bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flow Regime Identification in Pneumatic Conveyor using Electrodynamic Transducer and Fuzzy Logic Method
Authors: Rahmat M. F. , Kamaruddin N. S. , Isa M. D.
Published: November 2017

Electrodynamic sensor, which can also be called as tribo-electric sensor, senses the electrostatic charge carried by the particle. The tomography system using electrodynamic sensor is called as tribo-electric tomography system. Source of the signal induced on the electrodynamic sensor is brought by the object to be measured and no excitation circuit is necessary. Measuring concentration distribution of the solid particles is essential because it contains useful information about potential problems and further more improve efficiency in the manufacturing or chemical processes. This study proposes to use electrodynamic transducer to measure electrical charge within pneumatic pipeline and utilize the fuzzy logic technique to identify the pattern of flow regimes through pneumatic pipeline. Promising results are obtained through experimental studies.
Simultaneous Periodic Output Feedback Control for Piezoelectric Actuated Structures using Interval Methods
Authors: Neduncheliyan S. , Umapathy M. , Ezhilarasi D.
Published: November 2017

In this paper, the problem of modeling, output feedback control design and the experimental implementation for the vibration control of smart cantilever beam with parameter uncertainties represented in interval form is addressed. The interval model of the system is obtained by introducing variation in the parameter of the identified model. However, Uncertainties are assumed in the model, identified through on line recursive least square parameter estimation. The control and identification process is done by using Simulink modeling software and dSPACE DS 1104 controller board. The output feedback controller design for the interval model is carried out through simultaneous output feedback controller design methodology by considering lower, nominal and upper bound models. The controllers designed are periodic output feedback is experimentally evaluated for their performance in suppressing the first vibration mode.
Towards a New Gas Sensor Microsystem Using Electroactive Polymers Thin Films
Authors: Larbi Allal , Djedou Bachir , Bennacer Layachi , Bousbia-Salah Mounir
Published: November 2017

This paper describes the development of a new gas sensor device using some electroactive polymers in thin layers. The poly(fluoro-aluminium phthalocyanine) powder, (AlPcF)n, has been synthesized, then deposited by vacuum evaporation on alumina or silicon substrates in the form of thin films with control of the deposition rate. (AlPcF)n thin layers are doped by NO2 or O2 diluted at various concentrations in N2 and their conductivity variations are studied as a function of time, temperature and doping gas concentration. The doping process is reversible, and the experimental results are interpreted in terms of adsorption and diffusion of the gas in the polymer, charge transfer, and transport of the injected carriers in the polymer chain.

These experimental results and previous studies on other polymers and oxidizing gases demonstrate the potentiality of such materials to be used as sensitive part of gas sensors.
Uncertainty Analysis of Micro Differential Pressure Sensor using Interval Analysis
Authors: Shanmugavalli M. , Uma G. , Umapathy M.
Published: November 2017

A methodology for robust design analysis of micromechanical systems using interval methods is presented by considering piezo resistive micro differential pressure sensor with uncertainty in its parameters. The proposed method guides the design of micro sensor to achieve a robust and reliable design in a most efficient way. The uncertainty analysis is carried out numerically using Coventorware and analytically using Intlab.
Uncertainty Analysis of Strain Gage Circuits: Interval Method And Interval Algorithm
Authors: Vasuki B. , Umapathy M. , Senthilkumarr A. R.
Published: November 2017

This paper presents uncertainty analysis of a strain gage based instrumentation systems. This has been carried out by interval method and classical methods and is verified by the mean value algorithm based on interval arithmetic. The quarter, half and full bridge configuration of strain gage based circuits are considered to illustrate the analysis.
Polymer Optical Fibre for in Situ Monitoring of Gamma Radiation Processes
Authors: O’Keeffe S. , Lewis E.
Published: November 2017

Poly Methyl MethAcrylate (PMMA) based plastic optical fibres offer a low cost radiation monitoring solution with a wide dose range, capable of providing real-time, online information. The sensitivity of the fibre to ionising radiation is shown to be dependant on wavelength, with the sensitivity increasing with decreasing wavelength, and so by carefully selecting the monitoring wavelength, the desired sensitivity and dose range can be achieved. The fibres exhibit high sensitivity, up to 0.6dBm−1/kGy, and are capable of monitoring dose ranges between 30Gy and 45kGy. This exceeds the sensing range of all commercially available PMMA slab sensors, allowing it to be used for a wide range of applications.
Optical Fiber Humidity Sensor Based on Lossy Mode Resonances
Authors: Hernaez M. , Zamarreño C.R. , Del Villar I. , Arregui F.J. , Matias I.R.
Published: November 2017

A novel optical fiber humidity sensor based on lossy mode resonances (LMR) has been developed. LMRs are supported here by a thin Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) coating fabricated onto an optical fiber core via a sol-gel dip coating. ITO coated optical fiber devices present a resonant maximum absorption peak in the infra-red region which is shifted to higher wavelengths when the refractive index of the medium in contact with the ITO layer is increased. A polymeric structure is deposited onto this ITO using the Layer-by-Layer (LbL) technique. The refractive index of this polymeric coating is sensitive to changes in the external relative humidity (RH), which permits the fabrication of humidity sensors based on LMRs.The wavelength based fabricated sensors showed a dynamical range of 65 nm when the RH varied in the range from 20 to 80% and it has a good linearity when the RH is higher than 40%, high stability and are highly reproducible.
New Method To Assess Service Quality in Care Homes For The Elderly
Authors: Reijula Jori , Rosendahl Toni , Reijula Kari , Roilas Paula , Roilas Heikki , Sepponen Raimo
Published: November 2017

A simple but dependable electronic device, Con-Dis, has been developed to gain reliable information on elderly persons’ perceptions of their well-being. The device has been tested and proven to be technically functional and dependable. It was tested in two care homes for the elderly and two private homes to evaluate whether it provided reliable information about the service quality. This report illustrates the practical usage of the device and shows its efficiency in gathering reliable service quality information from the focus group. The results suggest that Con-Dis is suitable for measuring the perceived service quality and seems to reduce the risk of too-positive evaluations.
Application of Intelligent Controller in a Ball and Beam Control System
Authors: Rahmat Mohd Fuaad , Wahid Herman , Wahab Norhaliza Abdul
Published: November 2017

Ball and beam system is one of a nonlinear and unstable control system, thus providing a challenge to the control engineers and researchers. There are a number of controllers which have been studied for years that can be used to stabilize the ball and beam system. This paper investigates the performance of few different control approaches that consist of conventional controller, modern controller and intelligent controller for a ball and beam system. It will involve the derivation of the mathematical modeling that includes the linearization of the model in order to be used with the linear controllers. The works followed with designing those controllers and simulating it in MATLAB. Each controller performance will be analyzed and compared which is based on common criteria’s of the step response. An appropriate graphic user interface (GUI) has been developed to view the animation of the ball and beam system.
Development and Characterization of Surface Micro-Machined MEMS Based Varactor
Authors: Chakraborty Subha , Bhattacharya A. , Chaudhuri Ashesh Ray , Bhattacharyya T.K.
Published: November 2017

This paper presents complete behavioral analysis of a surface micro-machined MEMS varactor for frequency tuning application in voltage controlled oscillators in RF applications with high Quality factor and tunability. The dimensions of the MEMS device have been optimized with Finite Element Method based CoventorWare analysis and verified through lumped parameter analysis in Saber platform. The MEMS varactor has been fabricated with the PolyMUMPs process. The paper also describes the Mechanical and electrical characterization of the MEMS varactor to meet the designed specification.
Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors: New Ideas on Straintemperature Discrimination
Authors: Rahman Aashia , Asokan Sundarrajan
Published: November 2017

In this paper, two novel methods are discussed, wherein Fiber Bragg Gratings are used as sensors to discriminate strain and temperature, simultaneously. These methods provide a good linear response and involve simple fabrication & implementation of the sensors.
Micro-Generator Design for Smart Grid System (Comparative Study)
Authors: Shahat Adel El , Keyhani Ali , Shewy Hamed El
Published: November 2017

High Speed PM Generators driven by micro-turbines are widely used in Smart Grid System. So, this paper proposes comparative study among six classical, optimized and genetic analytical design cases for 400 kW output power at tip speed 200 m/s. These six design trials of High Speed Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generators (HSPMSGs) are: Classical Sizing; Unconstrained optimization for total losses and its minimization; Constrained optimized total mass with bounded constraints are introduced in the problem formulation. Then a genetic algorithm is formulated for obtaining maximum efficiency and minimizing machine size. In the second genetic problem formulation, we attempt to obtain minimum mass, the machine sizing that is constrained by the non-linear constraint function of machine losses. Finally, an optimum torque per ampere genetic sizing is predicted. All results are simulated with MATLAB, Optimization Toolbox and its Genetic Algorithm. Finally, six design examples comparisons are introduced with study of machines waveforms, THD and rotor losses.
Simulation Studies on a New Intelligent Scheme For Relative Humidity And Temperature Measurement Using Thermistors in 555 Timer Circuit
Authors: Dey Debangshu , Munshi Sugata
Published: November 2017

This paper presents a novel and cheap electronic version of wet and dry temperature hygrometer The instrument is centered around a 555 timer, operated in astable multivibrator mode. Two thermistors with negative temperature coefficients (NTC) serve as the two timing resistors of the multivibrator. These thermistors are used to sense the dry and wet temperatures. The durations of the ‘HIGH’ and ‘LOW’ levels of the multivibrator output are detected and these values are used to predict the relative humidity and ambient temperature by an appropriately trained Artificial Neural Network (ANN). The performance of the arrangement has been evaluated by numerical simulation studies using thermistor data from manufacturer’s table. Significantly good results have been obtained.
A High Resolution of Human Breath Gas Sensor and the Analysis of Hyperventilation for Rescue Robotics in Disaster Zones (IRIS2010)
Authors: Toda Hideki , Capi Genci
Published: November 2017

This paper presents a new type of ultrasonic gas molecule concentration sensor for rescue robotics and the performance of developed sensor is investigated by applying as human breath gas measurement sensor. This devise can measure the change of the gas concentration with a sampling rate of 400 kHz. Ideal gas experiment results show that the proposed sensor could detect the difference between 5% CO2 and pure air over 50 dB S/N and could discriminate humidified air and pure air with 55 dB S/N. Another important result is that our proposed respiratory sensor could detect the “dead space” distributed from lungs to mouth, which could not be detected by previously proposed commercial use gas concentration sensors. Therefore, this sensor can detect a human-specific smallamount of molecular gas change of the survivors in a disaster zones. In addition, we measured the hyperventilation state, in which it is assumed that the survivor is in critical conditions.
A Wavelet-Based Bridge Weigh-In-Motion System
Authors: Lechner B. , Lieschnegg M. , Mariani O. , Pircher M. , Fuchs A.
Published: November 2017

Bridge Weigh-in-Motion systems can be used to estimate vehicle parameters such as velocity, axle loads, or the distance between axles without affecting the traffic. These parameters and the classification of vehicles are necessary to determine vehicle overload and hence may help to reduce risks for road users and road infrastructure and allow optimized planning of maintenance work.

The Bridge Weigh-in-Motion system developed is based on a crack displacement sensor with intelligent data processing algorithms: In a first step, the number of axles, the distance between axles, and the velocity of the vehicle is obtained from the crack displacement signal by means of wavelet decomposition. In a subsequent step, the axle loads are found by means of optimizing the weights for axle loads that the measured crack displacement signal can be approximated by a superposition of (shifted and extended/compressed) ‘Lines of Influence’. Intensive test runs have been performed to verify results of the Bridge Weigh-in-Motion system.
Study Of Thermal-Magnetic Driving For Next-Generation Inkjet
Authors: Muraii Shinya , Han Hirofumi , Koshimoto Y.
Published: November 2017

In this paper, the authors proposed a novel type of inkjet where the ink is driving by maxwell stress employing the characteristic of thermalmagnetic. Different with the traditional inkjet technology like the piezo-vibration driving type or bubble driving type, in the proposed approach the moving elements or high temperature is absolutely unnecessary and having simple structure, so that high durability and reliability is promising with small size and strong pumping force. The working mechanism of the proposed method was explained and demonstrated by analysis and experiment.
Review Of Wet Gas Flow Measurement Using Venturi Tubes And Radio Active Materials
Authors: Seraj Hossein , Khaled Marzuki , Yusof Rubiyah , Rahmat Mohd Fuaad
Published: November 2017

This paper introduces the application of Venturi flow meter for wet gas flow measurement. Wet gas which is a gas containing small amount of liquid is mostly encountered in gas wells where the extracted gas has water and condensate inside. Venturi flow meters which originally were introduced for single phase flow measurement are adapted for wet gas measurement. In this paper, we elaborate using of Venturi meter as a device for measuring wet gas flow and explain versatile methods for correcting the reading of Venturi tube for wet gas application. Tracer injection method is introduced as a manual tool for measuring water and condensate flow rate in wet gas fluid. Also radioactive measuring method has been introduced as an automatic method for measuring the ratio between gas, water and condensate in wet gas fluid. Finally different aspects of using radioactive sources are elaborated.
Microcontroller based Power Efficient Signal Conditioning Unit for Detection of a Single Gas using MEMS based Sensor
Authors: Bhattacharyya P. , Verma D. , Banerjee D.
Published: November 2017

-A low power MEMS based sensor along with the embedded power efficient signal conditioning unit (Microcontroller based), which can be used with any suitable sensor-network to detect and quantify variations in a particular gas concentration, has been reported in this paper. The power consumption of the MEMS gas sensor is ~ 70mW to 100mW depending upon its operating temperature (150-250°C) and that of entire signal conditioning unit (consisting of low noise amplifier, switch, microcontroller and power management chip) is ~ 36mW in the ON state and only ~7.2μW in OFF state (sleep mode). The test gas in this particular case was methane for which sensor resistance varied from 100KΩ to 10KΩ. This hybrid sensor system is very much suitable for detecting a single gas with display of corresponding gas concentrations and subsequent alarming if the threshold limit is crossed.
Nanosensors Engineering: Ii. Superficial Functionalization Of Sno2 Nanowire For Sensing Performance Improvement
Authors: Dmitriev Serghei
Published: November 2017

Paper presents results of study aimed the tin dioxide nanowire gas sensing performance improvement via in situ functionalization with NiO. Developed nanostructures have demonstrated improved by order gas sensitivity toward H2 and CO and drastic increase of selectivity to H2 against CO. Obtained results are discussed from the point of view of NiO/Sno2 heterojunction formation and its influence on electrical transport through nanowire and nanowire interaction with target gases.
A Methodology for the Optimization Of Multi-program Shared Scratchpad Memory
Authors: Yang J. F. , Jiang H. , Hu W.
Published: November 2017

Processors used in wireless and ad hoc networks bring more strict requirements on performance and power consumption. The hardware and software need to coordinate more efficiently to meet such requirements. With the rapid development of semi-conductor technology, more memory can be integrated into the processor. ScratchPad Memory (SPM) is a kind of the on-chip memory, is a SRAM based memory with fast response, small on-chip area and low power consumption. It is still a big challenge on how to take advantages of SPM because SPM must be explicitly used by software to achieve high performance. This paper proposes a novel methodology to share SPM during multiprograms. The applications are analyzed and memory objects are generated. During the executions, multi-programs can share SPM through these memory objects. The experimental results show that our approach can reduce both the execution time and the energy consumption effectively.
Flexible Ph Sensor With Polyaniline Layer Based On Impedance Measurement
Authors: Chuang Cheng-Hsin , Wu Hsun-Pei , Chen Cheng-Ho , Wu Peng-Rong
Published: November 2017

A flexible sensor with conducting polyaniline layer for detecting pH value based on the impedance measurement is fabricated and demonstrated in this study. The pH sensor consists of an interdigital electrode array on a flexible printed circuit and a thin-film polyaniline as the sensing layer. As the conductivity of polyaniline depends on the redox state, the impedance change of the polyaniline after it has reacted with different pH value solutions works as the sensing mechanism. In order to obtain a reliable and stable impedance measurement result, a standard procedure for pH value detection is also developed. As the experimental results show, the impedance variation of the pH sensor is less than 1% in an ambient environment, and the measured impedance increases with pH values varying from 2 to 12. In addition, the impedance change between the unreacted sensor and the reacted sensor exhibit 3 orders of difference; thus, the resolution of the pH value detection is very high, making it possible to detect the impedance by means of a simple electronic device. Consequently, the low-cost, disposable, flexible IDT electrode sensor with a polyaniline layer effectively demonstrates the feasibility of pH value detection. Moreover, the sensor can be applied to other applications, such as gas detection, humidity and glucose, etc.
A Review of Artificial Fish Swarm Optimization Methods and Applications
Authors: Neshat Mehdi , Adeli Ali , Sepidnam Ghodrat , Sargolzaei Mehdi , Toosi Adel Najaran
Published: November 2017

The Swarm Intelligence is a new and modern method employed in optimization problems. The Swarm Intelligence method is based on the en masse movement of living animals like birds, fishes, ants and other social animals. Migration, seeking for food and fighting with enemies are social behaviors of animals. Optimization principle is seen in these animals. The Artificial Fish Swarm Optimization (AFSA) method is one of the Swarm Intelligence approaches that works based on the population and stochastic search. Fishes show very intelligently social behaviors. This algorithm is one of the best approaches of the Swarm Intelligence method with considerable advantages like high convergence speed, flexibility, error tolerance and high accuracy. this paper review the AFSA algorithm, its evolution stages from the start point up to now, improvements and applications in various fields like optimization, control, image processing, data mining, improving neural networks, networks, scheduling, and signal processing and so on. Also, various methods combining the AFSA with other optimization methods like PSO, Fuzzy Logic, Cellular Learning Automata or intelligent search methods like Tabu search, Simulated Annealing, Chaos Search and etc.
An Air Quality Monitoring System for Urban Areas Based on the Technology of Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Liu Jen-Hao , Chen Yu-Fan , Lin Tzu-Shiang , Chen Chia-Pang , Chen Po-Tang , Wen Tzai-Hung , Sun Chih-Hong , Juang Jehn-Yih , Jiang Joe-Air
Published: November 2017

Air pollution is one of environmental issues that cannot be ignored. The heavy transportation and urbanization result in the air pollutants concentrated in certain areas. Inhaling pollutants for a long time causes damages in human health. Traditional air quality monitoring methods, such as building air quality monitoring stations, are typically expensive. In addition, monitoring stations are generally less densely deployed and provide low resolution sensing data. This paper proposes an urban air quality monitoring system based on the technology of wireless sensor networks (WSNs). It also integrates with the global system for mobile communications (GSM). The system consists of sensor nodes, a gateway, and a control center managed by the LabVIEW program through which sensing data can be stored in a database. This system is deployed to the main roads in the Taipei city to monitor the carbon monoxide (CO) concentration caused by vehicle emissions. The experimental results show that the proposed system is suitable for micro-scale air quality monitoring in real-time through the WSN technology.
Development of Semi-Quantitative Analytical System for Metal Nanoparticle Ink Using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy
Authors: Ikezawa S. , Wakamatsu M. , Ueda T.
Published: November 2017

This paper describes the semi-quantitative analysis of metal nanoparticle ink using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). LIBS can be used to obtain information about the density and chemical composition of silver particles or copper particles, even ultrafine particles. Metal particles have been attracting much attention because of their increased use in new micro-nano technologies. In this work, LIBS was used as a fine metal particle measurement system for nanometallic materials used in printing. Good spectral peak resolutions were obtained when the Ag spectra were recorded at wavelengths of 328.068 nm and 338.289 nm and Cu spectra at 324.754 nm and 327.396 nm.
Spatial-temporal Collaborative Sequential Monte Carlo for Mobile Robot Localization in Distributed Intelligent Environments
Authors: Qian Kun , Ma Xudong , Dai Xian Zhong , Fang Fang
Published: November 2017

In this paper, a spatial-temporal collaborative sequential Monte Carlo architecture for mobile robot localization is designed to well suites intelligent environment for service robotic system. A proposed algorithm, namely Distributed Proportional Allocation-Augmented Particle Filter (DPA-APF), resolves the sensor collaboration problem by the processes of augmented sampling, inter-node resampling, inner-node resampling and particle exchange. These procedures exploit data parallelism and pipelining of resampling operations and improve the scalability of distributed particle filters (PFs). Moreover, modified visual and laser sensor perception models are also addressed to guarantee reliable and accurate robot localization in dynamic scenarios that robot coexists with people. The proposed method is applied to a home-care robotic intelligent room with distributed smart nodes, and the experimental results validate the effectiveness of the proposed method, which is hopeful to reduce the gap that exists between PF theory and their implementation using networked hardware.
Practical Sway Motion Control for Double Pendulum-Type Overhead Crane System
Authors: Zohari M. N. A. , Tumari M. Z. Mohd , Saealal M. S. , Ghazali K.H. , Ramli M.S.
Published: November 2017

The sway motion of crane can be successfully suppressed by properly shaping the reference command. Input shaping is a one type of feed-forward shaping method that is based on linear superposition. In this paper, we present the impact of double pendulum type overhead crane (DPTOC) system on the effectiveness of input shaping. An unshaped bang-bang input force is used to determine the characteristic parameters of the system for design and evaluation of the input shaping control techniques. The input shapers with the derivative effects are designed based on the properties of the system. The response DPTOC system to shaped input is experimentally verified in time and frequency domain. The performance of the input shaper is examined in terms of sway angle reduction and time response specification. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach in reducing the sway motion of crane system.
The Dimensional Assessment of Personality Pathology – Short Form for Adolescents (DAPP-SF-A): normative data for Flemish adolescents aged 16 to 21 years
Authors: Raaijmakers Daphne , Polak Marike G. , Arends Lidia R. , van Eldik Willemijn M. , Prinzie Peter
Published: November 2017

Background

The Dimensional Assessment of Personality Pathology – Short Form for Adolescents (DAPP-SF-A) is an age-adapted version of the DAPP Basic Questionnaire (DAPP-BQ). The psychometric properties of this questionnaire were established by Tromp and Koot. However, norming data are currently available exclusively for Dutch adolescents.

Objective

The main aim of this study was to provide community-based norming data for the DAPP-SF-A in Flemish adolescents and separately for boys and girls. The second aim was to compare the Flemish norms with the Dutch norms.

Method

The sample consisted of 425 adolescents (52% girls), aged 16 to 21 years (mean, 18.6; SD, 1.16), from the general Flemish population. In 2012, all respondents completed the DAPP-SF-A and the Youth Self-Report as a part of the longitudinal Flemish Study on Parenting, Personality, and Development.

Results:

Internal consistency reliabilities of the lower-order dimensions were acceptable to good (a ranged from 0.71 to 0.87, median=0.85, mean item-rest correlations ranged from 0.44 to 0.67). The lower-order dimensions showed distinctive mean patterns for boys and girls, with higher scores for girls on Affective Instability and Insecure Attachment [effect sizes (d) were both −0.35] and higher scores for boys on all lower-order dimensions of Dissocial Behavior, Inhibitedness, and three lower-order dimensions of Emotional Dysregulation (d ranged from 0.21 to 0.79). The comparison of the Flemish scores with the Dutch scores showed substantial inter-cultural differences (d ranged from 0.13 to −1.78).

Conclusions

The DAPP-SF-A shows satisfactory reliability in a Flemish community-based sample of adolescents. Furthermore, given the differences between boys and girls, the use of gender-based norms seems appropriate. Finally, substantial differences with the Dutch general population norms warrant the use of separate norms in Flemish adolescents.
Computerised Recommendations on E-Transaction Finalisation by Means of Machine Learning
Authors: Budnikas Germanas
Published: November 2017

Nowadays a vast majority of businesses are supported or executed online. Website-to-user interaction is extremely important and user browsing activity on a website is becoming important to analyse. This paper is devoted to the research on user online behaviour and making computerised advices. Several problems and their solutions are discussed: to know user behaviour online pattern with respect to business objectives and estimate a possible highest impact on user online activity. The approach suggested in the paper uses the following techniques: Business Process Modelling for formalisation of user online activity; Google Analytics tracking code function for gathering statistical data about user online activities; Naïve Bayes classifier and a feedforward neural network for a classification of online patterns of user behaviour as well as for an estimation of a website component that has the highest impact on a fulfilment of business objective by a user and which will be advised to be looked at. The technique is illustrated by an example.
A PÓS-GRADUAÇÃO STRICTO SENSU NA UNIVERSIDADE MULTIDIMENSIONAL
Authors: Barcellos Leonardo José Gil
Published: November 2017

EDITORIAL
Application of the Random Forest model for chlorophyll-a forecasts in fresh and brackish water bodies in Japan, using multivariate long-term databases
Authors: Yajima Hiroshi , Derot Jonathan
Published: November 2017

There is a growing world need for predicting algal blooms in lakes and reservoirs to better manage water quality. We applied the random forest model with a sliding window strategy, which is one of the machine learning algorithms, to forecast chlorophyll-a concentrations in the fresh water of the Urayama Reservoir and the saline water of Lake Shinji. Both water bodies are situated in Japan and have historical water records containing more than ten years of data. The Random Forest (RF) model allowed us to forecast trends in time series of chlorophyll-a in these two water bodies. In the case of the reservoir, we used the data separately from two sampling stations. We found that the best model parameters for the number of min-leaf, and with/without pre-selection of predictors, varied at different stations in the same reservoir. We also found that the best performance of lead-time and accuracy of the prediction varied between the two stations. In the case of the lake, we found the best combination of a min-leaf and pre-selection of predictors was different from that of the reservoir case. Finally, the most influential parameters for the random forest model in the two water bodies were identified as biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), pH, and total nitrogen/total phosphorus (TN/TP).
Hydrochemical characterization and evaluation of the impact of AMD processes on river basin areas in the Iberian Pyrite Belt
Authors: Grande J. A. , de la Torre M. L. , Santisteban M. , Fortes J. C.
Published: November 2017

The hydrographic network in the Iberian Pyrite Belt (IPB) (south-west Europe) is intensively affected by acid mine drainage (AMD) processes. This represents a unique worldwide scenario of extractive mining activity for more than 4,000 years. In order to be able to achieve possible restorations, it is necessary to reduce the scale of possible actions for future environmental improvements, at the river basin level. Therefore, the delineation of watersheds and subwatersheds in the IPB has been carried out, as well as the definition of the degree of impact by AMD processes in these basins in the dry season and in the rainy season. The results show that all basins are affected by AMD processes during the entire hydrological year, with pH values between 2 and 3, for most cases, and high concentrations of sulfates, metals and arsenic.
Water demand predictions for megacities: system dynamics modeling and implications
Authors: Qin Huanhuan , Cai Ximing , Zheng Chunmiao
Published: November 2017

Sustaining the water supply in megacities is an enormous challenge. To address this challenge, it is especially important to predict water demand changes in megacities. This paper presents a system dynamics model to predict the future water demands of different sectors considering multiple factors, including population, structure of the economy, and water supply and use technologies. Compared with traditional methods such as the time series method and structure analysis method, the proposed model takes into account the interconnections, non-linear relationships and feedbacks between the various factors in a systems context. The model is applied to Beijing, a megacity with a population over 20 million and very limited water availability. It is found that the total water demand is likely to increase by at least 36.1% (up to 62.5%) by 2030 compared with that in 2011, and the water deficits vary from −0.36 × 109 to 1.80 × 109m3 in 2030. In addition, scenarios are designed to account for impacts associated with economic development, climate change and inter-basin water transfers. It is shown that climate change may have a large impact on the water supply reliability in Beijing. The water shortage problems can be alleviated via inter-basin water transfers.
Assessment of Water Physicochemical Parameters in the Strîmtori‐Firiza Reservoir in Northwest Romania
Authors: Dippong Thomas , Mihali Cristina , Năsui Daniel , Berinde Zoiţa , Butean Claudia
Published: November 2017

This article assesses the surface water quality of the Strîmtori‐Firiza reservoir by analyzing 14 physicochemical parameters among 9 metals in 18 sampling points. A series of possible reservoir pollutants were identified, depending on the nature of the pollutants and their loading. The novelty of the paper consists in the broad spectrum of investigations that includes spatial distribution cluster analysis and mathematical modeling. This article presents an innovative method of assessing the distributions of the metal loads as maps of metal distribution that are in accordance with the developed mathematical models that aim to present the pollutant distribution and the degree of correlation between the physicochemical indicators. The clusters were generated using Ward's and Nearest Neighbor methods that are less used in the studies concerning the analysis of water quality. Measures for maintaining the quality of the water reservoir are proposed considering the importance of the reservoir as source for drinking/industrial water.
Fire Safety Management System for Heritage Buildings in Malaysia
Authors: Roslan Rozrinda , Said Shahrul Yani
Published: November 2017

Fire is one of the horrific events that could lead to death and total destruction of buildings. Many great buildings were lost on fire. Many towns and cities were rebuilt because of great fires. Heritage buildings are recognized as over 50 years of age and built with distinct architectural features of its time. Nonetheless, these buildings present a great risk as it is often not well prepared for current fire hazard. This paper reviews the fire safety management system for heritage buildings in Malaysia based on selected research carried out.
In Search of Home Sweet Home: Between theory and reality
Authors: Abdullah Nuraisyah Chua , Ramly Ramzyzan , Ikhsan Muhammad Izwan
Published: November 2017

Houses bought through sub-sale contract are of varying quality. The “caveat emptor” doctrine compels the purchaser to make a thorough investigation in a sub-sale house purchase. The “as is” clause posits that the house is sold based on its existing conditions. This paper analyses the application of the “caveat emptor” and “as is” clause in Malaysia and highlights the framework of information disclosure on property conditions in Malaysia, in comparison with the vendor disclosure laws in the United States and Australia. This paper suggests that a pre-purchase checklist should be provided in a sale and purchase transaction.
Assessing the Feasibility and Pre-Post Impact Evaluation of the Beta (Test) Version of the BeUpstanding Champion Toolkit in Reducing Workplace Sitting: Pilot Study (Preprint)
Authors: Healy Genevieve Nissa , Eakin Elizabeth G , Winkler Elisabeth AH , Hadgraft Nyssa , Dunstan David W , Gilson Nicholas D , Goode Ana D
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

The Web-based, evidence-informed BeUpstanding Champion Toolkit was developed to provide employers (via a “train-the-champion approach”) with resources and support to help in reducing prolonged sitting in their own desk-based workplace. As part of a five-phase research-to-dissemination process, this study reports on the evaluation of the beta (test) version of this toolkit (Phase 2).

OBJECTIVE

The objective of our study was to evaluate (1) the implementation of the toolkit by workplace champions and (2) the impact of the toolkit on sitting (primary outcome), standing, and moving; use of activity-promoting strategies; knowledge and attitudes; and indicators of health and work performance.

METHODS

An implementation study using a pre-post design was conducted in 7 desk-based workplaces in Australia (September 2015 to May 2016), with work teams (one per workplace) purposively recruited to ensure representation across a range of sectors (white- or blue-collar), organizational sizes (small or medium or large), and locations (metropolitan or regional). All staff within participating teams were invited to participate in the relevant toolkit activities. Implementation outcomes (time commitment required by champions and toolkit activities completed) were collected from each champion via telephone interviews. Changes in impact outcomes, measured via a Web-based questionnaire completed by employees at baseline and 3 months postimplementation, were assessed using mixed models, correcting for clustering.

RESULTS

Champions reported a 30-60 minutes per week time commitment to the toolkit activities. All teams formed a wellbeing committee and sent the staff surveys at both time points; most champions held a staff consultation workshop (6/7), identified team-level strategies within that workshop (5/7), used the communication resources provided within the toolkit (emails, posters; 6/7), and completed the action plan (5/7). In total, 52% (315 of ≈600) employees participated in at least one survey and 97 (16%) participated in both. At follow-up, there was a significant (P<.05) reduction in self-reported workplace sitting time compared to baseline (−6.3%, 95% CI −10.1 to −2.5; n=85) equating to ≈30 minutes per workday. Significant benefits were also observed for the use of activity-promoting strategies, with small, nonsignificant changes observed for knowledge and attitudes and indicators of health and work performance.

CONCLUSIONS

The beta version of the BeUpstanding Champion Toolkit was feasible to implement and effective in reducing self-reported workplace sitting across a broad range of desk-based workplaces. The next phase (Phase 3) will build on these findings to optimize the toolkit for wider-scale implementation and longer term evaluation.
The Validity of Online Patient Ratings of Physicians: Analysis of Physician Peer Reviews and Patient Ratings (Preprint)
Authors: McGrath Robert J , Priestley Jennifer Lewis , Zhou Yiyun , Culligan Patrick J
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

Information from ratings sites are increasingly informing patient decisions related to health care and the selection of physicians.

OBJECTIVE

The current study sought to determine the validity of online patient ratings of physicians through comparison with physician peer review.

METHODS

We extracted 223,715 reviews of 41,104 physicians from 10 of the largest cities in the United States, including 1142 physicians listed as “America’s Top Doctors” through physician peer review. Differences in mean online patient ratings were tested for physicians who were listed and those who were not.

RESULTS

Overall, no differences were found between the online patient ratings based upon physician peer review status. However, statistical differences were found for four specialties (family medicine, allergists, internal medicine, and pediatrics), with online patient ratings significantly higher for those physicians listed as a peer-reviewed “Top Doctor” versus those who were not.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this large-scale study indicate that while online patient ratings are consistent with physician peer review for four nonsurgical, primarily in-office specializations, patient ratings were not consistent with physician peer review for specializations like anesthesiology. This result indicates that the validity of patient ratings varies by medical specialization.
Deficiência cognitiva e sua influência sobre os distúrbios de equilíbrio em idosos institucionalizados
Authors: Andrade Jaíne de Fátima Oliveira , Souza Lucimara de Carvalho , Ferrer Michele Lacerda Pereira
Published: November 2017

Introdução: O envelhecimento fisiológico pode trazer declínio das capacidades físicas e cognitivas dos idosos. Esse declínio pode influenciar a capacidade do idoso manter-se estável, pois o controle postural engloba tarefas motoras complexas que envolvem a interação entre componentes musculoesqueléticos e informações do sistema visual, vestibular e proprioceptivo. Além disso, estudos apontam que quando o indivíduo é colocado frente a múltiplas tarefas, sua demanda de atenção aumenta e se torna mais difícil manter o equilíbrio. Dessa forma, o presente estudo enfatiza a importância de se realizar um diagnóstico precoce de distúrbios de equilíbrio, que podem ou não estar associados à deficiência cognitiva, a fim de realizar futuras intervenções melhorando a qualidade de vida do idoso. Objetivo: Identificar o perfil de idosos residentes em uma Instituição de Longa Permanência para Idosos (ILPI) e investigar se há associação entre deficiência cognitiva e distúrbios de equilíbrio. Metodologia: Estudo transversal, realizado em uma ILPI de Bragança Paulista - SP, que consistiu em análise dos prontuários de 80 idosos. A função cognitiva foi avaliada por meio do escore do Mini Exame do Estado Mental (MEEM) e o equilíbrio foi avaliado por meio do registro das Estratégias Motoras Compensatórias e do Teste Romberg. Para analisar as possíveis associações foi realizada análise descritiva com o programa estatístico SPSS 22.0 e Teste Qui-Quadrado com nível de significância de p ≤ 0,05. Conclusão: O presente estudo possibilitou identificar o perfil funcional dos idosos residentes na Instituição, não sendo observada associação entre deficiência cognitiva e distúrbios de equilíbrio.
A CULTURA DA INSTABILIDADE POLÍTICA E A REAPROXIMAÇÃO DA AMÉRICA DO SUL COM OS ESTADOS UNIDOS
Authors: De Oliveira de Castro Henrique Carlos , Ranincheski Sonia
Published: November 2017

The article deals with the recent foreign policy of the Andean countries, Venezuela, Ecuador and Bolivia, considering the relationship with the United States and the situation of political crises in these countries. We discuss the national context of each country and the consequences for external relations and international politics of each and of the region. We address United States interests in the effects of the current crisis in the three countries and highlight the importance of political culture for understanding reality.
O BRASIL E O VÁCUO DE LIDERANÇA REGIONAL: O AVANÇO SINO-AMERICANO (2011/2016)
Authors: Do Carmo Corival Alves , Pecequilo Cristina Soreanu
Published: November 2017

The first decade of the 21st century was characterized by Brazil’s action in South America. However, since 2011, there was a setback in the country´s strategic, economic and political investments in integration, allowing the projection of the US and China. The aim of this article is to analyze this context.
RESURGENCE OF MILITANCY IN OGONILAND: SOCIO-ECONOMIC PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Bamidele Oluwaseun
Published: November 2017

Militant activities, which are mostly localized in Ogoniland, Nigeria, have remained a threat to the security of the country since the death of Ken Saro-Wiwa and nine Ogoni members when they were hanged during military rule. As a way of drawing attention to itself, the militant Ogoni group initiated violence campaigns which resulted in the massive killing of many multinational oil workers and security forces. To understand how militancy came to be such a Gordian knot in Nigeria’s contemporary security situation, one should have an understanding of Ogoniland’s reality as well as the social and economic history.
FGF23 Concentration and APOL1 Genotype Are Novel Predictors of Mortality in African Americans With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Chan Gary C. , Divers Jasmin , Russell Gregory B. , Langefeld Carl D. , Wagenknecht Lynne E. , Hsu Fang-Chi , Xu Jianzhao , Smith S. Carrie , Palmer Nicholette D. , Hicks Pamela J. , Bowden Donald W. , Register Thomas C. , Ma Lijun , Carr J. Jeffrey , Freedman Barry I.
Published: November 2017

OBJECTIVE

Cardiovascular and renal complications contribute to higher mortality in patients with diabetes. We assessed novel and conventional predictors of mortality in African American–Diabetes Heart Study (AA-DHS) participants.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Associations between mortality and subclinical atherosclerosis, urine albumin–to–creatinine ratio (UACR), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), plasma fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) concentration, African ancestry proportion, and apolipoprotein L1 genotypes (APOL1) were assessed in 513 African Americans with type 2 diabetes; analyses were performed using Cox proportional hazards models.

RESULTS

At baseline, participants were 55.6% female with median (25th, 75th percentile) age 55 years (49.0, 62.0), diabetes duration 8 years (5.0, 13.0), glycosylated hemoglobin 60.7 mmol/mol (48.6, 76.0), eGFR 91.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 (76.4, 111.3), UACR 12.5 mg/mmol (4.2, 51.2), and coronary artery calcium 28.5 mg Ca2+ (1.0, 348.6); 11.5% had two APOL1 renal-risk variants. After 6.6-year follow-up (5.8, 7.5), 54 deaths were recorded. Higher levels of coronary artery calcified plaque, carotid artery calcified plaque, albuminuria, and FGF23 were associated with higher mortality after adjustment for age, sex, and African ancestry proportion. A penalized Cox regression that included all covariates and predictors associated with mortality identified male sex (hazard ratio [HR] 4.17 [95% CI 1.96–9.09]), higher FGF23 (HR 2.10 [95% CI 1.59–2.78]), and absence of APOL1 renal-risk genotypes (HR 0.07 [95% CI 0.01–0.69]) as the strongest predictors of mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Accounting for conventional risk factors, higher FGF23 concentrations and APOL1 non–renal-risk genotypes associated with higher mortality in African Americans with diabetes. These data add to growing evidence supporting FGF23 association with mortality; mechanisms whereby these novel predictors impact survival remain to be determined.
Prototipo de una tarjeta para el control y localización vehicular utilizando mensajes SMS
Authors: Moya Diana , Benítez Edgar , Olmedo Gonzalo , Larco Julio
Published: November 2017

En este artículo se describe la implementación de un prototipo para el control y localización vehicular denominado SCL (Sistema de Control y Localización) que hace uso del servicio de mensajes cortos (SMS) de la red GSM(Global Systemfor Mobile Communication) para su administración, desde una interfaz gráfica de usuario desarrollada en J2ME (Java2 Micro Edition). Este sistema está constituido de dos partes principales: una Tarjeta de Control y Localización (TCL) y la interfaz en J2ME. Se detalla el diseño del hardware de la TCL, describiendo sus componentes, la interconexión entre los mismos y sus consideraciones técnicas; así como, las características generales de la aplicación en J2ME.