Verification Of Concept Research Articles

Konsument w polityce rozwoju nowego produktu

The knowledge of consumers, their needs, mechanisms of market decisions and kinds of behaviour constitutes the basis for a company’s activity in the market economy. An enterprise that wants to operate and be successful in the market must look at its products through the eyes of the buyers. It should carry out regular assessment of its offer and improve it by adding elements that are important for consumers and eliminating those that are unwanted or insignificant. That is why knowledge of consumer behaviour is the prerequisite for the development of an optimum new product development policy. Familiarity with buyer’s expectations in relation to the company’s offer is the most important factor, since it determines the new product development strategy. This knowledge is essential at each stage of the process: searching for a new product idea, specifying the concept of the product, selection and verification of the product concept, product development and market testing. The author discusses the process of new product development. He points out the importance of information about consumer behaviour and the factors that influence it in the process of new product development. The article presents elements of consumers’ behaviour used in different stages of new product development. The role of various product features in the process of shaping consumer behaviour was also underlined.

Excitation and geometrically matched local encoding of curved slices

In this work, the concept of excitation and geometrically matched local in-plane encoding of curved slices (ExLoc) is introduced. ExLoc is based on a set of locally near-orthogonal spatial encoding magnetic fields, thus maintaining a local rectangular shape of the individual voxels and avoiding potential problems arising due to highly irregular voxel shapes. Unlike existing methods for exciting curved slices based on multidimensional radiofrequency-pulses, excitation and geometrically matched local encoding of curved slices does not require long duration or computationally expensive radiofrequency-pulses. As each encoding field consists of a superposition of potentially arbitrary (spatially linear or nonlinear) magnetic field components, the resulting field shape can be adapted with high flexibility to the specific region of interest. For extended nonplanar structures, this results in improved relevant volume coverage for fewer excited slices and thus increased efficiency. In addition to the mathematical description for the generation of dedicated encoding fields and data reconstruction, a verification of the ExLoc concept in phantom experiments and examples for in vivo curved single and multislice imaging are presented.

Zróżnicowanie ekorozwoju w woj. małopolskim

The paper presents concept verification of the eco-development in powiats in the Małopolskie Voivodship. For this purpose the Regional Development Index was proposed which is based on an aggregation of the Principal Component Analysis results (using the correlation matrix of standardized variables). The values of the development indicator were calculated separately for the area of the socio-economic and the ecological development. The results have been used as the basis for verifying the hypothesis on the balance between social, economic and ecological systems. Development index values were also used to assess the dynamics of development and its prediction in the powiats of the Małopolskie Voivodship.

Strengthening and Rehabilitation of Reinforced Concrete Slabs with Carbon‐Fiber Reinforced Polymers Using a Refined Bond Model

Abstract: Slabs are one of the main load‐bearing elements in nearly every structure. Because of additional live loads or modifications of the building structure these slabs often have to be strengthened. Using externally bonded carbon‐fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) strips to strengthen existing concrete structures has become common practice. One of the main failure modes is the loss of the composite action between the concrete and the CFRP strip making the bond force transfer very important. This bond force transfer depends on many parameters including the concrete strength, the ratio between shear force, and bending moment. A new parameter recently discovered by the Technische Universität München (TUM) is the deflection of the structural elements themselves. Because of this deflection self‐inducted contact pressure occurs. This contact pressure affects a higher bond transfer. The lower effective depth of slabs compared to beams causes higher deflections. In this article, first a few principles on the strengthening with adhesive‐bonded CFRP strips and the characteristics of the bond are explained. Then, the basics of the bond force transfer, at the end anchorage and in the rest of the element, are summarized. Based on these essentials, as well as numerous experiments, the change in the bond force transfer at the structural element caused by the curvature is then derived. With these findings, a complete verification concept is presented, which is ideal for computerized calculations. This verification concept is finally compared to several full‐scale test results presented in pertinent literature.

Risk-based verification of large offshore systems

This paper begins with a very brief review of the current status of offshore safety with particular reference to the UK sector. The risk-based verification concept is then described. Following identification of the research needs, a general risk-based verification framework is proposed with appropriate risk assessment contents incorporated into it. An example is then followed to demonstrate the proposed framework. The Health, Environment and Safety Information System (THESIS) software package is also used to facilitate the implementation of the framework. Finally, both the benefits and the limitations of risk-based verification in offshore applications are highlighted. The emphasis of the paper is focused on industrial applications.

An innovative new product development strategy: The Key success paths approach

Given the rapid changes in the high-tech industry and fierce global competition in the market, shortening the life cycle of a product is necessary. Such a backdrop highlights the role of new product development (NPD). Many studies have explored how the outcomes of NPD projects are affected by key success factors (KSFs). In this paper, we investigated key success paths (KSPs) approach by creating and implementing various combinations of KSFs and NPD outcomes. Specifically, we consider the idea that KSPs drive NPD strategies in achieving high performance in terms of outcomes through multiple combinations that may be based on the competitive advantages of companies and industries. In addition, we apply fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) along with the fs/QCA software tool to analyze the causal relationship between KSFs and NPD outcomes. We obtain multiple results, including verification of the KSP concept. KSPs approach help allocate resources and appropriately enriched information, and should be chosen using a combination of multiple KSFs based on a company’s competitive advantages to successfully attain desired outcomes. Key words: New product development, key success factors, qualitative comparative analysis, fuzzy set theory, key success paths.

An Evolutionary Risk Basis for Differential Treatment of Gains and Losses

This study endogenously generates the asymmetric verification concept of conservatism, using evolutionary biology as a foundation. A producer produces (or hunts) a consumable with a stochastic production technology, and possibly faces a stealer thereafter, who seeks to expropriate the consumable. The producer, for fear of being perceived as weak, will not share her output with the stealer, but will launch an all-out fight. This all-or-nothing gamble demonstrates the producer's convex utility in losses. On the other hand, the optimal choice in production (or hunting) indicates a concave preference in gains. These endogenously derived asymmetric risk-profiles towards gains and losses, when applied to choice theory, generate a demand for higher verifiability standards for probable gains than losses. The model then shows how this preference is modulated by various social and informational configurations of individuals. Our findings explain observed conservatism patterns in a variety of institutional settings.

The Relation between Physiological Parameters and the Anxiety State in Competitive Men Handball Players During Official Competitions

Problem statement: The aim of this study was to examine the blood biochemical and physiological changes that occur during competitions in elite handball players-men in a specific kind of anxiety state. The grounding, elaboration, verification and evaluation of a scientific concept based on psychological, physiological and biochemical guidance of the effort in competitive handball in order to generalize it at national level, imply the following: Establishing if and in which measure, the stress factors that act upon handball players during the official competition influence the modification dynamics of certain physiological factors being in direct correlation with effort capacity and focusing on the capacity of influencing, controlling and directing the stress factors in the sense of obtaining certain physiological parameters values necessary for a great performance. The research has emphasized the fact that this method of studying the factors that intervene in obtaining performances in handball is not yet applied on a national level, this aspect not being a priority for the specialty federation representatives, although this kind of collaboration with specialists from other fundamental areas, associated with competitive sports, has given world-wide remarkable results in other sports. Approach: The selected subjects for the experiment were male handball players in the Internal Championship-Romanian National League-male. Our experiment focused on each team’s ten most valuable players (The first seven title players and the first three most valuable reserves), resulting 50 subjects from the male teams. The selection criterion was number of times they played as title players in the Romanian Championship games, their participation in centralized training sessions with the Romanian representative teams, as well as their play in the Romanian National Team. Blood samples were drawn 3 min after finishing the match in order to determine pH, oxygen partial Pressure (PO2), carbon dioxide partial pressure (PCO2), concentration of Hydrogen Carbonate (HCO3-), Base Excess (BE), Standard Base Excess (SBE), Standard Bicarbonate (SBC), Lactic Acid (LA) and relation SBC/HCO3-(R). Conclusion/Recommendations: After match all parameters studied changed their value significantly (p<0.001) in all teams. These results demonstrate that handball demanding in a highly aerobic with a considerable anaerobic component (as in official competition) requiring high lactate tolerance. Training programmed should reflect these demands placed on players during competitive matchplay. The purpose of this study was accomplished, confirming some of theories in the sportive from a psychological point of view of approaching the sportive competitions. Data can represent a starting point in thorough study of the handball coaching principles.

An Electrically Large Metallic Cavity Antenna With Circular Polarization for Satellite Applications

An electrically large metallic cavity antenna with circular polarization (CP) is proposed in this letter. The aim is to increase the size of satellite antennas working in the Ku-band and other higher-frequency bands through low cost and easy fabrication. A brass C-band antenna prototype is designed, fabricated, and measured for concept verification. The overall dimensions of the antenna are 0.67λ <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">0</sub> × 0.67λ <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">0</sub> × 0.83λ <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">0</sub> at the working frequency. The resonant mode of the proposed cavity antenna is excited by a coaxial feeding probe, and circular polarization is realized by an inserted perturbation screw. The measured impedance bandwidth for | <i xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">S</i> <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">11</sub> | ≤ -10 dB and 3-dB axial-ratio bandwidth are 1.02 GHz (6.07-7.09 GHz) and 320 MHz (6.59-6.91 GHz), respectively. The measured gain is 8.5 dBic across the whole 3-dB axial-ratio bandwidth. The measured 3-dB axial-ratio beamwidths at the central frequency are 150 <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">°</sup> and 148 <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">°</sup> in the <i xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">xoz</i> - and the <i xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">yoz</i> -planes, respectively, which is wide enough to cover the >; 0-dBi gain beamwidths of 120 <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">°</sup> for practical engineering applications. The measured and the simulated results show good agreement.

Non-invasive acceleration-based methodology for damage detection and assessment of water distribution system

This paper presents the results of a pilot study and verification of concept of a novel methodology for damage detection and assessment of water distribution system. The unique feature of the proposed noninvasive methodology is the use of accelerometers installed on the pipe surface, instead of pressure sensors that are traditionally installed invasively. Experimental observations show that a sharp change in pressure is always accompanied by a sharp change of pipe surface acceler- ation at the corresponding locations along the pipe length. Therefore, water pressure-monitoring can be transformed into acceleration-monitoring of the pipe surface. The latter is a significantly more economical alternative due to the use of less expensive sensors such as MEMS (Micro-Electro- Mechanical Systems) or other acceleration sensors. In this scenario, monitoring is made for Maximum Pipe Acceleration Gradient (MPAG) rather than Maximum Water Head Gradient (MWHG). This pa- per presents the results of a small-scale laboratory experiment that serves as the proof of concept of the proposed technology. The ultimate goal of this study is to improve upon the existing SCADA (Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition) by integrating the proposed non-invasive monitoring technique to ultimately develop the next generation SCADA system for water distribution systems.

Ultrawideband Antennas for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Navigator Techniques

Due to its high appreciation for medical diagnostics worldwide, recent developments in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) aim at adding the capability of creating focused images of moving objects. Among the potential navigator techniques required for such an improved MRI is ultrawideband (UWB) radar. We have studied the performance of UWB antennas for biomedical imaging inside the 3-Tesla MRI system at PTB Berlin. The strong static and time variant magnetic fields give rise to severe mechanical and electrical interactions due to the induced electromagnetic forces. On the other side, the high magnetic field homogeneity required for MR scans can also be affected adversely by the presence of the UWB antennas. The requirements resulting for the design of MRI compatible antennas have been identified and implemented in terms of a novel type of double-ridged horn antennas. We describe the general design strategy and the successful experimental verification of the antenna concept as well as biomedical results achieved with a combination of both UWB and MRI systems.

Information acquisition for modelling and simulation of logistics networks

Design, organisation and management of Large Logistics Networks (LLN) usually involve model-based analyses of the networks. The usefulness of such an analysis highly depends on the quality of the input data, which of course should be best possible to capture the real circumstances. In this paper, an advanced procedure model for a structured, goal- and task-oriented information and data acquisition for the model-based analyses of LLN is proposed. This procedure model differs from other approaches by focussing on information acquisition rather than solely on data acquisition, and by employing a consequent verification and validation concept. All steps of the procedure model—Goal Setting, Information Identification, Preparation of Information and Data Collection, Information and Data Collection, Data Recording, Data Structuring, Statistical Data Analysis, Data Usability Test—are described and exemplified for a network of air-freight-flow.

Breath Analyzer for Alcolocks and Screening Devices

<para xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> Alcolocks and alcohol screening devices are becoming commonplace, and their use is expected to grow rapidly with cost reduction and improved usability. A new breath analyzer prototype is demonstrated, with the prospects of eliminating the mouthpiece, reducing expiration time and volume, improving long-term stability, and reducing life cycle cost. Simultaneous <formula formulatype="inline"> <tex Notation="TeX">${\hbox {CO}}_{2}$</tex></formula> measurements compensate for the sample dilution and unsaturated expiration. Infrared transmission spectroscopy is used for both the alcohol and <formula formulatype="inline"> <tex Notation="TeX">${\hbox {CO}}_{2}$</tex></formula> measurement, yet the entire system is contained within a small handheld unit. Experimental results are reported on the device sensitivity, linearity, resolution, and influence from varying measuring distance. The correlation between early and full-time sampling was established in 60 subjects. Basic concept verification was obtained, whereas resolution and selectivity still needs to be improved. Further improvements are expected by system optimization and integration. </para>

5.1.2 A Study on effective Design Review of Urban MAGLEV Program case

AbstractTo reduce the risk of failure in a project of development of complex system, clear definition and verification of system requirements (SR) are very important. It is known that around 50% of project failures are originated to the failure of SR. Therefore, SR should be verified by reviewing design in each development stages. To perform the design reviews (DRs) effectively, the verification concept for the SR should be established in the view of system integration and adequate tools or templates for DR should be prepared. In this paper, a template for effective DR on large complex system is suggested, with references to the Urban MAGLEV Development Program in Korea.

Experimental verification of the reversibility window concept in binary As-Se glasses subjected to a long-term physical aging

Physical aging effects caused by prolonged natural storage $(\ensuremath{\sim}22\text{ }\text{years})$ in binary ${\text{As}}_{x}{\text{Se}}_{100\ensuremath{-}x}$ glasses are probed by temperature-modulated differential scanning calorimetry. It is shown that all aged samples with $x&lt;40$ reveal nonzero out-of-phase component of complex heat flow testifying physical aging effect. The first composition, which can be attributed to a so-called self-organized phase characterized by the absence of natural physical aging effect, is the stoichiometric ${\text{As}}_{2}{\text{Se}}_{3}$ glass; lack of aging within the so-called reversibility window, $28&lt;x&lt;38$, is not found. High-resolution x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy fails to show any evidence of fourfold-coordinated As atoms, which is consistent with the aging ability of glasses with $x&lt;40$.

Concept Verification of Three-Layer DOI Detectors for Small Animal PET

Improved spatial resolution without sacrificing sensitivity is one of the most challenging developmental goals for small animal PET scanners. The 3-layer configuration that we propose here utilizes relative offsets of half a crystal pitch in x- and y-directions, and pulse shape discrimination to obtain depth of interaction (DOI). Three layers of crystals with a dimension 1.5 x 1.5 x 7.0 mm3 were composed of a L0.2 GSO (Lu0.4 Gd1.6 SiO4: Ce) crystal layer and a L0.9 GSO (Lu1.8 Gd0.2 SiO4 Ce) crystal layer aligned with each other, and a L0.9 GSO crystal layer offset at half a crystal pitch in x- and y-directions. The L0.9 GSO crystal layer was attached to a Hamamatsu H9500 flat-panel PMT. The devised small animal PET scanner has a diameter of 84 mm with one detector ring, and can be upgraded to two detector rings. GEANT4 Monte-Carlo simulation was used to estimate sensitivities of ~12% and ~20%, respectively, at the center of one and two PMT ring system with an energy window of 350~750 keV. We present flood images with peak-to-valley ratios of about 5-6 obtained using 22Na and layer identification capability of ~99 % with pulse shape analysis, and verified the basic concepts of multi-layer small animal PET.

Creativity and speed of information processing: A double dissociation involving elementary versus inhibitory cognitive tasks

We hypothesized that differential focusing of attention mediates the relationship between creative potential and speed of information processing. Supporting our predictions, we found that the greater a person’s creative potential the faster his or her reaction times were on a simple task not involving interference (concept verification task), but the slower his or her reaction times were on a task requiring the inhibition of interfering information (negative priming). Our results replicate with Russian high school students of both sexes findings by Vartanian, Martindale, and Kwiatkowski (2007) for American male college students.

航空機推進用外周駆動ファンに関する実験および解析

An experimental and analytical investigation for a newly proposed electromagnetic-driven fan concept is described. Environmental friendliness in aviation is a key feature in the development of future air-breathing engines, and a desirable technology to be introduced is an electromagnetic motion fan system, because it will tremendously reduce the total operating emission, reduce weight, increase maintainability and increase energy efficiency. The proposed fan concept has a potential to satisfy the requirements and also possess many other applications such as vector thrust operation. The present paper shows the result of the testing of a concept verification model and the result revealed the importance of the controlling parameters to produce efficient power transmission. The accompanying analytical result further explains the motion mechanisms and gives suggestions for the novel design of the fan system.

Improving decision making by simulating and visualizing geometrical variation in non-rigid assemblies

Customer demands on quality appearance as well as economical demands for shorter development time are increasing. Virtual concept verification is, therefore, becoming more and more important since an increasing number of decisions are based on digital models. This paper discusses visual quality appearance and presents the concept of geometrical and visual sensitivity along with tools for analysis and evaluation. Especially, a tool for non-rigid variation simulation and visualization is presented. It allows manufacturing and assembly deformations to be visualized with high level of realism long before any physical prototypes are being made. Different design concepts can thereby be compared in realistic environments. The quality of decisions based on digital models can thereby be improved.

Creative potential, attention, and speed of information processing

Despite the conceptual overlap between intelligence and creativity, little systematic work exists on the link between creativity and speed of information processing. We hypothesized that differential focusing of attention determines the relationship between creative potential and speed of information processing. Supporting our predictions, we found negative correlations between creative potential and reaction time on tasks not involving interference (Hick Task, Concept Verification Task), but positive correlations between creative potential and reaction time on tasks requiring the inhibition of interfering information (Negative Priming, Global Precedence). This pattern of results suggests that the relation between creative potential and reaction time is a function of the differential focusing of attention.