Research,technology and development evaluation; developments in Japan

The reseach, technology and development (RTD) evaluation in terms of science and technology policy has come to be important in stimulating research activities and in continuously keeping the vitality and the higher quality of research in RTD institutions. There are two criteria on the RTD evaluation, i.e, in-house evaluation from the stand point of RTD management and independent macroscopic evaluation for the decision making of companies and/or policy making for science and technology policy.The most important point for RTD evaluation in the former criteria is in the mission itself. RTD in universities, public research institutes, and enterprises have different objectives and characteristics. Therefore, the mission and methodology of RTD evaluations should be different, by categorized type and objectives of research institutions, and be developed inhouse. Results of RTD evaluations should be fed back to researchers or engineers and disclosed principally if the mission was to stimulate knowledge creation through RTD activities.The in-house RTD evaluation can be classified in general into three categories: prior evaluation, mid-term review, and ex-post facto review. The methodologies to evaluate RTD in each phase of the RTD process are different, even among those institutes categorized into the same type such as national and regional research institutes. In this paper, two cases of RTD evaluation a) in Riken, which was founded in 1917 as a private research foundation and later reorganized as a semi-public research corporation of the Science and Technology-Agency, b) in regional public research institutes.RTD evaluation from the view point of policy assessment of governmental science and technology policy is discussed through analysis of data obtained by the survey of research activities in regional public research institutes. It can be concluded that developments and introduction of RTD evaluation as a new management system in these institutes is improving the research environment and advancing the quality of research. The differences of RTD evaluation between a Center of Excellence (COE) such as Riken and local technology centers, will be compared and the policy implication of RTD evaluation will also be discussed in terms of promotion of science and technology.     

Parametric and mechanical characterization of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) using rotational moulding technology

In this research work, extensive literature review of the rotational moulding process using linear low density polythene (LLDPE) has been carried out to summarize the present status of the characterization in order to maintain quality and reliability of the products. The present characterization of rotomoulded products using LLDPE is based on the mechanical properties which are being altered by changing process parameters. However, it is observed that in the majority of applications of the products made of LLDPE using rotational moulding technology are prone to cracking failure due to manufacturing defects at room temperature. Therefore, study of fracture characterization of the material is equally important in relation to quality and reliability. In this article, the present characterization of the rotational moulded products using different polymers is summarized in the form of review and the importance of evaluation of the fracture behaviour of rotomoulded products is emphasized.     

Production,characterization and development of standards for biodiesel — A review

Biodiesel is being promoted worldwide as a supplement and alternative automotive fuel for petroleum diesel in spite of several technological, economical and social barriers. This has provided an impetus for new research to overcome these deterrents in its production, to establish its quality criteria (standards), and to develop superior analytical methods for quality control and quality assessment of biodiesel in production and entire distribution chain until consumed by end user. The present review paper briefly covers the production, characterization and standardization of biodiesel, having relevance to the preparation of certified reference materials (CRMs) of biodiesel.     

Improving the quality of environmental impacts assessment reports: effectiveness of alternatives analysis and public involvement in JICA supported projects

Abstract

This study examined the key factors for improving the quality of environmental impact assessment reports through statistical tests and path analysis. The Lee-Colley review package was used to review the quality of the samples of 120 reports prepared by the Japan International Cooperation Agency dating from 2001 to 2012. The result of the study showed that alternatives analysis and public involvement could be key factors for improving the quality of reports. When the number of public involvement stages went up, the number of evaluation criteria for alternatives analysis showed an increasing trend and the quality of the reports improved. Finally, the study pointed out the effectiveness of alternatives analysis with a wide range of evaluation criteria and public involvement for improving the quality of reports. Further research is needed to explore alternatives analysis and public involvement in more depth as well as to improve the effectiveness of their linkage via more case studies.     

面向“双碳”目标的生态环保材料感知评价方法及外观美化研究

目的 提炼一套用户感知层面的评价技术和方法。方法 分别运用文献综述、案例研究和实证研究的方法,提出了生态材料的样本、材料感知评价层次模型、材料感知评价的实验设置及感知评价方法的4个主要层面。结果 通过总结材料的感知评价研究中的先进实验流程、评价方法及优缺点分析,构建了一套适用于生态材料感知评价方法模型。结论 通过实证研究,验证了提出的感知评价模型具有较高的可行性,对推动生态材料的多模态品质可持续性设计具有现实指导价值。     

基于熵权赋权法的灰关联技术的视频质量评价体系研究

目的为了满足视频服务系统根据不同的需要提供不同质量的视频,并且能够识别和量化质量损失,使得视频质量能够得到控制和提高,以满足不同领域的要求。方法采用基于熵权赋权法的灰关联技术构建了一套视频质量评价体系,分为视频质量评估系统和灰关联评估模型2个部分。其中视频质量评估系统包含主观评价和客观评价,主观评价采用标准ITU-T P.910中定义的DCR主观评价方法,客观评价中包含峰值信噪比、结构相似度、清晰度—点锐度算法、四元数奇异值4个指标算法。结果多种方法结合进行综合评价优势明显,解决了主观意识和单指标衡量的局限性问题,能够全面准确的评价实验视频,且与人眼相关性高,客观的反映了视频序列的真实质量。结论最终的综合评价结果证明,文中的视频质量评价体系构建合理,方法选择正确,思路可行,达到了较好的评价效果,对视频质量评价的研究具有一定的指导借鉴意义。     

Impact of bibliometrics upon the science system: Inadvertent consequences?

Summary Ranking of research institutions by bibliometric methods is an improper tool for research performance evaluation, even at the level of large institutions. The problem, however, is not the ranking as such. The indicators used for ranking are often not advanced enough, and this situation is part of the broader problem of the application of insufficiently developed bibliometric indicators used by persons who do not have clear competence and experience in the field of quantitative studies of science. After a brief overview of the basic elements of bibliometric analysis, I discuss the major technical and methodological problems in the application of publication and citation data in the context of evaluation. Then I contend that the core of the problem lies not necessarily at the side of the data producer. Quite often persons responsible for research performance evaluation, for instance scientists themselves in their role as head of institutions and departments, science administrators at the government level and other policy makers show an attitude that encourages 'quick and dirty' bibliometric analyses whereas better quality is available. Finally, the necessary conditions for a successful application of advanced bibliometric indicators as support tool for peer review are discussed.     

重型商用车噪声测试及声品质客观评价分析

在重型商用车减振降噪设计中,声品质已成为舒适性评价的重要指标之一。以Zwicker提出的对噪声进行主观评价的客观量化方法为基础,通过响度、尖锐度、粗糙度、抖动强度、音调度和语言清晰度6种噪声客观评价参量计算方法对某国产重型商用车加速工况车内噪声试验测试数据进行分析,得到车内副驾驶员各项心理声学参量的变化规律,可为商用车车内声品质研究提供参考依据,并对建立加速工况下商用车声音品质烦躁度的客观量化模型提供参数基础。     

Quantitative,Qualitative, and Mixed Research Methods in Engineering Education

The purpose of this research review is to open dialog about quantitative, qualitative, and mixed research methods in engineering education research. Our position is that no particular method is privileged over any other. Rather, the choice must be driven by the research questions. For each approach we offer a definition, aims, appropriate research questions, evaluation criteria, and examples from the Journal of Engineering Education. Then, we present empirical results from a prestigious international conference on engineering education research. Participants expressed disappointment in the low representation of qualitative studies; nonetheless, there appeared to be a strong preference for quantitative methods, particularly classroom‐based experiments. Given the wide variety of issues still to be explored within engineering education, we expect that quantitative, qualitative, and mixed approaches will be essential in the future. We encourage readers to further investigate alternate research methods by accessing some of our sources and collaborating across education/social science and engineering disciplinary boundaries.     

Machine learning aided nanoindentation: A review of the current state and future perspectives

The solution of instrumented indentation inverse problems by physically-based models still represents a complex challenge yet to be solved in metallurgy and materials science. In recent years, Machine Learning (ML) tools have emerged as a feasible and more efficient alternative to extract complex microstructure-property correlations from instrumented indentation data in advanced materials. On this basis, the main objective of this review article is to summarize the extent to which different ML tools have been recently employed in the analysis of both numerical and experimental data obtained by instrumented indentation testing, either using spherical or sharp indenters, particularly by nanoindentation. Also, the impact of using ML could have in better understanding the microstructure-mechanical properties-performance relationships of a wide range of materials tested at this length scale has been addressed.The analysis of the recent literature indicates that a combination of advanced nanomechanical/microstructural characterization with finite element simulation and different ML algorithms constitutes a powerful tool to bring ground-breaking innovation in materials science. These research means can be employed not only for extracting mechanical properties of both homogeneous and heterogeneous materials at multiple length scales, but also could assist in understanding how these properties change with the compositional and microstructural in-service modifications. Furthermore, they can be used for design and synthesis of novel multi-phase materials.     

A scheme to develop national qualification items for environmental impact assessment in Korea

Korea has experienced high demand for environment-friendly land management and improved quality of life. So it is necessary to ensure both the scientific and expert assessment of environmental impact and systematic post-assessment management. The objective of this study was to develop environmental impact assessment qualifications to reduce detrimental impacts by increasing the quality of impact assessments for development plans and projects and by generating alternative project approaches and damagereduction plans. A DACUM (Development A curriculum) job analysis was used to determine task range, grades or ranks, eligibility, examination standards, selection criteria of examination questions, examination methods, and so on. The job analysis was conducted by a committee of ten specialists from industry and academia.     

Evaluation of patient dose in some mammography centres in Iran

High diagnostic sensitivity and specificity while maintaining the least dose to the patient is the ideal mammography. The objective of this work was to evaluate patient dose and image quality of mammograms to propose corrective actions. The image quality for 1242 patient in 7 mammography facilities in Tehran city was evaluated based on selected image quality criteria using a three-point scale. Clinical image quality, the entrance surface air kerma, the average glandular dose and optical density of films for standard PMMA phantom of 4.5 cm thickness were evaluated. The results showed that up to 72 % of mammograms were in good condition to be diagnosed, and only about 3.4 % of the images were unacceptable or with suboptimal quality. The entrance surface air kerma values were in the range of 3.8-10.5 mGy, average glandular dose 0.5-1.8 mGy and optical density of films 0.74-2.03. The image quality evaluation after correction actions, periodic image quality evaluation and using the correct equipment certainly will improve patient dose.     

Cluster methods for assessing research performance: exploring Spanish computer science

The objective of this paper is to propose a cluster analysis methodology for measuring the performance of research activities in terms of productivity, visibility, quality, prestige and international collaboration. The proposed methodology is based on bibliometric techniques and permits a robust multi-dimensional cluster analysis at different levels. The main goal is to form different clusters, maximizing within-cluster homogeneity and between-cluster heterogeneity. The cluster analysis methodology has been applied to the Spanish public universities and their academic staff in the computer science area. Results show that Spanish public universities fall into four different clusters, whereas academic staff belong into six different clusters. Each cluster is interpreted as providing a characterization of research activity by universities and academic staff, identifying both their strengths and weaknesses. The resulting clusters could have potential implications on research policy, proposing collaborations and alliances among universities, supporting institutions in the processes of strategic planning, and verifying the effectiveness of research policies, among others.     

历史文化街区街道家具用户感知评价及设计研究

目的 为系统分析历史街区街道家具的现状和不足,有针对性地提出街道家具优化设计方法,帮助提升历史街区街道家具的品质,彰显城市地域特色。方法 从感知体验视角出发,运用使用后评价（POE）建立历史街区街道家具的感知评价体系,概括街道家具用户感知的重要影响指标。通过语义分析法（SD）的定量研究,对桂林东西巷历史文化街区各类街道家具进行用户感知评价,得到客观的评价结果,为后续街道家具的设计实践提供参考。结论 从历史感知、文化感知、形式感知、功能感知和精神感知五方面探讨历史街区街道家具设计的不足之处。通过评价数据,总结出东西巷历史街区街道家具存在历史感知与文化感知不足、功能感知欠缺和精神感知薄弱等问题,进而对街道家具中文化感知的激活、功能感知的提高,以及精神感知的提升提出具体的优化设计方法与策略。同时,为我国历史街区街道家具的优化提供实践参考和理论依据。     

超文本可用性的两种实用评价方法

超文本可用性涉及到多种因素，可从不同的角度进行评价。文章概述了国外在这方面的研究进展，简要介绍了目前较常用的几种评价超文本可用性的方法，并对其优点与局限性进行了评价。     

基于AHP-DEMATEL法的自然缺失症儿童玩具设计

目的 基于AHP-DEMATEL法对自然缺失症儿童玩具进行创新性研究,建立更加科学合理的设计体系,使设计方案更科学、全面。方法 通过文献整理、用户研究和专家评估,获取自然缺失症儿童玩具设计的各项指标要素,构建评价指标模型。运用AHP法和DEMATEL法分别对各项指标的初始权重和各指标之间影响权重进行评估。利用初始权重和影响权重求得综合权重,再以此为依据筛选关键指标因素,进行设计创新。结果 在自然缺失症儿童玩具设计当中,“自然体验”“人机尺寸”“教育性”等指标是关键评判标准,设计工作应重点围绕这些指标进行。结论 AHP-DEMATEL法的使用对设计流程的客观性显现具有显著意义,同时也能帮助研究者获取更客观合理的设计要素权重,在儿童玩具设计领域具备一定的参考价值。     

James Clerk Maxwell 150 years on

This paper is the preface to a special Issue of Phil. Trans. R. Soc. A reporting selected proceedings of the international conference marking the 150th anniversary of James Clerk Maxwell's professorial debut at Marischal College, Aberdeen. Following an introduction to Marischal College, a brief historical note summarizes Maxwell's life prior to his entering the college as professor of natural philosophy. The preface provides a short summary of the event and overviews the contributed papers devoted to subjects covering a wide range of Maxwell's research interests and their modern developments. The mixture of review and research papers reflects both the fundamental importance and the diverse applicability of Maxwell's works in electromagnetics, colour science, dynamics and kinetics. Acknowledgements are given to the individuals and bodies who made the conference the success that it was.     

The DIMOND project and its impact on radiation protection

The DIMOND III project comprised work packages and subprojects to research digital imaging, interventional radiology and interventional cardiology, i.e. areas where there has been rapid technological change, not matched by radiation protection research. Whilst new practices have great potential benefit, there are risks to patients and staff if the technology is implemented inappropriately. DIMOND aimed to develop generic technology assessment and optimisation tools. Clinical quality criteria and technical parameters were included so that digital imaging procedures can be introduced appropriately. Frequency and dimensions of acceptance and constancy testing for digital imaging systems were studied, along with differences between objective measures of image quality and subjective indices. Patient dosimetry was performed to propose and to establish reference values. Clinical evaluation projects included cardiology, interventional radiology and digital mammography. As a result of the DIMOND project, quality criteria for several procedures were developed. Example results are presented in this paper.     

Informatics and data science in materials microscopy

The breadth, complexity, and volume of data generated by materials characterization using various forms of microscopy has expanded significantly. Combined with increases in computing power, this has led to increased application of techniques from informatics and data science to materials microscopy data, both to improve the data quality and improve the materials information extracted from the data. This review covers recent advances in data science applied to materials microscopy, including problems such as denoising, drift and distortion correction, spectral unmixing, and the use of simulated experiments to derive information about materials from microscopy data. Techniques covered include non-local patch-based methods, component analysis, clustering, optimization, and compressed sensing. Examples illustrate the need to combine several informatics approaches to solve problems and showcase recent advances in materials microscopy made possible by informatics.