bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parallel Single and Multiple Objectives Genetic Algorithms
Authors: Mishra B. S. P. , Dehuri S. , Mall R. , Ghosh A.
Published: February 2013

This paper critically reviews the reported research on parallel single and multi-objective genetic algorithms. Many early efforts on single and multi-objective genetic algorithms were introduced to reduce the processing time needed to reach an acceptable solution. However, some parallel single and multi-objective genetic algorithms converged to better solutions as compared to comparable sequential single and multiple objective genetic algorithms. The authors review several representative models for parallelizing single and multi-objective genetic algorithms. Further, some of the issues that have not yet been studied systematically are identified in the context of parallel single and parallel multi-objective genetic algorithms. Finally, some of the potential applications of parallel multi-objective GAs are discussed.
Experimental Study on Recent Advances in Differential Evolution Algorithm
Authors: Jeyakumar G. , Shanmugavelayutham C.
Published: February 2013

The Differential Evolution (DE) is a well known Evolutionary Algorithm (EA), and is popular for its simplicity. Several novelties have been proposed in research to enhance the performance of DE. This paper focuses on demonstrating the performance enhancement of DE by implementing some of the recent ideas in DE’s research viz. Dynamic Differential Evolution (dDE), Multiple Trial Vector Differential Evolution (mtvDE), Mixed Variant Differential Evolution (mvDE), Best Trial Vector Differential Evolution (btvDE), Distributed Differential Evolution (diDE) and their combinations. The authors have chosen fourteen variants of DE and six benchmark functions with different modality viz. Unimodal Separable, Unimodal Nonseparable, Multimodal Separable, and Multimodal Nonseparable. On analyzing distributed DE and mixed variant DE, a novel mixed-variant distributed DE is proposed whereby the subpopulations (islands) employ different DE variants to cooperatively solve the given problem. The competitive performance of mixed-variant distributed DE on the chosen problem is also demonstrated. The variants are well compared by their mean objective function values and probability of convergence.
Differential Operators Embedded Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm
Authors: Sharma Tarun Kumar , Pant Millie
Published: February 2013

Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) is one of the most recent nature inspired (NIA) algorithms based on swarming metaphor. Proposed by Karaboga in 2005, ABC has proven to be a robust and efficient algorithm for solving global optimization problems over continuous space. However, it has been observed that the structure of ABC is such that it supports exploration more in comparison to exploitation. In order to maintain a balance between these two antagonist factors, this paper suggests incorporation of differential evolution (DE) operators in the structure of basic ABC algorithm. The proposed algorithm called DE-ABC is validated on a set of 10 benchmark problems and the numerical results are compared with basic DE and basic ABC algorithm. The numerical results indicate that the presence of DE operators help in a significant improvement in the performance of ABC algorithm.
Recursive Learning of Genetic Algorithms with Task Decomposition and Varied Rule Set
Authors: Fang Lei , Guan Sheng-Uei , Zhang Haofan
Published: February 2013

Rule-based Genetic Algorithms (GAs) have been used in the application of pattern classification (Corcoran & Sen, 1994), but conventional GAs have weaknesses. First, the time spent on learning is long. Moreover, the classification accuracy achieved by a GA is not satisfactory. These drawbacks are due to existing undesirable features embedded in conventional GAs. The number of rules within the chromosome of a GA classifier is usually set and fixed before training and is not problem-dependent. Secondly, conventional approaches train the data in batch without considering whether decomposition solves the problem. Thirdly, when facing large-scale real-world problems, GAs cannot utilise resources efficiently, leading to premature convergence. Based on these observations, this paper develops a novel algorithmic framework that features automatic domain and task decomposition and problem-dependent chromosome length (rule number) selection to resolve these undesirable features. The proposed Recursive Learning of Genetic Algorithm with Task Decomposition and Varied Rule Set (RLGA) method is recursive and trains and evolves a team of learners using the concept of local fitness to decompose the original problem into sub-problems. RLGA performs better than GAs and other related solutions regarding training duration and generalization accuracy according to the experimental results.
Intravenous anaesthesia in goats: A review
Authors: Dzikiti T. Brighton
Published: February 2013

Intravenous anaesthesia is gradually becoming popular in veterinary practice. Traditionally, general anaesthesia is induced with intravenous drugs and then maintained with inhalation agents. Inhalation anaesthetic agents cause more significant dose-dependent cardiorespiratory depression than intravenous anaesthetic drugs, creating a need to use less of the inhalation anaesthetic agents for maintenance of general anaesthesia by supplementing with intravenous anaesthesia drugs. Better still, if anaesthesia is maintained completely with intravenous anaesthetic drugs, autonomic functions remain more stable intra-operatively. Patient recovery from anaesthesia is smoother and there is less pollution of the working environment than happens with inhalation anaesthetic agents. Recently, a number of drugs with profiles (pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic) suitable for prolonged intravenous anaesthesia have been studied, mostly in humans and, to a certain extent, in dogs and horses. There is currently very little scientific information on total intravenous anaesthesia in goats, although, in the past few years, some scholarly scientific articles on drugs suitable for partial intravenous anaesthesia in goats have been published. This review article explored the information available on drugs that have been assessed for partial intravenous anaesthesia in goats, with the aim of promoting incorporation of these drugs into total intravenous anaesthesia protocols in clinical practice. That way, balanced anaesthesia, a technique in which drugs are included in anaesthetic protocols for specific desired effects (hypnosis, analgesia, muscle relaxation, autonomic stabilisation) may be utilised in improving the welfare of goats undergoing general anaesthesia.
Maternal transmission of human papillomavirus in retinoblastoma: A possible route of transfer
Authors: Bhuvaneswari Anand , Pallavi V R , Jayshree R S , Kumar Rekha V
Published: February 2013

Context: After establishing the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) in retinoblastoma (RB), the probable role of the mother was investigated. Materials and Methods: A total of 21 sporadic RB cases and 15/21 corresponding mothers′ cervical brushings were collected. HPV testing was carried out using multiplex PCR (PGMY09/11 primers) followed by genotyping using line blot assay. Results: We found both high- (83%) and intermediate-risk (17%) HPV types in 12/21 (57%) RB samples and only high-risk (100%) types in 6/15 (40%) cervical brushing samples. The single genotype of HPV 16 was found in six cases and HPVs 82, 68 and 35 in one case each. Both HPVs 16 and 59 were found in two cases and HPV 16 and 73 in one case. Three samples of RB harboring HPV 16, HPVs 16 and 59, and HPVs 16 and 73 had HPV genotype 16 in the respective mothers′ cervical brushing samples. Conclusions: Maternal transfer of HPV in RB could be a possible route of transmission. However, a larger cohort and sampling of the mothers′ cervical brushings at various stages, i.e. before, during, and after pregnancy will give us insight to propound an alternate mechanism for the development of sporadic RB.
Imaging spectrum of primary malignant renal neoplasms in children
Authors: Anand Rama , Narula Mahender K , Gupta Isha , Chaudhary Vikas , Choudhury Subhasis Roy , Jain Manjula
Published: February 2013

Wilms′ tumor (WT) is the most common abdominal tumor in children. Many pediatric renal tumors in the past were categorized as WT; however, in recent years, several specific renal tumors have been recognized as distinct pathological entities. The age and clinical presentation of the child and distinctive imaging features may help in reaching a specific diagnosis in most cases. This is important as it has implications on the pre-operative diagnostic work-up and prognosis of the child. However, it is often not possible to differentiate one from the other pediatric renal tumor on the basis of imaging alone, and the final diagnosis is often made at histological examination of the surgical specimen. This article reviews the imaging features of primary malignant renal neoplasms in children along with their clinical presentation and pathological features.
Classification of Tumor Samples from Expression Data Using Decision Trunks
Authors: Ulfenborg Benjamin , Klinga-Levan Karin , Olsson Björn
Published: February 2013

We present a novel machine learning approach for the classification of cancer samples using expression data. We refer to the method as “decision trunks,” since it is loosely based on decision trees, but contains several modifications designed to achieve an algorithm that: (1) produces smaller and more easily interpretable classifiers than decision trees; (2) is more robust in varying application scenarios; and (3) achieves higher classification accuracy. The decision trunk algorithm has been implemented and tested on 26 classification tasks, covering a wide range of cancer forms, experimental methods, and classification scenarios. This comprehensive evaluation indicates that the proposed algorithm performs at least as well as the current state of the art algorithms in terms of accuracy, while producing classifiers that include on average only 2–3 markers. We suggest that the resulting decision trunks have clear advantages over other classifiers due to their transparency, interpretability, and their correspondence with human decision-making and clinical testing practices.
Mutational Effect of Structural Parameters on Coiled-Coil Stability of Proteins
Authors: Maheshwari Amutha Selvaraj , Archunan Govindaraju
Published: February 2013

Understanding the parameters that influence the melting temperature of coiled-coils (CC) and their stability is very important. We have analyzed 45 CC mutants of DNA binding protein, electron transport protein, hydrolase, oxidoreductase, and transcription factors. Many mutants have been observed at Tm = 40 °C–60 °C with ΔS = 9–11 kcal/°C mol, ΔG = -400 to -450 kcal/mol, and Keq = 0.98–1.03. The multiple regression analysis of Tm reveals that influences of thermodynamic parameters are strong (R = 0.97); chemical parameters are moderate (R = 0.63); and the geometrical parameters are negligible (R = 0.19). The combination of all these three parameters exhibits a little higher influence on Tm (R = 0.98). From the analysis, it has been concluded that the thermodynamic parameters alone are very important in stability studies on protein coil mutants. Besides, the derived regression model would have been useful for the reliable prediction of the melting temperature of coil mutants.
Is Policy Well-Targeted to Remedy Financial Strain among Caregivers of Severely Injured U.S. Service Members?
Authors: Van Houtven Courtney Harold , Friedemann-Sánchez Greta , Clothier Barbara , Levison Deborah , Taylor Brent C. , Jensen Agnes C. , Phelan Sean M. , Griffin Joan M.
Published: February 2013

U.S. military service members have sustained severe injuries since the start of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. This paper aims to determine the factors associated with financial strain of their caregivers and establish whether recent federal legislation targets caregivers experiencing financial strain. In our national survey, 62.3% of caregivers depleted assets and/or accumulated debt, and 41% of working caregivers left the labor force. If a severely injured veteran needed intensive help, the primary caregiver faced odds 4.63 times higher of leaving the labor force, and used $27,576 more in assets and/or accumulated debt compared to caregivers of veterans needing little or no assistance.
Designing and Regulating Health Insurance Exchanges: Lessons from Massachusetts
Authors: Ericson Keith M. Marzilli , Starc Amanda
Published: February 2013

The Massachusetts health care reform provides preliminary evidence on the function of health insurance exchanges and individual insurance markets. This paper describes the type of products consumers choose and the dynamics of consumer choice. Evidence shows that choice architecture, including product standardization and the use of heuristics (rules of thumb), affects choice. In addition, while consumers often choose less generous plans in the exchange than in traditional employer-sponsored insurance, there is considerable heterogeneity in consumer demand, as well as some evidence of adverse selection. We examine the role of imperfect competition between insurers, and document the impact of pricing and product regulation on the level and distribution of premiums. Given our extensive choice data, we synthesize the evidence of the Massachusetts exchange to inform the design and regulation on other exchanges.
Fusible Core Molding for the Fabrication of Branched, Perfusable, Three-Dimensional Microvessels for Vascular Tissue Engineering
Authors: Martin Cristina , Sofia Aarash , Zhang Boyang , Nunes Sara S. , Radisic Milica
Published: February 2013

A novel method for fabrication of branched, tubular, perfusable microvessels for use in vascular tissue engineering is reported. A tubular, elastomeric, biodegradable scaffold is first fabricated via a new, double fusible injection molding technique that uses a ternary alloy with a low melting temperature, Field's metal, and paraffin as sacrificial components. A cylindrical core metal of 500 μm or lower diameter with the target branching scaffold geometry is first constructed, then the metal structure is coated with paraffin and, finally, the metal-paraffin construct is embedded in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The paraffin layer is then removed by heating and replaced by a biodegradable elastomeric pre-polymer that is subsequently UV-cured inside the PDMS. Next, the metal core is melted away and the PDMS is removed to attain the branched tubular elastomeric biodegradable scaffold. Finally, it is also demonstrated that human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were able to spread on the surface of the scaffold and form a confluent monolayer, confirming the potential of this new technique for making engineered blood vessels.
Case Reports of Cancer Patients with Hepatic Metastases Treated by Standardized Plant Immunomodulatory Preparations
Authors: Tibor Hajto  , Angelika Kirsch
Published: February 2013

Background:Metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma often has a multifocal tumor pattern with markedly depressed hepatic function. Hepatic resection in many cases results in no long-term benefit. After a chemotherapy hepatic tumors rarely disappear completely and the duration of responses is short. In the last decades growing evidence suggested that a disturbed balance in the innate system can also play a role in the poor prognosis of hepatic tumors. Objectives:The aim of this article is to present and discuss several favorable clinical responses of patients with hepatic metastases who parallel to conventional oncologic therapy, were treated with immunologically effective and standardized plant extracts. Course of Therapy and Results: In accordance with the bell-shaped dose-response relationship of mistletoe lectins (MLs), the patients were treated with a fermented mistletoe extract (ME) preparation, standardized for the active sugar-binding lectin contents. Thus, an optimal dose between 0.5 and 1.0ng/kg MLs was given twice a week subcutaneously. In addition to ML therapy, a heteropolysaccharide rice bran preparation standardized for arabinoxylan (12-45mg/kg MGN-3/BiobranR twice a week) and wheat germ extract (WGE) standardized for 2, 6-dimethoxy-p-benzoquinone (50-80mg/kg AvemarR four times a week) was also given. In these case reports the clinical progress of seven patients showed a complete or nearly complete remission of hepatic metastases. Conclusion:ML, MGN-3 and WGE seem to be potent candidates to be regarded as a supportive therapy to surgery, hormone treatment or chemotherapy for patients with hepatic metastases. These case reports require further clinical studies.
Acute Abdomen Syndrome Caused by a Perforated Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor - A Case Report
Authors: Taner Kivilcim  , Fatih Altintoprak  , Feyyaz Onuray  , Serbulent Gokhan Beyaz  , Muzaffer Yildirim  , Osman Nuri Dilek
Published: February 2013

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are frequently observed in the stomach and intestines. Although they may be presented with various symptoms depending on their location and diameter, acute abdomen syndrome is a rare presentation form for GIST. A 54-year-old male patient was evaluated with the complaint of sudden onset abdominal pain at the urology clinic. In examination; fever (38.5 ̊C), abdominal distension and peritoneum irritation signs were detected. A mass that contained localized necrotic areas thought to have mesentery origins and intraabdominal free-fluid were detected on abdominal computed tomography. The patient was operated with the diagnosis of acute abdomen syndome. In operation; extensive intestinal content in the abdomen, a perforated tumoral mass which was 7x5 cm in diameter, and anti-mesenterically localized at the ileum segment were detected. Segmental ileum resection-end ileostomy operation was performed, and the patient was discharged as uneventful on post-operative tenth day. As a result of a histopathological analysis, a GIST (<5/50 mitotic growth) was detected. By means of this finding, we want to remind that GISTs may be presented with acute abdomen symptoms due to perforation, though rarely.
Anti-Cancer and Anti-Microbial Activity Studies of Some Complexes of Trimethoprim
Authors: Ali El-Shekeil  , Abeer Omer  , Sama Al-Aghbari  , Omar Al-Shuja'a
Published: February 2013

2,4-Diamino-5-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzyl)pyrimidine, trimethoprim (TMP), was reacted with Cu, Zn, Fe and Ti. The products were characterized by elemental (CHN) analysis, FTIR, magnetic moment measurements, conductance measurements, electronic spectra, 13C spectra. All complexes were investigated for their anti-bacterial activities against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and were also screened for their in vitro anti-cancer potential using Hela and PC3 cells. All the complexes showed excellent anti-bacterial activity even more than TMP while TMP-Ti displayed good cytotoxic activity in vitro against Hela cells and TMP-Cu showed moderate cytotoxicity against PC3 cells.
Template-Based Inverse PlanningSimulated Annealing for CT-Based High-Dose-Rate Brachytherapy of Cervical Cancer: Feasibility Study
Authors: Kaiguo Yan  , Laura Doyle  , Haisong Liu  , Pramila Rani Anne  , Amy Harrison  , Yan Yu  , Junsheng Cao
Published: February 2013

Purpose:To investigate the feasibility of using an inverse planning technique for CT-based ring and tandem high-dose rate brachytherapy of cervical cancer. Methods and Materials:Two patients previously treated with high-dose-rate brachytherapy for cervical cancer were retrospectively identified for this study. Each patient had five intracavitary insertions using CT/MR-compatible tandem and ring applicators. The 6Gy isodose lines from the original clinical plans were converted into a structure set (S6) using MIMvista. Inverse plans were then generated in Oncentra using the inverse planning simulated annealing (IPSA) with S6 as the optimization target. The dose to 0.1cm3, 1cm3, 5cm3 of bladder (DB0.1, DB1, and DB5) and rectum (DR0.1, DR1, DR5) were determined from the dose volume histogram (DVH). Percentage of physician drawn clinical target volume (CTV) and S6 coverage (V100CTV, V100S6) were also recorded. Results:The mean V100%CTV of the original clinical plans and the inverse plans were 88.14% and 87.57%. The mean V100%S6 of the original clinical plans and the inverse plans was 98.68% and 97.00%. The mean dose reduction for DB0.1, DB1 and DB5 were 5.4%, 5.4%, and 4.7%, respectively. The mean dose reduction for DR0.1, DR1 and DR5 were 6.4%, 5.5%, and 4.8%. Conclusions:This work demonstrated the feasibility of this structure-based inverse planning. It can achieve comparable CTV coverage while reducing dose to critical structures. Once template structure set is constructed, this procedure can not only reduce planning time, but improve quality assurance by standardizing the procedure. This approach can be directly extended to other applicator-based brachytherapy procedures.
Targeting Cancer Stem Cells with Defined Compounds and Drugs
Authors: Cord Naujokata  , Stefan Laufer
Published: February 2013

: Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a subpopulation of tumor cells that possess self-renewal and tumor initiation capacity and the ability to give rise to the heterogenous lineages of cancer cells that comprise the tumor. CSCs possess numerous intrinsic mechanisms of resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs, novel tumor-targeted drugs and radiation therapy, allowing them to survive current cancer therapies and to initiate tumor recurrence and metastasis. Recently, different pathways that confer resistance and survival of CSCs, but also compounds and drugs that selectively target some of these pathways in CSCs have been identified. Such compounds and drugs include antibiotics like salinomycin, phytochemicals such as parthenolide, cyclopamine, EGCG, resveratrol, curcumin, sulforaphane and oxymatrine, the small molecule inhibitors vismodegib and repertaxin, monoclonal antibodies and antibody constructs raised against cell surface proteins expressed by CSCs, and, surprisingly, some classical drugs such as metformin, tranilast and thioridazine. These agents exhibit significant anti-CSC activity, alone or in combination with cytostatic drugs or tumor-targeted drugs, as recently shown in vitro and in human xenograft mice. Since current cancer therapies fail to eliminate CSCs, leading to cancer recurrence and progression, selective targeting of CSCs with compounds and drugs introduced herein may represent a novel therapeutic strategy to eradicate cancer.
The Reciprocal Interaction of Small Molecule Protein Kinase Inhibitors and ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters in Targeted Cancer Therapy
Authors: Hong-Ye Zhao  , Hongjiang Wei  , Xin Wang
Published: February 2013

Protein kinaseshave become the second most important group of drug targets, after G-protein-coupled receptors. Currently,15 small molecule protein kinase inhibitors (PKIs) have received food and drug administrator (FDA) approval to be used as cancer treatments. However, in the course of clinical use of these small molecule PKIs, drug resistance has become a recurring problem. Their therapeutic potential depends on access to their intracellular targets, which significantly affected by certain membrane ATP-binding cassette(ABC) transporters. ABC transporters were major causesof clinical multiple drug resistance (MDR) and might be resulting in the development of resistance to PKIs in cancer patients. Some PKIs could modulate the activity of ABC transporters and affect the metabolism of themselves and other chemically unrelated drugs. Moreover, it has been recently reported that some PKIs could regulate the expression of ABC transporters in tumor cells, thereby affect their intracellular accumulation and antitumor efficacy. In this review,the reciprocal interaction of clinically important PKIs with the MDR-related ABC transporters, in particular ABCB1 and ABCG2,wassummarized. Keyword:Protein Kinase Inhibitors, ABC Transporters, P-gp/ABCB1, BCRP/ABCG2, Targeted Cancer Therapy.
The Situation and Issues of the Legal Deposit System in Japan: From the Results of a Questionnaire Survey Commemorating the Sixtieth Anniversary of the Legal Deposit System
Authors: Tokuhara Naoko
Published: February 2013

The article discusses the situation and issues of the legal deposit system of Japan based on the results of the survey which the National Diet Library (Japan) conducted in commemorating the sixtieth anniversary of the current legal deposit system. About 70% of all the respondents have deposited their publications, but there is a big difference in deposit rate among the types of institutions. Publishing companies, universities and academic societies indicate a high deposit rate, but local governments have a low rate. There is a tendency for publishers who are uninterested in the preservation of their publications not to deposit. In addition, the digitization of publications might have an influence on the current legal deposit system, and the NDL will start to collect official materials released on the Internet in April 2010. From the results of the survey, the NDL has decided to concentrate on public relations activities to inform people of the role and procedure of the legal deposit system in order to raise the deposit rate of publications issued in Japan.
The National Library of Albania: Tradition and Modern Vision
Authors: Domi Etleva
Published: February 2013

The National Library of Albania (NLA) was founded in 1920. Its historic collection goes back to the very beginning of the year 1917. On 10 December, 1922 the Official Newsletter announced its inauguration. It is the primary national cultural institution and the oldest in the Albanian State. The NLA occupies two buildings and is organized and functions under the authority of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, Youth and Sports. The NLA, located in Tirana, is charged as keeper of the national heritage with collecting, processing, restoring, preserving and making available to the public the written cultural heritage of the Albanian people. At the national level it organizes library education and continuing professional education, and is the study research centre in the field of librarianship, the cataloguing in publications centre, the national ISBN Agency, and the only preservation and restoration centre for special collections. Its collections comprise: books, periodicals, maps, atlases, microfilms and other library materials. The special collections are valuable for national as well as European culture. The library is open 72 hours a week to anyone over 16 years old. Users can borrow library materials or use them in the reading rooms. The library's website enables the users to search a directory as well as services, such as the OPAC, digitized catalogues, and the digital collections. The NLA organizes exhibitions, book promotions, conferences and so on. As a legal deposit institution the NLA publishes the National Bibliography. For the national library network it publishes the scientific-cultural review Bibliothecae, textbooks, professional guides, and manuals. It is a member of IFLA, LIBER, CENL, CDNL, The European Library and has been invited officially to become a partner in the World Digital Library.
Saving Fading Heritage: The Coordinating Council of Audiovisual Archives Associations
Authors: Royan Bruce
Published: February 2013

This paper attempts to set out the role of the Coordinating Council of Audiovisual Archives Associations. It recounts how, over the past one hundred years and more, an ever-increasing amount of information – both for documentation and entertainment – has been produced in a wide range of audiovisual and electronic formats. It proposes that audiovisual media are a vital part of our cultural heritage, carrying a huge amount of information that needs to be preserved for future use. It describes how CCAAA was formed to help enable this, and the range of activities it is involved with. In particular, it introduces the World Day that CCAAA now coordinates on behalf of UNESCO to increase awareness of both the compelling nature of this audiovisual heritage and its unique fragility. Finally, it emphasizes the unique contribution that libraries can make to the work of the CCAAA in preserving the audiovisual heritage and in particular in providing access to it.
Iraq National Library and Archive: Inherited Difficulties and New Challenges
Authors: Eskander Saad B.
Published: February 2013

Drawing on the experience of the Iraq National Library and Archive (INLA) since 2003, the paper argues that at a time of national crisis cultural and educational institutions must play a cultural and social role in order to strengthen national unity and the social fabric of society. It examines how the former Ba'ath regime controlled INLA with the aim of imposing cultural uniformity and ideological submission. The paper goes on to shed light on the difficulties and challenges that INLA has been confronting since the downfall of the former regime. The new policies of INLA are discussed, emphasizing their receptiveness and flexibility. In the final section, the paper examines how INLA reacted to the outbreak of the civil war in Baghdad during the period 2006–2007 and the vital role played by its librarians and archivists in combating internal divisions, political extremism and religious fanaticism.
A Simple Model for Understanding the Skin Effect
Authors: Miranda Enrique N.
Published: February 2013

The skin effect is due to the self-inductance of a conductor, and it becomes very relevant at high frequencies. A rigorous mathematical treatment of this effect is cumbersome, and several approximations are used for practical purposes. In this paper, a simple model that shows all the relevant properties of the effect is introduced. A closed analytical solution is obtained, which qualitatively agrees with more rigorous approaches.
Modelling and Simulation of the Three-Phase Induction Motor Using Simulink
Authors: Shi K. L. , Chan T. F. , Wong Y. K. , Ho S. L.
Published: February 2013

This paper describes a generalized model of the three-phase induction motor and its computer simulation using MATLAB/SIMULINK. Constructional details of various sub-models for the induction motor are given and their implementation in SIMULINK is outlined. Direct-online starting of a 7.5-kW induction motor is studied using the simulation model developed.
Design, Software Implementation and Testing of a CCM Scheme Employing RM Codes and MPSK Modulation
Authors: Soyjaudah K. M. S.
Published: February 2013

A senior undergraduate project in digital communication combining coding and modulation with computer simulation is described. The project consists of the study of combining coding with modulation using Reed Muller (RM) codes and the Multi Phase Shift Keying (MPSK) technique with a view to optimising on bandwidth, designing the combined trellis decoder and computer simulation of the performance of such a combined scheme in a Gaussian channel. The simulated results correlated well with the performance predicted by theory.
Precursors to Radar — The Watson-Watt Memorandum and the Daventry Experiment
Authors: Austin B. A.
Published: February 2013

In this paper we examine the famous unpublished memorandum of 1935 in which R. A. Watson-Watt proposed the principles of radar. Starting from the numerical results he quoted, we show how he arrived at his conclusions using nothing more than simple calculations. The origins of an important modern technology are to be found in a combination of prescience and fundamental engineering skills.
Simulation of the Parallel Connection of Electrical Power Stations
Authors: Çolak I. , Yilmaz E. N.
Published: February 2013

Experimental analysis under laboratory conditions of the parallel connection of any local power station to an infinite bus can be expensive and complicated. In this study, such a connection has been modelled and simulated using the DELPHI packet program. The study focuses on immediately finding and solving problems which occur before and after connection. The visualisation capability of DELPHI makes the program useful for teaching at undergraduate level.
100 Years of Electrical Machines
Authors: Chalmers B. J.
Published: February 2013

Extracts from the Calendars of 1898–99 and 1905–06 illustrate the activity in electrical machines at UMIST 100 years ago. Progress and contributions are traced through the twentieth century. Current trends are indicated at the approach to the next millenium.
A Hands-On Approach to Teaching the Basic OSI Reference Model
Authors: Tuma T. , Fajfar I. , Perko M. , Bratkovič F. , Puhan J.
Published: February 2013

A new local area network (LAN) concept designed for educational purposes is proposed based upon the standard RS232 protocol. The concept enables students to gain hands-on experience of all seven open system interconnection (OSI) layers. The proposed approach to teaching computer networks has proved very popular with students. At the same time students' comprehension of basic OSI concepts has improved considerably.
Building an Intranet in Electronic and Electrical Engineering
Authors: Haynes B. R.
Published: February 2013

This article considers both the technical and philosophical aspects of building an Intranet for the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering at the University of Leeds. The primary aim of the project was to enhance the provision of learning support material and improve access to Intranet-hosted information, in particular locally produced Learning Resources, Student and Staff Information. In achieving this aim, the project also prompted an unexpected and very positive acceptance of Intranet technology across the full range of departmental teaching and research activities.
A Simple Introduction to the Method of Lines
Authors: Sadiku M. N. O. , Obiozor C. N.
Published: February 2013

The method of lines (MOL), a semianalytical procedure, is well known to experts in computational techniques in electromagnetics. The range of applications of the method has increased dramatically in the past few years; nevertheless, there is no introductory paper to initiate a beginner to the method. This paper illustrates the application of the MOL to solve Laplace's equation in rectangular and cylindrical coordinates. Two numerical examples are used to verify the procedure. The results obtained compare well with analytical solutions.
Laboratory Exercise and Programme Design
Authors: Joseph J. D. C. , Julien K. S.
Published: February 2013

This paper describes a new and evolving laboratory programme for the first and second years of the three-year Bachelor of Science degree in electrical and computer engineering at The University of the West Indies. It contains examples of exercises, which incorporate MATLAB and PSpice, and associated equipment built locally.
Design of an Experimental System for Studying the Control of Multivariable, Non-Linear and Chaotic Processes
Authors: García-Sanz M.
Published: February 2013

A new laboratory prototype for studying the control of multivariable, non-linear and chaotic processes is presented. The system consists of a spherical magnetic pendulum, suspended by a string and attracted or repelled by three electromagnetic actuators with variable magnetic force. The 3D position of the pendulum is measured using ultrasound sensors.
DCTlab: Educational Software for Still Image Compression and its Application in a Digital Television Course
Authors: Grgić Mislav , Grgić Sonja , Zovko-Cihlar Branka
Published: February 2013

Current standards for the compression of still and moving images use Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) to remove spatial redundancy in images. Students specialising in image and video system engineering need to know why DCT is important in their field of interest and to understand the influence of DCT-based image compression on picture quality. Therefore, we have developed educational software, called DCTlab, that helps students to analyse DCT application in still image compression systems. This paper describes software characteristics, its application in a digital television course and learning outcomes.
A Laboratory for Power Quality Analysis
Authors: Barros Julio , Cando Daniel , Durana Iker
Published: February 2013

This paper describes a laboratory designed for electrical power quality analysis. Among the different types of disturbances in voltage supply that the laboratory allows us to generate are harmonics, voltage dips and short interruptions in voltage supply, voltage imbalance and frequency deviations. Using this laboratory we can test software for analysis, detection and classification of power quality disturbances and also study their effects on equipment.
Ampere's Magnetic Circuital Law: A Simple and Rigorous Two-Step Proof
Authors: Rajaraman K. C.
Published: February 2013

A new proof of Ampere's law from the Biot-Savart law is presented. In the first step, a physical interpretation of current as moving charges carrying their electric fields with them simplifies the derivation of the magnetic field of current in a straight infinitely long conductor. The m.m.f. of a finite electric circuit linking a magnetic path is synthesized from those of two infinitely long wires carrying equal currents in opposite directions, only one of them threading the path. This makes the second step rigorous, enabling a non-mathematical treatment of the magnetic effects of electric currents in free space.
Widening Their Horizons: Encouraging Students to Understand a Complex World
Authors: Rake Steve
Published: February 2013

Professional Issues attempts to demonstrate to undergraduates that they need skills wider than those they will acquire while studying for a degree in computer science or electronic engineering. A study of catastrophic failures gives relevance to activities such as keeping logbooks and group work, while lectures address subjects such as management and the ethical problems that can be encountered in the ‘real world’. There is evidence (somewhat anecdotal) that this approach encourages students to understand the complexities of the world they will be joining on graduation.
Teaching Multitasking to Electronics and Computing Students
Authors: Armitage A. F.
Published: February 2013

Although widely used in the solution of engineering problems, multitasking is conceptually as complicated as parallel processing. A simple system that covers the key features of multitasking in a short time is presented. A description is given of its use with a final-year undergraduate class of electronics students who take computing options.
The Role of Laboratory Work in Engineering Education: Student and Staff Perceptions
Authors: Edward Norrie S.
Published: February 2013

Most science-based courses include practical experimental activity in the laboratory. Many academics and authoritative bodies would claim that a significant level of such activity is essential to the formation of technologists. This paper reviews the literature on laboratory practice. It also reports on an internal survey of staff and student perceptions of the practical work and its value in their courses in the School of Engineering at the Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen. It discusses the degree to which practices both within and outwith the School appear to match the declared aims of participants. It concludes by suggesting some strategies, which may lead to laboratory work becoming more effective.
The Symmetrical Van Der Pol Oscillator
Authors: Kaplan B. Z. , Horen Y.
Published: February 2013

The limit cycle is associated in the Van der Pol oscillator with damping introduced to merely one of its state equations. In the present oscillator nonlinear damping is added to both equations. A unique behaviour is observed in spite of the smallness of the departure from the Van der Pol case. The present treatment is due to classical Poincaré-Bendixson and Liapunov methods. It illuminates in a surprisingly simple and elegant manner the great power of the methods.
Multi-Terminal Network Power Measurement
Authors: Quintela Félix Redondo , Melchor Norberto Redondo
Published: February 2013

This paper presents a simple and general theory on power absorbed by multi-terminal networks and the way to measure it, which has direct application to unification of active and reactive power measurement procedures of polyphase loads. This approach to the subject is highly efficient, not only for its simplicity, but also because it eliminates all particular demonstrations or proofs of different measurement methods, with consequent time and effort savings for students. It also offers absolute certainty about the scope of every power measurement procedure and their possible variations.
The ‘Mouse Organ’ Project: A Learning Approach to Promote Creativity and Motivation
Authors: Wilkinson A. J. , Miles R. S. , Bateson A. D. , Selke K. K. W. , Holley S.
Published: February 2013

This paper describes an approach to the teaching of the design and development of embedded computer systems. Traditional lectures in computer architecture and real time software are complemented by project-based learning with appropriate support sessions. The logistics of the group project are described, as is the approach to assessment. Student response is described anecdotally and future plans for the project are discussed.
Preaching to the Converted
Authors: Edward N. S.
Published: February 2013

Engineering courses suffer declining recruitment and high attrition rates. This paper presents students' preconceptions, conceptions and reflections on their courses and profession. These support the contention that more is to be gained by obtaining convergence between the entrants' conceptions, universities' courses and industry's needs than by attempting to attract more schoolchildren.
Students Focus on What They Want
Authors: Davis Lesley
Published: February 2013

As part of a consultation exercise conducted by LTSN Engineering, three focus groups have been facilitated to provide a snapshot of student opinion on learning and teaching in engineering subjects. The three institutions visited were a campus university and two city universities, one postand one pre-1992. The pre-1992 institution had a high proportion of local students from an ethnic minority group. Although there were some local differences, there were some comments that were repeated during all three sessions. This paper will report the results of the focus groups, identifying the common themes that were of importance to the students within their own learning experiences, including methods that helped them to learn. It is interesting to note that the students had fairly low expectations and identified easy to implement activities.
Evaluation of a Student-Centred Approach to First-Year Undergraduate Engineering Laboratories
Authors: Edward Norrie S.
Published: February 2013

Published evidence suggest that laboratories allow little delegation of control to the students. We gave first-year undergraduates almost complete control of a laboratory with intensive tutor support. Staff believed the activity to have been welcomed by the students. Evaluation provides far from convincing evidence for this. Explanations are suggested.
Modelling and Simulation of Synchronous Machine Transient Analysis Using Simulink
Authors: Demiroren A. , Zeynelgil H. L.
Published: February 2013

This work describes a method which illustrates the benefits of the visual aspects of MATLAB/SIMULINK for educational purposes. The method is specially developed for transient analysis of synchronous machines given by a simplified model. Details such as the exciter circuit, turbine and governor systems of a synchronous machine which is linked to an infinitive bus through two equivalent lines are given and this system is implemented in SIMULINK. The considered synchronous machine has a rated power capacity of 160 MVA and rated voltage of 15 kV.
Sychronisation of Chua's Oscillator via the State Observer Technique
Authors: Yin Xiaogen , Cao Y. J.
Published: February 2013

Chua's oscillator is a simple autonomous third-order nonlinear circuit with a rich variety of dynamical behaviour. This paper presents a simple approach to synchronisation of Chua's oscillators using a state observer in control theory, which can be used as an interesting example for educational purposes in control systems, showing the students a simple way of coping with chaotic dynamics.
Plane Wave Visualisation on a Dielectric-Dielectric Interface
Authors: Bataineh Mohammed H.
Published: February 2013

In this paper, the behaviour of an arbitrarily polarised plane wave on a dielectric-dielectric interface is investigated. By imposing the appropriate boundary conditions the Fresnel transmission and reflection coefficients are derived. Using these coefficients various three dimensional as well as contour plots are produced using a MATLAB code in order to illustrate the refraction and the reflection usually encountered at an interface. Snell's law and the Brewster angle are discussed within the context of the analysis.
On the Use of Auxiliary Vector Potentials as a Common Tool for Studying Electromagnetic Problems at Undergraduate Level
Authors: Solano Miguel A. , Vegas ÁAngel , Gómez ÁAlvaro
Published: February 2013

Applications of Maxwell's equations to electromagnetic problems can be divided into two large groups: one dealing with radiation and scattering and the other with propagation. In this paper it is shown how both kinds of problem can be managed by means of the auxiliary vector potentials [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text].
PC Based Educational Tool for a Switched Reluctance Drive with Fuzzy Logic
Authors: Elmas Cetin , Akcayol M. Ali
Published: February 2013

This paper introduces a PC based educational tool for a switched reluctance drive (SRD) with fuzzy logic which is prepared for undergraduate and graduate level students. The paper first describes how the switched reluctance drive system works. Then details are given of how to estimate the flux linkage by using fuzzy set theory. Finally an application of fuzzy logic control to an SRM drive is presented.
ABCD Matrix: A Unique Tool for Linear Two-Wire Transmission Line Modelling
Authors: Peres Pedro L. D. , de Souza Carlos R. , Bonatti Ivanil S.
Published: February 2013

The aim of this note is to show that all the behaviour of a two-wire transmission line can be directly derived from the application of ABCD matrix mathematical concepts, avoiding the explicit use of differential equations. An important advantage of this approach is that the transmission line modelling arises naturally in the frequency domain. Therefore the consideration of frequency-dependent parameters can be carried out in a simple way compared with the time-domain. Some standard examples of transmission lines are analysed through the use of ABCD matrices and a case study of a balun network is presented.
A Case Study to Motivate Engineering Students to Do Mathematical Proofs
Authors: Roberts Rodney G.
Published: February 2013

Although engineering students are trained to solve a wide range of problems, they often lack experience in doing mathematical proofs. To encourage students to learn this important skill, the author presents several proofs of a well-known identity. The methods include simple algebraic and geometric proofs, engineering mathematical solutions, and techniques from finite mathematics.
Transmission Line Performance with Voltage Sensitive Loads
Authors: Ramalingam K. , Indulkar C. S.
Published: February 2013

In this paper, transmission line performance with voltage sensitive loads is studied. Three types of load, namely constant power, constant current and constant impedance loads are considered, individually as well as in a mixed combination, and it is shown that the transmission line loss is highest with the constant power load and lowest with the constant impedance load. The line loss for mixed load is higher than that for constant power load when the constant power component is more pronounced in the mixed load.