bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Israeli Representatives' Use of and Attitudes Toward Web Applications
Authors: Akirav Osnat
Published: November 2017

In the last decade, there has been a major increase in the technology that enables representatives and voters to connect with one another. Representatives can use email, their political party's website, personal websites, Facebook, e-newsletters, weblogs and Twitter simultaneously to bypass the traditional political media. The author asks, what are the usage patterns of these web applications? What are the characteristics of the representatives who use these technologies? What are their attitudes about their use? Most previous studies have concentrated on one perspective (representatives or voters) or used one research method (questionnaires, interviews, hard data). This article is unique in that it combines several research methods: interviews with representatives regarding their attitudes toward the new technology and hard data from the Israeli Knesset's website regarding the MKs' use of web applications. The findings demonstrate that the Israeli representatives are no different than their colleagues in other parliaments. Young MKs and junior MKs are more likely to use web applications than older MKs and those with more seniority. However, coalition MKs use web applications differently than opposition MKs. Furthermore, the representatives have positive attitudes toward the use of web applications and consider them useful for communicating with the voters.
An Improved Approach of Block Matching Algorithm for Motion Vector Estimation
Authors: Kamble Shailesh D. , Khawase Sonam T. , Thakur Nileshsingh V. , Patharkar Akshay V.
Published: November 2017

Motion estimation has traditionally been used in video encoding only, however, it can also be used to solve various real-life problems. Nowadays, researchers from different fields are turning towards motion estimation. Motion estimation has become a serious problem in many video applications. It is a very important part of video compression technique and it provides improved bit rate reduction and coding efficiency. The process of motion estimation is used to improve compression quality and it also reduces computation time. Block-based motion estimation algorithms are used as they require less memory for processing of any video file. It also reduces the complexity involved in computations. In this article, various block-matching motion estimation algorithms are discussed such as Full search (FS) or Exhaust Search, Three-Step search (TSS), New Three-Step search (NTSS), Four-Step search (FSS), Diamond search (DS) etc.
Augmenting Classifiers Performance through Clustering
Authors: Kumar Sachin , Tiwari Prayag , Denis Kalitin Vladimirovich
Published: November 2017

Road and traffic accident data analysis are one of the prime interests in the present era. It does not only relate to the public health and safety concern but also associated with using latest techniques from different domains such as data mining, statistics, machine learning. Road and traffic accident data have different nature in comparison to other real-world data as road accidents are uncertain. In this article, the authors are comparing three different clustering techniques: latent class clustering (LCC), k-modes clustering and BIRCH clustering, on road accident data from an Indian district. Further, Naïve Bayes (NB), random forest (RF) and support vector machine (SVM) classification techniques are used to classify the data based on the severity of road accidents. The experiments validate that the LCC technique is more suitable to generate good clusters to achieve maximum classification accuracy.
The RoboESL Project
Authors: Moro Michele , Agatolio Francesca , Menegatti Emanuele
Published: November 2017

In this article, the authors summarize the development of the first half of curricula designed for the RoboESL project. They then give some more details about the second half of curricula. Through development, the authors adopted LEGO Mindstorms EV3 as an educational robotic platform, the curricula can be adapted to other platforms after some possible simplifications. Having a clear overall perspective of the project, one section of the paper is devoted to providing a comprehensive analysis and some remarks on the expected outcomes.
Preparation of Modified Fly Ash and its Adsorption Properties for U(VI) Uranium
Authors: Xie Xi , Zhou Shu Kui
Published: November 2017

The paper has taken a fly ash of power plant in southern China as the research object, in view of the fly ash were modified, the research of the modified fly ash on the experimental study of nuclide uranium adsorption of uranium tailings. A modified fly ash and B modified fly ash were prepared with a-zeolite while using Na2CO3 and NaOH as intercalated material respectively. By changing the pH, initial U(VI) ions concentration, temperature of environment, and contact time, the best conditions of adsorption was selected out. By comparing the properties of two different modified fly ash composites, it is not difficult to find that the theoretical adsorption capacity of U(VI) is higher and the removal rate of U(VI) is higher than that of U(VI). Therefore, modified fly ash B had a better adsorption performance.
Analysis of Thermal Insulation Material on Building Exterior Wall
Authors: Diao Jia Jiu , Liao Xin Qin , Diao Can Fa
Published: November 2017

The use of performance, application status and existing problems of organic and inorganic thermal insulation materials, which are commonly used in the external walls of the building, are described in detail in this paper. Organic thermal insulation materials with low thermal conductivity, good thermal insulation performance, but with the flammable, low fire rating, poor safety, then it needing for flame retardant treatment. However, Inorganic thermal insulation materials with flame retardant, high fire rating, good safety performance, but poor thermal insulation properties than the organic insulation materials, so it needs to develop a low thermal conductivity of inorganic insulation materials.In the end, we pointed out that the inorganic insulation materials with low thermal conductivity and excellent comprehensive properties are expected to be the first choice for building thermal insulation materials.
Estimation Model of Steel Waste Material: Verification on the Effectiveness of Multiple Regression Analysis
Authors: Che Hasan Asmawati , Yusof Zulkiflee , Nawi Nur Muizzah , Nasir Nazri , Mohd Noor Raja Nor Husna Raja , Ismail Herda Balqis
Published: November 2017

Construction industry is one of the most important sectors for the Malaysian economic growth where it remains as the fastest growing activity for several years. The issue of rapid country development which has positive influence of generating high construction waste is very commonly related to this industry. One of the major contributors of construction waste is steel. Steel is expensive and can contribute to overall project cost implication. Hence, the amount of steel waste needsto be quantifiedat the initial stage. Thus,steel waste quantification model is an important element to be considered for better waste management. By using the data collected in the Central region in Malaysia, an empirical model, Estimation Model of Steel Waste Material has been developed to estimate the amount of steel waste generation based on certain variables. This study aims to investigate and verify the effectiveness of the model by using the data collected from the Northern region in Malaysia. The value of the Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE), 23.02% indicates that the model performance is common and acceptable. Thus, the model has good potential to be adopted by the industry practitioners to plan a better and more effective waste management.
Experimental Simulation of Bridges Subjected by Moving Loads
Authors: Jun Zhang , Gou Ming Kang , Liang Chuan
Published: November 2017

The effect of bridge vibrationinduced bylive loads such as vehicles and pedestrians is an important factor of bridge fatigue damage. It takes much labor and material resource to perform vibration experiments on bridges subjected by real moving loads in field. In order to carry out laboratory experiments on bridges subjected by moving loads, a fixed load with harmonic vibration simulates a moving load on bridge in the beam theory. A simply supported bridge is considered in the present study. The dynamic responses of bridge under different loads are established by the analytic method. Amplitude and frequency of the simulated load are generated on the principle of equal displacements due to both a moving load and a fixed harmonic load impacting on a simply supported beam. Comparisons of numerical results of two types of load on the same beam indicate that the harmonic load can simulate a moving load effectively. It is possible that the field test on bridge can be carried out indoors.
Research on the Impact Mechanism of Organizational Culture on Project Performance in Construction Projects
Authors: Song Yu Ming , Wang Ya Qin , Le Yun
Published: November 2017

The existing literature shows that organizational culture has a significant impact on its performance. However, few studies probe into their relationship in the context of project. This study examines the impactmechanism of organization cultureon project performancethroughorganizational citizenship behavior (OCB) in the construction projects. A survey on 451 professionals served in the construction projects is conducted. The findings demonstrate that organizational culture influences project performance significantly. And clan culturehas greaterpositive effectsonproject performance than other three culture domains. The results also indicate OCB partially mediates the impact of organizationalcultureon project performance. These findings suggest that organizationalculture can be used by project managers as a lever to exert citizenship behaviors among project members and eventually improveproject performance. The managerialimplications are discussed.
Study on Design and Construction Technique of Recycled Concrete Curbs
Authors: Lan Zhi Jun , Zou Chuan Long , Chen Yan Yan , Liang Li Jun
Published: November 2017

A new type of recycled aggregate concrete curb is designed based on the strength comparison between the recycled concrete mixed with crushed brick masonry at an appropriate ratio with the ordinary concrete through a compression strength test. The result shows the compressive strength of this recycled concrete curb is not as good as that of ordinary concrete curb, so reinforcement measures have to be taken. The construction technique of the new designed recycled concrete curb is simple, environment-friendly and permeability, it is recommended for urban and rural roads subject to rainy weather.
Dynamic Response Analysis of RC Structures under Seismic Excitation Considering Strain Rate
Authors: Zhang Hao , Cao Guang Wei , Li Yong Qiang
Published: November 2017

Considering the effects of strain rate, the nonlinear dynamic response of two reinforced concrete(RC)structuresisstudied under seismic excitationsin this paper. Firstly, based on the model in a shaking table test, a three-dimensional finite element model of RC frame-shear wall structural model subjected to both horizontal and vertical component seismic excitations is established. The structural model is a three-story RC frame-shear wall structure, which consists of RC slabs, RC columns and transverse spandrel beams.Afringeframe is infilled by a RCshear wall.Then, According to the practice engineering, a multi-story RC frame structure is also established. Finally, the dynamic response of the structures is investigated using nonlinear seismic analytical method considering the effects of strain rate. These results may provide a reference for seismic design of RC structure.
The Analysis of Thermal Characteristics of Carbon Containing PET Surface Element According to the Area Density and Electrode Shape
Authors: Lee Min Sang , Kim Hong Gun , Ko Sang Cheol , Kim Eun Sook , Kim Ok Kyung , Jang Min Hwan , Kwac Lee Ku , Jeong Hun
Published: November 2017

The temperature uniformity of most carbon fiber is degraded on the entire area. Therefore, understanding the thermal characteristics based on surface density and electrode shape becomes necessary. In this paper, the samples were fabricated according to the area density of carbon fiber and polyethylene terephthalate (8.8 g/m2, 20.2 g/m2, 42.1 g/m2). Different voltages (2V, 4V, 6V) were applied on them and the image was taken using thermal camera. Initially, the samples were investigated for morphology and element characterization by SEM-EDAX of surface heating elements and found that increased area density resulted in increase in the number of carbon atoms and decrease in number of oxygen atoms. It was also found from sheet resistance test that area density has inverse proportional relation with sheet resistance. In addition to that, regardless of the shape of the electrode, the increase in area density leads to a rise in temperature. It also increased the range of the temperature variation. Therefore, the uniformity and temperature stability can be satisfied by securing the electrode part as wide as possible through uniform electrode shape. In case of homogeneous electrode type, the saturation time of maximum temperature was 270 seconds, and the loading time was longer than 70 seconds of the concentrated electrode type. Therefore, in order to satisfy the reference temperature (30°C~ 50°C), the required surface heating product should be manufactured with the area density of 20.2 g/m2 at a voltage applied around 6V or less.
Application Research on New Hydro-Style Turbulent Contact Scrubber
Authors: Li Yong , Li Yan Ping , Kong Ping , Wei Shu Yin , Zhang Qian , Fang Jian Jun
Published: November 2017

The new duster is used to remove the coal dust from the coal conveying system of thermal power plant. Many of plastic globules are filled into the duster. The water is sprayed from the upper of duster. The airflow of containing coal dust flows through the filler from bottom to top, and change to clean air. The application of the turbulent duster in the coal conveying system of the thermal power plant shows: the efficiency of dust collection is 99%. In particular, it can remove 67% of coal dust smaller than 5 microns. The duster adopts fully automatic control technology. The amount of water consumed is very low. It can be effectively used for coal conveying system of thermal power plant. After air purification with coal dust, the air quality meets the requirements of the health standard.
Design and Experiment Study on a New Type of Lubrication Simulation System for Thrust-Ball Bearing in Confined Space
Authors: Li Feng , Guo Feng , Liu Guan Gyuan , Gang Zhang
Published: November 2017

Many machine components work within an elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) regime. Unconfined space is widely used in EHL formulas for to evaluate film thickness, which is related to operating conditions and material properties. In classical theoretical EHL studies, film pressure matches the loading balance and the location of the lubricated components can be adjusted. In the present study, the lubrication performance is analyzed based on a confined space. A thrust ball bearing lubrication simulation system is designed and used to examine the relationship between velocity and film thickness. It was found that the central film thickness and minimum film thickness increased as entrainment velocity increased. Fluctuations in the film thickness curve were observed, which may have arisen from slight gap variations in the ball-plate contact area.
Research on the Effect of Deceptive Promotion’s Characteristics on Spillover Effect to Competing Online Stores
Authors: Xue Jiao Long , Hua Hai Yan , Yang Yang
Published: November 2017

Deceptive promotions occur frequently on Taobao Mall, Jd Mall and other net-shopping platforms, which not only affecting the focus online store, but also having favorable or adverse impact on other competing online stores, and cause spillover effect. From the perspective of mass and frequency, this paper used the scenario experiment method to explore the effect of deceptive promotion’s characteristics on negative spillover effect to other competing online stores. The study found that the higher the mass of deceptive promotion is, the stronger negative spillover effect of deceptive promotion from the focus online store to competing online stores is, and the higher the frequency of deceptive promotion is, the stronger negative spillover effect of deceptive promotion from the focus online store to competing online stores is. Frequency moderates the effect of mass on negative spillover effect to competing online stores; under the condition of low-frequency, there are not significant differences between high-mass group and low-mass group; under the condition of high-frequency, spillover effect of high-mass group was significantly stronger than that of low-mass group. In practice, this paper explains the effect of the characteristics of deceptive promotions on spillover effect, which provides valuable reference for competing online stores to predict spillover effect of deceptive promotion effectively.
Pedestrian Crowd Detection Based Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Infrared Imagery
Authors: Xiao Yong Hao , Zhen Hong
Published: November 2017

Human detection is a keyproblem in computer vision. Recently, some research has been focusing on the detection ofpedestrianusing infrared images. The infrared images have outstanding merit. It depends only on object's temperature, but not on color or texture. In this paper, the pedestrian crowd detection approach is proposed. The approach is compose of ROI blocks extraction and crowd block recognition. ROI blocks can be extracted with circle gradient operator and weighted geometric filtering. Crowd blocks are recognized by support vector machine, which combines histogram of oriented gradient and circle gradient. The experimental results show thatthe approach works effectively in different scenes.
Quadratic Processing of Web Service Data
Authors: Wu Jia Ju , Zheng Chui Fang , Li Gong Liang , Zheng Cheng , Liu Zheng Ji , Yu Rong
Published: November 2017

Web service based information integration scenario can achieve the functional integration of heterogeneous platforms. However, the information sharing also requires the integration of Web services data. Based on the analysis of the characteristics of XML, this paper studies the web service data quadratic processing of heterogeneous platform. It realizes the data integration based on the functional integration of heterogeneous platforms. All the data of web services are defined and described by XML Schema. So this study uses XML data binding technology to achieve the conversion of XML Schema data to relational database content objects. Then XML mapping technology is adapted to achieve the mapping of the database content object on the local specific database table. Local system can achieve the quadratic web service data processing based on the database table’s normal operation. Some applications are described to validate.
Effect of the Citric Acid as Blowing Agent on the Compressive Properties and Morphology of PLA/ENR Blend Foams
Authors: Ouipanich Sumate , Kaisone Thiti , Hanthanon Pran , Wiphanurat Chanon , Thongjun Yupawan , Nampitch Tarinee
Published: November 2017

The effect of a blowing agents that affected Polylactic acid (PLA) and Epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) the blowing agents composed of citric acid (CA) and sodium hydrogen carbonate (NaHCO3) mixing by twin screw extruder with co-rotation screw. The properties of biodegradable foams were investigated. Blended foams of all composition were prepared by using compression molding at 200°C using different proportions of PLA, ENR, CA and NaHCO3. Mechanical properties of the samples were characterized by using universal testing machine. Thermal properties including Glass transition temperature (Tg), crystallization temperature (Tc) and melting temperature (Tm) were examined by using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Physical properties including morphology and density of blended foams were also investigated and morphological properties were studied with a scanning electron microscope (SEM).
Fabrication of Sodium-Substituted Hydroxyapatite Ceramics via Ultrasonic Spray-Pyrolysis Route and their Material Properties
Authors: Yokota Tomohiro , Ito Rina , Shimizu Yusuke , Honda Michiyo , Aizawa Mamoru
Published: November 2017

Biological apatite presented in bone and teeth of mammals contains various ions in trace levels. Substitution of the ions into hydroxyapatite (HAp) can ensure higher bioactivity compared with stoichiometric HAp. It is known that sodium (Na) has been detected as an abundant trace element next to the presence of calcium and phosphorous in natural bone. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of substitution of Na on material properties of the HAp ceramics. Therefore, we have synthesized the sodium-substituted hydroxyapatite (NaAp) ceramics without carbonate ions by an ultrasonic spray-pyrolysis (USSP) technique. The USSP technique can obtain the desired powder by directly heating droplets of a sample solution with the target composition. Both NaAp powders with (Ca+Na)/P ratios of 1.67, 1.72 and 1.77 and their ceramics did not contain carbonate ions, and HAp single phase was maintained even after sintering. It was revealed that the substitution of Na enhanced the sinterability of HAp ceramics and improved the apatite-forming ability.
Algorithms for Clinical Indications of Bone Substitutes - Component of Training in Orthopaedic Surgery
Authors: Nagea Mihail , Lupescu Olivera , Popescu Gheorghe Ion , Antoniac Iulian Vasile
Published: November 2017

Modern traumatology is characterised by increasingly severe injuries, with significant soft tissue and bone loss; therefore, restoration of functional anatomy regards bone filling with proper bone integration, and otherwise surgical reconstruction is useless. Therefore, orthopaedic surgeons must have not only surgical skills, but thorough knowledge about the properties and indications of bone substitutes, which can improve surgical results in treating especially comminuted fractures. Integrating the clinical experience from a Level 1 Trauma Centre with didactic principles, and using e-learning as an educational tool, this paper refers to establishing an algorithm of clinical indications of bone substitutes in orthopaedic surgery and to introducing it into the educational process of orthopaedic trainees, as a component of vocational training.
Effect of Octacalcium Phosphate-Based Bone Substitute Materials on Oriented Bone Regeneration
Authors: Suzuki Osamu , Anada Takahisa
Published: November 2017

The characteristics and the biological responses of octacalcium phosphate (OCP) crystals, obtained in the presence of natural polymers, were summarized based on our studies reported. OCP obtained with collagen molecules in the solution had a plate-like morphology while OCP obtained with gelatin molecules in the solution exhibited elongated morphology toward long axis of the crystals. Oriented bone matrix formation was observed by the OCP inclusion in gelatin sponge in a critical-sized rat calvaria defect within the implantation periods around 8 weeks. It seems likely that specific crystal property of OCP obtained in distinct preparation conditions may affect bone tissue response probably through the modulation of OCP crystal characteristics.
Evaluation of Carbonate Apatite Cement in Inducing Formation of Reparative Dentin in Exposed Dental Pulp
Authors: Zakaria Myrna Nurlatifah , Pauziah Nisa Fitriani Nurul , Sabirin Indah Puti , Cahyanto Arief
Published: November 2017

Carbonate apatite (CO3Ap) cement is a biocompatible material with the ability to induce osteogenesis and is widely studied as the bone substitute material. The similarity of bone to tooth structure in their organic and inorganic composition offers a good prospect of the application of CO3Ap for regeneration of dentin and pulp tissue repair. This study is a sequel of the previous study in the development of CO3Ap cement for dental application, particularly in pulp capping treatment. In this study, the CO3Ap cement is used to cover an exposed dental pulp in rats and histological evaluation was carried out to evaluate the formation of reparative dentin, which is one of the signs of positive pulp capping treatment outcome. The CO3Ap cement was made by combining 60% dicalcium phosphate anhydrous (DCPA) and 40% vaterite with 1 mol/L Na2HPO4 aqueous solution at liquid to powder ratio of 0.5 and conventional calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2], which is the golden standard for pulp capping material was used for control. The coronal part of dental pulp in Wistar Rat was exposed with a small dental bur until bleeding were visible. The CO3Ap cement was applied to the exposed pulp and covered with light cured glass ionomer cement. The same protocol was applied to the control groups using Ca(OH)2. The Evaluation of formation of reparative dentin was done in 3 weeks after application by histological observation. Reparative dentin was histologically visible for all samples in CO3Ap group, as well as in the Ca(OH)2 groups. None of the dental pulps were necrotic and the pulp showed no heavy chronic inflammation. The CO3Ap cement was able to maintain the vitality of the pulp with no sign of chronic inflammation. The formation of reparative dentin was observable in 3 weeks of evaluation. Investigation on other properties and in vivo studies in different types of perforation and animal are to be carried out for further development of this material in dental application.
Fabrication of Carbonate Apatite Cement as Endodontic Sealer
Authors: Cahyanto Arief , Megasari Elfira , Zakaria Myrna Nurlatifah , Djustiana Nina , Sunarso  , Usri Kosterman , Aripin Dudi , Tjahayawati Sri , Mariam Marry Siti , Widyaputra Sebastian Sunardhi
Published: November 2017

Carbonate Apatite (CO3Ap) cement has been widely used for bone substitute. It is known that CO3Ap crystals have the close composition to natural bone. It is expected that CO3Ap cement may play an essential role in endodontics treatment, particularly as an endodontic sealer due to its potential to obturate root canal system to a more hermetic and stable environment. Therefore, the aim of this study is to fabricate CO3Ap cement as a new material for endodontic sealer. The CO3Ap cement sealer was prepared by mixing dicalcium phosphate anhydrous (DCPA), vaterite and calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] with 0.2 mol/L Na2HPO4 containing 1% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (NaCMC) and 32 µg thymoquinone, with liquid to powder ratio of 0.6. The set cement was incubated at 37°C under 100% relative humidity for 72 h. In this study, five compositions of powder ratio were prepared. The diametral tensile strength (DTS) evaluation indicated that CO3Ap cement made of 60% DCPA, 30% Vaterite and 10% Ca(OH)2 has the highest mechanical strength compared with the other compositions. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of the set cement with the highest DTS value indicated that CO3Ap crystals were successfully formed. The set cement with the highest DTS value showed the highest density compared with the other compositions evidenced from scanning electron microscope (SEM) images. In conclusion, the CO3Ap cement was successfully fabricated by mixing DCPA, vaterite and Ca(OH)2. The CO3Ap cement prepared from 60% DCPA, 30% Vaterite and 10% Ca(OH)2 demonstrated the highest DTS value compared with the other compositions.
Biomimetic Crystalline Calcium Phosphate Coatings on Bioabsorbable Magnesium Alloy
Authors: Watanabe Shin , Yabutsuka Takeshi , Takai Shigeomi
Published: November 2017

Bioabsorbable magnesium (Mg) alloy was anodized in 1.0 M NaOH solution to improve the corrosion resistance. Then the anodized Mg alloy was immersed in an aqueous solution with three times of Ca2+ and HPO42- and lower Na+ and Cl- in comparison with those of conventional SBF. The whole surface of Mg alloy was successfully coated with plate-like apatite within 1 day. The thickness of apatite layer formed on Mg alloy was about 7 μm.
Sacroiliac Pain: A Clinical Approach for the Neurosurgeon
Authors: Moscote-Salazar Luis Rafael , Alvis-Miranda Hernando Raphael , Joaquim Andrei Fernandes , Amaya-Quintero Jessica , Padilla-Zambrano Huber S. , Agrawal Amit
Published: November 2017

Pain originating from sacroiliac joint may also cause pain in the lumbar and gluteal region in 15% of the population. The clinical manifestation represents a public health problem due to the great implications on the quality of life and health-related costs. However, this is a diagnosis that is usually ignored in the general clinical practice; probably because of the unknown etiology, making harder to rule out the potential etiologies of this pathology, or maybe because the clinical criteria that support this pathology are unknown. By describing several diagnostic techniques, many authors have studied the prevalence of this pathology, finding more positive data than expected; coming to the conclusion that even though there is no diagnostic gold standard yet, an important amount of cases might be detected by properly applying several tests at the physical examination. Thus, it is necessary to have knowledge of the physiopathology and clinical presentation so that diagnosis can be made to those patients that manifest this problem. We present a clinical approach for the neurosurgeon.
Cranioplasty Using Autoclaved Autologous Skull Bone Flaps Preserved at Ambient Temperature
Authors: Anto Dominic , Manjooran Raju Paul , Aravindakshan Rajeev , Lakshman Kumar , Morris Raymond
Published: November 2017

Context: Decompressive craniectomy followed by cranioplasty (CP) uses autologous craniectomy flaps or synthetic materials like titanium. Sterilization and preservation methods for the autologous bone flaps continue to be the surgeon's choice. Aim: This study aimed to assess the short-term as well as long-term clinical outcomes of CP using autoclaved autologous bone grafts. Settings and Design: This retrospective observational study was performed on patients admitted in a tertiary care teaching neurosurgery department. Patients and Methods: Seventy-two patients who underwent CP with autoclaved autologous skull flaps preserved under ambient conditions with strict aseptic precautions were included in the study. Statistical Analysis Used: Frequencies and percentages of the various characteristics before and after the surgery were tabulated. Continuous variables were summarized as means and standard deviations. Results: The primary CP had a satisfactory clinical outcome in 62 cases (86.11%). Osteomyelitis was observed in four patients (5.56%) nearly 2 months after the surgery. Radiologically significant bone resorption was noted in a single patient (1.39%) after 1 year. Five patients (6.94%) developed bone fragmentation or fracture, and the mean time taken for this was about 36 months. In all these ten cases, secondary CP was successfully done using a prefabricated, patient-specific titanium mesh. Conclusions: The efficacy and safety of the studied craniectomy flaps used for cranial reconstruction showed a good patient outcome. Further retrospective studies with larger cohorts and prospective case–control studies are essential so as to issue standard guidelines for sterilization and preservation of autologous bone flaps.
The time-periodic unfolding operator and applications to parabolic homogenization
Authors: Amar Micol , Andreucci Daniele , Bellaveglia Dario
Published: November 2017

We apply the method of periodic unfolding to a classical homogenization problem for a parabolic equation. With respect to previous literature, we allow for capacity-like coefficients in the diffusion equation oscillating both in space and time, with general independent scales. Our approach relies upon a generalization of the unfolding technique to the time-periodic case.
Newton’s aerodynamic for non-convex bodies
Authors: Mainini Edoardo , Monteverde Manuel , Oudet Édouard , Percivale Danilo
Published: November 2017

We characterize the solution to the Newton minimal resistance problem in a specific class of hollow profiles, satisfying a

q

-concavity condition. We treat two-dimensional bodies and radially symmetric three-dimensional bodies.
Comparación entre Rectificador Trifásico con Conmutación Simétrica y Convertidor AC/AC para la Mejora del Factor de Potencia en Microcentrales Hidroeléctricas
Authors: Bory Prevez Henry , Martínez García Herminio , Vázquez Seisdedos Luís , Chang Mumañ Francisco , Enríquez García Lorenzo Alfredo
Published: November 2017

Muchas de las microcentrales hidroeléctricas, útiles por la producción de electricidad en regiones de difícil acceso, operan en régimen autónomo, por lo que es necesario realizar la regulación de frecuencia de la tensión generada. Una vía de regular frecuencia es variando la potencia disipada en cargas balastros mediante convertidores AC-AC. Estos convertidores consumen potencia reactiva, empeorando el factor de potencia a la salida del generador. Sin embargo, una alternativa para evitar el empeoramiento del factor de potencia, es el empleo de un rectificador trifásico a diodos tipo puente con interruptor, en serie con la carga, conmutado con ángulo simétrico. El objetivo del presente artículo es comparar dicho rectificador mencionado y el convertidor de AC-AC, esquema más empleado actualmente, respecto a parámetros de interés como es el factor de potencia a la salida del generador eléctrico de las microcentrales hidroeléctricas que regulan frecuencia por el método de carga lastre.
Stalagmite-inferred abrupt climate change of Asian Summer Monsoon at MIS 5a/4 transition
Authors: Jiang Xiuyang , He Yaoqi , Wang Xiaoyan , Dong Jinguo , Li Zhizhong , Shen Chuan-Chou
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The Greenland Interstadial 21 (GIS 21), one of the longest warm events during the last glacial, occurred in conjunction with the transition from marine isotope stages (MIS) 5a to 4. Precise determination of the timing and duration of this event can improve our understanding of hydroclimatic connection between low and high latitudes over this MIS boundary. Facilitated by a robust chronology with closely spaced U-Th ages, replicated sub-decadal-resolved δ18O records of two stalagmites from Sanxing Cave, Southwest China, express Asian Summer Monsoon (ASM) history from 79.0 ± 0.2 to 75.7 ± 0.2 thousand years before present (kyr BP, before AD 1950) to reveal detailed structure of MIS 5a/4 transition and Chinese Interstadial (CIS) 21. The composited Sanxing record is characterized with three centennial-scale strong monsoon peaks and a 700-yr-long weak monsoon period within the CIS 21 rebound-type event, concurrent with its counterpart of Greenland Interstadial 21 (GIS 21). This strong resemblance suggests a rapid atmospheric teleconnection between the North Atlantic and the ASM regions. The transition at the termination of the Chinese Interstadial (CIS) 21 is determined to be from 77.0 ± 0.2 to 76.6 ± 0.2 kyr BP with a mid-point at 76.8 ± 0.2 kyr BP, which is 0.5–1.0 kyr younger than the correspondent of the end of GIS 21 on GICC05modelext and AICC2012 timescales. Given its high accuracy, our Sanxing Cave chronology can become one of the potential references for chronological refinement for ice-core records.
La religión como criterio de identidad en la Grecia clásica
Authors: Cardete del Olmo Mª Cruz
Published: November 2017

Aunque existe una inmensa variabilidad en el conjunto de rasgos empleados por cada pueblo para construir su identidad, lo cierto es que la lengua y la religión son dos de los más repetidos y, por ello, se les suele considerar más importantes para la autodefinición de grupo y menos proclives al cambio que otros, especialmente en el mundo griego antiguo. Este artículo se centra en analizar la relevancia de la religión como criterio a la hora de configurar las identidades griegas antiguas, mostrando en tres niveles (panhelénico, subhelénico y cívico) que la religión no es un criterio homogéneo de helenicidad. A veces separa a griegos, otras veces los une; a veces se encuentra en el centro del debate, otras, en la periferia. Así pues, su importancia e incidencia depende de los contextos históricos y sus vaivenes.
Cambios y pervivencias en la democracia siracusana a mediados del siglo IV a.C.
Authors: Sánchez Domínguez Víctor
Published: November 2017

Tradicionalmente se ha entendido la expulsión de Dionisio II de Siracusa como el inicio de un proceso de cambio orientado hacia la implantación de un sistema democrático en dicha polis que posteriormente se exportó al resto de poleis de tradición helena de Sicilia. El estudio de este sistema de gobierno, en comparación con los que le precedieron, nos permite el cuestionamiento de la visión democrática defendida tradicionalmente por los especialistas de este proceso y nos muestra una serie de pautas más similares a los gobiernos de los Dinoménidas y los Dionisios que a los ordenamientos republicanos precedentes.
Pu(blia) Fulvia Plautilla Augusta. Consideraciones acerca del praenomen de la emperatriz
Authors: González Fernández Rafael
Published: November 2017

En este trabajo pretendemos demostrar que no hay razones suficientes para considerar que Fulvia Plautilla, hija del prefecto del pretorio Caius Fulvius Plautianus, pudiera portar el praenomen Publia, ya que sólo está atestiguado por algunas monedas de la ceca de Tomis, en Moesia Inferior. Hay que considerar los errores cometidos con bastante frecuencia en las acuñaciones de las cecas orientales. Concretamente en algunas monedas de las ciudades de Thyateira y Acrasus, ambas en Lidia, recibe el cognomen Plautiana. Con respecto al praenomen Iusta que aparece en algunas publicaciones, al menos desde 1767, no hay testimonios coetáneos que atestigüen dicho uso.
Líderes alternativos en la "Epístola de Judas". Una lectura histórica
Authors: Agustín Spléndido Mariano
Published: November 2017

La Epístola de Judas, escrito cristiano de inicios del siglo II d.C., contiene una dura crítica a ciertos miembros de la comunidad que están ejerciendo una influencia creciente. Si bien se ha intentado ver en estos personajes a creyentes desordenados y licenciosos, incluso de tinte gnóstico, nuestra propuesta se orienta a comprender la Epístola de Judas como representante de un cristianismo opositor a la emergente jerarquía local. Esta hipótesis la sostendremos a partir de un análisis de los términos con que el autor designa a sus oponentes, que confrontaremos con la Ascensión de Isaías y las cartas de Ignacio de Antioquía. La Ascensión de Isaías, documento también proveniente del área de Siria, coincide en muchos aspectos con nuestra epístola en cuestión; Ignacio exalta la conducción episcopal y describe a los jerarcas de la comunidad con ciertas características que se estarían oponiendo explícitamente a lo que se propone en la Epístola de Judas.
Los espacios verdes en la ciudad sostenible
Authors: Contreras Rojas María José
Published: November 2017

En el presente artículo se analiza la introducción de la noción de desarrollo sostenible en el ordenamiento jurídico y político chileno, particularmente en el ámbito de la planificación territorial de los espacios verdes urbanos.
Instrumentos urbanísticos al servicio del medio ambiente
Authors: Paniagua Marchena Esteban
Published: November 2017

Es indiscutible que las ciudades son las zonas geográficas que, debido a las mayores oportunidades que ofrecen en cuanto a posibilidades de empleo, así como servicios de educación y salud, concentran una mayor densidad demográfica. Estas grandes concentraciones de población, demandan cada vez una mayor cantidad de bienes y servicios, lo cual implica a su vez que las actividades productivas desarrolladas para proporcionar esos bienes y servicios, generen importantes impactos ambientales que deben ser mitigados. En este sentido, el reto actual del urbanismo consiste en integrar el desarrollo sostenible y la conservación de los recursos naturales, dentro de la planificación de los espacios urbanos, que actualmente se encuentran saturados de ruido, y contaminación. Sin lugar a dudas, el adecuado y oportuno empleo de instrumentos de planificación urbanística, puede generar herramientas efectivas para controlar problemas fundamentales en materia de gestión de aguas, residuos sólidos y movilidad urbana, propiciando que los habitantes de la ciudad puedan tener servicios más eficientes y con ello una mejor calidad de vida.
Modelos de Desarrollo y Medio Ambiente: Estudio de Caso de la Ciudad de Madrid. Reflexiones sobre una Ciudad en Curso
Authors: Sotelo Pérez Ignacio
Published: November 2017

El presente trabajo tiene la finalidad de mostrar de un modo parcial y general el Modelo de Desarrollo y organización territorial, de la ciudad urbana del Madrid actual. Ciudad entendida en este estudio, a través de dos acepciones. Por un lado, vista desde una perspectiva histórica, es decir, el reflejo de la historia en sus calles, historia que, sin lugar a duda, y, más haya de los itinerarios turísticos, tan solo podemos intuir en el trazado de alguna de sus avenidas, edificios de tradición histórica, asentamiento,…, que conformaría, con el paso de los años, los distintos planos antiguos como, por ejemplo, el plano viejo de Texeira. Por otro lado, la ciudad que actualmente pisamos es la esencia viva de los procesos constructivos que componen los periodos que van de finales de los años cuarenta hasta la actualidad, es decir, la ciudad con la que ahora nos encontramos es la plasmación práctica de la ley al territorio. Un territorio, sobre el que se ha ido asentando el plano actual de una urbe moderna y contemporánea, que ha alcanzado su consolidación normativa e institucional en la literalidad del Titulo Preliminar de nuestra Carta Magna, en donde el constituyente del setenta y ocho reafirmó como capital del Estado Democrático “la villa de Madrid” ubicando en ella, aunque no de modo imperativo, las instituciones fundamentales de la ya no tanto, joven democracia. Desarrollo y organización del territorio que ha dejado honda huella sobre el Medio Ambiente y en donde la relación Estado, mercado e intervención de los poderes públicos ha configurado un trazado que se ha ido construyendo en una realidad cada vez más, de carácter global.
The Effect of Regional Characteristics on Type of Crime and Crime Report Calls
Authors: Kim Hyun Soo , Lee Julak
Published: November 2017

Given a sample of criminal activities in South Korea, the following assessment focuses on 112 reports requesting government assistance concentrated in certain area at a specific time. Analysis of the aforementioned incident reports highlight the strategic placement of police patrols in crime vulnerable areas where they are reported play a critical role towards crime prevention. As such, this study analyzed the regional characteristics of each district based on metrics provided by the National Police Agency. Regression analysis performed on this hypothesis yielded the following results. First - analyzing the effects of regional characteristics regarding major crimes and other crimes - the regional characteristics of lodging facilities, educational institutions, financial institutions, public facilities, karaoke bars, and foreign residents showed a positive effect. Second - as a consequence of analyzing the effects of regional characteristics on report code considering the urgency level of the incidents - the regional characteristics of lodging facilities, entertainment pubs, educational institutions, financial institutions, public facilities, and foreign residents showed a positive effect. Lastly, this study analyzed the connection between 112 report codes with crime types, in addition their causal effects, proved to be significant.
Parametric and Semiparametric Estimations of Bivariate Truncated Type I Generalized Logistic Models driven from Copulas
Authors: Baharith Lamya A
Published: November 2017

Truncated type I generalized logistic distribution has been used in a variety of applications. In this article, a new bivariate truncated type I generalized logistic (BTTGL) distributional models driven from three different copula functions are introduced. A study of some properties is illustrated. Parametric and semiparametric methods are used to estimate the parameters of the BTTGL models. Maximum likelihood and inference function for margin estimates of the BTTGL parameters are compared with semiparametric estimates using real data set. Further, a comparison between BTTGL, bivariate generalized exponential and bivariate exponentiated Weibull models is conducted using Akaike information criterion and the maximized log-likelihood. Extensive Monte Carlo simulation study is carried out for different values of the parameters and different sample sizes to compare the performance of parametric and semiparametric estimators based on relative mean square error.
Weed Interference and Control in Cowpea Production: A Review
Authors: Adewale Osipitan O.
Published: November 2017

In spite of the great economic potential of cowpea as both domestic and commercial crop, a number of constraints, which include insect pests, diseases and weeds, limits its production in West and many parts of Africa. Weeds reduced cowpea yield and value by competing for light, water and nutrients. Cowpea suffers from weeds particularly when the crop is in the early growth stages before ground cover. Yield losses cause by weeds alone in cowpea production can be as high as 76% depending on the cowpea cultivar, environment and weed management practices. A timely weed removal at the critical period, which falls within the first 40 days of cowpea growth, would help to prevent an unacceptable yield. Weed management in cowpea has been with low technology. Hand weeding is the most widely used weed control method in cowpea but they are usually expensive and labour intensive. Cultural practices such as narrow row spacing and planting of early maturing varieties are also used for weed control in cowpea. Herbicides, which are relatively easy to use and less expensive, have not been widely adopted for weed control in cowpea. There are limited number of selective herbicides with wide spectrum for weed control in cowpea. However, an integrated practices that involved pre-emergence weed control using herbicides or physical weeding, and a supplementary weed removal that would ensure weed control up to 40 days after cowpea emergence could substantially prevent yield losses associated with weed interference.
Crude and Adjusted Prevalence of Sleep Complaints in Mexico City
Authors: Jiménez-Genchi Alejandro , Caraveo-Anduaga Jorge
Published: November 2017

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the crude prevalence rates of several sleep complaints and the prevalence for each one adjusted for the coexistence of symptoms in other sleep domains in a representative sample of adult individuals from Mexico City.

METHODS: A probabilistic sample of 1933 adult individuals living in Mexico City was surveyed using fourteen questions of the Sleep Disorders Questionnaire to assess sleep-related symptoms and sleep complaints. Estimates of crude prevalence rates for each sleep disturbance and adjusted for a score ≥ the 80th. percentile in the questionnaire were calculated.

RESULTS: The following prevalence rates were found: insomnia 39.7%; excessive diurnal sleepiness (EDS) 20.9%; obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (EDS plus snoring) 7.7%; habitual snoring 9.9%; restless legs syndrome (RLS) 4.4%; narcolepsy 0.9%; sleep paralysis (SP) 13.2%; and hypnotic use 1.2%. When prevalence rates were calculated accounting for symptoms in other sleep domains, notable reductions were observed in complaints of insomnia (17.3%), EDS (10.3%), and SP (8.7%), while minor decreases were observed for complaints of snoring (7.4%), OSAS (5%), and RLS (3.8%); narcolepsy prevalence practically did not change (0.9%).

CONCLUSIONS: Sleep complaints are highly prevalent in Mexican adult population. More than a half of the individuals with a given sleep disturbance have a global sleep deterioration associated to psychosocial and health impairments.