bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge and Attitude about Reproductive Health and Family Planning among Young Adults in Yemen
Authors: Masood Muhammed S. A. , Alsonini Nabila A. A.
Published: May 2017

Background. The Yemeni government is focusing more attention on the needs of youth to ensure a healthy transition to adulthood. This is critical because adolescent population (ages 15–24) of 3.35 million will double in just 20 years. Young adults often lack basic knowledge about reproductive health and family planning. Objectives. To determine reproductive health and family planning knowledge and attitude among young adults aged 15 to 25+ years. Method. Sample study was taken from Marie Stopes International in Yemen which was conducted from March to July 2013 on the reproductive health age 15–49 years. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were employed. Results. Majority had heard about reproductive health and family planning and encouraged its methods. Television, relatives, and radio were major sources of information. Adults with higher education tend to have more awareness about health services. Knowledge about health services and family planning methods among older adults was significant, and adults in Belqees Club were more likely to have high empowerment scores for family planning methods. Conclusion. The level of knowledge about health services for reproductive health and family planning and its methods was low to moderate. The introduction of contraceptives remains a challenge in Yemen because the educational reproductive health is weak in Yemeni schools or health institutes or universities. Information about reproductive health and family planning should be provided to adolescents through medical schools curricula.
A SOA-Based Platform to Support Clinical Data Sharing
Authors: Gazzarata R. , Giannini B. , Giacomini M.
Published: May 2017

The eSource Data Interchange Group, part of the Clinical Data Interchange Standards Consortium, proposed five scenarios to guide stakeholders in the development of solutions for the capture of eSource data. The fifth scenario was subdivided into four tiers to adapt the functionality of electronic health records to support clinical research. In order to develop a system belonging to the “Interoperable” Tier, the authors decided to adopt the service-oriented architecture paradigm to support technical interoperability, Health Level Seven Version 3 messages combined with LOINC (Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes) vocabulary to ensure semantic interoperability, and Healthcare Services Specification Project standards to provide process interoperability. The developed architecture enhances the integration between patient-care practice and medical research, allowing clinical data sharing between two hospital information systems and four clinical data management systems/clinical registries. The core is formed by a set of standardized cloud services connected through standardized interfaces, involving client applications. The system was approved by a medical staff, since it reduces the workload for the management of clinical trials. Although this architecture can realize the “Interoperable” Tier, the current solution actually covers the “Connected” Tier, due to local hospital policy restrictions.
An Optimization Model of Multi-Intersection Signal Control for Trunk Road under Collaborative Information
Authors: Li Xun , Zhao Zhengfan , Liu Li , Liu Yao , Li Pengfei
Published: May 2017

We proposed a signal control optimization model for urban main trunk line intersections. Four-phase intersection was analyzed and modeled based on the Cell Transmission Model (CTM). CTM and signal control model in our study had both been improved for multi-intersections by three-phase theory and information-exchanging. To achieve a real-time application, an improved genetic algorithm (GA) was proposed finally, the DISCO traffic simulation software was used for numerical simulation experiment, and comparisons with the standard GA and CTM were reported in this paper. Experimental results indicate that our searching time is less than that of SGA by 38%, and our method needs only 1/3 iteration time of SGA. According to our DISCO traffic simulation processing, compared with SGA, if the input traffic flow is changed from free phase to synchronized phase, for example, less than 900 vel/h, the delay time can reduce to 87.99% by our method, and the minimum delay time is 77.76% of existing method. Furthermore, if input traffic volume is increased to 1200 vel/h or more at the synchronized phase, the summary and minimum values of average delay time are reduced to 81.16% and 75.83%, respectively, and the average delay time is reduced to 17.72 seconds.
A Quantum-Chemical DFT Approach to Elucidation of the Chirality Transfer Mechanism of the Enantioselective Suzuki–Miyaura Cross-Coupling Reaction
Authors: Jasiński Radomir , Demchuk Oleg M. , Babyuk Dmytro
Published: May 2017

The DFT calculations of the simplified model of the asymmetric Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reaction were performed at the M062x/LANL2DZ theory level at first. It was found that enantioselective reactions mediated by the palladium complexes of chiralC,P-ligands follow a four-stage mechanism similar to that proposed previously as one of the most credible mechanisms. It should be underlined that the presence of substituents in the substrates and the chiral ligand atorthopositions determines the energies of possible diastereoisomeric transition states and intermediates in initial reaction steps. This suggests that, in practice, a sharp selection of theoretically possible paths of chirality transfer from the catalyst to the product should have a place and, therefore, the absolute configuration of the formed atropisomeric product is defined and can be predicted.
Severe Rhabdomyolysis due to Presumed Drug Interactions between Atorvastatin with Amlodipine and Ticagrelor
Authors: Banakh Iouri , Haji Kavi , Kung Ross , Gupta Sachin , Tiruvoipati Ravindranath
Published: May 2017

Atorvastatin and ticagrelor combination is a widely accepted therapy for secondary prevention of ischaemic heart disease. However, rhabdomyolysis is a well-known rare side effect of statins which should be considered when treatments are combined with cytochrome P450 3A4 enzyme inhibitors. We report a case of atorvastatin and ticagrelor associated severe rhabdomyolysis that progressed to multiorgan failure requiring renal replacement therapy, inotropes, intubation, and mechanical ventilation. Despite withdrawal of the precipitating cause and the supportive measures including renal replacement therapy, creatinine kinase increased due to ongoing rhabdomyolysis rapidly progressing to upper and lower limbs weakness. A muscle biopsy was performed to exclude myositis which confirmed extensive myonecrosis, consistent with statin associated rhabdomyolysis. After a prolonged ventilatory course in the intensive care unit, patient’s condition improved with recovery from renal and liver dysfunction. The patient slowly regained her upper and lower limb function; she was successfully weaned off the ventilator and was discharged for rehabilitation. To our knowledge, this is a second case of statin associated rhabdomyolysis due to interaction between atorvastatin and ticagrelor. However, our case differed in that the patient was also on amlodipine, which is considered to be a weak cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibitor and may have further potentiated myotoxicity.
Buzzing Wild Bee Visits Enhance Seed Set in Eggplant, Solanum melongena
Authors: Jayasinghe U. J. M. Shanika R. , Silva T. H. Saumya E. , Karunaratne W. A. Inoka P.
Published: May 2017

Sixty percent of the angiosperms with poricidal anthers are buzz-pollinated by bees (Hymenoptera: Apoidea: Apiformes). Plant taxa with Solanum-type flowers have larger anthers and shorter filaments. Solanum melongena (Solanaceae) is more commonly and efficiently pollinated by buzz pollinators. The present study documented bees and their diurnal pattern of visitation to flowers, relationship between their handling time and flower age, and the effect of bee visits on fruit and seed set in S. melongena in two sites in Kandy District. Efficiency of buzz pollination over pollination in the absence of bees was determined using open buds and buds covered with pollinator exclusion bags. On average, 150 days were taken to complete the life cycle of Solanum melongena. Three buzzing bees and two nonbuzzing bees in site I and five buzzing bees and two nonbuzzing bees in site II were recorded. Handling time of Pachynomia sp. and Hoplonomia westwoodi indicates that bees spend more time at new flowers than at old flowers. Handling time is higher in the smaller bee, Pachynomia sp., than in the larger bee, H. westwoodi. Statistical data on pollinator exclusion experiment revealed that the fruit set and seed set of S. melongena are enhanced by buzz-pollinating bees.
Diagnosis of the Diatom Community upon Biofilm Development on Stainless Steels in Natural Freshwater
Authors: Richard Caroline , Mitbavkar Smita , Landoulsi Jessem
Published: May 2017

This paper reports the development of biofilms on stainless steels (SS) upon exposure in a natural freshwater ecosystem for about six months and focuses on the composition of diatom populations. By using environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) technique, we provide a detailed description regarding diatom identification at species level as well as their main characteristics, including type, morphology, ability to form colony, and motility. Results reveal the presence of both prostrate (initial colonizers) and stalked (late colonizers) forms. Pennate diatoms,Cocconeis placentulaandAmphora coffeaeformis,and a centric diatom,Melosira varians, are shown to be the abundant forms regardless of the SS type. Pennate diatoms dominate the community and are directly attached to the substratum, whereas the centric form is entangled in the biofilm matrix in a significant number. The dominance of adnate forms suggests that these cells are sturdy and successfully maintaining their population. In situ monitoring of the electrochemical response of immersed materials showed ennoblement of the open circuit potential, which seems to be due to the biogenic production of H2O2, detected in a significant amount within the biofilms. The substantial enrichment of biofilms with diatoms potentially suggests the implication of these microorganisms in the process of ennoblement. A mechanism is proposed in this paper describing the possible interactions of diatom community with SS in the studied ecosystem.
Noncooperative 802.11 MAC Layer Fingerprinting and Tracking of Mobile Devices
Authors: Robyns Pieter , Bonné Bram , Quax Peter , Lamotte Wim
Published: May 2017

We present two novel noncooperative MAC layer fingerprinting and tracking techniques for Wi-Fi (802.11) enabled mobile devices. Our first technique demonstrates how a per-bit entropy analysis of a single captured frame allows an adversary to construct a fingerprint of the transmitter that is 80.0 to 67.6 percent unique for 50 to 100 observed devices and 33.0 to 15.1 percent unique for 1,000 to 10,000 observed devices. We show how existing mitigation strategies such as MAC address randomization can be circumvented using only this fingerprint and temporal information. Our second technique leverages peer-to-peer 802.11u Generic Advertisement Service (GAS) requests and 802.11e Block Acknowledgement (BA) requests to instigate transmissions on demand from devices that support these protocols. We validate these techniques using two datasets, one of which was recorded at a music festival containing 28,048 unique devices and the other at our research lab containing 138 unique devices. Finally, we discuss a number of countermeasures that can be put in place by mobile device vendors in order to prevent noncooperative tracking through the discussed techniques.
Bioremediation of Mercury by Vibrio fluvialis Screened from Industrial Effluents
Authors: Saranya Kailasam , Sundaramanickam Arumugam , Shekhar Sudhanshu , Swaminathan Sankaran , Balasubramanian Thangavel
Published: May 2017

Thirty-one mercury-resistant bacterial strains were isolated from the effluent discharge sites of the SIPCOT industrial area. Among them, only one strain (CASKS5) was selected for further investigation due to its high minimum inhibitory concentration of mercury and low antibiotic susceptibility. In accordance with 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequences, the strain CASKS5 was identified as Vibrio fluvialis. The mercury-removal capacity of V. fluvialis was analyzed at four different concentrations (100, 150, 200, and 250 μg/ml). Efficient bioremediation was observed at a level of 250 μg/ml with the removal of 60% of mercury ions. The interesting outcome of this study was that the strain V. fluvialis had a high bioremediation efficiency but had a low antibiotic resistance. Hence, V. fluvialis could be successfully used as a strain for the ecofriendly removal of mercury.
Implant Stability in the Posterior Maxilla: A Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Zita Gomes Raquel , de Vasconcelos Mario Ramalho , Lopes Guerra Isabel Maria , de Almeida Rute Alexandra Borges , de Campos Felino Antonio Cabral
Published: May 2017

Aim. To evaluate the primary and secondary stability of implants in the posterior maxilla. Methods. Patients were allocated into three groups: (A) native bone, (B) partially regenerated bone, and (C) nearly totally regenerated bone. Insertion torque (IT) and implant stability quotient (ISQ) were measured at placement, to evaluate whether satisfactory high primary stability (IT ≥ 45 N/cm; ISQ ≥ 60) was achieved; ISQ was measured 15, 30, 45, and 60 days after placement, to investigate the evolution to secondary stability. Results. 133 implants (Anyridge®, Megagen) were installed in 59 patients: 55 fixtures were placed in Group A, 57 in Group B, and 21 in Group C. Fifty-two implants had satisfactory high primary stability (IT ≥ 45 N/cm; ISQ ≥ 60). A positive correlation was found between all variables (IT, ISQ at t = 0, t = 60), and statistically higher IT and ISQ values were found for implants with satisfactory high primary stability. Significant differences were found for IT and ISQ between the groups (A, B, and C); however, no drops were reported in the median ISQ values during the healing period. Conclusions. The evaluation of the primary and secondary implant stability may contribute to higher implant survival/success rates in critical areas, such as the regenerated posterior maxilla. The present study is registered in the ISRCTN registry with ID ISRCTN33469250.
Management of Severe Developmental Regression in an Autistic Child with a 1q21.3 Microdeletion and Self-Injurious Blindness
Authors: Cravero Cora , Guinchat Vincent , Xavier Jean , Meunier Camille , Diaz Lautaro , Mignot Cyril , Doummar Diane , Chantot-Bastaraud Sandra , Consoli Angèle , Cohen David
Published: May 2017

We report the case of a young boy with nonverbal autism and intellectual disability, with a rare de novo 1q21.3 microdeletion. The patient had early and extreme self-injurious behaviours that led to blindness, complicated by severe developmental regression. A significant reduction in the self-injurious behaviours and the recovery of developmental dynamics were attained in a multidisciplinary neurodevelopmental inpatient unit. Improvement was obtained after managing all causes of somatic pains, using opiate blockers and stabilizing the patient’s mood. We offered both sensorimotor developmental approach with therapeutic body wrap and specific psychoeducation adapted to his blindness condition for improving his communication abilities.
Labelling of 90Y- and 177Lu-DOTA-Bioconjugates for Targeted Radionuclide Therapy: A Comparison among Manual, Semiautomated, and Fully Automated Synthesis
Authors: Iori Michele , Capponi Pier C. , Rubagotti Sara , Esposizione Luca Rosario , Seemann Johanna , Pitzschler Riccardo , Dreger Thorsten , Formisano Debora , Grassi Elisa , Fioroni Federica , Versari Annibale , Asti Mattia
Published: May 2017

In spite of the hazard due to the radiation exposure, preparation of 90Y- and 177Lu-labelled radiopharmaceuticals is still mainly performed using manual procedures. In the present study the performance of a commercial automatic synthesizer based on disposable cassettes for the labelling of 177Lu- and 90Y-DOTA-conjugated biomolecules (namely, DOTATOC and PSMA-617) was evaluated and compared to a manual and a semiautomated approach. The dose exposure of the operators was evaluated as well. More than 300 clinical preparations of both 90Y- and 177Lu-labelled radiopharmaceuticals have been performed using the three different methods. The mean radiochemical yields for 90Y-DOTATOC were 96.2±4.9%, 90.3±5.6%, and 82.0±8.4%, while for 177Lu-DOTATOC they were 98.3%  ± 0.6, 90.8%  ± 8.3, and 83.1±5.7% when manual, semiautomated, and automated approaches were used, respectively. The mean doses on the whole hands for yttrium-90 preparations were 0.15±0.4 mSv/GBq, 0.04±0.1 mSv/GBq, and 0.11±0.3 mSv/GBq for manual, semiautomated, and automated synthesis, respectively, and for lutetium-177 preparations, they were 0.02±0.008 mSv/GBq, 0.01±0.03 mSv/GBq, and 0.01±0.02 mSv/GBq, respectively. In conclusion, the automated approach guaranteed reliable and reproducible preparations of pharmaceutical grade therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals in a decent RCY. The radiation exposure of the operators remained comparable to the manual approach mainly due to the fact that a dedicated shielding was still not available for the system.
Enhanced Depth Imaging Optical Coherence Tomography: A New Way Measuring Choroidal Thickness in Pregnant Women
Authors: Zhang Jun , Wang Huiyun , Yu Qiubo , Tong Qihu , Lu Qinkang
Published: May 2017

The body changes markedly during pregnancy; each system behaves differently from a nonpregnant state. As the eyes are the only windows to see directly what is going on in the internal environment, more and more researches have been done to explain the association between ocular changes and the physiological and pathological changes during pregnancy. The choroid is one of the critical parts of the eye, providing nutrition. And abnormal choroid may result in ocular dysfunction and visual problems. As the optical coherence tomography develops, a rapid, direct, noninvasive, and nontoxic way is available to obtain the choroid situation of pregnant women, which may explain the mechanism of pregnancy-related eye diseases. This review would summarize relevant original articles published from January 1, 2008 to December 1, 2016 to assess the changes of choroidal thickness (CT) with enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT) during pregnancy. And the relationship between choroidal thickness changes and pregnancy remains uncertain. To our knowledge, this is the first review of EDI-OCT in assessing the choroidal thickness of the pregnant women.
Air Transport versus High-Speed Rail: An Overview and Research Agenda
Authors: Sun Xiaoqian , Zhang Yu , Wandelt Sebastian
Published: May 2017

The development of high-speed rail (HSR) services throughout the last decades has gradually blurred the concept of competition and cooperation with air transportation. There is a wide range of studies on this subject, with a particular focus on single lines or smaller regions. This article synthesizes and discusses recently published studies in this area, while aiming to identify commonalities and deviations among different regions throughout the world, covering services from Europe, Asia, and North America. Our meta-analysis reveals that the literature is highly controversial and the results vary substantially from one region to another, and a generalization is difficult, given route-specific characteristics, such as demand distribution, network structure, and evolution of transportation modes. As a major contribution, we propose a list of five challenges as a future research agenda on HSR/air transport competition and cooperation. Among others, we see a need for the construction of an open-source dataset for large-scale multimodal transport systems, the comprehensive assessment of new emerging transport modes, and also taking into account the resilience of multimodal transport systems under disruption.
Corneal Endothelial Characteristics, Central Corneal Thickness, and Intraocular Pressure in a Population of Chinese Age-Related Cataract Patients
Authors: Li Yingmei , Fu Zhentao , Liu Jian , Li Miao , Zhang Yuguang , Wu Xinyi
Published: May 2017

Purpose. To describe corneal endothelial characteristics, central corneal thickness, and intraocular pressure in a population of Chinese age-related cataract patients and to determine the effects of age, gender, hypertension, and body mass index (BMI).Methods. 1551 eyes were examined preoperatively. The parameters measured were endothelial cell density (CD), average cell area (CA), coefficient of variation (CV), cell hexagonality (HEX), central corneal thickness (CCT), intraocular pressure (IOP), and axial length (AL).Results. There were significant differences in CV and BMI between genders. There was a significant decrease in CD, CCT, and IOP and, conversely, an increase in CA and BMI with increasing age. The patients who suffered from hypertension had bigger CA, less CD, and lower HEX than the patients who did not suffer from hypertension. CD has a negative correlation with age and CV and a positive correlation with CCT, CCT has a positive association with CD and IOP, and IOP had a negative relationship with age and a positive relationship with CCT, CA, and HEX.Conclusions. Normative data for the corneal endothelium, central corneal thickness, and intraocular pressure in the normal age-related cataract patients are reported which will serve as a baseline for comparative studies about cataract.
A Clinical Prospective Observational Cohort Study on the Prevalence and Primary Diagnostic Accuracy of Occult Vertebral Fractures in Aged Women with Acute Lower Back Pain Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Terakado Atsushi , Orita Sumihisa , Inage Kazuhide , Kubota Go , Kanzaki Tomohiro , Mori Hiroshi , Shinohara Yuji , Nakamura Junichi , Matsuura Yusuke , Aoki Yasuchika , Furuya Takeo , Koda Masao , Ohtori Seiji
Published: May 2017

Background.Elderly female patients complaints of acute low back pain (LBP) may involve vertebral fracture (VF), among which occult VF (OVF: early-stage VF without any morphological change) is often missed to be detected by primary X-ray examination. The current study aimed to investigate the prevalence of VF and OVF and the diagnostic accuracy of the initial X-ray in detecting OVF.Method.Subjects were elderly women (>70 years old) complaining of acute LBP with an accurate onset date. Subjects underwent lumbar X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and bone mineral density (BMD) measurement at their first visit. The distribution of radiological findings from X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as well as the calculation of the prevalence of VF and OVF are investigated.Results. The prevalence of VF among elderly women with LBP was 76.5% and L1 was the most commonly injured level. Among VF cases, the prevalence of OVF was 33.3%. Furthermore, osteoporotic patients tend to show increased prevalence of VF (87.5%). The predictive values in detecting VF on the initial plain X-ray were as follows: sensitivity, 51.3%; specificity, 75.0%; and accuracy rate, 56.7%.Conclusions.Acute LBP patients may suffer vertebral injury with almost no morphologic change in X-ray, which can be detected using MRI.
Expanding the Theological Foundation of the Deacon’s Ministry
Authors: Brown Rosalind
Published: May 2017

The work of John N. Collins has revolutionised our understanding of diaconal ministry, giving it a Christological foundation that broadens it from a focus on humble service of caring for people in need to being a ministry of heralding the Kingdom of God, with service directed before all else to God but with humans as the beneficiaries. This paper argues for a further development of the theological underpinning of diaconal ministry which recognises that the ministry of Jesus was empowered by the Holy Spirit and that he sent the Holy Spirit to empower his followers in their proclamation of the gospel. Strengthening the pneumatological foundation of diaconal ministry gives it a more secure Trinitarian foundation and an impetus for mission that could help to transform the mission of the church.
Fossil butterflies, calibration points and the molecular clock (Lepidoptera: Papilionoidea)
Authors: JONG RIENK DE
Published: May 2017

Fossil butterflies are extremely rare. Yet, they are the only direct evidence of the first appearance of particular characters and as such, they are crucial for calibrating a molecular clock, from which divergence ages are estimated. In turn, these estimates, in combination with paleogeographic information, are most important in paleobiogeographic considerations. The key issue here is the correct allocation of fossils on the phylogenetic tree from which the molecular clock is calibrated.The allocation of a fossil on a tree should be based on an apomorphic character found in a tree based on extant species, similar to the allocation of a new extant species. In practice, the latter is not done, at least not explicitly, on the basis of apomorphy, but rather on overall similarity or on a phylogenetic analysis, which is not possible for most butterfly fossils since they usually are very fragmentary. Characters most often preserved are in the venation of the wings. Therefore, special attention is given to possible apomorphies in venational characters in extant butterflies. For estimation of divergence times, not only the correct allocation of the fossil on the tree is important, but also the tree itself influences the outcome as well as the correct determination of the age of the fossil. These three aspects are discussed.        All known butterfly fossils, consisting of 49 taxa, are critically reviewed and their relationship to extant taxa is discussed as an aid for correctly calibrating a molecular clock for papilionoid Lepidoptera. In this context some aspects of age estimation and biogeographic conclusions are briefly mentioned in review. Specific information has been summarized in four appendices.
Heat Transfer in Eccentric-Concentric Rotation of a Disk and Fluid at Infinity
Authors: Khan Ilyas , Abdelhameed Tarek Nabil Ahmed , Dennis L. C. C
Published: May 2017

Heat transfer due to free convection flow in eccentric-concentric rotation of a disk and fluid at infinity is studied in this work Exact solutions for velocity and temperature are obtained by using the Laplace transform technique. The performed calculations disclose that the free convection
parameter, Prandtl number, radiation parameter, and dimensionless time have strong influence on fluid velocity and temperature. The graphs are presented for such influence and examined carefully.
Evaluation System for the Sustainable Development of Urban Traffic and Ecological Environment Based on Support Vector Machine
Authors: Xu Zhiou , Jiang Huiyuan
Published: May 2017

In recent years, with the continuous development of urban traffic and ecological environment, study on enhancing urban function and optimizing space has attracted extensive attention. Based on support vector machine algorithm, this paper solves the problems about reasonableness and
fairness, two quantitative indicators in the rating of the sustainable development of urban traffic and ecological environment. This paper constructs an evaluation system for the sustainable development of urban traffic and ecological environment based on support vector machine through a modern
algorithm, which can evaluate the development status of modern cities in real time and conduct warning processing if necessary, thus improving the scientificity of urban planning and development and providing new reference for the evaluation system for the sustainable development of urban
traffic and ecological environment.
Application to Fractional Differential Transformation Method for Solving Fractional SIRC Model and Influenza A
Authors: Khader M. M , Khashan M. Motawi
Published: May 2017

In this paper, fractional differential transformation method (FDTM) is performed to give approximate and analytical solutions of nonlinear system of fractional differential equations (FDEs) such as a model for fractional SIRC associated with the evolution of influenza A disease in human
population. The fractional derivatives are described in the Caputo sense. Special attention is given to present the local stability of the proposed model. The proposed method introduces a promising tool for solving many nonlinear FDEs. The numerical solutions obtained from the proposed method
indicate that the approach is easy to implement and accurate when applied to systems of FDEs. We compared our numerical solutions with those numerical solutions using fourth-order Runge-Kutta method and Chebyshev spectral method. Some figures are presented to show the reliability and the simplicity
of the methods.
Approaches to Multiple Attribute Decision Making Based on the Hesitant Fuzzy Uncertain Linguistic Power Aggregation Operators and Their Applications to Service Quality Evaluation in Higher Education
Authors: Jin Min , Liao Ming-Jing
Published: May 2017

In this paper, we investigate the multiple attribute decision making problems based on the power aggregation operators with hesitant fuzzy uncertain linguistic information. Then, we have developed some power aggregation operators for aggregating hesitant fuzzy uncertain linguistic information:
hesitant fuzzy uncertain linguistic power weighted average (HFULPWA) operator and hesitant fuzzy uncertain linguistic power weighted geometric (HFULPWG) operator. Then, we have utilized these operators to develop some approaches to solve the hesitant fuzzy uncertain linguistic multiple attribute
decision making problems. Finally, a practical example for evaluating the service quality in higher education is given to verify the developed approach and to demonstrate its practicality and effectiveness.
Vibration and Noise Reduction Analysis of Snowplow’s GearBox Case Based on Modal Analysis
Authors: Jin Xiangyang , Wang Jun , Zhihui . , Sun Zhihui , Yang Qiyun , Li Xianfu , Yang Hanlin
Published: May 2017

Study has been conducted on how, where and why does excessive noise generate on the gear-box of the snowplow, and, measures for improvement have been presented. As well, analysis to the generation mechanism of vibration noise of gearbox and gears has been made, to find out the source
of the noise. Next, a precise model of the gearbox, built by using 3D modeling technology, was translated into finite element model to make the modal analysis. Through analyzing characteristics of each vibration mode, positions of the gearbox case on which a vibration is most likely to be
generated have been determined. To check the accuracy of theoretical calculation, vibration and noise tests were made to the gearbox. Specific measures for improvement were then put forward by combining results from both finite element analysis and experimental analysis. The comparison results
showed that: the improved gearbox case had a significant effect on noise reduction, and the goal of reducing vibration and noise was achieved.
Direct Functionalization of Carbon Nanotubes with Phosphate
Authors: Torres Ana M , Hoyos Lina M , Bustamante John J , Garay-Tapia Andrés M
Published: May 2017

With the goal of functionalizing carbon nanotubes for possible applications in biological and biomedical environments, we investigated the interactions between perfect and defective single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and phosphate groups using density functional theory (DFT). The
phosphate groups included phosphoric acid (H3PO4) and dihydrogen phosphate (H2PO4). Defects included monovacancy, divacancy, and Stone-Wales (SW) defects. Our results revealed that with H3PO4, functionalization occurs by an
electrostatic interaction, and no significant changes were observed in the band structures or in the band gap. With H2PO4, functionalization occurs through C–O interaction, and is mainly favored in the presence of a monovacancy or SW defect. With a monovancy defect,
the nanotube preserves its sp2 hybridization, whereas with divacancy and SW defects, local sp3 hybridization occurs. Functionalization with H2PO4 resulted in changes in the band structures and the band gap of perfect and defective (10, 0) SWCNTs.
These changes are caused by electronic localization states on the Fermi level, but the semiconductor behavior of nanotubes is preserved.
Study on Indoor Thermal Environment of Collection Multi-Layer Settlement Residential Building in Winter—Take the Herdsmen Settlement in Western Mountain Grassland as an Example
Authors: Zhang Lei , Zhao Jingyuan , Liu Jiaping , Chang Ming
Published: May 2017

This study aimed to analyze the winter indoor thermal environment of collection multi-layer settlement residential building in China’s western mountain grassland area. The method of analysis is field testing and data calculation, include indoor air temperature and humidity, outdoor
air temperature and humidity, thermal comfort index. The result shows the relationship between indoor thermal environment, envelope materials, heating methods, location of rooms and building type. In addition, the influence was quantified in 0~11 °C in winter. Finally, advice put forward
to promote the indoor thermal environment.
Efficient Interference Prediction Using Bivariate Moment Generating Function in Mobile Ad Hoc Network
Authors: Vaneetha V , Vivekanandan C
Published: May 2017

To improve the performance of Mobile ad hoc network (MANET), adequate time-varying interference prognoses can active adaptive design for transmission. Normally any inaccurate data transmissions are not identified initially after completion of data transmission that is detected, so lot
of energy is wasted for communication. It misbehaves and affects the entire network performance. Proposed Inaccurate Packet Identification based on Pace allocation (IPPA) algorithm, if any Interference occurred that are identified by threshold value of node, node cross its threshold value,
detects the attacks. Threshold value is fixed based on the battery level of all nodes process. In this work, time-varying interference can be evaluated at any period rather than considering it as long-term average effects. To enhance the network lifetime to attains mean value’s analytical
results and in turn distance metric rate. The obtained simulation results authenticate the competent and accuracy of the missing data identification report and it reveals the reward of the scheme grand with the difficult Mobility. The analysis of the scheme provides better efficiency.
Dual-Wavelength Generation with Terahertz Spacing Using GaAs–AlGaAs Microring Resonator Waveguides
Authors: Sarrigan G. V , Matori K. A , Amiri I. S , Ahmad H , Fadaeifard F
Published: May 2017

In this research, we present the demonstration of GaAs–AlGaAs waveguide resonators. Two microring resonators (MRRs) have the same radius of 6.36 μm are coupled and used to generate dual-wavelength with terahertz (THz) spacing. We have shown that such resonators can be
used to generate ultra-wide free spectral range (FSR) pulses with THz spacing, providing THz photonics communication signals. A Gaussian laser beam with power of 1 W is used as input. The MRRs are modeled by using GaAs–AlGaAs with GaAs core having refractive index of 3.368 surrounded
by AlGaAs (n = 3.135). The drop port outputs of the MRRs system contains a dual-wavelength generated within 33 nm wavelength range, having a linewidth of 1.48 (185.320 GHz) and FSR of 3.95 nm (500 GHz) which varies slightly along the wavelength. Results were generated using the time-domain
travelling wave (TDTW) method and capable of modeling both active and passive photonic circuits.
Real Time Implementation of QFT-PUF Architecture for Data Secure System-on-Chip
Authors: Durai Sharmila , Parthasarathy Rangarajan
Published: May 2017

System-on-chip (SoC) face major problem due to vulnerability of hack. The hacker target the cryptographic IP block in the architecture of SoC. However, PUF test wrapper provides the security for individual IP core. The individual IP core protection plays major problem in PUF test. We
propose a novel method to protect the IP core with QFT-PUF authentication mechanism. QFT-PUF implement in PSOC-FPGA. The mechanism reduces the area and memory in architecture. The proposed method of key generation and their handling process drive from Quantum Fourier Transform. From the validation
of QFT-PUF, Fault Acceptance Rate (FAR) increases then the Fault Rejection Rate (FRR).
Systemic Inflammation and Arrhythmogenesis: A Review of Mechanistic and Clinical Perspectives
Authors: Yalta Tulin , Yalta Kenan
Published: May 2017

In the recent decades, systemic inflammation, as a clinical phenomenon, has been the focus of extensive research particularly with regard to its potential association with a variety of cardiovascular diseases including atherogenesis and acute coronary syndromes. Within this context, there also exists a potential link between systemic inflammation and cardiac arrhythmogenesis in various aspects. Accordingly, systemic inflammation response as measured with inflammation markers (cytokines, etc) has been investigated in the setting of well-known cardiac arrhythmias including atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia. Based on current literature, clinical utility of these markers might potentially yield important prognostic implications in the setting of certain arrhythmogenic conditions. On the other hand, there exists limited data regarding therapeutic implications including clinical benefit of primary anti-inflammatory agents (corticosteroids, colchicine, etc) in the setting of arrhythmia management. The present review primarily aims to discuss potential triggers and fundamental mechanisms of inflammation-related arrhythmias along with a particular emphasis on clinical implications of systemic inflammation in the setting of cardiac arrhythmogenesis.
Sleepwalking into Catastrophe: Cognitive Biases and Corporate Climate Change Inertia
Authors: Mazutis Daina , Eckardt Anna
Published: May 2017

Despite the consensus that climate change will have huge consequences not just for the planet but also on corporate operations, businesses continue to fail to adjust their strategic decision-making processes to become more sustainable. One of the silent culprits behind climate change inertia lies in the cognitive biases at play in corporate decision making. This article builds on existing strategic decision-making models to explain how biases prevent managers from accurately identifying the moral dimensions of climate change. It also presents a broad range of practical interventions for how this constraint can be overcome.
PP/MWCNTs composites: Effects of length of MWCNTs on isothermal crystallization behaviors, crystalline structure, and thermal stability
Authors: Lin Zheng-Ian , Lou Ching-Wen , Pan Yi-Jun , Hsieh Chien-Teng , Huang Chien-Lin , Chen Chih-Kuang , Lin Jia-Horng
Published: May 2017

This study adopts the melt compounding method to prepare /mutli-walled carbon nanotubes composites. The effects of different lengths of the mutli-walled carbon nanotubes on the isothermal crystallization behaviors, crystalline structure, and thermal stability of the polypropylene/mutli-walled carbon nanotubes composites are examined. The PLM results show that the combination of mutli-walled carbon nanotubes prevents the growth of polypropylene spherulites, and thus results in a small size of spherulites. The differential scanning calorimetry results show that the short (S-) or long (L-) mutli-walled carbon nanotubes can function as the nucleating agent of polypropylene, which accelerates the crystallization rate of polypropylene. Avrami theory analyses indicate that the addition of short-mutli-walled carbon nanotubes particularly provides polypropylene/mutli-walled carbon nanotubes composites with a high crystallization rate. The X-ray diffraction results show that the combination of mutli-walled carbon nanotubes does not pertain to the crystal structure. The TGA test results show that long-mutli-walled carbon nanotubes outperform short -mutli-walled carbon nanotubes in improving the thermal stability of polypropylene, and both can significantly improve it.
Experiencing Instigations and Trait Aggression Contribute to Harsh Parenting Behaviors
Authors: McCarthy Randy J.
Published: May 2017

Three studies (total N = 1777 parents) examined whether harsh parenting behaviors would increase when parents experienced an instigation and whether this increase would be especially pronounced for parents who were high in trait aggression. These predictions were tested both when parents’ experience of an instigation was manipulated (Studies 1 and 2) and when parents’ perceptions of their child’s instigating behavior was reported (Study 3). Further, these predictions were tested across a variety of measures of parents’ harsh behaviors: (1) asking parents to report their likelihood of behaving harshly (Study 1), (2) using proxy tasks for parents’ inclinations to behave harshly (Study 2), and (3) having parents report their past child-directed behaviors, some of which were harsh (Study 3). Both child instigations and parents’ trait aggression were consistently associated with parents’ child-directed harsh behaviors. However, parents’ trait aggression only moderated the extent to which the instigation was associated with their harsh parenting for self-reported physical harsh behaviors (Study 1). The results of the current studies demonstrate that both situational factors, such as experiencing an instigation, and individual difference variables, such as trait aggression, affect parents’ likelihood to exhibit harsh behaviors, but found little evidence these factors interact.
Simulation study on opinion formation models of heterogeneous agents based on game theory and complex networks
Authors: Li Ying , Cao Hongduo , Wen Genfeng
Published: May 2017

This study investigates a new opinion formation model of heterogeneous agents, a network stubborn individuals and orators (NSO) model based on game theory and complex social networks. Game theory solves economists’ rational choice-making problems, and complex social networks reflect the social impact on opinion evolution. The NSO model involves both social and individual heterogeneous characteristics. In a society, the more unequal the members, and the closer the social distances, the faster opinions spread. In the real world, the power-law degree distribution and the short paths in social networks can generate the rapid spread of an opinion. This study also investigates opinion control under the NSO model. The results show that opinion guidance is most likely to separate the public into different groups rather than converge to the guide’s opinion.
Critical debates in teaching research methods in the social sciences
Authors: Gunn Andrew
Published: May 2017

This paper explores some of the critical debates in social science research methods education and is set out in three parts. The first section introduces the importance and relevance of research methods to the social sciences. It then outlines the problems and challenges experienced in the teaching and learning of research methods, which are particularly acute in the case of quantitative methods. The second part of the paper provides an overview of the policy activity and pedagogic solutions presented in response to the context introduced in the first part. This section explains how the practice of research method teaching is changing and accounts for the trends of using pedagogies informed by constructivist learning theory and embedding methods in the substantive curriculum. The third section identifies three critical debates emanating from the two previous sections. First an appraisal of applicability of constructivist pedagogies, second the case for holistic curriculum design across a whole degree programme, and third, an analysis of the relevancy of efforts to strengthen the nexus between research and teaching.
Event-related potential evidence in Chinese children
Authors: Zhao Pei , Zhao Jing , Weng Xuchu , Li Su
Published: May 2017

Visual word N170 is an index of perceptual expertise for visual words across different writing systems. Recent developmental studies have shown the early emergence of visual word N170 and its close association with individual’s reading ability. In the current study, we investigated whether fine-tuning N170 for Chinese characters could emerge after short-term literacy learning in young pre-literate children. Two groups of Chinese preschool children were trained for visual identification and free writing respectively. Results showed that visual identification learning led to enhanced N170 sensitivity to characters over radical-combinations in the left hemisphere and line-combinations in the right hemisphere, and writing learning led to enhanced N170 sensitivity to characters over radical-combinations and line-combinations in the right hemisphere. These results suggested that the N170 component became more sensitive for the local graphic feature (strokes) of characters rapidly after brief literacy learning even in young children; and writing learning experiences specifically led to enhanced orthographic sensitivity in the right hemisphere.
Which way from left to right? On the relation between voters’ issue preferences and left–right orientation in West European democracies
Authors: Lachat Romain
Published: May 2017

The left–right scale is the concept most often used to describe citizens’ and parties’ political positions. Its prevalence suggests that political preferences are structured by a single ideological dimension. However, much research shows that citizens’ issue preferences in Western Europe are structured by two dimensions: economic; and social–cultural. How can a single dimension be sufficient to orient oneself in a two-dimensional political space? This article suggests a solution to this paradox: among citizens, the left–right scale and more concrete political issues are related in a non-linear way. Economic issue preferences should be more strongly related to ideological differences among left-wing citizens (e.g. between extreme-left and centre-left citizens) than among right-wing individuals. The reverse pattern should characterize the relation between sociocultural issues and ideological self-placement. The analysis of 28 elections in five West European countries offers strong support for the hypothesis of a non-linear relation.
Brain nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are involved in stress-induced potentiation of nicotine reward in rats
Authors: Javadi Parastoo , Rezayof Ameneh , Sardari Maryam , Ghasemzadeh Zahra
Published: May 2017

The aim of the present study was to examine the possible role of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors of the dorsal hippocampus (CA1 regions), the medial prefrontal cortex or the basolateral amygdala in the effect of acute or sub-chronic stress on nicotine-induced conditioned place preference. Our results indicated that subcutaneous administration of nicotine (0.2 mg/kg) induced significant conditioned place preference. Exposure to acute or sub-chronic elevated platform stress potentiated the response of an ineffective dose of nicotine. Pre-conditioning intra-CA1 (0.5–4 µg/rat) or intra-medial prefrontal cortex (0.2–0.3 µg/rat) microinjection of mecamylamine (a non-selective nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist) reversed acute stress-induced potentiation of nicotine reward as measured in the conditioned place preference paradigm. By contrast, pre-conditioning intra-basolateral amygdala microinjection of mecamylamine (4 µg/rat) potentiated the effects of acute stress on nicotine reward. Our findings also showed that intra-CA1 or intra-medial prefrontal cortex, but not intra-basolateral amygdala, microinjection of mecamylamine (4 µg/rat) prevented the effect of sub-chronic stress on nicotine reward. These findings suggest that exposure to elevated platform stress potentiates the rewarding effect of nicotine which may be associated with the involvement of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. It seems that there is a different contribution of the basolateral amygdala, the medial prefrontal cortex or the CA1 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in stress-induced potentiation of nicotine-induced conditioned place preference.