bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards Developing the Piece-Wise Linear Neural Network Algorithm for Rule Extraction
Authors: Chan Veronica , Chan Christine
Published: March 2017

This paper discusses development and application of a decomposition neural network rule extraction algorithm for nonlinear regression problems. The algorithm is called the piece-wise linear artificial neural network or PWL-ANN algorithm. The objective of the algorithm is to “open up” the black box of a neural network model so that rules in the form of linear equations are generated by approximating the sigmoid activation functions of the hidden neurons in an artificial neural network (ANN). The preliminary results showed that the algorithm gives high fidelity and satisfactory results on sixteen of the nineteen tested datasets. By analyzing the values of R2 given by the PWL approximation on the hidden neurons and the overall output, it is evident that in addition to accurate approximation of each individual node of a given ANN model, there are more factors affecting the fidelity of the PWL-ANN algorithm Nevertheless, the algorithm shows promising potential for domains when better understanding about the problem is needed.
The Berth-Quay Cranes and Trucks Scheduling Optimization Problem by Hybrid Intelligence Swam Algorithm
Authors: Liu Yi , Shahbazzade Sabina
Published: March 2017

Considered the cooperation of the container truck and quayside container crane in the container terminal, this paper constructs the model of the quay cranes operation and trucks scheduling problem in the container terminal. And the hybrid intelligence swarm algorithm combined the particle swarm optimization algorithm(PSO) with artificial fish swarm algorithm (AFSA) was proposed. The hybrid algorithm (PSO-AFSA) adopt the particle swarm optimization algorithm to produce diverse original paths, optimization of the choice nodes set of the problem, use AFSA's preying and chasing behavior improved the ability of PSO to avoid being premature. The proposed algorithm has more effectiveness, quick convergence and feasibility in solving the problem. The results of stimulation show that the scheduling operation efficiency of container terminal is improved and optimized.
Automatic Quantification of Abbreviations in Medicine Package Leaflets and Their Comprehension Assessment
Authors: Pires Carla , Martins Fernando , Cavaco Afonso , Vigário Marina
Published: March 2017

Medication errors occur as a consequence of misunderstandings with abbreviations and symbols (A&S). According to pharmaceutical regulations, A&S should be avoided in medicine package leaflets (PLs). Using a sample of 531 Portuguese PLs, this study aims at: quantifying A&S in PLs, comparing how A&S were distributed, identifying non-recommended units of measure, checking whether the full meaning of abbreviations was presented, and determining educated peoples' interpretation of A&S. A computational tool was used to identify A&S. Participants' comprehension was evaluated with a questionnaire. Overall, 828 different A&S were identified. PLs of prescribing medicines contained a significantly higher proportion of A&S than PLs of over-the-counter medicines (chi-square = 13.4; p = 0.004). A&S with their meaning not fully described and units of measure with a non-recommended format were identified. Only 9.9% of the questionnaire answers were correct. Portuguese PLs may need to be revised. The software used is appropriate to checking A&S in PLs.
A Security Framework for Enhancing User Experience
Authors: Nguyen Van , Omar Marwan , Mohammed Derek
Published: March 2017

In this paper, we present a novel framework that enhances user experience for their daily computing activities while being protected from cyber threats. The conceptual security framework also targets two additional goals: enabling end-users to experiment software applications before making a decision for a real installation, and serving as a testing environment for both research scholars and security practitioners to analyze and predict potentially malicious activities. The framework introduces three modes of operations (full lockdown, partial lockdown, and administration) and a virtual storage that provides a safe, secure, and reliable computing environment for end-users. We also present three use cases that show the applicability of their framework in a real-world environment.
Protecting Data Confidentiality in the Cloud of Things
Authors: Alohali Bashar , Vassilakis Vassilios G.
Published: March 2017

Following the rapid development of the Internet of Things (IoT) technology worldwide, the integration of the IoT to the cloud, referred to as the Cloud of Things (CoT), has become essential for easy access and management of remote resources. However, security and malicious intrusions must be seriously considered to ensure network reliability and data confidentiality. In this paper, the authors analyze the security implications of CoT and propose a solution for data confidentiality. They prove that the proposed solution can effectively protect against a number of security attacks.
Investigation of Customer Knowledge Management
Authors: Kaoud Menatalla
Published: March 2017

This article examines the Customer Knowledge Management (CKM) as an integration between the approaches of Knowledge Management (KM) and Customer Relationship Management (CRM). In the context of CRM, three types of knowledge flows play a critical role in the interaction between the organization and its customers: “Knowledge for Customers”, “Knowledge from Customers”, and “Knowledge about Customers”. A central question address here from a resource-based perspective is: How these customer knowledge flows are used through CRM business processes to improve effectiveness? Adopting a case study methodology in a sales outsourcing enterprise, this paper presents an in-depth investigation of Customer Knowledge Management through the CRM business processes. This research will help companies in the implementation of Customer Knowledge Management enabling them to improve their CRM effectiveness.
IFRS, Information Asymmetry and Growth Opportunities
Authors: Turki Hela , Wali Sonda , Boujelbene Younes
Published: March 2017

This paper aims to examine the impact of IFRS / IAS mandatory adoption on the information asymmetry measured by the properties of financial analysts' forecasts (error and dispersion). It examines also, whether this impact differs from one company to another with regard to its growth opportunities. This study is based on a longitudinal data set (2002 – 2012) obtained from a sample of companies that belong to the CAC all tradable indexes. The results show a significant effect of these international's standards on financial analysts' forecasts, which stress the improvement of earnings' informational content. By focusing on the effect of growth opportunities, the results show also that they don't moderate significantly the relationship between IFRS and qualities of financial analysts' forecasts. This allows to conclude that IFRS are able to reflect the true value of the company regardless its growth opportunities
The Phenomenon of High-Growth SMEs (Gazelles), Part 2
Authors: Guilmi Redouane , Mokhtari Bouchaib , Oulhadj Badia
Published: March 2017

The primary objective of this paper is to advance the theoretical knowledge on the phenomenon of gazelles by integrating the findings of previous studies into a conceptual model that would account for a sustainable high growth. A theoretical explorative and deductive method is adopted. A number of published works on gazelles were systematically reviewed. Based on this review, the paper attempts to identify the key factors that have been found to explain the high growth of the gazelles and its discontinuity, and integrate them to form a conceptual model. The proposed model illustrates the linkages between Entrepreneurship and Marketing disciplines. Five building blocks of the model are identified. It is developed based on previous studies on gazelles which are majorly mixed sector studies. Therefore, to refine the understanding of the phenomenon of HG-SMEs, future research suggestions would be to enrich the concepts obtained from the literature by gathering the data from the field and to test the new model in HGSMEs operating only in the service industry.
Segmenting Markets by Means of CRMs
Authors: Heredero Carmen De Pablos , Gallego-Gómez Cristina
Published: March 2017

Customer Relationship Management Systems, CRM, are technological assets that can help firms to develop the required managerial skills to promote an efficient market segmentation strategy. In this article an example of an outstanding application of Customer Relationship Management system CRM, to the restaurant industry is offered. The VIPs group has developed through time a group of organizational routines that have helped the firm to reach success in the implementation and use of this tool. Therefore, a follow-up of the strategy followed with the CRM system in the period from 2011-2016 has been performed in this article. By properly using this technology, the company has been able to identify opportunities and threads in the market where it operates. This analysis has enabled the firm to develop mass-customized strategies facing its real and potential customers. This case proofs good practices in the use of CRMs in the restaurant industry. The case provided has become a referent in this field.
The Unit for Determining the Density and Surface Tension of Metallic Liquid Alloys, Using the Sessile Drop Method
Authors: Tsepelev Vladimir , Vyukhin Vladimir , Povodator Arkadi
Published: March 2017

There is a unit proposed for investigations in the high-temperature metallic liquid alloys, using image photometry of a “large melt drop” resting on the horizontal backplate. The unit is designed to determine the density d and surface tension σ of a sample of the mass given, placed into a horizontal electric furnace. Using a volumenometer enables measuring the geometric parameters of the drop. Various ways of expanding the range of operational functions are presented, in particular, extending the temperature range Δto and improving the unit efficiency as well as decreasing the artifacts’ impact. Updating the unit enables the studies (including the comparison studies) of both luminous and nonluminous samples to be conducted combining various ways of illuminating both the melt drop’s contours and surface. The ways of reducing the influence of vibrations and refining the backplate’s horizontal position as well as the possible measures for partial cleaning the films from the drop surface of the multicomponent melt are proposed. The use of the unit updated on the basis of approaches developed and patented by the authors enables reducing the time to be spent on measurements, expanding the range of the unit’s operational functions, decreasing the artifacts’ impact and improving the validity of the results obtained.
The Study of Dendrite Arm Spacing (DAS) on Acoustical of Tin Bronze 20Sn Alloy as Gamelan Bali Materials
Authors: Sugita I. Ketut Gede , Priambadi I. Gusti Ngurah
Published: March 2017

Bronze especially tin bronze is mostly used as material of traditional music instrument such as gamelan, cymbals, or bells. Casting process becomes an important process in making gamelan. Solidification is the most important process in the casting. This study is designed to evaluate variant of solidification rate on casting process of conventional bronze (tin bronze) as gamelan material. This study aimed at finding variant of Dendrite Arm Spacing (DAS) on acoustical characteristic of bronze alloy. The alloy of Cu–20Sn is chosen as the composition of tin-bronze because this composition is widely used as the gamelan material. Variant of solidification rate is designed by varying mold temperature and casting temperature. The bronze is melted in crucible furnace until 1050, 1100, 1100oC. Then, the melted material was poured into the mold in 400°C temperature. This study showed that increase of casting temperature influence the decrease of solidification rate which affecting the longer time of solidification. The difference of solidification rate affected on the construction of micro structure and the dendrite (DAS) formed. The size of the dendrite forms affected the mechanical and acustical tin bronze.
Synthesis, Structural and Thermal Properties of Layered Perovskites SmBaMn2O5+d for SOFCs Applications
Authors: Abdalla Abdalla Mohammed , Hossain Shahzad , Zhou Jun , Petra Pg Mohammad Iskandar , Azad Abul Kalam
Published: March 2017

New layered perovskite oxides with samarium (Sm+3) rare earth doped layered perovskite materials were synthesized and characterised by using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), particle size measurements and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Sm0.5Ba0.5MnO3-δ and SmBMn2O5+δ, were synthesized by conventional solid state reaction method. Rietveld analysis of XRD data shows that all materials crystallize in the orthorhombic symmetry in the Pmmm space group. SEM images show porous structures which should be suitable as electrode materials for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). TGA results indicate the mass loss of 0.022% for SmBMn2O5+δ. Density calculation shows the materials have about 85% relative density.
Study of Nano-Kaolinite Properties in Clay Liner Application
Authors: binti Zainuddin Atiqah Najwa , binti Mukri Mazidah , binti Nik Ab Aziz Nik Nurul Syuhada , bin Mohamed Yusof Mohamed Khatif Tawaf
Published: March 2017

This paper reports the outcome of the laboratory investigation conducted on new clay liners modified with kaolinite combined with various content of lime-treated, various content of bentonite and admixture of kaolinite adding with 3% nano-kaolinite for composition. The 3% nano-kaolinite was chosen based on earlier finding by S.V.Netethu (2013). The various content of lime-treated and bentonite adopted are 2.0%, 5.0%, 7.5% and 10.0% by total weight of the kaolinite. Compaction tests was performed on the resulted modified clay liner samples to evaluate the best percentage that gives optimum moisture content (OMC) and maximum dry density (MDD) . The best percentage of each bentonite and lime-treated are chosen and be added into kaolinite and the physical properties of samples are tested and compared to the other two samples which are kaolinite only and kaolinite added with 3 % of nano-kaolinite. Nano-kaolinite was produced using a mill machine and the sized of nano-kaolinite (1nm-100nm) were examined under Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) machine.The addition of 3% nano-kaolinite to the kaolinite gives the best compaction result compared to bentonite or lime-treated. The value of dry density is increased to give the reduction of air voids, thereby reducing the hydraulic conductivity by concept. Based on the compaction test value, it clearly observed that admixture of kaolinite adding with 3% nano-kaolinite gives the best results from the other samples due to required less water to achieve maximum dry density of 1.39 Mg/m3 and 27.34% of optimum moisture content resulted positive effect in soil properties.
Strength and Water Absorption Rate of Concrete Made from Palm Oil Fuel Ash
Authors: Manap Norpadzlihatun , Muhamad Nor Izzah , Sandirasegaran Kavitha
Published: March 2017

Concrete is one of the most important materials for construction industry. The material in the mixture of concrete includes cement, sand and coarse aggregate. Production of cement causes the air pollution from the emission of carbon dioxide to the air. This research studies the replacement of cement with palm oil fuel ash (POFA) in the concrete mixture. The objective of this research is to investigate the compressive strength of concrete and water absorption rate of concrete made from POFA and to compare the strength and absorption rate between conventional concrete and concrete made from POFA. This is to indicate whether the compressive strength and absorption rate are equivalent to the strength of conventional concrete. The methodology used in this research is experimental method and the palm oil fuel ash was taken from palm oil mill in Cha’ah, Johor, Malaysia. The results of this research are the specimens which contain 20% POFA has a compressive strength and water absorption rate comparable to conventional concrete.
Structural Behaviour of Beam with HDPE Plastic Balls Subjected to Flexural Load
Authors: Mohamad Noridah , Goh Wan Inn , Samad Abdul Aziz Abdul , Lockman A. , Alalwani Anas
Published: March 2017

This paper presents the structural behaviour of reinforced concrete beam embedded with high density polyethylene balls (HDPE) subjected to flexural load. The HDPE balls with 180 mm diameter were embedded to create the spherical voids in the beam which lead to reduction in its self-weight. Two beam specimens with HDPE balls (RC-HDPE) and one solid beam (RC-S) with dimension 250 mm x 300 mm x 1100 mm were cast and tested until failure. The results were analysed in the context of its ultimate load, load-deflection profile, and crack pattern and failure mode. It was found that the ultimate load of RC-HDPE was reduced by 32% compared to RC-S beam while the maximum deflection at its mid span was increased by 4%. However, RC-HDPE is noticed to be more ductile compared to RC-S beam. Both types of beams experienced flexure cracks and diagonal tension cracks before failure.
The Influence of Particles Size and Composition Variation of NiCr-CrC(20NiCr) Metal Matrix Composites Coatings Properties on Boiler Tubes Application
Authors: Martides Erie , Prawara Budi , Ardy Husaini , Junianto Endro , Priyono Budi
Published: March 2017

Deposition of NiCr-CrC(20NiCr) metal matrix composite (MMCs) coating have been applied on the substrate of boiler tubes material with High Velocity Oxygen Fuel (HVOF) thermal spray method and constant parameter. Variation of particle size and composition on MMCs was conducted to determined the optimum conditions for boiler applications. Microvickers hardness, metallography and thermal shock resistance testing were investigated. The best performance for boiler tubes application is MMC NiCr-CrC(20NiCr) with 270 mesh of NiCr particles size and 60:40 of composition as evidence by the highest of hardness value (410 Hv) and slightly of discoloration after thermal shock resistance with two variation cooling medium. While at MMC NiCr-CrC(20NiCr) with 70:30 variation composition, coating hardness value will decrease in line with the smaller of particle size of NiCr.
Optimum Injection Moulding Processing Condition to Reduce Shrinkage and Warpage for Polypropylene-Nanoclay-Bamboo Fibre with Compatibilizer
Authors: Othman M.H. , Hasan Sulaiman , Ibrahim Mohd Halim Irwan , Khamis Siti Zubaidah
Published: March 2017

The purpose of this research is to optimise the processing condition of injection moulding towards samples made from polypropylene-nanoclay-bamboo fibre with compatibilizer. The defects that have been controlled upon the optimisation were shrinkage and warpage. The selection of injection moulding processing condition was packing pressure, melt temperature, screw speed and filling time. The research started by drying the bamboo fibres at 120°C. Then, the 1 wt. % fibres were mixed with 79 wt. % of polypropylene, 15 wt. % of compatibilizer and 5 wt. % of nanoclay. The mixing process was performed by using Brabender Plastograph machine. After that, pallets were produced by using Plastic Granulator machine for injection moulding process. The optimisation process was accomplished by adopting the Taguchi method. According to the results, the value of warpage defect between compounding for 1 wt. % fibre and without fibre content was not significant. However the optimum setting of 170°C melt temperature, 35% packing pressure, 30% screw speed and 2 seconds filling time can significantly reduce shrinkage. In conclusion, the optimum processing condition of polypropylene-nanoclay, fibre bamboo had been achieved, and the existence of fibre obviously giving a promising manufacturing opportunity to improve the quality of the injected moulding products.
Surface Modification of Bacterial Cellulose Film
Authors: Yee Foong Choi , Abd Razak Saiful Izwan
Published: March 2017

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is the cellulose which is produced by specific bacteria such as Acetobacter xylinum, Agrobacterium, Gluconacetobacter, Rhizobium, Achromobacter, Alcaligenes, Aerobacter, Azotobacter, Salmonella, Esherichia, and Sarcina. Surface modification of bacterial cellulose (BC) by coating with synthetic biodegradable polyester on it was reported. BC films were coated with the polymer at different concentrations in order to improve the surface structure of BC. Tear and burst indices of the BC film were increased with such modification.
Investigation of Temperature and Stress Distribution on High Speed Machining of Ti6Al4V and 316L Steel Biomaterials Using Explicit Dynamic Analysis
Authors: Ponnusamy Pandithevan , Joshi Mullapudi
Published: March 2017

In high speed machining, to dynamically control the mechanical behaviour of the materials, it is essential to control temperature, stress and strain by appropriate speed, feed and depth of cut. In the present work, to predict the mechanical behaviour of Ti6Al4V and 316L steel bio-materials an explicit dynamic analysis with different cutting speeds was carried out. Orthogonal cutting of 316L steel and Ti6Al4V materials with 720 m/min, 900 m/min and 1200 m/min cutting speeds was performed, and the distribution of stress and temperature was investigated using Jonson-Cook material model. Additionally, the work aimed at determining the effect of cutting speed on work piece temperature, when cutting is carried out continuously. From the investigation, it was found that, while machining Ti6Al4V material, for the increase in cutting speed there was increase in tool-chip interface temperature. Specifically, this could found till the cutting speed 900 m/min. But, there was a decrease in tool-chip interface temperature for the increase in speed from 900 m/min to 1200 m/min. Similarly for 316L steel, the tool-chip interface temperature increased when increasing the cutting speed till 900 m/min. But reduction in temperature from 650 °C to 500 °C for steel and 1028 °C to 990 °C for Ti6Al4V were found, when the cutting speed increased from 900 m/min to 1200 m/min. The study can be used to conclude, at what temperature range the adoption of material with controlled shape and geometry is possible for potential applications like, prosthetic design and surgical instruments prior to fabrications.
Testing the Performance of a Traditional Furnace Melting Process on Bronze as the Material of Gamelan
Authors: Priambadi I. Gusti Ngurah , Sugita I. Ketut Gede
Published: March 2017

Gamelan is traditional musical instrument that evolves especially in Bali, its function is to accompany the religious and cultural ceremonies of Hindus. The making process of gamelan, smelting bronze alloys, is done by using traditional furnaces. The use of charcoal as fuel in smelting process causes melting furnace performance is difficult to determine. That condition impacts the effectiveness of the smelting process especially in determining the needs of fuel and the processing time. Therefore, it influences the productivity of crafters. This research was conducted to test the performance of the furnace in accordance with a design that is commonly used by artisans. The observation was done at the temperature of melting, melting time, data retrieval was conducted repeatedly three times on different days. Based on the analysis and observation in accordance with the experimental design made whereby in the smelting process to achieve the casting temperature indicated as follows. The average temperature of smelting is 730,8 °C, fuel use is 23 kg, melting time is 39.76 minutes as well as the efficiency of the furnace 36.80%. Based on the analysis conducted, low efficiency is due to the surface of the furnace which is designed open, so that during the energy generated in the process of burning a lot of fuel wasted into the environment.
Temporary Wafer Bonding Materials with Mechanical and Laser Debonding Technologies for Semiconductor Device Processing
Authors: Liu Xiao , Wu Qi , Bai Dongshun , Stanley Trevor , Lee Alvin , Su Jay , Huang Baron
Published: March 2017

Advanced wafer-level packaging (WLP) techniques, mainly driven by high-performance applications in memory and mobile market, have been adopted for large-scale manufacturing in recent years. Temporary wafer bonding and debonding technology have been widely studied and developed over the last decade for use in various WLP technologies, such as package on package, fan-out integration, and 2.5-D and 3-D integration using through-silicon-via. Temporary bonding technology enables handling of thinned substrates (<100 μm), which can no longer self-support during backside processing and packaging. Moreover, some applications require the temporary bonding materials to withstand temperatures up to 250°C in high-vacuum conditions, and even up to 350°C or higher during the dopant activation step required for manufacturing power devices. Therefore, a simple yet effective temporary bonding process and material that can survive all the backside processes is highly desired.

In this study, a series of formulations based on polar thermoplastics was developed for temporary wafer bonding applications. These materials target high-temperature survivability and improved adhesion to prevent the premature delamination during downstream wafer processing. All these materials provide high thermal stability up to 250°C or higher, and are able to be bonded to carrier wafers treated with release layers, which can be selectively debonded by either mechanical or laser release after backside processing. The material left on device wafer after debonding can be easily cleaned using common industrial solvents. Wafers bonded with these materials demonstrate lower overall stack total thickness variation (<5 μm) after grinding and have successfully passed a 200°C plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) process without any delamination during grinding and PECVD processes.
Electrical Performance of a 32-I/O HTCC Alumina Package for High-Temperature Microelectronics
Authors: Chen Liang-Yu , Neudeck Philip G. , Spry David J. , Beheim Glenn M. , Hunter Gary W.
Published: March 2017

A high-temperature cofired ceramic (HTCC) alumina material was previously electrically tested at temperatures up to 550°C and demonstrated improved dielectric performance at high temperatures compared with the 96% alumina substrate that we used before, suggesting its potential use for high-temperature packaging applications. This article introduces a prototype 32-input/output (I/O) HTCC alumina package with platinum conductor for 500°C low-power SiC-integrated circuits. The design and electrical performance of this package, including parasitic capacitance and parallel conductance of neighboring I/Os from 100 Hz to 1 MHz in a temperature range from room temperature to 550°C, are discussed in detail. The parasitic capacitance and parallel conductance of neighboring I/Os of this package in the entire frequency and temperature ranges measured do not exceed 1.5 pF and 0.05 μS, respectively. SiC-integrated circuits using this package and a compatible alumina circuit board have been successfully tested at 500°C for more than 3,736 h continuously, and at 700°C for more than 140 h. Some test examples of SiC-integrated circuits with this packaging system are presented.
Falling under the umbrella cells: A single institutional experience and literature review of urothelial carcinoma presenting as a primary pancreatic mass on endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration
Authors: Chambers Michael , Krall Konrad , Hébert-Magee Shantel
Published: March 2017

Metastases to the pancreas are much less common than primary pancreatic lesions, and there are few reports in the literature of metastatic urothelial carcinoma (UC) found in the pancreas. We report two cases of metastatic UC mimicking a primary pancreatic lesion. Two female patients, aged 48 and 83 years, presented with isolated pancreatic lesions causing obstructive jaundice suspicious for pancreatic adenocarcinoma and underwent endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) with rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE). On cytopathology, the lesions were found to be UC, confirmed with immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. UC rarely metastasizes to the pancreas, and diagnosis through EUS-FNA can be challenging. However, the utilization of ROSE, dedicated cell block passes, and IHC have proved to be effective in obtaining this unusual pancreatic diagnosis by EUS-FNA.
Safety and tolerability of Peg-grafeel™, a pegfilgrastim, for the prophylactic treatment of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia and febrile neutropenia: A prospective, observational, postmarketing surveillance study in India
Authors: Talwar Vineet , Nirni Sharanabasappa S. , Mallavarapu Krishna Mohan , Ramkumar Anupama , Sinha Nitu
Published: March 2017

Background: A granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, pegfilgrastim, is efficacious though expensive for prophylactic treatment of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia and febrile neutropenia. Biologics available and accessible today, having acceptable safety-efficacy profiles, require postapproval studies for better understanding of such drugs in clinical settings. Aim: This postmarketing surveillance study evaluated the safety of prophylactic Peg-grafeel™ (pegfilgrastim) in cancer patients with chemotherapy-induced neutropenia. Settings and Design: This prospective, noninterventional, single-arm, open-label study was conducted at 10 study sites in India. Methods: Patients received subcutaneous 6 mg Peg-grafeel™ approximately 24 h following chemotherapy as part of routine patient care. Statistical Analysis: Data were summarized descriptively. Results: The study included 250 patients (male: female = 36.4%:63.6%; median age, 54 [16–80] years). Most patients had Stage III (33.2%) or IV (41.6%) cancers and received cyclophosphamide (37.2%) and doxorubicin (31.6%) as chemotherapy. On an average, 4 Peg-grafeel™ doses were administered per patient. Treatment-emergent adverse events (AEs) were reported in 115 (46%) patients, the most common being vomiting (11.6%), pain (11.2%), nausea (8.4%), and constipation (8.4%). Peg-grafeel™-related AEs included pain (3.2%), asthenia (2.4%), and arthralgia (1.2%). Bone pain (0.4%) and extremity pain (1.2%) were rare. Grade 3/4 neutropenia and febrile neutropenia occurred in 4 (1.6%) and 3 (1.2%) patients, respectively. Serious AEs included vomiting (2.8%) and pyrexia (2%). No new safety concerns were identified. None of the five deaths was considered related to Peg-grafeel™. Conclusion: The overall safety profile of Peg-grafeel™ was consistent with the expected safety profile of pegfilgrastim in patients with advanced malignancies in a clinical setting.
Strength and Durability Testing for Automotive Hydraulic Brake Components
Authors:   Hydraulic Brake Components Standards Committee
Published: March 2017

To assess the strength and durability for hydraulic brake components as a function of test conditions. These conditions may include: braking torque, hill-holding, braking forces, hydraulic pressure, brake temperatures, environmental and corrosion effects, vibration, and time. This RP includes a systematic reference to other test methods and provides new test methods for durability life prediction based on the VDA 311 for operating strength for brake calipers. When using AK load collectives from vehicle testing for life prediction, the nominal vehicle life corresponds to 300000 km. Braking torques and forces take into account inputs from non-ABS, ABS, EPB, and ESC systems. It also applies to gasoline, diesel, hybrid, and electric vehicles. This RP applies to vehicles below 4540 kg of GVWR. With the appropriate engineering review and assessment for a given test program, this RP can apply (or be used) to scale the duty cycle (or special collective) to reflect regional, on-road special applications, or vehicles up to 7 tons of GVWR.

Except for the AK load collectives, which have proven correlation to customer usage, the damage content of other procedures requires (a) the quantification with actual laboratory testing to develop the corresponding S/N curves, and (b) the calculation of the equivalent damage at the test conditions for a given load collective.

The hydraulic components covered by this RP include:

a

Non-vacuum apply system (brake booster and master cylinder)

b

ABS modules

c

Service, IPB, and EPB calipers

d

Proportioning valves

e

Wheel cylinders

This RP has an accompanying electronic appendix with the tabular presentation as a spreadsheet of different test procedures by type and by component.
A new time-independent formulation of fractional release
Authors: Ostermöller Jennifer , Bönisch Harald , Jöckel Patrick , Engel Andreas
Published: March 2017

Abstract. The fractional release factor (FRF) gives information on the amount of a halocarbon that is released at some point into the stratosphere from its source form to the inorganic form, which can harm the ozone layer through catalytic reactions. The quantity is of major importance because it directly affects the calculation of the ozone depletion potential (ODP). In this context time-independent values are needed which, in particular, should be independent of the trends in the tropospheric mixing ratios (tropospheric trends) of the respective halogenated trace gases. For a given atmospheric situation, such FRF values would represent a molecular property.We analysed the temporal evolution of FRF from ECHAM/MESSy Atmospheric Chemistry (EMAC) model simulations for several halocarbons and nitrous oxide between 1965 and 2011 on different mean age levels and found that the widely used formulation of FRF yields highly time-dependent values. We show that this is caused by the way that the tropospheric trend is handled in the widely used calculation method of FRF.Taking into account chemical loss in the calculation of stratospheric mixing ratios reduces the time dependence in FRFs. Therefore we implemented a loss term in the formulation of the FRF and applied the parameterization of a mean arrival time to our data set.We find that the time dependence in the FRF can almost be compensated for by applying a new trend correction in the calculation of the FRF. We suggest that this new method should be used to calculate time-independent FRFs, which can then be used e.g. for the calculation of ODP.
Drivers of multi-century trends in the atmospheric CO2 mean annual cycle in a prognostic ESM
Authors: Liptak Jessica , Keppel-Aleks Gretchen , Lindsay Keith
Published: March 2017

Abstract. The amplitude of the mean annual cycle of atmospheric CO2 is a diagnostic of seasonal surface–atmosphere carbon exchange. Atmospheric observations show that this quantity has increased over most of the Northern Hemisphere (NH) extratropics during the last 3 decades, likely from a combination of enhanced atmospheric CO2, climate change, and anthropogenic land use change. Accurate climate prediction requires accounting for long-term interactions between the environment and carbon cycling; thus, analysis of the evolution of the mean annual cycle in a fully prognostic Earth system model may provide insight into the multi-decadal influence of environmental change on the carbon cycle. We analyzed the evolution of the mean annual cycle in atmospheric CO2 simulated by the Community Earth System Model (CESM) from 1950 to 2300 under three scenarios designed to separate the effects of climate change, atmospheric CO2 fertilization, and land use change. The NH CO2 seasonal amplitude increase in the CESM mainly reflected enhanced primary productivity during the growing season due to climate change and the combined effects of CO2 fertilization and nitrogen deposition over the mid- and high latitudes. However, the simulations revealed shifts in key climate drivers of the atmospheric CO2 seasonality that were not apparent before 2100. CO2 fertilization and nitrogen deposition in boreal and temperate ecosystems were the largest contributors to mean annual cycle amplification over the midlatitudes for the duration of the simulation (1950–2300). Climate change from boreal ecosystems was the main driver of Arctic CO2 annual cycle amplification between 1950 and 2100, but CO2 fertilization had a stronger effect on the Arctic CO2 annual cycle amplitude during 2100–2300. Prior to 2100, the NH CO2 annual cycle amplitude increased in conjunction with an increase in the NH land carbon sink. However, these trends decoupled after 2100, underscoring that an increasing atmospheric CO2 annual cycle amplitude does not necessarily imply a strengthened terrestrial carbon sink.
Trends and regime shifts in climatic conditions and river runoff in Estonia during 1951–2015
Authors: Jaagus Jaak , Sepp Mait , Tamm Toomas , Järvet Arvo , Mõisja Kiira
Published: March 2017

Abstract. Time series of monthly, seasonal and annual mean air temperature, precipitation, snow cover duration and specific runoff of rivers in Estonia are analysed for detecting trends and regime shifts during 1951–2015. Trend analysis is performed using the Mann-Kendall test and regime shifts are detected with the Rodionov test (Sequential T-test Analysis of Regime Shifts). The results from Estonia are related to trends and regime shifts in time series of indices of large-scale atmospheric circulation. Annual mean air temperature has significantly increased at 12 observed stations by 0.3–0.4 K per decade. The warming trend was detected in all seasons but with the higher magnitude in spring and winter. Snow cover duration has decreased in Estonia by 3–4 days per decade. Changes in precipitation are not clear and uniform due to their very high spatial and temporal variability. The most significant increase in precipitation was observed during the cold half-year, from November to March. Time series of specific runoff measured at 21 stations has had significant seasonal changes during the study period. Winter values have increased by 0.4–0.9 l/s per km2 per decade while stronger changes are typical for western Estonia and weaker changes for eastern Estonia. At the same time, specific runoff in April and May has notably decreased indicating the shift of the runoff maximum to earlier time, i.e. from April to March. All meteorological and hydrological variables are highly correlated in winter, determined by the large-scale atmospheric circulation. Correlation coefficients between the Arctic Oscillation (AO) and North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) indices reflecting the intensity of westerlies, and the studied variables were 0.5–0.8. The main result of the analysis of regime shifts was the detection of coherent shifts for air temperature, snow cover duration and specific runoff in the late 1980s, mostly since the winter 1988/1989, which are, in turn, synchronous with the shifts in winter circulation. For example, runoff abruptly increased in January, February and March but decreased in April. Regime shifts in the annual specific runoff correspond to the alternation of wet and dry periods. A dry period started since 1964 or 1963, a wet period since 1978 and the next dry period since the beginning of the 21st century.
Landscape evolution models using the stream power incision model show unrealistic behavior when m/n equals 0.5
Authors: Kwang Jeffrey S. , Parker Gary
Published: March 2017

Abstract. Landscape evolution models often utilize the stream power incision model to simulate river incision: E = KAmSn, where E = vertical incision rate, K = erodibility constant, A =  upstream drainage area, S = channel gradient, and m and n are exponents. This simple but useful law has been employed with an imposed rock uplift rate to gain insight into steady-state landscapes. The most common choice of exponents satisfies m/n = 0.5; indeed, this ratio has been deemed to yield the “optimal channel network.” Yet all models have limitations. Here, we show that when hillslope diffusion (which operates only at small scales) is neglected, the choice m/n = 0.5 yields a curiously unrealistic result: the predicted landscape is invariant to horizontal stretching. That is, the steady-state landscape for a 1 m2 horizontal domain can be stretched so that it is identical to the corresponding landscape for a 100 km2 domain.
The Met Office HadGEM3-ES chemistry–climate model: evaluation of stratospheric dynamics and its impact on ozone
Authors: Hardiman Steven C. , Butchart Neal , O'Connor Fiona M. , Rumbold Steven T.
Published: March 2017

Abstract. Free-running and nudged versions of a Met Office chemistry–climate model are evaluated and used to investigate the impact of dynamics versus transport and chemistry within the model on the simulated evolution of stratospheric ozone. Metrics of the dynamical processes relevant for simulating stratospheric ozone are calculated, and the free-running model is found to outperform the previous model version in 10 of the 14 metrics. In particular, large biases in stratospheric transport and tropical tropopause temperature, which existed in the previous model version, are substantially reduced, making the current model more suitable for the simulation of stratospheric ozone. The spatial structure of the ozone hole, the area of polar stratospheric clouds, and the increased ozone concentrations in the Northern Hemisphere winter stratosphere following sudden stratospheric warmings, were all found to be sensitive to the accuracy of the dynamics and were better simulated in the nudged model than in the free-running model. Whilst nudging can, in general, provide a useful tool for removing the influence of dynamical biases from the evolution of chemical fields, this study shows that issues can remain in the climatology of nudged models. Significant biases in stratospheric vertical velocities, age of air, water vapour, and total column ozone still exist in the Met Office nudged model. Further, these can lead to biases in the downward flux of ozone into the troposphere.
Analysis of streamflow response to land use land cover changes using satellite data and hydrological modelling: case study of Dinder and Rahad tributaries of the Blue Nile
(Ethiopia/Sudan)
Authors: Hassaballah Khalid , Mohamed Yasir , Uhlenbrook Stefan , Biro Khalid
Published: March 2017

Abstract. Understanding the land use and land cover changes (LULCC) and its implication on surface hydrology of the Dinder and Rahad basins (D&R) approximately 77,504 km2 is vital for the management and utilization of water resources in the basins. Although there are many studies on LULCC in the Blue Nile basin, specific studies on LULCC in the D&R are still missing. Hence, its impact on streamflow is unknown. The objective of this paper is to understand the LULCC in the Dinder and Rahad and its implications on streamflow response using satellite data and hydrological modelling. The hydrological model has been derived by different sets of LULC maps from 1972, 1986, 1998 and 2011. Catchment topography, land cover and soil maps, are derived from satellite images and serve to estimate model parameters. Results of LULCC detection between 1972 and 2011 indicate a significant decrease of woodland and an increase of cropland. Woodland decreased from 42 % to 14 % and from 35 % to 14 % for Dinder and Rahad respectively. Cropland increased from 14 % to 47 % and from 18 % to 68 % in Dinder and Rahad respectively. The model results indicate that streamflow is affected by LULCC in both the Dinder and the Rahad Rivers. The effect of LULCC on streamflow is significant during 1986 and 2011. This could be attributed to the severe drought during mid 1980s and the recent large expansion in cropland.
The grain size(s) of Black Hills Quartzite deformed in the dislocation creep regime
Authors: Heilbronner Renée , Kilian Rüdiger
Published: March 2017

Abstract. A number of general shear experiments on Black Hills Quartzite (BHQ) in the dislocation creep regime, 5 of which have been analyzed previously using the CIP method (Heilbronner & Tullis, 2002 and 2006), are (re-)examined using the higher spatial and orientational resolution of EBSD. Segmentations based on c-axis orientation and on full crystallographic orientations are compared. Texture domains of preferred c-axis orientation are extracted and analyzed separately. Subdomains are recognized and their shape and size is related the kinematic framework and the original grains in the BHQ. Grain size analysis using a segmentation based on c-axis orientations is carried out for all, high and low strain samples of all regimes, and for a number of texture domains. The results are compared to the recrystallized quartz piezometer of Stipp & Tullis (2003), returning consistently higher values for stress or grain size. Possible causes for the discrepancy are texture dependence, grain scale strain, and dependence on the kinematic framework (in axial versus general shear experiments).
III. Margen y devenir
Authors: Arredondo Erika
Published: March 2017

Misceláneo 258
Learning Orientation, Market Orientation and Organizational Performance: The Mediating Effect of Absorptive Capacity
Authors: Kharabsheh Radwan , Ensour Waed , Bogolybov Pavel
Published: March 2017

Purpose: this paper aims to examine the mediating effect of absorptive capacity on the the relation between two construct: learning orientation (LO) and market orientation (MO) and organizational performance (OP).Design/methodology/approach: data were gathered through field survey of 190 senior managers in manufacturing organizations in Jordan. The analysis was conducted using two-stage least squares estimators for latent variable models.Findings: Results indicate that learning orientation, market orientation and absorptive capacity all have a positive and significant effect on organizational performance. Moreover, results suggest that absorptive capacity partially mediates the relationship between learning orientation and organizational performance. This study concludes that while knowledge acquisition and values of external knowledge are important, related prior knowledge, basic skills and research and development (R&D) (absorptive capacity) are important as well. Practical implications: For managers in manufacturing organizations, the study proposes that organizations should focus on attaining high levels of Learning orientation and market orientation while also giving attention to building internal knowledge and basic skills including R&D. Originality/value: This paper is the first to examine the mediating effect of absorptive capacity on the relationship between learning orientation, market orientation and organizational performance.
Ultrasound evaluation of carotid artery intima-media thickness in patients with risk factors for cardiovascular disease
Authors: Awad Ibrahim A. , Abbas Hanan Y.
Published: March 2017

Objective: The study purpose was to assess the change of carotid artery intima-media thickness (CAIMT) in patients with cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF), and determine the main factor that causing the abnormal IMT.Methods: We collected the data of 89 patients who underwent a carotid artery ultrasound between February 2011 and November 2012 (43 men and 46 women aged between 20-80 years old). All patients included in the study had one of the following cardiovascular risk factors: smoking (n = 40), arterial hypertension (n = 25) or diabetes mellitus (n = 24). The IMT of the common carotid artery was measured and the results were correlated with the recorded risk factor. Correlation with the patient’s age and gender was also performed.Results: The study revealed abnormal IMT (> 1 mm) in a total of 71 (79.8%) patients. These included 22 (88%) patients with hypertension, 19 (79.2%) patients with diabetes mellitus and 30 (75%) patients who were smokers (p < .05 for all 3 risk factors). While aging was also associated with increased IMT (p < .05), no gender differences were noted (p > .05).Conclusions: The present study showed that ultrasound is an excellent, noninvasive method for evaluation of carotid intima-media thickness. The main risk factors associated with abnormal carotid IMT were hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking andpatient’s age.