bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preliminary Phytochemical Screening, Quantitative Analysis of Alkaloids, and Antioxidant Activity of Crude Plant Extracts from Ephedra intermedia Indigenous to Balochistan
Authors: Gul Rahman , Jan Syed Umer , Faridullah Syed , Sherani Samiullah , Jahan Nusrat
Published: March 2017

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant activity, screening the phytogenic chemical compounds, and to assess the alkaloids present in the E. intermedia to prove its uses in Pakistani folk medicines for the treatment of asthma and bronchitis. Antioxidant activity was analyzed by using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate assay. Standard methods were used for the identification of cardiac glycosides, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, anthraquinones, and alkaloids. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used for quantitative purpose of ephedrine alkaloids in E. intermedia. The quantitative separation was confirmed on Shimadzu 10AVP column (Shampack) of internal diameter (id) 3.0 mm and 50 mm in length. The extract of the solute in flow rate of 1 ml/min at the wavelength 210 nm and methanolic extract showed the antioxidant activity and powerful oxygen free radicals scavenging activities and the IC50 for the E. intermedia plant was near to the reference standard ascorbic acid. The HPLC method was useful for the quantitative purpose of ephedrine (E) and pseudoephedrine (PE) used for 45 samples of one species collected from central habitat in three districts (Ziarat, Shairani, and Kalat) of Balochistan. Results showed that average alkaloid substance in E. intermedia was as follows: PE (0.209%, 0.238%, and 0.22%) and E (0.0538%, 0.0666%, and 0.0514%).
Primary and Secondary Spontaneous Pneumothorax: Prevalence, Clinical Features, and In-Hospital Mortality
Authors: Onuki Takuya , Ueda Sho , Yamaoka Masatoshi , Sekiya Yoshiaki , Yamada Hitoshi , Kawakami Naoki , Araki Yuichi , Wakai Yoko , Saito Kazuhito , Inagaki Masaharu , Matsumiya Naoki
Published: March 2017

Background. Optimal treatment practices and factors associated with in-hospital mortality in spontaneous pneumothorax (SP) are not fully understood. We evaluated prevalence, clinical characteristics, and in-hospital mortality among Japanese patients with primary or secondary SP (PSP/SSP).Methods. We retrospectively reviewed and stratified 938 instances of pneumothorax in 751 consecutive patients diagnosed with SP into the PSP and SSP groups. Factors associated with in-hospital mortality in SSP were identified by multiple logistic regression analysis.Results. In the SSP group (n=327; 34.9%), patient age, requirement for emergency transport, and length of stay were greater (all,p<0.001), while the prevalence of smoking (p=0.023) and number of surgical interventions (p<0.001) were lower compared to those in the PSP group (n=611; 65.1%). Among the 16 in-hospital deceased patients, 12 (75.0%) received emergency transportation and 10 (62.5%) exhibited performance status (PS) of 3-4. In the SSP group, emergency transportation was an independent factor for in-hospital mortality (odds ratio 16.37; 95% confidence interval, 4.85–55.20;p<0.001).Conclusions. The prevalence and clinical characteristics of PSP and SSP differ considerably. Patients with SSP receiving emergency transportation should receive careful attention.
Dengue and Scrub Typhus Coinfection in a Patient Presenting with Febrile Illness
Authors: Sapkota Surendra , Bhandari Sudeep , Sapkota Subash , Hamal Rabin
Published: March 2017

Dengue fever and scrub typhus are common causes of acute febrile illness of unclear origin in Asia. Though coinfections of many vector-borne diseases have been described, articles on dengue and scrub typhus coinfection are distinctly limited. In case of coinfection with dengue and scrub typhus, vigilant monitoring of vitals, platelets transfusion, and timely treatment with doxycycline are necessary. High degree of suspicion has to be made for coinfection in a patient presenting with febrile illness with thrombocytopenia and deranged laboratory parameters in postmonsoon season in endemic regions in Asia.
Remote Magnetic versus Manual Navigation for Radiofrequency Ablation of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation: Long-Term, Controlled Data in a Large Cohort
Authors: Kataria Vikas , Berte Benjamin , Vandekerckhove Yves , Tavernier Rene , Duytschaever Mattias
Published: March 2017

Purpose. We aimed to study long-term outcome after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) guided by remote magnetic navigation (RMN) and provided comparative data to outcome after manual navigation (MAN). Methods. Three hundred thirty-six patients with symptomatic paroxysmal AF underwent PVI by irrigated point-by-point radiofrequency (RF) ablation (RMN, n=114 versus MAN, n=222). Patients were followed up with symptom guided rhythm monitoring for a period up to 43 months. The end point of the study was freedom from repeat ablation after a single procedure and without antiarrhythmic drug treatment (ADT). Results. At the end of follow-up (median 26.3 months), freedom from repeat ablation was comparable between RMN and MAN (70.9% versus 69.5%, p=0.61). At repeat, mean number of reconnected veins was 2.4 ± 1.2 in RMN versus 2.6 ± 1.0 in MAN (p=0.08). The majority of repeat procedures occurred during the first year (82.1% in RMN versus 78.5% in MAN; p=0.74). Conclusion. On the long term (up to 3 years) and in a large cohort of patients with paroxysmal AF, RMN-guided PVI is as effective as MAN guided PVI. In both strategies the majority of repeat procedures occurred during the first year after index procedure.
The Utility of Ovotransferrin and Ovotransferrin‐Derived Peptides as Possible Candidates in the Clinical Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Chen Shuang , Jiang Hongmei , Peng Hanhui , Wu Xiaosong , Fang Jun
Published: March 2017

Several of the most prevalent etiological factors which contribute towards global death rates are associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), which include a range of conditions such as angina, rheumatic heart disease, and venous thrombosis. Extensive research has been conducted into the role played by oxidative stress and inflammation in the functional transformations associated with the progression of CVDs, while the research findings from these investigations have been both fruitful and informative. In view of the adverse secondary effects that result from the clinical administration of many synthetic medications, research which explored the treatment of severe and long‐lasting conditions, including CVDs, has primarily centered on the potential benefits displayed by natural agents, one of which is food protein‐based bioactive peptides. Most importantly, previous research has revealed the possible benefits associated with these products’ anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics. In light of these considerations, this paper aims to review the degree to which ovotransferrin (otrf, also referred to as conalbumin) and otrf‐derived peptides, including IRW, IQW, and KVREGT, are, by virtue of their anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics, viable treatment agents for endothelial dysfunction and the prevention of CVD.
Novel Method for Optimal Synthesis of 5G Millimeter Wave Linear Antenna Array
Authors: Rosic Zarko , Mihic Olivera , Aleksic Danijela , Drajic Dejan
Published: March 2017

We will propose a useful method for 5G mm wave antenna array synthesis, based on Genetic Algorithm for the synthesis of linear array with nonuniform interelement spacing. Our design method was used to obtain the optimal position of the elements in order to get the minimum side lobe level and nulls in desired directions. The simulation results verify that proposed method outperforms the previously published methods in terms of suppression side lobe level while maintaining nulls in specified directions. The flexibility of proposed algorithm shows good potential for the antenna array synthesis.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells Transplantation following Partial Hepatectomy: A New Concept to Promote Liver Regeneration—Systematic Review of the Literature Focused on Experimental Studies in Rodent Models
Authors: Papanikolaou Ioannis G. , Katselis Charalambos , Apostolou Konstantinos , Feretis Themistoklis , Lymperi Maria , Konstadoulakis Manousos M. , Papalois Apostolos E. , Zografos George C.
Published: March 2017

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are an attractive source for regenerative medicine because they are easily accessible through minimally invasive methods and have the potential to enhance liver regeneration (LG) and improve liver function, following partial hepatectomy (PH) and acute or chronic liver injury. A systematic review of the literature was conducted for articles published up to September 1st, 2016, using the MEDLINE database. The keywords that were used in various combinations were as follows: “Mesenchymal stem cells”, “transplantation”, “stem cells”, “adipose tissue derived stem cells”, “bone marrow-derived stem cells”, “partial hepatectomy”, “acute liver failure”, “chronic liver failure”, “liver fibrosis”, “liver cirrhosis”, “rats”, “mice”, and “liver regeneration”. All introduced keywords were searched for separately in MeSH Database to control relevance and terminological accuracy and validity. A total of 41 articles were identified for potential inclusion and reviewed in detail. After a strict selection process, a total of 28 articles were excluded, leaving 13 articles to form the basis of this systematic review. MSCs transplantation promoted LG and improved liver function. Furthermore, MSCs had the ability to differentiate in hepatocyte-like cells, increase survival, and protect hepatocytes by paracrine mechanisms. MSCs transplantation may provide beneficial effects in the process of LG after PH and acute or chronic liver injury. They may represent a new therapeutic option to treat posthepatectomy acute liver failure.
Effect of Rebonding on the Bond Strength of Orthodontic Tubes: A Comparison of Light Cure Adhesive and Resin-Modified Glass Ionomer Cement In Vitro
Authors: Aleksiejunaite Monika , Sidlauskas Antanas , Vasiliauskas Arunas
Published: March 2017

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of different enamel preparation procedures and compare light cure composite (LCC) and resin-modified glass ionomer (RMGI) on the bond strength of orthodontic metal tubes rebonded to the enamel. Twenty human molars were divided into two groups (n=10). Tubes were bonded using LCC (Transbond XT) in group 1 and RMGI (Fuji Ortho LC) in group 2. The tubes in each group were bonded following manufacturers’ instructions (experiment I) and then debonded using testing machine. Then, the same brackets were sandblasted and rebonded twice. Before the first rebonding, the enamel was cleaned using carbide bur (experiment II) and before second rebonding, it was cleaned using carbide bur and soda blasted (experiment III). Mann–Whitney and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests showed no significant difference between RMGI and LCC bond strengths in case of normal bonding and rebonding, when enamel was cleaned using carbide bur before rebonding. Enamel soda blasting before rebonding significantly increased RMGI tensile bond strength value compared to LLC (p<0.05). LCC and RMGI (especially RMGI) provide sufficient bond strengths for rebonding of molar tubes, when residual adhesive from previous bonding is removed and enamel soda blasted.
An Unusual Presentation of Limited Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis Involving Vagina and Urethra
Authors: Soro Marín Sandra , Júdez Navarro Enrique , Sianes Fernández Manuela , Sánchez Nievas Ginés , Romero Juan Gabriel Lorenzo
Published: March 2017

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a systemic necrotizing granulomatosis vasculitis characterized by predilection to affect small- and medium-sized blood vessels and commonly affects the upper and lower respiratory tract and kidneys in most cases. Genital involvement is reported in <1% of cases in large cohorts and nearly all cases have been in the setting of multisystemic disease or during the course of the disease in patients already diagnosed as GPA. A case is presented of uncommon limited urogenital GPA in a 66-year-old woman with an irregular mass occupying urethra and vagina. The patient showed a good response after Corticoids and Methotrexate.
Interferon-Dependent Induction of Clr-b during Mouse Cytomegalovirus Infection Protects Bystander Cells from Natural Killer Cells via NKR-P1B-Mediated Inhibition
Authors: Kirkham Christina L. , Aguilar Oscar A. , Yu Tao , Tanaka Miho , Mesci Aruz , Chu Kuan-Lun , Fine Jason H. , Mossman Karen L. , Bremner Rod , Allan David S.J. , Carlyle James R.
Published: March 2017

Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes that aid in self-nonself discrimination by recognizing cells undergoing pathological alterations. The NKR-P1B inhibitory receptor recognizes Clr-b, a self-encoded marker of cell health downregulated during viral infection. Here, we show that Clr-b loss during mouse cytomegalovirus (MCMV) infection is predicated by a loss of Clr-b (Clec2d) promoter activity and nascent transcripts, driven in part by MCMV ie3 (M122) activity. In contrast, uninfected bystander cells near MCMV-infected fibroblasts reciprocally upregulate Clr-b expression due to paracrine type-I interferon (IFN) signaling. Exposure of fibroblasts to type-I IFN augments Clec2d promoter activity and nascent Clr-b transcripts, dependent upon a cluster of IRF3/7/9 motifs located ∼200 bp upstream of the transcriptional start site. Cells deficient in type-I IFN signaling components revealed IRF9 and STAT1 as key transcription factors involved in Clr-b upregulation. In chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments, the Clec2d IRF cluster recruited STAT2 upon IFN-α exposure, confirming the involvement of ISGF3 (IRF9/STAT1/STAT2) in positively regulating the Clec2d promoter. These findings demonstrate that Clr-b is an IFN-stimulated gene on healthy bystander cells, in addition to a missing-self marker on MCMV-infected cells, and thereby enhances the dynamic range of innate self-nonself discrimination by NK cells.
PV-Transformer-Less Inverter Topology for Battery-Equivalent DC Supply from Leakage Current
Authors: N. H. Khan Md. , Anowar Md. T. , Hossen Md. D. , M. Alam Md. , Ahmad K. J.
Published: March 2017

Solar panels used for electricity generation have got inverters as their core components. Such inverters are made from switching devices coupled with additional circuit component configured in a transformer-less topology in recent reported works. A transformer-less topology suffers from the drawbacks of lack of isolation leading to leakage current flow from various points of it down to ground. The leakage in inverters might be troublesome as it may lead to loss in power, and may cause malfunctioning of analog devices normally used in power inverters. In this work, we identify possible leakage currents in a given transformer-less topology using the circuit analysis principles. The conversion of so obtained leakage currents into a useful DC voltage is carried out in this work. This work focuses on converting leakage current into small DC voltage in the range of ~1.1004V using recently reported rectifier circuits, supplying a load of 200Ω in the mW range. Although small in magnitude, such voltage sources could be used for battery charging purposes or driving small loads.
An Unequal Cluster-based Routing Protocol Based on Data Controlling for Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Chelbi Slaheddine , Abdouli Majed , Kaddes Mourad , Duvallet Claude , Bouaziz Rafik
Published: March 2017

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) differ from traditional wireless communication networks in several characteristics. One of these characteristics is power awarness, due to the fact that the batteries of sensor nodes have a restricted lifetime and are difficult to be replaced. Therefore, all protocols must be designed to minimize energy consumption and preserve the longevity of the network. In this paper, we propose (i) to fairly balance the load among nodes. For this, we generate an unequal clusters size where the cluster heads (CH) election is based on energy availability, (ii) to reduce the energy consumption due to the transmission by using multiple metrics in the CH jointure process and taking into account the link cost, residual energy and number of cluster members to construct the routing tree and (iii) to minimize the number of transmissions by avoiding the unnecessary updates using sensitive data controller. Simulation results show that our Advanced Energy-Efficient Unequal Clustering (AEEUC) mechanism improves the fairness energy consumption among all sensor nodes and achieves an obvious improvement on the network lifetime.
Multicriteria Group Decision Making Using Fuzzy Approach for Evaluating Criteria of Electrician
Authors: Hadikurniawati Wiwien , Mustofa Khabib
Published: March 2017

This paper presents an approach of fuzzy multicriteria group decision making in determining alternatives to solve the selection problem of the electrician  through  a competency test.   Fuzzy approach is used to determine the highest priority of alternative electrician who has knowledge and ability that best fits the given parameters. Linguistic variables are presented by triangular fuzzy numbers. They are used to represent a subjective assessment of the decision-makers so that uncertainty and imprecision in the selection process can be minimized. Fuzzy approach require transforming crisp data to fuzzy numbers. Output of the best alternatives is generated by ranking method. Ranking has been made base on eight criteria which make the evaluation basis of each alternative. Ranking of the results is determined using different value of optimism index (). The fuzzy multi criteria decision making (FMCDM) calculation is using the best alternative using three value of optimism index. The result of calculation shows that the same alternative reached from different index of optimism. This alternative is the highest priority of decision making process.
Investigation on the Services of Private Cloud Computing by Using ADAM Method
Authors: Widiyasono Nur , Riadi Imam , Luthfie Ahmad
Published: March 2017

Cloud services are offered by many cloud service providers, but in for large companies generally are build  by a private cloud computing. In cloud systems of abuse it can be done by internal users or due to misconfiguration or may also refer to weaknesses in the system. This study evaluated the ADAM method (Advanced Data Acquisition Model) and tested the case schemes which are being carried out in the laboratory simulation of the process in order to obtain forensic evidence of digital data on private cloud computing services. Referring to the results of the investigation process by using ADAM Method, it can be verified that there are several parameters of the success investigation including the structure of files, files, time stamp, mac-address, IP address, username password, and the data from a server both from the desktop PC or smartphone, therefore the investigation by using ADAM can be succesed properly and correctly. Another contribution of this study was to identify the weaknesses of the service system that used owncloud in users list of the the same group can change another’s user’s passwod.
A General Method to Parameter Optimization for Highly Efficient Wireless Power Transfer
Authors: Yamaguchi Kazuya , Hirata Takuya , Hodaka Ichijo
Published: March 2017

This paper proposes a new and general method to optimize a working
frequency and a load resistance in order to realize highly efficient wireless
power transfer. It should be noticed that neither resonant frequency nor
matched impedance maximizes efficiency of wireless power transfer circuit,
in general. This paper establishes a mathematical model of a commonly
used wireless power transfer circuit, and derives a mathematical expression
of circuit efficiency which involves a working frequency, a load resistance and
the other parameters as symbols. This enables us to find the optimal working
frequency and load resistance. The result of this paper is compared with
results by a method based on resonance and impedance matching, and then
clarified by a numerical example.
A Model Driven Approach based on Interaction Flow Modeling Language to Generate Rich Internet Applications
Authors: Roubi Sarra , Erramdani Mohammed , Mbarki Samir
Published: March 2017

A Rich Internet Applications (RIAs) combine the simplicity of the hypertext paradigm with the flexibility of desktop interfaces. These appliations were proposed as a solution to follow the rapid growth and evolution of the Graphical User Interfaces. However, RIAs are complex applications and their development requires designing and implementation which are time-consuming and the available tools are specialized in manual design. In this paper, we present a model driven approach to generat GUI for Rich Internet Application. The approach exploits the new language IFML recently adopted by the Object Management Group. We used frameworks and technologies known to Model-Driven Engineering, such as Eclipse Modeling Framework (EMF) for Meta-modeling, Query View Transformation (QVT) for model transformations and Acceleo for code generation. The approach allows to quickly and efficiently generating a RIA focusing on the graphical aspect of the application.
Big Data and MapReduce Challenges, Opportunities and Trends
Authors: Thanekar Sachin Arun , Subrahmanyam K. , Bagwan A. B.
Published: March 2017

Nowadays we all are surrounded by Big data. The term ‘Big Data’ itself indicates huge volume, high velocity, variety and veracity i.e. uncertainty of data which gave rise to new difficulties and challenges. Big data generated may be structured data, Semi Structured data or unstructured data. For existing database and systems lot of difficulties are there to process, analyze, store and manage such a Big Data.  The Big Data challenges are Protection, Curation, Capture, Analysis, Searching, Visualization, Storage, Transfer and sharing. Map Reduce is a framework using which we can write applications to process huge amount of data, in parallel, on large clusters of commodity hardware in a reliable manner. Lot of efforts have been put by different researchers to make it simple, easy, effective and efficient. In our survey paper we emphasized on the working of Map Reduce, challenges, opportunities and recent trends so that researchers can think on further improvement.
Enhancing the Accuracy of Mobile Geo Targeting
Authors: Silnov Dmitry Sergeevich
Published: March 2017

SMS advertising companies use mobile phone numbers to send its own content. Geo targeting can improve advertising possibilities. New approach of mobile numbers geo targeting discovered and used in Russia. That approach can be used not only in Russia, but its universal for any country. For Russian geo targeting used site avito.ru for attaching mobile to selected area in city.
Energy Efficient Frame Structure for Gigabit Passive Optical Networks
Authors: Butt Rizwan Aslam , Idrus Sevia Mahdaliza , Radzi Raja Zahilah , Qureshi Kashif Naseer
Published: March 2017

Increasing power consumption in information and communication access networks is one of the major cause of greenhouse gas emissions. These emissions are harmful to life on earth. Passive Optical Networks (PONs) are energy efficient but the broadcast nature of downstream traffic may cause of huge unnecessary processing of frames by the optical network units and result in significant energy wastage. Bi-PON technique tried to solve this problem by changing the XGPON / GPON frame structure to an interleaved pattern but also required additional hardware changings at the optical network units.  In this study, we have tried to achieve the same objective by making a few changings in the GPON frame structure without modifying the existing hardware structure. The simulation results show that 25.25% processing energy of an ONU can be saved by incorporating these changes.
Location Based Services with Location Centric Profiles
Authors: Ukrit M.Ferni , Venkatesh B. , Suman Swetabh
Published: March 2017

In the advancing world of technology, Mobile applications are a rapidly growing segment of the global mobile market. Mobile applications are evolving at a meteor pace to give users a rich and fast user experience. Android operating system supports most applications in today’s technical world. It is an open source operating system which highly satisfies the user’s needs. In this paper, the applications that are location based i.e. the applications that make use of the Global Positioning System (GPS) is discussed. It is a space based satellite navigation system which provides details of time and location in all weather conditions anywhere on or near earth. We introduce PROFILER, a framework for constructing location centric profiles (LCPs), aggregates built over the profiles of users that have visited discrete locations. In addition to a venue centric approach, we propose a decentralized solution for computing real time LCP snapshots over the profiles of collocated users. In our System we find the corresponding location using Global Positioning and Service Provider also. This is to change the profile mode automatically and alarm notification enable automatically when you are going to reach corresponding location or Regular Location.
Issues of K Means Clustering While Migrating to Map Reduce Paradigm with Big Data: A Survey
Authors: Nirmal Khyati R , Satyanarayana K.V.V.
Published: March 2017

In recent times Big Data Analysis are imminent as essential area in the field of Computer Science. Taking out of significant information from Big Data by separating the data in to distinct group is crucial task and it is beyond the scope of commonly used personal machine. It is necessary to adopt the distributed environment similar to map reduce paradigm and migrate the data mining algorithm using it. In Data Mining the partition based K Means Clustering is one of the broadly used algorithms for grouping data according to the degree of similarities between data. It requires the number of K and initial centroid of cluster as input. By surveying the parameters preferred by algorithm or opted by user influence the functionality of Algorithm. It is the necessity to migrate the K means Clustering on MapReduce and predicts the value of k using machine learning approach. For selecting the initial cluster the efficient method is to be devised and united with it. This paper is comprised the survey of several methods for predicting the value of K in K means Clustering and also contains the survey of different methodologies to find out initial center of the cluster. Along with initial value of k and initial centroid selection the objective of proposed work is to compact with analysis of categorical data.
Implementation of Population Algorithms to Minimize Power Losses and Cable Cross-Section in Power Supply System
Authors: Manusov V. Z. , Matrenin P. V. , Tretiakova E. S.
Published: March 2017

The article dues to the arrangement of the reactive power sources in the power grid to reduce the active power losses in transmission lines and minimize cable cross-sections of the lines. The optimal arrangement is considered from two points of view. In the first case, it is possible to minimize the active power losses only. In the second case, it is possible to change the cross-sections of the supply lines to minimize both the active power losses and the volume of the cable lines. The sum of the financial cost of the active power losses, the capital investment to install the deep reactive power compensation, and cost of the cable volume is introduced as the single optimization criterion. To reduce the losses, the deep compensation of reactive power sources in nodes of the grid are proposed. This optimization problem was solved by the Genetic algorithm and the Particle Swarm optimization algorithm. It was found out that the deep compensation allows minimizing active power losses the cable cross-section. The cost-effectiveness of the suggested method is shown. It was found out that optimal allocation of the reactive power sources allows increasing from 9% to 20% the financial expenses for the enterprise considered.
Transient Phenomena during the Three-Phase 300MVA Transformer Energization on the Transmission Network
Authors: Alibašić Emir , Marić Predrag , Nikolovski Srete N
Published: March 2017

Connecting the transformer to the network may incur inrush current, which is significantly higher than the rated current of the transformer. The main cause of this phenomenon lies in the nonlinearity of the magnetic circuit. The value of the inrush current depends of the time moment of the energization and the residual magnetism in the transformer core. While connecting, the operating point of the magnetization characteristic can be found deep in the saturation region resulting in occurrence of large transformer currents that can trigger the transformer protection. Tripping of protection immediately after the transformer energization raises doubts about the transformer health. Inrush current can cause a number of other disadvantages such as the negative impact on other transformers connected on the same busbar; the increase of the transformer noise due to the large current value, the increase of the voltage drops in the network. The paper presents a simulation of the 300 MVA transformer energization using the MATLAB/Simulink software.

 

 
Virtual Maintenance, Reality, and Systems: A Review
Authors: Jenab Kouroush , Moslehpour Saeid , Khoury Sam
Published: March 2017

Virtual Reality is a computer-generated, mock environment that can allow people to interact with it in a seemingly real way by using certain types of specialized equipment. It is mainly used for training or educational purposes and allows for “real-life” training in a safe and monitored environment. Virtual training can be used in many different fields such as medical, military, biomedical research, aviation, and many others. However, this paper reviews the most cited publications related to the application of virtual reality for training in the United States Military. As a result, researchers can find research venues based on the challenges, risk, and infrastructures.
Analyzing the Optimal Performance of Pest Image Segmentation using Non Linear Objective Assessments
Authors: Sangari A Siva , D Saraswady
Published: March 2017

In modern agricultural field, pest detection is a major role in plant cultivation. In order to increase the Production rate of agricultural field, the presence of whitefly pests which cause leaf discoloration is the major problem.  This emphasizes the necessity of image segmentation, which divides an image into parts that have strong correlations with objects to reflect the actual information collected from the real world. Image processing is affected by illumination conditions, random noise and environmental disturbances due to atmospheric pressure or temperature fluctuation. The quality of pest images is directly affected by atmosphere medium, pressure and temperature. The fuzzy c means (FCM) have been proposed to identify accurate location of whitefly pests. The watershed transform has interesting properties that make it useful for many different image segmentation applications: it is simple and intuitive, can be parallelized, and always produces a complete division of the image. However, when applied to pest image analysis, it has important drawbacks (over segmentation, sensitivity to noise). In this paper, pest image segmentation using marker controlled watershed segmentation is presented. Objective of this paper is segmenting the pest image and comparing the results of fuzzy c means algorithm and marker controlled watershed transformation. The performance of an image segmentation algorithms are compared using nonlinear objective assessment or the quantitative measures like structural content, peak signal to noise ratio, normalized correlation coefficient, average difference and normalized absolute error. Out of the above methods the experimental results show that fuzzy c means algorithm performs better than watershed transformation algorithm in processing pest images.
Real Time Weed Detection using a Boosted Cascade of Simple Features
Authors: Tannouche Adil , Sbai Khalid , Rahmoune Miloud , Agounoun Rachid , Rahmani Abdelhai , Rahmani Abdelali
Published: March 2017

Weed detection is a crucial issue in precision agriculture. In computer vision, variety of techniques are developed to detect, identify and locate weeds in different cultures. In this article, we present a real-time new weed detection method, through an embedded monocular vision. Our approach is based on the use of a cascade of discriminative classifiers formed by the Haar-like features. The quality of the results determines the validity of our approach, and opens the way to new horizons in weed detection.
A Novel of Repulsive Function on Artificial Potential Field for Robot Path Planning
Authors: Triharminto H. H. , Wahyunggoro O. , Adji T. B. , Cahyadi A. I. , Ardiyanto I.
Published: March 2017

In this paper, the issue of local minima associated with GNRON (Goal Nonreachable with Obstacles Nearby) has been solved on the Artificial Potential Field (APF) for robot path planning. A novel of repulsive potential function is proposed to solve the problem. The consideration of surrounding repulsive forces gives a trigger to escape from the local mi- nima. Addition of signum function on the repulsive force which considers relative distance between the robot and the goal ensures that the goal position is the global optima of the total potential. Simulation conducted to prove that the proposed algorithm can solve GNRON and local minima problem on APF. Scenario of each simulation set in different type of obs- tacle and goal condition. The results show that the proposed method is able to handle local minima and GNRON problem.
Organization Goal-Oriented Requirements Elicitation Process to Enhance Information System
Authors: Adikara Fransiskus , Hendradjaya Bayu , Sitohang Benhard
Published: March 2017

This paper introduces and proposes an approach in goal-oriented requirements elicitation process that using Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), in information system enhancement process. KPIs can be used to control and reduce user requirements problems caused by personal interests of users in requirements elicitation process. An information system enhancement project for a distribution company has been used as a case study to demonstrate this approach. The case study shows that the requirements can be elicited from the organization goals and current information system condition rather than from user requirements. This approach also showed that KPIs have been able to control some user requirements that have difference point of view with high level stakeholder requirements. Compared with the previous research, IT goals and KPIs are more easily identified in the enhancement process rather than through development of a brand new information system.
Estimation of Optimum Tilt Angle of PV Panel for Maximum Energy Harvesting
Authors: Kathirvelu K. Parkavi , Viswanathan B.
Published: March 2017

In solar energy conversion system harvesting of maximum energy is necessary in order to maximize the utilization of available energy. The maximum energy from the solar panel can be extracted by keeping solar panel in an optimum tilt angle. Various approaches are available to find optimum tilt condition of the solar panel.  In this work two different positions of the panel such as fixed tilt, seasonal tilt were analyzed using isotropic and anisotropic models. Among the various models available in the above said broad category six models such as Liu-Jordan, Koronokis Model, Badescu model, Hay and Davis model, Reindel model,  Hay&Davis and Reindel & Klucher combined model are incorperated to predict the  monthly average of daily global solar irradiation of the inclined panels held in SASTRA University, Thanjavur (India) location. Statistical tests have been performed in order to evaluate the consequences predicted by the models with the experimental results. Finally a detailed comparison between fixed tilt and seasonal tilt of the panel has been carried out and the suitable model for this location is also suggested.
Sobre "cavaleiras": a (re)criação do medievo em Cornelia Funke
Authors: Silva Daniele Gallindo Gonçalves
Published: March 2017

No âmbito da literatura infantil e juvenil em língua alemã contemporânea, destaca-se a produção de Cornelia Funke. Nascida em Dorsten em 1958, a autora - ou mais especificamente a contadora (Erzählerin), como gosta de se denominar -, acrescenta a seus textos a habilidade de ilustradora. Desde o sucesso mundial da triologia Tintenherz (Coração de tinta), Funke tornou-se uma personalidade de sucesso no universo infantil e juvenil. Em grande parte de suas obras, há a presença latente do imaginário ocidental acerca do medievo. Todavia, trata-se de uma recepção desse medievo, seja através da (re)criação de imagens ou da (re)estruturação de temáticas referentes ao universo cortês. O artigo aqui proposto analisa três obras de Funke, a saber: Die geraubten Prinzen (1994), Igraine ohne Furcht (1998) e Der geheimnisvolle Ritter Namenlos (2001), tendo como ponto de partida entrevistas da própria autora acerca do tema; ou seja, pensar-se-á a relação estabelecida entre o factual e o ficcional. Ao focar na questão da releitura do medievo, o artigo prentende compreender a ressignificação do medievo através tanto de imagens recriadas quanto da inserção de um novo tipo de herói, protagonistas femininas.
Der Konjunktiv als Mittel der Bedeutungsschattierung
Authors: Geith Veronika
Published: March 2017

Para quem estuda alemão, o uso do subjuntivo constitui um desafio. Para poder compreender isso é preciso conhecer as particularidades do subjuntivo em alemão. Por isso, esse artigo esclarece primeiramente as diferenças entre o modo subjuntivo e os dois outros modos alemães: o indicativo e o imperativo. O artigo mostra a seguir as particularidades do subjuntivo, sendo um meio da modalidade. Subsequente, apresentam-se as funções que podem ser cumpridas pelo subjuntivo I e subjuntivo II. O artigo conclui, assim, com uma discussão sobre o ensino do subjuntivo alemão na sala de aula com língua estrangeira.
Von Glaubenskämpfen und Himmelfahrtskommandos: Metaphorik im deutschen Mediendiskurs zur Inklusion
Authors: Zambrano Romana Castro
Published: March 2017

O sistema escolar alemão tradicional é caracterizado por seu alto nível de seletividade. Porém, em 2008, a Alemanha se comprometeu a adotar um sistema educacional inclusivo. Essa decisão causou uma discussão controversa na mídia que continua até hoje. Desde uma perspectiva da Linguística Cognitiva (LC), nota-se um uso considerável de metáforas bélicas e religiosas nesse debate midiático. No presente artigo, orientado pelos pressupostos teóricos da Análise Crítica do Discurso (ACD), pretende-se analisar esses fenômenos metafóricos com base na teoria da Integração Conceitual. O corpus se constitui de artigos publicados entre 2011 e 2015 em quatro jornais digitais alemães de importância nacional.
Ischemia and No Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease (INOCA)
Authors: Bairey Merz C. Noel , Pepine Carl J. , Walsh Mary Norine , Fleg Jerome L. , Camici Paolo G. , Chilian William M. , Clayton Janine Austin , Cooper Lawton S. , Crea Filippo , Di Carli Marcelo , Douglas Pamela S. , Galis Zorina S. , Gurbel Paul , Handberg Eileen M. , Hasan Ahmed , Hill Joseph A. , Hochman Judith S. , Iturriaga Erin , Kirby Ruth , Levine Glenn N. , Libby Peter , Lima Joao , Mehta Puja , Desvigne-Nickens Patrice , Olive Michelle , Pearson Gail D. , Quyyumi Arshed A. , Reynolds Harmony , Robinson British , Sopko George , Taqueti Viviany , Wei Janet , Wenger Nanette
Published: March 2017

The Cardiovascular Disease in Women Committee of the American College of Cardiology, in conjunction with interested parties (from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, American Heart Association, and European Society of Cardiology), convened a working group to develop a consensus on the syndrome of myocardial ischemia with no obstructive coronary arteries. In general, these patients have elevated risk for a cardiovascular event (including acute coronary syndrome, heart failure hospitalization, stroke, and repeat cardiovascular procedures) compared with reference subjects and appear to be at higher risk for development of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. A subgroup of these patients also has coronary microvascular dysfunction and evidence of inflammation. This document provides a summary of findings and recommendations for the development of an integrated approach for identifying and managing patients with ischemia with no obstructive coronary arteries and outlines knowledge gaps in the area. Working group members critically reviewed available literature and current practices for risk assessment and state-of-the-science techniques in multiple areas, with a focus on next steps needed to develop evidence-based therapies. This report presents highlights of this working group review and a summary of suggested research directions to advance this field in the next decade.
Revision of Neacomys spinosus (Thomas, 1882) (Rodentia: Cricetidae) with emphasis on Peruvian populations and the description of a new species
Authors: HURTADO NATALI , PACHECO VÍCTOR
Published: March 2017

The large spiny mouse Neacomys spinosus (Thomas, 1882) has been considered the widest ranging species of the genus, occurring in southern Colombia, eastern Peru, western Brazil and northern Bolivia. The morphological variation between subspecies and populations of N. spinosus has been noted; nonetheless, this variation has not been assessed in a morphological or molecular context. Here, we present a taxonomic revision of Neacomys spinosus s.l. using qualitative and quantitative morphological analyses. These analyses were complemented with molecular analysis to reconstruct the phylogenetic relationships among species of Neacomys, based on sequences of the cytochrome b gene. Our results reveal that N. spinosus s.l. is a monophyletic group, and morphological and molecular evidence to differentiate three taxa: N. spinosus s.s., an endemic species from mountain cloud forests in Peru; N. amoenus s.l. from the Cerrado between Bolivia and Brazil to the Amazonia between Ecuador and northern Peru, and Neacomys sp. nov. from mountain cloud forests from southern Peru to Bolivia. Also, our molecular results indicate that Neacomys is still far from being completely known. For instance, there are three candidate species pending of taxonomic revision. Finally, we propose three species groups within Neacomys: “paracou”, “tenuipes” and “spinosus”, and discuss biogeographical scenarios of the genus within South America.
A new species of Prosopistoma Latreille, 1833 and redescription of P. indicum Peters, 1967 (Ephemeroptera: Prosopistomatidae) from the Western Ghats, India
Authors: ROOPA S. RAMYA , SELVAKUMAR C. , SUBRAMANIAN K. A. , SIVARAMAKRISHNAN K. G.
Published: March 2017

Prosopistoma someshwarensis n. sp. is described based on larvae collected from the streams of central Western Ghats, and P. indicum Peters, 1967 is redescribed based on fresh material from additional localities of the southern and central Western Ghats of peninsular India. A brief discussion on their ecology and biogeography, and a key to the Indian species of Prosopistoma, are also provided. The Indian species may be distinguished from one another based on the segmentation of the antennae, carapace colourations, the setation of the tibiae and mandibular canines, and the morphology of gills 2.
Kalyptorhynchia (Platyhelminthes: Rhabdocoela) from KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa), with the description of six new species
Authors: WILLEMS WIM R. , REYGEL PATRICK , STEENKISTE NIELS VAN , TESSENS BART , ARTOIS TOM J.
Published: March 2017

Fifteen species of kalyptorhynch flatworms, twelve of them eukalyptorhynchs and three schizorhynchs, are reported from the KwaZulu-Natal coast in South Africa. Six species are new to science, five of which belong to Eukalyptorhynchia, the remaining one to Schizorhynchia. One of the new eukalyptorhynch species, Uncinorhynchus linusi n. sp., belongs to the taxon Gnathorhynchidae Meixner, 1929 and can be distinguished from other species of Uncinorhynchus Karling, 1947 based on the detailed structure of the proboscis hooks and the hard part in the male genital system. Two other species are members of the Koinocystididae Meixner, 1924. Itaipusa sbui n. sp. is characterised by an armed cirrus with two transversal bands of lamellar spines and by the detailed structure of the female genital system. The other new koinocystidid cannot be placed in any existing taxon and therefore a new genus is erected: Bhambathorhynchus abursalis n. gen. n. sp. It is characterised by the presence of two bent hooks in the male system, each one connected to a muscular bulb, and by the absence of a copulatory bursa. The remaining two new species of Eukalyptorhynchia, Lagenopolycystis mandelai n. sp. and Phonorhynchoides gondwanae n. sp., are members of the taxon Polycystididae Graff, 1905 and can be distinguished from their respective congeners by the detailed structure of their hard parts in the male genital system. The latter species also occurs on the Indian subcontinent. The discussion on the phylogenetic position of the new species of Phonorhynchoides leads to the formal split of this non-monophyletic genus into two taxa: Phonorhynchoides Beklemischev, 1927 and Phonorhynchopsis n. gen. The sixth and last new species, Baltoplana cupressus n. sp., is a member of the taxon Cheliplanidae Schilke, 1970 (Schizorhynchia) and combines an armed cirrus with a single accessory cirrus in the copulatory organ. For two more species, Prognathorhynchus spec. and Carcharodorhynchus spec., the available material is inadequate for a formal description, but they are mentioned and illustrated to allow future recognition. Six known species, Pocillorhynchus spiroductus Schockaert, 1982, Duplacrorhynchus heyleni Artois & Schockaert, 1999, Gyratrix hermaphroditus Ehrenberg, 1831, Paulodora contortoides Artois & Tessens, 2008, P. drepanophora Artois & Tessens, 2008 and Cheliplana pileola Jouk & De Vocht, 1989 are reported from South Africa for the first time and additional remarks on their morphology are given. An additional species, Brachyrhynchoides oosterlyncki (Willems, Reygel & Artois, 2013) Willems, Reygel & Artois, 2013 was recently described from South Africa and India (see Artois et al., 2013b, 2013c), and is mentioned here for the sake of completeness.
The amazing diversity of the genus Monospilus Sars, 1862 (Crustacea: Branchiopoda: Aloninae) in South America
Authors: SOUSA FRANCISCO DIOGO R. , ELMOOR-LOUREIRO LOURDES M. A. , PANARELLI ELIANA A.
Published: March 2017

The main goal of this paper is to describe three new species of the genus Monospilus Sars, 1862 (Crustacea: Cladocera). Monospilus macroerosus sp. nov. differs from other species of the genus in several peculiar morphological traits, the most striking being the presence of a saw-shaped pecten of teeth on the postabdominal claw. This species inhabits semiterrestrial habitats (wet leaf litter on hydromorphic soil from gallery forest), exhibiting adaptations related to movement and food handling in this type of habitat. Monospilus brachyspinus sp. nov. inhabits truly aquatic habitats, where lives being associated with macrophytes and submerged leaves. It may be recognized by the postabdominal claw, which is armed with proximal spinulae modified in a short spine. In Monospilus sp., the proximal spinulae are modified in a long and slender spine. So far, Monospilus sp. occurs in southern South America, while Monospilus macroerosus sp. nov. and Monospilus brachyspinus sp. nov. occur in the Cerrado biome in Brazil, in the central portion of South America. Some conclusions about the conservation status of new species also are made.