Genetic programming: a novel method for the quantitative analysis of pyrolysis mass spectral data

A technique for the analysis of multivariate data by genetic programming (GP) is described, with particular reference to the quantitative analysis of orange juice adulteration data collected by pyrolysis mass spectrometry (PyMS). The dimensionality of the input space was reduced by ranking variables according to product moment correlation or mutual information with the outputs. The GP technique as described gives predictive errors equivalent to, if not better than, more widespread methods such as partial least squares and artificial neural networks but additionally can provide a means for easing the interpretation of the correlation between input and output variables. The described application demonstrates that by using the GP method for analyzing PyMS data the adulteration of orange juice with 10% sucrose solution can be quantified reliably over a 0-20% range with an RMS error in the estimate of ～1%.     

Plasma catalysis: a feasible solution for carbon dioxide valorization?

Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy - This review highlighted the current ongoing research in plasma technology and why this process needs to be explored in synergy with the other...     

Asymptotic burnout and homeostatic awakening: a possible solution to the Fermi paradox?

Previous studies show that city metrics having to do with growth, productivity and overall energy consumption scale superlinearly, attributing this to the social nature of cities. Superlinear scaling results in crises called ‘singularities’, where population and energy demand tend to infinity in a finite amount of time, which must be avoided by ever more frequent ‘resets’ or innovations that postpone the system''s collapse. Here, we place the emergence of cities and planetary civilizations in the context of major evolutionary transitions. With this perspective, we hypothesize that once a planetary civilization transitions into a state that can be described as one virtually connected global city, it will face an ‘asymptotic burnout’, an ultimate crisis where the singularity-interval time scale becomes smaller than the time scale of innovation. If a civilization develops the capability to understand its own trajectory, it will have a window of time to affect a fundamental change to prioritize long-term homeostasis and well-being over unyielding growth—a consciously induced trajectory change or ‘homeostatic awakening’. We propose a new resolution to the Fermi paradox: civilizations either collapse from burnout or redirect themselves to prioritizing homeostasis, a state where cosmic expansion is no longer a goal, making them difficult to detect remotely.     

Collaboration networks and collaboration tools: a match for SMEs?

Global patterns of industrial production have resulted in relocation of industrial operations groups in an effort to create new markets for mass and customised mass production. The collaborative effort between these dispersed teams increases the likelihood of combining ideas and knowledge in novel ways. Internet technologies enable these virtual collaboration networks to seamlessly engage in discussions that demonstrate a richness of perspectives when it comes to problem-solving and innovative idea-exchange. Indeed, knowledge creation and harnessing collective knowledge are salient features of collaborative networks (CNs) and this is witnessed by a new interest in these entities. However, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) display a difficulty in partnering and collaborating in global networks, especially since their technological infrastructure may be lacking. Given the widespread adoption of collaborative technologies in social contexts, this research seeks to examine how such informal interactions are facilitated in SMEs through Web 2.0 tools. Specifically, this paper seeks to contribute to existing literature by examining how Web 2.0 affects the collaborative effort in two SME CNs; this study demonstrated that the collaboration effort is amplified when Web 2.0 tools are available. Other parameters such as trust in other members’ ability; perception of usefulness; and enhancement of collective knowledge are seen as supporting the CN mutuality. In addition, it brings together the three diverse research areas of collaborative networks, internet collaborative tools and psychological barriers and enablers.     

An algebraic variational multiscale-multigrid method for large-eddy simulation: generalized-α time integration,Fourier analysis and application to turbulent flow past a square-section cylinder

This article studies three aspects of the recently proposed algebraic variational multiscale-multigrid method for large-eddy simulation of turbulent flow. First, the method is integrated into a second-order-accurate generalized-α time-stepping scheme. Second, a Fourier analysis of a simplified model problem is performed to assess the impact of scale separation on the overall performance of the method. The analysis reveals that scale separation implemented by projective operators provides modeling effects very close to an ideal small-scale subgrid viscosity, that is, it preserves low frequencies, in contrast to non-projective scale separations. Third, the algebraic variational multiscale-multigrid method is applied to turbulent flow past a square-section cylinder. The computational results obtained with the method reveal, on the one hand, the good accuracy achievable for this challenging test case already at a rather coarse discretization and, on the other hand, the superior computing efficiency, e.g., compared to a traditional dynamic Smagorinsky modeling approach.     

From product documentation to a ‘method prototype’ and standard times: a new technique for complex manual assembly

This paper suggests a new technique to facilitate consistent transition between planning and production stages of small lots of complex products (in quantities that do not justify full automation). Despite the usage of modern approaches such as design for assembly and design for manufacturing the typical product planning ends up before production planning begins, instead of having a unified seamless planning process. This paper presents a new three stage technique to fill the gap between product planning and production. The paper shows how to generate a rigorous production plan by: (1) extending the Bill-of-Materials to include additional required information, (2) constructing an assembly ‘method prototype’ and (3) using the ‘method prototype’ to calculate time standards for executing the assembly. A case study illustrates the proposed technique.     

Closed-form solution for process-induced stresses and deformation of a composite part cured on a solid tool: Part II – Curved geometries

In this study, closed-form expressions are developed that provide insight into the mechanisms that lead to the stress development in curved composite parts undergoing autoclave processing. Despite many assumptions that are made in the course of the analytical development, the closed-form predictions agree well with the more sophisticated finite element results. It is shown that stresses in a curved part develop mainly due to the thermo-chemical strain mismatch between the part and the tool in the tangential and radial directions. The unbalanced moment which causes the deformation due to the thermo-chemical strain mismatch in the tangential direction develops mostly at the early stages (heat-up) of the curing process when the part shear modulus is very low compared to its axial modulus. In contrast, the unbalanced moment due to the thermo-chemical strain mismatch in the radial direction develops mostly at the final stages (cool-down) of the cure cycle when the part shear modulus is relatively high.     

Granular ripples under rotating flow: a new experimental technique for studying ripples in non-rotating, geophysical applications?

A review of our research investigating a new pattern formation process in granular material underlying a rotating fluid is given. The purpose of this summary is to introduce the phenomenon to the geophysical research community and to draw attention to the potential practical benefits of our new experimental method. To this end, the applied and scientific advantages of the technique over traditional studies employing, for instance, water channels, are discussed for the first time. It is shown here that the system rotation in our new technique does not appear to affect the scaling law expressing the dependence of the ripple-pattern wavelength on the governing independent experimental parameters. This suggests that it may become possible to extrapolate appropriate results from rotating to non-rotating systems and, hence, to geophysical environments. Consequently, our new technique may find applications in the context of geophysical research on the formation of sedimentary granular ripple structures.     

Ultra-thin BiFeO3 nanowires prepared by a sol–gel combustion method: an investigation of its multiferroic and optical properties

Perovskite-type polycrystalline BiFeO₃ nanowires, with 150 nm in length and 10 nm in diameter, were synthesized using a sol–gel combustion method at a relative low reactive temperature. The BiFeO₃ nanowires exhibit a remarkably high saturation magnetization of 4.22 emu/g finite coercivity (177 Oe), and a enhanced Mr/Ms value about 0.22, which is independent on the synthesize temperature. The permittivity constant (ε′) and dielectric loss (0.01 at 0.4 MHz) of BiFeO₃ nanowires are very low as compared to reported BiFeO₃ bulk and film. In addition, BiFeO₃ nanowires reveal a wide band gap of 2.5 eV measured from the UV–visible diffuse reflectance spectrum, which may be useful as a photoelectrode material and photocatalytic decomposition of contamination.     

Is an alcohol ignition interlock programme a useful tool for changing the alcohol and driving habits of drink-drivers?

This study evaluates whether the completion of an alcohol ignition interlock programme (AIIP) results in lasting changes of the behaviour of drink drivers and whether such a programme is more effective than a conventional licence revocation followed by an approved doctor's assessment. In Sweden, DWI offenders can voluntarily select a 2-year AIIP in lieu of a 12-month licence revocation. The AIIP includes regular medical checkups designed to alter alcohol use habits. The study has a quasi-experimental design. Two groups of controls were used for comparisons. One with revoked licences, but with no comparable opportunity to participate in an AIIP and another with DWI offenders who had abstained from participating in the AIIP. Significantly more persons were relicensed in the AIIP group 2 and 3 years after the DWI offence. According to the AUDIT scores participants in the AIIP had lower rates of harmful alcohol consumption than compared controls 1 and 3 years after the DWI offence. In the post-treatment period the rate of DWI recidivism was about 60% and the rate of police-reported traffic accidents about 80% lower than during the 5-year period prior to the offence. Among controls being relicensed a similar reduction in traffic accidents, but not in DWI recidivism, was observed. In the post-treatment period sick leave, but not hospital-care utilisation, differed significantly between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: The completion of an AIIP has favourable effects compared to conventional licence revocation and would appear to be a useful tool for attaining lasting changes in the alcohol and driving habits of DWI offenders.     

Individual latent error detection: is there a time and a place for the recall of past errors?

A task carried out in error creates a latent condition that can result in a future undesirable outcome if the error is not detected later. The paper presents a study of the relatively under-researched phenomenon of post-task latent error detection. Focusing on UK naval aircraft maintenance, it was hypothesised that time, location and systems cues influence individual latent error detection amongst naval air engineers who experience the phenomenon. The systems view of human error is combined with a multi-process approach to post-task latent error research, for which findings suggest that distributed cognition across the entire socio-technical system may be influential in post-task latent error detection. Directions for future research will be of benefit to those interested in furthering safety resilience using a systems approach to minimise the consequences arising from latent error.

Relevance to human factors/ergonomics theoryThe nature and extent of post-task latent error detection is explored using a systems approach, for which distributed cognition across the entire socio-technical system appears influential. The aim of current research is to develop interventions to further mitigate for latent errors and thus advance the systems application of ergonomics theory.     

Reasons for and developments in international scientific collaboration: does an Asia–Pacific research area exist from a bibliometric point of view?

This paper describes the different forms of and tries to give reasons for international scientific collaboration in general. It focuses on eleven countries in the Asia–Pacific region by evaluating their national research output with the help of bibliometric indicators in particular. Over two million journal articles published by these countries between 1998 and 2007 in ISI-listed periodicals are analyzed. Discipline-specific publication and citation profiles reveal national strengths and weaknesses in the different research domains. The exponential increase in publication output by China over the last few years is astonishing, but in terms of visibility, i.e. citation rates, China cannot keep up with leading science nations, remaining below the world average. A discipline-specific analysis shows that Chinese authors took an active part in more than a quarter of all articles and reviews published in the field of materials science in 2007, while their contribution to medical research is very low. Co-publication networks among the eleven countries are generated to observe the development of cooperation bonds in the region. Applying Salton’s measure of international collaboration strength, an above-average strengthening of scientific collaboration in the Asia–Pacific region can be observed.     

Electro catalytic oxidation reactions for harvesting alternative energy over non noble metal oxides: Are we a step closer to sustainable energy solution?

Methanol oxidation reaction and oxygen evolution reaction are the two fundamental and bottleneck reactions of methanol and hydrogen economy. Due to cost, slow reaction kinetics and associated poisoning issues with noble metal catalysts, a substantial amount of research have been focused on non-noble metal structured oxides, where the solid state structure coupled with its unique surface properties have demonstrated low overpotentials and high current densities with fascinating chemistry and potential to commercialization. The transition metal oxides with cubic rock salt, spinel and perovskite structures have been the interest of research for many years for methanol oxidation reaction and oxygen evolution reaction. However, in spite of significant studies, there is not a single monograph on compiling and critically comparing the mechanism and performances of these two electrocatalytic oxidation reactions over structured oxides. This review probes the mechanism and efficiency of methanol oxidation reaction and oxygen evolution reaction in light of solid state structures, anionic vacancies, corresponding surface morphologies and electronic configurations of oxide catalysts. An overall critical conclusion is drawn at the end of this article.     

A general method for analyzing moderately large deflections of a non-uniform beam: an infinite Bernoulli–Euler–von Kármán beam on a nonlinear elastic foundation

The present paper concerns a semi-analytical procedure for moderately large deflections of an infinite non-uniform static beam resting on a nonlinear elastic foundation. To construct the procedure, we first derive a nonlinear differential equation of a Bernoulli–Euler–von Kármán “non-uniform” beam on a “nonlinear” elastic foundation, where geometrical nonlinearities due to moderately large deflection and beam non-uniformity are effectively taken into account. The nonlinear differential equation is transformed into an equivalent system of nonlinear integral equations by a canonical representation. Based on the equivalent system, we propose a method for the moderately large deflection analysis as a general approach to an infinite non-uniform beam having a variable flexural rigidity and a variable axial rigidity. The method proposed here is a functional iterative procedure, not only fairly simple but straightforward to apply. Here, a parameter, called a base point of the method, is also newly introduced, which controls its convergence rate. An illustrative example is presented to investigate the validity of the method, which shows that just a few iterations are only demanded for a reasonable solution.     

Effort-reward imbalance at work and driving anger in an Australian community sample: is there a link between work stress and road rage?

Both workplace stress and road rage are reported to be on the increase. This study examined the effort–reward imbalance (ERI) model of work stress and its relationship with general anger and driving anger in a community sample of 130 Australian workers. It also examined international differences in driving anger, with Australian motorists reporting lower levels of driving anger than American motorists but higher levels than British motorists. Hierarchical multiple regressions confirmed ERI increased driving anger via the mediating variables of general anger and overcommitment; individuals suffering ERI may develop increased general anger or overcommitment, in turn increasing propensity to experience driving anger. Regressions also showed that overcommitment (but not general anger) moderated the effect of ERI on driving anger; ERI has a greater influence on increasing driving anger in individuals with high overcommitment at work. The results have considerable implications for the safety and emotional health of individuals who perceive an imbalance between their efforts and rewards at work, and overcommitted individuals may be at greater risk. The wider implications of the relationship between work stress, emotional well-being and driving anger in employees, along with the potential of driver education interventions, are discussed as public health issues.