bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Ideas and Concepts of Overture Music Composition: One of the Opera Music Compositions of Kehidupan Dua Zaman Hikayat Siboru Deakparujar on the Creation of New Mode and Rhythm of Ogung Instrument
Authors: Batubara Junita
Published: October 2017

The main problem in the composition idea of Overture is the studying of Opera itself but very few works of opera compositions that combine Western music with the traditional music of the Batak Toba Indonesia. Second, in the traditional opera of Batak Toba, it is often performed musical themes taken from the social life story of Batak Toba society and it is extremely rare, especially among the people of Batak Toba. Third, in the Batak opera, the music is used only as an entertainment and separated from the content of the story and often does not have the music score. The Overture created uses Atonality scale inspired by the pentatonic music of Batak Toba by using music score. Fourth, collecting information related to the influence of Western music, in this case, Atonality and pentatonic music of Batak Toba. Fifth, The use of the musical elements such as melody, rhythm pattern, tone color, harmony, form, texture and orchestra. With the above description, the writer created an opera based on the employment elements of Western music and Batak Toba music. The author made the employment of methods with the use of a rhythmic pattern on traditional musical instruments ogung and sulim combined with Western musical instrument without changing each ton of each musical instrument of the traditional Batak Toba. Sixth, the mode of pentatonic (five pitch) in which five pitch is the texture of taganing mode in the ensemble of gondang hasapi (an ensemble of the traditional music of the Batak Toba, North Sumatra in Indonesia) that are customized according to the tuning system of twelve of Western music pitch in order to generate new modes used in the above employment of opera.
Reinventing the Self in Bharati Mukherjee's Jasmine
Authors: Sharma Radha Devi
Published: October 2017

Bharati Mukherjee’s Jasmine is a story of a young Punjabi woman named Jasmine whose life takes her from India to the United States, where she goes through many different destinies with her effort to reinvent her coherent self. Searching for and defining a new identity is a central question for immigrants living in a foreign land. The confusion of identity and cultural conflict pushes the immigrants into an identity crisis. The novel exposes how Jasmine, the female protagonist, as an outsider, strives to shape her identity to fit in the mainstream American society. Fortunately, she encounters confirmations of her shifting identity in different stages of her life. Instead of rejecting these identities and names in various phases, she seeks to create a harmonious relationship with those identities. In this context, this paper tries to explore on how she struggles throughout her life to reinvent the coherent self by her constant effort to assimilate to the alien culture and setting.Crossing the Border: International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies Vol.4(1) 2016: 29-38
Fixturhärten ohne Abschrecköl
Authors: Wagner S. , Lübben Th.
Published: October 2017

Kurzfassung

Zum maß- und formgenauen Abschrecken von verzugsempfindlichen Teilen werden Fixturhärtemaschinen eingesetzt. Die erforderlichen Maße und die notwendigen Formtoleranzen werden durch eine optimierte Umströmung des Bauteils mit dem Kühlmedium und den Einsatz externer Kräfte, die über die Fixtur ins Bauteil eingebracht werden, erreicht. Die Abschreckung wird durch spezielle Abschrecköle realisiert, die zu Kühlgeschwindigkeiten führen, die ausreichend hoch für die angestrebte Härtung sind. Über die Konstruktion und den Einsatz derartiger Maschinen in Kombination mit der Ölabschreckung liegt in der Branche ein großer Erfahrungsschatz hinsichtlich der notwendigen Gestaltungs- und Prozessparameter vor. Selbstverständlich sind auch die Grenzen dieser Prozesse bekannt, sodass entsprechende Anfragen auf einer sicheren ingenieursmäßigen Basis bearbeitet werden können. Unabhängig davon, dass die Ölabschreckung ein anerkannter und bewährter Prozess ist, existiert am Markt eine Nachfrage nach Fixturhärtemaschinen mit alternativen Abschreckmedien. Ein oftmals genannter Grund dafür ist die Einsparung des Waschprozesses. Als Medien kommen bspw. Stickstoff und Luft in Frage, die aber zu geringeren Kühlgeschwindigkeiten führen. Dies hat zur Konsequenz, dass die physikalischen Grenzen für die Erreichung der spezifizierten Kernhärte nicht außer Acht gelassen werden können. Zudem liegen nur wenige Erfahrungen über Gestaltungs- und Prozessparameter vor. In diesem Beitrag wird über die Entwicklung einer Fixturhärtemaschine für die Gasabschreckung berichtet. Zur Erreichung einer optimalen Abschreckwirkung in der Fixtur wurden experimentelle und numerische Untersuchungsmethoden (Computational Fluid Dynamics – CFD) eingesetzt. Den erwähnten physikalischen Grenzen wurde dabei durch die Entwicklung eines Verfahrens zur Abschätzung der Kernhärte an der entsprechenden Bauteilposition Rechnung getragen.
CarboBain: Case Hardening by Carbo-Austempering–a short Introduction to Transformation Kinetics, Microstructure and Residual Stresses*
Authors: Steinbacher M. , Zoch H.-W.
Published: October 2017

The beneficial strength properties of bainitic microstructures have been perceived since several years. The transformation kinetics and different morphologies of bainite were analyzed scientifically in depth and with increasing understanding the application of bainite is focus now. But still, bainitic microstructures are mainly utilized with chemically homogeneous steels. An application of bainitic transformed carburized samples is rather rare up to now. Therefore highly stressed geared components today typically are carburized and martensitically hardened. The microstructure in the case is generally composed of martensite with finely dispersed retained austenite and/or carbides. For gear wheel application during the past 50 years research was focused on topics like microstructure optimization within the bounds of martensite with no more than 25 % of retained austenite. For gears only very limited information on heat treatments with bainitic transformation of the case is available. In the USA few suppliers are propagating carbo-austempering heat treatment for case hardening applications [1]. In the literature a combination of carburization and austempering is discussed with only scarce data on material and microstructure performance [2–6]. To close the gap a systematic approach was made in a public funded project, analyzing transformation kinetics, microstructure properties and mechanical performance of two typical case hardening steels in carburized state being bainitic transformed. The heat treatment method using case hardening by carburization and adjacent austempering, the transformation behaviour, microstructure development and mechanical properties will be discussed.
Use of the Hamburg Wheel-Tracking Test to Characterize Asphalt Mixtures in Cool Weather Regions
Authors: Swiertz Daniel , Ling Cheng , Teymourpour Pouya , Bahia Hussain
Published: October 2017

The Hamburg wheel-tracking test (HWTT) has shown promise to predict permanent deformation resistance and moisture damage potential of asphalt mixtures. Several state agencies have implemented the test as a mixture evaluation and design tool. One aspect of the test that remains a topic of research is the testing temperature. Many studies and specifications use 50°C for all testing, but some use a test temperature that depends on the base asphalt used in the mixture. Concern exists about the use of 50°C as the sole test temperature in cooler weather regions, such as Wisconsin, because the asphalts used in such regions tend to be relatively soft (high temperature grades of PG 58 and below). This paper presents findings in support of an effort to apply the HWTT to mixtures in cold climates with the use of three test temperatures and several mixture design variables. The paper presents the effects of the mixture design traffic level, the PG of the binder, and the binder modification level on the deformation resistance, creep slope, stripping slope, and stripping inflection point (SIP). The HWTT was found to be sensitive to the factors evaluated in this study. On the basis of statistical analysis of the test data, logical trends were observed. The testing temperature was found to affect not only the response variables but also the level of significance of controlled factors. The effectiveness of the SIP to characterize the moisture sensitivity of mixtures requires more research to validate the effect of moisture damage on HWTT results.
Evaluation of Functionality in Porous Friction Courses
Authors: Hernandez-Saenz Maria A. , Arámbula-Mercado Edith , Epps Martin Amy
Published: October 2017

Porous friction courses (PFCs) are employed as surface layers primarily because of their functionality (i.e., their high permeability and noise absorption capability). In this study, the functionality of PFCs was evaluated through permeability and noise absorption tests in pavement structures of different thicknesses (i.e., 0.75, 1.5, and 2.5 in.), each at two air void contents (i.e., design and construction). Permeability was evaluated in the laboratory and the field with the Texas Department of Transportation (DOT) permeameter, the National Center of Asphalt Technology (NCAT) permeameter, and the Florida DOT falling head apparatus. Noise absorption was evaluated in the laboratory with the impedance tube. Results showed that, on average, the coefficient of permeability obtained with the Texas DOT permeameter was 67% higher than that obtained with the NCAT permeameter and 93% higher than that obtained with the Florida DOT falling head apparatus. In general, the coefficients of permeability increased with an increase in layer thickness. The noise absorption coefficient was not sensitive to thickness, but all values represented significant noise reduction. A permeability model on the basis of the Kozeny–Carman equation also was used to predict permeability values and relate them to the laboratory values obtained at different thicknesses. The equation accurately predicted the permeability coefficients of the thick PFC layers. The results suggested that minimum and maximum functionality requirements should be set to guarantee adequate performance.
Production, Construction, Properties, and Performance of a Test Road with High Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement Content
Authors: Chen Jian-Shiuh , Ho Han-Chang , Lin Yen-Yu
Published: October 2017

The two primary factors that drive the use of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) are economic savings and environmental benefits. However, highway agencies are concerned about the use of a high percentage of RAP in asphalt pavements. This study addressed issues related to the production, construction, properties, and performance of asphalt pavements that contain high percentages of RAP. Mixtures that contained up to 40% RAP were successfully designed, produced, and constructed after proper procedures were followed and attention to detail was paid during design, production, and construction. A separate drum for drying and heating RAP, called a parallel heating system, was used to produce high RAP content asphalt mixtures in a batch plant. Rejuvenating agents were mixed directly in a surge bin to allow the rejuvenator enough time to diffuse into aged RAP binder. Comprehensive laboratory tests were performed to evaluate the air voids, the resilient modulus, the rut depth, and the Cantabro weight loss of asphalt mixtures with high RAP content. A test road was constructed in 2014 to monitor how high RAP asphalt pavements would perform under real traffic and environmental conditions. An in-depth investigation was conducted of pavement performance, including cracking, friction, and rutting. The engineering properties of plant-produced mixtures and field cores were well correlated with the pavement performance of the test road. Test results indicated that high RAP content asphalt mixtures could perform as satisfactorily as those produced with virgin materials to meet in-service requirements.
Effect of Addition of Dry Crumb Rubber on the Performance of Terminal Blend Crumb Rubber Modified Asphalt Mixtures
Authors: Kocak Salih , Kutay M. Emin
Published: October 2017

Three major methods are used to produce crumb rubber modified asphalt pavement: the dry process (CRDry), the terminal blend process (CRTB), and the wet process (CRWet). Although the CRDry process replaces the portion of fine aggregate in the asphalt mixture with crumb rubber (CR) particles, the CRWet process incorporates CR particles into hot liquid asphalt before it is mixed with aggregates. CRTB is known as a special type of CRWet process in which the CR is blended with asphalt binder at the asphalt terminal. In general, the CRWet process can integrate 15% to 22% CR by weight of the binder. This amount ranges from 10% to 12% in the CRTB process as a result of the limitations associated with transportation and pumping. This study investigated the feasibility of increasing the CR content of CRTB modified asphalt mixtures. The addition to the mixture of about 0.5% CR (by weight of the mix) through the CRDry process doubled the amount of rubber to be found in a conventional CRTB mix. The relative performances of the CRTB and the CRTB+CRDry processes [i.e., crumb rubber hybrid (CRHY)] were investigated with respect to their linear viscoelastic properties, rutting susceptibility, moisture damage, resistance to fatigue, and low temperature cracking. It was shown that it was possible to increase the amount of CR in the mixture through the use of the CRHY method proposed here, without adverse effect on the performance of the mixture.
Performance of Asphalt Rejuvenators in Hot-Mix Asphalt Containing Recycled Asphalt Shingles
Authors: Aguirre Max A. , Hassan Marwa M. , Shirzad Sharareh , Mohammad Louay N. , Cooper Samuel B.
Published: October 2017

The use of recycled asphalt shingles (RAS) in asphalt paving construction represents a sustainable approach to reduce virgin material consumption and negative environmental effects, as well as the cost of asphalt pavement. However, many challenges are yet to be addressed about the use of RAS in paving applications. This study evaluated the effect of the incorporation of postconsumer waste shingles and rejuvenators on the performance of hot-mix asphalt. Four asphalt rejuvenators—one bio-oil and three synthetic oils—were evaluated. A set of laboratory tests was conducted to characterize the performance of asphalt mixtures against permanent deformation and fatigue cracking. The addition of 5% RAS showed an improvement in permanent deformation when compared with a conventional mixture with no RAS. Yet the addition of asphalt rejuvenator products slightly decreased the performance against permanent deformation. On the basis of Hamburg wheel-tracking device test results, the addition of RAS did not adversely affect moisture resistance. Yet semicircular bending test results showed that the asphalt mixtures that contained asphalt rejuvenators had a lower critical strain energy release rate than the minimum threshold value (0.5 kJ/m2), which indicated a greater susceptibility to intermediate-temperature cracking.
Investigation of Sterol Chemistry to Retard the Aging of Asphalt Binders
Authors: Reinke Gerald , Baumgardner Gaylon , Hanz Andrew , King Seth
Published: October 2017

The addition of petroleum-derived oils (aromatic or paraffinic) and bioderived oils (typically low-viscosity, unsaturated hydrocarbons modified to remove acid functionality) to bitumen has become a burgeoning business to facilitate the use of increasing amounts of reclaimed asphalt pavement, reclaimed asphalt shingles (RAS), and combinations. These additives have been marketed as softening agents, to reduce high- and low-temperature performance grades, and as rejuvenators. Given the aging mechanism of bitumen and chemical changes that occur during aging, it is unlikely that any true form of rejuvenation is possible. In this paper data are provided on investigations into the use of a chemical class known as sterols, which can be obtained from seed oils and tall oil to retard the aging of bitumen. Investigations were carried out with RAS, with re-refined engine oil bottoms, and with the accelerated aging of bitumen and bituminous mixtures that contained sterol chemistry. The results demonstrated that, relative to controls without sterol, increases in the bitumen rheological index were reduced, and decreases in the colloidal index were reduced, as were decreases in the difference between bitumen low-temperature stiffness critical temperature and bitumen m-value critical temperature (ΔTc). Investigations with atomic force microscopy of bitumen samples with sterol additive, compared with those without, were used to understand the sterol additive function as the bitumen was aged.
“That’s Where I First Saw the Water”
Authors: Lloyd Williams Alison , Bingley Amanda , Walker Marion , Mort Maggie , Howells Virginia
Published: October 2017

This article reports on a project, led jointly by Lancaster University and Save
the Children UK, that used mobile, creative, and performance-based methods
to understand children’s experiences and perceptions of the 2013–2014 UK
winter floods and to promote their voices in flood risk management. We argue
that our action-based methodology situated the children as “flood actors” by
focusing on their sensory experience of the floods and thus their embodied
knowledge and expertise. The research activities of walking, talking, and taking
photographs around the flooded landscape, as well as model making and the
use of theater and performance, helped to “mobilize” the children not only to
recall what they did during the floods but also to identify and communicate to
policy makers and practitioners how we can all do things differently before,
during, and after flooding.
City Sterilization and Poverty Management
Authors: McLeod Christopher M. , Horner Matthew I. , Hawzen Matthew G. , DiDonato Mark
Published: October 2017

People experiencing homelessness use service centers, shelters, missions, and
other voluntary organizations to access material resources and social networks.
Because these service hubs have a dense array of resources, people sometimes
incorporate them into their daily movements around urban space, which results
in patterns or tendencies called mobility systems. Drawing on participant
observation, document analysis, and spatial analytics via geographic information
systems (GIS), we describe the mobility system organized around one
homeless services center in Tallahassee, Florida. Moreover, we present a case
study of how this homeless services center was moved away from downtown to
an upgraded facility to show how city administrators manage homeless mobility
systems when they are deemed unsafe for downtown redevelopment. The
case supports previous studies that found punitive and supportive strategies
are used together, but adds how mobility and “network capital” can be used to
evaluate center relocations in the future.
Investigations of Mineralization of Water Bodies on the Example of River Waters of Ukraine
Authors: Loboichenko Valentyna M. , Vasyukov Aleksandr E. , Tishakova Tatyana S.
Published: October 2017

International and national requirements concerning regulation of water quality, particularly mineralization (TDS), have been considered in this article. Analysis of series of natural resources of water of Kharkiv region (Ukraine) has been performed. It has been demonstrated that waters of Borivsky district are not physiologically full and do not conform to the international and national standards on discussed parameters. Effects of usage of such water by human population have been analyzed.
Utility of Multivariate Statistical Analysis to Identify Factors Contributing Groundwater Quality in High Altitude Region of Leh-Ladakh, India
Authors: Giri Arup , Bharti Vijay K. , Kalia Sahil , Kumar Krishna , Raj Tilak , Kumar Bhuvnesh
Published: October 2017

Many factors have been found responsible for the groundwater quality like interaction of different water sources, types of soils, other several natural factors, and anthropogenic factors. Therefore, the objectives of the present work were to identify different factors affecting the ground water quality based on multivariate analysis. This study also aimed to determine the usefulness of multivariate statistical techniques to improve our understanding of factors affecting groundwater properties and their interactions. The original matrix consisted of 25 physico-chemical parameters analyzed in 70 number of ground water samples collected from different sites of sampling stations. All the physical and chemical parameters were analyzed by the standard methods of APHA, whereas minerals were determined by ICP-OES method. Thereafter, experimental 70 × 25 matrix was run through the multivariate statistical data analysis which consists of Principal Component Analysis (PCA), R and Q mode Factor Analysis (FA), and Cluster Analysis (CA).

Results showed that physico-chemical factors are important source of variation in the groundwater quality. Interestingly, multivariate analysis revealed that other factors such as dissolution of salts present in the underlying rocks, presence of nutrient load, non-mixing/partial mixing of different types of ground water and moderate type of exchange between river water with adjacent ground water has been found to affect groundwater quality. The study also showed the significant role of multivariate statistical analysis in evaluation and interpretation of the groundwater quality data. The outcome of this study can be used as baseline data to inhospitable and critical areas for future sustainable development and proper management of groundwater system which will ultimately produce good water quality.
Biogas Production from Blends of Cassava Waste Water and Cow Dung under Changing Meteorological Parameters
Authors: Mama Cordelia Nnennaya , Agunwamba Jonah Chukwuemeka
Published: October 2017

Biogas production from cassava waste water (CWW) blended with cow dung (CD) in different proportions was studied in five treatments under changing meteorological conditions. The treatment cases A—100% CWW; B: 100% CD; C: 90% CWW + 10% CD; D: 70% CWW + 30% CD; and E: 50% CWW + 50% CD—were digested under anaerobic conditions in model batch, metallic biodigesters of 32.0 litres for 30 days within ambient conditions. The digester performances indicated that 100% CD system flamed on the 6th day, 70% CWW + 30% CD system flamed on the 16th day, 50% CWW + 50% CD system flamed on the 17th day while 100% CWW system and 90% CWW + 10% CD systems didn’t flame at all. The cumulative gas yield from the five treatments was different: the 100% CWW had cumulative gas yield of 12.7 litres/24 kg mass of slurry; 100% CD had cumulative gas yield of 41.5 litres/24 kg mass of slurry; 90% CWW +10% CD had cumulative gas yield of 13.85 litres/24 kg mass of slurry; 70% CWW+30% CD had cumulative gas yield of 14.85 litres/24 kg mass of slurry while 50% CWW + 50% CD had cumulative gas yield of 7.55 litres/24 kg mass of slurry during the 30 days retention period. 100% CD had 79.9995% methane; 70% CWW + 30% CD produced 79.9995% methane while 50% CWW + 50% CD produced 88.499% methane. Daily biogas yields were also modelled as functions of meteorological parameters and results recorded.
Effects of two proprioceptive training programs on joint position sense, strength, activation and recurrent injuries after ankle sprains
Authors: Lazarou Lazaros , Kofotolis Nikolaos , Malliou Paraskevi , Kellis Eleftherios
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND:

After ankle sprains, therapists may use proprioceptive training programs to manage residual symptoms and reduce the risk for recurrent injuries. However, evidence on program effectiveness is limited.

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate effectiveness of balance and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) programs in individuals with sprain.

METHODS:

Participants were recruited from a rehabilitation center and were randomly allocated to a balance or PNF group. Both groups received 10 training sessions, within a six-week period. Ankle position sense, isokinetic strength and EMG activity were assessed by a blinded investigator at baseline, at the end of training and eight weeks after training. Recurrent injuries were recorded 12 months after training.

RESULTS:

Twenty participants provided follow-up data. Eight weeks after training, significant ([Formula: see text] 0.017) gains were found in most strength measures for both groups, apart from dorsiflexion strength ([Formula: see text] 0.05). For the balance group, there were no recurrent injuries and for the PNF group the recurrent injury rate was 20%. Eight weeks after training, the balance group significantly ([Formula: see text] 0.017) improved plantar flexion position sense and EMG activity of peroneus longus muscle and the PNF group significantly ([Formula: see text] 0.017) improved EMG activity of tibialis anterior muscle.

CONCLUSIONS:

For individuals with sprain, balance and PNF programs are recommended for ankle strengthening. They may also be effective in reducing the risk for recurrent injuries.
Comparison of lateral abdominal muscle thickness during bridge exercises with different support surfaces in healthy individuals
Authors: Lee Kyeongbong , Kim Minkyu , Ha Hyungeun , Lee Wanhee
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND:

Lateral abdominal muscle strengthening exercise can improve the function and motor control of core musculature, but the influence of exercise posture and unstable support surface is controversial.

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the influence of bridge exercise type and support surface on abdominal muscle thickness during three bridge exercises with two different support surfaces.

METHODS:

Real-time ultrasonography was used to measure the muscle thickness of the transverse abdominis, internal oblique, and external oblique muscles in 45 healthy volunteers. The supine, prone, and flank bridge exercise were performed on stable and unstable support surfaces.

RESULTS:

The thickness of all muscles was significantly increased during flank compared to supine bridge exercise and prone with stable support ([Formula: see text] 0.05) but not in prone vs. supine. Muscle thickness was significantly increased in prone compared to supine bridge and flank compared to supine and prone ([Formula: see text] 0.05) with unstable support. However, only internal oblique muscle thickness was significantly increased in unstable support surface compared to stable during prone bridge exercise.

CONCLUSION:

Bridge exercises performed with unstable support do not influence the contraction thickness of lateral abdominal muscles any more than those performed with stable support. In healthy individuals, thickening of abdominal muscles is influenced more by maintaining a specific posture than by the support surface when the target muscles are engaged as agonists.
Adaptive checkpointing with reliable storage in cloud environment
Authors: Meroufel Bakhta , Belalem Ghalem
Published: October 2017

Cloud computing has recently gained popularity as a resource platform for on-demand, high availability and high scalability access to resources, while offering dynamic flexible infrastructures and QoS (Quality of Services) guaranteed services. In this environment, reliability is very important to ensure the effectiveness of the system and meet the desired SLA (System Level Agreement). Our work proposed in this paper uses the checkpointing of tasks to ensure the reliability and the replication of checkpointing files to ensure the accessibility. To ensure the reliability of services, we used a fault tolerance strategy based on adaptive checkpointing of two levels. This strategy takes into account the complexity and characteristics of cloud computing and it minimizes the overhead. To ensure the accessibility and the availability of checkpointing storage, we used a dynamic passive replication based on an availability degree specified by SLA criteria to decide the placement and the number of replicas.
Distributed and parallel construction method for equi-width histogram in cloud database
Authors: Wang Yang , Zhong Yong , Ma Qingshan , Yang Guanci
Published: October 2017

Data distribution summary has been commonly used in databases to support query optimization, and histograms are of particular interest. A significant issue in histogram estimation is the large amount of data transmission. This paper presents a distributed and parallel construction method for equi-width histogram in cloud database (called DPHCD). Unlike previous methods, the DPHCD does not require the transfer of any table detail during histogram construction. Only small information about buckets and a few necessary data need to be transmitted over the network. The data transmission of DPHCD is unrelated with table size. DPHCD divides the histogram task into small tasks that could be simultaneously executed in a distributed cluster. It uses an innovative tablet-level sampling method to reduce the computing overhead in each cluster node. DPHCD is implemented in the Xugu cloud database management system. Experimental results demonstrate that DPHCD can achieve small data transmission and speed up histogram construction.
Biosignal integrated circuit with simultaneous acquisition of ECG and PPG for wearable healthcare applications
Authors: Kim Hyungseup , Park Yunjong , Ko Youngwoon , Mun Yeongjin , Lee Sangmin , Ko Hyoungho
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND:

Wearable healthcare systems require measurements from electrocardiograms (ECGs) and photoplethysmograms (PPGs), and the blood pressure of the user. The pulse transit time (PTT) can be calculated by measuring the ECG and PPG simultaneously. Continuous-time blood pressure without using an air cuff can be estimated by using the PTT.

OBJECTIVE:

This paper presents a biosignal acquisition integrated circuit (IC) that can simultaneously measure the ECG and PPG for wearable healthcare applications.

METHODS:

Included in this biosignal acquisition circuit are a voltage mode instrumentation amplifier (IA) for ECG acquisition and a current mode transimpedance amplifier for PPG acquisition. The analog outputs from the ECG and PPG channels are muxed and converted to digital signals using 12-bit successive approximation register (SAR) analog-to-digital converter (ADC).

RESULTS:

The proposed IC is fabricated by using a standard 0.18 [Formula: see text]m CMOS process with an active area of 14.44 mm[Formula: see text]. The total current consumption for the multichannel IC is 327 [Formula: see text]A with a 3.3 V supply. The measured input referred noise of ECG readout channel is 1.3 [Formula: see text]V[Formula: see text] with a bandwidth of 0.5 Hz to 100 Hz. And the measured input referred current noise of the PPG readout channel is 0.122 nA/[Formula: see text]Hz with a bandwidth of 0.5 Hz to 100 Hz.

CONCLUSIONS:

The proposed IC, which is implemented using various circuit techniques, can measure ECG and PPG signals simultaneously to calculate the PTT for wearable healthcare applications.
Fuzzy logic-based mobile computing system for hand rehabilitation after neurological injury
Authors: Chiu Yu-Hsien , Chen Tien-Wen , Chen Yenming J. , Su Ching-I , Hwang Kao-Shing , Ho Wen-Hsien
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND:

Effective neurological rehabilitation requires long term assessment and treatment. The rapid progress of virtual reality-based assistive technologies and tele-rehabilitation has increased the potential for self-rehabilitation of various neurological injuries under clinical supervision.

OBJECTIVE:

The objective of this study was to develop a fuzzy inference mechanism for a smart mobile computing system designed to support in-home rehabilitation of patients with neurological injury in the hand by providing an objective means of self-assessment.

METHODS:

A commercially available tablet computer equipped with a Bluetooth motion sensor was integrated in a splint to obtain a smart assistive device for collecting hand motion data, including writing performance and the corresponding grasp force. A virtual reality game was also embedded in the smart splint to support hand rehabilitation. Quantitative data obtained during the rehabilitation process were modeled by fuzzy logic. Finally, the improvement in hand function was quantified with a fuzzy rule database of expert opinion and experience.

RESULTS:

Experiments in chronic stroke patients showed that the proposed system is applicable for supporting in-home hand rehabilitation.

CONCLUSIONS:

The proposed virtual reality system can be customized for specific therapeutic purposes. Commercial development of the system could immediately provide stroke patients with an effective in-home rehabilitation therapy for improving hand problems.
Systematic node management mechanism using ZigBee-based real-time vital sign information monitoring system to manage large numbers of patients
Authors: Lin Ke-Feng , Lin Shih-Sung , Hung Min-Hsiung , Kuo Chung-Hsien , Chen Ping-Nan
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND:

Local hospitals must deal with large numbers of patients during mass casualty incidents, and the wireless sensor networks (WSNs) can help in these situations by monitoring vital signs. Conventional ZigBee nodes can obtain the ID of a device by assigning a unique 16-bit short address or by burning firmware into an IC. These methods tend to complicate node management and lack portability.

OBJECTIVE:

The study developed a node management mechanism to deal with a large number of patients in real-time, through the wireless monitoring of physiological signals. The mechanism proposed for the ZigBee WSN is based on a three-layer (Coordinator, Control Router, and End Device) tree topology.

METHODS:

The proposed system includes a node deployment process to formulate a ZigBee WSN as a tree topology, an algorithm to automatically number ZigBee nodes for monitoring and control system (MCS), and an algorithm to automatically obtain the short addresses of nodes for data collection. Specifically, an algorithm automatically collects data from ZigBee nodes for display on a computer graphical user interface (GUI). We also developed a reliable data transmission method capable of resolving the problem of packet loss.

RESULTS:

The proposed method has been applied in a local hospital. Our research findings provide a valuable reference for the development of ZigBee-based MCS.

CONCLUSIONS:

The proposed node management mechanism is faster, more reliable, and more intuitive to use, than traditional methods.
The Value of Plurality in ‘The Network with a Thousand Entrances’
Authors: Siemens Ray , Arbuckle Alyssa , Seatter Lindsey , El Khatib Randa , El Hajj Tracey
Published: October 2017

This contribution reflects on the value of plurality in the ‘network with a thousand entrances’ suggested by McCarty ( http://goo.gl/H3HAfs ), and others, in association with approaching time-honoured annotative and commentary practices of much-engaged texts. The question is how this approach aligns with tensions, today, surrounding the multiplicity of endeavour associated with modeling practices of annotation by practitioners of the digital humanities. Our work, hence, surveys annotative practice across its reflection in contemporary praxis, from the MIT annotation studio whitepaper ( http://goo.gl/8NBdnf ) through the work of the Open Annotation Collaboration ( http://www.openannotation.org ), and manifest in multiple tools facilitating annotation across the web up to and including widespread application in social knowledge creation suites like Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web annotation )
The Hermeneutic Profit of Annotation: On Preventing and Fostering Disagreement in Literary Analysis
Authors: Gius Evelyn , Jacke Janina
Published: October 2017

Interpretation is widely regarded as the core activity of literary studies. Still, the appropriate balance between the plurality and the limitation of possible interpretations is a non-trivial issue. Whereas it is sensible to accept that literary texts can generally have various meanings, it should not be possible to attribute any kind of meaning to a text. Therefore, while interpreters must be allowed to disagree in their analyses, it must at the same time be possible to review whether a disagreement is actually based on adequate reasons like, for example, textual ambiguity or polyvalence.

In this paper, we propose a best practice model as one effective means to review disagreement in accordance with literary studies principles. The model has been developed during the collaborative, computer-assisted annotation of literary texts in a project in which short stories have been analyzed narratologically. The examination of inconsistently annotated text passages revealed four types of reasons for disagreement: misinterpretations, deficient definitions of the categories of analysis, dependencies of the relevant categories on preliminary analyses, and textual ambiguity/polyvalence. We argue that only disagreements based on textual ambiguity are considered legitimate or valuable cases of disagreement, whereas the other three types of disagreement can be resolved in a systematic way.
A Comparative Study on Recently-Introduced Nature-Based Global Optimization Methods in Complex Mechanical System Design
Authors: Saad Abdulbaset , Dong Zuomin , Karimi Meysam
Published: October 2017

Advanced global optimization algorithms have been continuously introduced and improved to solve various complex design optimization problems for which the objective and constraint functions can only be evaluated through computation intensive numerical analyses or simulations with a large number of design variables. The often implicit, multimodal, and ill-shaped objective and constraint functions in high-dimensional and “black-box” forms demand the search to be carried out using low number of function evaluations with high search efficiency and good robustness. This work investigates the performance of six recently introduced, nature-inspired global optimization methods: Artificial Bee Colony (ABC), Firefly Algorithm (FFA), Cuckoo Search (CS), Bat Algorithm (BA), Flower Pollination Algorithm (FPA) and Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO). These approaches are compared in terms of search efficiency and robustness in solving a set of representative benchmark problems in smooth-unimodal, non-smooth unimodal, smooth multimodal, and non-smooth multimodal function forms. In addition, four classic engineering optimization examples and a real-life complex mechanical system design optimization problem, floating offshore wind turbines design optimization, are used as additional test cases representing computationally-expensive black-box global optimization problems. Results from this comparative study show that the ability of these global optimization methods to obtain a good solution diminishes as the dimension of the problem, or number of design variables increases. Although none of these methods is universally capable, the study finds that GWO and ABC are more efficient on average than the other four in obtaining high quality solutions efficiently and consistently, solving 86% and 80% of the tested benchmark problems, respectively. The research contributes to future improvements of global optimization methods.
Heuristic Method for Decision-Making in Common Scheduling Problems
Authors: Kucharska Edyta
Published: October 2017

The aim of the paper is to present a heuristic method for decision-making regarding an NP-hard scheduling problem with limitations related to tasks and the resources dependent on the current state of the process. The presented approach is based on the algebraic-logical meta-model (ALMM), which enables making collective decisions in successive process stages, not separately for individual objects or executors. Moreover, taking into account the limitations of the problem, it involves constructing only an acceptable solution and significantly reduces the amount of calculations. A general algorithm based on the presented method is composed of the following elements: preliminary analysis of the problem, techniques for the choice of decision at a given state, the pruning non-perspective trajectory, selection technique of the initial state for the trajectory final part, and the trajectory generation parameters modification. The paper includes applications of the presented approach to scheduling problems on unrelated parallel machines with a deadline and machine setup time dependent on the process state, where the relationship between tasks is defined by the graph. The article also presents the results of computational experiments.
Research Progress of Related Technologies of Electric-Pneumatic Pressure Proportional Valves
Authors: Ning Fangwei , Shi Yan , Cai Maolin , Wang Yixuan , Xu Weiqing
Published: October 2017

Because of its cleanness, safety, explosion proof, and other characteristics, pneumatic technologies have been applied in numerous industrial automation fields. As a key controlling element of a pneumatic system, electric-pneumatic pressure proportional valves have attracted the attention of many scholars in recent years. In this paper, in order to illustrate the research status and the development trend of electric-pneumatic pressure proportional valves, firstly, several related technologies will be introduced, for example, simulation methods and experimental modes. In addition, controlling methods, structural styles, and feedback forms are also compared in several types of pressure proportional valves. Moreover, the controlling strategy, as a significant relevant factor affecting the efficiency of valves, will be discussed in this paper. At the end, the conclusion and worksof electric-pneumatic pressure proportional valves in the future will bediscussed to achieve the electrical integration.
Integrated Process Modeling—A Process Validation Life Cycle Companion
Authors: Zahel Thomas , Hauer Stefan , Mueller Eric , Murphy Patrick , Abad Sandra , Vasilieva Elena , Maurer Daniel , Brocard Cécile , Reinisch Daniela , Sagmeister Patrick , Herwig Christoph
Published: October 2017

During the regulatory requested process validation of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes, companies aim to identify, control, and continuously monitor process variation and its impact on critical quality attributes (CQAs) of the final product. It is difficult to directly connect the impact of single process parameters (PPs) to final product CQAs, especially in biopharmaceutical process development and production, where multiple unit operations are stacked together and interact with each other. Therefore, we want to present the application of Monte Carlo (MC) simulation using an integrated process model (IPM) that enables estimation of process capability even in early stages of process validation. Once the IPM is established, its capability in risk and criticality assessment is furthermore demonstrated. IPMs can be used to enable holistic production control strategies that take interactions of process parameters of multiple unit operations into account. Moreover, IPMs can be trained with development data, refined with qualification runs, and maintained with routine manufacturing data which underlines the lifecycle concept. These applications will be shown by means of a process characterization study recently conducted at a world-leading contract manufacturing organization (CMO). The new IPM methodology therefore allows anticipation of out of specification (OOS) events, identify critical process parameters, and take risk-based decisions on counteractions that increase process robustness and decrease the likelihood of OOS events.
Aesthetic Diagnosis in Gestalt Therapy
Authors: Roubal Jan , Francesetti Gianni , Gecele Michela
Published: October 2017

The diagnostic process in psychotherapy using the aesthetic evaluation is described in this article. Unlike the classical diagnostic process, which presents a result of comparing clinicians´ observations with a diagnostic system (DSM, ICD, etc.), the aesthetic evaluation is a pre-reflexive, embodied, and preverbal process. A Gestalt Therapy theoretical frame is used to introduce a concept of the aesthetic diagnostic process. During this process, the clinicians use their own here-and-now presence, which takes part in the co-creation of the shared relational field during the therapeutic session. A specific procedure of the aesthetic evaluation is introduced. The clinical work with depressed clients is presented to illustrate this perspective.
A Permutation Disalignment Index-Based Complex Network Approach to Evaluate Longitudinal Changes in Brain-Electrical Connectivity
Authors: Mammone Nadia , De Salvo Simona , Ieracitano Cosimo , Marino Silvia , Marra Angela , Corallo Francesco , Morabito Francesco
Published: October 2017

In the study of neurological disorders, Electroencephalographic (EEG) signal processing can provide valuable information because abnormalities in the interaction between neuron circuits may reflect on macroscopic abnormalities in the electrical potentials that can be detected on the scalp. A Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) condition, when caused by a disorder degenerating into dementia, affects the brain connectivity. Motivated by the promising results achieved through the recently developed descriptor of coupling strength between EEG signals, the Permutation Disalignment Index (PDI), the present paper introduces a novel PDI-based complex network model to evaluate the longitudinal variations in brain-electrical connectivity. A group of 33 amnestic MCI subjects was enrolled and followed-up with over four months. The results were compared to MoCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment) tests, which scores the cognitive abilities of the patient. A significant negative correlation could be observed between MoCA variation and the characteristic path length ( λ ) variation ( r = - 0 . 56 , p = 0 . 0006 ), whereas a significant positive correlation could be observed between MoCA variation and the variation of clustering coefficient (CC, r = 0 . 58 , p = 0 . 0004 ), global efficiency (GE, r = 0 . 57 , p = 0 . 0005 ) and small worldness (SW, r = 0 . 57 , p = 0 . 0005 ). Cognitive decline thus seems to reflect an underlying cortical “disconnection” phenomenon: worsened subjects indeed showed an increased λ and decreased CC, GE and SW. The PDI-based connectivity model, proposed in the present work, could be a novel tool for the objective quantification of longitudinal brain-electrical connectivity changes in MCI subjects.
Using Modularity to Reduce Complexity of Industrialized Building Systems for Mass Customization
Authors: Viana Daniela , Tommelein Iris , Formoso Carlos
Published: October 2017

It is widely known that industrialized building systems can positively impact construction projects in terms of efficiency, duration, safety, and quality. Although the use of industrialized building systems can potentially simplify the production process on-site, the complexity of the overall delivery system tends to be high, especially in engineered-to-order (ETO) environments, due to factors such as uncertainty related to goals and methods, conflicts between different trades on-site, and interdependence between supply chain members. This paper explores the concept of modularity, which has proven to be useful in different industries as a way of dealing with complex systems. The aim of this paper is to illustrate how modularity can reduce the complexity of ETO industrialized building systems, in companies that adopt a mass customization strategy. This investigation is based on two descriptive case studies on the development of modular structural steel systems for buildings that have adopted innovative beam-to-column connections. The main contribution of this research is demonstrating the need to adopt an integrated product and process-oriented conceptualization of modularity in industrialized building systems. Moreover, the comparison between the two case studies pointed out that the management of tolerances plays a key role in achieving high productivity and short lead times in structural steel building systems. This investigation also illustrates how the adoption of a limited set of modular components can be used to decouple design decisions, and standardize different types of processes.