bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evolving neuromorphic flight control for a flapping‐wing mechanical insect
Authors: Boddhu Sanjay K. , Gallagher John C. 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present an approach to employ evolvable hardware concepts, to effectively construct flapping‐wing mechanism controllers for micro robots, with the evolved dynamically complex controllers embedded in a, physically realizable, micro‐scale reconfigurable substrate.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, a continuous time recurrent neural network (CTRNN)‐evolvable hardware (a neuromorphic variant of evolvable hardware) framework and methodologies are employed in the process of designing the evolution experiments. CTRNN is selected as the neuromorphic reconfigurable substrate with most efficient Minipop Evolutionary Algorithm, configured to drive the evolution process. The uniqueness of the reconfigurable CTRNN substrate preferred for this study is perceived from its universal dynamics approximation capabilities and prospective to realize the same in small area and low power chips, the properties which are very much a basic requirement for flapping‐wing based micro robot control. A simulated micro mechanical flapping insect model is employed to conduct the feasibility study of evolving neuromorphic controllers using the above‐mentioned methodology.FindingsIt has been demonstrated that the presented neuromorphic evolvable hardware approach can be effectively used to evolve controllers, to produce various flight dynamics like cruising, steering, and altitude gain in a simulated micro mechanical insect. Moreover, an appropriate feasibility is presented, to realize the evolved controllers in small area and lower power chips, with available fabrication techniques and as well as utilizing the complex dynamics nature of CTRNNs to encompass various controls ability in a architecturally static hardware circuit, which are more pertinent to meet the constraints of micro robot construction and control.Originality/valueThe proposed neuromorphic evolvable hardware approach along with its modules intact (CTRNNs and Minipop) can provide a general mechanism to construct/evolve dynamically complex and optimal controllers for flapping‐wing mechanism based micro robots for various environments with least human intervention. Further, the evolved neuromorphic controllers in simulation study can be successfully transferred to its hardware counterpart without sacrificing its anticipated functionality and realized within a predictable area and power ranges.
Chip‐implementation of a self‐tuning nonlinear function control for DC‐DC converters
Authors: Hsu Chun‐Fei , Wang Shuen‐Liang , Li Ming‐Chia , Lin Chih‐Min 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThe DC‐DC converters which convert one level of electrical voltage to the desired level are widely used in many electrical peripherals. During the past two decade, many different control laws have been developed. The proportional‐integral (PI) control and sliding‐mode control have been carried out for the DC‐DC converters since they are simple to implement and easy to design. However, its performance using PI control and sliding‐mode control is obviously quite limited. The purpose of this paper is to a self‐tuning nonlinear function control (STNFC) propose for the DC‐DC converters. The adaptation laws of the proposed STNFC system are derived in the sense of Lyapunov function, thus not only the controller parameters can be online tuned itself, but also the system's stability can be guaranteed.Design/methodology/approachIn general, the accurate mathematical models of the DC‐DC converters are difficult to derive. This paper proposes a model‐free STNFC design method. Since the proposed STNFC uses a simple fuzzy system with three fuzzy rules base to implement the control law, the computational loading of the fuzzy inference mechanism is slight. So the proposed STNFC system is suitable for the real‐time practical applications. The controller parameters of the proposed STNFC system can online tune in the Lyapunov sense, thus the stability of closed‐loop system can be guaranteed.FindingsThe proposed STNFC system is applied to a DC‐DC converter based on a field‐programmable gate array chip. The experimental results are provided to demonstrate the proposed STNFC system can cope with the input voltage and load resistance variations to ensure the stability while providing fast transient response.Originality/valueThe proposed STNFC approach is interesting for the design of an intelligent control scheme. The main contributions of this paper are: the successful development of STNFC system without heavy computational loading. The parameter‐learning algorithm is design based on the Lyapunov stability theorem to guarantee the system stability; the successful applications of the STNFC system to control the forward DC‐DC converter. And, the proposed STNFC methodology can be easily extended to other DC‐DC converters.
A neuro‐computational intelligence analysis of the US retailers' efficiency
Authors: Mostafa Mohamed M. 
Published: March 2010

PurposeUnderstanding efficiency levels is crucial for understanding the competitive structure of a market and/or segments of a market. The purpose of this paper is to assess the market performance of the top retailers in the USA using 2007 operating data. It also aims to benchmark the performance of neuro‐intelligence models against traditional statistical techniques.Design/methodology/approachThis paper uses neuro‐intelligence models to classify the relative efficiency of top USA retailers. Accuracy indices derived from the application of a non‐parametric data envelopment analysis approach are used to assess the classification accuracy of the models.FindingsResults indicate that the neuro‐intelligence models are superior to traditional statistical methods. The paper also shows that the neuro‐intelligence models have a great potential for the classification of retailers' relative efficiency due to their robustness and flexibility of modeling algorithms.Originality/valueThe paper contributes practically and methodologically through the comparison of various parametric and non‐parametric techniques, which results in considerable information for business analysis.
The paradox of gender equality: an entrepreneurial case study from Sweden
Authors: Bourne Kristina A. 
Published: March 2010

PurposeInformed by socialist feminist theory, the purpose of this paper is to understand the impact of societal factors such as governmental policies, labor market structure, social norms, and gender ideology on the experiences and practices of women small business owners in Sweden.Design/methodology/approachUsing qualitative data gathered during four months of fieldwork in Sweden, the analysis focuses on the case of Malin Andersson, the founder of a domestic services company, to show how individual situations are intimately connected to the larger social, political, and economic environments.FindingsThe analysis demonstrates how the complexities of gender and class dynamics interact with business endeavors in a capitalist society with a strong social democratic political system. In particular, the paper shows how Malin Andersson's experience of entrepreneurship is at the nexus of many social forces, creating many contradictions and paradoxes to understanding her experience.Originality/valueThe theoretical framework and empirical evidence suggest that paying attention to the socio‐economic‐political context is vital to illuminate the contradictions inherent, but often overlooked, in women's experience of entrepreneurship in different situations.
Notch FCI life under constant amplitude uniaxial loads
Authors: Hammouda M.M.I. , El‐Batanony I.G. 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to estimate the number of cycles for fatigue crack initiation in notched plates.Design/methodology/approachPreviously published experimental results for tests with initially uncracked U‐shaped notches of different sizes and geometries are utilized. The present work defines the fatigue initiation period, Ni, as number of loading cycles required for the formation of a through‐thickness Mode I crack at the notch root macroscopically propagating along the plate width. Thus, backward extrapolation of the observed early decreasing fatigue growth rates of the initiated crack at the notch root on the specimen surface to zero surface crack size enables the estimation of Ni.FindingsA parameter based on the normal strain range and the maximum normal stress acting at the notch root best fitted Ni.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper provides an estimation of Ni in 3 mm thick mild steel plates subjected to constant amplitude uniaxial cyclic stresses. Initiated‐but‐non‐propagating cracks possibly found at the notch surface and at the notch root along the plate width are distinguished.Originality/valueBased on the present analysis, a threshold stress is devised to represent the minimum stress level required for the appearance of a through‐thickness crack at the notch root running along the specimen width. Notched plates simulate many engineering applications particularly in aerospace industry.
Comparison of two‐ and three‐dimensional analyses of interface fracture data obtained from Brazilian disk specimens
Authors: Banks‐Sills Leslie , Konovalov Natalie , Fliesher Adi 
Published: March 2010

PurposeFracture tests carried out on bimaterial Brazilian disk specimens have been reported elsewhere. Two material pairs are tested in which each of the constituents is linearly elastic, isotropic, and homogeneous. For this material type, the crack fields decouple into in‐plane and out‐of‐plane deformation. Hence, a two‐dimensional approach is taken to analyse the tests. The purpose of this paper is to examine the necessity of using a three‐dimensional approach to predict interface fracture when in‐plane loading is applied.Design/methodology/approachTo this end, the specimens are analysed by means of two‐ and three‐dimensional finite elements. The interaction energy or M‐integral is used to calculate the stress intensity factors.FindingsThe paper shows that the Mode III stress intensity factor KIII is not negligible near the specimen outer surfaces. Nevertheless, a two‐dimensional analysis will be seen to be sufficient to analyse these tests. This has implications for the practical engineer.Originality/valueThe paper offers a comparison between two‐ and three‐dimensional fracture criteria for a crack along the interface between two homogeneous, isotropic, linear elastic materials when in‐plane loading is applied to the body, and assesses the importance of the out‐of‐plane deformation.
Overloading effect on the fatigue threshold stress intensity factor range (ΔKth) as a function of crack length in SUS316
Authors: Hashikura Yasuaki , Takahashi Koji , Miyazaki Yuji , Houjou Keiji , Ando Kotoji 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the effects of overload on the threshold stress intensity factor range (ΔKth) in SUS316.Design/methodology/approachThe fatigue tests are carried out to determine the resultant threshold stress intensity factor range (ΔKth). The mechanism of the improvement of ΔKth by the tensile overloading is analyzed using the Dugdale model.FindingsIt is clarified that the value of ΔKth increases as increasing the overloading.Research limitations/implicationsThe apparent value of ΔKth of stainless steel can be improved by a tensile overload, the fatigue strength of structural members that have a surface crack can be increased by a tensile overload.Originality/valueAs a result, the reliability and safety of structures, such as energy plants, can also be improved.
Analysis software to interpret defects in ultrasonic testing
Authors: Tennakoon T.M.R. 
Published: March 2010

PurposeIn ultrasonic A‐scan technique the depth and the size of the defect in the material can be determined from the position and amplitude of the reflected echo on the cathode ray tube screen. However, the main difficulty in ultrasonic testing is the precise recognition of the defect type. The purpose of this paper is to develop analysis software to interpret defects of single‐v butt‐welded mild steel plates in ultrasonic testing.Design/methodology/approachThis paper establishes a relationship between types of defects in single‐v butt‐welded mild steel plates and the corresponding amplitudes and widths of echo signals, defect positions and beam directions.FindingsUsing this relationship it develops analysis software named “ULTRASL‐1” to predict the type of unknown defects by minimizing the effect of the size and geometry of defect on echo amplitude which is the main limitation in using echo amplitude for identification of defect type.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper limits for defects like slag, isolated pore, porosity, lack of inter‐run fusion, lack of side‐wall fusion, crack and lack of penetration in single‐v butt‐welded mild steel plates.Originality/valueThe significance of this work is the introduction of a specialized procedure and a software programme to identify type of defect, so that non‐destructive testing personnel with any level of experience can share the expertise of the best operators in the industry. Hence, it will support to reduce one of the main problems concerning ultrasonic testing, i.e. the difficulties in recognition of defect type.
Micronodular basal cell carcinoma: A distinct subtype? Relationship with nodular and infiltrative basal cell carcinomas
Authors: BETTI Roberto , MENNI Silvano , RADAELLI Giovanni , BOMBONATO Caterina , CROSTI Carlo 
Published: March 2010

AbstractMicronodular basal cell carcinoma (BCC) may be more difficult to eradicate and prone to recurrence than nodular subtype. The aim of the study was to compare anatomical and histological characteristics of the basal cell carcinomas subtypes and the relationship of the micronodular BCC with other subtypes. Primary BCCs (n = 3074) were classified as superficial, nodular, micronodular, morpheic/infiltrative. The location was head/neck, limbs, chest/abdomen, back or genitals. Fifty‐one micronodular BCCs were matched randomly with nodular and infiltrative cases, by age, sex, and tumor site. A modified Clark level was used to classify the tumor depth. Micronodular, nodular and infiltrative BCC were prevalently located in the head/neck (P < 0.0001), while superficial in the other regions (P < 0.0001). The Clark level was comparable between micronodular and infiltrative BCC, while nodular BCC showed a more superficial level than micronodular (P < 0.001) and infiltrative (P < 0.001) BCC. No nodular BCC had level IV and only 37.3% level III, while 92% of both micronodular and infiltrative BCC were level III or IV. The percentage of level IV was 11.8% and 25.5% in micronodular and infiltrative BCC, respectively. In the mid‐face/periauricular region, 95.5% of micronodular and 100% of infiltrative cases of were level III or IV, compared to 50% of nodular BCC (P < 0.001). The Clark level of nodular subtype was higher for BCC of mid‐face/periauricular than other regions (P < 0.05). It can be concluded that micronodular BCC shows intermediate characteristics compared with nodular and infiltrative subtypes but appears to have a specific individuality making it a distinct subtype.
Observation of shear‐wave splitting in the multicomponent node data from Atlantis field, Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Sil Samik , Srivastava Ravi P. , Sen Mrinal K. 
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACTIn 2005, a multicomponent ocean bottom node data set was collected by BP and BHP Billiton in the Atlantis field in the Gulf of Mexico. Our results are based on data from a few sparse nodes with millions of shots that were analysed as common receiver azimuthal gathers. A first‐order look at P‐wave arrivals on a common receiver gather at a constant offset reveals variation of P‐wave arrival time as a function of azimuth indicating the presence of azimuthal anisotropy at the top few layers. This prompted us to investigate shear arrivals on the horizontal component data. After preliminary processing, including a static correction, the data were optimally rotated to radial (R) and transverse (T) components. The R component shows azimuthal variation of traveltime indicating variation of velocity with azimuth; the corresponding T component shows azimuthal variation of amplitude and phase (polarity reversal). The observed shear‐wave (S‐wave) splitting, previously observed azimuthal P‐wave velocity variation and azimuthal P‐wave amplitude variation, all indicate the occurrence of anisotropy in the shallow (just below the seafloor) subsea sediment in the area. From the radial component azimuthal gather, we analysed the PP‐ and PS‐wave amplitude variation for the first few layers and determined corresponding anisotropy parameter and VP/VS values. Since fracture at this depth is not likely to occur, we attribute the observed azimuthal anisotropy to the presence of microcracks and grain boundary orientation due to stress. The evidence of anisotropy is ubiquitous in this data set and thus it argues strongly in favour of considering anisotropy in depth imaging for obtaining realistic subsurface images, at the least.
Sessile serrated adenomas strongly predispose to synchronous serrated polyps in non‐syndromic patients
Authors: Pai Rish K , Hart John , Noffsinger Amy E 
Published: March 2010

Pai R K, Hart J & Noffsinger A E (2010) Histopathology56, 581–588 Sessile serrated adenomas strongly predispose to synchronous serrated polyps in non‐syndromic patients Aims:  To determine the prevalence of various colonic polyps removed during a recent 8‐month period; to determine the interobserver agreement in the diagnosis of serrated polyps; and to determine if harbouring a sessile serrated adenoma (SSA) predisposes to the presence of synchronous polyps with similar histology.Methods and results:  All polyps resected during an 8‐month period at a single tertiary medical centre were analysed. We also analysed all polyps in patients with an SSA or SSA with dysplasia since 2003. SSAs accounted for 4.3% of colonic polyps removed during an 8‐month period. A review of 276 serrated polyps by two pathologists revealed good interobserver agreement (κ = 0.66). Patients with one SSA were more likely to harbour additional serrated polyps. After removal of the index SSA, 18% of their remaining polyps were SSAs, SSAs with dysplasia, and traditional serrated adenomas, contrasting with the ∼5% prevalence of these polyps in the control population. The hyperplastic polyps in the study population were also twice as likely to occur proximal to the splenic flexure.Conclusions:  These data indicate that there is a strong colonic mucosal field defect in patients with sporadic SSAs that predispose them to develop additional serrated polyps.
The politics of professional ethics
Authors: Brecher Bob 
Published: March 2010

AbstractIn order to illustrate how terms of reference themselves, such as those announced by ‘professional ethics’, delimit and distort moral consideration I start with an extended discussion of how Just War Theory operates to do this; and go on to discuss ‘the power of naming’ with reference to the British attack on Iraq. Having thus situated my approach to the politics of professional ethics in a broader political context I offer a critique of ‘professional’ ethics in terms of what is left out of the moral picture and how in particular political considerations are sidelined. Finally I argue that ‘codes’ of professional ethics are especially insidious.
Timing of deep‐sea adaptation in dogfish sharks: insights from a supertree of extinct and extant taxa
Authors: Klug Stefanie , Kriwet Jürgen 
Published: March 2010

Klug, S. & Kriwet, J. (2010). Timing of deep‐sea adaptation in dogfish sharks: insights from a supertree of extinct and extant taxa. —Zoologica Scripta, 39, 331–342.Dogfish sharks (Squaliformes) constitute a monophyletic group of predominantly deep‐water neoselachians, but the reasons and timing of their adaptation to this hostile environment remain ambiguous. Late Cretaceous dogfish sharks, which generally would be associated with deep‐water occur predominantly in shallow water environments. Did the end‐Cretaceous mass extinction event that eliminated large numbers of both terrestrial and aquatic taxa and clades including sharks trigger the evolutionary adaptation of present deep‐water dogfish sharks? Here, we construct, date, and analyse a genus‐level phylogeny of extinct and living dogfish sharks to bring a new perspective to this question. For this, eleven partial source trees of dogfish shark interrelationships were merged to create a comprehensive phylogenetic hypothesis. The resulting supertree is the most inclusive estimate of squaliform interrelationships that has been proposed to date containing 23 fossil and extant members of all major groups. †Eoetmopterus represents the oldest dalatoid. †Microetmopterus, †Paraphorosoides, †Proetmopterus and †Squaliogaleus are stem‐group dalatoids in which bioluminescence most likely was not developed. According to our analyses, bioluminescence in dogfish sharks was already developed in the early Late Cretaceous indicating that these sharks adapted to deep‐water conditions most likely at about 100 Mya. The advantage of this reconstruction is that the fossil record is used directly for age node estimates rather than employing molecular clock approaches.
Distribution and characterization of more than 1000 T‐DNA tags in the genome of Brachypodium distachyon community standard line Bd21
Authors: Thole Vera , Worland Barbara , Wright Jonathan , Bevan Michael W. , Vain Philippe 
Published: March 2010

SummaryA collection of 4117 fertile T‐DNA lines has been generated by Agrobacterium‐mediated transformation of the diploid community standard line Bd21 of Brachypodium distachyon. The regions flanking the T‐DNA left and right borders of the first 741 transformed plants were isolated by adapter‐ligation PCR and sequenced. A total of 1005 genomic sequences (representing 44.1% of all flanking sequences retrieved) characterized 660 independent T‐DNA loci assigned to a unique location in the Brachypodium genome sequence. Seventy‐six percent of the fertile plant lines contained at least one anchored T‐DNA locus (1.17 loci per tagged line on average). Analysis of the regions flanking both borders of the T‐DNA increased the number of T‐DNA loci tagged and the number of tagged lines by approximately 50% when compared to a single border analysis. T‐DNA integration (2.4 insertions per Mb on average) was proportional to chromosome size, however, varied greatly along each chromosome with often low insertion level around centromeres. The frequency of insertion within transposable elements (5.3%) was fivefold lower than expected if random insertion would have occurred. More than half of the T‐DNAs inserted in genic regions. On average, one gene could be tagged for every second fertile plant line produced and more than one plant line out of three contained a T‐DNA insertion directly within or 500 bp around the coding sequence. Approximately, 60% of the genes tagged corresponded to expressed genes. The T‐DNA lines generated by the BrachyTAG programme are available as a community resource and have been distributed internationally since 2008 via the BrachyTAG.org web site.