bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Database Techniques for New Hardware
Authors: Qin Xiongpai , Chen Yueguo
Published: September 2018

In the last decade, computer hardware progressed by leaps and bounds. The advancements of hardware include the application of multi-core CPUs, use of GPUs in data intensive tasks, bigger and bigger main memory capacity, maturity and production use of non-volatile memory, etc. Database systems immediately benefit from faster CPU/GPU and bigger memory and run faster. However, there are some pitfalls. For example, database systems running on multi-core processors may suffer from cache conflicts when the number of concurrently executing DB processes increases. To fully exploit advantages of new hardware to improve the performance of database systems, database software should be more or less revised. This chapter introduces some efforts of database research community in this aspect.
N-Tuple Algebra as a Unifying System to Process Data and Knowledge
Authors: Kulik Boris Alexandrovich , Fridman Alexander Yakovlevich
Published: September 2018

Information technologies for analysis and processing heterogeneous data often face the necessity to unify representation of such data. To solve this problem, it seems reasonable to search for a universal structure that would allow for reducing different formats of data and knowledge to a single mathematical model with unitized manipulation methods. The concept of relation looks very prospective in this sense. So, with a view to developing a general theory of relations, the authors propose n-tuple algebra (NTA) developed as a theoretical generalization of structures and methods applicable in intelligence systems. NTA allows for formalizing a wide set of logical problems (deductive, abductive and modified reasoning, modeling uncertainties, and so on).
Cost Evaluation of Synchronization Algorithms for Multicore Architectures
Authors: Hemmatpour Masoud , Ferrero Renato , Gandino Filippo , Montrucchio Bartolomeo , Rebaudengo Maurizio
Published: September 2018

In a multicore environment, a major focus is represented by the synchronization among threads and processes. Since synchronization mechanisms strongly affect the performance of multithread algorithms, the selection of an effective synchronization approach is critical for multicore environments. In this chapter, the cost of the main existing synchronization techniques is estimated. The current investigation covers both hardware and software solutions. A comparative analysis highlights benefits and drawbacks of the considered approaches. The results are intended to represent a useful aid for researchers and practitioners interested in optimization of parallel algorithms.
High-Performance Reconfigurable Computing
Authors: Vestias Mário Pereira
Published: September 2018

High-performance reconfigurable computing systems integrate reconfigurable technology in the computing architecture to improve performance. Besides performance, reconfigurable hardware devices also achieve lower power consumption compared to general-purpose processors. Better performance and lower power consumption could be achieved using application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) technology. However, ASICs are not reconfigurable, turning them application specific. Reconfigurable logic becomes a major advantage when hardware flexibility permits to speed up whatever the application with the same hardware module. The first and most common devices utilized for reconfigurable computing are fine-grained FPGAs with a large hardware flexibility. To reduce the performance and area overhead associated with the reconfigurability, coarse-grained reconfigurable solutions has been proposed as a way to achieve better performance and lower power consumption. In this chapter, the authors provide a description of reconfigurable hardware for high-performance computing.
An Empirical Study of Mobile/Handheld App Development Using Android Platforms
Authors: Hu Wen-Chen , Kaabouch Naima , Yang Hung-Jen
Published: September 2018

Mobile application stores (or app stores) sell or provide mobile applications/services for handheld devices such as smartphones or tablet computers. A wide variety of mobile applications is available on the app stores. Popular applications include location-based services, mobile games, mobile offices, and music. The highly popular apps create great opportunities for IT companies and workers. However, traditional desktop programmers have problems switching to handheld programming because it requires a different approach from desktop programming. Unlike desktop application development, there are no widely accepted tools or software for mobile app development. At the same time, mobile app development is complicated and platform-specific compared to desktop application development. This chapter introduces mobile app development using Android. Mobile developers can get a sense of mobile app development by reading this chapter and apply it to other platforms or further explore the Android app development.
Health Wearables Turn to Fashion
Authors: Spaanenburg Lambert
Published: September 2018

Microelectronics is shrinking health equipment in size, cost, and operability, thereby moving it from the medical to the consumer market. A typical example is the oximeter. Originally, it was the bulky helper of the anesthetist in the operating theatre, but gradually it has become a routine check for hospital admittance and is rapidly shaped as a simple consumer item, similar to a smart thermometer. The success is inspiring for more. A variety of sensor types are being experimented with to capture the vital data for health in general, and fitness in particular. Accessories are placed in, on, and around the body, and together with the smartphone, they are rapidly becoming part of a “fashion statement.” Some sensors are integrated into a single product; some are wirelessly connected to one or more wearables to provide extensive services.
The Intersection of Religion and Mobile Technology
Authors: Bellar Wendi R. , Cho Kyong James , Campbell Heidi A.
Published: September 2018

This chapter explores the intersection of religion and mobile technology, which is closely connected to the field of digital religion. The chapter begins with a brief background of mobile media studies and digital religion. Next, three key research areas are highlighted. The chapter concludes with emerging trends and suggestions for future research. Because religion interacts with social, political, economic, technological, and global factors, research demands continued theoretical development and nuanced study to understand the relationship between religion and technology.
Power Consumption in Wireless Access Networks
Authors: Mishra Vinod Kumar , Bisht Pankaja
Published: September 2018

Power consumption of mobile devices is a great concern in the current mobile communication systems. Recent analysis by manufacturers and network operators has shown that current wireless networks are not very energy efficient. Power consumption is directly related to the coverage area of the base station. So in this chapter, the authors analyze and compare the total power consumption, power consumption per covered area and ranges of the macrocell, microcell and femtocell base stations for Mobile WiMAX, fixed WiMAX, UMTS, HSPA, LTE for 1x1 SISO systems and mobile WiMAX, HSPA, and LTE will be considered for 2x2 MIMO system. The numerical example will be illustrated with help of simulation results. This chapter enables the reader for knowledge of power consumption in existing wireless access networks technology with current and future trends of research.
Viterbi Decoder in Hardware
Authors: Véstias Mário Pereira
Published: September 2018

Trellis decoding is used to recover encoded information that was corrupted during transmission over a noisy channel. The Viterbi algorithm is the most well-known trellis-based maximum likelihood decoding algorithm. The Viterbi algorithm is executed by a Viterbi decoder. Different hardware solutions may be considered to implement a Viterbi decoder with different design requirements in terms of area, performance, power consumption, among others. The most appropriate solution depends on the metric requirements of the application as well as on the target technology. Properties of the Viterbi algorithm are used to simplify and improve the architecture of the Viterbi decoder. In particular, statistical properties of the Viterbi algorithm are used to design parallel Viterbi decoders with very high data decoding rates. The chapter focuses on the implementation of a Viterbi decoder in hardware, including optimizations to improve the area and performance.
Clique Size and Centrality Metrics for Analysis of Real-World Network Graphs
Authors: Meghanathan Natarajan
Published: September 2018

The authors present correlation analysis between the centrality values observed for nodes (a computationally lightweight metric) and the maximal clique size (a computationally hard metric) that each node is part of in complex real-world network graphs. They consider the four common centrality metrics: degree centrality (DegC), eigenvector centrality (EVC), closeness centrality (ClC), and betweenness centrality (BWC). They define the maximal clique size for a node as the size of the largest clique (in terms of the number of constituent nodes) the node is part of. The real-world network graphs studied range from regular random network graphs to scale-free network graphs. The authors observe that the correlation between the centrality value and the maximal clique size for a node increases with increase in the spectral radius ratio for node degree, which is a measure of the variation of the node degree in the network. They observe the degree-based centrality metrics (DegC and EVC) to be relatively better correlated with the maximal clique size compared to the shortest path-based centrality metrics (ClC and BWC).
Distributed Methods for Multi-Sink Wireless Sensor Networks Formation
Authors: Carlos-Mancilla Miriam A. , Lopez-Mellado Ernesto , Siller Mario
Published: September 2018

Recent application development in the wireless sensor networks (WSNs) area makes arise problems regarding data aggregation and effective methods to collect data. For addressing these problems, effective procedures are required. A multi-sink sensor network application has been characterized by many-to-many communication, where multiple sources report their data to multiple sinks. This chapter presents recent techniques for distributed multi-sink environments. The reviewed proposals are classified according to the purpose of the application, such as routing, monitoring of a specific target, data aggregation applications, and others. Finally, the authors present a discussion on the analyzed works.
Neural Networks and Their Accelerated Evolution From an Economic Analysis Perspective
Authors: Stancu Stelian , Bodea Constanţa-Nicoleta , Popescu(Predescu) Oana Mădălina , Neamţu(Idoraşi) Alina
Published: September 2018

In 1943, the neuropshychologist Warren McCulloch and the mathematician Walter Pitts published the paper “A Logical Calculus of the Ideas Immanent in Nervous Activity,” establishing the foundation of the neural networks. The transition from the biological neuron to the artificial one, from the perceptron to the multi-layer perceptron, from Hopfield networks to Kohonen networks, from bi-directional associative memories to Boltzmann machines, from basic radial functions to Hamming networks, represent a strong proof of the long journey in the study of the neural networks. Using the characteristics of a neural network, an overview of the works in the neural computing are included in the paperwork, namely a taxonomy of the neural networks based on a number of criteria. The paperwork includes the conclusion of the research. At the end, possible further research directions are highlighted.
Optimization of Antenna Arrays and Microwave Filters Using Differential Evolution Algorithms
Authors: Goudos Sotirios K.
Published: September 2018

The purpose of this chapter is to briefly describe the DE algorithm and its variants and present their application to antenna and microwave design problems. This chapter presents results from design cases using self-adaptive DE. The chapter discusses the issues, problems, and trends with DE for wireless communications. A brief description of different DE algorithms is also given. The numerical results for different design cases are reported. Moreover, an outline of future research directions is provided. Finally, the chapter concludes and the advantages of using a self-adaptive DE-based approach in the design and optimization of microwave systems and antennas is discussed.
Adopting Open Source Software in Smartphone Manufacturers' Open Innovation Strategy
Authors: Almunawar Mohammad Nabil , Anshari Muhammad , Susanto Heru
Published: September 2018

We are witnessing the rapid adoption of smart mobile devices globally, especially smartphones. Unlike cell phones, most computer functions can be performed by smartphones. The established players of cell phones have lost their grip on the market, and new players have quickly captured the market's interest. Open source (OSS) can be viewed as a kind of open innovation where a company outsource software needed to the community, or alternatively, a company can contribute its software to the community after turning it to open source software. This chapter discusses the open innovation and adoption of OSS in smartphone industry. The development OSS and its use in smartphones will be presented. The competition between proprietary and OSS operating systems for smartphones will be discussed as platforms or operation systems shape the smartphone industry.
A Formal Approach to the Distributed Software Control for Automated Multi-Axis Manufacturing Machines
Authors: Yasuda Gen'ichi
Published: September 2018

This chapter deals with the control system design problem for automated machine systems from the viewpoint of a discrete event system approach. Behaviors of automated systems have externally the features of discrete event asynchronous, concurrent processes, which implies the necessity of distributed architecture for intelligent cooperative control. Based on the generalization of multi-axis machine activities, the detailed control functions of a machine task are hierarchically represented by an interpreted form of the Petri net. The necessary control conditions and rules to ensure that the control system is well-defined, including synchronization and conflict resolution, are provided as a conceptual model of machine task. Due to hierarchical decomposition of Petri net models, the structure of the whole control system as well as the contents of each machine task is easily understood so that the task planning, monitoring, and modification of the control system can be done effectively.
Object-Oriented Programming in Computer Science
Authors: Yilmaz Rahime , Sezgin Anil , Kurnaz Sefer , Arslan Yunus Ziya
Published: September 2018

A program is composed of commands that run within a computer or an electronic circuit. Programming is a mathematical methodology to write a program and to encode the algorithm into a notation. It can be classified into two groups such as system and application programming. System programming is a branch of the general programming that is composed of low-level instructions which are used to operate and handle computer hardware. Application programming is considered as the improved version of the computer programs that can perform specific tasks. One of the application programming types is the object-oriented programming (OOP) which is about how information is represented in human mind. OOP is useful to provide easy modeling in design and developing real entities. This approach is aimed to model the entities and the relationships existing between them. OOP enables to define the required classes to create the objects and to apply modifications on them. The inherent properties of OOP are modularity, extensibility, and reusability. This chapter provides a substantial survey of OOP.
Research and Development on Software Testing Techniques and Tools
Authors: T Tamilarasi , Prasanna M.
Published: September 2018

Software testing is the pre-eminent part of the software development life cycle process. It is the process of evaluating system or its components with the specified requirements or not. It is important process by means of accessing the quality of software, reusability, and traceability of the requirements specified. There are many number of testing techniques and tools available for this task. Software testing is an essential part of research and lot of development has been made in this field. In this chapter, testing techniques and tools including test design tools, load, and performance testing tools, test management tools, test implementation tools, test evaluation tools, static analysis tools, basic path testing, loop testing, control structure testing, code-based techniques, path testing, data flow testing, syntax testing has been described. Some distinctive latest research and development in testing strategy have been summarized.
The Role of Feedback in Software Process Assessment
Authors: Stojanov Zeljko , Dobrilovic Dalibor
Published: September 2018

Processes encapsulate the way organizations are doing business. However, in many cases organization processes are not well defined, which leads to poor and unsystematic implementation. An organization that uses weak or misdirected processes will have weak products or services, and unpredictable outcomes of business activities. Process assessment can help software organizations to improve themselves through identification of critical problems and establishment of improvement priorities. Software process assessment includes feedback as a core activity that aims at feeding data back to relevant individuals or groups in an organization. Feedback is also used as a method for learning in software organizations based on the previous experience and identified issues in the assessment process. In addition, information included in the feedback can be used as the basis for decision making related to revealing the next activities in assessment and improvement project.
An Overview of Crowdsourcing
Authors: Younis Eman
Published: September 2018

During the past decade, there were rapid developments on the internet, computing technologies, and widespread use of location-aware technologies such as GPS and mobile technology. These developments made it easier for people to communicate and share their opinions, views, knowledge, maps, and much more through software platforms. These technologies have participated in the creation of what is now called Web 2.0. It is a new era of the web where users play an active role in adding contents to the web in a collaborative way, instead of just consuming the web contents. People are sharing social media posts, blog posts, product reviews, ideas, opinions, and much more. Crowdsourcing is a phenomenon that appeared due to the ability of web users to contribute to the web (Web 2.0). This chapter serves as a general overview of crowdsourcing. It investigates various attempts to defining the term, its conceptual models, its benefits and challenges, its applications, and explores some online crowdsourcing systems, software platforms, current and future research avenues.
Revisiting Web 2.0
Authors: Dinger Michael , Grover Varun
Published: September 2018

This chapter revisits and considers the application of Web 2.0 technologies in contemporary business environments. Web 2.0 refers to a general category of internet technologies and content development that lean on the contributions of many individual users to create value. These technologies are characterized by rich media, a dynamic nature, social networking elements, and distributed contributions. The chapter presents three major Web 2.0 archetypes: blogs, wikis, and social networking sites. It concludes with a value-oriented framework designed to guide firms in the development of Web 2.0 initiatives.
Communication, Information, and Pragmatics
Authors: Braga Adriana , Logan Robert K.
Published: September 2018

In this chapter, the authors first examine the meaning and significance of information, which will entail a critique of Shannon information theory. They show it is really a theory of the transmission of signals. They describe how MacKay and Bateson adds the element of meaning to the definition of information. They then examine the proposition of Kauffman et al. that organization is a form of information. Assuming that it is not possible not to communicate, the authors emphasize the pragmatic dimension of communication. They argue that information, communication, and social interaction are inseparable elements of production of meaning. Thus, as in any communication there are three simultaneous dimensions operating as a system—syntactic, semantics, and pragmatics—and it is also the case that information, communication, and social interaction are operating as a system.
Group Synchronization for Multimedia Systems
Authors: Kanellopoulos Dimitris N.
Published: September 2018

Group or inter-destination media synchronization (IDMS) addresses the presentation of a stream at all the receivers of a group, simultaneously. To ensure synchronized delivery of multimedia information, intelligent synchronization protocols/techniques are required. This chapter illustrates various issues on intra- and inter-media synchronization and presents the basic schemes for inter-destination media synchronization (IDMS). It presents in short IDMS standardization efforts and novel solutions for new multimedia applications. Finally, it outlines future research directions for multimedia group synchronization.
The NetLab Network
Authors: Dimitrova Dimitrina , Wellman Barry
Published: September 2018

The authors discuss the NetLab Network – an interdisciplinary network studying the intersection of social networks, communication networks, and computer networks. It has developed since 2000 from an informal network of collaborators into a far flung virtual laboratory with members from across Canada and the United States as well as from Chile, Hungary, Israel, Japan, Norway, Portugal, and the United Kingdom. Connecting them is a shared sensibility of interpreting behavior from a social network perspective rather than seeing the world as composed of bounded groups, tree-like hierarchies, or aggregates of disconnected individuals. NetLab's researchers focus on the interplay between social and technological links, social capital in job searches and business settings, new media and community, internet and personal relations, social media, households, networked organizations, and knowledge transfer. NetLab has had two main achievements: first, its researchers make substantive contributions to the issues they study, and second, they demonstrate that this model of scholarly collaboration works.
Online Prosocial Behaviors
Authors: Wright Michelle F. , Pendergrass William Stanley
Published: September 2018

Prosocial behaviors in the cyber context (i.e., the internet, text messages) can be traced back to when the internet was just a message board, used to share open source software. Following these early investigations of prosocial behaviors, clinicians recognized that the internet might remove barriers to help seeking. Recent investigations have provided support for the internet as a place to seek help among various populations. Prosocial behaviors in the cyber context also have benefits for the givers as well, including health benefits, personal satisfaction, and reputational increases. This chapter draws on multidisciplinary research to review prosocial behaviors in the cyber context.
Parental Mediation of Adolescent Technology Use
Authors: Vaterlaus J. Mitchell
Published: September 2018

Adolescents are major consumers of interactive technologies (e.g., cell phones, social media). They are motivated to use these technologies to maintain their social relationships in a convenient and private way. The private nature and ease of connectivity afforded by interactive technology has resulted in various parental concerns (e.g., victimization, content) about adolescent technology use. To mitigate these parental concerns, some parents have begun to implement parental mediation strategies. Research has primarily focused on describing the different parental mediation techniques parents implement, parent and adolescent perceptions of parental mediation, and potential barriers to the implementation of parental mediation.
Short History of Social Networking and Its Far-Reaching Impact
Authors: Yu Liguo
Published: September 2018

This chapter describes the evolution of social networking together with its supporting technologies. Most popular social networking service providers, such as Facebook, Tencent, Twitter, and Sina Weibo are described with their market and financial data. The new business and new social relations built on social networking platforms are introduced and their impacts are discussed. The future trends of social networking are also illustrated based on the potential development of related emerging technologies. The objective of this chapter is to help readers understand the impact of technology on the functioning, evolution, and variation of socializations.
Social Networking and Knowledge Sharing in Organizations
Authors: Kaur Sarabjot , Misra Subhas Chandra
Published: September 2018

Knowledge sharing in organizational context is facilitated by communicative process affected by varied social dynamics. It can be a difficult process in case of distributed organizations as employees may not be aware of the right source of getting advice and expertise. In such a scenario, social networking tools provide the required functionality for such sharing and lead to better social ties among knowledge providers and seekers across the organization. The chapter brings out some factors that affect knowledge-sharing behavior in the context of organizations using social networking tools as a communicative media.
Sport Exergames for Physical Education
Authors: Soltani Pooya , Vilas-Boas João Paulo
Published: September 2018

Sports active video games (exergames) are accessible forms of physical activity which might also be used in physical education (PE) curriculum. The purpose of this chapter is to review some of the relevant applications of sports exergames for inclusion in PE and to characterize one of these games (swimming) from different aspects of biomechanics, physiology, and psychology. The authors compared movement patterns, muscle activation, energy expenditure, enjoyment, usability, and game experience in participants with different performing levels (real-swimmers vs. non-swimmers, experienced vs. novice) and gender. Understanding these parameters may help in the development of more realistic sports exergames and meaningful gameplay and may give PE teachers a better idea of the inclusion of such games in their practice.
Da adaptação à transconstrução: antropofagia como uma metodologia translocal
Authors: Amorim Marcel Alvaro de
Published: September 2018

Neste texto, proponho o conceito de Antropofagia Cultural (Andrade, 2011) – originalmente uma prática dos povos indígenas brasileiros e que, posteriormente, foi incorporada pelo pensamento literário modernista – como um arcabouço teórico-procedimental, um horizonte de leitura, para a compreensão da relação dialógica entre diferentes mídias, textos e culturas. Com efeito, proponho um repensar do diálogo entre as mídias como um processo violento de Devoração transcultural (Amorim, 2016) e, por consequência, da própria ideia de adaptação enquanto uma prática de Transconstrução. Para tanto, esse artigo se baseia no enquadramento teórico favorecido pelas teorias dialógicas e intertextuais da adaptação e no conceito brasileiro modernista de uma Antropofagia Cultural.
Apetites e excreções em Blurt, Major Constable, or The Spaniard’s Night Walk de Thomas Dekker
Authors: Mendes Ana Cristina
Published: September 2018

O presente ensaio oferece uma análise de Blurt, Major Constable, or The Spaniard’s Night Walk (1601–1602) de Thomas Dekker, com enfoque na construção do nexo comida-bebida-sexo-excrementos no texto. Na esteira dos Estudos Culturais e refletindo os procedimentos científicos aplicados aos atuais estudos de Cultura Inglesa, a metodologia adotada neste ensaio resultou de um cruzamento de abordagens teóricas que carateriza os Estudos de Género, férteis na revisão das posições críticas e no desenvolvimento de leituras radicalmente desestabilizadoras de saberes adquiridos. Enquanto objeto cultural, Blurt encena preocupações coevas ao espelhar contradições inerentes ao sistema patriarcal, entendido não como uma estrutura coesa, mas ele próprio baseado em contradições ideológicas e em impulsos discrepantes. Tais contradições e impulsos são representativos das mudanças culturais e das transformações históricas que identificamos com a evolução da sociedade europeia do princípio da era moderna. Assim, um dos principais propósitos deste ensaio é observar como é dramatizada a relação entre os sexos que, apesar de conflituosa, não deixa de ter um final ordeiro de modo a disciplinar o corpo rebelde das personagens. Conclui-se que, apesar das aparências, a autoridade patriarcal nunca esteve verdadeiramente em questão, participando a peça ativamente num processo de reinscrição de normas culturais.
Uma perspectiva estético-política sobre natureza e violência em Justine ou os infortúnios da virtude, de Marquês de Sade
Authors: Santana Jorge Alves , Borges Luana Silva
Published: September 2018

Justine ou os infortúnios da virtude, de Marquês de Sade, representa a saga da personagem homônima, uma cristã virtuosa que passa por malogros e desventuras, sendo abusada sexualmente e acusada injustamente por variados crimes. Entretanto, o romance ganha destaque ao criticar a filosofia racionalista do século XVIII, atrelada à moral da bondade inata. Sade também critica o cristianismo que prega sofrimento e constante expiação terrena como garantias para a salvação. Ao fazer essa dupla crítica, o escritor elabora uma obra fundamental à contracorrente do zeitgeist filosófico que viveu. Neste artigo, refletimos sobre os sistemas de pensamento que emanam desta obra: a natureza agressiva e indiferente aos sistemas éticos e a vida instintual que a sociedade civilizada reprime. Em que medida tais esquemas representam a risada irônica de Sade ante a revolução iluminista de seu tempo? Visamos também entender como se locomove a mulher vitimizada. Constatamos que o autor faz de sua protagonista uma paródia da moça sentimental e, ao deixá-la cair em todas as armadilhas, evidencia dois aspectos: a caricatura da heroína romântica, crítica dos discursos da bondade e da virtuosidade e a denúncia de que o pastorado cristão tem um lado cruel, mantenedor do status quo dos oprimidos.
Induced Moderate Hypothermia After Cardiac Arrest
Authors: McKean Staci
Published: September 2018

The use of induced hypothermia has been considered for treatment of head injuries since the 1900s. However, it was not until 2 landmark studies were published in 2002 that induced hypothermia was considered best practice for patients after cardiac arrest. In 2005, the American Heart Association included recommendations in the postresuscitation support guidelines recommending consideration of mild hypothermia for unconscious adult patients with return of spontaneous circulation following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest due to ventricular fibrillation. This article provides an overview on the history and supportive research for inducing mild hypothermia after cardiac arrest, the pathophysiology associated with cerebral ischemia occurring with hypothermia, nursing management for this patient population, and the development of a protocol for induced hypothermia after cardiac arrest.
Validity and Reliability of Peer Assessment Rating Index Measurement Derived from Digital and Plaster Models
Authors: Peh Yew Jia , Chew Ming Tak , Wong Hung Chew , Yow Mimi
Published: September 2018

Aims

The aim of the study was to determine the validity and reliability of Peer Assessment Rating (PAR) index score derived from digital and plaster models of the same patient.

Subjects and Methods

Thirty orthodontic plaster study models were digitalized using the 3Shape R700™ Orthodontic 3D scanner. PAR Index scoring was carried out on both the plaster and digital models by one independent examiner calibrated in the PAR Index. The measurements were repeated at a second sitting. Measurements were made on plaster models with the PAR Index ruler and on digital models with the 3Shape OrthoAnalyzer™ software.

Statistical Analysis Used

Bland-Altman plots were used to test for validity and intraexaminer reliability.

Results

For PAR Index score, overjet and overbite component scores, 28 out of 30 measurements were within 95% limits of agreement. Other components of the PAR Index score had all points within 95% limits of agreement. For intraexaminer reliability, digital models had 28 out of 30 measurements and plaster models had 27 out of 30 measurements that were within 95% limits of agreement.

Conclusions

Digital models are a clinically acceptable alternative to plaster models in the measurement of the PAR Index. Improvement in software design is necessary to attain greater agreement in the measurement of the overjet and overbite components of the PAR index score between plaster and digital models.
Skeletal Class II Case Presentation: Utilization of the AdvanSync 2 Appliance
Authors: Dischinger Bill M.
Published: September 2018

The Herbst appliance has been used routinely in the specialty of orthodontics for nearly 40 years. Over this time, many design variations have been utilized. One of the recent designs is the AdvanSync 2 appliance, manufactured by Ormco. The AdvanSync 2 appliance is smaller than the conventional Herbst appliances and allows the clinician to place braces on all the permanent teeth forward of the first molars. In the case presented, the patient presented with a skeletal Class II, division 2 malocclusion. Facially, it was determined that mandibular advancement would be advantageous for ideal facial esthetics. The result of treatment utilizing the Damon System braces and the AdvanSync 2 Class II corrector was an excellent outcome both dentally and in regard to facial esthetics.
Characterizing and Computing All Delete-Relaxed Dead-ends
Authors: Muise Christian
Published: September 2018

Dead-end detection is a key challenge in automated planning, and it is rapidly growing in popularity. Effective dead-end detection techniques can have a large impact on the strength of a planner, and so the effective computation of dead-ends is central to many planning approaches. One of the better understood techniques for detecting dead-ends is to focus on the delete relaxation of a planning problem, where dead-end detection is a polynomial-time operation. In this work, we provide a logical characterization for not just a single dead-end, but for every delete-relaxed dead-end in a planning problem. With a logical representation in hand, one could compile the representation into a form amenable to effective reasoning. We lay the ground-work for this larger vision and provide a preliminary evaluation to this end
Equidistribution of the conormal cycle of random nodal sets
Authors: Dang Nguyen Viet , Rivière Gabriel
Published: September 2018

We study the asymptotic properties of the conormal cycle of nodal sets associated to a random superposition of eigenfunctions of the Laplacian on a smooth compact Riemannian manifold without boundary. In the case where the dimension is odd, we show that the expectation of the corresponding current of integration equidistributes on the fibres of the cotangent bundle. In the case where the dimension is even, we obtain an upper bound of lower order on the expectation. Using recent results of Alesker, we also deduce some properties on the asymptotic expectation of any smooth valuation including the Euler characteristic of random nodal sets.
Homogeneity of the spectrum for quasi-periodic Schrödinger operators
Authors: Damanik David , Goldstein Michael , Schlag Wilhelm , Voda Mircea
Published: September 2018

We consider the one-dimensional discrete Schrödinger operator

\bigl[H(x,\omega)\varphi\bigr](n)\equiv -\varphi(n-1)-\varphi(n+1) + V(x + n\omega)\varphi(n)\ ,

n \in \mathbb Z

,

x,\omega \in [0, 1]

with real-analytic potential

V(x)

. Assume

L(E,\omega)>0

for all

E

. Let

\mathcal{S}_\omega

be the spectrum of

H(x,\omega)

. For all

\omega

obeying the Diophantine condition

\omega \in \mathbb{T}_{c,a}

, we show the following: if

\mathcal{S}_\omega \cap (E',E'')\neq \emptyset

, then

\mathcal{S}_\omega \cap (E',E'')

is homogeneous in the sense of Carleson (see [Car83]). Furthermore, we prove, that if

G_i

,

i=1,2

are two gaps with

1 > |G_1| \ge |G_2|

, then

|G_2|\lesssim \exp\left(-(\log \mathrm {dist} (G_1,G_2))^A\right)

,

A\gg 1

. Moreover, the same estimates hold for the gaps in the spectrum on a finite interval, that is, for

\mathcal S_{N,\omega}:=\cup_{x\in\mathbb T}\mathrm {spec} \; H_{[-N,N]}(x,\omega)

,

N \ge 1

, where

H_{[-N, N]}(x, \omega)

is the Schrödinger operator restricted to the interval

[-N,N]

with Dirichlet boundary conditions. In particular, all these results hold for the almost Mathieu operator with

|\lambda| \neq 1

. For the supercritical almost Mathieu operator, we combine the methods of [GolSch08] with Jitomirskaya's approach from [Jit99] to establish most of the results from [GolSch08] with

\omega

obeying a strong Diophantine condition.
Predicting Mortality for Adolescent and Adult Patients with Fever in Resource-Limited Settings
Authors: Carugati Manuela , Zhang Helen L. , Kilonzo Kajiru G. , Maze Michael J. , Maro Venance P. , Rubach Matthew P. , Crump John A.
Published: September 2018

Febrile illnesses are a major cause of mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. Early identification of patients at increased risk of death may avert adverse outcomes. We aimed to independently evaluate the performance of the Modified Early Warning Score, quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) score, and Integrated Management of Adolescent and Adult Illness (IMAI) emergency signs and severity criteria to predict in-hospital mortality among a prospective cohort of febrile patients in Tanzania. We evaluated 419 patients aged ≥ 10 years in the period 2007–2008. Of the 44 patients who died, 31 (70.5%) were human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected. On univariate analysis, in-hospital mortality was associated with HIV infection, oxygen saturation < 90%, respiratory distress, Glasgow Coma Scale < 15, neck stiffness, unconsciousness, convulsions, hemoglobin < 9 g/dL, absence of a systemic syndrome, and neurologic syndrome. A qSOFA score ≥ 2, the presence of at least one, two, or three IMAI emergency signs, and IMAI severe respiratory distress syndrome without shock were significantly associated with in-hospital mortality. The criterion “presence of at least one IMAI emergency sign” showed a good diagnostic accuracy, as highlighted by the high sensitivity, low negative likelihood ratio, and wide area under the receiver operating characteristics curve. The remaining scores showed a poor performance in predicting fatal outcomes in our study population. Further studies are needed to validate our findings and to derive early warning scores that have good clinical performance in settings throughout sub-Saharan Africa.
Management and Follow-up Practices of Children with Unclassified Fever in Rural Ethiopia: Experiences of Health Extension Workers and Caregivers
Authors: Funk Tjede , Källander Karin , Abebe Ayalkibet , Hailemariam Abreham , Alvesson Helle Mölsted , Alfvén Tobias
Published: September 2018

Different health-care management guidelines by the World Health Organization exist to help health workers in resource-limited settings treat patients. However, for children with unclassified fever and no danger signs, management guidelines are less clear and follow-up recommendations differ. Both a “universal follow-up” for all children, irrespective of health status, and a “conditional follow-up” only for children whose fever persists are recommended in different guidelines. It is unclear how feasible and acceptable these two different follow-up guidelines are among community health workers and caregivers of the sick child. This qualitative study was conducted in Ethiopia and was nested within a cluster-randomized controlled trial (cRCT). It aimed to determine health extension workers’ (HEWs’) and caregivers’ experiences of the management of febrile children and their perceptions of universal versus conditional follow-up recommendations. Seventeen HEWs and 20 caregivers were interviewed. The interviews revealed that HEWs’ understanding of how to handle an unclassified fever diagnosis increased with the implementation of the cRCT in both study arms (universal versus conditional follow-up). This enabled HEWs to withhold medicines from children with this condition and avoid referral to health centers. Both follow-up recommendations had perceived advantages, while the universal follow-up provided an opportunity to see the child’s health progress, the conditional follow-up advice allowed saving time and costs. The findings suggest that improved awareness of the unclassified fever condition can make HEWs feel more comfortable in managing these febrile children themselves and omitting unnecessary medication. Future community-level management guidelines should provide clearer instructions on managing fever where no malaria, pneumonia, diarrhea, or danger signs are present.
Influenza-Like Illness in Travelers to the Developing World
Authors: Wood Stuart , Telu Kalyani , Tribble David , Ganesan Anuradha , Kunz Anjali , Fairchok Mary , Schnaubelt Elizabeth , Johnson Mark D. , Maves Ryan , Fraser Jamie , Mitra Indrani , Lalani Tahaniyat , Yun Heather C. , _ _
Published: September 2018

Travelers to developing regions are at risk for development of influenza-like illness (ILI). Little is known of traveler and trip characteristics associated with the development of ILI. TravMil is a prospective observational study, enrolling subjects presenting to six military travel clinics or predeployment-screening sites. We analyzed pre- and post-travel surveys from travelers visiting regions outside of the continental United States, Western or Northern Europe, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand between January 2010 and March 2016. Influenza-like illness was defined as a self-reported fever associated with either sore throat or cough. Trip and traveler characteristics were analyzed to determine risk factors for the development of ILI. Two thousand nine hundred and thirty-two trips were recorded (55% male, median age 45 years, 69% white, 51% on vacation, median travel duration 17 days). The 2,337 trips included the number of self-reported influenza vaccinations in the preceding 5 years (median 5). Eleven percent of the trips were complicated by an ILI lasting a median of 5 days; 70% and 17% of these reported upper and lower respiratory tract infection, respectively, and 12% reported both. On multivariate analysis, increased risk of ILI was associated with female gender (odds ratio [OR]: 1.60 [confidence interval (CI): 1.25–2.05], P < 0.01), age (years) (OR: 1.01 [CI: 1.01–1.02], P < 0.01); and duration of travel (days) (OR: 1.01 [CI: 1.00–1.01], P < 0.01). Influenza-like illness is common in travelers, regardless of traveler characteristics, purpose of travel, destination, or season of year. Female gender, older age, and longer duration of travel were associated with an increased risk of ILI. Additional tools and strategies are needed to prevent ILI in international travelers.
Baseline Characterization of Dengue Epidemiology in Yogyakarta City, Indonesia, before a Randomized Controlled Trial of Wolbachia for Arboviral Disease Control
Authors: Indriani Citra , Ahmad Riris A. , Wiratama Bayu S. , Arguni Eggi , Supriyati Endah , Sasmono R. Tedjo , Kisworini Fita Yulia , Ryan Peter A. , O’Neill Scott L. , Simmons Cameron P. , Utarini Adi , Anders Katherine L.
Published: September 2018

Dengue is endemic in Indonesia. Here, we describe the epidemiology of dengue in the city of Yogyakarta, Central Java, as a prelude to implementation of a cluster-randomized trial of Wolbachia for the biocontrol of arboviral transmission. Surveillance records from 2006 to 2016 demonstrate seasonal oscillations of dengue incidence with varying magnitude. Two lines of evidence demonstrate a high force of infection; the hospitalized case burden of patients diagnosed with dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome over the last decade consisted predominantly of children/adolescents, and a serosurvey of 314 healthy children aged 1–10 years found 68% possessed dengue virus–neutralizing antibodies. Finally, a mobility survey indicated children aged 1–10 years, and particularly 1–5 year-olds, spent most of their daytime hours at home. These findings inform the design of clinical trials to measure the impact of novel vector control methods such as Wolbachia introgression into Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, by providing baseline data on disease incidence and identifying subpopulations for recruitment into prospective studies of dengue virus infection and disease. The mobility survey findings indicate that in cluster trials of interventions applied at the community level, young children can reasonably be expected to spend most of their exposure time, in epidemiological terms, within the treatment arm to which they were randomized.
Surveillance for Flaviviruses Near the Mexico–U.S. Border: Co-circulation of Dengue Virus Serotypes 1, 2, and 3 and West Nile Virus in Tamaulipas, Northern Mexico, 2014–2016
Authors: Laredo-Tiscareño S. Viridiana , Garza-Hernandez Javier A. , Salazar Ma Isabel , De Luna-Santillana Erick J. , Tangudu Chandra S. , Cetina-Trejo Rosa C. , Doria-Cobos Gloria L. , Carmona-Aguirre Santos Daniel , Garcia-Rejon Julian E. , Machain-Williams Carlos , Blitvich Bradley J. , Pérez Mario Alberto Rodríguez
Published: September 2018

A clinical, serological, and molecular investigation was performed to determine the presence of dengue virus (DENV) and other flaviviruses among residents of the city of Reynosa, Tamaulipas, on the Mexico–U.S. border in 2014–2016. The sample population consisted of 2,355 patients with suspected dengue, in addition to 346 asymptomatic individuals recruited during a household-based epidemiological investigation designed to identify flavivirus seroconversions. Sera were collected from patients with suspected dengue in the acute phase of illness and from asymptomatic individuals at enrollment and every 5–7 months for 19 months. Sera from suspected dengue patients were tested for DENV antigen by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and select antigen-positive sera were further tested using a serotype-specific, quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. Sera from the household cohort were tested for flavivirus-reactive antibodies by immunoglobulin (Ig) M and IgG ELISAs using DENV antigen. A total of 418 (17.7%) patients with suspected dengue had laboratory-confirmed DENV infections, including 82 patients who were positive for DENV RNA. The most frequently detected serotype was DENV-1 (61 patients), followed by DENV-2 (16 patients) and DENV-3 (five patients). A total of 217 (62.7%) asymptomatic individuals had flavivirus-reactive antibodies at enrollment, and nine flavivirus-naïve individuals seroconverted. Sera from a subset of dengue patients and household participants, including all those who seroconverted, were further tested by plaque reduction neutralization test, resulting in the detection of antibodies to DENV-1, DENV-2, and West Nile virus. In summary, we provide evidence for the co-circulation of multiple flaviviruses in Reynosa, Tamaulipas, on the Mexico–U.S. border.