bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Application of multivariate statistical techniques in microbial ecology
Authors: Paliy O. , Shankar V. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractRecent advances in high‐throughput methods of molecular analyses have led to an explosion of studies generating large‐scale ecological data sets. In particular, noticeable effect has been attained in the field of microbial ecology, where new experimental approaches provided in‐depth assessments of the composition, functions and dynamic changes of complex microbial communities. Because even a single high‐throughput experiment produces large amount of data, powerful statistical techniques of multivariate analysis are well suited to analyse and interpret these data sets. Many different multivariate techniques are available, and often it is not clear which method should be applied to a particular data set. In this review, we describe and compare the most widely used multivariate statistical techniques including exploratory, interpretive and discriminatory procedures. We consider several important limitations and assumptions of these methods, and we present examples of how these approaches have been utilized in recent studies to provide insight into the ecology of the microbial world. Finally, we offer suggestions for the selection of appropriate methods based on the research question and data set structure.
Two Novel Approaches to Reduce False Alarm Due to Non‐Earthquake Events for On‐Site Earthquake Early Warning System
Authors: Hsu Ting‐Yu , Wu Rih‐Teng , Chang Kuo‐Chun 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAn on‐site earthquake early warning system (EEWS) can provide more lead‐time at regions that are close to the epicenter of an earthquake because only seismic information of a target site is required. Instead of leveraging the information of several stations, the on‐site system extracts some P‐wave features from the first few seconds of vertical ground acceleration of a single station. It then predicts the intensity of the forthcoming earthquake at the same station according to these features. However, the system may be triggered by some vibration signals that are not caused by an earthquake or by interference from electronic signals, which may consequently result in a false alarm at the station. Thus, this study proposes two approaches to distinguish the vibration signals caused by non‐earthquake events from those caused by earthquake events based on support vector classification (SVC) and singular spectrum analysis (SSA). In the first approach (Approach I), the fast Fourier transform algorithm and the established SVC model are employed to classify the vibration signals. In the second approach (Approach II), a SSA criterion is added to Approach I for the purpose of identifying earthquake events that are classified as non‐earthquake events by the SVC model with increased accuracy. Both approaches are verified by using data collected from the Taiwan Strong Motion Instrumentation Program and EEW stations of the National Center for Research on Earthquake Engineering. The results indicate that both of the proposed approaches effectively reduce the possibility of false alarms caused by an unknown vibration event.
Living with dementia in hospital wards: a comparative study of staff perceptions of practice and observed patient experience
Authors: Innes Anthea , Kelly Fiona , Scerri Charles , Abela Stephen 
Published: January 2016

Aims and objectivesTo ascertain the experiences, attitudes and knowledge of staff working in two Maltese hospital wards and the observed experiences of people with dementia living there. To examine the impact of recommendations made in October 2011 for improving the psychosocial and physical environments of the wards 1 year later.BackgroundThere is an increasing policy recognition of the need for a better trained and educated dementia care workforce and of ensuring that the environmental design of care settings meets the needs of people with dementia.Design and methodsAt both time points, three established and validated data‐collection methods evaluated (i) staff/patient interaction and patient experience, (ii) the extent to which the wards met dementia friendly principles and (iii) staff views about their work environment and their perceptions about their practice. Sixteen (five male and 11 female) patients with dementia and 69 staff in the two wards participated in the study.ResultsWe noted small but important changes; however, the physical and psychosocial environments of the wards did not always align to current recommendations for dementia care, with staff perceptions of care delivery not always reflecting the observed experiences of care of those living with dementia.ConclusionsComparing staff questionnaire data with observational methods offered a unique opportunity to understand multiple perspectives in a complex hospital setting. Incorporating these perspectives into staff and management feedback allowed for recommendations that recognised both patient‐centred values and staff constraints.
Enhancing the Photocatalytic Activity of Sr4Al14O25: Eu2+, Dy3+ Persistent Phosphors by Codoping with Bi3+ Ions
Authors: García Carlos R. , Oliva Jorge , Romero Maria Teresa , Diaz‐Torres Luis A. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe photocatalytic activity of Bismuth‐codoped Sr4Al14O25: Eu2+, Dy3+ persistent phosphors is studied by monitoring the degradation of the blue methylene dye UV light irradiation. Powder phosphors are obtained by a combustion synthesis method and a postannealing process in reductive atmosphere. The XRD patterns show a single orthorhombic phase Sr4Al14O25: Eu2+, Dy3+, Bi3+ phosphors even at high Bismuth dopant concentrations of 12 mol%, suggesting that Bi ions are well incorporated into the host lattice. SEM micrographs show irregular micrograins with sizes in the range of 0.5–20 μm. The samples present an intense greenish‐blue fluorescence and persistent emissions at 495 nm, attributed to the 5d–4f allowed transitions of Eu2+. The fluorescence decreases as Bi concentration increases; that suggest bismuth‐induced traps formation that in turn quench the luminescence. The photocatalytic evaluation of the powders was studied under both 365 nm UV and solar irradiations. Sample with 12 mol% of Bi presented the best MB degradation activity; 310 min of solar irradiation allow 100% MB degradation, whereas only 62.49% MB degradation is achieved under UV irradiation. Our results suggest that codoping the persistent phosphors with Bi3+ can be an alternative to enhance their photocatalytic activity.
Molecular evolution and functional characterisation of haplotypes of an important rubber biosynthesis gene in Hevea brasiliensis
Authors: Uthup T. K. , Rajamani A. , Ravindran M. , Saha T. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractHydroxy‐methylglutaryl coenzyme‐A synthase (HMGS) is a rate‐limiting enzyme in the cytoplasmic isoprenoid biosynthesis pathway leading to natural rubber production in Hevea brasiliensis (rubber). Analysis of the structural variants of this gene is imperative to understand their functional significance in rubber biosynthesis so that they can be properly utilised for ongoing crop improvement programmes in Hevea. We report here allele richness and diversity of the HMGS gene in selected popular rubber clones. Haplotypes consisting of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from the coding and non‐coding regions with a high degree of heterozygosity were identified. Segregation and linkage disequilibrium analysis confirmed that recombination is the major contributor to the generation of allelic diversity, rather than point mutations. The evolutionarily conserved nature of some SNPs was identified by comparative DNA sequence analysis of HMGS orthologues from diverse taxa, demonstrating the molecular evolution of rubber biosynthesis genes in general. In silico three‐dimensional structural studies highlighting the structural positioning of non‐synonymous SNPs from different HMGS haplotypes revealed that the ligand‐binding site on the enzyme remains impervious to the reported sequence variations. In contrast, gene expression results indicated the possibility of association between specific haplotypes and HMGS expression in Hevea clones, which may have a downstream impact up to the level of rubber production. Moreover, haplotype diversity of the HMGS gene and its putative association with gene expression can be the basis for further genetic association studies in rubber. Furthermore, the data also show the role of SNPs in the evolution of candidate genes coding for functional traits in plants.
The Innovation Performance of Irish and Foreign‐owned Firms: The Roles of R&D and Networking
Authors: Doran Justin , O'Leary Eoin 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThis paper contributes to the growing evidence that Irish and foreign‐owned firms based in Ireland conduct their innovation activities differently from each other. It tests the Cohen and Levinthal hypothesis, separately for Irish and foreign‐owned firms, that undertaking R&D and collaborating with external networks together enhance the probability of product and process innovation. To control for potential endogeneity of the external networking variables, a two‐step procedure is used with predicted probabilities used as instruments in the estimated production functions. Based on data from the Irish Community Innovation Survey 2006 to 2008, the results suggest that Irish‐owned firms which engage in external networks with public knowledge sources, while simultaneously undertaking R&D, are more likely to innovate than firms which perform these two activities individually. Irish‐owned firms which engage in backward networking for product and forward networking for process innovation while also undertaking R&D are less likely to be innovative, perhaps suggesting a substitution effect. These results for Irish‐owned firms provide some support for Cohen and Levinthal's hypothesis. However, foreign‐owned firms seem to behave differently, being largely self‐contained and relying exclusively on intramural R&D for innovation as the external networking variables, both individually and when interacted with R&D, have no effect on innovation likelihood.
Computer Aided Ergonomics Through Parametric Biomechanical Simulation
Authors: Miehling Jörg , Schuhhardt Jürgen , Paulus-Rohmer Florian , Wartzack Sandro 
Published: January 2016

Computer aided ergonomics and particularly biomechanical simulations hold high potential for the implementation of the virtual product development paradigm in the field of human-centric design. Unfortunately, the relation between efforts to be invested to the insights gained by musculoskeletal simulations is still not sufficient for a widespread industrial application.
This contribution shows how parametric biomechanical simulations can be used to gain specific indications on how interaction points of human-centric products are to be designed to meet the competencies of a given target user. This is demonstrated using cycling and rowing as two exemplary activities involving the entire human body. These activities are empirically well studied and electromyographic as well as force measurements are available.
The comparison of the biomechanical simulations to the real-world scenario permits the validation of the proposed parametric approach as well as the applied models. This is a prerequisite for its application along the product engineering process.
Synthesis of Structure Borne Vehicle Interior Noise due to Tire/Road Interaction
Authors: Palanivelu Sakthivel , Ramarathnam Krishna Kumar 
Published: January 2016

The pneumatic tire is one of the important sources of noise and vibration in a vehicle. Modern vehicles have implemented good preventive and control measures for power unit and aerodynamic NVH. Hence, the tire/road interaction has become a dominant source. Riegel and Wiedemann [1] have reported the dominance of tire/road interaction over engine and wind sources, in contributing to vehicle interior noise. Vehicle interior noise due to tire/road interaction consists of two components, namely structure borne noise caused due to low frequency excitation (below 500 Hz) and air borne component which are due to mid and high frequency excitation (above 500 Hz). Experimental Transfer Path Analysis (TPA) is a tool to identify whether the source or transmission path needs to be altered for reducing the cabin noise. This paper describes the successful implementation of experimental TPA to synthesize structure borne vehicle interior noise due to tire/road interaction on a sedan class passenger car.
As a first step, the required local structural Frequency Response Functions (FRFs) and Noise Transfer Functions (NTFs) are determined in the laboratory for the vehicle without tire/wheel assembly by hammer impact test, by hitting at the spindle interface (paths). The second step is to repeat the test with tire/wheel assembly by an impact on the tire at the contact patch to get the same set of structural FRFs. The third step is to conduct a road test. The operational acceleration responses as well as interior sound pressure levels are measured for both engine on and off conditions for the same measurement points considered during the laboratory tests. These operational data are further combined with local structural FRFs of the vehicle to estimate the operational loads at the transfer paths using matrix inversion method. Then, the NTFs are multiplied with operational loads to synthesis the contribution of individual paths to the total structure borne vehicle interior noise. Lastly, path and vector contribution analysis are carried out from the TPA results to identify the critical paths for the critical frequencies. Moreover in this work the TPA is not only used to synthesize the structure borne interior noise, but also to estimate the road input excitation. Hence the tire force transmissibility from contact patch to vehicle spindle is determined. The estimated road excitation can be used in a parametric study to address the influence of tire design in contributing to structure borne vehicle interior noise.
A Design Implementation Process for Robotic Hand Synthesis
Authors: Hassanzadeh Neda , He Xiangwei , Perez-Gracia Alba 
Published: January 2016

The design of multi-fingered robotic hands can follow a kinematic synthesis approach, in which a trajectory or set of points and higher derivatives are defined for each fingertip. The output of the dimensional synthesis is a set of joint axes, effectively defining the basic kinematic structure of the hand. In the case of spatial motion, there seems to be a big gap between the results of the dimensional synthesis and a real and effective detailed design of the robotic hand, this being one of the reasons why synthesis is not regularly used in the design of robotic hands.
This work aims to reduce the gap from kinematic synthesis to detailed, computer-aided design of robotic hands. In order to do so, the output of the dimensional synthesis is first used as the input of a link-based optimization process, aim to bring to reasonable values requirements such as link lengths, internal friction forces and obstacle avoidance, including self-intersection. The optimized results are automatically imported to a popular solid modeling software, creating reference geometry for parts, and joint axes and anchor points for the final hand assembly. At the same time, a database of hand parts is presented to the user to select and adapt in order to create a first realistic assembly of the robotic hand.
The output of the process is a first detailed design of the robotic hand, which can be a good starting point for the designer to implement transmission and actuation in further stages.
An Add-On Device to Perform Dexterous Grasping Tasks With a Haptic Feedback System
Authors: Leon Jean-Claude , Dupeux Thomas , Chardonnet Jean-Rémy , Perret Jérôme 
Published: January 2016

Achieving grasping tasks in real time with haptic feedback may require the control of a large number of degrees of freedom (DOFs) to model hand and finger movements. This is mandatory to grasp objects with dexterity.
Here, a new device called HaptiHand is proposed that can be added to a haptic feedback arm and provide the user with enough DOFs so that he/she can intuitively and dexterously grasp an object, modify the virtual hand configuration and number of fingers with respect to the object while manipulating the object. Furthermore, this device is non-invasive and enables the user to apply forces on the fingers of the virtual hand. The HaptiHand lies inside the user’s hand so that the user can apply and release pressure on it in a natural manner that is transferred to the virtual hand using metaphors.
The focus is placed on the description of the technology and structure of the HaptiHand to justify the choices and explain the behavior of the HaptiHand during object grasping and releasing tasks. This is combined with a short description of the models used.
Exploring the Design Set Points of Refining Operation in Ladle for Cost Effective Desulfurization and Inclusion Removal
Authors: Shukla Rishabh , Anapagaddi Ravikiran , Singh Amarendra K. , Panchal Jitesh H. , Allen Janet K. , Mistree Farrokh 
Published: January 2016

This paper is motivated by a need identified by steel makers, namely, the need to produce steel products with new and often more stringent set of specifications and enhanced performances (such as fatigue life and corrosion behavior) using existing equipment cost-effectively.
Manufacturing a steel product involves series of unit operations, each having a significant bearing on the properties of the end product. This paper focuses on studying the effect of one such unit operation, namely, ladle refining. The performance like corrosion behavior and fatigue life and properties of advanced high strength steel are greatly influenced by its cleanliness and by maintaining composition within specified bounds. Cleanliness of steel is assessed in terms of the count and nature of inclusions present and the levels of tramp elements such as sulfur, phosphorus and total oxygen present in the liquid steel. The desired composition is maintained with respect to alloying elements (Ni, Cr, Mn, etc.) that are added to impart certain properties to the steel. The ladle furnace is one of the key unit operations for carrying out deoxidation and desulfurization to maintain the levels of oxygen and sulfur within a tolerable limit. Deoxidation reaction during refining lead to formation of a number of which are deleterious in nature and should be removed. The effectiveness of the ladle operation is thus influenced by conflicting goals such as inclusion removal efficiency, desulfurization and the cost of refining.
George Box is reputed to have observed that all models are wrong and some are useful. In keeping with George Box’s observation we suggest that our challenge is to determine the set points for the ladle unit operation using computational models that at best capture the essence of reality but not reality itself. Therefore, the need is to find solutions that are relatively insensitive to the inherent uncertainties embodied in the computational model while satisficing the conflicting goals.
In this paper we present a method for visualizing and exploring the solution space using the compromise Decision Support Problem (cDSP) as a decision model. We illustrate the efficacy of our method, for use by steel producers, by determining the set points for a ladle, in an industrial setting.
Multi-Material Topology Optimization for Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Mirzendehdel Amir M. , Suresh Krishnan 
Published: January 2016

Additive manufacturing (AM) and topology optimization strongly complement each other in that the complex and optimal designs created through the latter can directly be fabricated through AM, leading to reduced design and fabrication time.
As AM expands into multi-material fabrication, there is a natural need for efficient multi-material topology optimization methods, where one must simultaneously optimize the topology, and the distribution of various materials within the topology.
In this paper we generalize the single-material Pareto tracing method of topology optimization to multiple materials, and discuss its implementation using assembly-free finite element analysis, and first-order element-sensitivity. The effectiveness of the algorithm is demonstrated through illustrative examples.
Ontology-Based Executable Design Decision Template Representation and Reuse
Authors: Ming Zhenjun , Yan Yan , Wang Guoxin , Panchal Jitesh , Goh Chung Hyun , Allen Janet K. , Mistree Farrokh 
Published: January 2016

The Decision Support Problem (DSP) construct is anchored in the notion that design is fundamentally a decision making process. Key is the concept of two types of decisions (namely, selection and compromise) and that any complex design can be represented through modelling a network of compromise and selection decisions. In a computational environment the DSPs are modeled as decision templates. In this paper, modular, executable, reusable decision templates are proposed as a means to effect design and to archive design-related knowledge on a computer. In the context of the compromise Decision Support Problem (cDSP) we address two questions:
1. What are the salient features for facilitating the reuse of design decision templates?
2. What are the salient features that facilitate maintaining model consistency when reusing design decision templates?
Here, the first question is answered by the identification of reuse patterns in which specific modifications of the existing cDSP templates are made to adapt to new design requirements, and the second question is answered by developing an ontology-based cDSP template representation method in which a rule-based reasoning mechanism is used for consistency checking. Effectiveness of the ontology-based cDSP representation and reuse is demonstrated for the redesign of a pressure vessel.
Assembly-Free Buckling Analysis for Topology Optimization
Authors: Bian Xiang , Yadav Praveen , Suresh Krishnan 
Published: January 2016

Linear buckling analysis entails the solution of a generalized eigenvalue problem. Popular methods for solving such problems tend to be memory-hungry, and therefore slow for large degrees of freedom.
The main contribution of this paper is a low-memory assembly-free linear buckling analysis method. In particular, we employ the classic inverse iteration, in conjunction with an assembly-free deflated linear solver. The resulting implementation is simple, fast and particularly well suited for parallelization. The proposed method is used here to solve large scale 3D topology optimization problems subject to buckling constraints, where buckling problems must be solved repeatedly.