bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temperature measurement of laser heated metals in highly oxidizing environment using 2D single-band and spectral pyrometry
Authors: Muller Maryse , Fabbro Remy , El-Rabii Hazem , Hirano Koji
Published: April 2012

Calibration and validation of two temperature measurement techniques both using optical pyrometry, usable in the framework of the study of the heated metals in highly oxidizing environments and more generally during laser processing of materials in the range of 2000–4000 K have been done. The 2D single-band pyrometry technique using a fast camera provides 2D temperature measurement, whereas spectral pyrometry uses a spectrometer analyzing the spectra emitted by a spot on the observed surface, with uncertainties calculated to be, respectively, within ±3% and 6% of the temperature. Both techniques have been used simultaneously for temperature measurement of laser heated V, Nb, Ta, and W rods under argon and to measure the temperature of steel and iron rods during combustion under oxygen. Results obtained with both techniques are very similar and within the error bars of each other when emissivity remains constant. Moreover, spectral pyrometry has proved to be able to provide correct measurement of temperature, even with unexpected variations of the emissivity during the observed process, and to give a relevant value of this emissivity. A validation of a comsol numerical model of the heating cycle of W, Ta, Nb, V rods has been obtained by comparison with the measurement.
Lateral Ankle Ligament Injury Following Inversion Ankle Sprain
Authors: Stehr Matthew T.
Published: April 2012

The patient was a 20-year-old man who was referred to a physical therapist 6 weeks following an inversion sprain of his right ankle. Radiographs were completed and had been interpreted as normal, but due to continued complaints of instability and marked laxity on examination, ankle stress radiographs were ordered. Talar tilt stress radiographs were suggestive of lateral ligamentous insufficiency of the right ankle.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2012;42(2):145. doi:10.2519/jospt.2012.0403
The Scapular Assistance Test Results in Changes in Scapular Position and Subacromial Space but Not Rotator Cuff Strength in Subacromial Impingement
Authors: Seitz Amee L. , McClure Philip W. , Finucane Sheryl , Ketchum Jessica M. , Walsworth Matthew K. , Boardman N. Douglas , Michener Lori A.
Published: April 2012

Study Design

Controlled laboratory study.

Objectives

To determine the effect of the modified scapular assistance test (SAT) on 3-dimensional shoulder kinematics, strength, and linear measures of subacromial space in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome (SAIS).

Background

Abnormal scapular kinematics have been identified in patients with SAIS. Increased scapular upward rotation and posterior tilt, as induced with manual assistance using the SAT, have been theorized to increase subacromial space and may alter shoulder strength.

Methods

Forty-two subjects (21 with SAIS and 21 controls) participated in this study. The anterior outlet of the subacromial space, measured via the acromiohumeral distance on ultrasound images, and 3-dimensional scapular kinematics, measured using motion analysis, were determined with the arm at rest, and at 45° and 90° of active elevation with and without the SAT. A dynamometer was used to measure isometric shoulder strength. Full factorial mixed-model analyses of variance evaluated the effects of the SAT on variables between groups.

Results

There was an increase in scapular posterior tilt at all angles, upward rotation at rest and 45° of elevation, and acromiohumeral distance at 45° and at 90° with the SAT. The SAT did not alter normalized isometric strength. There were no differences in response to the SAT between the SAIS and control groups.

Conclusion

Manual scapular assistance using the SAT influences factors associated with SAIS, such as subacromial space and potentially scapular orientation during static arm elevation, but not more so in individuals with SAIS than in healthy individuals. The SAT performed statically may be a way to identify potential subgroups of individuals with SAIS for whom subacromial space narrowing may be a contributing factor. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2012;42(5):400–412, Epub 27 January 2012. doi:10.2519/jospt.2012.3579
Properties of Mn2+ and Π-Electron Spin Systems Probed by 1H and 13C NMR in the Organic Conductor κ-(BETS)2Mn[N(CN)2]3
Authors: Vyaselev Oleg M. , Kato Reizo , Yamamoto Hiroshi M. , Kobayashi Megumi , Zorina Leokadiya V. , Simonov Sergey V. , Kushch Nataliya D. , Yagubskii Eduard B.
Published: April 2012

Properties of the spin systems of the localized 3d Mn2+ ions and the conduction π electrons in quasi-two-dimensional organic conductor κ-(BETS)2Mn[N(CN)2]3 were accessed using 1H and 13C NMR in order to find their relation to the metal-insulator transition which occurs at ∼23 K. The transition of the system into the insulating state is shown to be followed by localization of the π spins into a long-range ordered staggered structure of AF type. In contrast, the 3d Mn2+ electron spin moments form a disordered tilted structure, which may signify their trend to AF order, frustrated geometrically by the triangular arrangement of Mn in the anion layer. This result suggests that the MI transition in κ-(BETS)2Mn[N(CN)2]3 is not the consequence of the interactions within the Mn2+ spins but due to the interactions within the π-electron system itself. Vice versa, it is more likelythat the disordered tilted structure of the Mn2+ spins is induced by the ordered π-spins via the π-d interaction.
A Gene-By-Gene Approach to Bacterial Population Genomics: Whole Genome MLST of Campylobacter
Authors: Sheppard Samuel K. , Jolley Keith A. , Maiden Martin C. J.
Published: April 2012

Campylobacteriosis remains a major human public health problem world-wide. Genetic analyses of Campylobacter isolates, and particularly molecular epidemiology, have been central to the study of this disease, particularly the characterization of Campylobacter genotypes isolated from human infection, farm animals, and retail food. These studies have demonstrated that Campylobacter populations are highly structured, with distinct genotypes associated with particular wild or domestic animal sources, and that chicken meat is the most likely source of most human infection in countries such as the UK. The availability of multiple whole genome sequences from Campylobacter isolates presents the prospect of identifying those genes or allelic variants responsible for host-association and increased human disease risk, but the diversity of Campylobacter genomes present challenges for such analyses. We present a gene-by-gene approach for investigating the genetic basis of phenotypes in diverse bacteria such as Campylobacter, implemented with the BIGSdb software on the pubMLST.org/campylobacter website.
Salivary Proteins Associated with Periodontitis in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Chan Hang Haw , Rahim Zubaidah H. A. , Jessie Kala , Hashim Onn H. , Taiyeb-Ali Tara B.
Published: April 2012

The objective of this study was to investigate the salivary proteins that are associated with periodontitis in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Volunteers for the study were patients from the Diabetic Unit, University of Malaya Medical Centre, whose periodontal status was determined. The diabetic volunteers were divided into two groups, i.e., patients with periodontitis and those who were periodontally healthy. Saliva samples were collected and treated with 10% TCA/acetone/20 mM DTT to precipitate the proteins, which were then separated using two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Gel images were scanned using the GS-800TM Calibrated Densitometer. The protein spots were analyzed and expressed in percentage volumes. The percentage volume of each protein spot was subjected to Mann-Whitney statistical analysis using SPSS software and false discovery rate correction. When the expression of the salivary proteins was compared between the T2DM patients with periodontitis with those who were periodontally healthy, seven proteins, including polymeric immunoglobulin receptor, plastin-2, actin related protein 3, leukocyte elastase inhibitor, carbonic anhydrases 6, immunoglobulin J and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, were found to be differentially expressed (p < 0.01304). This implies that the proteins may have the potential to be used as biomarkers for the prediction of T2DM patients who may be prone to periodontitis.
Improved Synthesis of 5-Substituted 1H-Tetrazoles via the [3+2] Cycloaddition of Nitriles and Sodium Azide Catalyzed by Silica Sulfuric Acid
Authors: Du Zhenting , Si Changmei , Li Youqiang , Wang Yin , Lu Jing
Published: April 2012

A silica supported sulfuric acid catalyzed [3+2] cycloaddition of nitriles and sodium azide to form 5-substituted 1H-tetrazoles is described. The protocol can provide a series of 5-substituted 1H-tetrazoles using silica sulfuric acid from nitriles and sodium azide in DMF in 72%–95% yield.
Investigation on the Protective Effects of Cranberry Against the DNA Damage Induced by Benzo[a]pyrene
Authors: Madrigal-Santillán Eduardo , Fragoso-Antonio Sonia , Valadez-Vega Carmen , Solano-Solano Gloria , Pérez Clara Zúñiga , Sánchez-Gutiérrez Manuel , Izquierdo-Vega Jeannett A. , Gutiérrez-Salinas José , Esquivel-Soto Jaime , Esquivel-Chirino César , Sumaya-Martínez Teresa , Fregoso-Aguilar Tomas , Mendoza-Pérez Jorge , Morales-González José A.
Published: April 2012

There are few reports that demonstrate the antigenotoxic potential of cranberries. Although the types of berry fruits consumed worldwide are many, this paper focuses on cranberries that are commonly consumed in Mexico (Vaccinium macrocarpon species). The purpose of the present study is to determine whether cranberry ethanolic extract (CEE) can prevent the DNA damage produced by benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) using an in vivo mouse peripheral blood micronucleus assay. The experimental groups were organized as follows: a negative control group (without treatment), a positive group treated with B[a]P (200 mg/kg), a group administered with 800 mg/kg of CEE, and three groups treated with B[a]P and CEE (200, 400, and 800 mg/kg) respectively. The CEE and benzo[a]pyrene were administered orally for a week, on a daily basis. During this period the body weight, the feed intake, and the determination of antigenotoxic potential were quantified. At the end of this period, we continued with the same determinations for one week more (recovery period) but anymore administration of the substances. The animals treated with B[a]P showed a weight increase after the first week of administration. The same phenomenon was observed in the lots combined with B[a]P and CEE (low and medium doses). The dose of 800 mg/kg of CEE showed similar values to the control group at the end of the treatment period. In the second part of the assay, when the substances were not administered, these experimental groups regained their normal weight. The dose of CEE (800 mg/kg) was not genotoxic nor cytotoxic. On the contrary, the B[a]P increases the frequency of micronucleated normochromatic erythrocytes (MNNE) and reduces the rate of polychromatic erythrocytes (PE) at the end of the treatment period. With respect to the combined lots, a significant decrease in the MN rate was observed from the sixth to the eighth day of treatment with the two high doses applied; the highest protection (60%) was obtained with 800 mg/kg of CEE. The same dose showed an anticytotoxic effect which corresponded to an improvement of 62.5% in relation to the animals administered with the B[a]P. In the second period, all groups reached values that have been seen in the control group animals. Our results suggest that the inhibition of clastogenicity of the cranberry ethanolic extract against B[a]P is related to the antioxidant capacity of the combination of phytochemicals present in its chemical composition.
Rao and Wald Tests for Nonhomogeneous Scenarios
Authors: Hao Chengpeng , Orlando Danilo , Hou Chaohuan
Published: April 2012

In this paper, we focus on the design of adaptive receivers for nonhomogeneous scenarios. More precisely, at the design stage we assume a mismatch between the covariance matrix of the noise in the cell under test and that of secondary data. Under the above assumption, we show that the Wald test is the adaptive matched filter, while the Rao test coincides with the receiver obtained by using the Rao test design criterion in homogeneous environment, hence providing a theoretical explanation of the enhanced selectivity of this receiver.
Fiber Optic Sensor for Acoustic Detection of Partial Discharges in Oil-Paper Insulated Electrical Systems
Authors: Posada-Roman Julio , Garcia-Souto Jose A. , Rubio-Serrano Jesus
Published: April 2012

A fiber optic interferometric sensor with an intrinsic transducer along a length of the fiber is presented for ultrasound measurements of the acoustic emission from partial discharges inside oil-filled power apparatus. The sensor is designed for high sensitivity measurements in a harsh electromagnetic field environment, with wide temperature changes and immersion in oil. It allows enough sensitivity for the application, for which the acoustic pressure is in the range of units of Pa at a frequency of 150 kHz. In addition, the accessibility to the sensing region is guaranteed by immune fiber-optic cables and the optical phase sensor output. The sensor design is a compact and rugged coil of fiber. In addition to a complete calibration, the in-situ results show that two types of partial discharges are measured through their acoustic emissions with the sensor immersed in oil.
Nanocharacterization of Soft Biological Samples in Shear Mode with Quartz Tuning Fork Probes
Authors: Otero Jorge , Gonzalez Laura , Puig-Vidal Manel
Published: April 2012

Quartz tuning forks are extremely good resonators and their use is growing in scanning probe microscopy. Nevertheless, only a few studies on soft biological samples have been reported using these probes. In this work, we present the methodology to develop and use these nanosensors to properly work with biological samples. The working principles, fabrication and experimental setup are presented. The results in the nanocharacterization of different samples in different ambients are presented by using different working modes: amplitude modulation with and without the use of a Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) and frequency modulation. Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria are imaged in nitrogen using amplitude modulation. Microcontact printed antibodies are imaged in buffer using amplitude modulation with a PLL. Finally, metastatic cells are imaged in air using frequency modulation.
Progression-Free Survival as a Primary Endpoint in Clinical Trials of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Gill S. , Berry S. , Biagi J. , Butts C. , Buyse M. , Chen E. , Jonker D. , Mărginean C. , Samson B. , Stewart J. , Thirlwell M. , Wong R. , Maroun J.A.
Published: April 2012

In recent years, significant advances have been made in the management of metastatic colorectal cancer. Traditionally, an improvement in overall survival has been considered the “gold standard”—the most convincing measure of efficacy. However, overall survival requires larger patient numbers and longer follow-up and may often be confounded by other factors, including subsequent therapies and crossover. Given the number of active therapies for potential investigation, demand for rapid evaluation and early availability of new therapies is growing. Progression-free survival is regarded as an important measure of treatment benefit and, compared with overall survival, can be evaluated earlier, with fewer patients and no confounding by subsequent lines of therapy. The present paper reviews the advantages, limitations, and relevance of progression-free survival as a primary endpoint in randomized trials of metastatic colorectal cancer.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY PRICE INDEX AND MACROECONOMIC INDICATORS IN DUBAI HOUSING MARKET / SANTYKIS TARP GYVENAMOJO NT INDEKSO IR MAKROEKONOMINIŲ RODIKLIŲ DUBAJAUS BŪSTO RINKOJE
Authors: Hepşen Ali , Vatansever Metin
Published: April 2012

The main purpose of this study is to investigate whether there is a long-run relationship between macroeconomic indicators and property price index in Dubai. This paper uses the monthly data for the eight year period from January 2003 to December 2010. In order to identify long term equilibrium between property price index and macroeconomic indicators, cointegration analyses are utilized for the study. The results of the empirical analyses show that there is a long term positive equilibrium relationship not only between RE IDIN.com Dubai Residential Property Price Index (DRPPI) and gold prices; but also between DRPPI and volume of total direct foreign trade. On the other hand, there is a negative long-run relationship between DRPPI and the number of completed residential units. In addition, there is a significant positive relation between DRPPI and the first lag of DRPPI and also the first lag of error term. Our paper is the first academic study that identifies this relationship in Dubai. Santrauka Pagrindinis tyrimo tikslas – išnagrinėti, ar makroekonominius rodiklius ir NT kainų indeksą Dubajuje sieja ilgalaikis santykis. Darbe naudojami aštuonerių metų (nuo 2003 m. sausio iki 2010 m. gruodžio) mėnesiniai duomenys. Siekiant nustatyti ilgalaikę pusiausvyrą tarp NT kainų indekso ir makroekonominių rodiklių, tyrimui naudojamos kointegracijos analizės. Empirinių analizių rezultatai rodo ilgalaikį teigiamą pusiausvyros santykį ne tik tarp REIDIN.com skelbiamo Dubajaus gyvenamojo NT kainų indekso (DRPPI) ir aukso kainų, bet ir tarp DRPPI ir bendros tiesioginės užsienio prekybos apimčių. Kita vertus, nustatytas ilgalaikis neigiamas santykis tarp DRPPI ir pastatytų būstų skaičiaus. Be to, nustatytas reikŠmingas teigiamas santykis tarp DRPPI ir jo pirmojo vėlavimo (angl. first lag) bei paklaidos pirmojo vėlavimo. Šis darbas – pirmas mokslinis tyrimas, kuriame nustatomas Šis santykis Dubajaus atveju.
INVESTIGATION OF THE RECENT EARTH'S CRUST DEFORMATIONS IN THE TERRITORY OF LITHUANIA
Authors: Zakarevičius Algimantas , Stanionis Arminas , Levinskaitė Daiva
Published: April 2012

The paper discusses the horizontal movements of the Earth's crust in the territory of Lithuania. The curves of horizontal deformations are found by comparing the changes in coordinates of geodetic network points obtained after repeated measurements carried out after a certain period of time. The goal of the investigation was to analyse the regularities of indications of horizontal movements of the Earth's crust established according to the data of three different geodetic measurements. The parameters of horizontal movements were calculated using the method of finite elements and applying tensor analysis. To implement the investigation in the territory of Lithuania, the authors used the points of the triangulation network, formed in the year 1942; and the points of GPS networks of zero class and first class, formed in the year 1993, and measured once again in the year 2007 (the total of 45 joint points). After the investigation, new curves of horizontal deformations (such as relative linear deformations, relative shear deformations, relative dilatation, the maximum and the minimum elongation of the key horizontal deformations, and the directions of the maximum elongation) were found. In case of the analysis of obtained results, it was found that the positive values of deformations predominate in the direction of the maximum related elongation and the negative values of deformations predominate in the direction of the minimum related elongation. The maximum elongation of the key horizontal deformations varies between −1.608 ·10−6 and 20.832 ·10−6. The minimum elongation of the key horizontal deformations varies between –29.424 ·10−6 and 1.397 ·10−6. Dilatation varies between −27.580 ·10−6 and −8.612 ·10−6. It was found that more intensive changes of indications of deformations were observed at the boundaries of deep blocks of the lithosphere.
Situación actual del puente arco
Authors: Manterola Javier
Published: April 2012

La aparición del hormigón pretensado en los años 40 y la del puente atirantado en los 60 han dejado sin "sitio" al puente arco. Recientemente se observa una pequeña reactivación en la construcción de este tipo de puentes por varios motivos: Construcción del arco por avance en voladizo acompañado por el empuje del tablero sobre el arco ya construido. Ampliación de sus posibilidades de ubicación por la adopción de determinadas disposiciones especiales. Incremento de la presencia del arco con tablero inferior por la vistosidad que presenta de cara al usuario.
El hormigón pretensado en la arquitectura
Authors: Páez Bacala Alfredo
Published: April 2012

En este artículo, el autor defiende el principio de que es en el diseño donde, principalmente, reside el acierto y la originalidad del proyecto. Puesto que en esta primera fase es donde se tantean las diversas opciones imaginadas, convendrá considerar el pretensado como una técnica que, dotada de unas especiales características, implica la aplicación de unos procedimientos que pueden modificar el comportamiento de la estructura llegando a determinar soluciones notablemente simples.
A estos efectos, y con la finalidad de exponer intuitivamente estos conceptos, se desarrollan unos ejemplos ilustrativos de las posibilidades que ofrece el hormigón pretensado en el caso particular de las cubiertas de edificios singulares.
Concrete Durability Properties and Microstructural Analysis of Cement Pastes with Nopal Cactus Mucilage as a Natural Additive
Authors: Ramírez-Arellanes S. , Cano-Barrita P. F. de J. , Julián-Caballero F. , Gómez-Yañez C.
Published: April 2012

The present study evaluated the addition of a 3% nopal cactus mucilage solution to cement pastes, in its effects on setting times, flow, hydration, and microstructure, as well as on capillary water absorption and chloride diffusion in concrete. Hydration was characterized through XRD and microstructure was characterized with SEM. The mucilage solution/cement and water/cement ratios tested were 0.30, 0.45, and 0.60. The results in cement pastes indicate that the addition of mucilage increases setting times, reduces flow, slows cement hydration, and inhibits the formation of calcium hydroxide crystals in comparison with the control. Capillary absorption was significantly reduced in concrete containing mucilage, and chloride diffusion coefficients dropped up to 20% in the mixture with a mucilage/cement ratio = 0.30. The mixture with a mucilage/cement ratio = 0.45 displayed marginal reduction, and the mixture with mucilage/cement ratio = 0.60 exhibited a diffusion coefficient that was greater than the control for the specimens without moist curing.
The Middle Out Approach
Authors: van der Weide Th. , Flipsen N.
Published: April 2012

The Middle Out approach is a method to introduce ICT education in developing countries. The basic idea is to start at the level of a Polytechnic University that starts with the introduction of an ICT program and an Education program with an underlying educational philosophy of learning-by-building. In the form described in this paper, the students build, maintain, and explore ICT infrastructure both on a personal and material level. Its practical component directly results in market-oriented products; the theoretical component has a constructive and entrepreneurial flavor. This will enhance a short-term return on investment.
Digital Divide in India
Authors: Singh Sumanjeet
Published: April 2012

Existing studies of the digital divide reveals the gap that exists between those who have access to ICTs and those who do not create exclusion, endanger social integration and hamper economic growth. The digital divide has many dimensions and can be categorized as global, regional and national. At national level, there is no single divide, but multiple divides: for instance, within countries, between men and women, young and elderly, rich and poor and most importantly rural and urban. The present paper is mainly focused on India and tries to explore the problem of digital divide mainly in rural-urban India. In the context of the present paper digital divide essentially means tele-density, mobile and Internet divide between the rural and urban areas. In this paper, the author reveals that obstacles such as illiteracy, lack of skills, infrastructures, and investment in rural areas must be tackled if India is to diminish the gap of the digital divide. The government should work toward connectivity provision, content creation, capacity augmentation, core technologies creation and exploitation, cost reduction, competence building, community participation and commitment to the deprived and disadvantaged to bridge the digital divide.
Bridging the Digital Divide by Open Source
Authors: Pscheidt M. , van der Weide Th.P.
Published: April 2012

The study is motivated by the context encountered in a development aid project with the aim to develop and implement an academic registration and information system (ARIS) for Mozambican universities. The ideas and findings presented here are based on a theoretical literature review in order to build a theoretical model of best practice in the context of North-South collaborations.
For All of Our Languages We are Not Natives Here
Authors: Gillen Martina
Published: April 2012

This paper seeks to explore the concept of the digital divide by critiquing the notion of the digital native and its relationship to the legal conception of technology transfer and sited knowledge. It is the contention of this paper that technology transfer is key in developmental issues currently facing the international community in general, and is the first and paramount step in bridging the digital divide specifically. In order to be sustainable, a technology transfer must include capacity building strategies in which the notion of suitably embedded knowledge is already present in other areas of international IP law; specifically in the areas of Traditional Knowledge (TK) and Traditional Cultural Expression (TCE). Finally, if this concept of embedded knowledge is further applied to the idea of the digital divide then it becomes apparent that there is a socially damaging and a potentially ecologically unsound digital divide at work, even among those who are resource rich.
On Actors, Networks, Hybrids, Black Boxes and Contesting Programming Languages
Authors: Tatnall Arthur
Published: April 2012

In the mid 1990s the programming language Visual Basic (VB) fought hard to enter the undergraduate information systems curriculum at RMIT University, against resistance from two incumbent programming languages. It could not, of course, work alone in this and enlisted the assistance of a human ally known as Fred. The incumbent programming languages, Pick Basic and the Alice machine language simulator, also had their human allies to assist them in resisting the assault of the newcomer. In many ways, it is useful to think of all these programming languages as black boxes made up of hybrid entities containing both human and non-human parts, along with a conglomeration of networks, interactions, and associations. The non-human cannot act alone, but without them, the human parts have nothing to contest.
Initial Formulation of an Optimization Method Based on Stigmergic Construction
Authors: Velivelli Aditya C. , Bryden Kenneth M.
Published: April 2012

Sign-based stigmergic methods such as the ant colony optimization algorithm have been used to solve network optimization, scheduling problems, and other optimization problems that can be visualized as directed graphs. However, there has been little research focused on the use of optimization methods based on sematectonic stigmergy, such as coordination through collective construction. This paper develops a novel approach where the process of agent-directed stigmergic construction is introduced as a general optimization tool. The development of this new approach involves adopting previous work on stigmergic construction to a virtual space and applying statistical mechanics–based techniques to data produced during the stigmergic construction process. From this a unique procedure for solving optimization problems using a computational procedure that simulates sematectonic stigmergic processes such as stigmergic construction is proposed.
Meta-Monitoring Using an Adaptive Agent-Based System to Support Dependent People in Place
Authors: Singer Nicolas , Trouilhet Sylvie , Rammal Ali
Published: April 2012

In this paper, the authors propose software architecture to monitor elderly or dependent people in their own house. Many studies have been done on hardware aspects resulting in operational products, but there is a lack of adaptive algorithms to handle all the data generated by these products due to data being distributed and heterogeneous in a large scale environment. The authors propose a multi-agent classification method to collect and to aggregate data about activity, movements, and physiological information of the monitored people. Data generated at this local level are communicated and adjusted between agents to obtain a set of patterns. This data is dynamic; the system has to store the built patterns and has to create new patterns when new data is available. Therefore, the system is adaptive and can be spread on a large scale. Generated data is used at a local level, for example to raise an alert, but also to evaluate global risks. This paper presents specification choices and the massively multi-agent architecture that was developed; an example with a sample of ten dependant people gives an illustration.
Simulating Tolerance in Dynamic Social Networks
Authors: Lund Kristen , Zhang Yu
Published: April 2012

This paper studies the concept of tolerance in dynamic social networks where agents are able to make and break connections with neighbors to improve their payoffs. This problem was initially introduced to the authors by observing resistance (or tolerance) in experiments run in dynamic networks under the two rules that they have developed: the Highest Rewarding Neighborhood rule and the Highest Weighted Reward rule. These rules help agents evaluate their neighbors and decide whether to break a connection or not. They introduce the idea of tolerance in dynamic networks by allowing an agent to maintain a relationship with a bad neighbor for some time. In this research, the authors investigate and define the phenomenon of tolerance in dynamic social networks, particularly with the two rules. The paper defines a mathematical model to predict an agent’s tolerance of a bad neighbor and determine the factors that affect it. After defining a general version of tolerance, the idea of optimal tolerance is explored, providing situations in which tolerance can be used as a tool to affect network efficiency and network structure.
Assessing the Impact of Temperature Change on the Effectiveness of Insecticide-Treated Nets
Authors: Davis Gregory J.
Published: April 2012

Malaria is a vector-borne illness affecting millions of lives annually and imposes a heavy financial burden felt worldwide. Moreover, there is growing concern that global climate change, in particular, rising temperature, will increase this burden. As such, policy makers are in need of tools capable of informing them about the potential strengths and weaknesses of intervention and control strategies. A previously developed agent-based model of the Anopheles gambiae mosquito is extended, one of the primary vectors of malaria, to investigate how changes in temperature influence the dynamics of malaria transmission and the effectiveness of a common malaria intervention: insecticide-treated nets (ITNs). Results from the simulations suggest two important findings. Consistent with previous studies, an increase in mosquito abundance as temperature increases is observed. However, the increase in mosquito abundance reduces the effectiveness of ITNs at a given coverage level. The implications and limitations of these findings are discussed.
Analysis of Mobile Users’ Perception Towards SMS Voting
Authors: Sulaiman Ainin , Zolait Ali Hussein Saleh , Kaisin NG
Published: April 2012

The objective of this study is to study the characteristics of SMS voting adopters in terms of demographic factors as well as to explore the mobile users’ perception towards SMS voting. A survey using questionnaires was conducted to gain information and opinions from a convenience sample of 300 Malaysian mobile users regarding their perceptions on using SMS to vote. The findings revealed that approximately two-thirds of Malay respondents use SMS voting. The study’s findings reveal that most mobile users in the sample are single and female, and that mobile users like to send their votes using SMS. There is a significant difference between the usages of SMS voting among female respondents. Out of the total respondents, 80 percent perceived that the ease of use factor greatly influences mobile users in using SMS for voting purposes.
M-Government for Education
Authors: Ishmatova Diana , Fedotov Yuri V.
Published: April 2012

The main challenges of studying user preferences are related to user uncertainty related to a lack of previous experience with m-Government services. This paper investigates user preferences for potential mobile campus services. It was conducted as a pilot survey with the goal to develop and test a measurement approach for revealing preferences for services that users haven’t yet experienced. The dataset used in this paper is taken from a contingent ranking survey carried out in February 2008, involving purposive sampling of third year university students pursuing a bachelor’s degree at the Graduate School of Management, St. Petersburg State University. Numerical estimations reflecting the importance of services and content features were derived using ASPID-methodology (Analysis and Synthesis of Parameters under Information Deficiency), the main advantage of which lies in its ability to work accurately with different types of uncertain information on weight-coefficients.
Using Decision Sciences to Enhance Entrepreneurial Foresight
Authors: Acar William , Anokhin Sergey , Troutt Marvin D.
Published: April 2012

The theoretical simplicity of contrasting the notion of energetic search of Baron and Fiet with that of alertness (without search) of Kirzner have been winning over more complex yet more actionable formulations. In contrast, this paper introduces a less dogmatic and more actionable integrated framework that could be viewed as either passive search or active alertness. By investigates how the thinking and methods of decision sciences can assist with capturing alertness, the paper shows how foresight can be implemented in practice through a newer form of causal mapping, Acar’s Comprehensive Situation Mapping (CSM). This is an enhanced form of causal mapping that lends itself to dialectical debate and assumption analysis. It also possesses computational properties that allow it to devise and compute change scenarios. Bringing CSM into the field of entrepreneurship augments the latter’s analytical capability for opportunity recognition and contributes an actionable approach to entrepreneurial strategy selection.
Investigating Strategic Alternatives for Improving Service in an Inland Waterway Transportation System
Authors: Smith L. Douglas , Nauss Robert M.
Published: April 2012

A series of five locks form a transportation bottleneck in the upper Mississippi River navigation system. With optimizing models, statistical modeling and computer simulation, the authors explore the effects of alternative scheduling regimes and infrastructure changes to improve performance of an inland waterway transportation system. In this paper, the authors show the value of triangulating and integrating analysis with different research paradigms in order to explore the effects of alternative strategies for improving performance of a major transportation system.
The Impact of Agile Methodologies on the Quality of Information Systems
Authors: Kendall Kenneth E. , Kong Sue , Kendall Julie E.
Published: April 2012

Systems developers and IT project managers who apply agile methods for developing information systems (IS) subscribe to a set of values and principles. This adherence to a set of values and principles, along with a passion or fervor surrounding the agile philosophy, made us question whether the adoption of agile methodologies has an effect on information systems built, and in particular, the quality of the IS developed. In this paper we construct a conceptual model, conduct a survey of software developers, and analyze our results, which support our hypotheses about the importance of the strategic selection of a development methodology. We conclude that practicing project managers should consider the decision to use certain methodologies as part of the strategic process.
Identifying Critical Success Factors for Supply Chain Excellence
Authors: Lin Chinho , Kuei Chu-hua , Madu Christian N. , Winch Janice
Published: April 2012

This paper presents a research framework for studying supply chain excellence, emphasizing two distinct paths of knowledge acquisition, that is qualitative inquiry through interviews with senior supply chain executives in Taiwan and quantitative inquiry through data collection from companies that operate in Taiwan. Four factors are considered as the antecedents of supply chain excellence, such as collaboration, organizational conditions, technology adoption, and operations. The authors use the grounded theory approach to further understand those four critical factors and relevant concepts. Organizational condition was ranked by our senior supply chain executives as the most important factor based on this qualitative investigation. The effect of four critical factors on organizational performance is also assessed through regression analyses, and the results help supply chain professionals in Taiwan determine which factors and concepts of supply chain management to focus on to improve business performance. Although these findings are situation-dependent, the proposed framework is different from existing literature and can be adopted in other international studies to enhance the body of knowledge on supply chain management.
Beyond Standard Particle Swarm Optimisation
Authors: Clerc Maurice
Published: April 2012

Currently, two very similar versions of PSO are available that could be called “standard”. While it is easy to merge them, their common drawbacks still remain. Therefore, in this paper, the author goes beyond simple merging by suggesting simple yet robust changes and solving a few well-known, common problems, while retaining the classical structure. The results can be proposed to the “swarmer community” as a new standard.
Biases in Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Spears William M. , Green Derek T. , Spears Diana F.
Published: April 2012

The most common versions of particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithms are rotationally variant. It has also been pointed out that PSO algorithms can concentrate particles along paths parallel to the coordinate axes. In this paper, the authors explicitly connect these two observations by showing that the rotational variance is related to the concentration along lines parallel to the coordinate axes. Based on this explicit connection, the authors create fitness functions that are easy or hard for PSO to solve, depending on the rotation of the function.
Oscillation Damping Enhancement via Coordinated Design of PSS and FACTS-Based Stabilizers in a Multi-Machine Power System Using PSO
Authors: Abido M. A. , Bamasak Saleh M.
Published: April 2012

This paper investigates the enhancement of power system stability via coordinated design of Power System Stabilizers (PSSs), Thyristor Controlled Series Capacitor (TCSC)-based stabilizer, and Static Var Compensator (SVC)-based stabilizer in a multi-machine power system. The design problem of the proposed stabilizers is formulated as an optimization problem. Using the developed linearized power system model, the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is employed to search for optimal stabilizer settings that maximize the minimum damping ratio of all system oscillating modes. The proposed stabilizers are evaluated on a two-area weakly-connected multi-machine power system with unstable interarea oscillation mode. The nonlinear simulation results and eigenvalue analysis show the effectiveness of the proposed coordinated stabilizers in damping low frequency power system oscillations and enhancing the system stability.
Analysis and Design of Meander Line Dipole Antennas
Authors: Hu Zhonghao , Cole Peter H. , Fumeaux Christophe , Wang Yuexian
Published: April 2012

A simple analytic formula, found in the literature for calculating the resonant frequency of a meander line dipole antenna (MDA) in free space from its physical parameters is described. The formula is modified to calculate the resonant frequency of an MDA on a dielectric substrate and for use as an RFID tag antenna by taking two factors into account: (i) the effects of dielectric material underneath the MDA, (ii) the special needs of an impedance matching condition in RFID tag antenna design. The parameter of relative effective permittivity for an MDA on a dielectric board, and the method for deriving this parameter, are introduced. Experiments to verify the modified formula are reported. Test results such as input impedance and reading range of an RFID tag antenna design based on an MDA on a dielectric board are provided. Following that, the radiation pattern and efficiency of an MDA either in free space or on a board are investigated.
Mastering the Electromagnetic Signature of Chipless RFID Tags
Authors: Tedjini Smail , Perret Etienne , Vena Arnaud , Kaddour Darine
Published: April 2012

The rapid development in wireless identification devices and subsequent applications is at the origin of intensive investigations in order to fulfill various constraints that can exist when implementing applications in practice. Chipless technologies have many advantages. They are fundamentally wireless and powerless devices, and can be all passive components, which potentially means infinite lifetime. However, chipless technology is still in its infancy age, even if it is the most effective for cost reduction. One of the most important features of chipless is coding capacity and ways to imprint it into the device. This chapter will review and discuss various coding techniques. It will address a comparison of the most relevant coding techniques. For sake of clarity some global parameters that can be used as figure of merit will be introduced and applied to compare different practical chipless tags.
Printing Techniques and Performance of Chipless Tag Design on Flexible Low-Cost Thin-Film Substrates
Authors: Anee Rubayet-E-Azim , Roy Sushim Mukul , Karmakar Nemai Chandra , Yerramilli Ramprakash , Swiegers Gerhard F.
Published: April 2012

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is an emerging technology playing a vital role in modern automatic identification system. Chipless RFID is a new dimension in the field of radio-frequency application systems with immense potential to manufacture low-cost, multi-bit RFID tags for potential barcode replacement on polymer, paper, and other flexible substrates. In this chapter, the authors present a detailed overview of the printing methods, substrates, and materials used for printing chipless RFID tags. Based on the available literature, an attempt is made to review the printing and performance related issues of printed RF devices that are currently published. The basic aspects of printing of chipless tags with conductive inks are discussed in brief.
The Multitag Microwave RFID System with Extended Operation Range
Authors: Shirokov Igor B.
Published: April 2012

The problems of radio frequency identification are discussed. It was shown that the use of passive transponders is preferable, but weak energy of system in this case reduces the operation distance and decreases the noise-immunity of the system. The problems of traditional radio-frequency identification systems are discussed. In this chapter the use of homodyne method of useful signal selecting was proposed. The augmentation signal of transponder was obtained by means of frequency shift with the help of controlled phase shifter. This solution allows to increase the energy and the noise-immunity of the system (the operation distance is increased). Furthermore, the interrogator can treat several transponders simultaneously in this case. Additionally the use of one-port transistor amplifier for increasing of operation range was proposed. The energy consumption of such amplifier and its cost are very low, but the gain of amplifier can reach 20 dB and more.
A Novel Approach in the Detection of Chipless RFID
Authors: Kalansuriya Prasanna , Karmakar Nemai Chandra , Viterbo Emanuele
Published: April 2012

This chapter presents a different perspective on the chipless RFID system where the chipless RFID detection problem is viewed in terms of a digital communication point of view. A novel mathematical model is presented, and a novel approach to detection is formulated based on the model. The chipless RFID tag frequency signatures are visualized as points in a signal space. Although data bits are stored in the tags using unconventional techniques, the proposed model enables the detection of these data bits through conventional robust detection methods. Through simulations it is shown that the proposed detection method has better performance compared to contemporary detection approaches.
The Contradictions and Complementarities of Combining ERP Systems with Enterprise 2.0 Supported Informal Systems
Authors: Wang Yucan , Greasley Andrew
Published: April 2012

The chapter discusses both the complementary factors and contradictions of adopting ERP based systems with enterprise 2.0. ERP is characterized as achieving efficient business performance by enabling a standardized business process design, but at a cost of flexibility in operations. It is claimed that enterprise 2.0 can support flexible business process management and so incorporate informal and less structured interactions. A traditional view however is that efficiency and flexibility objectives are incompatible as they are different business objectives which are pursued separately in different organizational environments. Thus an ERP system with a primary objective of improving efficiency and an enterprise 2.0 system with a primary aim of improving flexibility may represent a contradiction and lead to a high risk of failure if adopted simultaneously. This chapter will use case study analysis to investigate the use of a combination of ERP and enterprise 2.0 in a single enterprise with the aim of improving both efficiency and flexibility in operations. The chapter provides an in-depth analysis of the combination of ERP with enterprise 2.0 based on social-technical information systems management theory. The chapter also provides a summary of the benefits of the combination of ERP systems and enterprise 2.0 and how they could contribute to the development of a new generation of business management that combines both formal and informal mechanisms. For example, the multiple-sites or informal communities of an enterprise could collaborate efficiently with a common platform with a certain level of standardization but also have the flexibility in order to provide an agile reaction to internal and external events.