bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Artificial Intelligence Languages in Engineering Education
Authors: Rowland J. G. , Jain L. C. 
Published: July 2017

Artificial intelligence languages in engineering education This paper looks at the two most commonly used artificial intelligence programming languages, LISP and PROLOG. The differences between conventional programming and symbolic computing and between LISP and PROLOG are presented. Some comparisons between code in PASCAL, LISP and PROLOG are given.
Symbolic Circuit Analysis Using Mathematica
Authors: Teng Jianfu , Fidler J. K. , Sun Yichuang 
Published: July 2017

Symbolic circuit analysis using Mathematics A method of symbolic circuit analysis using Mathematica is reported. With the powerful symbolic manipulation capacity of Mathematica, symbolic circuit analysis is significantly simplified. The analysed circuits can be passive or active, with active devices modelled by nullors. Non-trivial circuit analysis examples are presented and the program list is given.
Control of the Double Integrator Process: A Cautionary Tale in Discretization
Authors: Paor Annraoi De 
Published: July 2017

Control of the double integrator process: a cautionary tale in discretization Starting with a double integrator under analog PID control, various discretization options are explored using Program CC. Asymptotic stability is achieved in only three cases out of seven. The failures are explained. The analog controller is then redesigned by applying a lowpass filter to the derivative term, and asymptotic stability results in all seven cases, though with inferior dynamics in one.
The Internet — A First Year Course Option for an Engineering Common Programme
Authors: Harris R. G. 
Published: July 2017

The Internet — a first year course option for an engineering common programme For new users of the Internet there is a need for a coherent presentation of its facilities. A first year option for all engineering students at Sheffield Hallam University is ‘Navigating the Information Super Highway’ which achieves this. The paper outlines the rationale of this course, describes the topics covered, course structure and student response to it.
Using Computer Simulation as a Bridge Between the Classroom and Laboratory
Authors: Darnell John , Stern Harold P. 
Published: July 2017

Using computer simulation as a bridge between the classroom and laboratory This paper discusses the use of computer simulation as a bridge to create a smooth transition between classroom material and laboratory exercises in combined lecture-lab courses. Such bridging increases students’ capability to validate laboratory results, resolve problems, and correlate classroom and laboratory materials. Results of student surveys are given.
Novel Technique for Automatic Measurement of the Frequency Characteristics of Linear Systems
Authors: Abuelma'atti Muhammad Taher 
Published: July 2017

Novel technique for automatic measurement of the frequency characteristics of linear systems A method is described for measuring and calculating the phase angle and magnitude of the harmonics corresponding to a periodic signal. The implementation of this method requires only simple basic mathematical operations and can be easily implemented in microcomputer- or microprocessor-based real-time systems. The proposed method can be easily used for measuring the frequency characteristics of linear systems.
A Graphics Simulation Environment for Power System Education
Authors: Gooi H. B. , Zhu S. P. 
Published: July 2017

A graphics simulation environment for power system education This paper describes a LAN-based system for load flow simulation studies. The system comprises an automatic one-line generator, a graphical user interface (GUI), print and database supporting tools. One-line displays can be generated either manually or automatically. The GUI was designed using the object-oriented programming (OOP) paradigm.
Ampere and Faraday: The Electromagnetic Symmetry
Authors: Rajaraman K. C. 
Published: July 2017

Ampere and Faraday: the electromagnetic symmetry Emf induced by flux-cutting is interpreted as that in a closed circuit due to an enclosed ‘magnetic (convection) current’. Conversely, the m.m.f. in a closed magnetic circuit enclosing a current is interpreted as due to cutting of electric flux. These interpretations make the picture of electromagnetic phenomena complete and symmetrical.
Interfacing a Weather Station Data Logger to a Laboratory Microcomputer
Authors: Wilson David , Ohlbach Les , Fulcher John 
Published: July 2017

Interfacing a weather station data logger to a laboratory microcomputer This paper discusses the hardware and software design aspects of interfacing a MC68000-based laboratory microcomputer to a custom weather station data logger, capable of logging temperature, humidity, air pressure, wind speed and direction. The software system comprises a data logger running in background mode, together with a Graphical User Interface.
Relationship of k-factor versus Density for Various Appliance Foam Formulations Containing Next Generation Blowing Agents
Authors: King J. A. , Latham D. D. , Ackley J. C. 
Published: July 2017

With the eminent elimination of CFC-11 (trichlorofluoromethane) as a blowing agent in rigid polyurethane foams, a greater understanding of the effect of the new alternative blowing agents on foam physical properties is needed. This is especially true in the appliance industry, where k-factor is of supreme importance to the overall energy consumption. Stringent energy requirements, along with the market pressures to continually lower the density of the foam, gives added challenges to new system development. This paper addresses the critical balance between k-factor and density, or cell gas content. Since the thermal conductivity of the gas plays the major role in the overall k-factor equation, it could be theorized that the addition of more blowing agent should lower the overall k-factor of the foam. However, a point exists at which the addition of blowing agent is actually detrimental to the overall k-factor, and lower gas levels can actually improve the insulation properties. This point is largely controlled by the amount of gas trapped within the cell, which directly affects the density and cell size of the foam. When too much gas is trapped within the cells during their formation, the cells will expand due to higher internal pressures, thus increasing the cell size and radiative contribution to k-factor. There will be an optimal level of gas contained within the cells to achieve the lowest k-factor for any given foam formulation. To address this issue, several foam formulations containing various alternate blowing agents were studied. Systems studied include TDI and MDI based formulations, blown with HCFC-141b (1,1-dichloro-1-fluoroethane) along with two MDI based systems; one blown with HFC-134a (1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane) and the other with cyclopentane. All foams were co-blown with various amounts of carbon dioxide generated from the water/isocyanate reaction. After the basic components for the foam formulations were determined for each of the blowing agents studied, a systematic approach was used to vary the cell gas level in each formulation. A graphical representation of k-factor versus cell gas level was generated for each system along with other physical properties. Based on this information, a better understanding of the effects of density on k-factor for the next generation of blowing agents can be obtained.
Durable-Press Cotton by Wet Fixation
Authors: Colbran R. L. , Corless M. G. , Maitland C. C. 
Published: July 2017

Evidence is presented showing that only a very small proportion of dihydroxydimethylol cyclic ethylene urea (DHDMEU) is fixed when a bath containing equal amounts of melamine-formaldehyde (MF) and DHDMEU precondensate solids at a pH of 2 is used in wet fixation. The presence of DHDMEU also suppresses fixation of the MF component. Under more acid conditions, where more efficient fixation of DHDMEU occurs, so that high smoothness and wrinkle recovery are obtained with either or both components, DHDMEU gives the lowest and MF the highest strength and abrasion resistance, with mixtures giving intermediate results. Several MF precondensates of differing constitution have been compared in wet fixation by the continuous steaming and the cold batch procedures. In both cases, it was essential to maintain a high formaldehyde/melamine ratio on the fabric during the wet cure stage, so as to ensure adequate cross-linking in the final cure. A novel method of wet fixation, involving passage of the impregnated fabric through a hot oil bath is described.
Positive and Negative Failure-Shears in Orthotropic Materials
Authors: Theocaris P. S. 
Published: July 2017

Failure predictions of off-axis loaded fiber composite laminae are given according to the elliptic paraboloid failure criterion for anisotropic solids [1]. The failure condition assumes that for any anisotropic solid a safe triaxial loading path exists, along the hydrostatic compression, and thus the failure surface must be open-ended. By appropriately formulating the failure criterion, it is shown that the geometric interpretation of the failure surface in the principal stress space is an elliptic paraboloid (EPFS) whose axis of symmetry is parallel to the hydrostatic axis in the principal stress space. Because of the shape and position of the EPFS, the intersections by principal stress planes corresponding to loadings of off-axis laminae of a fiber composite are represented by ellipses whose origins are displaced from the origin of the stress reference frame. This fact creates unequal shear yield stresses in the positive and negative sense clearly manifested in a pure shear failure loading. The predictions of the above criterion for plane stress failure loadings of laminae, and especially for pure shear induced failures, are compared with existing experimental data for various fiber composites and are shown to be in satisfactory agreement.
Discriminant Variables between Organ Donors and Nondonors: A Post Hoc Investigation
Authors: Rosel Jesús , Frutos Miguel A. , Blanca María J. , Ruiz Pilar 
Published: July 2017

Context Few studies in organ donation have focused on the attitudes and opinions of families who were asked to donate the organs of a deceased relative. Objective To determine what variables influenced a family's decision to donate. Design Post hoc investigation using a survey. Setting Málaga, Spain. Participants Seventy-one people who had been approached for the donation of their deceased relatives' organs at a single hospital. Main Outcome Measure Consent to donate. Results Based on a stepwise discriminant function analysis, the following variables played a determining role in a family member's decision to donate: (1) the expressed wish of the deceased, (2) having a clear understanding of the definition of “brain death,” (3) the manners and approach of the doctors, (4) the hospital facilities, (5) concerns regarding the donation process, and (6) educational level. Conclusion Prodonation campaigns geared toward the public and hospital staff should focus on specific objectives to increase the likelihood of consent for organ donation.
Sino-Soviet Detente in the Making
Authors: Hussain T. Karki 
Published: July 2017

Increasingly, the trend in Sino-Soviet normalization has acquired the kind of high visibility which compels serious attention within India. There are several valid reasons for our interest in the matter. Historically, both the Sino-Indian dispute and the Sino-Soviet split occurred in the fifties when the parties concerned had appeared to the outside world as friends and allies. In subsequent developments, the sixties began with a border war between India and China and ended with another border war between China and the Soviet Union. Although the nature of China's bilateral controversies, leading to actual confrontation with India and Soviet Union, were not identical in their origin and evolution, chronologically, its durability with either protagonist has spanned more than a quarter of a century. More recently, an almost parallel movement towards arapprochement is taking place, formally signified by an ongoing process of seven rounds of Sino-Soviet consultations and six meetings between the Indian and the Chinese representatives till date. Although their initial differences concerning some political issues persist, China and the Soviet Union have been interacting with each other at a frequency which was unimaginable barely a couple of years ago. In 1985, for example, more than 70 visits were exchanged between the two erstwhile adversaries. Following the 27th Congress of the CPSU which ended on 3 March 1986, in the forthcoming weeks sometime, Soviet First Vice-Premier Arkhipov is scheduled to visit Beijing to review bilateral, economic, scientific and cultural relations. Later, in the summer of 1'86, Soviet and Chinese Foreign Ministers will hold important talks with each other which are expected to contribute further towards normalization. Similarly, Sino-Indian contacts at several levels have also grown considerably. It may be explained that it does not lie within the scope of this article to examine the derivative triangular linkages present in the Sino-Indian and the Sino-Soviet issues or to argue that the apparent dynamic of the Sino-Soviet thaw would weaken India's bargaining positionvis-a-vis China and therefore a border settlement should be precipitated in order to match the pace of the evolving pattern in Sino-Soviet relations. Rather, the following presentation precludes any juxtaposition with the Sino-Indian problems and focuses almost entirely on certain initiatives taken by the Chinese leadership which have rendered its earlier posturing somewhat obsolete and created an opportunity for it to weigh the Soviet factor afresh in the immediate perspective. Finally, the article seeks to analyse the imperatives behind Beijing's current moves within the larger framework of the primary objective of removing once for all the backward economic status of the country. However, to the extent that the process of Sino-Soviet normalization flows from the shifts in China's foreign and domestic policies, its implications for India are self-evident and for that very reason worthy of our deep interest.
United Nations' Role in South Africa: Constraints and Possible Options
Authors: Ali Shanti Sadiq 
Published: July 2017

The principle of the elimination of racism and racial discrimination, of which apartheid is an institutionalised form, has become one of the cornerstones of the international community's concerns. As the community's watchdog, the United Nations has accorded, a high priority to this principle. Article 56 of the United Nations Charter stipulates thatbn ‘all members pledge themselves to take joint action in cooperation with the Organisation for the achievement of the purposes set forth in Article 55’, which includes ‘universal respect for, and observance of, human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion.’ Equally, the concern of the international community has been evident in the progressive evolution of the General Assembly's recommendations, resolutions and decisions, of the relevant international instruments, of its policy of sanctions, albeit by no means satisfactory, and the prominence this principle receives in various UN organs and activities, in particular the programmes undertaken under the Decade for Action to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination. However, the supportive role of the United Nations in the struggle being waged against apartheid within South Africa and Namibia, highly commendable though it is, has unfortunately been considerably weakened by the lack of consensus in dealing with systematic violations of international norms by the Pretoria regime for the maintenance of apartheid, as well as over the strategies to be adopted to resist this unjust and oppressive system. In the specific context of the present structure of the United Nations, particularly the powers given to the Security Council, these divergencies are found to be major constraints as they have the inevitable impact of impeding enforcement measures. As a consequence today, the continuing gulf between international law and reality threatens the very credibility of the world organisation especially as far as its human rights policies with regard to South Africa are concerned. The struggle within the United Nations system against apartheid, inevitably slow moving, nonetheless continues as can be seen from the evolution of measures taken. It will also be seen that the world body, undeterred by persistent disagreements over principle, its interpretation and enforcement, continues to explore possible options in shaping policies to be able to deal more effectively with the scourge of apartheid and thereby strengthen the ethical foundations of the international community and a civilised system of peaceful coexistence. The situation, therefore, though highly complicated, is not entirely hopeless. On the contrary there is room for optimism that meaningful consequences will emerge from these efforts of the United Nations to eliminate apartheid as well as to bring about a qualitative change in and protection of a whole range of human rights.
Large Thermal Deflection Analysis of Composite Plates Using Finite Strip Method
Authors: Cheung M.S. , Akhras G. , Li W.C. 
Published: July 2017

In the present study, the large deflection behavior of antisymmetric angle ply laminates under combined transverse loading and temperature rise is simulated using the finite strip method based on the higher order shear deformation theory. The modified Newton-Raphson iteration is implemented for the nonlinear solution process, and a relaxation coefficient is introduced to eliminate possible divergence. The effects of transverse loading, temperature gradient, fiber orientation, number of plies, length to thickness ratio and matrix compressive strength are investigated through numerical examples.
HCCI/SCCI Load Limits and Stoichiometric Operation in a Multicylinder Naturally Aspirated Spark Ignition Engine Operated on Gasoline and E85
Authors: Dahl D , Denbratt I 
Published: July 2017

To meet demands for improvements in the CO2 emissions and fuel economy of gasoline passenger car engines advanced combustion strategies, to replace (or combine with) conventional spark ignition, must be developed and implemented. One possible strategy is homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) achieved using negative valve overlap (NVO). However, several issues need to be addressed before this combustion strategy can be fully implemented in a production vehicle, one being to increase the upper load limit. One constraint at high loads is that the combustion becomes too rapid, leading to excessive pressure-rise rates and large pressure fluctuations (ringing), causing noise. A potential solution to this is to use charge stratification, but charge stratification normally gives rise to increased NO x emissions. Tests with a multicylinder engine reported here confirmed that there is significant potential to increase the upper load limit using charge stratification. In addition, the possibility of operating the engine in stoichiometric conditions, using a combination of NVO and external exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) (thus allowing the increased NO x emissions to be countered using a three-way catalyst) was investigated. Stoichiometric operation was found to be possible for both homogeneous and stratified modes, across a wide operating range, with small compromises in maximum load and fuel consumption. Nevertheless, delaying the need for a mode shift, and operating in stoichiometric conditions when entering a mode shift, should be beneficial in a drive cycle.
Relationship of Strength and Precision in Shooting Activities
Authors: Vercruyssen Max , Grose Eric M. , Christina Robert W. , Muller Ellen 
Published: July 2017

Reported is an experiment which was designed to (1) test the strength-precision relationship of grip and shoulder strength with competitive pistol shooting scores using a nationally ranked collegiate pistol team and (2) determine the effects of a very brief, specifically focused, intense grip and shoulder strength training program (10 min, 3 times per week for 8 weeks) on strength and shooting performance. All members of the Pennsylvania State University Navy ROTC Pistol Team (n = 12) were divided into two matched groups according to pre-test shooting scores. Both groups received identical shooting instruction and practice, but the training group participated in an eight-week strength development program while the control group did not. Maximum isometric strength (peak and 4-sec average force) measures were obtained from electronic output of a hand dynamometer and strain gauge (deltoid contraction from a lateral horizontal shooting position against an arm cuff). Shooting scores (slow fire, timed fire, rapid fire, and total) were used as performance measures. The 24 intense but brief exercise bouts did not produce group training effects, despite painstaking efforts to use (1) exercises documented to produce training effects, (2) subjects who were highly motivated, (3) accurate and reliable strength testing equipment, and (4) a program which exercised to fatigue each day the target muscles. This finding is particularly alarming because of the strong body of literature suggesting the effect should have occurred. It also suggest that the time spent in strength training might better be spent in shooting. Nonetheless, robust strength-performance correlations were obtained, particularly in two areas: (1) slow fire shooting scores with grip strength and (2) timed and rapid fire with deltoid strength. Furthermore, individual subject analysis revealed that those that improved in strength also improved in shooting skill. This training was effective for improving strength and scores in some subjects, especially in producing increases in deltoid strength concomitant with improvements in timed and rapid fire scores. This work has implications for all types of free-limb shooting activities, for military and civilian populations, and for novice and elite performers.
In the Era of Ada Do we Really Have Accessible Bathrooms: A Survey
Authors: Malassigné Pascal , Zablocki C. J. , Amerson Thomas L. 
Published: July 2017

A postal opinion survey examined several issues related to use of home modifications, bathrooms and bathroom fixtures by 783 adults with disabilities. Key research issues included the following questions: 1. What are the types of approaches and transfers to bathtubs and toilets made by non-ambulatory people, and how do they differ from the approaches and transfers of those who are semi-ambulatory? 2. How effective are grab-bars in transferring to and from the bathtub or the toilet? 3. What are the design features of the lavatory which are liked or disliked by semi and non-ambulatory users? Of those responding to the questionnaire, 60% were older than 50 years of age; so the opinions or experiences expressed may be more reflective of an older population. Of the non-ambulatory respondents, 83% used a manual chair and 17% used an electric wheelchair. Among semi-ambulatory respondents, 28% used a cane or crutches for assistance. Most respondents lived with family, and modifications were made in 69% of these homes to enhance independence in daily activities. Nearly half of the respondents were unsatisfied with their bathroom fixtures. Although there was a relatively wide range of responses depending upon the type of disability impairment of respondents, strong preferences (or dislikes) were noted for fixture designs.