Multi Model Technology and Its Application in the Integration of CAD/CAM/CAE

The globalization and the intensive competition of th e automotive market require shortening the product development cycle, improving the quality and reducing the cost. Optimizing the product development process, b uilding product’s consistent defining model for life cycle, and realizing the in tegration of CAD/CAM/CAE and Concurrent Engineering (CE) become the means to acc ept the challenge. A new product modeling technology, Multi Model Technology (MM T), is provided in this paper to meet the needs of the challenge for automotive powertrain product development. First, the paper introduces the concept of Multi Model Technology. MMT introduce s Object-oriented Technology (OT) into product modeling process and combine OT with feature-based modeling technology. With the help of OT, MMT builds product object model to support system level management in product development. The obj ect model of the product is a Multi Model Structure. The MMS consists of finish part model level (assembly model level), rough part model level (part model leve l), function model level and basic model level. Every models in the MMS is creat ed by feature-based technology in design process. In this case, models in the M MS of product can be shared by casting mould, sand core and sand core mould. The refore, CAD engineers, CAE engineers and CAM engineers can work concurrently and the integration of CAD/CAM/CAE can be realized. Second, MMT is applied in cylinder head development. The multi model structures of cylinder head, its casting mould, sand core and sand core mould are built, an d the process-oriented feature models of every objects in the multi model struc tures are modeled, the application of different model objects in development pro cess is analyzed. The integrated modeling technology of cylinder head, its casti ng mould, sand core and sand core mould under MMT is studied. And the concurrent engineering oriented integration method of CAD/CAE and the method to realize th e integration of CAD/CAE under MMT are also discussed. Based on above, the integ ration of CAD/CAM/CAE of cylinder head is realized in automotive powertrain prod uct. The practice results shows that the modeling technology in this paper can optimi ze the development process, realize the data sharing and concurrent engineering in the product development process.

Hydraulic metal structure health diagnosis based on data mining technology

In conjunction with association rules for data mining, the connections between testing indices and strong and weak association rules were determined, and new derivative rules were obtained by further reasoning. Association rules were used to analyze correlation and check consistency between indices. This study shows that the judgment obtained by weak association rules or non-association rules is more accurate and more credible than that obtained by strong association rules. When the testing grades of two indices in the weak association rules are inconsistent, the testing grades of indices are more likely to be erroneous, and the mistakes are often caused by human factors. Clustering data mining technology was used to analyze the reliability of a diagnosis, or to perform health diagnosis directly. Analysis showed that the clustering results are related to the indices selected, and that if the indices selected are more significant, the characteristics of clustering results are also more significant, and the analysis or diagnosis is more credible. The indices and diagnosis analysis function produced by this study provide a necessary theoretical foundation and new ideas for the development of hydraulic metal structure health diagnosis technology.

Location Based Services Acceptance and Adoption Evaluation: An Investigation on Mobile Phone Users’ Response to Awareness and Utilization of LBS Technology in Nairobi Kenya

Location Based Navigation System (LBNS) is a specific Location Based Service (LBS) purely for navigational purpose. These systems resolve position of a user by using GNSS/GPS positioning technologies, to which supplementary information on goods and services are tagged. The navigation services have become popular and can be installed on mobile phones to provide route information, location of points of interest and user’s current location. LBS has continued to face challenges which include “communication” process towards user reference. Location Based Service System conveys suitable information through a mobile device for effective decision making and reaction within a given time span. This research was geared at understanding the state of LBS technology acceptance and adoption by users in Nairobi Kenya. To do this a quantitative study was carried out through a questionnaire, to investigate mobile phone users’ response on awareness and use of LBS technology. Testing the growth of this technology in this region compared to predictions in previous studies using Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), it is evident that many users may be aware of GPS functionality in mobile phones but are certainly yet to fully embrace the technology as they rarely use it. This points to some underlying challenges towards this technology within this part of the World, thereby recommending for deliberate monitoring and evaluation of LBS technology for sustenance growth based on user satisfaction and acceptance for improved usability.

Extended activated sludge model no. 1 (ASM1) for simulating biodegradation process using bacterial technology

Phosphorus is one of the most important nutrients required to support various kinds of biodegradation processes. As this particular nutrient is not included in the activated sludge model no. 1 （ASM1）, this study extended this model in order to determine the fate of phosphorus during the biodegradation processes. When some of the kinetics parameters are modified using observed data from the restoration project of the Xuxi River in Wuxi City, China, from August 25 to 31 in 2009, the extended model shows excellent results. In order to obtain optimum values of coefficients of nitrogen and phosphorus, the mass fraction method was used to ensure that the final results were reasonable and practically relevant. The temporal distribution of the data calculated with the extended ASM1 approximates that of the observed data.

Innovation and Evaluation of Technology Acceptance Model (Tam) in S-Commerce: A Case of Social Media Platforms in Ghana

Electronic commerce is quickly increasing in several countries, most notably in developing countries. A new electronic-commerce segment known as social commerce has evolved due to the popularity of social media. Consumer trust is important to social commerce success and impacts purchase choices. In modern times, majority of businesses have changed how from the traditional businesses and migrated to social commerce. Electronic commerce was the first of its sort, followed by social commerce, which conducted business via social networking platforms. Identifying the factors that influence social commerce use enables businesses to enhance those features and boost revenue. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine how increased technology usage influences the social commerce activities of Ghanaian businessmen and women. A review of the literature resulted in the development of a conceptual model. Six hundred and twenty-five responses from Ghanaian enterprises and women who use e-commerce platforms were used to assess the conceptual approach. Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (PLS SEM) was used to validate the model. The reliability and validity of the measuring apparatus were determined using measurement model analysis. To examine the model’s fit and assumptions, we used structural model analysis. Five hypotheses were supported by the structural model data. Effort Expectancy, Perceived Ease of Use, Performance Expectancy, Perceived Utility, and Trust were shown to be the most influential criteria affecting behavioral intention to use s-commerce in Ghana. The findings of this research have major significance for academics and practitioners of social trade.

RESEARCH AND PRACTICE FOR MANUFACTURING ENVIRONMENT MODELLING TECHNOLOGY OF CIMS

An abstract model and representation method for manufacturing environment is presented based on analysis of process planning tasks and factory configuration capable of handling the process plans. This model has been proved to be applicable to the generative process planning and to shopflow control information integration. A general manufacturing environment modelling tool has been developed under the X-window support to verity the mentioned model and modelling technology.

PRODUCT MODELING AND PROCESS PLANNING WITHIN CONCURRENT ENGINEERING ENVIRONMENT

A prodouct modeling and a process planning that are two essential basses of realizing concurrent engineering are investigated , a logical modeling technique , grammar representation scheme of technology knowledge and architecture of expert system for process planning within con- current engineering environment are proposed. They have been utilized in a real reaserch project.

Mathematical Insight into Moderate Inversion Gate Delay Variability for Ultradeep Submicron Digital Circuit Design

Voltage scaling has been extensively used in industry for decades to reduce power consumption.In recent years,exploring digital circuit operation in moderate inversion has created an interest among researchers due to its immense capability to provide a perfect tradeoff between high performance and low energy operation.But circuits operating in moderate inversion are susceptible to process variations and variability.To compute variability,statistical parameters such as the probability density function(PDF)and cumulative distribution function(CDF)are required.This paper presents an analytical model framework for delay calculations utilizing log skew normal distribution for ultradeep submicron technology nodes up to 22 nm.The CDF of the proposed model is utilized to calculate minimum and maximum delays with 3σ-accuracy providing better accuracy than the conventional methods.The obtained results are also compared with Monte Carlo simulations with errors lying within the acceptable range of 2%-4%.

Behavioral Intention to Continue Using a Library Mobile App

To meet the needs of today’s library users,institutions are developing library mobile apps(LMAs),as their libraries are increasingly intelligent and rely on deep learning.This paper explores the influencing factors and differences in the perception of LMAs at different time points after a user has downloaded an LMA.A research model was constructed based on the technology acceptance model.A questionnaire was designed and distributed twice to LMA users with an interval of three months to collect dynamic data.The analysis was based on structural equation modeling.The empirical results show that the perceived ease of use,the perceived usefulness,the social influence,and the facilitating conditions affected the users’behavioral intention,but their impacts were different at different times.As the usage time increases,the technology acceptance model is still universal for understanding the user perception of LMA.In addition,two extended variables(social impact and convenience)also affect the user’s behavior intention.User behavior is dynamic and changed over time.This study is important both theoretically and practically,as the results could be used to improve the service quality of LMAs and reduce the loss rate of users.Its findings may help the designers and developers of LMAs to optimize them from the perspective of a user and improve the service experience by providing a deeper understanding of the adoption behavior of information systems by LMA users.

Optimal Matching Analysis of Net Buoyancy and Pitching Angle for Underwater Gliders

Control parameter optimization is an efficient way to improve the endurance of underwater gliders(UGs),which influences their gliding efficiency and energy consumption.This paper analyzes the optimal matching between the net buoyancy and the pitching angle and proposes a segmented control strategy of Petrel-L.The optimization of this strategy is established based on the gliding range model of UG,which is solved based on the approximate model,and the variations of the optimal control parameters with the hotel load are obtained.The optimization results indicate that the segmented control strategy can significantly increase the gliding range when the optimal matching between the net buoyancy and the pitching angle is reached,and the increase rate is influenced by the hotel load.The gliding range of the underwater glider can be increased by 10.47%at a hotel load of 0.5 W.The optimal matching analysis adopted in this study can be applied to other UGs to realize endurance improvement.

Endodontic management of a fused left maxillary second molar and two paramolars using cone beam computed tomography: A case report

BACKGROUND Fused teeth usually involve several complications,such as the development of caries in the groove between fused crowns,tooth impaction,diastemas,aesthetic and periodontal problems,and pulpal pathosis,due to the complex anatomical structure of fused teeth.A thorough diagnosis is paramount to forming an accurate treatment plan and obtaining a favourable prognosis.With the advent of cone-beam computed tomography(CBCT),accurate 3-dimensional images of teeth and their surrounding dentoalveolar structures can now be readily obtained,and the technology can accurately provide a minimally invasive approach to acquire detailed diagnostic information.Therefore,we utilize CBCT data herein to generate a digital model for the infected region in a patient,and this model enables us to better plan the management of his case.CASE SUMMARY This report details the diagnosis and endodontic treatment of a rare case involving a fused maxillary second molar and two paramolars with apical periodontitis.The patient experienced pain upon biting and cold sensitivity in the area of the maxillary left molar.No caries or other defects were identified in these teeth,and a normal response to a pulp electric viability test was observed.With the aid of CBCT and digital model technology,we initially suspected that the infection originated from the isthmus between the maxillary second molar and two paramolars.Therefore,we only treated the isthmus by an endodontic approach and did not destroy the original tooth structure;furthermore,the vital pulp was retained,and good treatment outcomes were observed at the 24-month follow-up.CONCLUSION This finding may provide new insights and perspectives on the diagnosis and treatment of fused teeth.

Impacts of Migration on Urban Environmental Pollutant Emissions in China: A Comparative Perspective

In recent years,researchers have devoted considerable attention to identifying the causes of urban environmental pollution.To determine whether migrant populations significantly affect urban environments,we examined the relationship between urban environmental pollutant emissions and migrant populations at the prefectural level using data obtained for 90 Chinese cities evidencing net in-migration.By dividing the permanent populations of these cities into natives and migrants in relation to the population structure,we constructed an improved Stochastic Impacts by Regression on Population,Affluence and Technology model(STIRPAT)that included not only environmental pollutant emission variables but also variables on the cities’attributes.We subsequently conducted detailed analyses of the results of the models to assess the impacts of natives and migrants on environmental pollutant emissions.The main findings of our study were as follows:1)Migrant populations have significant impacts on environmental emissions both in terms of their size and concentration.Specifically,migrant populations have negative impacts on Air Quality Index(AQI)as well as PM2.5 emissions and positive impacts on emissions of NO2 and CO2.2)The impacts of migrant populations on urban environmental pollutant emissions were 8 to 30 times weaker than that of local populations.3)Urban environmental pollutant emissions in different cities differ significantly according to variations in the industrial structures,public transportation facilities,and population densities.

The effect of individual factors on user behaviour and the moderating role of trust: an empirical investigation of consumers’ acceptance of electronic banking in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

The popularity of self-service technologies,particularly in the banking industry,more precisely with electronic banking channel services,has undergone a major change as individuals’lifestyles develop.This change has affected individuals’decisions about accepting any new Information Technology,and Information Communications Technology services that are electronically mediated,for example,E-Banking channel services.This study investigates the effect of Individual Factors on User Behaviour,and the moderating role of Trust in the relationship between Individual Factors,and User Behaviour based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology.This research proposes a model,with a second-order components research framework.It improves current explanations of the acceptance of electronic banking channel services.Furthermore,this study highlights the role of trust on the acceptance of electronic banking channel services,which is the most crucial consideration in customers’decisions to accept electronic banking channels services.Thus,trust is the spine of the system in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.Data were collected using an online questionnaire that received 476 valid responses from academic staff who work at the University of Sulaimani.The model tested data using the Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modelling approach.The results show that Individual Factors have a positive effect on User Behaviour.Besides,results show that trust moderates the relationship between Individual Factors and User Behaviour.

Cloud Computing Perceived Importance in the Middle Eastern Firms: The Cases of Jordan, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates from the Operational Level

Firms need cloud computing adoption for strategic and competitive goals, generating business value, and at last gaining competitive advantage. This study reviews the literature regarding cloud computing and IT governance, and presents a research model along with its hypotheses formulation to examine the factors impacting cloud computing perceived importance in several Arab firms, specifically Jordan, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates by using the integration of Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) model and Technology-Organizational-Environmental (TOE) framework as adapted from [1]. 329 returned surveys from top, middle-level IT managers, and IT employees from the operational level of the studied firms were analyzed using the structural equation modeling technique. The study found relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, organizational readiness, top management commitment, and training and education as important variables for impacting cloud computing adoption using perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness as mediating variables. The model explained 61%, 63%, and 74% of cloud computing adoption for perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and perceived importance respectively.

Factors influencing online information acquisition: The case of Chinese college students

Purpose： This study intends to examine the factors that influence Chinese college students＇ use of the lnternet for acquiring information. Design/methodology/approach： This paper developed the research model by using the technology acceptance model （TAM） and information system success model as the theoretical foundation. The proposed model was empirically tested with the structural equation modeling technique based on data collected from a survey of 357 college students. Findings： The results show that 1） perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness and perceived playfulness all have a positive impact on the intention to use the Internet for acquiring information, 2） use context and system quality significantly influence perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use, and 3） service quality has a positive impact on perceived ease of use but not on perceived usefulness. Likewise information quality has no positive effect on perceived usefulness. Research limitations： The survey respondents were mainly from college students in Nanjing. We need to recruit college students in the western or other developing areas in China to further validate our findings. Practical implications： This study puts forward some feasible suggestions for university libraries to improve information organization and the use of digital library resources to better meet the needs of library users. Originality/value： This study provides insights into the understanding of the factors affecting college students＇ online information acquisition from multiple perspectives.

Complement components of nerve regeneration conditioned fluid influence the microenvironment of nerve regeneration

Nerve regeneration conditioned fluid is secreted by nerve stumps inside a nerve regeneration chamber.A better understanding of the proteinogram of nerve regeneration conditioned fluid can provide evidence for studying the role of the microenvironment in peripheral nerve regeneration.In this study,we used cylindrical silicone tubes as the nerve regeneration chamber model for the repair of injured rat sciatic nerve.Isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation proteomics technology and western blot analysis confirmed that there were more than 10 complement components（complement factor I,C1q-A,C1q-B,C2,C3,C4,C5,C7,C8β and complement factor D） in the nerve regeneration conditioned fluid and each varied at different time points.These findings suggest that all these complement components have a functional role in nerve regeneration.

Blog acceptance model: An empirical study on exploring users' acceptance and continual usage of blogs

Blogs have permeated into our daily lives at a fast speed, and various kinds of blog spaces have attracted our attention. However, little effort has been made on studying the users' motivation to participate in blog activities. This paper aims to construct a theoretical model about the blog adoption based on technology acceptance model(TAM theory), social capital theory and social exchange theory, and put forward 18 related hypotheses. Then the survey method is adopted to analyze the data from 208 questionnaires using the SPSS and LISREL tools, and to examine the theoretical model and hypotheses. Finally, the paper makes a discussion from five aspects due to the results of data analysis, including individual driving factors, group driving factors, community driving factors, technology acceptance factors and moderating variables. The results show that curiosity/enjoyment, user's experience, social interaction and social identification will greatly affect users' motivation to accept a blog; meanwhile, perceived ease of use, exchange cost and trust will partially influence users' intention to participate in blog activities. The results also suggest that age and education degrees have significant moderating effects on users' acceptance and updating of blogs.

Information Models for Forecasting Nonlinear Economic Dynamics in the Digital Era

The aim of this study was to develop an adequate mathematical model for long-term forecasting of technological progress and economic growth in the digital age (2020-2050). In addition, the task was to develop a model for forecast calculations of labor productivity in the symbiosis of “man + intelligent machine”, where an intelligent machine (IM) is understood as a computer or robot equipped with elements of artificial intelligence (AI), as well as in the digital economy as a whole. In the course of the study, it was shown that in order to implement its goals the Schumpeter-Kondratiev innovation and cycle theory on forming long waves (LW) of economic development influenced by a powerful cluster of economic technologies engendered by industrial revolutions is most appropriate for a long-term forecasting of technological progress and economic growth. The Solow neoclassical model of economic growth, synchronized with LW, gives the opportunity to forecast economic dynamics of technologically advanced countries with a greater precision up to 30 years, the time which correlates with the continuation of LW. In the information and digital age, the key role among the main factors of growth (capital, labour and technological progress) is played by the latter. The authors have developed an information model which allows for forecasting technological progress basing on growth rates of endogenous technological information in economics. The main regimes of producing technological information, corresponding to the eras of information and digital economies, are given in the article, as well as the Lagrangians that engender them. The model is verified on the example of the 5th information LW for the US economy (1982-2018) and it has had highly accurate approximation for both technological progress and economic growth. A number of new results were obtained using the developed information models for forecasting technological progress. The forecasting trajectory of economic growth of developed countries (on the example of the USA) on the upward stage of the 6th LW (2018-2042), engendered by the digital technologies of the 4th Industrial Revolution is given. It is also demonstrated that the symbiosis of human and intelligent machine (IM) is the driving force in the digital economy, where man plays the leading role organizing effective and efficient mutual work. Authors suggest a mathematical model for calculating labour productivity in the digital economy, where the symbiosis of “human + IM” is widely used. The calculations carried out with the help of the model show: 1) the symbiosis of “human + IM” from the very beginning lets to realize the possibilities of increasing work performance in the economy with the help of digital technologies;2) the largest labour productivity is achieved in the symbiosis of “human + IM”, where man labour prevails, and the lowest labour productivity is seen where the largest part of the work is performed by IM;3) developed countries may achieve labour productivity of 3% per year by the mid-2020s, which has all the chances to stay up to the 2040s.

A FGR Software Model for Measuring the Effect of Technological Progress

The work of quantitative studying the effect of technological progress on economic growth, being of great complexity and far-reaching significance, has become a quite popular research topic in the world. In recent years there are a large number of scientists who are engaged in this research both at home and abroad.

Application of Smart-Phone Apps by Chinese College Students in Learning English

Currently,there is an increasing trend in the shift from the use of traditional technologies,such as a desktop computer towards the use of mobile technologies,such as a mobile phone.Therefore,students are nowadays well equipped for mobile learning.The aim of this review is to explore the use of mobile phones and/or smart phones and their apps for learning English as a foreign language,and highlight their benefits and limitations for their use in the learning of English as a foreign language.