scholarly journals Preface

2021 ◽  
Vol 2141 (1) ◽  
pp. 011001

2021 3rd Asia Conference on Automation Engineering (ACAE 2021) was held as a virtual event August 27-29, 2021. The conference provided an opportunity to highlight recent developments and to identify emerging and future areas of growth in this exciting field. As coronavirus spreads worldwide, after careful consideration and following some participants’ advices, the organizing committees decided to convert ACAE 2021 into a fully virtual conference. It has been a very difficult decision, but it has also given to all of us an opportunity to innovate and to test a new style of conference in a safer and convenient way in this special period. Researchers from all the world attended the Conference from home and saw the live broadcast of the invited and contributed speeches. The success of the conference is due to the high scientific level of all the contributions as well as to the enthusiasm of all the attendees. The member of the Technical Committee did a precious job in selecting the papers that were accepted for presentation and for inclusion in this book of proceedings among those that were initially submitted. Beside the authors, the attendees and the TC members, we would like to thank members of the organizing committee, anonymous reviewers and volunteers, whose work was fundamental for assuring the smooth running of the Conference. Without their contribution, dedication and commitment, we would not have achieved so much. We hope this success can develop into persistent success in future years, involving attendees and speakers from all corners of the globe and all countries. And we believe with the strong support of all participants, professors, scholars, etc., this conference will be more distinctive. ACAE 2021 Organizing Committee August 27-29, 2021 List of Statement of Peer Review, Conference Committee and this titles are available in this pdf.

Author(s):  
John Lindström ◽  
Claas Hanken

Wearable computing is gaining more and more interest as new “wearables,” intended for both work and leisure, are introduced. This trend brings benefits and challenges; for instance, the potential to improve work processes and issues related to IT management and privacy. The introduction and use of wearable computing provides opportunities to improve and reengineer work processes in organizations but can at the same time introduce alignment problems, as users in organizations may adopt the new technology before organizations are prepared. Further, alignment problems posed by the emerging trend, “Bring Your Own Device” (BYOD), are discussed. In addition, as in the cloud computing area, needed and necessary supportive legal frameworks have not yet fully addressed the new wearable computing technology. In the light of recent developments regarding global intelligence gathering, security and privacy concerns must be given careful consideration. Different alignment concepts for managing security challenges and legal aspects related to wearable computing, such as cultivation, care, hospitality, and care with hospitality, are discussed in the chapter.


2004 ◽  
Vol 57 (5) ◽  
pp. 393 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Garner ◽  
Paul A. Keller ◽  
Adam McCluskey

Corticotrophin Releasing Hormone [CRH; also known as Corticotrophin Releasing Factor (CRF)], a 41-amino-acid hormone, is one of the body’ major modulators of the stress response. CRH coordinates the endocrine, autonomic, and behavioural responses to stress through actions in both the brain and the periphery activating the ‘fight or flight’ response. CRH is also implicated in various neurological disorders including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and anorexia nervosa, and it has been described as a biological clock controlling the length of gestation in humans and other higher-order primates. In the past decade there has been an enormous effort expended in the design and development of new therapeutic agents targetting CRHs in the central nervous and peripheral systems. In this review, we examine the chemistry and recent developments in this exciting field.


2013 ◽  
Vol 778 ◽  
pp. 1041-1048 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Tannert ◽  
Jorge M. Branco ◽  
Mariapaola Riggio

The paper reports on the activities of the RILEM technical committee Reinforcement of Timber Elements in Existing Structures. The main objective of the committee is to coordinate the efforts to improve the reinforcement practice of timber structural elements. Recent developments related to structural reinforcements can be grouped into three categories: (i) addition of new structural systems to support the existing structure; (ii) configuration of a composite system; and (iii) incorporation of elements to increase strength and stiffness. The paper specifically deals with research carried out at the Bern University of Applied Sciences Switzerland (BFH), the University of Minho Portugal (UniMinho), and the University of Trento Italy (UNITN). Research at BFH was devoted to improve the structural performance of rounded dovetail joints by means of different reinforcement methods: i) self-tapping screws, ii) adhesive layer, and iii) a combination of self-tapping screws and adhesive layer. Research at UNITN targeted the use of dry connections for timber-to-timber composites, specifically reversible reinforcement techniques aimed at increasing the load-bearing capacity and the bending stiffness of existing timber floors. At UniMinho, double span continuous glulam slabs were strengthened with fibre-reinforced-polymers. All three examples demonstrate the improved structural performance of timber elements after reinforcing them.


Author(s):  
Jean-François Demonceau

In EN 1994-1, design rules are given for the evaluation of the mechanical properties of structural steel-concrete composite joints (rotational stiffness, resistance and ductility) based on the component method offered in EN 1993-1-8 and adding specific components for composite joints. These rules cover only the situations for the joints subjected to shear forces and hogging moments. However, during the last decades, researches have been conducted on the behaviour of composite joints subjected to different kind of actions such as sagging bending moments, cyclic loadings, combined bending moments and axial loads, elevated temperatures etc. with the objective of improving/extending the rules presently proposed in the Eurocodes design rules. As an outcome of the Technical Committee 11 of the European Convention of Constructional Steelwork (ECCS) dedicated to the behaviour of composite structures, a publication summarising these recent developments and their main outcomes is under finalisation. Within the present paper, it is proposed to highlight these main outcomes which could be seen as proposals for future improvements of the beam-to-column provisions in Eurocodes in general and of Eurocode 4 in particular.


2003 ◽  
Vol 15 (6) ◽  
pp. 581-581
Author(s):  
Hidenori Ishihara ◽  

Micromechatronics has become a key issue in engineering. Robotics and mechatronics are a global concern. Micromechatronics contributes especially to the development of electrical and mechanical systems through miniaturization and advanced functions. Micromechatronics was defined by Prof. Fukuda, Prof. Fujita et. al in the 1980's. In 1980's, Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) was developed in the USA and then expanded to Japan and Germany. In the same time frame, devices based on precious machining technology were miniaturized in Japan and Switzerland as Michromachine. MEMS combines electronics and mechatronics and promotes new-conceptual devices such as intellectual sensors, e.g., pressure and acceleration sensors. Precious machining has improved manufacturing and achieved the find control. Thorough these development, Micromechatronics was born as an integrated technology. This special issue introduces basic technologies and applications of micromechatronics, which includes such vital technologies as mechanical, electric, and electrical engineering, machining, and MEMS. This issue, which features several topics on micromechatronics, will give readers a welcome chance to acquaint themselves with state-of-the-art information on micromechatronics. This issue contains nine technical papers on micro robots, intelligent microsensors, and their applications, together with related letters. It opens with a paper on microsensors by Fujiyoshi et al. and the application of miniaturized motors to a robotic hand by Nishibori et al. Included also are articles on micro robots by Aoyama, Torii, Wakimoto and Guo, work on unique micromanipulation systems by Nakamura et al., and the application of micro units to robotic systems by Yamada et al. Letters discuss objectives and achievements of micro robot contests held in Japan that serve to popularize and disseminate unique mechanisms and new concepts in this exciting field. I am certain this issue will provide readers with information that is both interesting and informative. In closing, I would like to thank the authors, members of the editorial board, and the publisher, without whose hard work and careful consideration this issue would not have been possible.


Antibiotics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 471
Author(s):  
Jorge H. Leitão

The worldwide emergence of microbial resistance to available antibiotics presents a global threat to public health and health systems. This special issue aimed to gather papers describing novel antibiotics, originating form chemical synthesis, repurposing of existent drugs, or from natural sources like plant extracts, herbs and spices. A total of 13 papers were published, covering a wide range of topic, including antimicrobial resistance surveillance studies; synthesis of novel molecules with antimicrobial activities; modification or repurposing of already existing molecules, plant-derived active extracts, and molecules; the effects of antimicrobial therapy on microbiota; and the investigation of novel formulations for human and veterinary uses. After decades of antibiotics discovery decline, antibiotics discovery is boosting. Recent developments of post genomics approaches and bioinformatics tools will most certainly turn the tide in the discovery and development of antimicrobials in this exciting field.


1978 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-66 ◽  
Author(s):  
John L. Mikesell

The routines of property tax assessment practiced by state and local governments differ dramatically among jurisdictions. Regardless of particular routine applied (annual assessment, staggered cyclical assessment, or cyclical mass assessment), units often experience wholesale reassessments, and these events have significant impacts on the property tax base. These assessment periods complicate estimates of secular income elasticity of the tax and can, unless corrected, produce forecasts that have unnecessary errors. This paper presents a method for separation of assessment effects from the influence of income changes, applies the method to a cyclical mass assessment state (Indiana), and examines the effects of reassessment on both assessed values and tax levies. Evidence suggests that much of the observed assessed value response over time is reassessment-related. Further, the evidence indicates that, with flexible property tax rates, reassessments are not used as opportunities for concealed property tax levy increases. The findings provide strong support for careful consideration of assessment policy, along with other institutional features, in local fiscal analysis.


2016 ◽  
Vol 74 (1) ◽  
pp. 220-228 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ludovico Spinosa

Sustainable procedures for sludge/biosolids management require the development of strategies to reduce the amount of sludge to be handled and to produce higher quality biosolids. Therefore, realistic and enforceable regulations adapted to local situations must be developed, defined outlet procedures established and good quality products guaranteed. To this end, the definition of standardized characterization procedures and guidelines for good practices becomes a necessary support to regulations. To contribute to the development of the EU directives dealing with sludge, the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) has established Technical Committee 308 (TC 308) whose scope is the standardization of methods for sludge characterization and the production of guidelines of good practice. In this paper, the most recent developments of the CEN/TC 308 work for the chemical, biological and physical characterization of sludge/biosolids are discussed in relation to the main different treatment and outlet options.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2053 (1) ◽  
pp. 011001

Preface The 1st International Conference of Advanced Research on Renewable Energy for Universal Sustainability 2021 (ARUS2021) was organised by Arus Infiniti Sdn Bhd and supported by Razak Faculty of Technology and Informatics, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). In light of ongoing developments resulting from the COVID-19 globally and after deliberate discussion and thoughtful consideration with our co-organisers and collaborators, we have decided to move our ARUS 2021 Conference to a fully online, virtual experience held on 22-24th June 2021 from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. As much as we wish for a meaningful gathering full of respectable researchers, we cannot overlook the danger the COVID-19 might cause. We firmly believe that this was the safest approach for the well-being of our global participants and audiences. The main objective of the conference is to explore the frontiers of Science, Technology, Engineering and Management in various areas addressing innovative research in the broad field of renewable energy and green technology and discussing and entertaining topics that stretch into the future. It also provides a venue and many opportunities to meet and network with colleagues from this broad field, share personal experiences, and learn from others. We are thrilled that our virtual conference platform makes it possible for the learning opportunities and network engagement to happen during this pandemic in the comfort and safety of their home or office. List of Organising Committee, Advisory Committee, Technical Committee are available in this pdf.


Author(s):  
Bülent Altay ◽  
Mert Topcu

Recent developments in panel data econometrics allow researchers to estimate heterogeneous parameters. Given this novelty, the goal of this paper is to revisit the financial development-economic growth nexus for a panel of 76 developing counties using recent heterogeneous panel time series estimation methods. Findings indicate that results are very volatile across different empirical specifications. Overall, results provide a strong support of a negative impact that banking development on growth. At regional level, however, there is relatively little evidence of such relationship. On the side of the stock market, there is no much indication in favor of stock market-led growth hypothesis either at pooled panel or at regional level.


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