bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geological Characterization of Saudi Arabia Sand for Oilfield Applications
Authors: Benaafi Mohammed , Abdullatif Osman , Razzaq Waseem Abdul , Zoghbi Bilal
Published: July 2016

This paper aims to define the geological characteristics, lithofacies, and depositional setting of the sandstones in a Saudi Arabian formation based on an outcrop detailed study. The information gathered from the outcrop study is integrated with mechanical and geochemical parameters of sand grains. The sandstone succession of Saudi Arabia is exposed along the margins of the Arabian shield and extends from north to south. This succession exhibits sandstone, which was deposited mainly in continental-to-shallow marine environments (fluvial, glacial and pro-glacial, Aeolian, and shallow marine). Hence, it displays a wide range of lithofacies, including fine-grained, medium-grained, coarse-grained, pebbly, conglomeratic, bioturbated, and crossbedded massive sandstone facies. Representative samples from each facies were carefully acquired for laboratory studies of geomechanical and geochemical analysis.

A correlation of field and laboratory observations can help determine potential application of sands in the petroleum industry (e.g., fracturing and sand control operations). Geochemically and morphologically, these facies mainly consist of moderate-to-well-sorted and rounded-to-well-rounded silica-rich sandstone. There have been a number of studies performed on sands from Southeast Asia and North America; however, no such studies have been performed on the Middle East region sands, even though the region possesses significant sand reserves. Therefore, evaluation of the sand from the Saudi Arabian region is a significant step towards its use in various oilfield applications.

High-resolution geological properties in combination with geomechanical and geochemical properties of sandstone and sand can reveal their potential as fracturing sands. This study defines potential fracturing sand in Saudi Arabia based on geological characteristics, lithofacies, and depositional setting. This study can help operators and service companies design very cost-effective fracture jobs using sand from this region.
Well Integrity Monitoring Enhancement Using Geochemical Water Analysis
Authors: AlRueshed AbdulAziz
Published: July 2016

The principal objective of this letter is to explain the major importance of using geochemical water analysis in monitoring the wellbore integrity and recognising wells with wellbore problems. Every reservoir or aquifer water has a characteristic composition that can be used for its identification.

Geochemical water analysis can identify the water composition of a well, with diagrams being commonly used to identify such composition. One of these diagrams is the Tickler diagram, which is plotted to provide information on the source and type of formation water. In this report, a case study is presented about using this diagram when needed.

An important duty of the production engineer is to monitor the wellbore integrity of production and injection wells. It is the responsibility of the production engineer to recognise when a problem exists; diagnose the problem; and recommend remedial action so that wellbore integrity can restored, production/injection can continue, and corrosion damage can be minimised. Different tools are used to monitor the wellbore’s integrity, identify problem wells and diagnose the problem. One of these tools is the geochemical water analysis.

Introduction of different waters into the produced reservoir fluids will change its composition significantly. Comparison of the geochemical analysis with the previous well history can identify wellbore problems.

In the A and B fields, gradual reduction in the total dissolved solids (TDS) and chloride (Cl) with time is expected due to the dilution of the original reservoir water with injection W or seawater. The following recommendations have been made to enhance well integrity monitoring using geochemical water analysis: Establishing an application that shows the history of the TDS, Cl, Mg & Ca in plots and monitoring the plot trend. This application can be used to verify the geochemical analysis before making the validation. It can also identify if there are any wellbore problems.

Developing field/reservoir/aquifer TDS maps. Receiving these maps constantly will help to monitor the wellbore integrity & water quality and depict the produced water composition changes.
El Esencialismo Individuativo de Wiggins y la Función de los Juicios de Modalidad De Re
Authors: Varela José Edgar González
Published: July 2016

Quine ha promovido una forma de escepticismo sobre los juicios de modalidad de re que cuestiona su función (práctica y teórica) y sugiere, en consecuencia, su eliminación. Wiggins, por su parte, ha argumentado que nuestros juicios ordinarios de individuación de objetos nos comprometen con un cierto esencialismo, con la aceptación de ciertos juicios de modalidad de re. Si Wiggins tuviera razón, tendríamos una respuesta potencial al escepticismo quineano de la función. Sin embargo, en este trabajo argumento que la propuesta de Wiggins es incapaz de proporcionar una respuesta satisfactoria al escepticismo quineano, pues presupone aquello mismo que está en cuestión: los compromisos esencialistas se siguen sólo de la adopción previa de otros juicios de modalidad de re cuya función está precisamente en entredicho.
Long-term variations in the net inflow record for Lake Malawi
Authors: Sene K. , Piper B. , Wykeham D. , McSweeney R. T. , Tych W. , Beven K.
Published: July 2016

Lake Malawi is the third largest lake in Africa and plays an important role in water supply, hydropower generation, agriculture and fisheries in the region. Lake level observations started in the 1890s and anecdotal evidence of variations dates back to the early 1800s. A chronology of lake level and outflow variations is presented together with updated estimates for the net inflow to the lake. The inflow series and selected rainfall records were also analysed using an unobserved component approach and, although there was little evidence of long-term trends, there was some indication of increasing interannual variability in recent decades. A weak quasi-periodic behaviour was also noted with a period of approximately 4–8 years. The results provide useful insights into the severity of drought and flood events in the region since the 1890s and the potential for seasonal forecasting of lake levels and outflows.
Clinical Manifestations of Cardiac Disease in Patients with End Stage Renal Disease Under Maintenance Hemodialysis in a Tertiary Level Hospital of Nepal
Authors: Roka Kumar , Roka Pratibha Bista
Published: July 2016

Introduction: End stage renal disease presents with multiple clinical and systemic manifestations. The aim of the present study was to identify the early cardiac and other morbidities in end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients who were under maintenance hemodialysis.Methods: This was an observational, prospective study conducted in fifty established ESRD patients of 20 to 74 years under maintenance hemodialysis in Nephrology unit of Shree Birendra Hospital. Clinical examination, laboratory parameters, electrocardiogram and echocardiography findings were used to identify the morbidities. Results: Among all patients enrolled in the study 88.7% had anemia, 64.2 % systolic murmurs, 62.26 % pedal edema, 73.6 % fatiguability, 71.7 % angina, 24.4 % palpitations and 13.2 % had breathlessness on exertion.  62.26% of the patients had hypertension and 13.20 % had diabetes. In the electrocardiogram, prolonged QTc was observed in 10.4%, followed by T wave inversion in 9.4 % and finally low voltage complex comprised 7.6 %. The echocardiogram showed left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in 58.5 %, left ventricular hypertrophy (overall type) 49 % and valvular lesion like mitral regurgitation and tricuspid regurgitation 83 % and 58.5 % respectively. Conclusion: Cardiac co-morbidities are common in patients diagnosed with ESRD on maintenance hemodialysis.
Causes of Hypoglycemia in Hospitalized Diabetic Patients Referred to Endocrine Department of a Tertiary Level Hospital of India
Authors: K.C. Indu
Published: July 2016

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) results from relative deficiency or reduced effectiveness of endogenous insulin leading to both micro-vascular and macro-vascular complications. Treatment goal is intensive therapy as early as possible in patients with both type-1 and type-2 diabetes to bring the HbA1c to less than 7%. Occurrence of hypoglycemia in a diabetic patient is a common side effect of treatment. This study was aimed to find the causes of Hypoglycemia in diabetes patients. Methods: It was hospital based cross-sectional observational study on admitted diabetes patients with other co-morbid conditions who were on either oral hypoglycemic agents (OHA) or Insulin. Cause of hypoglycemia was elicited by history taking and analysis. Results: Out of 36 diabetics included in this study, seven had severe hypoglycemia, 22 had moderate to mild hypoglycemia. Most of them had various comorbidities. The causes of hypoglycemic episodes were varied. Conclusion: Hypoglycemia can occur despite cautious treatment protocol especially in diabetics with organ dysfunction, which can be prevented by alert and well-coordinated medical team.
Integrated Versus Traditional Method in Basic Medical Science Education: A Comparative Study in an Indian Medical College
Authors: Pokhrel Rishi , Tandon Aseem , Bhatnagar Rajan
Published: July 2016

Introduction: Medical education is at crossroads with various approaches in use throughout the world. Many medical schools in developing countries are on the verge of transition from traditional didactic lecture based approach to a problem-based approach. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficiency and efficacy of horizontal integration in comparison to isolated didactic lectures.Methods: This study was conducted at an Indian Medical college where integration is not routinely practiced. Lectures of anatomy and physiology were integrated and students’ understanding was assessed using pre-test and post-test in the form of 10 multiple-choice questions each. Opinion of students was taken using a questionnaire. Total students participating in the study were 118.Results: The mean score in pretest was found to be 5.32±1.88 and mean post-test score was 5.43±1.89. Students t test revealed a P value of 0.65 reflecting no statistically significant difference in the results. In the subjective assessment 76% of students didn't have any past experience of integration of 2 difference subjects, 87% students said that integration of anatomy and physiology lectures facilitated the understanding of the subject, 75% students wanted more topics to be taught in an integrated manner in future whereas 23% students say that only few relevant topics should be integrated. 47% of students recommended the integration of more subjects and the subject chosen was biochemistry. Most students said that such integration provided a better and holistic understanding of topics being covered. Students identified no disadvantages of integration.Conclusions: The objective result showed no significant improvements in scores of pre-test and post-test. On the other hand the subjective response of the students pointed towards an integrated approach being superior to stand alone didactic lectures in providing better understanding.
Don’t Let Your Thoughts Die
Authors: Shrestha Bikash
Published: July 2016

They say that the diagnosis of end of life is by the diagnosis of brain death. And of course, as long as the brain is not dead, we do continue our thoughts. Sometimes, our thoughts are really powerful. These thoughts are meaningless unless we let others know about it. The best way to let our thoughts be known to others is to document it. There goes the importance of publishing our thoughts. And perhaps, this is the most consolidate manner of making ourselves immortal. Recently, during my fellowship in neonatology days in Delhi, I was literature searching for high frequency ventilation in neonates. During this adventure, I reached the website of “The American Journal of Physiology”, the official publication of The American Physiology Society. During this, I was mesmerized by their first publication which was dated January 1898!!! It was really worth noting that this society was established in 1887 and their publication started in 1898! Of course, the New England Journal of Medicine and the Lancet are one of the oldest publication journals dated 1812 and 1823 respectively but it was amazing that the branch of physiology had journals more than a century ago!Yes of course, no doubt, we may be lagging behind our thoughts for even more than a century. This has no limitation for us to catch up and head towards the future. It is never too late, unless we do not start it. Let’s go ahead and move along with time, sharing our thoughts and trying to keep ourselves and our institution immortal forever.All the best.
Urinary Tract Infection by Nalidixic Acid Resistant Salmonella enterica Serotype Typhi
Authors: Bhatta Sabita , Chaudhary Raina , Hamal Bhairab Kumar
Published: July 2016

Salmonella species are a rare cause of urinary tract infection in humans.Recovery of S. Typhi from urine is rare and can occur following a recent episode of typhoid fever or in a chronic carrier states involving the urinary system. It has been associated with a higher incidence of structural abnormalities of urinary tract. We report a case of a 50 year old female with urinary tract infection caused by Nalidixic acid resistant Salmonella typhi in association with nephrolithiasis.
Triages forestiers valaisans: sur la voie du succès … (Essai)
Authors: Guex Olivier
Published: July 2016

Forest management units in the Valais: moving towards success ... (Essay)

A brief look towards the past will help us to understand why and how the forest organisation of the Valais has developed, moving from tradition to modernity in its management. A focused review of certain themes shows that after three decades and despite all the advantages of this structure, it has not reached climax equilibrium between the tasks of oversight and of enterprise. But is there a climax equilibrium which can be attained? The structure of the forest management units is evolving and has enabled them to adapt and overcome many challenges. The movement will continue, we must not deny the successes of the past, but each period brings its own challenges. Forest management must integrate even more the economic dimension, as it has absorbed the environmental and social dimensions, to become truly sustainable. Some perspectives are described, while remaining aware that they will raise new questions before a vision of the future can be consolidated, which is at present still in the draft stage.
Was ist die kleinste autonom funktionierende Forstbetriebseinheit? (Essay)
Authors: Brügger Joseph
Published: July 2016

What is the minimum size for an autonomous forest enterprise? (Essay)

On the assumption that most public forest entities in Switzerland want to have a forest enterprise with its own staff to manage its own forest, this essay explores the question of what is the minimum size for such an enterprise, under the conditions on the Swiss Plateau, to be considered a functional, autonomous and viable unit. For organisational and safety reasons, a minimum staff of five people working full time is necessary for this basic model. This implies rather high costs (especially fixed costs), which in turn necessitates high outputs, which can only be supplied on the basis of an adequate forest area: under present conditions, at least 1,500 ha of productive forest are needed.
Contourlet transform based subband normalization for region based medical image compression
Authors: Sophia P. Eben , Anitha J.
Published: July 2016

Low bit rate compression approach has been proposed for easy transmission of medical image from one place to another. Contourlet transform technique is used for obtaining multi directional subbands and for capturing the fine details of the image. Transformed coefficients are then normalized using a mathematical approach for each subbands, followed by quantization and encoding. Arithmetic coding techniques are used for entropy encoding. Experimental results shows that the visual quality as well as the compression ratio of the reconstructed image is high compared to the existing wavelet based compression technique at low bit rates. Contextual compression is well supported for such conditions where the unwanted regions are compressed lossy, but with good visual quality. The result of the proposed method shows better compression performance with good visual quality at low bit rates.
A Novel DFIG Damping Control for Power System with High Wind Power Penetration
Authors: Tan Aiguo , Lin Xiangning , Sun Jinwen , Lyu Ran , Li Zhengtian , Peng Long , Khalid Muhammad
Published: July 2016

Aiming at the fact that large-scale penetration of wind power will to some extent weaken the small signal stability of power systems, in this paper, the dynamic model of a doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) is established firstly, to analyze the impact of wind generation on power oscillation damping. Then, based on the conventional maximum power point tracking control of variable speed wind turbine, a supplementary control scheme is proposed to increase the damping of power system. To achieve best performance, parameters of the damping control are tuned by using a genetic algorithm. Results of eigenvalue analysis and simulations demonstrate the effectiveness of supplementary damping control with fixed wind speed. At last, due to the problem that fluctuation of output power of wind generators would cause the unstable performance of the DFIG damping controller above, a new algorithm that adapts to the wind variation is added to the supplementary damping control scheme. Results of the simulation show that an improved damping control scheme can stably enhance system damping under various wind speeds and has higher practical value.
Prescribing Patterns in Outpatient Clinics of Township Hospitals in China: A Comparative Study before and after the 2009 Health System Reform
Authors: Ding Ding , Pan Qingxia , Shan Linghan , Liu Chaojie , Gao Lijun , Hao Yanhua , Song Jian , Ning Ning , Cui Yu , Li Ye , Qi Xinye , Liang Chao , Wu Qunhong , Liu Guoxiang
Published: July 2016

Objective: China introduced a series of health reforms in 2009, including a national essential medicines policy and a medical insurance system for primary care institutions. This study aimed to determine the changing prescribing patterns associated with those reforms in township hospitals. Methods: A multi-stage stratified random cluster sampling method was adopted to identify 29 township hospitals from six counties in three provinces. A total of 2899 prescriptions were collected from the participating township hospitals using a systematic random sampling strategy. Seven prescribing indicators were calculated and compared between 2008 and 2013, assessing use of medicines (antibiotics and adrenal corticosteroids) and polypharmacy, administration route of medicines (injections), and affordability of medicines. Results: Significant changes in prescribing patterns were found. The average number of medicines and costs per-prescription dropped by about 50%. The percentage of prescriptions requiring antibiotics declined from 54% to 38%. The percentage of prescriptions requiring adrenal corticosteroid declined from 14% to 4%. The percentage of prescriptions requiring injections declined from 54% to 25%. Despite similar changing patterns, significant regional differences were observed. Conclusions: Significant changes in prescribing patterns are evident in township hospitals in China. Overprescription of antibiotics, injections and adrenal corticosteroids has been reduced. However, salient regional disparities still exist. Further studies are needed to determine potential shifts in the risk of the inappropriate use of medicines from primary care settings to metropolitan hospitals.
Associations between Dietary Intake and Urinary Bisphenol A and Phthalates Levels in Korean Women of Reproductive Age
Authors: Jo Ara , Kim Hyesook , Chung Hyewon , Chang Namsoo
Published: July 2016

Human exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates is a growing concern due to their association with harmful effects on human health, including a variety of disorders of the female reproductive system. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between food intake and urinary BPA and phthalates in Korean women of reproductive age. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 305 reproductive aged (30–49 years) females in Korea. Dietary intake was assessed using 24 h dietary recall, and urinary BPA and particular phthalates were measured using high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. After adjusting for covariates, beverage intake was positively associated with urinary BPA, and egg and egg product intake was negatively associated with urinary mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP) as well as mono (2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (MEOHP). Odds ratio for high BPA level (≥90th percentile) in women with >100 g of beverage consumption was significantly higher than for those who consumed ≤100 g. These results suggest that, in Korean women of reproductive age, some foods such as beverages and egg may be associated with body burdens of BPA, MnBP, MEHHP and MEOHP.
Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Tai Chi versus Brisk Walking in Reducing Cardiovascular Risk Factors: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Chan Aileen , Sit Janet , Chair Sek , Leung Doris , Lee Diana , Wong Eliza , Fung Lawrence
Published: July 2016

Physical inactivity is one of the major modifiable lifestyle risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). This protocol aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Tai Chi versus brisk walking in reducing CVD risk factors. This is a randomized controlled trial with three arms, namely, Tai Chi group, walking group, and control group. The Tai Chi group will receive Tai Chi training, which consists of two 60-min sessions each week for three months, and self-practice for 30 min every day. The walking group will perform brisk walking for 30 min every day. The control group will receive their usual care. 246 subjects with CVD risk factors will be recruited from two outpatient clinics. The primary outcome is blood pressure. Secondary outcomes include fasting blood for lipid profile, sugar and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c); body mass index, waist circumference, body fat percentage; perceived stress level and quality of life. Data collections will be conducted at baseline, 3-month, 6-month and 9-month. Generalized estimating equations model will be used to compare the changes in outcomes across time between groups. It is expected that both the Tai Chi and walking groups could maintain better health and have improved quality of life, and that Tai Chi will be more effective than brisk walking in reducing CVD risk factors.
Diet Quality and Cancer Outcomes in Adults: A Systematic Review of Epidemiological Studies
Authors: Potter Jennifer , Brown Leanne , Williams Rebecca , Byles Julie , Collins Clare
Published: July 2016

Dietary patterns influence cancer risk. However, systematic reviews have not evaluated relationships between a priori defined diet quality scores and adult cancer risk and mortality. The aims of this systematic review are to (1) describe diet quality scores used in cohort or cross-sectional research examining cancer outcomes; and (2) describe associations between diet quality scores and cancer risk and mortality. The protocol was registered in Prospero, and a systematic search using six electronic databases was conducted through to December 2014. Records were assessed for inclusion by two independent reviewers, and quality was evaluated using a validated tool. Sixty-four studies met inclusion criteria from which 55 different diet quality scores were identified. Of the 35 studies investigating diet quality and cancer risk, 60% (n = 21) found a positive relationship. Results suggest no relationship between diet quality scores and overall cancer risk. Inverse associations were found for diet quality scores and risk of postmenopausal breast, colorectal, head, and neck cancer. No consistent relationships between diet quality scores and cancer mortality were found. Diet quality appears to be related to site-specific adult cancer risk. The relationship with cancer mortality is less conclusive, suggesting additional factors impact overall cancer survival. Development of a cancer-specific diet quality score for application in prospective epidemiology and in public health is warranted.
Staphylococcal Superantigen-Like Protein 1 and 5 (SSL1 & SSL5) Limit Neutrophil Chemotaxis and Migration through MMP-Inhibition
Authors: Koymans Kirsten , Bisschop Adinda , Vughs Mignon , Van Kessel Kok , De Haas Carla , Van Strijp Jos
Published: July 2016

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are endopeptidases that degrade components of the extracellular matrix, but also modulate inflammation. During bacterial infections, MMPs are important in the recruitment and migration of inflammatory cells. Besides facilitating cell migration by degrading extracellular matrix components, they potentiate the action of several inflammatory molecules, including cytokines, chemokines, and antimicrobial peptides. Staphylococcus aureus secretes an arsenal of immune evasion molecules that interfere with immune cell functioning and hamper proper immune responses. An earlier study identified staphylococcal superantigen-like protein 5 (SSL5) as an MMP9 inhibitor. Since multiple MMPs are involved in neutrophil recruitment, we set up an in-depth search for additional MMP inhibitors by testing a panel of over 70 secreted staphylococcal proteins on the inhibition of the two main neutrophil MMPs: MMP8 (neutrophil collagenase) and MMP9 (neutrophil gelatinase B). We identified SSL1 and SSL5 as potent inhibitors of both neutrophil MMPs and show that they are actually broad range MMP inhibitors. SSL1 and SSL5 prevent MMP-induced cleavage and potentiation of IL-8 and inhibit the migration of neutrophils through collagen. Thus, through MMP-inhibition, SSL1 and SSL5 interfere with neutrophil activation, chemotaxis, and migration, all vital neutrophil functions in bacterial clearance. Studies on MMP-SSL interactions can have therapeutic potential and SSL based derivatives might prove useful in treatment of cancer and destructive inflammatory diseases.
Filtering Based Adaptive Visual Odometry Sensor Framework Robust to Blurred Images
Authors: Zhao Haiying , Liu Yong , Xie Xiaojia , Liao Yiyi , Liu Xixi
Published: July 2016

Visual odometry (VO) estimation from blurred image is a challenging problem in practical robot applications, and the blurred images will severely reduce the estimation accuracy of the VO. In this paper, we address the problem of visual odometry estimation from blurred images, and present an adaptive visual odometry estimation framework robust to blurred images. Our approach employs an objective measure of images, named small image gradient distribution (SIGD), to evaluate the blurring degree of the image, then an adaptive blurred image classification algorithm is proposed to recognize the blurred images, finally we propose an anti-blurred key-frame selection algorithm to enable the VO robust to blurred images. We also carried out varied comparable experiments to evaluate the performance of the VO algorithms with our anti-blur framework under varied blurred images, and the experimental results show that our approach can achieve superior performance comparing to the state-of-the-art methods under the condition with blurred images while not increasing too much computation cost to the original VO algorithms.
The Effects of Bus Ridership on Airborne Particulate Matter (PM10) Concentrations
Authors: Her Jaeseok , Park Sungjin , Lee Jae
Published: July 2016

Air pollution caused by rapid urbanization and the increased use of private vehicles seriously affects citizens’ health. In order to alleviate air pollution, many cities have replaced diesel buses with compressed natural gas (CNG) buses that emit less exhaust gas. Urban planning strategies such as transit-oriented development (TOD) posit that reducing private vehicle use and increasing public transportation use would reduce air pollution levels. The present study examined the effects of bus ridership on airborne particulate matter (PM10) concentrations in the capital region of Korea. We interpolated the levels of PM10 from 128 air pollution monitoring stations, utilizing the Kriging method. Spatial regression models were used to estimate the impact of bus ridership on PM10 levels, controlling for physical environment attributes and socio-economic factors. The analysis identified that PM10 concentration levels tend to be lower in areas with greater bus ridership. This result implies that urban and transportation policies designed to promote public transportation may be effective strategies for reducing air pollution.
Regulation of Toxin Production in Clostridium perfringens
Authors: Ohtani Kaori , Shimizu Tohru
Published: July 2016

The Gram-positive anaerobic bacterium Clostridium perfringens is widely distributed in nature, especially in soil and the gastrointestinal tracts of humans and animals. C. perfringens causes gas gangrene and food poisoning, and it produces extracellular enzymes and toxins that are thought to act synergistically and contribute to its pathogenesis. A complicated regulatory network of toxin genes has been reported that includes a two-component system for regulatory RNA and cell-cell communication. It is necessary to clarify the global regulatory system of these genes in order to understand and treat the virulence of C. perfringens. We summarize the existing knowledge about the regulatory mechanisms here.
Recherches archéologiques à Bavay, V-IX
Authors: Hanoune Roger , Muller Arthur
Published: July 2016

Verslag van opgravingscampagne 1989 in de basiliek op het forum te Bavay. Een stuk (sector 109) en een deel van de oostelijke beuk werden blootgelegd, zodat men de meest récente vloeren van het gebouw kon onderzoeken. De proefboringen (sectoren 104, 105, 110, 116) bevestigen de periodisering die na de vorige campagne voorgesteld werd : de aanwezigheld van een muntatelier gedurende période I wordt bevestigd door de vondst van talrijke fragmenten van matrijzen ; het verschil in grondplan tussen het eerste gebouw en de definitieve basiliek komt duidelijk naar voor, evenals de verschillende niveau's met betrekking tot de verandering en verwoesting van de basilied (période IV).
Quelques fibules émaillées découvertes dans la région lilloise
Authors: Singer Michel , Boniface François , Delecaut Michel , Tieghem G. , Castelain Bernard
Published: July 2016

Description de 5 fibules émaillées découvertes à Villeneuve d'Ascq, Houplin-Ancoisne et Templemars par le Groupe Archéologique Lillois.

Cette étude apporte une contribution à la répartition géographique de ces objets ; les repères stratigraphiques permettent de les dater des Ier et IIe siècles.
Confréries religieuses et réforme catholique à Soignies : persistance implicite d'un christianisme populaire.
Authors: Desmette Philippe
Published: July 2016

A l'image de l'ensemble des villes hainuyères et plus largement des anciens Pays-Bas, Soignies abrita sou l'Ancien Régime quantité de confréries religieuses. En dépit de leur soumission, dès le début du XVIIe siècle, à l'autorité épiscopale, elles conservèrent toujours un certain nombre de pratiques traditionnelles, voire profanes (banquets, amendes, etc.) peu compatibles avec les principes propagés par la Réforme catholique. De même, très peu d'innovations se manifestèrent au niveau de la pratique religieuse. En réalité, les interventions épiscopales modifièrent peu de choses, les changements s'avérant plus théoriques qu'effectifs.
Des influences jansénistes dans une ville industrielle, Tourcoing aux XVIIe et XVIIIe siècles.
Authors: Delsalle Paul
Published: July 2016

Faute de sources archivistiques, on a souvent laissé dans l'ombre l'influence du jansénisme sur l'économie et sur les comportements quotidiens des laïcs.

Dans le cadre très réduit, modeste, d'une seule ville industrielle textile (Tourcoing), nous présentons l'ébauche d'une recherche. Au-delà des clichés et des impressions, nous cherchons des fondements des mentalités économiques locales. Dans un premier temps, nous observons l'implantation et l'influence du jansénisme dans la région et la ville. Ensuite, nous soulignons l'existence et le rôle d'une congrégation du Tiers Ordre de saint Dominique. Enfin, nous cherchons d'autres traces et l'influence du jansénisme sur l'économie locale.
Le TDABC : un outil d’évaluation de la médiation en santé ?
Authors: Domingo Hugues , Eggrickx Ariel , Naro Gérald , Cudennec Aude , Martinez Eric , Bourret Rodolphe
Published: July 2016

La médiation est une nouvelle obligation des établissements de santé, même si les autorités de tutelle n’ont pas clarifié la question des moyens. Afin de valoriser la médiation dans un réseau de médiateurs (21 établissements), nous avons utilisé la démarche du Time Driven Activity Based Costing (TDABC) pour élaborer un outil d’évaluation. La recherche intervention a consisté à déployer dans un premier temps une méthodologie adaptée pour la mise en œuvre du TDABC dans l’un des établissements du réseau dont les résultats sont présentés dans ce papier. Le TDABC permet d’obtenir le coût d’un dossier traité en médiation, coût relativement faible au regard des bénéfices rattachables directement ou non à cette mission. Toutefois, le TDABC présente quelques limites notamment l’estimation du temps, principale clé de répartition des ressources consommées. Si la littérature développe l’aspect instrumental du TDABC, les résultats montrent que le TDABC peut jouer un rôle d’objet frontière dans le réseau de médiateurs. Il permet de rendre visible les pratiques informelles et la valeur invisible de la médiation même si cette dernière ne peut être comptée.
Light Entrapping, Modeling & Effect of Passivation on Amorphous Silicon Based PV Cell
Authors: Rahman Md. Mostafizur , Islam Md. Moidul , Debnath Mission Kumar , Saifullah S. M. , Hossein Samera , Bristy Nusrat Jahan
Published: July 2016

This research paper present efforts to enhance the performance of amorphous silicon p-i-n type solar cell using sidewall passivation. For sidewall passivation, MEMS insulation material Al2O3 was used. The main objective of this paper is to observe the effect of sidewall passivation in amorphous silicon solar cell and increase the conversion efficiency of the solar cell. Passivation of Al2O3 is found effective to subdue reverse leakage. It increases the electric potential generated in the designed solar cell. It also increases the current density generated in the solar cell by suppressing the leakage. Enhancement in J-V curve was observed after adding sidewall passivation. The short circuit current density (Jsc) increased from 14.7 mA/cm2 to 18.5 mA/cm2, open circuit voltage (Voc) improved from 0.87 V to 0.89 V, and the fill factor also slightly increased. Due to the sidewall of passivation of Al2O3, conversion efficiency of amorphous silicon solar cell increased by 29.07%. At the end, this research was a success to improve the efficiency of the amorphous silicon solar cell by adding sidewall passivation.
A New Modified Firefly Algorithm
Authors: Gupta Medha , Gupta Divya
Published: July 2016

Nature inspired meta-heuristic algorithms studies the emergent collective intelligence of groups of simple agents. Firefly Algorithm is one of the new such swarm-based metaheuristic algorithm inspired by the flashing behavior of fireflies. The algorithm was first proposed in 2008 and since then has been successfully used for solving various optimization problems. In this work, we intend to propose a new modified version of Firefly algorithm (MoFA) and later its performance is compared with the standard firefly algorithm along with various other meta-heuristic algorithms. Numerical studies and results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm is superior to existing algorithms.
Communication Analysis and Performance Prediction of Parallel Applications on Large-Scale Machines
Authors: Li Yan , Zhai Jidong , Li Keqin
Published: July 2016

With the development of high performance computers, communication performance is a key factor affecting the performance of HPC applications. Communication patterns can be obtained by analyzing communication traces. However, existing approaches to generating communication traces need to execute the entire parallel applications on full-scale systems that are time-consuming and expensive. Furthermore, for designers of large-scale parallel computers, it is greatly desired that performance of a parallel application can be predicted at the design phase. Despite previous efforts, it remains an open problem to estimate sequential computation time in each process accurately and efficiently for large-scale parallel applications on non-existing target machines. In this chapter, we will introduce a novel technique for performing fast communication trace collection for large-scale parallel applications and an automatic performance prediction framework with a trace-driven network simulator.
Fault Tolerance Techniques for Distributed, Parallel Applications
Authors: Coti Camille
Published: July 2016

This chapter gives an overview of techniques used to tolerate failures in high-performance distributed applications. We describe basic replication techniques, automatic rollback recovery and application-based fault tolerance. We present the challenges raised specifically by distributed, high performance computing and the performance overhead the fault tolerance mechanisms are likely to cost. Last, we give an example of a fault-tolerant algorithm that exploits specific properties of a recent algorithm.
Verification of Super-Peer Model for Query Processing in Peer-to-Peer Networks
Authors: Pourqasem J. , Edalatpanah S.A.
Published: July 2016

Equal peers in peer-to-peer (P2P) networks are the drawbacks of system in term of bandwidth, scalability and efficiency. The super-peer model is based on heterogeneity and different characteristics of peers in P2P networks. The P2P networks and large- scale distributed systems based on P2P networks use the super-peer model to design the query processing mechanism. This chapter first reviews the query processing methods in P2P networks, in which the authors classify theses query processing approaches in Unstructured and Structured mechanisms. Furthermore, the query processing techniques in distributed systems based on P2P networks are discussed. Afterward, authors concentrate on super-peer model to process the query of peers in P2P networks. Authors present the query processing methods in P2P-based distributed systems using the super node. Finally, the chapter provides some examples of each of the presented query processing techniques, and then illustrates the properties of each of them in terms of scalability and performance issues.
Big Data Analytics in Mobile and Cloud Computing Environments
Authors: Rehman Muhammad Habib ur , Khan Atta ur Rehman , Batool Aisha
Published: July 2016

Multiple properties of big mobile data, namely volume, velocity, variety, and veracity make the big data analytics process a challenging task. It is desired that mobile devices initially process big data before sending it to big data systems to reduce the data complexity. However, the mobile devices have recourse constraints, and the challenge of processing big mobile data on mobile devices requires further exploration. This chapter presents a thorough discussion about mobile computing systems and their implication for big data analytics. It presents big data analytics with different perspectives involving descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytical methods. Moreover, the chapter presents a detailed literature review on mobile and cloud based big data analytics systems, and highlights the future application areas and open research issues that are relevant to big data analytics in mobile cloud environments. Lastly, the chapter provides some recommendations regarding big data processing, quality improvement, and complexity optimization.
Internet of Things Applications
Authors: Elkhodr Mahmoud , Shahrestani Seyed , Cheung Hon
Published: July 2016

The Internet of Things (IoT) brings connectivity to about every objects found in the physical space. It extends connectivity not only to computer and mobile devices but also to everyday objects. From connected fridges, cars and cities, the IoT creates opportunities in numerous domains. This chapter briefly surveys some IoT applications and the impact the IoT could have on societies. It shows how the various application of the IoT enhances the overall quality of life and reduces management and costs in various sectors.
Development of Algorithms and Their Hardware Implementation for Gamma Radiation Spectrometry
Authors: Mahmoud Imbaby Ismail , El Tokhy Mohamed S.
Published: July 2016

The chapter describes how to develop algorithms for Gamma ray spectrometry portable instruments and then to implement them on FPGA devices as hardware platform. At first we consider the development of more accurate spectrum evaluation programs including pileup detection and recovery, dead time correction, coincidence summing and resolution enhancement algorithms which are implemented in MATLAB. The input signals are obtained through experimental setup or simulated model. Four different approaches are studied and evaluated for peak pileup problem within a spectroscopy system. In addition, x-ray spectrum evaluation enhancements are carried out and several algorithms are developed and compared. Hardware implementation using Xilinx DSP Boards as well as further improvements and modifications are discussed.
FPGA Implementations for Chaotic Maps Using Fixed-Point and Floating-Point Representations
Authors: Martinez-Gonzalez Ricardo Francisco , Vazquez-Medina Ruben , Diaz-Mendez Jose Alejandro , Lopez-Hernandez Juan
Published: July 2016

This work presents the implementation of various chaotic maps; among the maps there are one-dimensional and two-dimensional ones. In order to implement the maps, their mathematical descriptions are modified to be represented with more accuracy by different binary representations. The sequences from the same map are compared to determine until which iteration, different descriptions produce similar outputs. The similarity coefficient is established in five percent. Comparison delivers some interesting findings; first, the one-dimensional maps, in this work, have comparative number of similar iterations. Second, the bi-dimensional maps present the lowest and highest number of similar iterations. Based on the modified mathematical descriptions, the VHDL implementations are developed. They are simulated and their results are compared against the modified mathematical description ones; resulting that both groups of results are congruent.
Optimization of Advanced Signal Processing Architectures for Detection of Signals Immersed in Noise
Authors: Funes Marcos A. , Hadad Matías N. , Donato Patricio G. , Carrica Daniel O.
Published: July 2016

The use of Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) devices in the signal processing field has been on a constant rise since the beginning of the last decade. In particular, in the field of signal processing applications, the implementation of methods and techniques for the detection of coded signals immersed in noise should be highlighted. In this chapter, focus is placed on a special type of coding known as Complementary Sequences, and on some of the coding schemes derived from them. These sequences have been employed in many different application fields, ranging from safety sensors and radar systems to communications and material characterization. Specifically, this chapter deals with issues related to algorithms improvement and to their implementation in FPGA platforms, with particular emphasis on hardware resources efficiency and on the reliability of the whole processing scheme.
Determinants of Attitudinal Loyalty in Retail Banking
Authors: Izogo Ernest Emeka
Published: July 2016

This paper tests a conceptual model by drawing on the relationship marketing theory and the brand attitude literature. Two specific research aims were explored. First, the authors tests the mediating role of brand credibility in the relationships between its antecedents and attitudinal loyalty. Second, the moderating role of satisfaction in the relationships between information sharing, customer orientation and brand credibility were explored. Quantitative data generated from 332 experienced users of banking services in Nigeria formed the final database. The study contributes to brand attitude literature and loyalty theory by demonstrating that over and above the simple significant positive effects of information sharing, customer orientation, and brand credibility on attitudinal loyalty, brand credibility transmits the effects of information sharing and customer orientation onto attitudinal loyalty.
Modeling and Analyzing of Research Topic Evolution Associated with Social Networks of Researchers
Authors: Liang Wei , Lu Zixian , Jin Qun , Xiong Yonghua , Wu Min
Published: July 2016

Research trends keep evolving along the time with certain trackable patterns. Mining academic literature and discovering the latent research trends evolution is an interesting and important problem. Few of previous studies focusing on academic topic evolution modeling have addressed the temporal topic evolution patterns. In addition, researchers' profile and their social networks are valuable complementary to the research trends tracking. In this study, to analyze the underlying research trends evolution along with the scientific collaborations of researchers, a novel temporal research trends evolution model associated with researchers' social networks is proposed and built. Specifically, the detected research topics are classified into different clusters in each timeslot, and the evolution patterns are deduced among these topic clusters. The effectiveness of our approach is evaluated based on a real academic dataset. The experimental results can help users to discover the major research trends for specific fields. Besides, the tracked statuses of the corresponding scientific groups are helpful for searching research trends or finding collaboration opportunities according to researchers' different requirements.
Knowledge Map and Enterprise Ontology for Enhancing Business Process Reengineering In Healthcare
Authors: Musa Mahdi Alhaji , Othman Mohd Shahizan
Published: July 2016

The spending in healthcare is constantly increasing according to available data, and the resource consumption does not actually reflect expected improvement in the healthcare services. As a result there is urgent need for healthcare to reengineer their business process in order to achieve improvements in critical area such as cost and quality. To address this issue, this study proposed a method based on design science approach by integrating knowledge map, enterprise ontology and lean in order to find the non-value added transactions and subsequently reengineer them to enhance healthcare efficiency. Enterprise ontology provides a details and better understanding of dynamic nature of an organization as such was chosen for as basis for this study. The method was demonstrated in radiology department making it possible to find and addresses non-value added transactions and subsequently reengineer the department. Evaluation was carried out by means of descriptive method using Moody and Shank framework and interview with healthcare practitioners. The finding shows that the method has enhanced healthcare efficiency by eliminating non-value added transactions.