bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategies of job seekers related to age-related stereotypes
Authors: J. Lyons Brent , L. Wessel Jennifer , Chiew Tai Yi , Marie Ryan Ann
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– Given the increasing diversity in the age of job seekers worldwide and evidence of perceptions of discrimination and stereotypes of job seekers at both ends of the age continuum, the purpose of this paper is to identify how perceptions of age-related bias are connected to age-related identity management strategies of unemployed job seekers.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data were collected from 129 unemployed job-seeking adults who were participants in a career placement service. Participants completed paper-and-pencil surveys about their experiences of age-related bias and engagement in age-related identity management strategies during their job searches.

Findings

– Older job seekers reported greater perceptions of age-related bias in employment settings, and perceptions of bias related to engaging in attempts to counteract stereotypes, mislead or miscue about one's age, and avoid age-related discussions in job searching. Individuals who were less anxious about their job search were less likely to mislead about age or avoid the topic of age, whereas individuals with higher job-search self-efficacy were more likely to acknowledge their age during their job search. Older job seekers higher in emotion control were more likely to acknowledge their age.

Originality/value

– Little is known about how job seekers attempt to compensate for or avoid age-related bias. The study provides evidence that younger and older job seekers engage in age-related identity management and that job search competencies relate to engagement in particular strategies.
Can civility be taught to Latin-American MBAs? Implications of case-method use for the development of civic behaviour in managerial education
Authors: Helena Jaén María , Reficco Ezequiel , Ossa Marcela
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the formative potential of the case method on MBA students’ “civility” – the procedural dimension of the ethics field. While a robust literature has focussed on the impact of teaching ethics (content) on students’ behavior, to-date no study has explored the link between the pedagogy used (method) and students behavioral dispositions.

Design/methodology/approach

– A thorough theory review was conducted, covering the different pedagogy literatures that frame the discussion on the link between learning methods and ethics in general, and civic-minded behavior in particular. Drawing on relevant findings from these literatures, some implications are drawn, and tentative propositions are laid out.

Findings

– The study seeks to readdress the existing imbalance between the cognitive and the formative aspects of education, placing emphasis on the latter. The paper proposes that, other things being equal, MBA programs that make intensive and systematic use of the case method will foster civility among students. Through the iterative practices embedded in the case method, students internalize a number of behavioral predispositions that form the basis of civic behavior.

Practical implications

– This paper calls for an approach in managerial education that goes beyond the transmission of knowledge. In particular, the paper emphasize the importance of seeing the MBA as “little schools of democracy,” where civic-oriented inclinations can take root in future business leaders. This finding carries substantial implications for business schools and professors, in Latin America and beyond.

Originality/value

– The transmission of technical knowledge has traditionally been considered the backbone of managerial education – a purely cognitive process. This paper, on the other hand, seeks to highlight the transformative potential of the MBA through the use of the appropriate learning methodologies - the case method in particular. By focussing on the concept of civility, the paper seek to go beyond the prevailing focus on content among ethics scholars and highlight the relevance of habits as a necessary first step on the shaping of civic-minded business leaders. This paper adds a much needed missing link between learning methods and civic behavior.
Assessing developmental space in teams
Authors: Derksen Karin , de Caluwé Léon , Rupert Joyce , Simons Robert-Jan
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The aim of this paper is to develop an instrument to assess the developmental space that teams create; examine whether creating more developmental space leads to greater satisfaction with team results; and decide which of three models best predicts perceived results.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper presents a quantitative study of individuals (N = 257). An instrument was designed to assess developmental space and was validated with a factor analysis. Multiple regression analyses were used to examine whether creating developmental space led to greater satisfaction with team results.

Findings

– This study confirms the four-factor structure of developmental space suggested by earlier research. Creating more developmental space is positively related to perceived team results.

Practical implications

– This research highlights the importance of creating developmental space and provides teams with an instrument to assess their developmental space as a starting point for improvement.

Originality/value

– The interactions teams use are crucial in explaining the effects of teamwork, but seem underexposed in team research. Creating developmental space is a relatively new concept, hitherto only researched qualitatively. This empirical study extends and endorses previous research on developmental space by providing a quantitative assessment.
Venture Capital Networks and Investment Performance in China
Authors: Liu Zhiyang , Chen Zhiqi
Published: October 2014

We investigate the relationship between venture capital (VC) networks and investment performance in China. Distinct features of China's VC networks are captured in our econometric model through the inclusion of an index of network stability and a dummy variable that indicates a VC firm's connections with the Chinese state. Our econometric analysis shows that a VC firm's position in its network, its network stability and close connections with the state all contribute to its investment performance. Comparison with the findings in Hochberg et al. (2007) indicates that networks are more important for investment performance in China than in the US. Moreover, our analysis suggests that familiarity with local culture and customs and understanding of the idiosyncrasies of China's markets and institutions are important for the success of a VC firm in China.
Resistance of Uterine Radial Artery Blood Flow was Correlated with Peripheral Blood NK Cell Fraction and Improved with Low Molecular Weight Heparin Therapy in Women with Unexplained Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
Authors: Koo Hwa Seon , Kwak‐Kim Joanne , Yi Hyun Jeong , Ahn Hyun Kyong , Park Chan Woo , Cha Sun Hwa , Kang Inn Soo , Yang Kwang Moon
Published: October 2014

Problem

To investigate whether peripheral blood natural killer (pbNK) cell levels are associated with uterine blood flow, and low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) treatment is effective to improve uterine blood flow in women with decreased uterine blood flow and unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL).

Method of study

This was a prospective controlled study. Study population included 33 pregnant women (between 5 and 7 weeks gestation) with ≥2 RPL and controls were 47 healthy pregnant women. pbNK cell fractions (CD3−/56+/16+) of peripheral blood mononuclear cells were measured by flow cytometry. Uterine color‐pulsed Doppler ultrasound was performed to evaluate uterine radial artery resistance index (URa‐RI). In RPL women with elevated URa‐RI (≥0.5), LMWH (ranges 40–60 mg/day) was administered subcutaneously daily and URa‐RI was reassessed 1 week later. Pregnancy outcome was analyzed at 12 weeks gestation.

Results

URa‐RI was significantly higher in pregnant women with RPL than controls (0.60 ± 0.14 versus 0.54 ± 0.12, P = 0.039). In pregnant women with RPL, pbNK cell fractions displayed a positive correlation with URa‐RI (Pearson's r = 0.429, P = 0.013). URa‐RI was significantly decreased 1 week after LMWH treatment as compared to that of pretreatment (pretreatment RI: 0.65 ± 0.11 versus post‐treatment RI: 0.56 ± 0.13, P = 0.011). Pregnancy outcome of RPL women with LMWH treatment was not different from that of pregnant controls (73.3% versus 85.0%, P = NS).

Conclusion

Increased pbNK cells are associated with decreased uterine radial artery blood flow. LMWH treatment effectively decreases URa‐RI with improved pregnancy outcome in women with RPLs and elevated URa‐RI. A larger scale study is needed to verify these findings.
Towards a resource‐based habitat approach for spatial modelling of vector‐borne disease risks
Authors: Hartemink Nienke , Vanwambeke Sophie O. , Purse Bethan V. , Gilbert Marius , Van Dyck Hans
Published: October 2014

Given the veterinary and public health impact of vector‐borne diseases, there is a clear need to assess the suitability of landscapes for the emergence and spread of these diseases. Current approaches for predicting disease risks neglect key features of the landscape as components of the functional habitat of vectors or hosts, and hence of the pathogen. Empirical–statistical methods do not explicitly incorporate biological mechanisms, whereas current mechanistic models are rarely spatially explicit; both methods ignore the way animals use the landscape (i.e. movement ecology). We argue that applying a functional concept for habitat, i.e. the resource‐based habitat concept (RBHC), can solve these issues. The RBHC offers a framework to identify systematically the different ecological resources that are necessary for the completion of the transmission cycle and to relate these resources to (combinations of) landscape features and other environmental factors. The potential of the RBHC as a framework for identifying suitable habitats for vector‐borne pathogens is explored and illustrated with the case of bluetongue virus, a midge‐transmitted virus affecting ruminants. The concept facilitates the study of functional habitats of the interacting species (vectors as well as hosts) and provides new insight into spatial and temporal variation in transmission opportunities and exposure that ultimately determine disease risks. It may help to identify knowledge gaps and control options arising from changes in the spatial configuration of key resources across the landscape. The RBHC framework may act as a bridge between existing mechanistic and statistical modelling approaches.
Estrogen adversely affects the prognosis of patients with lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Hsu Li‐Han , Liu Ko‐Jiunn , Tsai Ming‐Fang , Wu Chang‐Ru , Feng An‐Chen , Chu Nei‐Min , Kao Shu‐Huei
Published: October 2014

Estrogen has been postulated to contribute to the development and progression of lung cancer. We examined the epidemiologic evidence, explored the characteristics of estrogen receptors (ER) in lung adenocarcinoma, and investigated the effect of estrogen on lung cancer cell migration, including the signaling pathway involved. For epidemiologic evidence, a total of 1434 consecutive non‐small cell lung cancer patients who underwent standardized staging and homogenous treatment were prospectively enrolled from January 2002 to December 2008, and followed until December 2012. The possible prognostic factors to be analyzed included stage, age, gender, menopausal status, smoking history and histology. For laboratory study, lung cancer cell lines A549 and PE089 and malignant pleural effusions from the patients with lung adenocarcinoma were used. We found that the premenopausal patients had more advanced disease and a shorter survival among the never‐smoking female patients with lung adenocarcinoma. ERβ was the predominant ER in the lung cancer cell lines. We proposed a different pathway that estrogen upregulated the expression of osteopontin and then promoted cell migration through αvβ3 integrin binding and activated MEK‐ERK signaling pathway, which is a common downstream pathway with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activation. An additive effect of ER antagonists and EGFR antagonists on the inhibition of cell migration was also noted. Our results suggest that estrogen adversely affects the prognosis of patients with lung adenocarcinoma. Osteopontin contributed to the cross‐talk between ER and EGFR signaling pathways. Estrogen, with its receptor, has the potential to be a prognosticator and a therapeutic target in lung cancer.
Novel Peptidomimetics for Inhibition of HER2:HER3 Heterodimerization in HER2‐Positive Breast Cancer
Authors: Kanthala Shanthi , Banappagari Sashikanth , Gokhale Ameya , Liu Yong‐Yu , Xin Gu , Zhao Yunfeng , Jois Seetharama
Published: October 2014

The current approach to treating HER2‐overexpressed breast cancer is the use of monoclonal antibodies or a combination of antibodies with traditional chemotherapeutic agents or kinase inhibitors. Our approach is to target clinically validated HER2 domain IV with peptidomimetics and inhibit the protein–protein interactions (PPI) of HERs. Unlike antibodies, peptidomimetics have advantages in terms of stability, modification, and molecular size. We have designed peptidomimetics (compounds 5 and 9) that bind to HER2 domain IV, inhibit protein–protein interactions, and decrease cell viability in breast cancer cells with HER2 overexpression. We have shown, using enzyme fragment complementation and proximity ligation assays, that peptidomimetics inhibit the PPI of HER2:HER3. Compounds 5 and 9 suppressed the tumor growth in a xenograft mouse model. Furthermore, we have shown that these compounds inhibit PPI of HER2:HER3 and phosphorylation of HER2 as compared to control in tissue samples derived from in vivo studies. The stability of the compounds was also investigated in mouse serum, and the compounds exhibited stability with a half‐life of up to 3 h. These results suggest that the novel peptidomimetics we have developed target the extracellular domain of HER2 protein and inhibit HER2:HER3 interaction, providing a novel method to treat HER2‐positive cancer.
Identification of Novel Selective Lysine‐Specific Demethylase 1 (LSD1) Inhibitors Using a Pharmacophore‐Based Virtual Screening Combined with Docking
Authors: Zhou Chen , Kang Di , Xu Yungen , Zhang Luyong , Zha Xiaoming
Published: October 2014

Lysine‐specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) plays an important role in regulating the lysine methylation at residues K4 and K9 on histone H3. High levels of LSD1 expression have been observed in several malignant tumors. In this study, we presented a pharmacophore‐based virtual screening of a moderate database of 171 143 small molecules. A pharmacophore of LSD1 inhibitors was constructed for the first time and then used to screen the compound library combined with validated molecular docking tools followed by biochemical assays, led to the identification of 9 novel LSD1 inhibitors, showing their IC50 values in a range of 2.41–101 μm. Furthermore, compound XZ09 exhibited less inhibition against the homologous monoamine oxidase A (MAO‐A) and B (MAO‐B) displaying its moderate selectivity. Our study provides an effective virtual screening method to identify new LSD1 inhibitors and XZ09 represents a potent and selective lead compound to deserve further optimization for the treatment of LSD1 overexpressing cancers.
Preparing for the Politics of Life: An Expansion of the Political Dimensions of College Women's Literary Societies
Authors: Hevel Michael S.
Published: October 2014

One week before the 1908 U.S. presidential election, the women of the Hesperian Literary Society at the State University of Iowa (SUI, now the University of Iowa) presented “a unique program” in the form of a mock political rally. Imagining that they lived in a town where women had “been honored by the legislature with the ballot,” the “Hep” members divided into clubs that supported various candidates and causes. Several women formed the Utopian Club, which promoted William Jennings Bryan's presidential candidacy, while the members who comprised the Women's Culture Club supported William Howard Taft. Heps who pretended to belong to the Woman's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) argued for prohibition. Portraying the era's political dynamism, other Heps represented anarchists, socialists, and independents. A woman from each group spoke in support of her cause in front of a crowd that included “a lot of” college men. SUI senior and Hep member Ione Mulnix described the rally in a letter to her parents: “[T]he speeches were of course very ridiculous. The reasons why each was the best were very feminine and would hardly convince aman.” She explained that the Utopian Club representative “argued for Bryan because he was the best looking.” The Heps ended their program by setting loose a toy mouse, causing the actors to scream and scatter. Finding the fictitious rally “awfully funny,” Mulnix noted that the Hep women “acted their parts to perfection” and that the college men “seemed to appreciate it immensely.”
Differences in Wake-up and Unknown Onset Stroke Examined in a Stroke Registry
Authors: Reid John M. , Dai Dingwei , Cheripelli Bharath , Christian Christine , Reidy Yvette , Gubitz Gord J. , Phillips Stephen J.
Published: October 2014

Introduction

Debate exists as to whether wake-up stroke (WUS) (i.e. symptoms first noted on waking) differs from stroke developing while awake [awake onset stroke (AOS)]. Unknown onset stroke (UOS) with unclear symptom onset time is infrequently studied.

Aims

This study aimed to examine differences in stroke characteristics and outcomes in these three groups.

Methods

The stroke registry database from Halifax Infirmary, Canada, was interrogated for hospitalised stroke patients between 1999–2011. Information was available on demographics, stroke characteristics, and functional status at discharge and six months (modified Rankin score [mRS]).

Results

Of 3890 patients, 65% had AOS, 21% WUS and 14% UOS. UOS patients were significantly older, more commonly female and living alone than AOS patients, with no difference between AOS and WUS. UOS rates increased from 10 to 16% of patients during the study period ( P < 0·0001). UOS but not WUS had a higher stroke severity than AOS. Intracerebral hemorrhage was less common (9 vs. 13%) and lacunar stroke more common (23 vs. 19%) in WUS compared to AOS. In UOS left hemisphere location was more likely, and lacunar stroke less common. Excellent outcomes were slightly lower for WUS. UOS had significantly higher rates of in-hospital mortality (23 vs. 16%, P < 0·0001) and poorer functional outcome six months after stroke (mRS < 3 in 26% of UOS and 46% of AOS, P = 0·02).

Conclusion

WUS has lower rates of ICH but similar stroke severity and outcomes to AOS. UOS prevalence appears to be increasing, with higher stroke severity and worse prognosis.
Resistant Hypertension: Risk Factors, Subclinical Atherosclerosis, and Comorbidities Among Adults—The Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA‐Brasil)
Authors: Lotufo Paulo A. , Pereira Alexandre C. , Vasconcellos Paulo S. , Santos Itamar S. , Mill Jose Geraldo , Bensenor Isabela M.
Published: October 2014

The frequency of resistant hypertension—defined as blood pressure (BP) ≥140/90 mm Hg with proven use of three antihypertensive medications, or as the use of four antihypertensive drug classes regardless of BP—is unknown in low‐middle–income countries. Using data from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health, a cohort of 15,105 civil servants aged 35 to 74 years, the authors identified 4116 patients taking treatment for hypertension, 11% of who had resistant hypertension. These participants were more likely to be older, black, less educated, poorer, and obese. The adjusted prevalence ratios (95% confidence intervals) were diabetes, 1.44 (1.20–1.72); glomerular filtration rate (<60 mL/min/1.72 m2), 1.95 (1.60–2.38); albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio (>300 mg/g), 2.43 (1.70–3.50); carotid‐femoral pulse‐wave velocity, 1.07 m/s (1.03–1.11 m/s); common carotid intima‐media thickness, 2.57 mm (1.64–4.00 mm); left ventricular hypertrophy, 2.08 (1.21–3.57); and atrial fibrillation, 3.55 (2.02–6.25). Thus, the prevalence of resistant hypertension in Brazil is high and associated with subclinical markers of end‐organ cardiovascular damage.
Are there sex differences in placebo analgesia during visceral pain processing? A fMRI study in healthy subjects
Authors: Theysohn N. , Schmid J. , Icenhour A. , Mewes C. , Forsting M. , Gizewski E. R. , Schedlowski M. , Elsenbruch S. , Benson S.
Published: October 2014

Background

We explored sex differences in the neural mechanisms mediating placebo analgesia in an established visceral pain model involving painful rectal distensions in healthy volunteers.

Methods

N = 15 men and N = 15 women underwent three consecutive functional magnetic resonance imaging sessions during which cued painful rectal distensions were delivered. After an adaptation session, positive expectations were induced with deceptive instructions regarding administration of an analgesic drug (placebo session). In the other session (control), truthful information about an inert substance was given. Sex differences in placebo‐induced modulation of neural activation during anticipation and pain were analyzed along with ratings of expected and perceived pain intensity.

Key Results

Placebo‐induced reductions in pain ratings were comparable between men and women. At the level of the brain, group comparisons with respect to differences between the placebo and control conditions revealed greater modulation of the posterior insula (regions‐of‐interest analysis: pFWE < 0.05) and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (whole‐brain analysis: p < 0.001, uncorrected) during pain anticipation in women. During pain, placebo‐induced down‐regulation of the insula was altered in women compared to men (ROI analysis: pFWE < 0.05).

Conclusions & Inferences

Our data provide first evidence supporting sex differences in pain‐induced neural modulation during visceral placebo analgesia despite similar placebo‐induced reductions in perceived pain intensity. These preliminary findings might contribute to elucidating mechanisms mediating placebo effects in clinical conditions associated with chronic abdominal pain such as in irritable bowel syndrome.
Newborn hypocarnitinemia due to long‐term transplacental pivalic acid passage
Authors: Nasu Takashi , Suzuki Masahiko , Uetake Kimiaki , Kubota Mituru
Published: October 2014

Infants often develop hypocarnitinemia and resultant hypoglycemia during long‐term treatment with antibiotics that contain pivalic acid, but it is unknown whether maternal treatment with such agents during pregnancy induces hypocarnitinemia in fetuses or neonates. A woman at week 28 of pregnancy was prescribed cefcapene pivoxil for 84 consecutive days for treatment and prophylaxis of pyelonephritis. Using tandem mass spectrometry, both the mother and newborn were found to have hypocarnitinemia soon after delivery. It was concluded that the baby suffered from secondary hypocarnitinemia due to long‐term prenatal treatment with antibiotics containing pivalic acid. Long‐term treatment with antibiotics containing pivalic acid in pregnant women can induce hypocarnitinemia in both the mother and neonate; reported herein is the first case observed in humans.
Thermofluidic Characteristics of a Porous Ventilated Brake Disk
Authors: Yan H. B. , Mew T. , Lee M.-G. , Kang K.-J. , Lu T. J. , Kienhöfer F. W. , Kim T.
Published: October 2014

We introduce a new class of ventilated brake disk which incorporates an open cellular core: wire-woven bulk diamond (WBD). Transient and steady-state thermofluidic characteristics are presented. As reference, a commercially available pin-finned brake disk is also considered. At a braking power of 1.9 kW, representative of a medium sized truck descending a 2% gradient at a vehicle speed of 40 km/h (i.e., 200 rpm), the WBD cored brake disk reduces the overall brake disk temperature by up to 24% compared to the pin-finned brake disk. Results also reveal that in typical operating ranges (up to 1000 rpm), the WBD core provides up to 36% higher steady-state overall cooling capacity over that obtainable by the pin-finned core. In addition, the three-dimensional morphology of the WBD core gives rise to a tangentially and radially more uniform temperature distribution. Although the WBD core causes a higher pressure drop, this is balanced by the benefit of a stronger suction of cooling flow. Flow mixing in an enlarged heat transfer area by the WBD core is responsible for the substantial heat transfer enhancement. The WBD core is mechanically strong yet light while providing a substantial reduction in a brake's operating temperature.
The Stability of the Self-Lubricated Journal Slider Bearing
Authors: Stingelin Valentin
Published: October 2014

Un-equivocal criteria could be established assuring a perfectly stable operation of the shaft in a restricted, but nevertheless technically interesting range of operational conditions. It enables bearing designers to choose all physical and operational parameters in order to avoid the so called “half speed whirl”. This study hopes to bring enough new elements to attenuate the ill merited reputation of such bearings. Therefore the relevant dimensionless numbers were identified and quantified. What was done for an L/D=1, can be applied to any other bearing configuration, provided the quasi-steady reaction forces, acting on the shaft, are known for the entire range of eccentricities 0<ε<0.9.
Modeling Temperature Development of Li-Ion Battery Packs Using Phase Change Materials (PCM) and Fluid Flow
Authors: Coman Paul T. , Veje Christian T.
Published: October 2014

This paper presents a dynamic model for simulating the heat generation and the impact of Phase Change Materials (PCMs) on the maximum temperature in LiFePO4 battery cells. The model is constructed by coupling a one-dimensional electrochemical model with a two-dimensional thermal model and fluid flow model in a battery pack array. Two different realizations are analysed and compared, one when the heat equation is considered for the PCM (no-flow case) and another one when fluid flow is considered. The results show that by using PCMs, the maximum temperature drops considerably for both cases. The temperature differences between the two cases is found to be insignificant, with the observation that by adding fluid flow, the phases mixture is smoother. Moreover, by using fluid flow, the calculation time increases excessively due to the high non-linearity.
CFD Aided Design of Heat Transfer Plates for Gasketed Plate Heat Exchangers
Authors: Özkaya Ece , Aradag Selin , Kakac Sadik
Published: October 2014

In this study, three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analyses are performed to assess the thermal-hydraulic characteristics of a commercial Gasketed Plate Heat Exchangers (GPHEx) with 30 degrees of chevron angle (Plate1). The results of CFD analyses are compared with a computer program (ETU HEX) previously developed based on experimental results.

Heat transfer plate is scanned using photogrammetric scan method to model GPHEx. CFD model is created as two separate flow zones, one for each of hot and cold domains with a virtual plate. Mass flow inlet and pressure outlet boundary conditions are applied. The working fluid is water. Temperature and pressure distributions are obtained for a Reynolds number range of 700–3400 and total temperature difference and pressure drop values are compared with ETU HEX. A new plate (Plate2) with corrugation pattern using smaller amplitude is designed and analyzed. The thermal properties are in good agreement with experimental data for the commercial plate. For the new plate, the decrease of the amplitude leads to a smaller enlargement factor which causes a low heat transfer rate while the pressure drop remains almost constant.
Design of a Flow Diverter Mechanism and a Nozzle for a Hydro Turbine Experimental Test Rig
Authors: Cetinturk Huseyin , Aytac Fatma Zeynep , Tascioglu Yigit , Celebioglu Kutay , Aradag Selin
Published: October 2014

Hydro turbines used in hydroelectric power plants need to be designed and tested according to the specifications of the specific power plant, mainly the head and flow rate. Their models also need to be tested according to the standards provided by International Electrical Commission (IEC) before manufacturing the actual turbines. A Hydro turbine test rig at TOBB University of Economics and Technology is currently under construction to provide standardized tests for model turbines. A typical calibration system for a flow meter has four components; nozzle, flow diverter mechanism, weighing tank and load cells. The nozzle provides the regulation of water speed and supplies water to flow as a thin-sectioned profile. The flow diverter mechanism diverts the flow either to the weighing tank or to the reservoir. The flow rate is calculated from the collected mass and total time for the process. Calculated flow rate value is compared with the digitally measured values during the experiments, since the IEC standards require a real-time calibration for the flow rate. In this study, the flow diverter mechanism and the nozzle for this test rig is designed in order to meet several internationally acceptable standards.
A Wearable Interface for Intuitive Control of Robotic Manipulators Without User Training
Authors: Fernandes Vinicius B. P. , Frank Jared A. , Kapila Vikram
Published: October 2014

This paper describes the development of a wearable interface that exploits the user’s natural arm movements to intuitively control a robotic manipulator. The design is intended to alleviate the time and effort spent in operating the robotic manipulator, regardless of the age and technological experience of the user. The interface is made to be low-cost, comfortably worn, and easy to put on and remove. Kinematic models of human and robot arms are used to produce a natural mapping from the user’s arm movements to the commanded movements of the robotic manipulator. An experiment is conducted with 30 participants of varied ages and experience to assess the usability of the wearable interface. Each of the participants is assigned to perform a pick and place task using two of three different interfaces (the wearable interface, a game controller, and a mobile interface running on a tablet computer) for a total of 60 trials. The results of the study show that the wearable interface is easier to learn compared to the alternative interfaces and is chosen as the preferred interface by the participants. Performance data shows that the users complete the pick and place task faster with the wearable interface than with the alternative interfaces.
Design of an Active Smart Damper for Vibration Suppression
Authors: Bassetti Marco , Cinquemani Simone , Resta Ferruccio
Published: October 2014

The work deals with the design of an active smart damper based on a proof-mass actuator to suppress vibration in structures. The device is stand-alone and does not requires any additional real-time board to perform the control or sensors to obtain feedback signals as it mounts on board all the electronics needed to carried out this task.
Preliminary Study on Automated Concrete Bridge Inspection
Authors: Giberti Hermes , Zanoni Andrea , Mauri Marco , Gammino Massimo
Published: October 2014

This work focuses on the development of a methodology for the complete reconstruction of the 3D geometry of a concrete bridge. 3D scanning technology was selected as the most apt to the task as it provides very detailed geometrical informations. A dedicated carriage system for a compact and lightweight laser scanner has been designed and built as a first prototype to be used on laboratory as well as future on-field tests. A first assessment of the design constraints has been carried out, based on the general goal of implementing a system able to be used with existing inspection vehicles with minimal modifications. The specific electronic system for management and control of the carriage system and the management of the associated tracking system has been also designed and realized. Some preliminary tests have been performed at Politecnico di Milano University campus to assess the viability and analyze the performance of the early design choices.
A Model for Organizing and Analyzing Integration of Environmental Concerns in Product Design and Re-Design
Authors: Jørgensen Michael Søgaard
Published: October 2014

Based on examples from research and innovation within nanotechnology, housing, bioenergy, and clothing the complexity of environmental innovation is discussed. A model for a more holistic approach to environmental innovation, which can be used both as part of innovation processes and for analyses of previous innovation processes, is developed. The approach is based on: 1) A scenario perspective on environmental aspects and impacts which implies a focus on the future roles of a product, its users and the surrounding society as imagined by the designers in their considerations about the problems addressed by the product and the solution it is offering. 2) A system’s perspective which implies a focus on the system, which a product is part of, including the need for supporting infrastructures like stakeholder training, waste management etc. 3) A lifecycle perspective to environmental aspects and impacts in order not only to capture environmental aspects from cradle to grave, e.g. related to material extraction and refining, chemical exposure during manufacturing, use and waste handling. 4) A governance perspective on management of environmental aspects and impacts, both in relation to the legitimacy of the environmental problems addressed and the solutions ‘offered’ by the product.
Assessment of the Academic CFD Code “Galatea” Using the NASA Common Research Model (CRM)
Authors: Lygidakis Georgios N. , Nikolos Ioannis K.
Published: October 2014

CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) algorithms are nowadays a necessary tool in the aerospace science, as their application allows for the prediction of the aerodynamic characteristics of complete aircraft configurations in a relatively short period of time. A brief presentation and evaluation of such a recently developed academic code, named Galatea, is the main goal of this study. Galatea employs the Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations, discretized with a node-centered finite-volume scheme on three-dimensional unstructured hybrid grids for the simulation of inviscid and viscous compressible fluid flows. For the turbulence prediction appropriate turbulence models (k-ε, k-ω and SST) have been incorporated, while for the acceleration of the solution an agglomeration multigrid scheme along with a suitable parallelization strategy are employed. For the assessment of this algorithm runs over the wing-body and the wing-body-horizontal tail NASA Common Research Model (CRM) configurations were performed, allowing for a comparison in terms of accuracy of the obtained results with the experimental wind tunnel data, as well as with the computational results of corresponding reference solvers.
Effect of Corner Cut on the Near Wake Flow Structures of a Square Cylinder
Authors: Chakkalaparambil Many Hariprasad , Yashwanth Nagella , Bhardwaj Haresh , Kumar R. Ajith , Gowda B. H. Lakshmana
Published: October 2014

In this paper, results of a flow visualization study on the flow around a square section cylinder with corner chamfering are presented. The corners of the cylinder are chamfered so that the each corner forms a triangle with horizontal (stream-wise) and cross stream (perpendicular to the free stream velocity) dimension ‘b’. Experiments are conducted for b/B0 ratios of 0.05, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 where ‘B0’ is the side dimension of the uncut square cylinder. The flow structures, particularly the vortex shedding mode and mechanism around the cylinder with chamfered corners are investigated in order to deduce the effect of corner modifications on the flow. For studies with stationary cylinder (case (a)), the results are taken at Reynolds number values of 1500, 2100 and 2800. For sinusoidally oscillated cylinder case (case (b)), the studies are restricted to Re=2100. To bring out the effect of corner chamfering more clearly, experiments are also conducted with a square cylinder without corner cuts, i.e., with sharp corners. For the case (b), a special mechanism is made to oscillate the cylinders at a desired amplitude and frequency. That is, the cylinder undergoes forced sinusoidal oscillation in case (b). It is found that drag decreases and Strouhal number increases with b/B0 ratio. Quite uniquely, at b/B0=0.2, cross-stream convection of vortices have been observed. Vortex coalescence is observed in almost all cases. Results indicate that corner chamfering brings notable changes in the near-wake flow structures of a square section cylinder. In view of marine structures and building sections with similar geometries, the present results carry considerable practical significance.
Technology Solution for Small and Medium Sized Enterprises
Authors: Rafaj Milan , Valcuha Stefan
Published: October 2014

Generally product lifecycle management (PLM) is characterized as an integrated management process of product information and related processes across the product lifecycle. PLM affects development time of product and optimize the cooperation of all components of the development process of products. Therefore attention has to be paid to this fact in production and research. Processes across the entire product lifecycle management are complex and it is difficult to support various levels of cooperation. It is necessary to identify technological solutions to facilitate the implementation of PLM systems into processes of product life cycle. In the paper is presented derivation of technology solutions for PLM (product lifecycle information modeling and management, product lifecycle knowledge management, design chain management, product lifecycle process management, product trade exchange, collaborative product service and product lifecycle portal for stakeholder, developer, customer, manufacturer and supplier) and applications of advanced information technologies for implementation of PLM. In the paper is also described the technological solution which was developed to meet industrial requirements and obtain long term sustainability in today’s highly competitive market. Currently, still only a few small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) uses real benefits that PLM offers. The small and medium-sized enterprises also try to implement those technologies but, despite their flexibility, they have difficulties in structuring and exchanging information. Enterprises also have problems in creating data models for structuring and sharing product information, especially in the context of extended enterprises. It is caused by several factors that may have information, technical and financial character. Article refers and highlights the benefits that PLM brings by extension of PLM into so called “Closed-Loop Lifecycle Management (CL2M)”. It also describes the major barriers to the implementation of PLM in SME and propose possible solutions.
A Comparative Study of Multiaxial High-Cycle Fatigue Criteria Applied to Rough Rolling Contacts
Authors: Berthe Laure , Sainsot Philippe , Lubrecht Antonius Adrianus , Baietto Marie-Christine
Published: October 2014

Rolling contacts are a major topic in scientific studies as they are highly exposed to fatigue damage. Indeed, the applied loads generate periodic stresses and the surface roughness generates stress concentrations close to the surface. The combination of these two phenomena facilitates fatigue damage. Many multi-axial criteria have been created to explain and predict this type of damage. Furthermore, a large number of papers compare the different fatigue criteria based on combined bending and torsion tests [1,2]. However, these studies are not representative of the stress gradients found in rough contacts, close to the surface. Hence the current work, which proposes a comparative study of several fatigue criteria with a combined experimental and numerical approach.
A Bistable Micro-Actuator With Stroke Reducing Structure
Authors: Liu Xingxing , Lamarque Frederic , Dore Emmanuel , Petit Laurent , Pouille Philippe , Duhamel Yvan
Published: October 2014

This paper presents a monolithic bistable micro-actuator with stroke reducing structure. A single pre-shaped beam was chosen as the bistable element. To constraint the rotation of the central point of the beam and get more precise output, two kinds of stroke reducing structures were designed and monolithically integrated into the actuator. The first design is purely based on flexible hinges. To decrease the dimension of the stroke reducing structure and maintain the output at the same order, a second hybrid stroke reducing structure integrated micro-actuator using flexible hinges and deflected beams was designed. Both devices were fabricated by laser machining of medium density fiberboard material. Outputs of the bistable micro-actuator before and after the reducing structure were measured by fiber optic distance sensor. The bistability was experimentally characterized. The output stroke before and after reduction for the first reducing structure are 2.38mm and 0.79μm. The outputs stroke before and after reduction for the second hybrid reducing structure are 2.38mm and 0.99μm.
SBAT: A Stochastic BPMN Analysis Tool
Authors: Herbert Luke T. , Hansen Zaza , Jacobsen Peter
Published: October 2014

This paper presents SBAT, a tool framework for the modelling and analysis of complex business workflows. SBAT is applied to analyse an example from the Danish baked goods industry.

Based upon the Business Process Modelling and Notation (BPMN) language for business process modelling, we describe a formalised variant of this language extended to support the addition of intention preserving stochastic branching and parameterised reward annotations. Building on previous work, we detail the design of SBAT, a software tool which allows for the analysis of BPMN models. Within SBAT, properties of interest are specified using the temporal logic Probabilistic Computation Tree Logic (PCTL) and we employ stochastic model checking, by means of the model checker PRISM, to compute their exact values.

We present a simplified example of a distributed stochastic system where we determine a reachability property and the value of associated rewards in states of interest for a real-world example from a case company in the Danish baked goods industry. The developments are presented in a generalised fashion to make them relevant to the general problem of implementing quantitative probabilistic model checking of graph-based process modelling languages.

This paper contains three key elements:

1. SBAT description.

2. Case company description.

3. Using SBAT on the case company.

The paper concludes by indicating SBAT’s practical applicability and suggests further research directions.
Thermodynamic Evaluation of Energy Integration and Cogeneration in Ammonia and Urea Production Complexes
Authors: Kirova-Yordanova Zornitza
Published: October 2014

Energy integration and cogeneration are commonly used in large mineral fertilizer production complexes for many years. Production of nitrogen fertilizers is an energy intensive industry branch consuming about 5200 PJ of fossil fuels, mainly natural gas. Urea is the major straight nitrogen fertilizer with 46% nitrogen content, and the total production of 155 MM metric tons yearly. About 600–900 kg MP or HP steam and 50–120 kWh electricity per ton urea are consumed in modern low energy urea plants.

In this work the exergy method is used to analyze the dependence of the primary energy consumption and GHG emissions in the ammonia and urea production complexes on basic parameters of the subsystems (ammonia and urea production units and CHP plant) and on the allocation of the additional fuel (natural gas) burning and steam generation.

The results show that the most effective allocation scheme depends mainly on the relative efficiencies of the subsystems and mashinery (compressors and steam turbines).
Use of NC3658 Flange Design Rules for B16.47 Flanges: An Analytical and Finite Element Based Study
Authors: Bhattacharya Anindya , Cross Michael P.
Published: October 2014

The Design of flanges can be approached through different routes some of which [1] involve use of plate and shell theory and some [2] use concepts like “Equivalent Pressure”. A rigorous finite element analysis is a solution, but it is not always practical to do so considering the complexity of the problem and the man-hour requirement for the same. Particularly for piping systems where the number of flanges are many, an engineer always looks for a robust and easy to apply method and the method outlined in the American Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code ASME SEC III (for nuclear plants) [2], paragraph NC3658.3 provides one such method. It simply involves checking if the applied bending moment is within an allowable limit. Theoretically this method addresses the design from the standpoint of checking the bolt stress and also if the applied loading will overstress the flange. This method can easily be developed in simple spreadsheet form and is an integral part of almost every commercially available pipe stress program. The difficulty of using this method is that its applicability has been recommended in [2] as for ASME B16.5 flanges only i.e. for a maximum pipe size of 24″. Frequently an engineer encounters a pipe size which is greater than 24″ and the applicability of this method for such flanges becomes a question mark. In this paper, applicability of the NC3658.3 method for flanges >24″ has been investigated based on the standpoint of computing operating stress in bolts which is the basis of this method and also the results have been checked against finite element analysis.
Metamaterial Sensors for Structural Health Monitoring
Authors: Savin Adriana , Steigmann Rozina , Dobrescu Gabriel-Silviu
Published: October 2014

Monitoring large structures is gaining a lot of interest, diagnosis and prognosis methods, as well as sensors based on different physical principles being developed. The monitoring is in tight connection with the nondestructive examination. This paper presents a new type of passive wireless sensors for monitoring of strain-stress having a special type of metamaterial as sensitive element, namely a split ring resonator. In order to increase the sensitivity and the tuning on a desired interrogation frequency, self-assembled layer-by-layer single wall carbon nanotubes/graphene method is used. In the same time, radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag, an essential element for wireless sensors, can be realized using split ring resonators.