bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conversion of Legal Text to a Logical Rules Set from Medical Law Using the Medical Relational Model and the World Rule Model for a Medical Decision Support System
Authors: Khan Imran , Sher Muhammad , Khan Javed , Saqlain Syed , Ghani Anwar , Naqvi Husnain , Ashraf Muhammad
Published: February 2016

Automated formalization of legal text is a time- and effort-consuming task, but human-based validation consumes even more of both. The exchange of healthcare data in compliance with the medical privacy law requires experts with deep familiarity of its intricate provisions for verification. The article presents a medical relational model (MRM) for the extraction of logical rules from medical law, required to design a medical decision support system (MDSS) that facilitates the process of exchanging data electronically with minimum human intervention. The division of medical law into small concept classes makes it easier to formalize the legal text of medical law into logical rules. These logical rules are then used to make a precise decision in compliance with the law, after evaluating requests from different entities for different purposes in MDSS. Our methodology is to analyze the legal text and release records in compliance with the medical law. For developing countries where medical laws are not as mature as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) in the USA, the proposed methodology can be adapted to build their MDSS based on MRM.
Residual Ductility and Microstructural Evolution in Continuous-Bending-under-Tension of AA-6022-T4
Authors: Zecevic Milovan , Roemer Timothy , Knezevic Marko , Korkolis Yannis , Kinsey Brad
Published: February 2016

A ubiquitous experiment to characterize the formability of sheet metal is the simple tension test. Past research has shown that if the material is repeatedly bent and unbent during this test (i.e., Continuous-Bending-under-Tension, CBT), the percent elongation at failure can significantly increase. In this paper, this phenomenon is evaluated in detail for AA-6022-T4 sheets using a custom-built CBT device. In particular, the residual ductility of specimens that are subjected to CBT processing is investigated. This is achieved by subjecting a specimen to CBT processing and then creating subsize tensile test and microstructural samples from the specimens after varying numbers of CBT cycles. Interestingly, the engineering stress initially increases after CBT processing to a certain number of cycles, but then decreases with less elongation achieved for increasing numbers of CBT cycles. Additionally, a detailed microstructure and texture characterization are performed using standard scanning electron microscopy and electron backscattered diffraction imaging. The results show that the material under CBT preserves high integrity to large plastic strains due to a uniform distribution of damage formation and evolution in the material. The ability to delay ductile fracture during the CBT process to large plastic strains, results in formation of a strong <111> fiber texture throughout the material.
Transition Behaviors of Configurations of Colloidal Particles at a Curved Oil-Water Interface
Authors: Lee Mina , Xia Ming , Park Bum
Published: February 2016

We studied the transition behaviors of colloidal arrangements confined at a centro-symmetrically curved oil-water interface. We found that assemblies composed of several colloidal particles at the curved interface exhibit at least two unique patterns that can be attributed to two factors: heterogeneity of single-colloid self-potential and assembly kinetics. The presence of the two assembly structures indicates that an essential energy barrier between the two structures exists and that one of the structures is kinetically stable. This energy barrier can be overcome via external stimuli (e.g., convection and an optical force), leading to dynamic transitions of the assembly patterns.
A Dissipative Connector for CLT Buildings: Concept, Design and Testing
Authors: Scotta Roberto , Marchi Luca , Trutalli Davide , Pozza Luca
Published: February 2016

This paper deals with the conception and characterization of an innovative connection for cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels. The connection is designed to provide an adequate level of dissipative capacity to CLT structures also when realized with large horizontal panels and therefore prone to fragile shear sliding failure. The connector, named X-bracket, has been theorized and designed by means of numerical parametric analyses. Furthermore, its cyclic behavior has been verified with experimental tests and compared to that of traditional connectors. Numerical simulations of cyclic tests of different CLT walls anchored to the foundation with X-brackets were also performed to assess their improved seismic performances. Finally, the analysis of the response of a 6 m × 3 m squat wall demonstrates that the developed connection provides good ductility and dissipation capacities also to shear walls realized with a single CLT panel.
Nanomechanical Behavior of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Particulate Reinforced Aluminum Nanocomposites Prepared by Ball Milling
Authors: Ostovan Farhad , Matori Khamirul , Toozandehjani Meysam , Oskoueian Arshin , Yusoff Hamdan , Yunus Robiah , Mohamed Ariff Azmah
Published: February 2016

The nanomechanical properties of carbon nanotubes particulate-reinforced aluminum matrix nanocomposites (Al-CNTs) have been characterized using nanoindentation. Bulk nanocomposite specimens containing 2 wt % multiwalled CNTs (MWCNTs) were synthesized by a combination of ball milling and powder metallurgy route. It has been tried to understand the correlation between microstructural evolution particularly carbon nanotubes (CNTs) dispersion during milling and mechanical properties of Al-2 wt % nanocomposites. Maximum enhancement of +23% and +44% has been found in Young’s modulus and hardness respectively, owing to well homogenous dispersion of CNTs within the aluminum matrix at longer milling time.
Composition and Biological Activities of Murraya paniculata (L.) Jack Essential Oil from Nepal
Authors: Dosoky Noura , Satyal Prabodh , Gautam Tilak , Setzer William
Published: February 2016

Murraya paniculata (L.) Jack, a small tropical evergreen shrub growing in Nepal, has numerous uses in traditional medicine for treatment of abdominal pain, diarrhea, stomach ache, headache, edema, thrombosis, and blood stasis. The present study investigated the chemical composition and bioactivities of the leaf essential oil from M. paniculata from Nepal. The essential oil from leaves was obtained by hydrodistillation and a detailed chemical analysis was conducted by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The essential oil was screened for antimicrobial activity using the microbroth dilution test, for nematicidal activity against Caenorhabditis elegans, and for lethality against brine shrimp (Artemia salina). A total of 76 volatile components were identified from the essential oil. The major components were methyl palmitate (11.1%), isospathulenol (9.4%), (E,E)-geranyl linalool (5.3%), benzyl benzoate (4.2%), selin-6-en-4-ol (4.0%), β-caryophyllene (4.0%), germacrene B (3.6%), germacrene D (3.4%), and γ-elemene (3.2%). The essential oil showed no antibacterial activity, marginal antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger (MIC = 313 μg/mL), a moderate activity against A. salina (LC50 = 41 μg/mL), and a good nematicidal activity against C. elegans (LC50 = 37 μg/mL).
Application of Ionic Liquids in Pot-in-Pot Reactions
Authors: Çınar Simge , Schulz Michael , Oyola-Reynoso Stephanie , Bwambok David , Gathiaka Symon , Thuo Martin
Published: February 2016

Pot-in-pot reactions are designed such that two reaction media (solvents, catalysts and reagents) are isolated from each other by a polymeric membrane similar to matryoshka dolls (Russian nesting dolls). The first reaction is allowed to progress to completion before triggering the second reaction in which all necessary solvents, reactants, or catalysts are placed except for the starting reagent for the target reaction. With the appropriate trigger, in most cases unidirectional flux, the product of the first reaction is introduced to the second medium allowing a second transformation in the same glass reaction pot—albeit separated by a polymeric membrane. The basis of these reaction systems is the controlled selective flux of one reagent over the other components of the first reaction while maintaining steady-state catalyst concentration in the first “pot”. The use of ionic liquids as tools to control chemical potential across the polymeric membranes making the first pot is discussed based on standard diffusion models—Fickian and Payne’s models. Besides chemical potential, use of ionic liquids as delivery agent for a small amount of a solvent that slightly swells the polymeric membrane, hence increasing flux, is highlighted. This review highlights the critical role ionic liquids play in site-isolation of multiple catalyzed reactions in a standard pot-in-pot reaction.
Structure Determination of Novel Oxidation Products from Epicatechin: Thearubigin-Like Molecules
Authors: Uchida Kazuhiro , Ogawa Kazuki , Yanase Emiko
Published: February 2016

Following the oxidation of epicatechin (EC), three novel compounds and two known compounds were isolated. The chemical structures of these oxidation products were determined by mass spectrometry (MS) and various nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments, and the A-ring–B-ring linkage that is characteristic of catechin was found in each molecule. Three compounds showed similar ultraviolet–visible (UV-Vis) spectra to EC, whereas two compounds showed different spectral absorption in the region between 300 and 500 nm. A similar spectrum was obtained for the thearubigin fraction prepared from a black tea infusion. This result suggests that the condensation reaction between the A-ring and B-ring is more important than reaction between B-rings for thearubigin formation.
Dielectric Barrier Discharge (DBD) Plasma Assisted Synthesis of Ag2O Nanomaterials and Ag2O/RuO2 Nanocomposites
Authors: Ananth Antony , Mok Young
Published: February 2016

Silver oxide, ruthenium oxide nanomaterials and its composites are widely used in a variety of applications. Plasma-mediated synthesis is one of the emerging technologies to prepare nanomaterials with desired physicochemical properties. In this study, dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma was used to synthesize Ag2O and Ag2O/RuO2 nanocomposite materials. The prepared materials showed good crystallinity. The surface morphology of the Ag2O exhibited “garland-like” features, and it changed to “flower-like” and “leaf-like” at different NaOH concentrations. The Ag2O/RuO2 composite showed mixed structures of aggregated Ag2O and sheet-like RuO2. Mechanisms governing the material’s growth under atmospheric pressure plasma were proposed. Chemical analysis was performed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed the thermal decomposition behavior and the oxygen release pattern.
Terpolymerization of Substituted Cycloolefin with Ethylene and Norbornene by Transition Metal Catalyst
Authors: Boggioni Laura , Galotto Galotto Nella , Bertini Fabio , Tritto Incoronata
Published: February 2016

Ethylene-norbornene terpolymerization experiments using 5-alkyl-substituted norbornenes (5-pentyl-2-norbornene (C5N) and 5-octyl-2-norbornene (C8N)) or dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) were conducted with two ansa-metallocenes, [Zr{(η5-C9H6)2C2H4}Cl2] (1) and [Zr{(η5-2,5-Me2C5H2)2CHEt}Cl2] (2), activated by methylaluminoxane (MAO). The terpolymers obtained were investigated in detail by determining the microstructure and termonomer contents by 13C NMR, molar masses and thermal properties. Results were compared to those of ethylene (E)-norbornene (N) terpolymerizations with 1-octene. 2, with lower steric hindrance and a shorter bridge, gave the best activities, termonomer incorporation and molar masses. The size of the substituent in 5-alkyl substituted norbornene also plays a role. C8N gives the highest activities and molar masses, while DCPD terpolymers have the highest cycloolefin content. Terpolymers are random; their molar masses, much higher than those in 1-octene terpolymers, are in a range useful for industrial applications. Finally, Tg values up to 152 °C were obtained. For similar N content, poly(E-ter-N-ter-C8N)s and poly(E-ter-N-ter-DCPD)s have the lowest and the highest Tg values, respectively. Thus, the presence of an eight-carbon atom pendant chain in C8N increases the flexibility of the polymer chain more than a five-carbon atom pendant chain in C5N. The higher rigidity of C5N may lead to lower activities and to increasing probability of σ-bond metathesis and chain termination, as evidenced by chain-end group analysis.
Announcement of the 2016 Polymers Young Investigator Award
Authors: Böker Alexander
Published: February 2016

Dear readers of Polymers, Finally, after an extensive voting period, we are proud to present the first winner of the Polymers Young Investigator Award to Dr. Luis M. Campos, who is an assistant professor at the Chemistry Department of Columbia University, USA.[...]
An Improved Gaussian Mixture Model for Damage Propagation Monitoring of an Aircraft Wing Spar under Changing Structural Boundary Conditions
Authors: Qiu Lei , Yuan Shenfang , Mei Hanfei , Fang Fang
Published: February 2016

Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) technology is considered to be a key technology to reduce the maintenance cost and meanwhile ensure the operational safety of aircraft structures. It has gradually developed from theoretic and fundamental research to real-world engineering applications in recent decades. The problem of reliable damage monitoring under time-varying conditions is a main issue for the aerospace engineering applications of SHM technology. Among the existing SHM methods, Guided Wave (GW) and piezoelectric sensor-based SHM technique is a promising method due to its high damage sensitivity and long monitoring range. Nevertheless the reliability problem should be addressed. Several methods including environmental parameter compensation, baseline signal dependency reduction and data normalization, have been well studied but limitations remain. This paper proposes a damage propagation monitoring method based on an improved Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM). It can be used on-line without any structural mechanical model and a priori knowledge of damage and time-varying conditions. With this method, a baseline GMM is constructed first based on the GW features obtained under time-varying conditions when the structure under monitoring is in the healthy state. When a new GW feature is obtained during the on-line damage monitoring process, the GMM can be updated by an adaptive migration mechanism including dynamic learning and Gaussian components split-merge. The mixture probability distribution structure of the GMM and the number of Gaussian components can be optimized adaptively. Then an on-line GMM can be obtained. Finally, a best match based Kullback-Leibler (KL) divergence is studied to measure the migration degree between the baseline GMM and the on-line GMM to reveal the weak cumulative changes of the damage propagation mixed in the time-varying influence. A wing spar of an aircraft is used to validate the proposed method. The results indicate that the crack propagation under changing structural boundary conditions can be monitored reliably. The method is not limited by the properties of the structure, and thus it is feasible to be applied to composite structure.
Functional Analysis in Long-Term Operation of High Power UV-LEDs in Continuous Fluoro-Sensing Systems for Hydrocarbon Pollution
Authors: Arques-Orobon Francisco , Nuñez Neftali , Vazquez Manuel , Gonzalez-Posadas Vicente
Published: February 2016

This work analyzes the long-term functionality of HP (High-power) UV-LEDs (Ultraviolet Light Emitting Diodes) as the exciting light source in non-contact, continuous 24/7 real-time fluoro-sensing pollutant identification in inland water. Fluorescence is an effective alternative in the detection and identification of hydrocarbons. The HP UV-LEDs are more advantageous than classical light sources (xenon and mercury lamps) and helps in the development of a low cost, non-contact, and compact system for continuous real-time fieldwork. This work analyzes the wavelength, output optical power, and the effects of viscosity, temperature of the water pollutants, and the functional consistency for long-term HP UV-LED working operation. To accomplish the latter, an analysis of the influence of two types 365 nm HP UV-LEDs degradation under two continuous real-system working mode conditions was done, by temperature Accelerated Life Tests (ALTs). These tests estimate the mean life under continuous working conditions of 6200 h and for cycled working conditions (30 s ON & 30 s OFF) of 66,000 h, over 7 years of 24/7 operating life of hydrocarbon pollution monitoring. In addition, the durability in the face of the internal and external parameter system variations is evaluated.
A Novel General Imaging Formation Algorithm for GNSS-Based Bistatic SAR
Authors: Zeng Hong-Cheng , Wang Peng-Bo , Chen Jie , Liu Wei , Ge LinLin , Yang Wei
Published: February 2016

Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)-based bistatic Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) recently plays a more and more significant role in remote sensing applications for its low-cost and real-time global coverage capability. In this paper, a general imaging formation algorithm was proposed for accurately and efficiently focusing GNSS-based bistatic SAR data, which avoids the interpolation processing in traditional back projection algorithms (BPAs). A two-dimensional point target spectrum model was firstly presented, and the bulk range cell migration correction (RCMC) was consequently derived for reducing range cell migration (RCM) and coarse focusing. As the bulk RCMC seriously changes the range history of the radar signal, a modified and much more efficient hybrid correlation operation was introduced for compensating residual phase errors. Simulation results were presented based on a general geometric topology with non-parallel trajectories and unequal velocities for both transmitter and receiver platforms, showing a satisfactory performance by the proposed method.
A Novel Cooperative Opportunistic Routing Scheme for Underwater Sensor Networks
Authors: Ghoreyshi Seyed , Shahrabi Alireza , Boutaleb Tuleen
Published: February 2016

Increasing attention has recently been devoted to underwater sensor networks (UWSNs) because of their capabilities in the ocean monitoring and resource discovery. UWSNs are faced with different challenges, the most notable of which is perhaps how to efficiently deliver packets taking into account all of the constraints of the available acoustic communication channel. The opportunistic routing provides a reliable solution with the aid of intermediate nodes’ collaboration to relay a packet toward the destination. In this paper, we propose a new routing protocol, called opportunistic void avoidance routing (OVAR), to address the void problem and also the energy-reliability trade-off in the forwarding set selection. OVAR takes advantage of distributed beaconing, constructs the adjacency graph at each hop and selects a forwarding set that holds the best trade-off between reliability and energy efficiency. The unique features of OVAR in selecting the candidate nodes in the vicinity of each other leads to the resolution of the hidden node problem. OVAR is also able to select the forwarding set in any direction from the sender, which increases its flexibility to bypass any kind of void area with the minimum deviation from the optimal path. The results of our extensive simulation study show that OVAR outperforms other protocols in terms of the packet delivery ratio, energy consumption, end-to-end delay, hop count and traversed distance.
Aflatoxin M1 in Cow’s Milk: Method Validation for Milk Sampled in Northern Italy
Authors: Bellio Alberto , Bianchi Daniela , Gramaglia Monica , Loria Andrea , Nucera Daniele , Gallina Silvia , Gili Marilena , Decastelli Lucia
Published: February 2016

Aflatoxins (AFs) are mycotoxins produced by some species of Aspergillus. In dairy cows, ingested AFB1 is metabolized into carcinogenic AFM1 which is eliminated through milk, thus posing a risk for consumer health. Here we describe the set, validation, and application of screening (ELISA) and confirmatory (HPLC) tests carried out on milk samples collected through official control of mycotoxin levels in northern Italy over a three-year period (2012–2014). The limit of detection (LOD) was set at 5 ppt and 2 ppt for ELISA and HPLC, respectively, and the limit of quantification (LOQ) was 10 ppt for confirmatory HPLC. A total of 1668 milk samples were analyzed: ELISA identified 36 (2.2%) positive milk samples that were subsequently confirmed by HPLC. The level of AFM1 in the positive samples ranged between 18 ± 2 and 208 ± 27 ppt. Of the total samples, only eight (0.5%) were found non-compliant with the EU regulatory limit (50 ppt; range 74 ± 10 to 208 ± 27 ppt). Use of ELISA and HPLC tests in series allows for high-volume analysis of samples, thus saving time and money while guaranteeing high analytical precision and accuracy.
A Syllabus for Teaching Peritoneal Dialysis to Patients and Caregivers
Authors: Figueiredo Ana E. , Bernardini Judith , Bowes Elaine , Hiramatsu Miki , Price Valerie , Su Chunyan , Walker Rachael , Brunier Gillian
Published: February 2016

Being aware of controversies and lack of evidence in peritoneal dialysis (PD) training, the Nursing Liaison Committee of the International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis (ISPD) has undertaken a review of PD training programs around the world in order to develop a syllabus for PD training. This syllabus has been developed to help PD nurses train patients and caregivers based on a consensus of training program reviews, utilizing current theories and principles of adult education. It is designed as a 5-day program of about 3 hours per day, but both duration and content may be adjusted based on the learner. After completion of our proposed PD training syllabus, the PD nurse will have provided education to a patient and/or caregiver such that the patient/caregiver has the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform PD at home safely and effectively. The course may also be modified to move some topics to additional training times in the early weeks after the initial sessions. Extra time may be needed to introduce other concepts, such as the renal diet or healthy lifestyle, or to arrange meetings with other healthcare professionals. The syllabus includes a checklist for PD patient assessment and another for PD training. Further research will be needed to evaluate the effect of training using this syllabus, based on patient and nurse satisfaction as well as on infection rates and longevity of PD as a treatment.
Art, auto-mechanics, and supramolecular chemistry. A merging of hobbies and career
Authors: Anslyn Eric V
Published: February 2016

While the strict definition of supramolecular chemistry is “chemistry beyond the molecule”, meaning having a focus on non-covalent interactions, the field is primarily associated with the creation of synthetic receptors and self-assembly. For synthetic ease, the receptors and assemblies routinely possess a high degree of symmetry, which lends them an aspect of aesthetic beauty. Pictures of electron orbitals similarly can be seen as akin to works of art. This similarity was an early draw for me to the fields of supramolecular chemistry and molecular orbital theory, because I grew up in a household filled with art. In addition to art, my childhood was filled with repairing and constructing mechanical entities, such as internal combustion motors, where many components work together to achieve a function. Analogously, the field of supramolecular chemistry creates systems of high complexity that achieve functions or perform tasks. Therefore, in retrospect a career in supramolecular chemistry appears to be simply an extension of childhood hobbies involving art and auto-mechanics.
Mennonite entrepreneurship in the United States. Adapting to the industrial economy in the late 19th century
Authors: Lutz Martin
Published: February 2016

Les Mennonites ont montré une grande capacité d’adaptation aux conditions économiques changeantes, en particulier dans le contexte de l’industrialisation accélérée des États-Unis à la fin du XIX e siècle. Leur appartenance religieuse a été pour eux une ressource indéniable, non pas seulement en raison de leur éthique de travail, comme le voudrait une analyse purement wébérienne, mais aussi en raison des ressources générées par les communautés mennonites. A cet égard, l’ethnicité - ou l’histoire partagée - est aussi importante que la religion proprement dite. Cet article tend à montrer que l’ethnicité serait le chaînon manquant pour expliquer l’adaptation des Mennonites à l’économie industrielle.
The blissful enterprise: buddhist cultural turns in the workplace in contemporary Shanghai
Authors: Huang Weishan
Published: February 2016

En se démarquant de nombreuses recherches qui considèrent les villes de la Chine contemporaine comme des projets laïques, nationaux et capitalistes, l’article propose l’ethnographie de la présence de communautés religieuses dans des usines créées par des entrepreneurs immigrés liés par le capital à partir des années 1990. Il examine les pratiques bouddhistes sur le lieu de travail comme une nouvelle manière de comprendre les changements d’ordre moral dans la Chine contemporaine.
Quand la psychanalyse « aménage » ses dispositifs en banlieue parisienne
Authors: D’Eau Bénédicte
Published: February 2016

Cet article aborde à la fois les aménagements techniques et théoriques des pratiques cliniques d’inspiration psychanalytique au travers des dispositifs tels les paj , avant tout pour mettre en exergue les nouvelles formes de souffrances psychiques, interroger les enjeux du vécu migrant, mais aussi transculturel, que les adolescents et les jeunes de nos modernités portent. Les matt (Médiations artistiques, transculturelles et thérapeutiques), illustrées à travers un court métrage ici, émergent comme une nécessité d’espace d’expression ouvert à tous, sans exclusion possible, car l’art et le lien portent et éveillent quelque chose du vivant malgré tous ces héritages transgénérationnels : les filiations historiques, l’ici et l’ailleurs, le quartier, les migrations, les violences, la précarité, l’exclusion, l’exil, le bled...
Pour une combinaison politique monétaire / politique macroprudentielle au service de la stabilité économique et financière de la zone euro
Authors: Couppey-Soubeyran Jézabel , Dehmej Salim
Published: February 2016

L’expérience de la zone euro au cours de la dernière décennie a montré qu’une politique monétaire unique ne favorise pas nécessairement la convergence des économies appartenant à une union monétaire. L’objectif de cet article est triple. Tout d’abord, nous cherchons à illustrer les divergences entre les pays de la zone à partir de l’écart entre le taux directeur de la politique monétaire unique et celui auquel aurait conduit l’application d’une règle de Taylor standard, que nous calculons à plusieurs niveaux : la zone, le « cœur », la « périphérie », et certains pays pris individuellement, représentatifs du cœur ou de la périphérie de la zone. Ensuite, nous montrons qu’une politique monétaire qui, pour corriger les déséquilibres financiers en résultant, utiliserait une règle de Taylor élargie à la stabilité financière risquerait de renforcer davantage les divergences. Enfin, nous en déduisons que la zone euro gagnerait à adopter un nouveau policy-mix qui consisterait à combiner la politique monétaire à des mesures macroprudentielles ajustées à la situation économique et financière de chaque État membre. Cette combinaison favoriserait la stabilité financière mais aussi la stabilité macro-conjoncturelle.
L’ampleur du ralentissement chinois et son impact sur les grands pays développés
Authors: Heyer Éric
Published: February 2016

Un grand nombre d’analystes et d’experts estiment que le ralentissement chinois est plus important que celui affiché dans les comptes nationaux des autorités chinoises. Partant d’Artus (2015), nous avons estimé le PIB de la Chine à partir de variables de fret, de production d’électricité et de ciment. Si nos résultats confirment le ralentissement de l’économie chinoise depuis 2011, passant d’un rythme en glissement annuel de 12 % à moins de 8 % début 2013, la stabilisation du rythme de croissance observée depuis par les comptes nationaux n’est pas retracée par cette analyse qui indiquerait plutôt la poursuite du ralentissement de la croissance chinoise. Cependant, une telle modélisation du PIB ne prend pas en compte la grande transformation du modèle économique chinois vers un nouveau modèle de croissance amorcé depuis 3 ans, soutenu par un fort endettement des agents domestiques et orienté vers davantage de services. Une analyse enrichie de variables reflétant la situation sur le marché de l’emploi confirme le ralentissement de l’économie chinoise retracé par les comptes nationaux, reflétant une transition difficile entre deux régimes de croissance et non les prémices d’une entrée prochaine en récession. En revanche, sa partie « industrielle » devrait continuer de décélérer, interdisant tout rebond significatif des importations chinoises. Cela aura des conséquences sur les économies développées : le Japon et l’Allemagne seraient les pays les plus touchés par le ralentissement chinois : l’effet cumulé de 2014 à 2017 s’élèverait à plus de 2 points de PIB. L’impact sur l’économie japonaise passe par une forte exposition au commerce chinois tandis que l’impact sur l’économie allemande est davantage lié à son degré d’ouverture. Viennent ensuite le Royaume-Uni, l’Italie et la France avec un effet cumulé proche de 1 point de PIB. L’Espagne et les États-Unis seraient les pays les moins impactés avec un effet cumulé autour de 0,5 point de PIB.
Profils de l’investissement et divergences de performances entre l’Allemagne et la France
Authors: Napoletano Mauro , Vona Francesco , Gaffard Jean-Luc
Published: February 2016

L’étude empirique comparative montre que la composition de l’investissement compte bien davantage que son niveau global. C’est moins le taux d’investissement que la nature des investissements effectués et leur degré de complémentarité qui affectent naturellement la performance des entreprises et de l’économie.
L’efflorescence de la notion de victime en droit administratif
Authors: Girard Anne-Laure
Published: February 2016

Jusqu’au début du xx e siècle, la victime est un simple élément du langage courant, sans charge juridique, que le juge administratif utilise rarement. A la même époque, la doctrine fait preuve d’indifférence à l’égard du mot victime et de la réalité qu’elle recouvre. C’est alors le législateur qui impose au Conseil d’État et aux professeurs l’emblème de la victime. Dans les années 1910, une série de lois prévoyant la réparation de dommages sériels provoque l’apparition d’une vogue victimale. La doctrine renoue alors avec la signification originelle de la victime, la victime sacrificielle. Devenue objet du droit administratif, objet de travaux doctrinaux comme de décisions juridictionnelles, la victime peine pourtant à devenir un sujet de droit. Les efforts conjugués du législateur et de la doctrine empêchent en effet la reconnaissance de véritables droits subjectifs.
Análisis de la producción científica hispana en mejora continua: 1990-2011
Authors: Sánchez Lidia , Blanco Beatriz
Published: February 2016

El objetivo de este trabajo es realizar una revisión del campo de la Mejora Continua en la literatura. Para ello se realiza una revisión rigurosa tanto con métodos cualitativos como cuantitativos a partir de los trabajos recogidos en la base de datos Dialnet. Los principales resultados muestran que la mejora continua es un campo importante en la literatura hispana, aunque debe potenciarse en ciertas temáticas. También se detectó una clara orientación divulgativa del tema resaltando así la importancia de la mejora continua para los profesionales del sector. El trabajo tiene dos aportaciones principales. En primer lugar, es un estudio novedoso que no se había realizado previamente en la literatura hispana. Y, en segundo lugar, matiza y complementa las conclusiones obtenidas por revisiones internacionales según las cuales la mejora continua parecía no estar desarrollada en la literatura hispana.
Asian International Graduate Students' Academic and Social Experiences in American Higher Education
Authors: Sato Takahiro , Hodge Samuel R.
Published: February 2016

The authors identify and discuss current issues and concerns of Asian international graduate students about their academic and social experiences in American higher education. International graduate students from countries outside of the U.S. are an important constituency for research institutions in America due to the added cultural richness they bring to the academy. However, many Asian international graduate students in U.S. encounter difficulty when attempting to acculturate and may have difficulty adjusting to their environment. This chapter includes discourse on academic and social challenges, time management difficulties, dueling agendas, and socioeconomic struggles. Important also, this chapter offers recommendations for Asian international students on American college and university campuses. Lastly to better support Asian international doctoral students, this chapter encourages academic departments, administrators, faculty, and all graduate students to learn to view themselves as playing various roles as academic advisors, teachers, and graduate students.
When in Rome
Authors: Williams Gwendolyn M. , Case Rod E.
Published: February 2016

Mentoring for graduate teaching assistants (TAs) provides socialization within the higher educational system so that the TA can learn the expected benchmarks in knowledge and teaching. Furthermore, explicit mentoring approaches are significant for international teaching assistants who may not be familiar with methods and norms in American higher education. The authors in this article describe a qualitative study that examined how international teaching assistants viewed departmental mentoring strategies. After exploring various strategies of departmental mentoring and the ITAs' responses, the authors will conclude with general recommendations for effective mentoring strategies for international teaching assistants.
Electrical Faults in Power Systems
Authors: Abdelmoumene Abdelkader , Bentarzi Hamid
Published: February 2016

The identification and classification of electrical faults have a great importance in power system analysis. They help in the dimensioning and the adequate choice of electrical equipment, especially, for protective and interrupting devices. This chapter describes the various faults undergone by the power system and removes some ambiguities causing confusions and difficulties for the correct classification of faults. Once the faults terminologies are well understood and properly assessed; they can be used efficiently to develop enhanced algorithms dedicated to fault detection, classification, isolation and diagnostics.
Distributed Generation Capacity Planning for Distribution Networks to Minimize Energy Loss
Authors: Anwar Adnan , Mahmud Md. Apel , Hossain Md. Jahangir , Pota Himanshu Roy
Published: February 2016

This chapter presents an unbalanced multi-phase optimal power flow (UMOPF) based planning approach to determine the optimum capacities of multiple distributed generation units in a distribution network. An adaptive weight particle swarm optimization algorithm is used to find the global optimum solution. To increase the efficiency of the proposed scheme, a co-simulation platform is developed. Since the proposed method is mainly based on the cost optimization, variations in loads and uncertainties within DG units are also taken into account to perform the analysis. An IEEE 123 node distribution system is used as a test distribution network which is unbalanced and multi-phase in nature, for the validation of the proposed scheme. The superiority of the proposed method is investigated through the comparisons of the results obtained that of a Genetic Algorithm based OPF method. This analysis also shows that the DG capacity planning considering annual load and generation uncertainties outperform the traditional well practised peak-load planning.
STATCOM Based Solid State Voltage Regulation for Isolated Self-Excited Induction Generator
Authors: Thakkur Pallavi , Shandilya Smita
Published: February 2016

Self-Excited Induction Generator (SEIG) offers many advantages such as low cost, simplicity, robust construction, self-protection against faults and maintenance free in today's renewable energy industry. However, the SEIG demands an external supply of reactive power to maintain the constant terminal voltage under the varying loading conditions, which limits the application of SEIG as a standalone power generator. The regulation of speed and voltage does not result in a satisfactory improvement although several studies have been emphasized on this topic in the past. To improve the performance of the SEIG system in isolated areas and to regulate the terminal voltage STATic COMpensator (STATCOM) has been modelled and developed in this dissertation. The STATCOM consists of AC inductors, a DC bus capacitor and solid-state self-commutating devices. The ratings of these components are quite important for designing and controlling of STATCOM to maintain the constant terminal voltage. The proposed generating system is modelled and simulated in MATLAB along with Simulink and sim power system block set toolboxes. The simulated results are presented to demonstrate the capability of an isolated power generating system for feeding three-phase resistive loads.
Smart Grid and Cloud Computing
Authors: Iyer Girish Neelakanta , Iyer Ganesh Neelakanta
Published: February 2016

The network is created through a mixture of IT, communication technology and electrical power systems. The smart grid means it is “smarter” in the sense it has its own intelligence hence a smarter power grid. The generated resources are being decentralized by the smart power grids. The major challenges with the smart grid include huge number of smart meters. Due to the large traffic and limited bandwidth, scheduling is very important. Traditional algorithms will maximize the throughput or minimize the average delay may not be valid in smart grid. Power grid plays an important role in datacenters which forms the backbone for the cloud computing infrastructure. The cloud computing and smart grid interacts through the datacenters. The load balancing and robustness can be achieved through this datacenter and cloud system. Many cloud computing features help to achieve this load balancing.
Advocating Electronic Business and Electronic Commerce in the Global Marketplace
Authors: Kasemsap Kijpokin
Published: February 2016

This chapter describes the overview of electronic business (e-business), the multifaceted applications of e-business, the importance of e-business in the global marketplace, the overview of electronic commerce (e-commerce), the emerging trends of e-commerce, and the importance of e-commerce in the global marketplace. The utilization of e-business and e-commerce is required for modern organizations that seek to serve suppliers and customers, improve business performance, reinforce competitiveness, and gain continuous effectiveness in the global marketplace. Therefore, it is necessary for modern organizations to advocate their e-business and e-commerce and establish a strategic plan to regularly check their practical advancements toward satisfying customer requirements. The chapter argues that advocating e-business and e-commerce has the potential to enhance organizational performance and gain sustainable competitive advantage in the global marketplace.
Challenges and Opportunities of E-Tailing in Emerging Economies
Authors: Narang Ritu , Trivedi Prashant
Published: February 2016

The increase in penetration of internet and information and communication technology (ICT) along with change in consumer lifestyle and growing population of internet savvy consumers presents an encouraging platform for e-retailers in emerging markets. Education, technology and growing demand from middle class consumers are further driving the growth vehicle of e-tailing in these nations. There is adequate literature available for electronic business in the context of developed nations but applying that knowledge without any consideration of the unique business environment prevalent in emerging markets may spell danger for online traders. Therefore, the proposed chapter focuses on the growth of e-tailing in emerging economies. It talks about the driving forces for success of e-tailing in various developing economies. The opportunities, challenges and unique issues associated with e-tailing in emerging markets are also discussed. The chapter ends with a discussion on the future of e-tailing in emerging nations.
The Changing Face of Shopper Behavior and E-Tailing
Authors: V. Rajesh
Published: February 2016

E-Tailing has captured the collective imagination of shoppers as also various entrepreneurs and of course the media. In spite of the extensive amount of material being written about E-Tailing, a comprehensive perspective is missing with regard to this sector. There is also some amount of mystery which shrouds E-Tailing because most of the operators are not profitable, notably the biggest of them all: Amazon. The chapter provides a 360 degree view about E-Tailing from a global context as also touches upon how this is influencing this sector in India. Starting from the basic premise of E-Tailing the chapter would also cover shopper behavior and the related key drivers for this business segment. It explores the various business models and their viability as also how technology impacts the shoppers and E-Tail to the extent that physical stores might no longer exist. E-Tail was based on the basic premise that this business would be more profitable than physical stores because of the savings on real estate cost as they need not open physical stores. In spite of the increasing penetration of the internet and smart phone usage, E-Tail is still in its evolution and the optimal business model is yet to be well established. The cost of fulfillment which refers to the cost required to deliver the products is turning out to be a challenge to manage and is negating the savings on real estate because of the absence of physical stores. This led to the market place model where in the E-Tailer does not hold any inventory and that is a saving for them as compared to the inventory led model where they would have to invest in the inventory. However, this has not been a major breakthrough as the investment on technology continues to be a major cost for any E-Tailer. In spite of these challenges E-Tail is considered to be the way forward largely because it is well placed to cater to some of the key shopper expectations such as - simplifying their life, value delivery, customization and speed. Although this business opportunity is aligned to some of the key customer expectations, the business model needs to be powerful as also viable and sustainable. It is in that context that any E-Tailer needs to adhere to the “Basic Retail Model” as also have a well defined revenue model. The changing dynamics of retail has led to the omni channel model where physical stores and online merge seamlessly to offer a comprehensive shopping experience. The need for this from a shopper's perspective is validated from the fact that many E-Tailers are now opening physical touch points for their customers. Clearly this is the way forward and stand alone online or offline retail might find the going tough if they do not embrace omni channel especially in the context of the changes that affect this sector such as Big Data and Analytics, Internet of things and Wearable devices, Virtual wallets and last but not the least 3D printing.
Leadership in the Digital Age
Authors: Cockburn Tom , Smith Peter A. C.
Published: February 2016

This chapter introduces the scope and focus of the new book. The reader is briefly introduced to the definitions and debates about leadership and management boundaries, differences, and overlapping responsibilities in the digital age. Drawing on both theory and practice, current issues and topics are covered in depth, providing an introduction and overview of perceptible trends and scenarios relevant to the current post-Global Financial Crisis (GFC) leadership outlook for global business. The authors then provide an outline and overview of the topics and themes of each chapter and a coherent rationale for developing discussions and research from our first book “Dynamic Models of Leadership for Global Business: Enhancing digitally connected environments”.
Reframing Continuous School Improvement in Australian Schools
Authors: Fernandes Venesser
Published: February 2016

There is a significant lack of documented research on Australian school improvement contextualised within business improvement model settings. This is the case, even though Australian schools have been operating within a business environment for a while now. This chapter aims at addressing this gap by discussing educational quality within schools. It will also present an adapted version for continuous school improvement within school systems in Australia. This adapted version of continuous school improvement provides a theoretical framework on how schools operating as self-managed business systems can ensure that the delivery of educational quality is strategically sustained at the organisational level and that focus remains on the important core business of student learning.
Mobile Communication in Hospitals
Authors: Solvoll Terje
Published: February 2016

The work setting in hospitals is communication intensive and can lead to significant difficulties related to interruptions from co-workers. Physicians often need information fast, and any delay between the decision made and the action taken could cause medical errors. One suggested solution for this problem is to implement wireless phone systems. However, psychological theory and empirical evidence, both suggest that wireless phones have the potential of creating additional problems related to interruptions, compared to traditional paging systems. The fact that hospital workers prefer interruptive communication methods before non-interruptive methods, amplifies the risk of overloading people when phones are widely deployed. This challenge causes some hospital staff to resist the diffusion of wireless phones, and one key is how to handle the balance between increased availability, and increased interruptions. In this chapter we will present solutions based on context aware communication systems which aims to reduce interruptions.
Assessment of Tool Life and Wear Intensity of CBN Tools in Hard Cutting
Authors: Kundrák János , Markopoulos Angelos P. , Makkai Tamás
Published: February 2016

One of the most important issues to be addressed in hard cutting pertains to the evaluation of tool life as it is closely connected to machining quality and overall process cost. The attributes of tool life can be mathematically calculated based on machining conditions and other characteristics of the cutting process. In this paper the formulation developed for CBN tools, applied for the machining of 100Cr6 bearing steel is presented. Experiments were carried out for the validation of the theoretical approach. Additionally, a novel indicator, namely wear intensity, is analyzed and discussed, based on experimental results. Wear intensity is calculated as the ratio of flank wear to cutting length. From the analysis it can be concluded that the prognosis of tool life can be accurate with the proposed method. Furthermore, interesting and useful results are reported in connection to wear intensity and cutting speed in hard cutting.