bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sensor Fusion Based on an Integrated Neural Network and Probability Density Function (PDF) Dual Kalman Filter for On-Line Estimation of Vehicle Parameters and States
Authors: Vargas-Melendez Leandro , Boada Beatriz , Boada Maria , Gauchia Antonio , Diaz Vicente
Published: May 2017

Vehicles with a high center of gravity (COG), such as light trucks and heavy vehicles, are prone to rollover. This kind of accident causes nearly 33 % of all deaths from passenger vehicle crashes. Nowadays, these vehicles are incorporating roll stability control (RSC) systems to improve their safety. Most of the RSC systems require the vehicle roll angle as a known input variable to predict the lateral load transfer. The vehicle roll angle can be directly measured by a dual antenna global positioning system (GPS), but it is expensive. For this reason, it is important to estimate the vehicle roll angle from sensors installed onboard in current vehicles. On the other hand, the knowledge of the vehicle’s parameters values is essential to obtain an accurate vehicle response. Some of vehicle parameters cannot be easily obtained and they can vary over time. In this paper, an algorithm for the simultaneous on-line estimation of vehicle’s roll angle and parameters is proposed. This algorithm uses a probability density function (PDF)-based truncation method in combination with a dual Kalman filter (DKF), to guarantee that both vehicle’s states and parameters are within bounds that have a physical meaning, using the information obtained from sensors mounted on vehicles. Experimental results show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
A Lever Coupling Mechanism in Dual-Mass Micro-Gyroscopes for Improving the Shock Resistance along the Driving Direction
Authors: Gao Yang , Li Hongsheng , Huang Libin , Sun Hui
Published: May 2017

This paper presents the design and application of a lever coupling mechanism to improve the shock resistance of a dual-mass silicon micro-gyroscope with drive mode coupled along the driving direction without sacrificing the mechanical sensitivity. Firstly, the mechanical sensitivity and the shock response of the micro-gyroscope are theoretically analyzed. In the mechanical design, a novel lever coupling mechanism is proposed to change the modal order and to improve the frequency separation. The micro-gyroscope with the lever coupling mechanism optimizes the drive mode order, increasing the in-phase mode frequency to be much larger than the anti-phase one. Shock analysis results show that the micro-gyroscope structure with the designed lever coupling mechanism can notably reduce the magnitudes of the shock response and cut down the stress produced in the shock process compared with the traditional elastic coupled one. Simulations reveal that the shock resistance along the drive direction is greatly increased. Consequently, the lever coupling mechanism can change the gyroscope’s modal order and improve the frequency separation by structurally offering a higher stiffness difference ratio. The shock resistance along the driving direction is tremendously enhanced without loss of the mechanical sensitivity.
DCE: A Distributed Energy-Efficient Clustering Protocol for Wireless Sensor Network Based on Double-Phase Cluster-Head Election
Authors: Han Ruisong , Yang Wei , Wang Yipeng , You Kaiming
Published: May 2017

Clustering is an effective technique used to reduce energy consumption and extend the lifetime of wireless sensor network (WSN). The characteristic of energy heterogeneity of WSNs should be considered when designing clustering protocols. We propose and evaluate a novel distributed energy-eﬃcient clustering protocol called DCE for heterogeneous wireless sensor networks, based on a Double-phase Cluster-head Election scheme. In DCE, the procedure of cluster head election is divided into two phases. In the first phase, tentative cluster heads are elected with the probabilities which are decided by the relative levels of initial and residual energy. Then, in the second phase, the tentative cluster heads are replaced by their cluster members to form the final set of cluster heads if any member in their cluster has more residual energy. Employing two phases for cluster-head election ensures that the nodes with more energy have a higher chance to be cluster heads. Energy consumption is well-distributed in the proposed protocol, and the simulation results show that DCE achieves longer stability periods than other typical clustering protocols in heterogeneous scenarios.
Designing Waveform Sets with Good Correlation and Stopband Properties for MIMO Radar via the Gradient-Based Method
Authors: Tang Liang , Zhu Yongfeng , Fu Qiang
Published: May 2017

Waveform sets with good correlation and/or stopband properties have received extensive attention and been widely used in multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) radar. In this paper, we aim at designing unimodular waveform sets with good correlation and stopband properties. To formulate the problem, we construct two criteria to measure the correlation and stopband properties and then establish an unconstrained problem in the frequency domain. After deducing the phase gradient and the step size, an efficient gradient-based algorithm with monotonicity is proposed to minimize the objective function directly. For the design problem without considering the correlation weights, we develop a simplified algorithm, which only requires a few fast Fourier transform (FFT) operations and is more efficient. Because both of the algorithms can be implemented via the FFT operations and the Hadamard product, they are computationally efficient and can be used to design waveform sets with a large waveform number and waveform length. Numerical experiments show that the proposed algorithms can provide better performance than the state-of-the-art algorithms in terms of the computational complexity.
A Novel Certificateless Signature Scheme for Smart Objects in the Internet-of-Things
Authors: Yeh Kuo-Hui , Su Chunhua , Choo Kim-Kwang Raymond , Chiu Wayne
Published: May 2017

Rapid advances in wireless communications and pervasive computing technologies have resulted in increasing interest and popularity of Internet-of-Things (IoT) architecture, ubiquitously providing intelligence and convenience to our daily life. In IoT-based network environments, smart objects are embedded everywhere as ubiquitous things connected in a pervasive manner. Ensuring security for interactions between these smart things is significantly more important, and a topic of ongoing interest. In this paper, we present a certificateless signature scheme for smart objects in IoT-based pervasive computing environments. We evaluate the utility of the proposed scheme in IoT-oriented testbeds, i.e., Arduino Uno and Raspberry PI 2. Experiment results present the practicability of the proposed scheme. Moreover, we revisit the scheme of Wang et al. (2015) and revealed that a malicious super type I adversary can easily forge a legitimate signature to cheat any receiver as he/she wishes in the scheme. The superiority of the proposed certificateless signature scheme over relevant studies is demonstrated in terms of the summarized security and performance comparisons.
OpenSHS: Open Smart Home Simulator
Authors: Alshammari Nasser , Alshammari Talal , Sedky Mohamed , Champion Justin , Bauer Carolin
Published: May 2017

This paper develops a new hybrid, open-source, cross-platform 3D smart home simulator, OpenSHS, for dataset generation. OpenSHS offers an opportunity for researchers in the field of the Internet of Things (IoT) and machine learning to test and evaluate their models. Following a hybrid approach, OpenSHS combines advantages from both interactive and model-based approaches. This approach reduces the time and efforts required to generate simulated smart home datasets. We have designed a replication algorithm for extending and expanding a dataset. A small sample dataset produced, by OpenSHS, can be extended without affecting the logical order of the events. The replication provides a solution for generating large representative smart home datasets. We have built an extensible library of smart devices that facilitates the simulation of current and future smart home environments. Our tool divides the dataset generation process into three distinct phases: first design: the researcher designs the initial virtual environment by building the home, importing smart devices and creating contexts; second, simulation: the participant simulates his/her context-specific events; and third, aggregation: the researcher applies the replication algorithm to generate the final dataset. We conducted a study to assess the ease of use of our tool on the System Usability Scale (SUS).
Hierarchical Model Predictive Control for Sustainable Building Automation
Authors: Mayer Barbara , Killian Michaela , Kozek Martin
Published: May 2017

A hierarchicalmodel predictive controller (HMPC) is proposed for flexible and sustainable building automation. The implications of a building automation system for sustainability are defined, and model predictive control is introduced as an ideal tool to cover all requirements. The HMPC is presented as a development suitable for the optimization of modern buildings, as well as retrofitting. The performance and flexibility of the HMPC is demonstrated by simulation studies of a modern office building, and the perfect interaction with future smart grids is shown.
Trust-Embedded Information Sharing among One Agent and Two Retailers in an Order Recommendation System
Authors: Fu Xiao , Han Guanghua
Published: May 2017

Trust potentially affects the decision-makers’ behaviors and has a great influence on supply chain performances. We study the information sharing process considering trust in a two-tier supply chain with one upstream agent and two retailers, where the agent recommends ordered quantities (ROQ) to retailers and the retailer decides her/his ordered quantities according to the agent’s recommendation and self-collected information. There exist three types of information sharing patterns among the agent and two retailers, i.e., both retailers share their demand prediction (Pattern 1), one retailer shares her/his demand prediction (Pattern 2) and none of the retailers share their demand prediction (Pattern 3). Thus, we build corresponding mathematical models and analyze each party’s decision strategies in each pattern, respectively. The findings in this study show that sharing information can generally promote trust among enterprises in the entire supply chain and increase their profits in return. It is found that when the accuracies of the two retailers’ predicted demand differs, their behaviors of information sharing or not sharing significantly affect their expected profits. In Pattern 1 and Pattern 3, we find that retailers’ expected profits are negatively influenced by the agent’s accuracies of demand prediction. However, the retailer’s expected profits are positively linked to the agent’s accuracies of demand in Pattern 2. Consequently, we propose a series of strategies for retailers in different decision patterns after several simulation runs. In addition, we also find that the retailer whose prediction is less accurate can also gain more profits by un-sharing his/her demand prediction when the agent’s predict accuracy is between the two retailers.
Inequality of Carbon Intensity: Empirical Analysis of China 2000–2014
Authors: Li Rongrong , Jiang Xue-Ting
Published: May 2017

On the 3 September 2016, China officially ratified the Paris agreement as the main global producer of carbon emissions. A key of China’s commitment is to reduce its carbon intensity by 60–65% between 2005 and 2030. An improved understanding of the inequality of carbon intensity at national-, inter-regional-, and intra-regional scale is a prerequisite for the development of a more cost-effective carbon intensity reduction policy. In this study, we used the Dagum Gini coefficient and its subgroup decomposition method to quantify China’s inequality of carbon intensity between 2000 and 2014 based on available and updated data. The results show: (i) The Gini coefficient indicates a rising inequality of the carbon intensity at both national and sub-national scale, suggesting accelerated inequality of carbon intensity at national-, inter-regional, and intra-regional-scale. (ii) The Gini coefficient indicates a rising trend of intra-regional carbon intensity in Central and Western China, while the trend declines for Eastern China. (iii) The Gini coefficient indicates rising carbon intensity between Eastern and Central China, Western and Eastern China, and Central and Western China. (iv) Transvariation intensity occupies a leading role in the increasing national-level carbon intensity Gini coefficient. Ultimately, several policy recommendations are provided.
Minimum Quantity Lubrication and Carbon Footprint: A Step towards Sustainability
Authors: Omair Muhammad , Sarkar Biswajit , Cárdenas-Barrón Leopoldo Eduardo
Published: May 2017

In today’s world, there is an increasing awareness among consumers for demanding sustainable products. Several countries have already started working to create strategies for implementing sustainable manufacturing. Other countries are making efforts to access international markets and face intense market competitions in terms of sustainable status of products, which build a huge pressure on manufacturers to avail the concept of sustainable manufacturing. This paper proposes a manufacturing model to minimize total cost of manufacturing and carbon emissions with the effect of variable production quantity to provide sustainable manufacturing. Total cost of manufacturing includes fixed costs and variable costs with the addition of cost of minimum quantity lubrication and imperfect quality items. Minimum quantity lubrication system is an eco-friendly and sustainable, which reduces negative impact on environment and improves workers' safety. This study considers the real situation of imperfect products and proportion of it can be reworked at certain known rate. Numerical example and sensitivity analysis are given by using multiobjective genetic algorithm and goal attainment techniques to illustrate the practical applications of the proposed model.
An Integrated Location-Allocation Model for Temporary Disaster Debris Management under an Uncertain Environment
Authors: Habib Muhammad Salman , Sarkar Biswajit
Published: May 2017

Natural disasters always generate an overwhelming amount of debris. Reusing and recycling waste from disasters are essential for sustainable debris management. Before recycling the debris, it is necessary to sort this mixed waste. To perform the sorting process efficiently, a Temporary Disaster Debris Management Site (TDDMS) is required, and the selection of TDDMS is a multi-criteria decision-making problem due to its numerous regional and municipal constraints. This paper provides a two-phase framework for sustainable debris management during the response phase of disasters. In the first phase, a methodology for TDDMS selection is proposed that consists of Analytical Network Process (ANP) and a fuzzy Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). In the second phase, a debris allocation optimization model is developed to allocate the debris from disaster-affected regions to the selected TDDMS. A city prone to hurricane damage is selected to illustrate the proposed framework. For the debris allocation purpose, five TDDMS are chosen, among which three sites are selected using the proposed methodology. To illustrate the utilization of the proposed study, a numerical example with two different scenarios is provided. Numerical outcomes prove that the model results in a sustainable debris management system for disasters.
Adaptive Job Load Balancing Scheme on Mobile Cloud Computing with Collaborative Architecture
Authors: Kim Byoungwook , Byun Hwirim , Heo Yoon-A , Jeong Young-Sik
Published: May 2017

The adaptive mobile resource offloading (AMRO) proposed in this paper is a load balancing scheme for processing large-scale jobs using mobile resources without a cloud server. AMRO is applied in a mobile cloud computing environment based on collaborative architecture. A load balancing scheme with efficient job division and optimized job allocation is needed because the resources for mobile devices will not always be provided consistently in this environment. Therefore, a job load balancing scheme is proposed that considers personal usage patterns and the dynamic resource state of the mobile devices. The delay time for computer job processing is minimized through dynamic job reallocation and adaptive job allocation in the disability state that occurs due to unexpected problems and to excessive job allocations by the mobile devices providing the resources for the mobile cloud computing. In order to validate the proposed load balancing scheme, an adaptive mobile resource management without cloud server (AMRM) protocol was designed and implemented, and the improved processing speed was verified in comparison with the existing offloading method. The improved job processing speed in the mobile cloud environment is demonstrated through job allocation based on AMRM and by taking into consideration the idle resources of the mobile devices. Furthermore, the resource waste of the mobile devices is minimized through adaptive offloading and consideration of both insufficient and idle resources.
The Genetics of Asymmetry: Whole Exome Sequencing in a Consanguineous Turkish Family with an Overrepresentation of Left-Handedness
Authors: Ocklenburg Sebastian , Barutçuoğlu Ceren , Özgören Adile Öniz , Özgören Murat , Erdal Esra , Moser Dirk , Schmitz Judith , Kumsta Robert , Güntürkün Onur
Published: May 2017

Handedness is the most pronounced behavioral asymmetry in humans. Genome-wide association studies have largely failed to identify genetic loci associated with phenotypic variance in handedness, supporting the idea that the trait is determined by a multitude of small, possibly interacting genetic and non-genetic influences. However, these studies typically are not capable of detecting influences of rare mutations on handedness. Here, we used whole exome sequencing in a Turkish family with history of consanguinity and overrepresentation of left-handedness and performed quantitative trait analysis with handedness lateralization quotient as a phenotype. While rare variants on different loci showed significant association with the phenotype, none was functionally relevant for handedness. This finding was further confirmed by gene ontology group analysis. Taken together, our results add further evidence to the suggestion that there is no major gene or mutation that causes left-handedness.
The Cosmic Causal Mass
Authors: Braeck Simen , Grøn Øyvind G. , Farup Ivar
Published: May 2017

In order to provide a better understanding of rotating universe models, and in particular the Gödel universe, we discuss the relationship between cosmic rotation and perfect inertial dragging. In this connection, the concept of causal mass is defined in a cosmological context, and discussed in relation to the cosmic inertial dragging effect. Then, we calculate the mass inside the particle horizon of the flat ΛCDM-model integrated along the past light cone. The calculation shows that the Schwarzschild radius of this mass is around three times the radius of the particle horizon. This indicates that there is close to perfect inertial dragging in our universe. Hence, the calculation provides an explanation for the observation that the swinging plane of a Foucault pendulum follows the stars.
AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS ОN LOGISTICS PERFORMANCE AND THE GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS
Authors: Yildiz Turkay
Published: May 2017

Logistics has been identified as an area to build cost and service advantages. Therefore, companies are more focused on customer needs and trying to find ways to reduce costs, improve quality and meet the growing expectations of their clients. Indeed, the global competition has led managers to begin to address the issue of providing more efficient logistics services. In this regard, this paper presents an empirical study on logistics performance and global competitiveness. This paper also identifies the associations between logistics performances and global competitiveness. The results indicate that some variables in global competitiveness scores contribute much higher to the logistics performances than the other variables through analysis. The variables that contribute much higher than the other variables to the logistics performances are shown.
SOVEREIGN DEBT AND CORPORATE CAPITAL STRUCTURE: THE EVIDENCE FROM SELECTED EUROPEAN COUNTRIES DURING THE GGLOBAL FINANCIAL AND ECONOMIC CRISIS
Authors: Mokhova Natalia , Zinecker Marek
Published: May 2017

The recent Global financial crisis and the following European debt crisis show the significance of country financial stability and its impact on the private sector. Moreover, the sovereign debt as an essential element of government macroeconomic policy influences the financial performances of the companies and their future development and growth. The capital structure and financing decisions represent one of the most significant parts of company’s financial policy and its key to financial strength. There are a lot of external factors influencing the capital structure; however, due to the European debt crisis the aim of this study is to indicate the influence of sovereign debt on capital structure of the private held companies in different European countries. This study examines the evidence from European developed countries and emerging markets for the period 2005–2012, in order to compare the level of its impact on the capital structure according to the countries’ specifics. We find that after Global Financial Crisis the sovereign debt has tendency to increase in all investigated countries. Greece and Italy have the highest level of debt and it exceeds their Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In addition to that, the Czech Republic has the lowest level of sovereign debt to GDP, but at the same time the corporate capital structure exceeds 100%. The sovereign debt levels are strongly and statistically significantly correlated with each other, however, Hungarian debt has weaker relation with other countries. The findings also show the integration and interdependence of European countries. Moreover, Hungarian, Czech and German private sectors are the most depended on the level of sovereign debt.
ON THE EXAMINATION OF OUT-OF-POCKET HEALTH EXPENDITURES IN INDIA, PAKISTAN, SRI LANKA, MALDIVES, BHUTAN, BANGLADESH AND NEPAL
Authors: Shaikh Imlak Shaikh , Singh Shabda
Published: May 2017

The aim of this study is to analyze the healthcare expenditures in seven South Asian countries namely, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Nepal. The longitudinal data has been taken for 19 years from 1995 to 2013. We specifically examine the out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure in these countries. The per-capita health expenditure differences have been compared. We also develop panel data pooled OLS model for out-of-pocket expenditure with the factors affecting it, i.e. per capita health expenditure, household final consumption expenditure and public health expenditure. The work is in line with the earlier studies of determinants of out-of-pocket health expenditures. The results suggest that Maldives has the highest per capita health expenditure while out-of-pocket health expenditure as a percentage of total expenditure on health is highest for the India. The fixed and random effect is evidenced on health expenses across the years and cross section based on various determinants. The novel aspect of the work is that, this is an attempt to explain healthcare financing in the developing economies. The key determinant of out-of-pocket expenditure is the final household expenditures as the percentage of gross domestic product.
Modeling the Radio Foreground for Detection of CMB Spectral Distortions from the Cosmic Dawn and the Epoch of Reionization
Authors: Sathyanarayana Rao Mayuri , Subrahmanyan Ravi , Shankar N Udaya , Chluba Jens
Published: May 2017

Cosmic baryon evolution during the Cosmic Dawn and Reionization results in redshifted 21-cm spectral distortions in the cosmic microwave background (CMB). These encode information about the nature and timing of first sources over redshifts 30–6 and appear at meter wavelengths as a tiny CMB distortion along with the Galactic and extragalactic radio sky, which is orders of magnitude brighter. Therefore, detection requires precise methods to model foregrounds. We present a method of foreground fitting using maximally smooth (MS) functions. We demonstrate the usefulness of MS functions over traditionally used polynomials to separate foregrounds from the Epoch of Reionization (EoR) signal. We also examine the level of spectral complexity in plausible foregrounds using GMOSS, a physically motivated model of the radio sky, and find that they are indeed smooth and can be modeled by MS functions to levels sufficient to discern the vanilla model of the EoR signal. We show that MS functions are loss resistant and robustly preserve EoR signal strength and turning points in the residuals. Finally, we demonstrate that in using a well-calibrated spectral radiometer and modeling foregrounds with MS functions, the global EoR signal can be detected with a Bayesian approach with 90% confidence in 10 minutes’ integration.
Dynamical Friction and the Evolution of Supermassive Black Hole Binaries: The Final Hundred-parsec Problem
Authors: Dosopoulou Fani , Antonini Fabio
Published: May 2017

The supermassive black holes originally in the nuclei of two merging galaxies will form a binary in the remnant core. The early evolution of the massive binary is driven by dynamical friction before the binary becomes “hard” and eventually reaches coalescence through gravitational-wave emission. We consider the dynamical friction evolution of massive binaries consisting of a secondary hole orbiting inside a stellar cusp dominated by a more massive central black hole. In our treatment, we include the frictional force from stars moving faster than the inspiralling object, which is neglected in the standard Chandrasekhar treatment. We show that the binary eccentricity increases if the stellar cusp density profile rises less steeply than

. In cusps shallower than

, the frictional timescale can become very long due to the deficit of stars moving slower than the massive body. Although including fast stars increases the decay rate, low mass-ratio binaries (

) in sufficiently massive galaxies have decay timescales longer than one Hubble time. During such minor mergers, the secondary hole stalls on an eccentric orbit at a distance of order one-tenth the influence radius of the primary hole (i.e.,

for massive ellipticals). We calculate the expected number of stalled satellites as a function of the host galaxy mass and show that the brightest cluster galaxies should have

of such satellites orbiting within their cores. Our results could provide an explanation for a number of observations, which include multiple nuclei in core ellipticals, off-center AGNs, and eccentric nuclear disks.
The Proper Motion of Pyxis: The First Use of Adaptive Optics in Tandem with HST on a Faint Halo Object
Authors: Fritz T. K. , Linden S. T. , Zivick P. , Kallivayalil N. , Beaton R. L. , Bovy J. , Sales L. V. , Sohn T. , Angell D. , Boylan-Kolchin M. , Carrasco E. R. , Damke G. , Davies R. , Majewski S. , Neichel B. , Marel R. van der
Published: May 2017

We present a proper motion measurement for the halo globular cluster Pyxis, using Hubble Space Telescope/ACS data as the first epoch and GeMS/GSAOI Adaptive Optics data as the second, separated by a baseline of ∼5 years. This is both the first measurement of the proper motion of Pyxis and the first calibration and use of Multi-Conjugate Adaptive Optics data to measure an absolute proper motion for a faint, distant halo object. Consequently, we present our analysis of the Adaptive Optics data in detail. We obtain a proper motion of

 = 1.09 ± 0.31 mas yr−1 and μ

δ
 = 0.68 ± 0.29 mas yr−1. From the proper motion and line-of-sight velocity, we find that the orbit of Pyxis is rather eccentric, with its apocenter at more than 100 kpc and its pericenter at about 30 kpc. We also investigate two literature-proposed associations for Pyxis with the recently discovered ATLAS stream and the Magellanic system. Combining our measurements with dynamical modeling and cosmological numerical simulations, we find it unlikely Pyxis is associated with either system. We examine other Milky Way satellites for possible association using the orbit, eccentricity, metallicity, and age as constraints and find no likely matches in satellites down to the mass of Leo II. We propose that Pyxis probably originated in an unknown galaxy, which today is fully disrupted. Assuming that Pyxis is bound and not on a first approach, we derive a 68% lower limit on the mass of the Milky Way of 0.95 × 1012
M
⊙.
Cloud Structure of Three Galactic Infrared Dark Star-forming Regions from Combining Ground- and Space-based Bolometric Observations
Authors: Lin Yuxin , Liu Hauyu Baobab , Dale James E. , Li Di , Busquet Gemma , Zhang Zhi-Yu , Ginsburg Adam , Galván-Madrid Roberto , Kovács Attila , Koch Eric , Qian Lei , Wang Ke , Longmore Steve , Chen Huei-Ru , Walker Daniel
Published: May 2017

We have modified the iterative procedure introduced by Lin et al., to systematically combine the submillimeter images taken from ground-based (e.g., CSO, JCMT, APEX) and space (e.g., Herschel, Planck) telescopes. We applied the updated procedure to observations of three well-studied Infrared Dark Clouds (IRDCs): G11.11−0.12, G14.225−0.506, and G28.34+0.06, and then performed single-component, modified blackbody fits to each pixel to derive ∼10″ resolution dust temperature and column density maps. The derived column density maps show that these three IRDCs exhibit complex filamentary structures embedded with rich clumps/cores. We compared the column density probability distribution functions (N-PDFs) and two-point correlation (2PT) functions of the column density field between these IRDCs with several OB-cluster-forming regions. Based on the observed correlation between the luminosity-to-mass ratio and the power-law index of the N-PDF, and complementary hydrodynamical simulations for a 104

molecular cloud, we hypothesize that cloud evolution can be better characterized by the evolution of the (column) density distribution function and the relative power of dense structures as a function of spatial scales, rather than merely based on the presence of star-forming activity. An important component of our approach is to provide a model-independent quantification of cloud evolution. Based on the small analyzed sample, we propose four evolutionary stages, namely, cloud integration, stellar assembly, cloud pre-dispersal, and dispersed cloud. The initial cloud integration stage and the final dispersed cloud stage may be distinguished from the two intermediate stages by a steeper than −4 power-law index of the N-PDF. The cloud integration stage and the subsequent stellar assembly stage are further distinguished from each other by the larger luminosity-to-mass ratio (>40

) of the latter. A future large survey of molecular clouds with high angular resolution may establish more precise evolutionary tracks in the parameter space of N-PDF, 2PT function, and luminosity-to-mass ratio.
Development and Validation of the OMERACT Rheumatoid Arthritis Magnetic Resonance Tenosynovitis Scoring System in a Multireader Exercise
Authors: Glinatsi Daniel , Bird Paul , Gandjbakhch Frédérique , Haavardsholm Espen A. , Peterfy Charles G. , Vital Edward M. , Emery Paul , Conaghan Philip G. , Østergaard Mikkel
Published: May 2017

Objective.

To develop and validate a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tenosynovitis (TS) score for tendons at the wrist and metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint levels in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods.

Axial T1-weighted precontrast and postcontrast fat-saturated MR image sets of the hands of 43 patients with RA initiating rituximab therapy were obtained at baseline and after 14, 26, 38, or 52 weeks. The MR images were scored twice by 4 readers. Nine tendon compartments of the wrist and 4 flexor tendon compartments at the MCP joints were assessed. Tenosynovitis was scored as follows: 0: No; 1: < 1.5 mm; 2: ≥ 1.5 mm but < 3 mm; 3: ≥ 3 mm peritendinous effusion and/or postcontrast enhancement. Intrareader and interreader intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), smallest detectable change (SDC), percentage of exact and close agreement (PEA/PCA), and standardized response mean (SRM) were calculated.

Results.

Intrareader and interreader ICC for status and change scores were very good (≥ 0.80) for total scores for all readers. Intrareader SDC was ≤ 3.0 and interreader SDC was < 2.0. The overall PEA/PCA intrareader and interreader agreements for change scores in all tendons were 73.8%/97.6% and 47.9%/85.0%, respectively. Average SRM was moderate for total scores and 60.5% of the patients had a tenosynovitis change score ≥ SDC.

Conclusion.

The TS score showed high intrareader and interreader agreement for wrist and finger tendons, with moderate responsiveness, and the majority of the patients showed a change above the SDC. This scoring system may be included as a component of the RAMRIS.
Clinical Profiles and Prognosis of Patients with Distinct Antisynthetase Autoantibodies
Authors: Shi Jingli , Li Shanshan , Yang Hanbo , Zhang Yamei , Peng Qinglin , Lu Xin , Wang Guochun
Published: May 2017

Objective.

To compare the clinical characteristics and identify the longterm outcomes of Chinese patients with different antisynthetase antibodies.

Methods.

We investigated retrospectively 124 consecutive patients with antisynthetase syndrome. Medical records, laboratory results, and computed tomography images were obtained.

Results.

The antisynthetase antibodies we investigated were anti-Jo1 (n = 62), anti-PL7 (n = 31), anti-PL12 (n = 12), and anti-EJ (n = 19). The overall prevalence of interstitial lung disease (ILD) reached 94.4% among study patients. Eleven patients (8.9%) developed rapidly progressive ILD (RP-ILD). Eight patients (6.5%) experienced malignancy. RP-ILD was statistically more prevalent in patients with antisynthetase syndrome with anti-PL7 than those without anti-PL7 (p = 0.028). Anti-Ro52–positive patients with antisynthetase syndrome experienced higher frequency of RP-ILD than those without anti-Ro52 (p = 0.001). Further, anti-PL7–positive patients coexisting with anti-Ro52 exhibited more RP-ILD than those without anti-Ro52 (p = 0.001). Patients with antisynthetase syndrome with RP-ILD had a higher proportion of neutrophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and serum ferritin than those without RP-ILD (p = 0.006 and p = 0.013, respectively). Although no differences were observed between the Kaplan-Meier curves of the 4 antisynthetase antibodies subgroups (p = 0.349), the survival rate of patients with anti-PL7 decreased more rapidly in the early stage of longterm followup compared with those with other antisynthetase antibodies. The presence of RP-ILD, malignancy, and elevated serum ferritin was identified to be associated with poor prognosis in patients with antisynthetase syndrome.

Conclusion.

Our study investigates the clinical phenotypes and outcomes of patients with antisynthetase syndrome with distinct antisynthetase antibodies and highlights the link between the anti-PL7 antibody and RP-ILD.
Co-creating value through agents interaction within service network
Authors: Okdinawati Liane , M. Simatupang Togar , Sunitiyoso Yos
Published: May 2017

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to gives further understanding on value co-creation mechanisms in B-to-B service network by reinforcing the processes, the relationships, and influences of other agents where Collaborative Transportation Management (CTM) forms might be best employed.Design/methodology/approach: In order to model the interactions among agents in the collaboration processes and the value co-creation processes, this research used three collaboration cases in Indonesia. Then, the agent-based simulation was used to capture both the collaboration process and the value co-creation process of the three collaboration cases.Findings: The interactions among the agents both inside and outside their collaboration environment determined agent’s role as a value co-creator. The willingness of an agent to accept the opinion of another agent determined the degree of their willingness to co-operate and to change their strategies, and perceptions. Therefore, influenced the size of the value obtained by them in each collaboration process.Research limitations/implications: The findings of the simulations subject to assumptions based on the collaboration cases. Further research is related to how to encourage agents to co-operate and adjust their perceptions.Practical implications: It is crucial for the practitioners to interact with another agent both inside and outside their collaboration environment. The opinions of another agent inside the collaboration environment also need to be considered.Originality/value: This research is derived from its emphasis on how a value is co-created by reinforcing both the collaborative processes and the interactions among agents as well as on how CTM might be best employed.
Novel Molecular Mechanism of Regulation of CD40 Ligand by the Transcription Factor GLI2
Authors: Han Weiguo , Jackson David A. , Matissek Stephan J. , Misurelli Jason A. , Neil Matthew S. , Sklavanitis Brandon , Amarsaikhan Nansalmaa , Elsawa Sherine F.
Published: May 2017

The interaction between tumor cells and their surrounding microenvironment is essential for the growth and persistence of cancer cells. This interaction is mediated, in part, by cytokines. Although the role of cytokines in normal and malignant cell biology is well established, many of the molecular mechanisms regulating their expression remain elusive. In this article, we provide evidence of a novel pathway controlling the transcriptional activation of CD40L in bone marrow–derived stromal cells. Using a PCR-based screening of cytokines known to play a role in the biology of bone marrow malignancies, we identified CD40L as a novel GLI2 target gene in stromal cells. CD40L plays an important role in malignant B cell biology, and we found increased Erk phosphorylation and cell growth in malignant B cells cocultured with CD40L-expressing stromal cells. Further analysis indicated that GLI2 overexpression induced increased CD40L expression, and, conversely, GLI2 knockdown reduced CD40L expression. Using luciferase and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays, we demonstrate that GLI2 directly binds and regulates the activity of the CD40L promoter. We found that the CCR3–PI3K–AKT signaling modulates the GLI2–CD40L axis, and GLI2 is required for CCR3–PI3K–AKT-mediated regulation of the CD40L promoter. Finally, coculture of malignant B cells with cells stably expressing human CD40L results in increased Erk phosphorylation and increased malignant B cell growth, indicating that CD40L in the tumor microenvironment promotes malignant B cell activation. Therefore, our studies identify a novel molecular mechanism of regulation of CD40L by the transcription factor GLI2 in the tumor microenvironment downstream of CCR3 signaling.
Characterization of the Micro-Environment of the Testis that Shapes the Phenotype and Function of Testicular Macrophages
Authors: Wang Ming , Fijak Monika , Hossain Hamid , Markmann Melanie , Nüsing Rolf M. , Lochnit Günter , Hartmann Michaela F. , Wudy Stefan A. , Zhang Lizong , Gu Huanpeng , Konrad Lutz , Chakraborty Trinad , Meinhardt Andreas , Bhushan Sudhanshu
Published: May 2017

Macrophages are important in the activation of innate immune responses and in a tissue-specific manner in the maintenance of organ homeostasis. Testicular macrophages (TM), which reside in the testicular interstitial space, comprise the largest leukocyte population in the testes and are assumed to play a relevant function in maintaining testicular immune privilege. Numerous studies have indicated that the interstitial fluid (IF) surrounding the TM has immunosuppressive properties, which may influence the phenotype of TM. However, the identity of the immunosuppressive molecules present in the IF is poorly characterized. We show that the rat testicular IF shifted GM-CSF–induced M1 toward the M2 macrophage phenotype. IF-polarized M2 macrophages mimic the properties of TM, such as increased expression of CD163, high secretion of IL-10, and low secretion of TNF-α. In addition, IF-polarized macrophages display immunoregulatory functions by inducing expansion of immunosuppressive regulatory T cells. We further found that corticosterone was the principal immunosuppressive molecule present in the IF and that the glucocorticoid receptor is needed for induction of the testis-specific phenotype of TM. In addition, TM locally produce small amounts of corticosterone, which suppresses the basal expression of inflammatory genes as a means to render TM refractory to inflammatory stimuli. Taken together, these results suggest that the corticosterone present in the testicular environment shapes the immunosuppressive function and phenotype of TM and that this steroid may play an important role in the establishment and sustenance of the immune privilege of the testis.
Levels of poverty and the poverty gap in rural Limpopo
Authors: Mears R. R. , Blaauw P. F.
Published: May 2017

Purpose/objectives: The aim of this paper is to obtain a better understanding of the income and expenditure patterns of selected deep rural villages. This is done by measuring the level of poverty and/or the poverty gap of 132 households in Limpopo, one of the poorest provinces in South Africa. Problem investigated: The Millennium Declaration symbolises the commitment to end extreme poverty, but limited data is available for rural areas to inform policy decisions. The relative income shares for individuals, households and percentile groups within a population provide the best information on poverty for policy formulation. The nature and size distribution of income are therefore central to analysing the poverty problem within low-income areas. The survey area is one of the poorest areas in South Africa, and shows what data is needed to measure and understand the extent of poverty. Design/Method/Approach: A representative sample of 132 households was drawn, which represents 6,9 percent of the estimated 1900 households in selected villages of rural Limpopo. A total of 740 household members were represented in the survey, with an average of 5,6 members per household. Originality/Value: Although this is a relatively small sample, it generated much-needed data on this very poor area of South Africa. Detailed empirical data on the income and expenditure patterns is not available, especially for rural areas. The socio-economic data from this research supported an important health project of the Water and Health Research Unit (WHRU) of the University of Johannesburg. The article also lays the foundation for further research in this field of study, facilitating engagement with a number of related debates such as those about satisfaction of life, vulnerability to poverty, the geography of deprivation and the mapping of poverty. Conclusion: The main finding is that the government provides for many needs of the poor, especially in the deep rural areas. Only 18 percent of the sample households did not receive a state grant in 2007. This was an injection of R88 800 or 33,4 percent of the total income per month, which excludes the social wage in terms of free basic water, electricity, subsidised or free housing, health care subsidies and other support to poor people and rural communities. Of the 485 non-economically active people in the sample, more than 364 or 75 percent receive an income, mainly in the form of state grants. Education suggests itself as a route out of poverty, rather than the child grant and other subsidies that encourage poor people to have more children. Poor couples and single-member households fall through the safety net, because they do not qualify for state grants and have no children yet.
Expenditure-based segmentation of visitors to the Tsitsikamma National Park
Authors: Kruger M. , Saayman A. , Saayman M.
Published: May 2017

Purpose and/or objectives: The purpose of this article is to apply expenditure-based segmentation to visitors at the Tsitsikamma National Park. The objective of the research is twofold, to identify the socio-demographic and behavioural variables that influence spending at the Tsitsikamma National Park and to make recommendations on how to attract the high-spending market. Problem investigate: The Tsitsikamma National Park is Africa's oldest and largest marine reserve and plays a vital role in the preservation and conservation of marine fauna and flora. The park is also a popular holiday destination for international and local tourists and therefore plays an important role in the regional economy. Due to the importance of the park to the community and region, the Tsitsikamma National Park needs to attract more high spenders since this will contribute to the sustainability of the park. Expenditure-based segmentation is regarded as the best method for creating a profile of the high-spending market. Design and/or methodology and/or approach: To achieve this, tourist surveys from 2001 to 2008 were used. In total, 593 questionnaires were used in the analysis. Statistical analysis was done by applying K-means clustering and Pearson's chi-square as well as ANOVA analysis. Findings and/or implications: The research revealed that the province of origin, group size, length of stay and accommodation preference have a positive influence on higher spending. Originality and/or value of the research : Even though this type of research has been done for the Kruger National Park, a more innovative approach was followed by using K-means clustering, which is also the first time that this approach was used in determining the high-spending market at the Tsitsikamma National Park. Conclusion: Two distinct markets were identified. These were the high and low spenders where the most significant differences were with regard to province of origin, group size, length of stay and preferred type of accommodation. Interestingly, aspects such as owning a Wild Card (which is a loyalty card) showed no significant difference. The same applied for age, marital status or frequency of visits. Therefore, the results (if one compares this research with that done at the Kruger National Park) confirm that the size of operations and activities available have a dual impact.
Using executive information systems as a business management tool in listed Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) companies: An exploratory study
Authors: Papageorgiou Elmarie , De Bruyn Herman E.C.
Published: May 2017

Purpose: The aim of the study is to investigate the extent and use of Executive Information Systems (EISs) as a business management tool in listed Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) companies. Problem: This study is important in order to establish the existence of EISs in these companies and whether it is being used as a business management tool to analyse and measure companies' performances.Research Methodolog:The research methods were both quantitative and qualitative in nature and are based on the literature study, questionnaire and interviews. Findings and conclusion: The findings of the study provide evidence that companies with an EIS or planning to implement an EIS view it as an excellent business management tool. This tool has built-in features, is critical for real-time decision-making, solves problems and creates a competitive edge. Value of the research: The value of the study adds to the current understanding and awareness of EISs. EISs create an environment in which business and management can enhance sustainability and strategic competitiveness.