickel was effectively leached at pH 4 and the reachability of its decreased when the pH increased. In this work, Toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) was also used to identify the cement as hazardous waste or non-hazardous waste. The results showed that raw material doped with nickel up to 2 wt.%, the cement was not classified as hazardous waste.
A Development of Graphene Based Chemiresistive Sensor: Demonstrations on pH Sensing, and Cell Detection
Authors: Srinives Sira , Klongthong Worasak , Selamassakul Kanin , Peaunbida Navapass , Jiamjitton Suchaporn , Phamornnak Chinnawich , Plabplueng Chotiros , Oonkhanond Bovornlak , Charinpanitkul Tawatchai
Published: May 2015

Graphene is a single-to-few layer carbon sheet, consisting of carbon atoms hybridizing with one another via sp2 configuration, providing outstanding mechanical, electrical, and electrochemical properties that can be utilized in various applications. In this work, we synthesized graphene powder via a modified Hummers method to obtain electrically insulating graphene oxide (GO), and converted the GO to semiconducting reduced graphene oxide (rGO) using L-ascorbic acid as a reducing agent. The rGO was re-dispersed in DI water and cast on prefabricated electrodes to create an rGO film chemiresistive sensor.The rGO sensor was shown to detect changes in buffer pH and cell concentrations of three different cells: human breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231); non-small-cell lung cancer cells (A549); and fibroblast cells (L929). Sensor performances were determined in terms of "sensitivity", ratio of normalized resistance change upon exposure to a certain analyte concentration, and the analyte concentration. Our studies serve as strong evidence that the rGO-based chemiresistive sensor can be used for a quick and easy test in indicating buffer pH, or quantifying concentrations of a known cell.
Glycine-Nitrate Combustion Synthesis of ZrO2-Y2O3 Nanopowders
Authors: Denisova E.I. , Ustyuzhaninova Irina A. , Kartashov Vadim V. , Volkovich Vladimir A. , Chernetskiy Ivan V. , Vlasov Alexander V.
Published: May 2015

Formation of ZrO2-5 wt.% Y2O3 nanostructured powders in glycine-nitrate combustion synthesis was investigated and the effect of "glycine-to-NO3-" ratio and heating method on the reaction product composition and particle morphology studied. Urea and ammonium nitrate additives were used to optimize the regime of the process. The effect of these reagents on gas generation required for the dispersion of particles, and on the process temperature was investigated.
Fabrication and Characterization of Conducting PANI Nanofibers via Electrospinning
Authors: Santibenchakul Somtop , Chaiyasith Suwan , Pecharapa Wisanu
Published: May 2015

In this work, conducting polyaniline (PANI) nanofibers were fabricated by electrospinning technique. PANI (emeraldine-based) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) were used as the starting precursors for electrospinning technique and their concentrations were kept at 0.01 and 0.08 g/ml respectively. The effects of electrospinning conditions including volume ratio of polymer solution, operating voltage and injection rate at constant electrospinning distance on the morphologies and size distribution of the fibers were investigated. Scanning electronmicroscopy (SEM) and Fourier transforms infrared (FT-IR) were utilized to characterize morphologies and physical properties of the fibers. The optimized conditions with PVA:PANI (27;3, v/v), 20 kV voltage, 0.8 ml/hr injection rate to fabricate well-defined PVA/PANI nanofibers was acknowledged.
Synthesis of Carbon Nanoparticles via Co-Pyrolysis of Waste Slop Oil and Ferrocene
Authors: Chaiwat Weerawut , Janjarasskul Teerameth , Eiad-Ua Apiluck , Viriya-Empikul Nawin , Charinpanitkul Tawatchai , Suttiponpanit Komkrit
Published: May 2015

Co-pyrolysis of slop oil with ferrocene was carried out to convert waste of petroleum into carbon nanoparticles (CNPs). Since slop oil is a mixture of hydrocarbons (HCs) with broad molecular weight distribution, it could be simply fractionated into some certain fractions by batch distillation. Distillate containing hydrocarbons with small molecules was mainly focused as an alternative carbon source for synthesis of CNPs. A two-stage furnace was employed for evaporating a mixture of distillated slop oil and ferrocene at 200 °C in the 1st stage of the furnace and then formation of CNPs at 900 °C could be observed in the 2nd stage. Laboratory-grade ferrocene was mixed with slop oil with a designated weight-ratio of 1:2. Microscopic analyses based on SEM and TEM micrographs reveals that CNPs obtained from distillated slop oil mostly consist of bundles of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with nominal diameters of 20-50 nm. Raman spectroscopic analyses of the synthesized CNPs exhibit the notably high value of IG/ID, suggesting that the synthesized CNPs preferably consist of graphitic nanostructure. Moreover, TGA analysis shows that 39.8 and 32.9 wt% of Fe contents exist in the CNP samples synthesized from original slop oil and distillated slop oil, respectively.
A Power-Efficient Noise Canceling Technique Using Signal-Suppression Feed-Forward for Wideband LNAs
Authors: Oki Daiki , Kawauchi Satoru , Li Cong Bing , Kamiyama Masataka , Banba Seiichi , Dan Toru , Takahashi Nobuo , Kobayashi Haruo
Published: May 2015

This paper presents a power-efficient noise-canceling technique based on the feed-forward amplifiers, considering a fundamental tradeoff between noise figure (NF) and power consumption in the design of wide-band amplifiers. By suppressing the input signal of the noise cancellation amplifier, the nonlinear effect on the amplifier can be reduced, as well as the power consumption can be smaller. Furthermore, as a lower gain of the noise-canceling sub-amplifier can be achieved simultaneously, further reduction of the power consumption becomes possible. The verification of the proposed technique is conducted with Spectre simulation using 90nm CMOS process.
A New Self-Heat Modeling Approach for LDMOS Devices
Authors: Aoki Hitoshi , Kobayashi Haruo
Published: May 2015

The purpose of this research is to characterize and model the self-heating effect of n-channel Laterally Diffused Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors (LDMOS). In order to improve the accuracy and convergence of the self-heating (SH) simulations in DC, transient and small signal AC (S-Parameter) domains, a new SH model has been developed and implemented in Verilog-A version of BSIM4 model to simulate an LDMOS device. The new SH model does not require a separate thermal network. It has been verified with measurements in static DC, transient, and small signal AC (S-parameter). Excellent agreements between measured and simulated results have been obtained without sacrificing simulation speed and convergence performance.
Frictional Characteristics Measurement of a Ceramic Aerostatic Linear Bearing
Authors: Kitabata Kouki , Iwashita Hiroshi , Takita Akihiro , Djamal Mitra , Pornsuwancharoen Nithiroth , Fujii Yusaku
Published: May 2015

The resultant force acting on the moving part of the ceramic aerostatic linear bearing is measured highly accurately as the inertial force of the moving part of the bearing by means of the levitation mass method (LMM). The measurement results of the ceramic aerostatic linear bearing and metal aerostatic linear bearing of different mass are compared. The regression equation of the ceramic aerostatic linear bearing and metal aerostatic linear bearing are calculated. The ceramic linear bearing and metal linear bearing have extremely small frictional force.
Simulation Study on Indoor Pollen Removal with Variable Exhaust Angle of an Air Purifier
Authors: Hashimoto Akinori , Takahashi Toshiki
Published: May 2015

We calculate pollen grain trajectories in indoor airflow generated by an air purifier to investigate its pollen removal efficiency and effectiveness of the swinging louver at its air outlet. The air purifier has the directional airflow output vent on its top surface, and the elevation angle of the exhaust flow can be changed with time. The turbulent airflow field and particle motion are computed alternately. Since the turbulent calculation requires more computational time than the particle motion simulation, we need to accelerate the computation using graphics processing unit (GPU) to increase simulation research efficiency. As a consequence, the calculation of the indoor turbulent airflow and the particle trajectories on the GPU is 18 times faster than the same simulation on the CPU. It is found that variable exhaust angle enhances pollen removal efficiency by 6.9%. Moreover, it appears that we should swing louver from the upper corner of the ceiling to straight above the air purifier at higher angular velocity than 50 deg/s.
Feasibility of Ceiling-Mounted Assist Device of Air-Purifier for Removal of Airborne Allergic Pollen Grains
Authors: Takahashi Toshiki , Hashimoto Akinori , Tokoi Shunsuke , Goto Makoto
Published: May 2015

Feasibility of a ceiling-mounted assist device of the air-purifier for removal of airborne allergenic pollen grains is investigated by both turbulent flow and particle-tracking calculations. The device is mounted straight above the air-purifier and it collects suspended pollen grains in the exhaust flow of the air-purifier. It is found from the turbulent flow calculation that the flow rate of the assist device should be larger than that of the air-purifier. Otherwise the upward air flows around the assist device, and pollen grains move along the surrounding flow; they are never removed from the air. We also found about 40% improvement of the pollen removal efficiency by installing the assist device.
Electroluminescence of a Multilayer in which Thin Films of NaNbO3:Pr Phosphor and SnO2:Sb Transparent Conductor Are Alternately Stacked
Authors: Kyômen Tôru , Hasuko Sayaka , Hanaya Minoru , Takashima Hiroshi
Published: May 2015

Oxide inorganic electroluminescent device in which thin films of Pr-doped NaNbO3 phosphor and Sb-doped SnO2 transparent conductor are alternately stacked was prepared by sol-gel and spin-coating methods. Red electroluminescence was observed due to f-f transitions of Pr3+ ions by applying 5-kHz ac voltages to the device. The luminance was 1.0 cd m−2 at 25 V ac and5.0 cd m−2 at 34 V ac.
Single-Inductor Dual-Output DC-DC Converter Design with Exclusive Control
Authors: Li Mu Rong , Kobori Yasunori , Zhao Feng , Zhu Qiu Lin , Nosker Zachary , Wu Shu , Mohyar Shaiful N. , Kobayashi Haruo , Takai Nobukazu
Published: May 2015

This paper proposes a single inductor dual output (SIDO) DC-DC converter with an exclusive control circuit. We propose two kinds of converter: a buck-buck and a boost-boost converter. Multiple voltage outputs are controlled exclusively, using error voltage feedback. This approach requires a few additional components (a switch, a diode and a comparator), but requires no current sensors and does not depend on the value of output voltage or output current. We describe circuit topologies, operation principles and simulation results.
A Simple Analog Feed-Forward Controller Design for DC-DC Buck Converter
Authors: Wu Shu , Kobori Yasunori , Kobayashi Haruo
Published: May 2015

This paper presents usage of analog feed-forward control to improve the transient response of DC-DC buck converters with pulse-width-modulation (PWM). The analog feed-forward controller is simple and does not require complicated calculations. Duty cycle is modulated directly based on the charge balance of the output capacitor. Compared with conventional feedback control, this simple feed-forward controller reduces control delay and provides a satisfactory transient response. We apply this technique to a Single-Inductor-Dual-Output (SIDO) buck converter as well as a Single-Inductor-Single-Output (SISO) buck converter, and show that its cross-regulation is improved. We have validated the proposed method with SIMetrix simulations.
Theory of the Water Battery
Authors: Widom Allan , Swain John , Srivastava Yogendra
Published: May 2015

Mesoscopic polarized negatively charged ordered water layers coating a metallic cathode can serve as a battery. On top of the water layers resides a normal phase of water and the electromotive force resides across the exclusion zone ordered water layers. Radiation incident on the ordered water layers provides the energy source which allows the battery operation.
LASER Reduced Graphene on Flexible Substrate for Strain Sensing Applications: Temperature Effect on Gauge Factor
Authors: Sayed Sahour , Gamil Mohammed , Fath El-Bab Ahmed M.R. , Abd Elmoneim Ahmed Abd El Moneim
Published: May 2015

New technique is developed to synthesize graphene film on flexible substrate for strain sensing applications. A flexible graphene/Poly-ethylene Terephthalate (PET) strain sensor based on graphene piezoresistivity is produced by a new simple low cost technique. Graphene oxide film on PET substrate is reduced and patterned simultaneously using 2 Watt CO2LASER beam. The synthesized graphene film is characterized by XRD, FT-IR, SEM, and Raman techniques. Commercial strain gauges are used to predict experimentally the gauge factor (GF) of the graphene film at different values of applied strain. The stability of the graphene film and its GF are studied at different operating temperatures. The fabricated sensor showed high GF of 78 with great linearity and stability up to 60 °C.
Complex Impedance Measurement System for the Frequency Range from 5 kHz to 100 kHz
Authors: Simić Mitar
Published: May 2015

The improved design of previously developed complex impedance measurement system is described. Realized system for measurement of complex impedance is based on integrated circuit AD5933 which is controlled by microcontroller ATmega128. Device has full standalone capabilities with LCD for displaying of results and keyboard for configuration on the field. Created report with measured values of impedance magnitude and phase angle is stored on micro SD card in format compatible with MS Excel which ensures easy off-line analysis on PC. Realized device is equipped with self-calibration system which ensures high accuracy in wide range of impedance and frequency. In the aim of the verification of developed system, the measurement results are plotted and compared with theoretical impedance values. Realized system can be used for complex impedance measurement, impedance spectrometry, biomedical and automotive sensors, proximity sensors, FFT processing, structural health monitoring, etc.
Composites Based on Intermetallic Nanoparticles for a New Generation of Electrochemical Systems
Authors: Milanova Valentina , Stankulov Toma , Markova Ivania
Published: May 2015

Intermetallic (Ni-Sn) nanoparticles are synthesized through a borohydride reduction with NaBH4 in a mixture of aqueous solutions of NiCl2.6H2O and SnCl2.2H2O at mass ratio and Ni:Sn = 45:55. The ratio is chosen in accordance with the Ni-Sn binary system phase diagram. A "template" technique which involves borohydride reduction of intermetallic nanoparticles on a support (carbon foam, graphite, carbon powder) is also used. The samples which are Ni-Sn alloys and carbon-based nanocomposites are studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The samples are electrochemically tested as electrode materials in Li-ion batteries.
C-Pd Films as Material for Optical Sensor of Hydrogen
Authors: Czerwosz Elzbieta , Kowalska E. , Kozłowski M. , Suchańska M. , Płaza M. , Kęczkowska J. , Belka R. , Dłużewski P. , Sobczak K.
Published: May 2015

Palladium nanograins placed in carbonaceous matrix shows many interesting properties connected to ability of hydrogen adsorption/absorption. Carbonaceous-palladium (C-Pd) films based on these materials change their structure and form, electrical conductivity, capacitance as well as optical absorption, transmission and reflection properties. These effects are connected to an incorporation of hydrogen atoms into palladium lattice [1], what change not only lattice constant [2] but also electric [3] and optical [4] properties of resulting material.
Fabrication of Patterned Ferromagnetic Shape Memory Thin Films
Authors: Álvarez-Alonso P. , Pérez-Checa A. , Aseguinolaza I.R. , Alonso J. , Svalov A.V. , Chernenko V.A. , Barandiarán J.M.
Published: May 2015

We report two possible routes of fabrication of large surfaces of ferromagnetic shape memory antidots with tunable pore size and center-to-center distances. By using the drop coating method, we have prepared a large area of 2D arrays (typically 1cm2) of polystyrene spheres (PS) (1.4±0.1μm diameter) on a Si substrate. We have used reactive ion etching with a gas mixture of O2(12sccm) and Ar (5sccm) to reduce the diameter of the PS spheres whereby controlling the size of pores. The film deposition was performed on a substrate heated at 500oC (route 1) and at room temperature with subsequent annealing in a furnace at 500oC for 4 hours (route 2). Route 1 proved to be promising but more work is needed to optimize it. The antidots of Ni-Mn-Ga obtained along route 2 are ferromagnetic with a Curie temperature ~100oC, and a spread martensitic transformation (between-100oC and-30oC).
Dynamic Sensitivity and Noise Floor of a Bonded Magneto(Elasto)Electric Laminate for Low Frequency Magnetic Field Sensing under Strain Modulations
Authors: Zhuang Xin , Lam Chok Sing Marc , Dolabdjian Christophe , Wang Y. , Finkel P. , Li J. , Viehland Dwight
Published: May 2015

The intermediated strain can convert a magnetic field to an electric output signal in a magnetostrictive-piezoelectric layered composite via three parameters: the magnetoelastic coupling, the piezoelastic coupling and the mechanical impedance. These three parameters are dominated respectively by the magnetostrictive coefficient, the piezoelectric coefficient and the mean flexibility of material in the composite. Focusing on these three parameters, many investigations on the ME enhancement have been carried out by choosing the correct material or by adjusting the ratio between the two phases in the composite [4]. Thereafter, the noise performance of ME laminates has been studied for applications as a magnetic sensor. In the last several years, the intrinsic noise sources for both the composite and the amplifier circuit have been mathematically modeled and experimentally characterized. The passively sensed signal can be amplified by either a voltage or a charge method. Furthermore, the noise contributions from the detection electronics were also integrated in the noise performance analysis [5]. According to these studies, dielectric dissipation in the piezoelectric phase is the main contribution to the noise floor for low-frequency magnetic field sensing even though the equivalent current noise source from the electronics induce fluctuations in the output signal of the low-frequency charge detection as well [6].
Foreign-Particle Reinforcement of a Zr-Cu-X BMG
Authors: Tserotas P. , Karalis K.
Published: May 2015

The yield strength of a Zr-based bulk metallic glass was improved by up to 20% in comparison to the as-received alloy via dispersion of graphite nanoparticles into the matrix. The resulting material also had high plasticity and good elasticity and the use of reinforcement particles was found to suppress heterogeneous nucleation. The graphite nanoparticles additionally improved the alloy’s thermal stability as compared to that of the monolithic alloy.
Morphological and Electrical Properties of Stretched Nanoparticle Layers
Authors: Ivančo Ján , Végsö Karol , Šiffalovič Peter , Kostiuk Dmytro , Halahovets Yurij , Klačková Ivana , Kotlar Mario , Luby Štefan , Majková Eva
Published: May 2015

To examine perspectives of nanoparticle films in the role of active elements in strain sensors, morphological and electrical properties of self-assembled Au nanoparticle monolayer prepared by modified Langmuir-Schaefer technique onto supporting Mylar foil were studied under elongation. Along the probing of electrical response (characterized by the gauge factor of about 60), the small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) characterization assessed an average interparticle distance change, which was shown to vary proportionally to the substrate elongation. The approach allowed to unambiguously address the mechanism of the deformation-resistivity transduction.
Innovative On-Line Oil Sensor Technologies for the Condition Monitoring of Wind Turbines
Authors: Gorritxategi Eneko , García-Arribas Alfredo , Aranzabe Ana
Published: May 2015

A description of a system, developed for the condition monitoring of wind turbines, which combines innovative, real time, and on-line oil sensor technologies is described. The system integrates the measurement of the three main parameters that assess the status of the lubricating oil in the lubrication system using different technologies: the degree of oil degradation using visible absorbance spectroscopy; the water content using near infrared spectroscopy; and the presence of wear debris using image processing technology. The measuring principles, sensor integration and validation test results obtained in artificially degraded oil samples are presented.
The Observations of Martensitic Transformations in SUS316 by Using a Sensitive Flux-Gate Sensor
Authors: Yamada Koji , Isobe Yoshihiro , Todaka Takashi , Simoji Hiroyasu
Published: May 2015

The martensitic transformations (MT) in austenite stainless steel (SUS316) were observed by using a sensitive Flux-Gate (FG) sensor just after the magnetizations by the permanent magnet in the terrestrial field. MT in the small deformation range less than 5% elongation, was visualized by the 2-dimensional profile at each position together with the profile of the thickness deformations with an accuracy of several microns. We found the local MT enhancements up to 400[nT] at the positions along the changes of the thickness. In this experiment, the observations of MT were able to avoid the effects of the external fields or of the ac fields which was generated by the gating function in the FG sensor.
FEA Simulation Model in Support of the Mechanical Reliability of Automotive Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensors
Authors: Xing Zhi Xu , Nicholls John R. , Impey Susan A.
Published: May 2015

Automotive exhaust gas temperature sensors are fitted to monitor the performance of a vehicle emission control system. The aggressive working environment is a big challenge in sensor design. This paper introduces an FEA simulation model developed to support the mechanical reliability of new sensor designs. The simulation model was validated by laboratory tests. Suggestions for optimising sensor reliability are given based on the simulation results.
Structure and density population of the invasive mollusc Limnoperna fortunei associated with Eichhornia crassipes in lakes of the Middle Paraná floodplain
Authors: Musin Gabriela E. , Rojas Molina Florencia , Giri Federico , Williner Verónica
Published: May 2015

The roots of Eichhornia crassipes provide different microhabitats for invertebrates, including substrate for the Asian invasive bivalve Limnoperna fortunei. This work evaluated the density and size structure of L. fortunei on the roots of E. crassipes in lentic waterbodies associated with the Middle Paraná floodplain. The field work was carried out between November 2009–2010, covering different phases of the hydrological regime. Floating meadows of E. crassipes were sampled monthly in two lakes with different degrees of connection to the main channel of the Paraná River. Bivalve densities were not associated with variations of the biomass of E. crassipes roots and the highest mussel densities were recorded during months of high temperature. The maximum size recorded in both lakes corresponded to individuals approximately 2.5 years old; however, up to 75% of the molluscs were represented by pre-reproductive individuals (up to 6 months old). In these lakes with soft bottom and limited hard substrates, E. crassipes is an important site for the mussel attachment during its early stages of development and could not be the final site of settlement during its lifecycle.