bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Study of Dust Structure around AGB Star in 60 and 100 μm IRAS Survey at Latitude 54.68º
Authors: Gautam Arjun Kumar , Aryal Binil
Published: May 2017

We have studied about the evolution of Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB) stars, mass losses from them and a systematic search of AGB stars in J2000 coordinate system provided by K. W. Shu & Y. J. Kwon (2011) of dust structure in the far infrared range (100 μm and 60 μm). For dust structure IRAS survey was performed using Sky View virtual Observatory. The FITS images downloaded from sky view was processed using software Aladin v 2.5. A cavity like structure (major diameter∼1.93 pc & minor diameter∼ 0.89 pc) lies in the coordinate of R. A. (J2000) 04h 15m 03s and DEC (J2000) 54d 41m 00s was found at the distance∼ 240 pc. We studied the flux density variation and the temperature variation about major diameter, minor diameter and the distance between minimum temperature and minimum flux within the structure. We observed the variation of the temperature is 20.53 K to 21.09 K, with the offset of about 0.56 K, which show the cavity is independently evolved. The mass profile of each pixel of the structure was also calculated using this temperature.

Journal of Nepal Physical Society
Volume 4, Issue 1, February 2017, Page: 67-77
Free Scattering Theory in Circularly Polarized Laser Field
Authors: Yadav Kishori , Nakarmi Jeevan Jyoti , Maharjan Sanam
Published: May 2017

In the present study, we have investigated scattering of an electron by hydrogen atoms in the presence of the Circularly Polarized (CP) laser field. We have discussed the polarization effect of laser field on hydrogen atom and effect of the resulted polarized potential on differential scattering cross section is studied. We assumed the scattered electrons having kinetic energy 100 eV because it permitted to treat the scattering process in first order Born Approximation. The scattering electron was described by Volkov wave function. We found the differential scattering cross section decreases with the increase in scattering angle, for a fixed value of a laser parameters and kinetic energy of an incident electron. From this study we found that, the differential scattering cross section for the electric field perpendicular to the direction of momentum transfer depends on the elastic scattering amplitude. Finally, we concluded that the differential scattering cross section greatly depends upon the polarization of the laser field.

Journal of Nepal Physical Society
Volume 4, Issue 1, February 2017, Page: 78-87
Theoretical Modeling to Predict the Thermodynamic, Structural, Surface and Transport Properties of the Liquid Tl−Na Alloys at different Temperatures
Authors: Yadav S. K. , Jha L. N. , Adhikari D.
Published: May 2017

Theoretical modeling equations are developed by extending regular associated solution model to predict the thermodynamic and structural properties of the liquid Tl−Na alloys at higher temperatures. The thermodynamic properties have been predicted by computing activities of unassociated monomers (aTl and aNa) and free energy of mixing (GM) at temperatures 673 K, 773 K, 873 K and 973 K. The structural properties have been predicted by computing concentration fluctuation in long wavelength limit (SCC(0)), short range order parameter (α1) and ratio of mutual to intrinsic diffusion coefficients (DM/Did) at aforementioned temperatures. These properties have been then correlated with the modified Butler's model to predict the surface properties, such as surface concentrations of free monomers (XSTl and XSNa) and surface tension (σ) of the alloy at above mentioned temperatures.

Journal of Nepal Physical Society
Volume 4, Issue 1, February 2017, Page: 101-110
Analysis of Geomagnetic Storms Using Wavelet Transforms
Authors: Adhikari B. , Khatiwada R. , Chapagain N. P.
Published: May 2017

Geomagnetic storms are recognized as a worldwide decrease of the horizontal component of the Earth’s magnetic field measured at middle- and low-latitude magnetometers. The variations in the geomagnetic field during geomagnetic storms can be reproduced by changes in the interplanetary magnetic field and the solar wind velocity. Wavelet analysis, a useful statistical tool for analyzing variability has been used for this study. Wavelet transforms seem to be suited to analyze short-lived high-frequency phenomena such as discontinuities (shocks) in signals and transient structures. Wavelet analysis employed in the present work helps to decompose the time series of scales of interplanetary magnetic field (IMF-Bz) into different scales. To identify geomagnetic storms, the equatorial index, SYM-H has been used. The increase of wavelet coefficient amplitudes of the IMF-Bz is well correlated with the arrival of the shock and sheath region

Journal of Nepal Physical Society
Volume 4, Issue 1, February 2017: 119-124
Effect of raised serum uric acid level on perinatal and maternal outcome in cases of pregnancy-induced hypertension
Authors: Ahmed Qumrun Nassa , Dewan Farhana
Published: May 2017

The aim of this study was to find out the effects of raised serum uric acid level on perinatal and maternal outcome in cases of pregnancy-induced hypertension. One hundred pregnant women with gestational period beyond 28 weeks with pregnancy-induced hypertension-preeclampsia and eclampsia were included in this study and divided into two groups. Group A (n=65) patients with a serum uric acid level >6 mg/dL was compared to Group B (n=35) patients with a uric acid level <6 gm/dL. It revealed that high uric acid level in patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension was a risk factor for several maternal complications like postpartum hemorrhage (Group A, 12 cases; Group B, 7 cases), postpartum eclampsia (Group A, 7 cases; Group B, 3 cases), abruptio placentae (Group A, 6 cases; Group B, 2 cases), HELLP syndrome (Group A, 2 cases; Group B, no case) and pulmonary edema (Group A, 3 cases; Group B, no case). In case of perinatal outcome, the birth weight, intrauterine growth retardation, intrauterine death, stillbirth and neonatal death rate were worse in Group A 1.9 kg, 46, 19, 7 and 8 cases in comparison to Group B, where those were 2.1, 13, 6, 2, and 2 cases respectively. In conclusion, high uric acid in blood in patient with hypertensive disorders in pregnancy is a risk factor for several maternal complications.
Surgical management of hepatic hydatid cyst in children
Authors: Koirala Dinesh Prasad , Hossain A. K. M. Zahid
Published: May 2017

The aim of this study was to demonstrate the surgical treatment and outcome of hydatid cyst in liver in children. The age of presentation varied from 8-11 years. All patients had abdominal pain, five had lump in right hypochondrium and three patients had fever. Hydatid cyst serology, indirect hemaglutination test, ultrasonography and CT scan done in all the patients. Histological examination supported the diagnosis of hydatidosis since the cyst wall contains outer laminated and inner germinal layer. All the patients got relief of their preoperative symptoms after surgery. Two patients had positive serology after surgery. Therefore, they were given two additional regimen of albendazole and turned out to be serologically negative. In conclusion, hydatid cyst management in children is not consensual. However, conservative surgery remains the treatment of choice to avoid serious complication in the endemic region of Indian subcontinent.
Association of serum vitamin D and parathormone levels in patients of type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Zaman Mohammad Shiblee , Rahman Md. Matiur , Biswas Subrata Kumar , Hoque Md. Mozammel , Nahid Khondakar Alwan
Published: May 2017

The present study was aimed to evaluate the association of serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D and parathormone in 46 patients of type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic retinopathy [non-proliferative, (n=27); proliferative (n=19)]. Twenty one diabetic patients without retinopathy were taken as control. Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D and intact parathyroid hormone were measured by chemiluminescence microparticle immunoassay. Concentration of 25-hydroxy vitamin D differed significantly among groups (p=0.018) and it was significantly lower in proliferative diabetic retinopathy than no diabetic retinopathy (p=0.003). Logistic regression analysis revealed that vitamin D deficiency [25-hydroxy vitamin D <20 ng/mL] was indepen-dently associated with development of diabetic retinopathy (p=0.007, OR 20.90, 95%CI 2.33-187.23). In conclusion, vitamin D deficiency is associated with diabetic retinopathy complicating type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Role of environmental and genetic factors in autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Sultana Zakia , Uddin Sarder Nasir , Ahmed Asif
Published: May 2017

The aim of this study was to find out the environmental as well as genetic factors responsible for increasing the number of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) patients in Bangladesh. A questionnaire was developed based on 12 environmental factors and genetic aspects. Sixty six patients of ASD and 66 non-ASD control were selected randomly. Among the environmental factors, the age of the mother, premature birth, air pollution, age of the father, hypoxia during childbirth and oral contraceptive came out as significant (p<0.05) factors for ASD incidence compared to the control. Association of multiple factors on an individual was found to be crucial to enhance the risk and exposure to five and six factors was statistically significant (p<0.05) for ASD development. Prospective parents should try to keep the number of risk factors as low as possible before 1-2 months of pregnancy, during pregnancy and 1-2 years after the child birth (for child only).
ALMA CO Clouds and Young Star Complexes in the Interacting Galaxies IC 2163 and NGC 2207
Authors: Elmegreen Debra Meloy , Elmegreen Bruce G. , Kaufman Michele , Brinks Elias , Struck Curtis , Bournaud Frédéric , Sheth Kartik , Juneau Stephanie
Published: May 2017

Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) observations of CO(1-0) emission in the interacting galaxies IC 2163 and NGC 2207 are used to determine the properties of molecular clouds and their association with star-forming regions observed with the Hubble Space Telescope. Half of the CO mass is in 249 clouds, each more massive than

. The mass distribution functions for the CO clouds and star complexes in a galactic-scale shock front in IC 2163 both have a slope on a log–log plot of −0.7, similar to what is observed in Milky Way clouds. The molecular cloud mass function is steeper in NGC 2207. The CO distribution in NGC 2207 also includes a nuclear ring, a mini-bar, and a mini-starburst region that dominates the

, radio, and Hα emission in both galaxies. The ratio of the sum of the masses of star complexes younger than 30 Myr to the associated molecular cloud masses is ∼4%. The maximum age of star complexes in the galactic-scale shock front in IC 2163 is about 200 Myr, the same as the interaction time of the two galaxies, suggesting the destruction of older complexes in the eyelids.
Temporal Variation of Solar Coronal Rotation
Authors: Xie J. L. , Shi X. J. , Zhang J.
Published: May 2017

In this paper, by applying the wavelet transformation analysis to the data of the daily 10.7 cm radio flux covering the period from 1947 February 14 to 2014 August 31, a significant period of about 27 days can be found, indicating the existence of rotational modulation in the temporal variation of the daily 10.7 cm radio flux. Then, the solar coronal rotation periods are obtained based on the result of the wavelet transformation analysis, and the temporal variation of the coronal rotation is revisited. We find that there exist significant periods of about 2.1, 3.0, 4.5, 6.6, 8.6, and 10.3 yr in the temporal variation of the coronal rotation. A possible period of 22.0 yr can also be found, but its statistical significance is below the 95% confidence level. The coronal rotation seems to show a weak decreasing trend during the considered time. The dependence of the coronal rotation on solar cycle phase is analyzed. The rotation periods are found to be varying with the solar cycle phase, and they are relatively longer around the minimum year of the solar cycle. The result based on the cross-correlation analysis between the rotation periods and the daily 10.7 cm radio flux indicates that there exists a phase difference of about 5.5 yr between them.
AstroSat/LAXPC Detection of Millisecond Phenomena in 4U 1728-34
Authors: Chauhan Jai Verdhan , Yadav J S , Misra Ranjeev , Agrawal P C , Antia H M , Pahari Mayukh , Sridhar Navin , Dedhia Dhiraj , Katoch Tilak , Madhwani P. , Manchanda R K , Paul B , Shah Parag
Published: May 2017

The low-mass X-ray binary 4U 1728-24 was observed with AstroSat/LAXPC on 2016 March 8th. Data from a randomly chosen orbit of over 3 ks was analyzed for detection of rapid intensity variations. We found that the source intensity was nearly steady but, toward the end of the observation, a typical Type-1 burst was detected. Dynamical power spectrum of the data in the 3–20 keV band, reveals the presence of a kHz Quasi-Periodic Oscillation (QPO) for which the frequency drifted from ∼815 Hz at the beginning of the observation to about 850 Hz just before the burst. The QPO is also detected in the 10–20 keV band, which was not obtainable by earlier RXTE observations of this source. Even for such a short observation with a drifting QPO frequency, the time lag between the 5–10 and 10–20 keV bands can be constrained to be less than 100 microseconds. The Type-1 burst that lasted for about 20 s had a typical profile. During the first four seconds, dynamic power spectra reveal a burst oscillation for which the frequency increased from ∼361.5 to ∼363.5 Hz. This is consistent with the earlier results obtained with RXTE/PCA, showing the same spin frequency of the neutron star. The present results demonstrate the capability of the LAXPC instrument for detecting millisecond variability even from short observations. After RXTE ceased operation, LAXPC on AstroSat is the only instrument at present with the capability of detecting kHz QPOs and other kinds of rapid variations from 3 keV to 20 keV and possibly at higher energies as well.
Masses and Ages for 230,000 LAMOST Giants, via Their Carbon and Nitrogen Abundances
Authors: Ho Anna Y. Q. , Rix Hans-Walter , Ness Melissa K. , Hogg David W. , Liu Chao , Ting 丁 Yuan-Sen 源森
Published: May 2017

We measure carbon and nitrogen abundances to a precision of

dex for 450,000 giant stars from their low-resolution (

) LAMOST DR2 survey spectra. We use these

and

measurements, together with empirical relations based on the APOKASC sample, to infer stellar masses and implied ages for 230,000 of these objects to 0.08 dex and 0.2 dex respectively. We use The Cannon, a data-driven approach to spectral modeling, to construct a predictive model for LAMOST spectra. Our reference set comprises 8125 stars observed in common between the APOGEE and LAMOST surveys, taking seven APOGEE DR12 labels (parameters) as ground truth:

,

,

,

,

,

, and

. We add seven colors to the Cannon model, based on the g, r, i, J, H, K, W1, W2 magnitudes from APASS, 2MASS, and WISE, which improves our constraints on

and

by up to 20% and on

by up to 70%. Cross-validation of the model demonstrates that, for high-

objects, our inferred labels agree with the APOGEE values to within 50 K in temperature, 0.04 mag in

, and

dex in

,

,

,

, and

. We apply the model to 450,000 giants in LAMOST DR2 that have not been observed by APOGEE. This demonstrates that precise individual abundances can be measured from low-resolution spectra and represents the largest catalog to date of homogeneous stellar

,

, masses, and ages. As a result, we greatly increase the number and sky coverage of stars with mass and age estimates.
Hints on the Gradual Resizing of the Torus in AGNs through Decomposition of Spitzer/IRS Spectra
Authors: González-Martín Omaira , Masegosa Josefa , Hernán-Caballero Antonio , Márquez Isabel , Almeida Cristina Ramos , Alonso-Herrero Almudena , Aretxaga Itziar , Rodríguez-Espinosa José Miguel , Acosta-Pulido Jose Antonio , Hernández-García Lorena , Esparza-Arredondo Donaji , Martínez-Paredes Mariela , Bonfini Paolo , Pasetto Alice , Dultzin Deborah
Published: May 2017

Several authors have claimed that less luminous active galactic nuclei (AGNs) are not capable of sustaining a dusty torus structure. Thus, a gradual resizing of the torus is expected when the AGN luminosity decreases. Our aim is to examine mid-infrared observations of local AGNs of different luminosities for the gradual resizing and disappearance of the torus. We applied the decomposition method described by Hernán-Caballero et al. to a sample of ∼100 Spitzer/IRS spectra of low-luminosity AGNs and powerful Seyferts in order to decontaminate the torus component from other contributors. We have also included Starburst objects to ensure secure decomposition of the Spitzer/IRS spectra. We have used the affinity propagation (AP) method to cluster the data into five groups within the sample according to torus contribution to the 5–15 μm range (

) and bolometric luminosity (

). The AP groups show a progressively higher torus contribution and an increase of the bolometric luminosity from Group 1 (

and

) up to Group 5 (

and

). We have fitted the average spectra of each of the AP groups to clumpy models. The torus is no longer present in Group 1, supporting its disappearance at low luminosities. We were able to fit the average spectra for the torus component in Groups 3 (

and

), 4 (

and

), and 5 to Clumpy torus models. We did not find a good fitting to Clumpy torus models for Group 2 (

and

). This might suggest a different configuration and/or composition of the clouds for Group 2, which is consistent with the different gas content seen in Groups 1, 2, and 3, according to detections of

molecular lines. Groups 3, 4, and 5 show a trend of decreasing torus width (which leads to a likely decrease of the geometrical covering factor), although we cannot confirm it with the present data. Finally, Groups 3, 4, and 5 show an increase of the outer radius of the torus for higher luminosities, consistent with a resizing of the torus according to AGN luminosity.
Collisions between Sintered Icy Aggregates
Authors: Sirono Sin-iti , Ueno Haruta
Published: May 2017

Collisions between sintered icy dust aggregates are numerically simulated. If the temperature of an icy aggregate is sufficiently high, sintering promotes molecular transport and a neck between adjacent grains grows. This growth changes the mechanical responses of the neck. We included this effect in a simulation code, and conducted collisional simulations. For porous aggregates, the critical velocity for growth, below which the mass of an aggregate increases, decreased from 50 m s−1 for the non-sintered case to 20 m s−1. For compacted aggregates, the main collisional outcome is bouncing. These results come from the fact that the strength of the neck is increased by sintering. The numerical results suggest that the collisional growth of icy grain aggregates is strongly affected by sintering.
An XMM-Newton and NuSTAR Study of IGR J18214-1318: A Non-pulsating High-mass X-Ray Binary with a Neutron Star
Authors: Fornasini Francesca M. , Tomsick John A. , Bachetti Matteo , Krivonos Roman A. , Fürst Felix , Natalucci Lorenzo , Pottschmidt Katja , Wilms Jörn
Published: May 2017

IGR J18214-1318, a Galactic source discovered by the International Gamma-Ray Astrophysics Laboratory, is a high-mass X-ray binary (HMXB) with a supergiant O-type stellar donor. We report on the XMM-Newton and NuSTAR observations that were undertaken to determine the nature of the compact object in this system. This source exhibits high levels of aperiodic variability, but no periodic pulsations are detected with a 90% confidence upper limit of 2% fractional rms between 0.00003–88 Hz, a frequency range that includes the typical pulse periods of neutron stars (NSs) in HMXBs (0.1–103 s). Although the lack of pulsations prevents us from definitively identifying the compact object in IGR J18214-1318, the presence of an exponential cutoff with e-folding energy

in its 0.3–79 keV spectrum strongly suggests that the compact object is an NS. The X-ray spectrum also shows a Fe Kα emission line and a soft excess, which can be accounted for by either a partial-covering absorber with

cm−2, which could be due to the inhomogeneous supergiant wind, or a blackbody component with

keV and

km, which may originate from NS hot spots. Although neither explanation for the soft excess can be excluded, the former is more consistent with the properties observed in other supergiant HMXBs. We compare IGR J18214-1318 to other HMXBs that lack pulsations or have long pulsation periods beyond the range covered by our observations.
Splashback Shells of Cold Dark Matter Halos
Authors: Mansfield Philip , Kravtsov Andrey V. , Diemer Benedikt
Published: May 2017

The density field in the outskirts of dark matter halos is discontinuous as a result of a caustic formed by matter at its first apocenter after infall. In this paper, we present an algorithm to identify the “splashback shell” formed by these apocenters in individual simulated halos using only a single snapshot of the density field. We implement this algorithm in the code Shellfish (SHELL Finding In Spheroidal Halos) and demonstrate that the code identifies splashback shells correctly and measures their properties with an accuracy of

for halos with more than 50,000 particles and mass accretion rates of

. Using Shellfish, we present the first estimates for several basic properties of individual splashback shells, such as radius,

, mass, and overdensity, and provide fits to the distribution of these quantities as functions of

,

, and

We confirm previous findings that

decreases with increasing

, but we show that, independent of accretion rate, it also decreases with increasing

. We also study the 3D structures of these shells and find that they generally have non-ellipsoidal oval shapes. We find that splashback radii estimated by Shellfish are 20%–30% larger than those estimated in previous studies from stacked density profiles at high accretion rates. We demonstrate that the latter are biased low owing to the contribution of high-mass subhalos to these profiles, and we show that using the median instead of mean density in each radial bin mitigates the effect of substructure on density profiles and removes the bias.
A Catalog of GALEX Ultraviolet Emission from Asymptotic Giant Branch Stars
Authors: Montez Rodolfo , Ramstedt Sofia , Kastner Joel H. , Vlemmings Wouter , Sanchez Enmanuel
Published: May 2017

We have performed a comprehensive study of the UV emission detected from asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars by the Galaxy Evolution Explorer (GALEX). Of the 468 AGB stars in our sample, 316 were observed by GALEX. In the near-UV (NUV) bandpass (

), 179 AGB stars were detected and 137 were not detected. Only 38 AGB stars were detected in the far-UV (FUV) bandpass (

). We find that NUV emission is correlated with optical to near-infrared emission, leading to higher detection fractions among the brightest, and hence closest, AGB stars. Comparing the AGB time-variable visible phased light curves to corresponding GALEX NUV phased light curves, we find evidence that for some AGB stars the NUV emission varies in phase with the visible light curves. We also find evidence that the NUV emission and possibly the FUV emission are anticorrelated with the circumstellar envelope density. These results suggest that the origin of the GALEX-detected UV emission is an inherent characteristic of the AGB stars that can most likely be traced to a combination of photospheric and chromospheric emission. In most cases, UV detections of AGB stars are not likely to be indicative of the presence of binary companions.
Velocity Dispersion, Size, Sérsic Index, and Dn4000: The Scaling of Stellar Mass with Dynamical Mass for Quiescent Galaxies
Authors: Zahid H. Jabran , Geller Margaret J.
Published: May 2017

We examine the relation between stellar mass, velocity dispersion, size, Sérsic index, and

for a volume-limited sample of ∼40,000 quiescent galaxies in the SDSS. At a fixed stellar mass, galaxies with higher

have larger velocity dispersions and smaller sizes.

is a proxy for stellar population age, thus these trends suggest that older galaxies typically have larger velocity dispersions and smaller sizes. We combine velocity dispersion and size into a dynamical mass estimator,

. At a fixed stellar mass,

depends on

. The Sérsic index is also correlated with

. The dependence of

and Sérsic index on

suggests that quiescent galaxies are not structurally homologous systems. We derive an empirical correction for non-homology which is consistent with the analytical correction derived from the virial theorem. After accounting for non-homologous galactic structure, we measure

, where M
* is the stellar mass and M

d
is the dynamical mass derived from the velocity dispersion and size; stellar mass is directly proportional to dynamical mass. Quiescent galaxies appear to be in approximate virial equilibrium, and deviations of the fundamental plane parameters from the expected virial relation may result from mass-to-light ratio variations, selection effects, and the non-homology of quiescent galaxies. We infer the redshift evolution of velocity dispersion and size for galaxies in our sample assuming purely passive evolution. The inferred evolution is inconsistent with direct measurements at higher redshifts. Thus quiescent galaxies do not passively evolve. Quiescent galaxies have properties that are consistent with standard galaxy formation in ΛCDM. They form at different epochs and evolve modestly, increasing their size, velocity dispersion, and Sérsic index after they cease star formation.
Solar Tornadoes Triggered by Interaction between Filaments and EUV Jets
Authors: Chen Huadong , Zhang Jun , Ma Suli , Yan Xiaoli , Xue Jianchao
Published: May 2017

We investigate the formations and evolutions of two successive solar tornadoes in/near AR 12297 during 2015 March 19–20. Recurrent EUV jets close to two filaments were detected along a large-scale coronal loop prior to the appearances of the tornadoes. Under the disturbances from the activities, the filaments continually ascended and finally interacted with the loops tracked by the jets. Subsequently, the structures of the filaments and the loop were merged together, probably via magnetic reconnections, and formed tornado-like structures with a long spiral arm. Our observations suggest that solar tornadoes can be triggered by the interaction between filaments and nearby coronal jets, which has rarely been reported before. At the earlier development phase of the first tornado, about 30 small-scale sub-jets appeared in the tornado’s arm, accompanied by local EUV brightenings. They have an ejection direction approximately vertical to the axis of the arm and a typical maximum speed of ∼280 km s−1. During the ruinations of the two tornadoes, fast plasma outflows from the strong EUV brightenings inside tornadoes are observed, in company with the untangling or unwinding of the highly twisted tornado structures. These observational features indicate that self reconnections probably occurred between the tangled magnetic fields of the tornadoes and resulted in the rapid disintegrations and disappearances of the tornadoes. According to the reconnection theory, we also derive the field strength of the tornado core to be ∼8 G.
Succès et limites de l’euthanasie. Le développement d’un militantisme de la mort
Authors: Hintermeyer Pascal
Published: May 2017

Dans les débats contemporains sur la fin de vie, l’euthanasie est une proposition majeure, à côté des soins palliatifs et du suicide assisté. En analysant les valeurs qu’elle invoque – autonomie, liberté, dignité- l’article montre ses paradoxes et ses limitations et s’interroge sur les raisons de son succès.
Perioperative Physiotherapy in Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Joice Melvin G. , Bhowmick Subhrojyoti , Amanatullah Derek F.
Published: May 2017

Total knee arthroplasty has a high success rate. In the interest of enhancing patient outcomes, numerous perioperative interventions have been studied, including preoperative education, preoperative rehabilitation, postoperative inpatient rehabilitation, continuous passive motion, postoperative outpatient rehabilitation, unsupervised in-home exercises, telerehabilitation, and various combinations of these. This comprehensive review analyzes the existing body of evidence on these perioperative interventions and examines some burgeoning opportunities in rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty in the interest of improving patient outcomes and ensuring sustainable health care utilization for the future of total knee arthroplasty. [
Orthopedics.
2017; 40(5):e765–e773.]
Effect of Cloud Based Educational Applications in E-learning: Evidence from Jordan
Authors: AlFawwaz Bader Methqal
Published: May 2017

Cloud computing is a new paradigm in E-learning environment. It offers a wide range of facilities to students and teachers, especially in the universities to ease out their problem in terms of documents sharing, course material distribution and handling, desktop sharing by the teachers to teach their students, and in terms of Voice over IP (VOIP) and video conferencing for the smooth communication with each other. In this modern world, e-learning can be improved by utilizing these and similar to these cloud based applications. The core objective of this paper is to find out how e-learning can be more effective by utilizing the cloud based educational applications and what is the role of these applications in increasing the efficiency of electronic learning in the universities of Jordan. The study is evidence from Jordan and data was collected from teachers and students of five major universities of Jordan through an online survey tool. Results shows that there is a positive highly significant relation between clouds based educational applications such as Google App Microsoft, Amazon, IBM, Google Drive, Team viewer, Skype, Net meeting, WebEx with the electronic learning in Jordan Universities. Findings are beneficial for those universities and educational institute which are not using or offering these cloud based educational applications, so they will come to know how these applications can play a vital role in e-learning educations.
A Key Exchange Approach for Proficient and Secure Routing in Mobile Adhoc Networks
Authors: Raghavendar Raju L , Reddy C R K Reddy
Published: May 2017

Mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) are collection of wireless mobile devices with restricted broadcast range and resources. Communication is achieved by relaying data along appropriate routes that are dynamically discovered and maintained through collaboration between the nodes. Discovery of such routes is a major task, both from efficiency and security point of view. This paper presents a proficient and secure routing, based on asymmetric authentication using key exchange approach (KEA). The proposed mechanism ensures secure routing and quality of service in MANETs and minimizes the network overhead. The KEA mechanism can be effectively used to develop a new routing protocol for Mobile Adhoc Networks which will provide maximum security against all kinds of attacks. In this paper, KEA is compared with other secure routing protocols like EEACK, AODV, and ARIADANE, to evaluate the efficiency of KEA in Ad Hoc Networks. The empirical results shows that there is an increase of 20% packet delivery ratio and a reduction of 10% routing overhead.
Node Verification to Join the Cloud Environment Using Third Party Verification Server
Authors: Aljammal Ashraf Hamdan , Bani-Salameh Hani , Alsarhan Ayoub , Kharabsheh Mohammad , Obiedat Mamoon
Published: May 2017

Currently, cloud computing is facing different types of threats whether from inside or outside its environment.  This may cause cloud to be crashed or at least unable to provide services to the requests made by clients. In this paper, a new technique is proposed to make sure that the new node which asks to join the cloud is not composing a threat on the cloud environment. Our new technique checks the node before it will be guaranteed to join the cloud whether it runs malwares or software that could be used to launch an attack. In this way the cloud will allow only the clean node to join it, eliminating the risk of some types of threats that could be caused by infected nodes.
Mobile Applications within Education: An Overview of Application Paradigms in Specific Categories
Authors: Drigas Athanasios , Angelidakis Pantelis
Published: May 2017

M-learning has the potential to take education out of classroom boundaries. Based on the device used, any student/learner can access a vast area of content. Varying from podcasts to videos, participate in virtual lessons or just ask a mentor over the net directly for answers to his problems. These new technological capabilities create demand for rethinking pedagogy and school system education. For that reason our examples of mobile applications within education (formal/informal) been made in correlation with technology. Usability details for each app are being discussed through the ISO9241 part11 standard. While describing current trends by taking in consideration curriculum prescribed directions and differentiated instruction’s theoretical suggestions.
Contact-free Interaction with Mobile Devices using Magnetic, Lighting and Infrared Sources
Authors: Ljubic Sandi , Arbula Damir
Published: May 2017

In the area of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), the concept of Around Device Interaction (ADI) is gaining special attention nowadays. It provides the possibility of interacting with the device by making use of gestures made in the surrounding space, as well as by detecting certain ambient changes, thus eliminating the need of direct physical contact. Contact-free interaction can be useful for wearable and smart devices, especially in cases where operating with small buttons and touchscreens appears to be particularly inconvenient. This paper presents alternative techniques for smartphone interaction based on different sensory inputs. Namely, external sources of magnetic field, light, and infrared (IR) signals are used to manipulate device sensors' readings which are in turn interpreted as the corresponding interaction commands. Proof-of-concept mobile applications are developed and here presented, demonstrating both the potentials and utility of the contact-free interaction. Specifically, small neodymium magnet was used for smartphone text entry, typical battery flashlight served for sending information to device via Morse code, as well as for alarm triggering, and voice-enabled control device was utilized for invoking smartphone calls from a distance. The presented interaction techniques do not require smartphone hardware alterations. While the usage of built-in magnetic field and ambient light sensors is assumed, peripheral infrared receiver can be used in order to provide IR-based support.
Data Compression for Remote Laboratories
Authors: Akinwale Olawale Babatunde , Kehinde Lawrence Olakunle
Published: May 2017

Remote laboratories on mobile phones have been around for a few years now. This has greatly improved accessibility of these remote labs to students who cannot afford computers but have mobile phones. When money is a factor however (as is often the case with those who can’t afford a computer), the cost of use of these remote laboratories should be minimized. This work addressed this issue of minimizing the cost of use of the remote lab by making use of data compression for data sent between the user and remote lab.
Assessing the Effectiveness of Mobile Learning Devices in Tertiary Institutions: The Experience of Undergraduates in a Nigerian Private University
Authors: Odukoya Jonathan Adedayo , Adekeye Olajide , Okunlola Sola
Published: May 2017

Over the years, technology appears to be making life easier and better.  However, in some instances, it appears technology is counterproductive. Mobile learning devices, as the name suggests, have been developed to facilitate learning on the move.  The questions are: Are these devices truly facilitating learning? If they are truly facilitating learning, are they facilitating learning positively or negatively?   To answer these questions, the survey research design was adopted on a sample of 215 randomly selected students.  In the process, questionnaire and focused group discussion guideline were used to collect relevant data.  Data analysis was both qualitative and quantitative.  Some of the core findings from this investigation were that majority of the respondents, and by extension the target population, were barely using the tablets and free internet browsing megabytes [10Gb monthly] given to all students for the intended purpose of learning.  Some were pre-occupied with downloading videos, films and music while some spend endless hours playing computer games or chatting on social networks with the attendant consequence of poor learning, dwindling academic performance and productivity.  Relevant recommendations to redress this unwholesome trend were proffered
Prevalence and incidence of osteoporotic fractures in patients on long-term glucocorticoid treatment for rheumatic diseases: the Glucocorticoid Induced OsTeoporosis TOol (GIOTTO) study
Authors: Rossini M. , Viapiana O. , Vitiello M. , Malavolta N. , La Montagna G. , Maddali Bongi S. , Di Munno O. , Nuti R. , Manzini C.U. , Ferri C. , Bogliolo L. , Mathieu A. , Cantatore F. , Del Puente A. , Muratore M. , Grassi W. , Frediani B. , Saviola G. , Delvino P. , Mirone L. , Ferraccioli G. , Tripi G. , Piazza I. , Gatti D.
Published: May 2017

Osteoporosis and fractures are common and invalidating consequences of chronic glucorticoid (GC) treatment. Reliable information regarding the epidemiology of GC induced osteoporosis (GIOP) comes exclusively from the placebo group of randomized clinical trials while observational studies are generally lacking data on the real prevalence of vertebral fractures, GC dosage and primary diagnosis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and incidence of osteoporotic fractures and to identify their major determinants (primary disease, GC dosage, bone mineral density, risk factors, specific treatment for GIOP) in a large cohort of consecutive patients aged >21 years, on chronic treatment with GC (≥5 mg prednisone - PN - equivalent) and attending rheumatology centers located all over Italy. Glucocorticoid Induced OsTeoporosis TOol (GIOTTO) is a national multicenter cross-sectional and longitudinal observational study. 553 patients suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) and Connective Tissue Diseases (CTDs) and in chronic treatment with GCs were enrolled. Osteoporotic BMD values (T score <-2.5) were observed in 28%, 38% and 35% of patients with CTDs, PMR or RA at the lumbar spine, and in 18%, 29% and 26% at the femoral neck, respectively. Before GC treatment, prevalent clinical fractures were reported by 12%, 37% and 17% of patients with CTDs, PMR, or RA, respectively. New clinical fragility fractures during GC treatment were reported by 12%, 10% and 23% of CTDs, PMR and RA patients, respectively. Vertebral fractures were the prevailing type of fragility fracture. More than 30% of patients had recurrence of fracture. An average of 80% of patients were in supplementation with calcium and/or vitamin D during treatment with GCs. Respectively, 64%, 80%, and 72% of the CTDs, PMR and RA patients were on pharmacological treatment for GIOP, almost exclusively with bisphosphonates. The GIOTTO study might provide relevant contributions to clinical practice, in particular by highlighting and quantifying in real life the prevalence of GIOP and relative fractures, the frequency of the main risk factors, and the currently sub-optimal prevention. Moreover, these results emphasize the importance of the underlying rheumatic disease on the risk of GIOP associated fractures.
Drug-induced osteonecrosis of the jaw: the state of the art
Authors: Fassio A. , Bertoldo F. , Idolazzi L. , Viapiana O. , Rossini M. , Gatti D.
Published: May 2017

Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is a rare adverse event of antiresorptive drugs such as bisphosphonates (BP) and denosumab (DMAb). The diagnosis of ONJ is considered in cases where exposed bone in the maxillofacial region does not heal within 8 weeks in a patient previously treated with an antiresorptive agent. In patients with osteoporosis, ONJ is reported as a very rare adverse event while in oncologic patients with bone metastases or malignant hypercalcemia the incidence is significantly higher (up to the 1-10% of the patients). The pathophysiology of ONJ is still not completely understood but it is multi-factorial. ONJ is a condition associated with poor oral health, oral surgery, and use of antiresorptive agents. Prevention is of paramount importance especially in cancer patients, in whom the large majority of cases of ONJ (>90%) are reported, but it should also be considered in osteoporotic patients, especially during dental surgical procedure. Some simple prevention procedures are effective in reducing the risk of its appearance. When ONJ unfortunately occurs, the large majority of patients can be managed conservatively. In conclusion, ONJ is a rare condition associated with antiresorptive drugs. Both osteoporotic and oncologic patients should be well informed about its low absolute risk and regarding the fact that the benefits of antiresorptive therapy far outweigh this potential risk of ONJ.
Deaflympians' Satisfaction With Athletic Training Services at the 2013 Deaflympic Summer Games
Authors: Brancaleone Matthew Paul , Shingles René Revis , DeLellis Nailya
Published: May 2017

Context: 

Athletic trainers have the opportunity to treat unique populations. Determining athletes' satisfaction with the athletic training services supplied can offer insights into how to improve the health care provided to athletes.

Objective: 

To explore Deaflympians' satisfaction with athletic training services at the 2013 Deaflympic Summer Games.

Design: 

Cross-sectional survey.

Setting: 

The 2013 Deaflympic Summer Games in Sofia, Bulgaria.

Patients or Other Participants: 

Of the 115 Deaflympians contacted, 55 completed the questionnaire, for a 48% response rate (women = 33, men = 22).

Main Outcome Measure(s): 

The Medical Interview Satisfaction Survey–Athletic Training was used. The questionnaire gathered demographic data and included 25 Likert-scale items that assessed 6 components of athletic training. Descriptive statistics were calculated as normalized scores to adjust for the different numbers of questions for each item. On a 5-point scale, the scores ranged from 3.82 (management) to 4.24 (environment), with an overall satisfaction score of 3.89. We conducted comparison tests to assess possible differences in overall satisfaction and satisfaction components. Satisfaction with frequency of use of the athletic training room and knowledge were the only areas that showed statistically significant differences. Other differences were in perceptions of medical coverage among age groups and management between sexes.

Results: 

Satisfaction with the athletic training services provided was lower among these Deaflympians than among collegiate athletes in other studies. However, we observed no differences in overall satisfaction scores by age, sex, race, previous Deaflympic experience, or individual or team sport. Deaflympians who used and visited the athletic training facility more often had higher overall satisfaction scores than individuals who used and visited the facility less.

Conclusions: 

Deaflympians were satisfied with the athletic training services provided at the 2013 Deaflympic Summer Games.
Rail freight transportation concerns of developing economies: A Namibian perspective
Authors: Saruchera Fanny
Published: May 2017

Background: Although rail transport appears to be well established and outperforming other transport modes in Europe and beyond, in the majority of developing economies it was observed that firms and travellers were, on the contrary, shunning from the rail. Despite considerable infrastructural investments in the African rail systems, the sector has been deteriorating over the years.Objectives: This study identifies the freight rail transportation problems faced by African developing economies, focusing on Namibia, and examines the potential actions and factors for minimising such problems, drawing lessons from some of the developed world’s success stories.Method: The objectives of this study are achieved through a survey of Windhoek-based industrial and logistics firms operating in Namibia. Self-administered survey questionnaires were distributed through the aid of trained research assistants.Results: The study’s results show that some of the reasons of shunning rail transport are a matter of attitude, whereas some are related to operational challenges. The study confirms that the transport mode used and ownership of the freight transport services used can affect the degree of satisfaction for the transportation of goods in Namibia.Conclusion: Namibian industrial and logistics firms avoid using rail, owing to its low level of satisfaction obtained from its use. Besides engaging in Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) in rail transport operations, the study contends that rail transport should receive attention similar to that given to other transport modes for African economies such as Namibia to overcome the costs associated with the increasing road congestion.
The role of quantity surveyors in public–private partnerships in South Africa
Authors: Cruywagen Hoffie , Llale Josephine
Published: May 2017

Background: Quantity surveyors play an important role in providing cost and contractual advice in the built environment. This article seeks to investigate the current extent of their involvement in public–private partnerships (PPPs) in South Africa.Aim: The study intends to establish factors that influence quantity surveyors’ participation in PPPs.Methodology: A mixed-methods research approach was followed by firstly conducting a survey amongst South African quantity surveyors in order to determine their level of participation in PPPs. For triangulation purposes, a case study was also conducted.Results: The results of the research show that, although quantity surveyors have the corresponding skills and competencies required in a PPP project, their current involvement in PPPs in South Africa is limited and that there is a greater role they can play in future.Conclusion: Quantity surveyors are uniquely positioned to play a bigger role in the implementation of PPPs in South Africa.