bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Auditor Quality and Loan Syndicate Structure
Authors: Kim Jeong-Bon , Song Byron Y.
Published: November 2011

This study investigates whether and how the quality of external auditors hired by borrowers has an impact on loan syndicate structure. Our empirical analyses, using a sample of U.S. syndicated loans from 1996 to 2009, show the following findings: First, a larger number of banks participate in syndicated loans to borrowing firms with Big 4 (or previously Big 5 or Big 6) auditors than to those with non-Big 4 auditors. Second, the percentage of a syndicated loan retained by the lead bank(s) is smaller when the borrower is a client of a Big 4 auditor than when the borrower is a client of a non-Big 4 auditor. Third, the effect of auditor quality (Big 4 versus non-Big 4) on loan ownership structure is less pronounced when lenders are able to gather more information about the borrower prior to the loan deal. Overall, our results suggest that auditor quality plays an important role in loan syndication by alleviating information asymmetries between lead banks and non-lead participant banks.

JEL Classifications: G21; G32; M42.

Data Availability: Data are publicly available from sources identified in the paper.
The Impact on Auditor Judgments of CEO Influence on Audit Committee Independence
Authors: Cohen Jeffrey R. , Gaynor Lisa Milici , Krishnamoorthy Ganesh , Wright Arnold M.
Published: November 2011

Despite the importance of audit committee independence in ensuring the integrity of the financial reporting process, recent research suggests that even when audit committees meet regulatory independence requirements, certain factors, such as undue influence by the CEO over the selection of the audit committee, may diminish the ability of its members to be substantively independent. This study investigates whether auditors consider CEO influence over audit committee independence when making audit judgments where management's incentives to manage earnings differ. In an experiment, we find that audit partners and managers waive a larger amount of a proposed audit adjustment when management's incentives for earnings management are low than when incentives are high. However, when management incentives are high, auditors are less likely to waive as much of an adjustment when the CEO has less influence over the audit committee's independence than when the CEO's influence is greater. In all, the results support our expectations that auditors consider CEO influence on audit committee independence in the resolution of contentious accounting issues.

Data Availability: Contact the authors.
Health Information Exchange and Care Coordination of Diabetic Patients Between Medicine and Dentistry
Authors: Hummel Jeffrey , Gandara Beatrice K
Published: November 2011

In Brief

Inadequate coordination of care between dentists and medical doctors presents a barrier to comprehensive management of patients with diabetes. New technologies for managing and exchanging health data hold a promise of improved transfer of clinical information between specialties. The authors present a model of how information technology can be used to support standardized workflows in medicine and dentistry to optimize care coordination for patients with diabetes.
Gwyddion: an open-source software for SPM data analysis
Authors: Nečas David , Klapetek Petr
Published: November 2011

In this article, we review special features of Gwyddion—a modular, multiplatform, open-source software for scanning probe microscopy data processing, which is available at http://gwyddion.net/. We describe its architecture with emphasis on modularity and easy integration of the provided algorithms into other software. Special functionalities, such as data processing from non-rectangular areas, grain and particle analysis, and metrology support are discussed as well. It is shown that on the basis of open-source software development, a fully functional software package can be created that covers the needs of a large part of the scanning probe microscopy user community.
The Efficacy of Organo-Complex-Based Wood Preservative Formula Against Dry-Wood Termite Cryptotermes cynocephalus Light
Authors: Ismayati Maya , Setiawan Khoirul Himmi , Tarmadi Didi , Zulfiana Deni , Yusuf Sulaeman , Santoso Budi
Published: November 2011

The utilization of pesticides often leaves residues which potentially pollute the environment. This journal issue has been encouraging some researchers to find an environmentally friendly insecticide by a cheaper wood preservative method. The International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures 15 (ISPM 15) [1] that is adopted in wood packaging protection in Europe is not suitable for tropical countries like Indonesia. Therefore, the treatment by Organo-Complex-based wood preservation, which consists of copper chromium combined with natural organic compounds, is proposed for effective treatment at a lower cost. The bioassay test was subjected to dry wood termite Cryptotermes cynocephalus Light. The result showed that wood materials treated by 10 ppm Organo-Complex formula gave good results which were indicated by the low consumption and the fast termination of the termites. The toxicity analysis of C-C organic compound solution is classified as grade IV (WHO, 2003) [2], or not harmful. Analysis of the residual content four weeks after the spraying treatment showed a significant reduction in the inorganic content (copper chromate complex), in the range of 35%, and in extracts of natural materials (natural extracts), above 80%.
Synthesis and oxidation of some azole-containing thioethers
Authors: Potapov Andrei S , Chernova Nina P , Ogorodnikov Vladimir D , Petrenko Tatiana V , Khlebnikov Andrei I
Published: November 2011

Pyrazole and benzotriazole-containing thioethers, namely 1,5-bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)-3-thiapentane, 1,8-bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)-3,6-dithiaoctane and 1,3-bis(1,2,3-benzotriazol-1-yl)-2-thiapropane were prepared and fully characterized. Oxidation of the pyrazole-containing thioether by hydrogen peroxide proceeds selectively to provide a sulfoxide or sulfone, depending on the amount of oxidant used. Oxidation of the benzotriazole derivative by hydrogen peroxide is not selective, and sulfoxide and sulfone form concurrently. Selenium dioxide-catalyzed oxidation of benzotriazole thioether by H2O2, however, proceeds selectively and yields sulfoxide only.
Proposed Severity and Response Criteria for Routine Assessment of Patient Index Data (RAPID3): Results for Categories of Disease Activity and Response Criteria in Abatacept Clinical Trials
Authors: PINCUS THEODORE , HINES PATRICIA , BERGMAN MARTIN J. , YAZICI YUSUF , ROSENBLATT LISA C. , MacLEAN ROSS
Published: November 2011

Background.

An index is needed to assess the status of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), as none of the existing measures are applicable to all individual patients. The 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28) is the most specific and widely used index. Routine Assessment of Patient Index Data (RAPID3) is an index containing only the 3 patient self-report core dataset measures, without a laboratory test or formal joint count, and with simple scoring. RAPID3 is correlated significantly with DAS28, but calculated in 5–10 seconds on a Multidimensional Health Assessment Questionnaire (MDHAQ), compared to 114 seconds for DAS28.

Methods.

DAS28 (0–10 scale) categories for high, moderate, and low activity, and remission (≤ 2.6, 2.6–3.2, 3.21–5.1, and > 5.1, respectively) and proposed RAPID3 (0–30 scale) categories for severity (0 ≤ 3, 3.1–6, 6.1–12, and > 12) were compared in patients taking abatacept and control-treated patients at the endpoint of the Abatacept in Inadequate Response to Methotrexate (AIM) and the Abatacept Trial in Treatment of Anti-TNF INadequate Responders (ATTAIN) clinical trials, using cross-tabulations and kappa statistics.

Results.

Overall, 92%–99% of patients classified as having high DAS28 activity had high or moderate RAPID3 severity, while 64%–83% in DAS28 remission had RAPID3 low severity or remission; 50%–82% of patients with good or poor EULAR responses had good or poor RAPID3 responses. Kappa values ranged from 0.25 to 0.48, and weighted kappas from 0.32 to 0.52, indicating fair to moderate agreement for the 2 indices.

Conclusion.

Proposed RAPID3 severity and response categories yield comparable results to DAS28 and EULAR criteria in AIM and ATTAIN. DAS28 is more specific for clinical trials. RAPID3 does not preclude also scoring DAS28, and may be informative in the infrastructure of routine care.
Agirs à risque à l'adolescence
Authors: Gianèse-Madelaine Catherine , Pavoux Max
Published: November 2011

Résumé « Agirs à risques à l’adolescence ; de la rupture à la séparation. » À l’adolescence, certaines modalités d’expression de la souffrance psychique apparaissent sous la forme « d’agirs » à risque. Elles peuvent être pensées comme des tentatives inconscientes de figuration et de ré-affiliation, dans ce moment propice où les liens à la famille et à l’environnement se réaménagent. L’écoute psychanalytique de la famille peut offrir un accueil et un contenant qui visent à transformer la brutalité des éprouvés mobilisés à travers ces agirs et à soutenir l’avènement de processus intersubjectifs transitionnels. Cependant, une première étape, fondée sur les qualités de contenance du cadre, est fondamentale.
L'autorité familiale entre crise et conflit
Authors: Chapellon Sébastien
Published: November 2011

Résumé « L’autorité familiale entre crise et conflit. » La confrontation à l’autorité, plus que d’être garante de l’interdit, permet à l’enfant d’échafauder un jeu dans lequel la désobéissance questionne les places générationnelles. L’identification aux adultes ne se suffit pas de tendresse, elle suit un processus conflictuel qui dépend du cadre formé par la société. Celle-ci doit, dès la phase anale, permettre à la famille d’amorcer un « conflit fondamental ». Ce processus, qui est celui de l’identification au surmoi parental, fait de l’autorité un moyen de transmission essentiel : non seulement en ce qui concerne les normes et codes culturels, mais aussi, et peut-être surtout, celui d’une contenance psychique.
Enhancing Nursing Knowledge Using High-Fidelity Simulation
Authors: Gates Michael G. , Parr Mary Beth , Hughen Janet E.
Published: November 2011

The use of high-fidelity simulation as an accepted substitute for traditional clinical learning experiences in nursing education has gained acceptance over the past decade, as evidenced by the California Board of Registered Nursing now allowing up to 25% of student clinical learning to occur in simulation laboratories. However, little research evidence has documented the efficacy of these simulated learning experiences, particularly on objective outcomes such as examination performance. Therefore, this study examined the effects of high-fidelity simulation participation on knowledge acquisition in 104 undergraduate nursing students. Students who participated in high-fidelity simulation scenarios scored significantly higher on examinations than students who did not. These findings provide beginning evidence that high-fidelity simulation can be an effective substitute for traditional clinical experience. More importantly, the findings may help boards of nursing more effectively regulate the use of high-fidelity simulation in the future.
PROPOSAL OF A NORWEGIAN ZEB DEFINITION: ASSESSING THE IMPLICATIONS FOR DESIGN
Authors: Sartori I. , Dokka T. H. , Andresen Inger
Published: November 2011

Conceptually a Zero Emission Building (ZEB) is a building with greatly reduced energy demand and able to generate electricity (or other carriers) from renewable sources in order to achieve a carbon neutral balance. However, a clear and agreed definition of Zero Emission Building (ZEB) is yet to be achieved, both internationally and in Norway. However, it is understood that both the definition and the surrounding energy supply system will affect significantly the way buildings are designed to achieve the ZEB goal. A formal definition of ZEB is characterized by a set of criteria that are: the system boundary, feeding-in possibilities, balance object, balancing period, credits, crediting method, energy performance and mismatch factors. For each criterion different options are available, and the choice of which options are more appropriate to define ZEBs may depend on the political targets laying behind the promotion of ZEBs, hence may vary from country to country. This paper focuses on two of these criteria: energy performance and credits used to measure the ZEB balance. For each criterion different options are considered and the implications they have on the building design are assessed. The case study is on a typical Norwegian single family house. It is shown that for certain choices on the two criteria options, a paradoxical situation could arise. When using off-site generation based on biomass/biofuels, achieving the ZEB balance may be easier for high energy consuming buildings than for efficient ones. This is the exact opposite of what ZEBs are meant to promote: design of energy efficient buildings with on-site generation options. Recommendations on how to avoid such a paradox are suggested.
Effects on Gambling Behaviour of Developments in Information Technology
Authors: Parke Adrian , Griffiths Mark
Published: November 2011

The rapid growth and acceptance of online gambling is concerning to academics and clinicians in the field of pathological gambling research. This study proposes a theoretical framework that outlines the effect of technological developments in information technology (IT) on gambling behaviour. The aim of the study is to produce theoretical propositions that can be investigated empirically in future research. Grounded Theory was employed to enable a theoretical framework to conceptualise online gambling behaviour and the utility of IT in gambling behaviour. In total, eight participants were interviewed via semi-structured interviews until theoretical saturation was achieved. The theoretical framework was contrasted against existing problem gambling research. Grounded Theory has indicated that developments in IT have been a catalyst for Elevated Gambling Involvement, in terms of both participation and pre-occupation, and that this phenomenon was produced via the following behavioural constructs: Increased Outcome Control, Reduced Discipline, Expediency and Consumer Value.
Main Retina Information Processing Pathways Modeling
Authors: Wei Hui , Zuo Qingsong , Guan XuDong
Published: November 2011

In many fields including digital image processing and artificial retina design, they always confront a balance issue among real-time, accuracy, computing load, power consumption, and other factors. It is difficult to achieve an optimal balance among these conflicting requirements. However, human retina can balance these conflicting requirements very well. It can efficiently and economically accomplish almost all the visual tasks. This paper presents a bio-inspired model of the retina, not only to simulate various types of retina cells but also to simulate complex structure of retina. The model covers main information processing pathways of retina so that it is much closer to the real retina. In this paper, the authors did some research on various characteristics of retina via large-scale statistical experiments, and further analyzed the relationship between retina’s structure and functions. The model can be used in bionic chip design, physiological assumptions verification, image processing and computer vision.
A Novel Emotion Recognition Method Based on Ensemble Learning and Rough Set Theory
Authors: Yang Yong , Wang Guoyin
Published: November 2011

Emotion recognition is a very hot topic, which is related with computer science, psychology, artificial intelligence, etc. It is always performed on facial or audio information with classical method such as ANN, fuzzy set, SVM, HMM, etc. Ensemble learning theory is a novelty in machine learning and ensemble method is proved an effective pattern recognition method. In this paper, a novel ensemble learning method is proposed, which is based on selective ensemble feature selection and rough set theory. This method can meet the tradeoff between accuracy and diversity of base classifiers. Moreover, the proposed method is taken as an emotion recognition method and proved to be effective according to the simulation experiments.
Fuzzy Neural Network Control for Robot Manipulator Directly Driven by Switched Reluctance Motor
Authors: Ge Baoming , de Almeida Aníbal T.
Published: November 2011

Applications of switched reluctance motor (SRM) to direct drive robot are increasingly popular because of its valuable advantages. However, the greatest potential defect is its torque ripple owing to the significant nonlinearities. In this paper, a fuzzy neural network (FNN) is applied to control the SRM torque at the goal of the torque-ripple minimization. The desired current provided by FNN model compensates the nonlinearities and uncertainties of SRM. On the basis of FNN-based current closed-loop system, the trajectory tracking controller is designed by using the dynamic model of the manipulator, where the torque control method cancels the nonlinearities and cross-coupling terms. A single link robot manipulator directly driven by a four-phase 8/6-pole SRM operates in a sinusoidal trajectory tracking rotation. The simulated results verify the proposed control method and a fast convergence that the robot manipulator follows the desired trajectory in a 0.9-s time interval.
Critical Infrastructure as Complex Emergent Systems
Authors: Lewis Ted G. , Mackin Thomas J. , Darken Rudy
Published: November 2011

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) charge is to, “Build a safer, more secure, and more resilient America by preventing, deterring, neutralizing, or mitigating the effects of deliberate efforts by terrorists to destroy, incapacitate, or exploit elements of our Nation’s CIKR …” using an all-hazards approach. The effective implementation of this strategy hinges on understanding catastrophes and their potential effect on the functioning of infrastructure. Unfortunately, there has been no unifying theory of catastrophe to guide decision-making, preparedness, or response. In this paper, the authors present a framework based on network science and normal accident theory that can be used to guide policy decisions for homeland security. They show that exceedance probability encompasses operational definitions of risk and resilience and provides a unifying policy framework for homeland security investments. Such an approach allows one to classify hazards as ‘high’ or ‘low’ risk, according to the resiliency exponent, and guide investments toward prevention or response. This framework is applied to cyber exploits and electric power grid systems to illustrate its generality.
The Dark Side of Technology
Authors: Coakes Elayne , Bryant Antony , Land Frank , Phippen Andy
Published: November 2011

In 2010 Jeff Baker proposed a panel for the 2010 ICIS Conference in St. Louis on the topic ” Technologies that Transform Business and Research: Lessons from the Past as we look into the Future? (Baker  et al., 2011), He invited Frank Land to be a member of the panel. Frank sought to explore some topics that were receiving a great deal of attention from the media and in particular the computer press as well amongst IS practitioners, management and academia. The topic was the apparently rapidly growing threat coming from the misuse or criminal use of information and communications technology (ICT) as well as the use of the technology in warfare (Cyberwarfare). The issues were discussed under a variety of labels but usually included terms such as security, privacy, risk and piracy.
Is Updating Play or Work?
Authors: Joseph Damien , Tan Mei Ling , Ang Soon
Published: November 2011

This study proposes that IT professionals’ behavioral orientation towards IT knowledge and skills updating demands can take on two contrasting forms: updating-as-play or updating-as-work. Drawing on threat-rigidity theory (Staw, Sandelands, & Dutton, 1981), the authors hypothesize that IT professionals who feel threatened by professional obsolescence are more likely to approach updating-as-work more than as play. Results from a sample of IT professionals are consistent with threat-rigidity theory (Staw et al., 1981) in that the threat of professional obsolescence is negatively related to updating-as-play and is positively related to updating-as-work. The authors also find that updating-as-play is negatively related to turnaway intentions and that updating-as-work is positively related to turnover intentions; these findings are consistent with IT theories of job mobility. The authors conclude this study with a discussion of these results and propose future research directions.
Potentials of Quadratic Neural Unit for Applications
Authors: Rodriguez Ricardo , Bukovsky Ivo , Homma Noriyasu
Published: November 2011

The paper discusses the quadratic neural unit (QNU) and highlights its attractiveness for industrial applications such as for plant modeling, control, and time series prediction. Linear systems are still often preferred in industrial control applications for their solvable and single solution nature and for the clarity to the most application engineers. Artificial neural networks are powerful cognitive nonlinear tools, but their nonlinear strength is naturally repaid with the local minima problem, overfitting, and high demands for application-correct neural architecture and optimization technique that often require skilled users. The QNU is the important midpoint between linear systems and highly nonlinear neural networks because the QNU is relatively very strong in nonlinear approximation; however, its optimization and performance have fast and convex-like nature, and its mathematical structure and the derivation of the learning rules is very comprehensible and efficient for implementation. These advantages of QNU are demonstrated by using real and theoretical examples.
Service Oriented Innovation Management
Authors: Thieme Michael
Published: November 2011

In this paper, the author introduces the idea of service oriented innovation management into the scientific discussion and gives an outlook on possible application. In this paper, the SOA-principles are adopted and applied in the field of innovation management with several stakeholders involved in the innovation process. Furthermore, a use case is presented in form of a management concept for an innovation center in the creative industries.
Asian Leadership Wisdom
Authors: Muniapan Balakrishnan , Low Patrick Kim Cheng
Published: November 2011

This paper is on comparative leadership philosophy. It explores the ancient Asian wisdom for leadership development from the Kautilyan and Confucian perspectives. Every now and then, there is a need for us to look and re-look at ancient wisdoms to be applied effectively in the modern context. In this paper, the authors provide an inside-out leadership development approach. This has practical implications and lessons for contemporary leadership development from an Indian and Chinese cultural perspective. It is also becoming highly relevant due to the growth of both the Indian and Chinese economy. The reference in the Indian context is made from the Arthashastra by Kautilya, while reference in the Chinese context is made from the teachings of Confucius.
Price Rigidity and Strategic Uncertainty
Authors: Somogyi Robert , Vincze János
Published: November 2011

The phenomenon of infrequent price changes has troubled economists for decades. Intuitively one feels that for most price-setters there exists a range of inaction, i.e., a substantial measure of the states of the world, within which they do not wish to modify prevailing prices. Economists wishing to maintain rationality of price-setters resorted to fixed price adjustment costs as an explanation for price rigidity. This paper proposes an alternative explanation, without recourse to any sort of physical adjustment cost, by putting strategic interaction into the center-stage of the analysis. Price-making is treated as a repeated oligopoly game. The traditional analysis of these games cannot pinpoint any equilibrium as a reasonable “solution” of the strategic situation. Thus, decision-makers have a genuine strategic uncertainty about the strategies of other decision-makers. Hesitation may lead to inaction. To model this situation, the authors follow the style of agent-based models, by modeling firms that change their pricing strategies following an evolutionary algorithm. In addition to reproducing the known negative relationship between price rigidity and the level of general inflation, the model exhibits several features observed in real data. Moreover, most prices fall into the theoretical “range” without explicitly building this property into strategies.
Levels of Failure and Learning in Games
Authors: Sharritt Matthew , Suthers Daniel D.
Published: November 2011

A qualitative case study is presented that examines learning through video games, focusing on whether player experiences of failure create opportunities for learning. Examples of collaborative play are presented from three video games, including Civilization IV, RollerCoaster Tycoon 3, and Making History: The Calm & the Storm. An inductive analysis reveals that some experiences of failure frustrate game players, leading to the abandonment of an in-game task, while others lead to increased motivation to try a different strategy. The activity-theoretic level of activity at which failure occurs is used to account for these differences in outcomes of failure.
Engaging the Students in Activity Based Learning for Future Employability
Authors: Ross Margaret , Staples Geoff , Udall Mark
Published: November 2011

The paper discusses the introduction of Activity Based Learning for professional issues for undergraduate students in the School of Computing and Communications at Southampton Solent University. Its aim is to assist the students with their final year project and future employability. The use of the university’s learning environment, based on the Moodle open source software as a key component of the Activity Based Learning, the preparation by the students prior to the tutorials, and the group work within the tutorials are described. The views of the students on this approach are discussed. The paper describes how the students become more self reliant and self motivated in their learning approach. This will be of direct benefit to them in maintaining lifelong learning in their future profession.
A Novel GS1 Data Standard Adoption Roadmap for Healthcare Providers
Authors: Buyurgan Nebil , Rardin Ronald L. , Jayaraman Raja , Varghese Vijith M. , Burbano Angelica
Published: November 2011

The use of GS1 Data Standards is envisioned to improve the efficiency of the healthcare supply chain as it did for the retail supply chain. The healthcare industry, especially providers, acknowledges their potentials; however, there are misconceptions and lack of understanding the associated costs and expected benefits. This study presents an adoption roadmap for GS1 Data Standards at the provider level in healthcare industry. The developed roadmap is a result of systematic efforts at conducting extensive studies, examining the best practices, and interacting with industry leaders. The adoption roadmap includes different levels and sublevels to provide a flexible foundation for healthcare providers where alternative adoption paths will be available for their immediate needs and requirements. Sublevels have a recommended precedence structure to realize maximum gains from the adoptions. The feasibility and practicality of the developed roadmap has been validated by two pilot studies, which were conducted in collaboration with two hospital provider partners. The pilot studies helped identify potential benefits as well as roadblocks and barriers for different levels of GS1 Data Standards adoption. The results indicate that the adoption is not an easy process and may require many workarounds; however, the potential gains are significant.
Towards a Possibilistic Information Retrieval System Using Semantic Query Expansion
Authors: Elayeb Bilel , Bounhas Ibrahim , Ben Khiroun Oussama , Evrard Fabrice , Bellamine-BenSaoud Narjès
Published: November 2011

This paper presents a new possibilistic information retrieval system using semantic query expansion. The work is involved in query expansion strategies based on external linguistic resources. In this case, the authors exploited the French dictionary “Le Grand Robert”. First, they model the dictionary as a graph and compute similarities between query terms by exploiting the circuits in the graph. Second, the possibility theory is used by taking advantage of a double relevance measure (possibility and necessity) between the articles of the dictionary and query terms. Third, these two approaches are combined by using two different aggregation methods. The authors also benefit from an existing approach for reweighting query terms in the possibilistic matching model to improve the expansion process. In order to assess and compare the approaches, the authors performed experiments on the standard ‘LeMonde94’ test collection.
Emergency Management, Twitter, and Social Media Evangelism
Authors: Latonero Mark , Shklovski Irina
Published: November 2011

This paper considers how emergency response organizations utilize available social media technologies to communicate with the public in emergencies and to potentially collect valuable information using the public as sources of information on the ground. The authors discuss the use of public social media tools from the emergency management professional’s viewpoint with a particular focus on the use of Twitter. Limited research has investigated Twitter usage in crisis situations from an organizational perspective. This paper contributes to the understanding of organizational innovation, risk communication, and technology adoption by emergency management. An in-depth longitudinal case study of Public Information Officers (PIO) of the Los Angeles Fire Department highlights the importance of the information evangelist within emergency management organizations and details the challenges those organizations face engaging with social media and Twitter. This article provides insights into practices and challenges of new media implementation for crisis and risk management organizations.
Exercise 24
Authors: Howe Austin W. , Jennex Murray E. , Bressler George H. , Frost Eric
Published: November 2011

Can populations self organize a crisis response? This is a field report on the first two efforts in a continuing series of exercises termed “Exercise 24 or x24.” The first Exercise 24 focused on Southern California, while the second (24 Europe) focused on the Balkan area of Eastern Europe. These exercises attempted to demonstrate that self-organizing groups can form and respond to a crisis using low-cost social media and other emerging web technologies. Over 10,000 people participated in X24 while X24 Europe had over 49,000 participants. X24 involved people from 79 nations while X24 Europe officially included participants from at least 92 countries. Exercise 24 was organized by a team of workers centered at the SDSU Viz Center including significant support from the US Navy as well as other military and Federal organizations. Dr. George Bressler, Adjunct Faculty member at the Viz Center led both efforts. Major efforts from senior professionals EUCOM and NORTHCOM contributed significantly to the preparation for and success of both X24 and especially X24 Europe. This paper presents lessons learned and other experiences gained through the coordination and performance of Exercise 24.
Using Network Analysis and Visualization to Analyze Problematic Enterprise Information Systems
Authors: Greenwood David , Sommerville Ian
Published: November 2011

Society is demanding larger and more complex information systems to support increasingly complex and critical organisational work. Whilst troubleshooting socio-technical issues in small-to-medium scale situations may be achievable using approaches such as ethnography, troubleshooting enterprise scale situations is an open research question because of the overwhelming number of socio-technical elements and interactions involved. This paper demonstrates proof-of-concept tools for network analysis and visualisation that may provide a promising avenue for identifying problematic elements and interactions among an overwhelming number of socio-technical elements. The findings indicate that computers may be used to aid the analysis of problematic large-scale complex socio-technical situations by using analytical techniques to highlighting elements, or groups of interacting elements, that are important to the overall outcome of a problematic situation.
Video Segmentation and Structuring for Indexing Applications
Authors: Tapu Ruxandra , Zaharia Titus
Published: November 2011

This paper introduces a complete framework for temporal video segmentation. First, a computationally efficient shot extraction method is introduced, which adopts the normalized graph partition approach, enriched with a non-linear, multiresolution filtering of the similarity vectors involved. The shot boundary detection technique proposed yields high precision (90%) and recall (95%) rates, for all types of transitions, both abrupt and gradual. Next, for each detected shot, the authors construct a static storyboard by introducing a leap keyframe extraction method. The video abstraction algorithm is 23% faster than existing techniques for similar performances. Finally, the authors propose a shot grouping strategy that iteratively clusters visually similar shots under a set of temporal constraints. Two different types of visual features are exploited: HSV color histograms and interest points. In both cases, the precision and recall rates present average performances of 86%.
Determination of the Number of Clusters in a Data Set
Authors: Boone Derrick S.
Published: November 2011

The accuracy of “stopping rules” for determining the number of clusters in a data set is examined as a function of the underlying clustering algorithm being used. Using a Monte Carlo study, various stopping rules, used in conjunction with six clustering algorithms, are compared to determine which rule/algorithm combinations best recover the true number of clusters. The rules and algorithms are tested using disparately sized, artificially generated data sets that contained multiple numbers and levels of clusters, variables, noise, outliers, and elongated and unequally sized clusters. The results indicate that stopping rule accuracy depends on the underlying clustering algorithm being used. The cubic clustering criterion (CCC), when used in conjunction with mixture models or Ward’s method, recovers the true number of clusters more accurately than other rules and algorithms. However, the CCC was more likely than other stopping rules to report more clusters than are actually present. Implications are discussed.
Innovation Contests
Authors: Bullinger Angelika C. , Moeslein Kathrin
Published: November 2011

The ability to generate innovative products and services is a critical success factor for organizations. The trend of open innovation has brought about many-faceted, IT-based tools (e.g., lead user method or online tool kits), among these, the innovation contest seems particularly promising and continuously gains in importance as a corporate practice. However, a deep understanding of this online innovation practice is still lacking. Contrary to other methods used to realize open innovation, research in the field of online innovation contests displays a growing, but only rudimentarily intertwined body of publications. This paper provides the quintessential systematization of the field by integration of academic knowledge and business deployment. Juxtaposing 33 relevant journal and conference publications with empirical basis and an analysis of 57 real-world innovation contests, interesting disruptions are pointed to and six pathways for future research are described. These cover the optimal degree of elaboration, the interplay of competition and community, the importance of community applications, the trajectory toward open evaluation, and the identification of additional design elements.
Solubilities Prediction and Partial Molar Volume Calculation for 2-Butanol and CO2 Binary Mixture at High Pressure
Authors: Zheng Lan , Wang Yu Qi , Chen Kai Xun , Wang Lin
Published: November 2011

A constant-volume visual cell was used to measure vapor-liquid phase equilibrium data of 2-butanol in supercritical carbon dioxide from 323.2K to 353.2K. The phase equilibrium solubilities were predicted by Peng-Robinson equation of state together with Vander Waals-2 mixing regulation. Dependence of solubility of CO2 in liquid 2-butanol on pressure was discussed by Krichevsky-kasarnovsky equation. Meanwhile, Henry’s constants and partial molar volume at infinite dilution were determined. Also partial molar volumes of vapor phase and liquid phase at equation state were evaluated from proposed model. The correlation between calculated values and the experimental data showed good agreement.
Disodium Salt of 2-(5-phenyl-1, 3, 4-oxadiazol-2-yl) Phenyl Phosphate as a Fluorescent Probe for Determination of ALP
Authors: Lei Ying Jie , Jie Ou Yang , Ding Mei
Published: November 2011

A convenient method to synthesize disodium salt of 2-(5-phenyl-1, 3, 4-oxadiazol-2-yl) phenyl phosphate (OXDP), a substrate for the fluorescent determination of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, via an one-pot procedure of condensation between the benzoic acid and 2-hydroxybenzhydrazide at triethylamine alkaline solution in the presence of propylphosphonic anhydride, was realized. Preliminary tests reveal that the lessened fluorescence intensity resulting from enzyme reaction is proportional to ALP activity in the range of 1.0-25.0 U/L with the detection limit of 0.25U/L, which can be successfully applied to assess ALP in human serum with good precision.
In Silicon Cloning and Bioinformatics Analysis of an Eukaryotic Initiation Factor 4E Gene from Grimmia pilifera
Authors: Sha Wei , Wu Li , Song Xiao Hong
Published: November 2011

GH425 gene comes from the Grimmia pilifera drought stress of cDNA library.In this experiment,we have got the full sequence of GH425NO.1 by E-cloning which using GH425 as gene probe,in Physcomitrella patens DNA Datebase.Through using ORFfinder to find out the longest ORF and design primer for it,then, validated the Physcomitrella patens by PT-PCR,and we have obtained corresponding band and proved that the result of silicon cloning is correct and the fragment is contained in Grimmia pilifera P.Beauv.Now,we know the sequence encodes Eukaryotic initiation factor 4E by Blastx,and analysis it with Bioinformatics.
Research the Equilibrium Distribution of Puerarin in Aqueous Two-Phase Combine with Temperature-Induced Phase Separation EOPO/ K2HPO4 /Water Systems
Authors: Gu Xue Mei , Huo Qing , Lin Qiang
Published: November 2011

The partition behavior of Puerarin in ethylene oxide-propylene oxide random copolymer (EOPO)/ K2HPO4/water systems was investigated .The optimum conditions were EOPO （SDP30） 28%, K2HPO424%, temperature-induced condition was 70°C and 30min. yield of Puerarin could reach 42.26%. Based on the modified model lnK/R2=A*+b*(w”-w’)+c*(w”-w’)2, partition coefficients of Puerarin in EOPO/K2HPO4aqueous two-phase systems were correlated. It was found that the correlation of the experimental data was quite satisfactory.
Surface Texture Evaluation of Micro-WEDM
Authors: Zhang Zhi Hang , Guo Li Bin , Cui Hai , Zhang Bin
Published: November 2011

Micro wire electrical discharge machining (Micro-WEDM) is one key micro-processing technology for intricate micro parts. The surface texture is different with a single mechanical cutting surface and conventional spark-erosion formation machined surface. Assessment of the existing surface texture roughness parameters in terms of accuracy, or in the characterization of fine sense, can not meet the Micro-WEDM surface texture characterization needs. Through the analyses of surface autocorrelation function, structural shape ration, steepest attenuation autocorrelation function and surface texture direction, explicit the precise meaning of surface texture parameter characterization, make it really reflect the actual condition of Micro wire electrical discharge machining surface, modify Characterization Parameter algorithm, simplify the calculation process, make the results more accurate and more intuitive. Keywords: Micro wire electrical discharge machining; autocorrelation function; surface texture
Complex Mechatronic System Reliability Optimization Using Hybrid Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Wang J. C. , Qiu H. , Chen J. M. , Ji G. D.
Published: November 2011

Reliability allocation optimization problem of a complex mechatronic system is a highly nonlinear constrained optimization problem, and hence solution to this kind of problem is of NP-hardness even with moderate scale. Due to the nonlinearity combined with multiple local extreme values, traditional optimization techniques fail to arrive at the global or nearly global optimal solution to the problem. Genetic algorithm incorporated with neighboring domain traversal searching technique is utilized in this paper to solve the complex mechatronic system reliability optimization allocation problem. Reliability allocation optimization of the life-support system in a space capsule, being a typical non serial-parallel system, is specifically demonstrated to show the satisfactory convergence performance as well as the important practical value of hybrid genetic algorithm. The simulation results show that the proposed method may gain better precision in solving the complex mechatronic system reliability optimization problem.
Subdivision Method for Mold Cavity Surface Based on the Improved Image Direction Information Measure
Authors: Zhai Yi Shu , Pan Xin , Cai Yu Jun , Shen Hua
Published: November 2011

In order to enhance the processing efficency of complex cavity surfaces by using iso-scallop height method, a subdivision method based on the improved image direction information measure is proposed in this paper. According to the relationship between maximum cutting bandwidth and cutting direction in the theory of iso-scallop height, the method constructed an optimal cutting direction angle field image in the u-v system of parameters firstly; and then an improved direction information measure definition which combined with the characters of the angle field image was proposed; Finally, the subdivision boundary for mold cavity surface was identified by using the direction measure as the edge characteristic index. Experimental results indicate that the proposed method demonstrates good performance in distinguishing and extracting boundary points of surface subdivision.
An Investigation of Drag Reduction on Gurney Flaps by an Three-Element Airfoil
Authors: Liu Pei Qing , Yang Shuo , Tian Yun
Published: November 2011

During airplane’s take-off, higher lift force should be provided by wing used high lift devices, and the drag should be lower. The design basis of high lift devices with good aerodynamic characteristic is the design of the multi-element airfoil. When a multi-element airfoil is used Gurney flap, lift coefficient can be improved while drag coefficient is also increased, but the lift-to-drag ratio is reduced. In this paper, the numerical simulation method is used to study the aerodynamic characteristic of the multi-element airfoil used Gurney flap with slat in the configuration of take-off. Lift coefficient and drag coefficient of the multi-element airfoil with Gurney flap can be reduced by slat while lift-to-drag ratio of airfoil is increased. Through the comparisons of the multi-element airfoils with Gurney flap with different types of slats, the optimized multi-element airfoil with higher lift coefficient and lower drag coefficient is obtained ultimately.
The Study on Soft Starting of Belt Conveyor Using Two-Input-Outlet Fuzzy Control Model
Authors: Chen Bing Yao
Published: November 2011

Constant–current soft starting on induction motor based on fuzzy control is characterized as low system overshoot, fast response and relative stable starting process, so it can better solve the shortcomings existed in traditional methods and PID control methods, and improve the whole system reliability. In this article a special fuzzy control is adopted to complete the starting process, in which thyristor is the main current components and MCU is the control core. And this makes the entire starting process out of current impact.
Dynamics Analysis of Multi-Degree-of-Freedom Motion Simulator Based on Hamilton Method
Authors: Zhou Yue Fa , Huang Fang Lue , Zhang Zhi Yong , Song Tian Shu
Published: November 2011

In this paper, a new method is given about using Hamilton principle to establish multi-degree-of-freedom electro-hydraulic mix-drive motion simulator model. And dynamic analysis is performed based on kinetics and kinematics. The simulation is done on multi-degree-of-freedom electro-hydraulic mix-drive motion simulator and Hamilton principle. As cases, some calculating results on dynamic simulation are plotted with the help of Matlab Lagrange. The work in the paper could be seen as a theoretical basis to research motion simulator in depth.
The Secondary Development of Nonlinear Viscoelastic Constitutive Model Based on ABAQUS
Authors: Yi Long , Peng Yun , Hong Hou Quan , Li Yu Liang
Published: November 2011

Based on the subroutine VUMAT, user-defined material model in the nonlinear finite element software ABAQUS/EXPLICIT, a nonlinear viscoelastic constitutive model is developed. The validify of the subroutine has been proven through the standard uniaxial tensile model. The shortage of finite element softwares which only have linear viscoelastic constitutive model is remedied. This paper presents the process of developing a material constitutive model and some useful technology. It can be referred for extending the material constitutive model in finite element softwares.
Study and Application of Seismic Attributes on Coal Seam Thickness Prediction
Authors: Suo Chong Hui , Chang Suo Liang , Peng Shi Mi , Duan Ru Tai
Published: November 2011

Seismic wave contain more information about the sediments. The seismic attributes has some relationship with the coal seam thickness. Through analysis of the wedge-shaped coal seam’s seismic attributes, when the seam thickness is less than the tuning thickness, there is proportional relationship between the amplitude value and seam thickness; while the apparent time difference between the wave peak and trough is not sensitive. When the coal seam thickness is above the tuning thickness, the conclusion is opposite. As a result, it’s difficult to predict the coal seam thickness only by using one single attribute. Therefore, we use the nonlinear-regression method to analyze the relationship between the seam thickness and both attributes, and get a method to predict the coal seam thickness. With the method we predict the coal seam thickness in a coal mine and get a perfect result.
Delay Independent Control of Bilateral Teleoperation Based on LMI
Authors: Wang Rui Qi , Li Ke Hua , Li Heng , Xia Chang Jun
Published: November 2011

This paper presents a delay independent algorithm for bilateral control system which necessary uses for achieving in teleoperation. The system uses a state space expression to implement error dynamic equation with a tow channel structure. Then, several linearity matrix inequations (LMI) called stabilization theorem are constructed. Lyaponov function method is used to prove the stabilization theorem. Experimental results show that our approach is valid and has encouraging stabilization performance.