bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accurate, Adjustable Calibration Source for Measurements of Trace Water Vapour
Authors: Leggett Graham A , Goody Brian A , Gardiner Thomas D , Milton Martin JT
Published: April 2013

A number of manufacturing processes are adversely affected by the presence of trace amounts of water vapour in purge and process gases. It is important for the operators of such processes to monitor the levels of water vapour in these gases continuously. There are many analytical methods for determination of trace water vapour which all require regular, traceable calibration. In this paper, a new standard facility for generating an adjustable level of trace water vapour is described. It uses continuous accurate measurements of the mass loss from a permeation device coupled with a dilution system based on an array of critical flow orifices. Details of the verification of the facility are presented along with results of comparisons with the National Physical Laboratory thermally-based dew/frost point humidity standards facility.
Strength in Numbers
Authors: Finkelstein Ludwik
Published: April 2013

The paper looks at measurement as a basic tool of modern thought, with wide applications. It presents an informal overview of the fundamental principles of measurement and examines some of its general problems. It concludes that measurement and control technology has much to contribute to wider applications of measurement and much to learn from them.
Celestial Navigation Methods for Space Explorers
Authors: Jiancheng Fang , Xiaolin Ning
Published: April 2013

With the development of the space exploration missions, a practical and reliable capability for autonomous navigation is urgently needed to reduce operation cost, to improve operational efficiency and to increase mission safety by avoiding dangerous delay in ground control. Celestial navigation is a very attractive autonomous navigation solution for the space exploration missions. It suits LEO satellites as well as high earth orbit (HEO) satellites and deep space explorers. In this paper, a comprehensive overview of the current state and future trend of celestial navigation methods for three types of space explorers are introduced, which include satellites, deep space probes and planetary rovers.
Research Progress on the Application of High-speed Brushless DC Motor in Magnetically Suspended Inertial Actuator
Authors: Gang Liu , Jiancheng Fang , Jianzhang Liu
Published: April 2013

There are various applications of permanent magnet brushless DC motor (BDCM). They offer a number of attractive features and could meet the requirements coming from new generation satellites such as high attitude precision, high maneuver capacity and high stability. Therefore, high speed magnetically suspended inertia devices using BDCM is becoming the best choice for inertia actuators. In this paper, design principles including hollow cup BDCM electromagnetic design method and optimized structural design methods are reviewed. Also, the control methods of high speed BDCM used for magnetically suspended flywheel (MSFW) including PLL method, double mode control method and current restraint method are reviewed. The worldwide applications of high speed BDCM in magnetically suspended inertia actuators are considered.
Energy Harvesting and Management for Wireless Autonomous Sensors
Authors: Weddell Alex S. , Merrett Geoff V. , Harris Nick R. , Al-Hashimi Bashir M.
Published: April 2013

Executive Summary: Wireless autonomous sensors that harvest ambient energy are attractive solutions, due to their convenience and economic benefits. A number of wireless autonomous sensor platforms which consume less than 100μW under duty-cycled operation are available. Energy harvesting technology (including photovoltaics, vibration harvesters, and thermoelectrics) can be used to power autonomous sensors. A developed system is presented that uses a photovoltaic module to efficiently charge a supercapacitor, which in turn provides energy to a microcontroller-based autonomous sensing platform. The embedded software on the node is structured around a framework in which equal precedent is given to each aspect of the sensor node through the inclusion of distinct software stacks for energy management and sensor processing. This promotes structured and modular design, allowing for efficient code reuse and encourages the standardisation of interchangeable protocols
Electrostatic Microgenerators
Authors: Mitcheson P.D. , Sterken T. , He C. , Kiziroglou M. , Yeatman E. M. , Puers R.
Published: April 2013

Just as the electromagnetic force can be used to generate electrical power, the electrostatic force can also be used to convert mechanical energy into an electrical form. Electromagnetic generators are used in large power stations because scaling laws show them to be superior at larger sizes. However, on the micro-scale, the electrostatic force becomes significant and so is suitable for electrical power generation. There are several different methods of operation in which the electrostatic force can be used to generate electrical energy. In this paper we discuss these methods and their relative merits in terms of power density, the suitability of the method to performing maximal power point tracking and difficulties of generator fabrication
Thick-film Piezoceramic Microgenerators
Authors: Kok SL , Harris NR , White NM
Published: April 2013

Piezoelectric materials have many desirable characteristics for use in vibration energy harvesting applications. They can produce relatively high output voltages (from a few to several tens of volts) for modest levels of vibration. Many piezoelectric-based generators use piezoceramic materials such as bulk lead zirconate titanate (PZT), which are attached to an elastic element (spring/beam) by using an adhesive. Thick-film technology can offer an advantage over this approach by providing the ability to integrate fully the piezoelectric element onto the beam. This paper provides an overview of the use of piezoelectric materials in energy harvesters and discusses a novel approach to developing freestanding, thick-film piezoelectric devices
FTC System for a Sun Sensor Applied in a Spin Satellite: Design and Implementation
Authors: Bolandi H. , Soleimanzadeh M. , Saberi F. F. , Shakeri M.
Published: April 2013

In this paper a fault tolerant control (FTC) system is designed and implemented on a constructed coarse sun sensor, called IUST-CSS. In this regard, fault study of the sensor is accomplished using fault tree analysis. Fault detection and diagnosis will be done after finding an optimal place to generate the residual signal in the closed loop system. Afterwards the simply realizable FTC algorithm is applied on the sun sensor in a developed spin satellite simulator. The simulator has the essential parts to provide not only the proper alignment of the sensor by the sun, but has also generated the spinning rate of the satellite. In order to evaluate the performance of the sensor and effectiveness of the FTC algorithm, outputs of the sensor are measured and transferred in to a remote PC. Experimental results are presented to demonstrate the feasibility of the system.
Coal Pulverization System: Explosion Prevention and Process Control
Authors: Shengjun Zhong , Zhufang Wang
Published: April 2013

A pulverized coal processing system for producing coal powder used in aluminum alloy smelting process was introduced. The explosibility of the coal used in the system was measured, and the hazards of the process were analyzed. Explosion prevention and protection methods applied in the process were described including atmospheric inerting, powder inerting and venting. Atmospheric inerting is the main method to prevent dust explosions in this process. Process monitoring and control are parts of explosion protection in combustible powder manufacture. Process parameters such as temperatures and concentrations of CO and O2 are monitored by a distributed data acquisition and control system. Spontaneous combustion of coal is the most possible ignition source, and CO monitoring is an effective method to detect spontaneous combustion. Experiences show that, auto-ignition may occur in the drying system when CO concentration is above 500 ppm. When the oxygen concentration is controlled at less than 5%, there will be no explosion hazard in the coal pulverization and drying process.
Integrated Fibre Optic Subsea System
Authors: Johannessen Kjetil , Andreassen Jon Steinar , Moe Sigurd
Published: April 2013

StatoilHydro, Weatherford, FMC Technologies and Nexans Norway are cooperating in a project called Integrated Fibre Optic Subsea System (IFOSS), where multiple aspects of utilizing optical fibre subsea for enhancing bandwidth and reach are addressed, when compared to conventional control systems. The project scope includes utilizing techniques and components from the telecom industry. A holistic approach is taken to include digital communication and transport of analogue signals from fibre based sensors.
Hydrogen Induced Stress Cracking (HISC) and DNV-RP-F112
Authors: Solnørdal Morten , Wästberg Stig , Heiberg Gustav , Hauås-Eide Odd
Published: April 2013

Duplex stainless steels are widely used in subsea petroleum production installation. In many instances such steels are a robust solution to the design and manufacturing challenges. However, a number of failures have occurred, which were attributed to Hydrogen Induced Stress Cracking (HISC). Several failure investigations and extensive testing have been carried out over the last 5–10 years, and a design guideline has been established; DNV-RP-F112.

The article presents HISC as a failure mode, with a brief summary of the necessary conditions and failure characteristics. The testing and research effort into HISC is described. Finally DNV-RP-F112 “Design of Duplex Stainless Steel Subsea Equipment Exposed to Cathodic Protection” is introduced and the main features are outlined.
Safety Panel: An Introduction
Authors: Howard Colin
Published: April 2013

Over the past 25 years there have been a number of initiatives worldwide to develop guidelines and standards to enable the safe exploitation of programmable electronic systems (PESs) used for safety applications. In the context of industrial applications (to distinguish from aerospace and military applications) a major initiative has been focussed on IEC 61508, and other standards based on IEC 61508, have emerged as a key international standards.

This paper considers some of the key features of IEC 61508, which has now been available for over 10 years, and indicates some of the issues that are being considered in the current revision of the standard.
Industrial Processes: Data Reconciliation and Gross Error Detection
Authors: Miao Yu , Su Hongye , Gang Rong , Chu Jian
Published: April 2013

Process data plays a vital role in industrial processes, which are the basis for process control, monitoring, optimization and business decision making. However, it is inevitable that process data measurements will be corrupted by random errors. Therefore, data reconciliation has been developed to improve accuracy of process data by reducing the effect of random errors. Unfortunately, reconciled values would be deteriorated by gross errors, which may be present during measurement. Therefore, gross error detection is necessary to guarantee the efficiency of data reconciliation, which has been developed to identify and eliminate gross errors in process data. In this paper, a review of data reconciliation and gross error detection and relevant industrial applications are presented. As the efficiency of data reconciliation and gross error detection largely depends upon the locations of sensors, sensor networks design is also included in the review. Meanwhile, some achievements of the authors are also included.
Hardware-in-the-Loop System for Testing Automotive Ecu Diagnostic Software
Authors: Mouzakitis Alexandros , Copp David , Parker Richard , Burnham Keith
Published: April 2013

The purpose of this paper is to present an approach to testing ECU diagnostic software using hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) systems at Jaguar Land Rover (JLR). The increasing complexity of embedded software for automotive electronic control units (ECUs) requires a convenient and flexible environment for system testing. On-board diagnostic software represents a significant proportion of ECU software and consequently, the effort, in terms of time and manpower required to determine the validity of ECU software is becoming excessive. The process for validating on-board diagnostic software is traditionally achieved using tests carried out with actual vehicles. Some tests are difficult and expensive to perform in vehicles. Automated testing offers an approach that can improve the validation process whilst providing the potential for cost saves. Since JLR utilises ECUs from different suppliers, the development of a generic approach to automated testing is vital.
Making Safe Waves in Hazardous Areas!
Authors: Hartley John
Published: April 2013

As wireless devices such as mobile phones and laptop computers become more reliable and cost effective, there is growing interest amongst the process industry as to the benefits to be found from enabling such devices to be used in hazardous areas. However, unlike most industries, this is not a simple task. Installing wireless networks in hazardous areas requires careful, expert planning and execution. John Hartley, Technical Director of Extronics, explains the hazards posed by radio frequency sources, the issues involved when installing wireless networks in hazardous areas and how to minimise the potential risk.
Sensing in Nature: Using Biomimetics for Design of Sensors
Authors: Lenau Torben , Cheong Hyunmin , Shu Li
Published: April 2013

The paper illustrates how biomimetics can be applied in sensor design. Biomimetics is an engineering discipline that uses nature as an inspiration source for generating ideas for how to solve engineering problems. Using biomimetics involves a search for relevant cases, a proper analysis of the biological solutions, identification of design principles and design of the desired artefact. We use a search method developed at University of Toronto. It is based on formulation of relevant keywords and search for occurrences in a standard university biology textbook. Most often a simple formulation of keywords and a following search is not enough to generate a sufficient amount of useful ideas or the search gives to many results. This is handled by a more advanced search strategy where the search is either widened or it is focused further mainly using biological synonyms. The paper also reviews a number of biomimetic studies of sense organs in animals.
Microcantilevers for Sensing Applications
Authors: Vashist Sandeep Kumar , Holthöfer Harry
Published: April 2013

Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) (1–2) has come into existence only in the last decade. Microcantilevers are the most simplified MEMS based devices. Diverse applications of microcantilevers in the field of sensors have been explored by researchers. Several groups have also shown the possibility of using microcantilevers for the diagnosis of prostate cancer, myocardial infarction and glucose monitoring. Scientists are chasing the vision of making miniaturized biochip based on an array of microcantilevers, which can detect several routinely diagnosed diseases in the clinical laboratory in one parallel go. Recently the development of nanocantilevers has scaled down the technology further with the capability of ultra- sensitive detection of analytes with high throughput.
The Science of Physical Archaeology
Authors: Hatherly P.A.
Published: April 2013

All too often, the theory and practice of archaeology, and heritage in general, are seen as the preserve of the humanities and are interpretative and subjective rather than objectively measured. However, as we will discuss in this paper, measurement technology and physical science are vital to archaeological interpretation in many areas.

To illustrate the point, we will examine the techniques used in a case study investigating the properties of Roman pigments. We will look at some of the physical science techniques applied, the kind of physical properties determined and how the outcomes have aided the understanding, interpretation and validation of artefacts.
A Survey on Energy-Saving Operation of Railway Transportation Systems
Authors: Gu Qing , Tang Tao , Song Yong-Duan
Published: April 2013

With the rapid social and economic development in the world, railway transportation plays an increasingly important role. As more railway industry expands, reduction in energy consumption and pollutant emission in railway systems represents a crucial factor for further development and development of rail way transporatation. The ultimate goal is to provide higher quality service with more energy-saving. Various techniques are being developed to improve train performance in this aspect, which span from modifying the hardware structure to improving control strategy. The purpose of this article is to outline the latest development and state of the art energy-saving control techniques in railway transportation systems. The overview here is focused on two parts - driving strategy and energy storage system (ESS). Some relevant research topics and useful results are reviewed, and the research trends on energy saving are discussed.
Fostering Forensic Innovation
Authors: Mennell Julie
Published: April 2013

Forensic science has a significant current and future role in crime detection, policing and the criminal justice system. Government and societal drivers, police priorities and advances in science and technology are demanding, as well as providing opportunities, for its impact and potential to be expanded, evaluated and assessed further.

Within this, there is a need for the Criminal Justice System to be clear what it is looking for in respect of forensic science and to identify what the priorities, opportunities and processes are for development and possible expansion (of some areas, such as Digital Forensics, Biometrics and Imaging technologies). For example, if the police service's primary forensic science requirements are for reductions in unit costs, improvements in detection rates or faster turn-around times then this should be clearly specified to internal and external providers, while recognising that such requirements could have consequences for the development and delivery of forensic science, as well as policing, in other ways.

A key area of agreement within the forensic community is the importance of establishing a vehicle for identifying future possibilities, potential and priorities which fosters innovation, maintains investment and shapes (rather than directs) the forensic science market; together with the need for engagement with the broader based academic community, in relation to research and development.
Reconfigurable Hardware-in-the-Loop Simulator
Authors: Thanagasundram Suguna , McMurran Ross , Mouzakitis Alexandros , Matthews Christian , Jones Peter
Published: April 2013

The key innovation of the described Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulator is the use of flexible and software reconfigurable signal-conditioning to establish connectivity between the HIL simulator and the prototype Electronic Controller Units (ECUs) in the Electronic Body System (EBS) of a vehicle. In the automotive industry, the electrical architecture of the car evolves through many development phases and iterations. At each design phase, changes are made in the software code of the ECU and the hardware interface may also be changed from one phase to the next. The full functionality of the ECUs is achieved only after several iterations. With the use of the software reconfigurable HIL simulator, interfacing the ECUs during the development stage becomes easier. As the ECU connectors change or when new pins are added, all that is required is to change the signal conditioning interface of the HIL system while leaving all the other connections intact. The paper describes a flexible and software reconfigurable HIL simulator in detail and the benefits it brings about in validating ECU functionality in the automotive industry.
Hybrid Vehicles: The System and Control System Challenges
Authors: Richardson Michael , Hancock Matthew , Whiffin Philip
Published: April 2013

Hybrid electric vehicles are expected make a significant contribution to the environmental needs of the premium vehicle sector and there is currently extensive industrial and academic research ongoing in this area. Combining an internal combustion engine with electric traction, managing electrically powered ancillaries and meeting the high expectations of the premium market, presents new problems in the area of Systems Engineering and Control. Some of the main system and control system challenges will be discussed in the context of hybrid research being undertaken in Jaguar Cars and Land Rover.
From Submarines to Sunspots: Challenges in Ship Position Control
Authors: Stephens Richard I.
Published: April 2013

Ship position control is enabling extraction of oil and gas from hitherto inaccessible locations and in extreme conditions. It is now also assisting in the deployment and maintenance of installations for the burgeoning offshore renewable energy industry.

The paper examines the systems and control engineering challenges of providing safe ship positioning in an inhospitable environment. It looks at the shortcomings of a number of technologies and underlines the need for multiple diverse techniques to be brought together in a single system.
Control Engineering Challenges for Railway Trains of the Future
Authors: Goodall Roger M
Published: April 2013

Railway in Europe have enjoyed something of a renaissance over the last decade or two, but further advances are needed to contribute more effectively to a nation's requirements for a sustainable transport system, leading to significant challenges in terms of performance, cost and reliability. The trains themselves are a critical part of the system and the lecture will assess the opportunities and present a vision for what rail vehicles of the future might look like, focussing particularly upon the important contributions that can be made by control, and the associated challenges for control engineering researchers.
Large Size Straight-Tube Coriolis Flowmeters
Authors: Wang Tao , Hussain Yousif
Published: April 2013

Large size Coriolis flowmeters up to 10-inch (or DN250) have been developed using the latest twin straight-ttube technology. The development of the flow sensors employs a virtual prototyping approach based on numerical simulation. Design is optimised to achieve good flow and density measurement performance. Additional temperature sensors and strain gauges are also attached on the flow tube to provide correction information under non-reference conditions. A specially designed water flow rig is used by the manufacturer to calibrate large size Coriolis flowmeters according to weigh scales traceable to national standards. Extensive tests in the manufacturer's internal flow rigs and external flow rigs have been performed. The test results confirm the flowmeters' performance and prove their capability for custody transfer applications.
A Solution to Measure the Flow Rate of Wet Gas
Authors: Niblett Mark , Robertson Ian
Published: April 2013

Traditionally the mixture of fluids at the wellhead is separated into its various phases. Proper separation and accurate measurement of each of the component phases is critical in determining production capabilities. Gas is separated from the liquid by passing the emitted well fluids through a separator. The phases are then further separated and measured independently. Using a flowmeter rather than separators to determine the gas and liquid phases gives a very significant reduction in CAPEX in the evaluation of new wells.

This paper covers the key benefits that wet gas meters provide in comparison with expensive separators, multiphase metering and traditional single phase DP producing devices such as orifice plates.
Monitoring of Wind Turbines: A Bio-Inspired Fault Tolerant Approach
Authors: Li Peng , Song Yong-Duan , Liu Wei , Qin Ming
Published: April 2013

With increasing capacity and offshore application of wind turbines the on-line monitoring module plays a vital role in maintaining safe, reliable and cost-effective operation of wind conversion systems. In this work a novel monitoring structure for large-scale wind turbines is introduced and analyzed. The salient features of the proposed monitoring structure lie in three aspects. First, a double-sensor structure with individual pitch control module is adopted to ensure more reliable pitch load distribution and data acquisition. Second, a bio-inspired data process method with state estimation and prediction module is introduced to pre-process the large amount of data from various sensors, so as to improve the data utilization efficiency of SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system. Third, a fault tolerant scheme with switched control strategies is used for different modes, and thus optimizes the wind turbine operation performance. Numerical simulations demonstrate the data process flow briefly.
West Delta Deep Marine — Offshore Mono Ethylene Glycol Injection
Authors: Smith David A.
Published: April 2013

In 1999 INTECSEA (Previously INTEC) commenced a FEED study in a concession called West Delta Deep Marine (WDDM), offshore Egypt in the Mediterranean Sea. The development was to be operated by the Burullus Gas Company, a Joint Venture comprising BG Egypt, Edison Gas and EGPC (the Egyptian General Petroleum Company). Since that time Edison Gas have sold their share to PICL (Egypt) Corporation Ltd (Wholly owned by PETRONAS).

The development was the first deepwater development offshore Egypt, an area with no experience in deepwater developments with little associated infrastructure. The development was also to be pioneering as it was, at that time, one of the longest tie-backs to shore at 90 km initially with the Scarab /Saffron fields.

Since those early days, INTECSEA have continued working alongside Burullus Gas, delivering a number of Phases of the development, with the expansion being further, 105 km, from shore and in deeper water, 1024 m.

This article describes our work associated with the need to provide reliable subsea Mono Ethylene Glycol (MEG) injection and some of the issues experienced from those early days to the present.
Real-Time Optical Aircraft Detection
Authors: Revell James , Buchanan Rod , Dixon Rob
Published: April 2013

The routine use of Uninhabited Air Systems (UAS) in non-segregated airspace presents many technological and regulatory challenges to the aerospace industry.

This paper gives an overview of the collision avoidance problem facing UAS designers and provides a discussion of the current optical aircraft detection and tracking approaches. In addition, the paper describes several important challenges for a computer vision based aircraft detection approach that is designed to form part of an optical UAS collision avoidance system. Some initial flight trial results are presented from our prototype and conclusions drawn.
The Next Generation of Unmanned Ground Vehicles
Authors: Hester Geoff , Smith Chris , Day Pete , Waldock Antony
Published: April 2013

Over the last decade, the development of Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) has received significant attention through technology competitions, such as the DARPA Grand Challenges, where an unmanned vehicle autonomously navigated across a desert or through semiurban roads. Although this marked a significant step forward in autonomous navigation, the current generation of UGVs are only capable of operating in controlled environments where the dynamics of a scene are well-understood. For example in both of the DARPA Grand Challenges, the participants were given detailed maps and the environment was carefully controlled during the competition. The next generation of UGVs will need to operate in uncontrolled environments where the terrain and infrastructure is uncertain and humans could be present. This paper discusses the challenges and current developments in the areas of sensing, localisation and planning to realise the next generation of UGVs.
Satellite Attitude Determination and Contol
Authors: Bolandi H. , Haghparast M. , Saberi F.F. , Vaghei B.G. , Smailzadeh S.M.
Published: April 2013

Attitude Determination and Control Subsystem (ADCS) is one of the vital subsystem of satellites which has a significant role in performing satellites missions. On-Board Electronic (OBE) is the main part of this subsystem which executes attitude determination and control algorithms. In this paper design of OBE of ADCS in IUST-SAT is presented. Design of this equipment is carried out based on requirements and constraints which are extracted by hierarchical design procedure. Satisfying design constraints and achieving functional requirements simultaneously, is a major task, which is carried out successfully in this paper. Also for verification of performance of this equipment before a satellite's launch, in this paper a novel and low-cost real-time hardware in the loop test bed is provided. The presented test bed is capable of assessing ADCS's equipments in a real-time condition. Finally, performance of designed OBE is investigated by implementing detumbling and initial attitude acquisition control modes in the hardware in the loop test bed.
The Measurement of Body Composition in an Athletic Population: The Importance of DXA
Authors: Guppy Fergus M. , Wallace Joanne A.
Published: April 2013

The assessment of an athlete's physiology is a key skill for the applied exercise physiologist as it allows for the planning of training and competition strategy. One key aspect of this assessment is the analysis of his/her body composition. The present article examines issues related to measuring body composition in an athletic population. Numerous methods are currently employed; however Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) should be considered the most valid in an athletic population. This article will examine some of the shortcomings in other methods as well as identify some of the theory underpinning the measurement of body composition and the use of DXA.
Modifying ‘SIL’ Certified Equipment Failure Rates on the Basis of Deployment
Authors: Dearden Harvey T.
Published: April 2013

An examination of the discrepancy between typical failure rate values declared on SIL certificates and those reported in generic field databases. The allocation of the difference to an attribute here named ‘deployment’ on the basis of identified equipment vulnerability categories.
Conditional Based Monitoring of an Three Column Gas Chromatograph
Authors: Sutan Anwar , Laidlaw Jason
Published: April 2013

Chromatography is an analytical technique which facilitates the separation of components in a mixture for subsequent use or analysis. On-line Gas Chromatography is frequently used within the oil and gas sector to obtain the composition of natural gas for the purposes of such things as allocation, fiscal reporting and sales/custody transfer. The composition measured by the Gas Chromatograph (GC) is therefore likely to come under the direct scrutiny of the buyer(s), the seller(s) and the regulator.

The GC is widely known as a device that conducts its measuring functions recurrently and it is imperative that the instrument remains stable and repeatable. The requirement for high repeatability makes the setting of the GC valve timing fundamentally important to accurate chromatography and hence there is a requirement to detect the presence of potential drift before the measurement becomes compromised.

The composition measured by the GC may be used to calculate various parameters, however, the gas calorific value is commonly used as the basis for financial transactions and as such the accuracy of this measurement is critically important. The author has performed a live test, which, in the absence of condition based monitoring, would have resulted in an undetected problem with the GC settings that would have caused an error of up to 1.4% in the calorific value. For the case in question, the monetary value of this error would have been in excess of £300,000 per month.

It is very clear that failure to calibrate and operate a GC to its full potential can be very costly and result in significant financial exposure for all the parties involved. This paper presents a condition based monitoring strategy aimed at ensuring that the GC performance is maintained and that any potential problems are identified early to prevent erroneous measurement.
Online Monitoring of a Sealed Air-Cooling Constant Temperature Control Apparatus
Authors: Li Hongcai , Chen Feifan , Dong Yonggui
Published: April 2013

According to the individual design and online monitoring of the local environment control system, and combined with a sealed air cooling constant temperature control apparatus, a constant temperature control strategy similar with fuzzy control has been proposed. The experimental results show that the steady-state temperature fluctuation is in the range of 0.2°C, and with good robustness. The ICA (Independent Component Analysis) method was adopted to separate and monitor the working state of the internal precision instrument, and the test results were in good agreement with the experiments. In addition, the monitor of system structure state changes using the observed temperature has been discussed and a new option to improve the online monitoring capacity of the internal precision measuring instrument has been provided for the local environment control system.
Fabrication of Microfluidic Devices for Forensic Molecular Diagnostics
Authors: Lee C-C. , Scott S.M. , Ali Z.
Published: April 2013

There have been considerable advances in the development of microfluidic devices that can carry out the automated and sophisticated processing necessary for DNA analysis and forensic biology. Polymer substrates with high replication techniques are often used in the manufacture of microfluidic devices that are single use, low cost and disposable. High replication techniques require the creation of a master mould from which the devices are subsequently fabricated. This review will describe the use of high replication techniques for device fabrication, with a focus on creation of the master mould manufacture and application of these devices in molecular diagnostics for forensic applications.
A New Model of Social Class? Findings from the BBC’s Great British Class Survey Experiment
Authors: Savage Mike , Devine Fiona , Cunningham Niall , Taylor Mark , Li Yaojun , Hjellbrekke Johs , Le Roux Brigitte , Friedman Sam , Miles Andrew
Published: April 2013

The social scientific analysis of social class is attracting renewed interest given the accentuation of economic and social inequalities throughout the world. The most widely validated measure of social class, the Nuffield class schema, developed in the 1970s, was codified in the UK’s National Statistics Socio-Economic Classification (NS-SEC) and places people in one of seven main classes according to their occupation and employment status. This principally distinguishes between people working in routine or semi-routine occupations employed on a ‘labour contract’ on the one hand, and those working in professional or managerial occupations employed on a ‘service contract’ on the other. However, this occupationally based class schema does not effectively capture the role of social and cultural processes in generating class divisions. We analyse the largest survey of social class ever conducted in the UK, the BBC’s 2011 Great British Class Survey, with 161,400 web respondents, as well as a nationally representative sample survey, which includes unusually detailed questions asked on social, cultural and economic capital. Using latent class analysis on these variables, we derive seven classes. We demonstrate the existence of an ‘elite’, whose wealth separates them from an established middle class, as well as a class of technical experts and a class of ‘new affluent’ workers. We also show that at the lower levels of the class structure, alongside an ageing traditional working class, there is a ‘precariat’ characterised by very low levels of capital, and a group of emergent service workers. We think that this new seven class model recognises both social polarisation in British society and class fragmentation in its middle layers, and will attract enormous interest from a wide social scientific community in offering an up-to-date multi-dimensional model of social class.
Developing a Valid Version of an Inventory to Measure Anger in Mexican Adolescents of Middle School Level
Authors: Alcázar-Olán Raúl J. , Deffenbacher Jerry L. , Escamilla-Tecalco Héctor
Published: April 2013

The goals were to develop a valid version of the Multicultural Latin American Inventory of Anger Expression and Hostility (ML-STAXI) for middle school Mexican youth (ML-STAXI-MS) and to test a new Questionnaire about Anger Expression with Physical Aggression (QAEPA). Five hundred and four adolescents (258 males, 246 females); ( Mage = 13.75, SD = 1.01) from a public school in Mexico City completed both instruments. Exploratory factor analysis yielded seven factors for the ML-STAXI-MS. Four were identical (desire to express anger physically and verbally, angry feelings, temperament, and reaction) to those obtained in other Mexican samples, and three factors (anger-out and anger control-in and -out) were similar to other studies with the ML-STAXI. No anger-in factor was found. Alpha reliabilities ranged from .75 to .91. The QAEPA yielded a 4-item factor (α = .72) of physical aggressive anger expression (e.g., hitting).
Is Marital Status a Critical Contingency in the Relationship Between Physical Limitations and Subjective Well-Being Among Japanese Adults?
Authors: Bierman Alex
Published: April 2013

Research demonstrates that physical limitations are related to lower levels of subjective well-being, but little research has examined whether marital status modifies this relationship, despite evidence showing that marital status is a substantial determinant of subjective well-being. Marital status is likely to be an especially important contingency in collectivistic cultures such as Japan, because cultural emphases heighten the importance of the marital partner as a resource when married individuals experience physical limitations. The current research uses a probability sample of Japanese adults to show that physical limitations are negatively related to both life satisfaction and happiness only among the nonmarried. Marriage obviates the association between limitations and subjective well-being by preventing losses in a sense of control. Furthermore, the married are protected regardless of the level of spousal support or strain, suggesting that the social integration function of marriage is pivotal in the creation of these protective effects.
The Placenta in Toxicology. Part I
Authors: Buse Eberhard , Häeger Jan-Dirk , Svensson-Arvelund Judit , Markert Udo R. , Faas Marijke M. , Ernerudh Jan , Dixon Darlene , Cline J. Mark , Pfarrer Christiane
Published: April 2013

The immune system represents a key defense mechanism against potential pathogens and adverse non-self materials. During pregnancy, the placenta is the point of contact between the maternal organism and non-self proteins of the fetal allograft and hence undoubtedly fulfils immune functions. In the placenta bacteria, foreign (non-self) proteins and proteins that might be introduced in toxicological studies or by medication are barred from reaching the progeny, and the maternal immune system is primed for acceptance of non-maternal fetal protein. Both immunologic protection of the fetus and acceptance of the fetus by the mother require effective mechanisms to prevent an immunologic fetomaternal conflict and to keep both organisms in balance. This is why the placenta requires toxicological consideration in view of its immune organ function. The following articles deal with placenta immune-, control-, and tolerance mechanisms in view of both fetal and maternal aspects. Furthermore, models for experimental access to placental immune function are addressed and the pathological evaluation is elucidated. “The Placenta as an Immune Organ and Its Relevance in Toxicological Studies” was subject of a continuing education course at the 2012 Society of Toxicologic Pathology meeting held in Boston, MA.
Comparing Bayesian and Frequentist Approaches for Multiple Outcome Mixed Treatment Comparisons
Authors: Hong Hwanhee , Carlin Bradley P. , Shamliyan Tatyana A. , Wyman Jean F. , Ramakrishnan Rema , Sainfort François , Kane Robert L.
Published: April 2013

Objectives. Bayesian statistical methods are increasingly popular as a tool for meta-analysis of clinical trial data involving both direct and indirect treatment comparisons. However, appropriate selection of prior distributions for unknown model parameters and checking of consistency assumptions required for modeling remain particularly challenging. We compared Bayesian and traditional frequentist statistical methods for mixed treatment comparisons with multiple binary outcomes. Data. We searched major electronic bibliographic databases, Food and Drug Administration reviews, trial registries, and research grant databases up to December 2011 to find randomized studies published in English that examined drugs for female urgency urinary incontinence (UI) on continence, improvement in UI, and treatment discontinuation due to harm. Methods. We describe and fit fixed and random effects models in both Bayesian and frequentist statistical frameworks. In a hierarchical model of 8 treatments, we separately analyze 1 safety and 2 efficacy outcomes. We produce Bayesian and frequentist treatment ranks and odds ratios across all drug v placebo comparisons, as well as Bayesian probabilities that each drug is best overall through a weighted scoring rule that trades off efficacy and safety. Results. In our study, Bayesian and frequentist random effects models generally suggest the same drugs as most attractive, although neither suggests any significant differences between drugs. However, the Bayesian methods more consistently identify one drug (propiverine) as best overall, produce interval estimates that are generally better at capturing all sources of uncertainty in the data, and also permit attractive “rankograms” that visually capture the probability that each drug assumes each possible rank. Conclusions. Bayesian methods are more flexible and their results more clinically interpretable, but they require more careful development and specialized software.
Arthroscopic Hip Labral Reconstruction With a Gracilis Autograft Versus Labral Refixation
Authors: Matsuda Dean K. , Burchette Raoul J.
Published: April 2013

Background:

There is high interest but very little evidence to support labral reconstruction of the hip.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical effectiveness of arthroscopic hip labral reconstruction using gracilis autograft in the multistep surgeries for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). The hypothesis was that patients undergoing arthroscopic hip labral reconstruction with gracilis autograft would have improvement in symptoms and function attributable to this procedure.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A comparative retrospective review at a large medical facility was performed of patients who underwent labral reconstruction with a gracilis autograft (RECON group) and those who underwent labral refixation (REFIX group) between October 2008 and November 2009. Inclusion criteria were adult patients having undergone arthroscopic surgery for symptomatic cam-pincer FAI without advanced radiographic osteoarthritis, who had both acetabular and femoral osteoplasties with a minimum 2-year follow-up. Patient satisfaction and preoperative and postoperative nonarthritic hip scores (NAHS) were obtained. Predictive modeling, linear regression, and a nested case-control study were performed.

Results:

A total of 54 patients met the inclusion criteria. The RECON group (n = 8; mean age, 34.6 years; range, 18-58 years) with an average 30-month follow-up (range, 24-37 months) and 100% participation reported a high level of patient satisfaction (7 high, 1 moderate). The mean NAHS improved by 50.5 points ( P = .008) in the RECON group and 22.5 points ( P < .0001) in the REFIX group; however, the preoperative NAHS was lower ( P < .05) in the RECON group than in the REFIX group. Only the surgery group (RECON vs REFIX) and the preoperative NAHS were significantly associated with the NAHS at follow-up. The predictive model and linear regression revealed a 15.0- and 14.6-point increase, respectively, in the postoperative NAHS in the RECON group compared with the REFIX group. There were no major complications, revision surgeries, or conversion arthroplasties after labral reconstruction.

Conclusion:

Arthroscopic hip labral reconstruction with gracilis tendon autograft is a safe and effective procedure. Patients undergoing labral reconstruction may not necessarily have outcomes inferior to those of patients undergoing labral refixation despite more severe initial labral insufficiency.
Ambivalence over Participatory Planning within a Progressive Regime
Authors: McGovern Stephen J.
Published: April 2013

Notwithstanding the trend toward increased citizen participation in planning, many city governments, even those led by avowedly progressive regimes, are ambivalent about popular empowerment in practice. This case study of waterfront planning in Philadelphia explores how a progressive administration responded to earlier initiatives to expand participatory planning by scaling back outreach efforts, co-opting citizen advocacy, and managing public forums in ways that dampened critical reflection and deliberation. The article documents the limitations of relying on the good intentions of progressive administrations and the need for firm rules and mandates for citizen participation through the duration of a planning process.
Hirayama Disease in Children From Mainland of China
Authors: Yang Guang , Yang Xiaosu , Zhang Ming , Yang Yi , Xiao Bo , Li Guoliang , Yang De , Wang Xiaoyi
Published: April 2013

Hirayama disease is characterized by asymmetrical focal weakness and atrophy of the distal upper limbs with onset in the teens and early 20s. This retrospective study aims to review clinical features of the children (onset before the age of 18 years) with Hirayama disease from mainland of China. Sixty-five children who fulfilled the clinical criteria for Hirayama disease were enrolled. The mean age of onset was 15.7 years, 3.3 years later than the peak age for the normal growth curve. Electrophysiology studies showed chronic denervation changes in C7-T1 segments with normal sensory nerve conduction. Flexion cervical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed forward shifting of the posterior dural sac and engorgement of the posterior epidural venous plexus. Therapeutic intervention with cervical collar can induce a premature arrest of disease progression. Knowledge and awareness of Hirayama disease will facilitate diagnosis and therapeutic intervention in its early stages.