Industrial Research Centers Research Articles

AN EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH TO CALIBRATE A FORCE-TORQUE SENSOR USING A NEURAL NETWORK

The force and torque sensor is a tool widely used in industrial processes and research centers where data need to be obtained with high accuracy. To use the sensor is needed a specific data acquisition board, as well as appropriate software. In addition, a specific calibration for different types of plates is required. This paper aims to calibrate a force and torque sensor, using neural networks in a universal manner, where the reproduction of the neural network for calibration of any sensor in other data acquisition boards is possible, apart from using a different software recommended by manufacturer. To perform the experiments, we used a sensor force and torque, Gamma model 3805 of ATI Industrial Automation, a data acquisition board (National Instruments myDAQ ©) and a pulley system for the distribution of weights between the axes of the sensor. To acquire the data we used the Labview software. For the modeling of neural network, we used a specific Matlab software toolbox. The experiment was conducted by placing loads with different values in known positions, so that the forces and torques along the three axes, have had predefined values. After this procedure was collected data voltage to the weights defined. These measures served to feed the neural network developed in Matlab. The partial results obtained were satisfactory and the neural network, tested with experimental data presented minimum values of mean and degree of accuracy close to one. Work is in progress and we intend to conduct a new experiment using the measurements of the sensor in the control loop of a robotic manipulator.

Quais lutas sindicais são possíveis contra os danos à saúde dos trabalhadores qualificados?

Nos últimos quinze anos, a saúde no trabalho tem recebido atenção constante no debate social francês, particularmente após a cobertura da mídia sobre suicídios que ocorreram em grandes empresas como Renault, EDF, France Telecom e La Poste. Neste contexto, os atores sindicais são mais do que nunca interpelados sobre estas questões: eles não são apenas levados a negociar acordos sobre o tema, a debater nas instâncias representativas das categorias profissionais e a construir ações dentro de suas próprias organizações, mas também são chamados a responder, em um nível mais local, às crescentes demandas dos trabalhadores que enfrentam problemas de saúde relacionados ao seu trabalho. Este artigo propõe-se a examinar suas ações nessa área, com base em uma pesquisa realizada desde 2012 em um centro de pesquisa industrial. Para dar conta de sua história, suas práticas e experiências, são mobilizadas cerca de vinte entrevistas com representantes dos trabalhadores pertencentes a várias organizações, uma dúzia de entrevistas com membros da equipe de direção, médicos do trabalho, membros de departamentos de RH, funcionários e observações diretas das reuniões do Comitê de Empresa (CE).

PROBLEMS OF ANALYTICAL CONTROL IN PRODUCTION OF RARE AND PRECIOUS METALS

The article focuses on one of the important issues in rare and precious metals industry development – analytical control. It reviews the current state, importance, problems and prospects for analytical control development as an integral part of the rare and precious metal production and product quality assurance. Modern analytical control methods are described, namely atomic spectral, mass spectral, X-ray fluorescent and combined ones as well as their rational applications. It is shown that scientific and technological progress is inextricably linked with a drastic increase in the nomenclature of materials based on rare and precious metals and higher requirements for their quality. This will require creating new and improving existing analytical control methods, their standardization and metrological support. This work should involve research organizations in theRussianAcademy of Sciences, universities, industry research centers with research laboratories that have survived in the country after theSoviet Union dissolution, as well as promote plant research activities. It is necessary to effectively use the achievements of advanced analytical laboratories abroad, participate in international comparative tests. At the same time, special attention is paid to unsolved problems – scientifically justified statement of requirements for new types of products based on rare and precious metals; development and metrological assessment of sampling methods; development of high-quality metrological support for analytical control of rare and precious metal production; improvement of analytical methods; standardization of analytical methods; accreditation of analytical laboratories; training of highly qualified analytical chemists.

Guest Editorial Wireless Sensing Circuits and Systems for Healthcare and Biomedical Applications

The rapid advancement of radio-frequency (RF), infrared, and optical technologies has enabled many wireless-sensing approaches for novel biomedical applications, such as implantable medical devices, characterization of biological materials, wireless neural prostheses, non-contact health monitoring, and remote-human-motion classification. Some applications entered human daily life shortly after their invention, significantly improving the productivity and life quality in our society. Some emerging applications have shown great potential to benefit the wellbeing of humans but are still under development to overcome technical challenges and incorporate human-factor considerations. With solutions ranging from sensor-on-chip to bench top systems, biomedical wireless sensing has drawn enormous interests from researchers and practitioners in private organizations, academic institutions, and industrial research centers.

Protecting Scientists from Gordon Gekko: How Organizations Use Hybrid Spaces to Engage with Multiple Institutional Logics

Previous work on institutional complexity has discussed two solutions that organizations internally deploy when externally engaging with multiple institutional logics: blended hybrids, in which logics are combined throughout the organization, and structural hybrids, in which different logics dominate in different compartments within the organization. While blended hybrids have been extensively investigated, few studies have examined how structural hybrids are constructed and maintained. We address this imbalance by studying university–industry research centers as instances of distinct organizational spaces used to engage with a minority logic. We found that these spaces require three kinds of work: (a) leveraging, where dominant logic practices are drawn on to achieve minority logic objectives; (b) hybridizing, where the practices inside the space are modified to allow engagement with the minority logic; and (c) bolstering, where the space is shielded against excessive minority logic influence and anchored back into the organization. Furthermore, contrary to the existing literature, we found that the spaces were hybrid, rather than being dominated by a single logic. Our finding is likely generalizable across many instances of structural hybrids given the integration problems that organizations with pure single logic spaces would face, combined with the usefulness of hybrid spaces. Our study is novel in revealing the work needed to sustain hybrid spaces and questioning the previously held conceptualization of structural hybrids as made up of single-logic compartments. The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.2018.1228 .

Knowledge networks and their role in shaping the relations within the Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System in the agroenergy sector. The case of biogas in Tuscany (Italy)

This paper presents an analysis of the knowledge retrieval networks behind the adoption of farm biogas in an area of Mediterranean Europe featuring arable farming systems. The overarching objective of the analysis is to help and understand the interplay between biogas adopters and the stakeholders of the Agricultural Knowledge and Innovations System (AKIS). Specifically, the paper proposes an application of social network analysis that aims at bringing out the influence of knowledge exchanged within the system on adopters' business decisions, as well as adopters' contribution to knowledge upgrading. Social network analysis focuses on the estimation of three network attributes (cohesion, knowledge co-creation, and brokerage) using primary data, collected in 2015 via questionnaire to plant adopters. Self-education, upstream industry, agronomists, farmer/biogas unions, university, public-funded projects, and public research centers are AKIS’ stakeholders, which adopters turn to when seeking for information and/or know-how. Upstream industry is the most influential node and the one that can help knowledge diffusion across adopters, regardless of their background. Self-accessible resources are major providers of information at the adoption-decision stage. The networks are centralized on self-education tools, while upstream industry and the Research Center on Animal Productions are the brokers. Policy intervention aimed at improving AKIS in the biogas sector should involve the upstream industry in decision-making, while considering the duality of self-accessible information vs. physical advisors. This paper shows evidence from a region where public incentives have allowed biogas diffusion, despite the region not being intrinsically suitable for it. Study findings may be useful for policy-makers and researchers who deal with the prevention, or mitigation, of the negative externalities of land use change via the promotion of informed technology diffusion.

The Effect of Chitosan Dosage Againts Liquid Waste Water Color on "Oriens Handicraft" Sasirangan Home Industry, Landasan Ulin

The growth of sasirangan fabricated prodution has brought positive impact on the welfare of Banjarnese people. On the other hand, it also have negative impacts in the form environmental pollution as a result of sasirangan industrial liquid waste disposal without any proper treatment proccess. This study aims to determine the effect of chitosan dosage againts liquid waste water color on "Oriens Handicraft" sasirangan home industry. This is an experimental study, the test was conducted in the chemistry laboratory of environmental health department while the color level examination conducted at the Banjarbaru Industrial Standardization and Research Center. One way anova test with α = 0,05% was used for analyzed the data while chitosan regression statistic test with 84% deacetylation degree can be utilized as coagulant material for environmentally friendly sasirangan wastewater treatment with dose variation from 600, 650,700, 750 untill to 800 mg / lt. The highest color concentration eduction occurred at 750 mg / lt doses with 50,5% reduction and the lowest control at 650 mg/lt dose by 43%. The results showed that there were significant differences between color level and chitosan dose. Therefore, the government needs to play a significant role in sasirangan liquid waste treatment by using natural and environmentally friendly coagulant materials such as chitosan.

Conceptual Model of Innovation Capability in Industrial and Academic Research Centers: A Systematic Review

Innovation capability has a multi-dimensional structure and the aggregate resultant performance of these dimensions would bring about the organizational success. The main aim of this study is to introduce a conceptual model of innovation capability in industrial and academic research centers. This paper is a systematic review of the papers published in the field of innovation capability dimension in industrial and academic R&D centers (especially medical sciences universities). The authors have used the standard guideline of systematic review (PRISMA). For this paper, more than 200 full-text articles published between 2000 and 2016 in valid scientific research journals were studied. Based on the conducted study, the innovation capability dimensions and their relationships in two internal and external dimensions were plotted in a conceptual model framework. On the basis of the reviewed studies, six intra-organizational capacities, the management and leadership, organizational resources, knowledge and information management, R&D, organizational culture and the organizational intangible aspects capacity, and two extra-organizational capacities, the environmental capacity of the organization and the extra-organizational relationships and interactions, effective in organization's innovation capability have been determined.

Salim-Eisa Method for Modification of Evaporation Test (British Pharmacopeia) by Sudanese Essential Oils

The experiment was conducted in Processing Department, Food Industries Institute, Industrial Research and Consultancy Centre, Khartoum, Sudan to modify Evaporation Test Method of Essential Oil time from 24hours as in British Pharmacopeia to 5-50minutes. Oils extracted from five chosen Sudanese essential oils bearing plants namely Boswellia sp. (Olibanium), Cympobogon citraus (Lemon grass), Mentha spicata (Spearmint), Eucalyptus camaldulensis (Camphorl), Cympobogon proximis (Camel’s hay) and one imported Clove buds (Syzygium aromaticum) by hydro distillation according to British Pharmacopeia. The 6 oils were spotted (2mg from each) in filtered papers to form greasy spot and enforced to evaporate under airforced oven at temperatures of 60°C, 70°C, 80°C, 90°C and 100°C consequently. The results obtained showed that the volatilization time was decreased with an increase in temperature from 60°C to 100°C. Evaporation time at 60°C was ranging between 30- 50 minutes according to the nature of the essential oil. The minimum evaporation time of essential oil was recorded at 100°C range in a period of just 5-15minutes depending on the oil obtained from different plants. In conclusion under all temperature levels of evaporation the greasy spots of essential oil were disappeared by evaporation and the greasy spot of fixed oil remained.

Acceptability and Efficacy of Locally Produced Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food Nutreal in the Management of Severe Acute Malnutrition in Comparison With Defined Food

Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) is a salient health problem in India. Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) Research and Analysis Centre, New Delhi, prepared nutreal equivalent to ready-to-use therapeutic food by World Health Organization (WHO) for the management of SAM and defined food like homemade diet. To compare acceptability and efficacy of nutreal over defined food for the management of SAM. One hundred twelve children aged less than 5 years with SAM were enrolled as per the standard of WHO. Children were randomized into 2 groups to receive nutreal (n = 56) and defined food (n = 56) in unlimited amounts for 42 consecutive days and extended by 2 weeks as per demand. Calorie and protein intake, weight, and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) were recorded daily. Age range was 8 to 45 months. Ninety-three percent of children eagerly accepted nutreal but 7% does not. Whereas in the defined food group, 68% accepted eagerly, 30% did not accept eagerly, and 1.8% accepted poorly ( P = .004). At enrollment, mean weight in the nutreal group was 6.44 ± 1.60 kg and in the defined food group was 8.69 ± 1.76 kg, with MUAC in the nutreal group being 11.12 ± 0.47 cm and in the defined food group being 11.54 ± 0.34 cm. Mean weight in the nutreal and defined food groups at eighth week of intervention was 7.97 ± 1.8 kg and 9.71 ± 1.8 kg ( P < .001), respectively. Mid-upper arm circumference at eighth week was 12.10 ± 0.29 cm in the nutreal group and 12.49 ± 0.50 cm in the defined group ( P < .001). Acceptability, mean weight gain, and MUAC in the nutreal group are greater than the defined food.

Final report on AFRIMETS comparison of liquid in glass thermometer calibrations from −35 °C to 250 °C

A Regional Metrology Organization (RMO) supplementary comparison of liquid in glass thermometer (AFRIMETS.T-S5) was carried out by the National Metrology Institute of South Africa (NMISA), Zimbabwe Scientific & Industrial Research & Development Centre—National Metrology Institute (SIRDC-NMI), Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS), Botswana Bureau of Standards (BOBS), Namibian Standards Institute (NSI), Mauritius Standards Bureau (MSB) and Seychelles Bureau of Standards (SBS) between January and September 2016. The temperature range of the inter comparison is −35 °C to 250 °C. The results of this comparison are reported here, along with descriptions of the Artefacts used. This report also presents the uncertainty budget of each participant. The results are analysed and normalized error (En) values are reported.Main textTo reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCT, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).

滋賀県東北部工業技術センター

滋賀県東北部工業技術センター

Research and design of the moving system for the cobalt-60 industrial irradiator

On the way of localization of Cobalt-60 industrial irradiators, Research and Development Center for Radiation Technology (VINAGAMMA) has successfully designed and manufactured the first version of Co-60 industrial irradiator, VINAGA1. The second version of Co-60 industrial irradiator has been studied and designed by VINAGAMMA in the frame of the scientific project No. ĐTCB.02/15/TTNCTK. The nucleus of a Co-60 industrial irradiator is a mechanical system inside an irradiation room namely a tote box moving system. This report presents the tote box moving system designed by VINAGAMMA. The tote box moving system contains 52 tote boxes with the dimensions of 50 cm (w) × 70 cm (l) × 150 cm (h) that are moving around the source racks in the manner of 4 passes and 2 levels. The irradiator with this tote box moving system has good specifications: The minimum time of an irradiation cycle is 1h 20 min. and the dose uniformity ratio (DUR) at the product densities of 0.1 g/cm3 and 0.5 g/cm3 is 1.4 and 1.8, respectively. Radiation energy utilization efficiency at the product densities of 0.1 g/cm3 and 0.5 g/cm3 is 19.7% and 48.8%, respectively. These specifications meet the requirements for a multi-purpose Co-60 industrial irradiator and the present irradiation requirements in Vietnam.

An entropy-based analysis of the relationship between the DOW JONES Index and the TRNA Sentiment series

ABSTRACTThis article features an analysis of the relationship between the DOW JONES Industrial Average (DJIA) Index and a sentiment news series using daily data obtained from the Thomson Reuters News Analytics (TRNA) provided by SIRCA (The Securities Industry Research Centre of the Asia Pacific). The recent growth in the availability of on-line financial news sources, such as internet news and social media sources provides instantaneous access to financial news. Various commercial agencies have started developing their own filtered financial news feeds which are used by investors and traders to support their algorithmic trading strategies. TRNA is one such data set. In this study, we use the TRNA data set to construct a series of daily sentiment scores for DJIA stock index component companies. We use these daily DJIA market sentiment scores to study the relationship between financial news sentiment scores and the stock prices of these companies using entropy measures. The entropy and mutual information (MI) statistics permit an analysis of the amount of information within the sentiment series, its relationship to the DJIA and an indication of how the relationship changes over time.

Determination of Radiation Shielding Properties of Cotton Polyester Blend Fabric Coated with Different Barite Rate

Determination of Radiation Shielding Properties of Cotton Polyester Blend Fabric Coated with Different Barite Rate S. Kilincarslana,∗, I. Akkurt, I.S. Uncu and F. Akarslan Natural and Industrial Building Materials Application and Research Centre, Suleyman Demirel University, 32260, Isparta, Turkey Department of Physics, Faculty of Arts & Sciences, Suleyman Demirel University, 32260, Isparta, Turkey Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Faculty of Technology, Suleyman Demirel University, 32260, Isparta, Turkey Department of Textile Engineering, Engineering Faculty, Suleyman Demirel University, 32260, Isparta, Turkey

Advanced degrees in astronautical engineering for the space industry

Ten years ago in the summer of 2004, the University of Southern California established a new unique academic unit focused on space engineering. Initially known as the Astronautics and Space Technology Division, the unit operated from day one as an independent academic department, successfully introduced the full set of degrees in Astronautical Engineering, and was formally renamed the Department of Astronautical Engineering in 2010. The largest component of Department׳s educational programs has been and continues to be its flagship Master of Science program, specifically focused on meeting engineering workforce development needs of the space industry and government space research and development centers. The program successfully grew from a specialization in astronautics developed in mid-1990s and expanded into a large nationally-visible program. In addition to on-campus full-time students, it reaches many working students on-line through distance education. This article reviews the origins of the Master׳s degree program and its current status and accomplishments; outlines the program structure, academic focus, student composition, and enrollment dynamics; and discusses lessons learned and future challenges.

Creating innovative opportunities through research collaboration: An evolutionary framework and empirical illustration in engineering

This paper analyses the creation of innovative opportunities through research collaborations. It contributes by (i) providing an evolutionary conceptual framework for the formation and exploitation of innovative opportunities through research collaboration; and by (ii) providing an empirical illustration of this framework by applying it to a case study of firms׳ research collaboration taking place in university–industry research centers in engineering. The evolutionary framework developed specifically focuses on the generation of novelty and variety and on selection pressures as key for the creation of opportunities. It also emphasizes the differences between small and large firms when it comes to role of research collaboration for opportunity creation. Empirically, we illustrate that firms in general focus more on the generation of variety in the form of (fundamental) knowledge, than on research collaboration leading directly to the formation and exploitation of opportunities. For large firms, the focus is rather to transfer this created variety back to the firm, to use for inputs into the in-house creation of opportunities. In contrast, small firms focus instead on using research collaboration to generate and develop knowledge about customer needs in order to create market opportunities, especially through networking with large firms participating in the collaboration.

Electrical Machine Topologies: Hottest Topics in the Electrical Machine Research Community

Electrical machines are generating and using most of the electrical energy converted worldwide from fossil fuels or renewable sources. An optimized electrical machine means not only less input energy used but also higher electromechanical energy available as output. This is translated into getting more with less and having an impact on the total amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere, thus mitigating global warming. Benefiting from the latest developments in the electrical machine field are various industries such as electric propulsion [new electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid EVs (HEVs)], renewable energy harvesting, consumer applications, and military and aerospace products. This article brings together the contributions from several authors working in academia and industrial research and development centers and comprises a collection of short analyses dedicated to the hottest topics in the electrical machine research community. The article focuses on special and difficult problems to be solved in the design process of the most important electrical machine topologies. The topics discussed cover new machine topologies such as fractional slot winding motors and synchronous reluctance motors; electromagnetic, mechanical, and thermal problems in permanent magnet (PM) machines design; operation of high-speed machines and high-power turbo generators; noise and vibration reduction in switched reluctance motors (SRMs) for automotive applications; high-efficiency induction machines (IMs) configurations compatible with the new international standard and a comprehensive analysis of universal motors (UMs).

Electrical Vehicle Batteries Testing in a Distribution Network Using Sustainable Energy

EV technologies are still relatively new and under strong development. Many different designs and choices of technologies have been pursued by the automotive OEMs, battery industry and EV research centers. Although some standardized solutions are being promoted and becoming a new trend, there is an outstanding need for common platforms and sharing of knowledge and core technologies. This paper presents the development of a test platform, including three Li-ion batteries designed for EV applications and three associated bi-directional power converters, for testing impacts on different advanced loadings of EV batteries. The aim of the tests has been to study the impact of smart charging and fast charging on the power system, on the battery state of health and degradation, and to find out the limitations of the batteries for a Smart Grid. The paper outlines the advantages and disadvantages of both tests in terms of regulation of the aggregated local power, power capacity and the power exchange with the grid.

Methodology for User-Centered Innovation in Industrial Living Lab

In the last years the Living Labs (LLs) approach is becoming really important to test new products/services in real-life settings. Following the perspective of user-centered innovation emerged by the critical review of the existing international LLs’ methodologies, this paper describes how, in the Living Lab related to KHIRA research project, research activities and innovation are integrated, according to a public-private-person partnership (PPPP), to develop innovation processes, participated and user-centered, in the industrial sector. The LL related to KHIRA research project involves several users categories: industrial partners, universities and research centers, SMEs belonging to Apulian manufacturing industry, public administrations, and other users. A heterogeneous users’ community can produce new ideas of products and services oriented to solve real industrial problems as those related to the product life-cycle management (PLM) in complex manufacturing environments. Purpose of this study is to present a methodology that can be used in the industrial LLs aimed at developing new products/services in complex environments, bridging the existing gap between the LLs’ activities management and those aimed to develop user-centered innovation.