bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Convex Fuel Consumption Model for Diesel and Hybrid Buses
Authors: Wang Jinghui , Rakha Hesham A.
Published: November 2017

The concave fuel consumption model may generate unrealistic driving recommendations in a control system; for instance, the model may recommend higher cruise speed to achieve lower fuel consumption levels on steeper roads. To improve the model performance with regard to driving control, the study developed a convex second-order polynomial fuel consumption model for conventional diesel and hybrid-electric buses. The model simultaneously circumvents the bang-bang type of control that implies that drivers would have to accelerate at full throttle or brake at full braking to minimize their fuel consumption levels. Six bus series (four diesel series and two hybrid series), covering a wide range of bus properties, were modeled. The model was developed on the basis of the Virginia Tech comprehensive power fuel-based model (VT-CPFM) framework and, given a lack of readily available data, calibrated by conducting empirical measurements. The model was validated by comparing its estimates against in-field measurements and predictions from the comprehensive modal emissions model, the Motor Vehicle Emissions Simulator model, and the concave VT-CPFM model. The results demonstrate that the convex model generates estimates consistent with field measurements and the predictions of the other models and can provide realistic driving recommendations without significantly sacrificing accuracy relative to the concave model. Optimum fuel economy cruise speed ranges from 39 to 47 km/h for all tested buses on grades ranging from 0% to 8% and decreases with the increase of grade and vehicle load.
Calibration of the Platoon Dispersion Model by Considering the Impact of the Percentage of Buses at Signalized Intersections
Authors: Wang Youan , Chen Xumei , Yu Lei , Qi Yi
Published: November 2017

Despite the wide use of Robertson’s platoon dispersion model, few studies have calibrated this model under different traffic conditions at signalized intersections. This study calibrated the platoon dispersion model on the basis of field data collected from Beijing; the impact of the percentage of buses was considered in the calibration. First, a video was made of the platoon dispersion at an intersection. The link travel time of the vehicles in the platoon was extracted from the video. Then, the parameters of the platoon dispersion model were estimated with the average and standard deviations of the fleet link travel times. It was found that the derived parameters varied, with the observed percentage of buses ranging from 0% to 6% or 15% to 22%. This factor showed the impact of the percentage of buses on platoon dispersion under specific conditions. Regression models were developed to reflect such an impact. To evaluate the effectiveness of the calibrated platoon dispersion model, the downstream flow profiles derived from the calibrated model were compared with the field-observed downstream flow profiles within the dispersion process. Finally, the influence of the time step on the calibrated platoon dispersion model was analyzed. The results show that the calibrated model has high accuracy. The calibrated platoon dispersion model can be used to represent the process of platoon dispersion at signalized intersections where the impact is affected by the percentage of buses. It can contribute to signal timing optimization of the intersections.
A test of web and mail mode effects in a financially sensitive survey of older Americans
Authors: Helppie-McFall Brooke , Hsu Joanne W.
Published: November 2017

This study leverages a randomized experimental design of a mixed-mode mail- and web-based survey to examine mode effects separately from sample selectivity issues. Using data from the Cognitive Economics Study, which contains some sensitive financial questions, we analyze two sets of questions: fixed-choice questions posed nearly identically across mode, and dollar-value questions that exploit features available only on web mode. Focusing on differences in item nonresponse and response distributions, our results indicate that, in contrast to mail mode, web mode surveys display lower item nonresponse for all questions. While respondents appear to prefer providing financial information in ranges, use of reminder screens on the web version yields greater use of exact values without large sacrifices in item response. Still, response distributions for all questions are similar across mode, suggesting that data on sensitive financial questions collected from the two modes can be pooled.
Mining the information architecture of the WWW using automated website boundary detection
Authors: Alshukri Ayesh , Coenen Frans
Published: November 2017

The world wide web has two main forms of architecture, the first is that which is explicitly encoded into web pages, and the second is that which is implied by the web content, particularly pertaining to look and feel. The latter is exemplified by the concept of a website, a concept that is only loosely defined, although users intuitively understand it. The Website Boundary Detection (WBD) problem is concerned with the task of identifying the complete collection of web pages/resources that are contained within a single website. Whatever the case, the concept of a website is used with respect to a number of application domains including; website archiving, spam detection, and www analysis. In the context of such applications it is beneficial if a website can be automatically identified. This is usually done by identifying a website of interest in terms of its boundary, the so called WBD problem. In this paper seven WBD techniques are proposed and compared, four statistical techniques where the web data to be used is obtained apriori, and three dynamic techniques where the data to be used is obtained as the process progresses. All seven techniques are presented in detail and evaluated.
Applying ontologies to the development and execution of Multi-Agent Systems
Authors: Freitas Artur , Panisson Alison R. , Hilgert Lucas , Meneguzzi Felipe , Vieira Renata , Bordini Rafael H.
Published: November 2017

Several advantages can be obtained by allowing multi-agent systems to easily access ontologies, for example, in scenarios where agents make their decisions based on knowledge provided by ontologies. Thus, this paper presents an infrastructure to allow the use of web ontologies in different agent-oriented platforms. The agents use this infrastructure layer as a tool for storing, accessing and querying domain-specific OWL ontologies. As a result, this layer allows an integration of agent platforms with semantic web data and ontologies. We exemplify in practice how agents, coded in one such platform, can use the proposed access layer to ontological reasoning engines, as well as which features can be obtained from it. We evaluated and compared performance and memory consumption of this semantic infrastructure against usual knowledge representation in agent programming.
Protective Effect of Terminalia Chebula Extract on Serum Total Protein against
Authors: Yeasmin Tania , Akhter Kazi Shamima , Imtiaz Masud
Published: November 2017

Terminalia Chebula extract is used for regeneration of hepatic cells and protection of liver against damage due to its active component. This study aims to observe the protective effect of Terminalia Chebula against Paracetamol induced change of serum total protein level in Wister Albino rats. The study was carried out in the Department of Physiology, Dhaka Medical College (DMC) during January 2013 to December 2013. A total number of 44 rats, age ranging from 90 to 120 days, weight between 150 to 200 gm (initial body weight) were selected for the study. After acclimatization for 14 days, they were divided into control groups and experimental groups. Before sacrifice, final body weights of all the rats were measured. then all the rats were sacrificed on 22nd day and then blood samples were collected. For assessment of liver function, serum total protein level was done by using standard laboratory kits. The mean serum total protein level was significantly (p<0.001) lower in paracetamol treated control group in comparison to those of baseline control group. Serum total protein level of all experimental groups were significantly (P<0.001) higher than Paracetamol treated control group. From the results of this study, it may be concluded that Terminalia Chebula may have some protective effect against Paracetamol induced liver damage in rats.Bangladesh Med J. 2017 Jan; 46 (1): 11-14
Leflunamide Induced Pneumonitis in Rheumatoid Arthritis - A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Mojumdar Sumon Kanti , Islam Md Nazrul , Ahmedullah Abul Khair , Shahin Md Abu , Hassan Md Masudul
Published: November 2017

A 51 year old woman while treated on methotrexate (MTX) and leflunomide (LEF) for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), developed exertional breathlessness and undue tiredness followed by fever and cough, at her 11 years of suffering. Her respiratory symptoms developed around 12 weeks after leflunomide intake. She improved with steroid treatment. The Leflunomide (LEF) induced interstitial pneumonitis is an uncommon condition in absence of prior lung disease but potentially fatal. We report a case of Leflunomide (LEF) induced interstitial pneumonitis.Bangladesh Med J. 2017 Jan; 46 (1): 38-40
Prevalence and Common Risk Factors of Rickets among the Children below 15 Years
Authors: Talukder Md Noor Uddin , Ali Md Manajjir , Sadullah Md , Haque Mujibul , Ali Syed Mortaza , Yousuf Ismat Ara
Published: November 2017

This cross sectional study was done in different upazillas of Sylhet district during July 2009 to June 2011 to find out the prevalence & common risk factors of rickets below 15 years in Sylhet district. The children under 15 years of age were selected from villages/slums by multistage random sampling. After recognition of at least one feature of rickets, the cases were sent to SOMCH or Upazilla Health Complex. They were examined by investigator and suspected cases were selected for further investigation. After radiological and biochemical examination the final cases were analyzed. In this study the prevalence of rickets in Sylhet district is 0.097%. Male children were more affected than female. In this study regarding feeding habit rice was the stable food which was eaten more than one time by all the rachitic children. Only twenty five percent of children drank milk once a day. The prevalence of rickets in Sylhet district was 0.097% which was almost similar to other parts of Bangladesh. Common risk factors for developing rickets are low socio-economic condition and carbohydrate rich dietary habit.Medicine Today 2017 Vol.29(2): 13-16
Prematur e Ejaculation and Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis
Authors: Islam Md Shafiqul
Published: November 2017

Premature ejaculation (PE) is regarded as the most common male sexual disorder. Previous studies reported that prostatic inflammation was highly prevalent in PE. However, the effect of antibiotic treatment of cases with PE and chronic prostatitis has not been extensively investigated. To examine the effect of antibiotic treatment in delaying ejaculation in patients with PE and chronic prostatitis. The study was carried out in my private chamber and at General Hospital N.Gong from June 2014 to December 2016. The study was performed with prior permission and the confidentiality was maintained. A total of 135 consecutive men attending of secondary premature ejaculation (SPE) were included in this study. Sequential microbiologic specimens were obtained from urine and prostatic fluids. Antibiotics were given for one month according to the results of their culture and sensitivity test. All patients were instructed to follow up in General Hospital N.Gong/Private chamber monthly for at least 4 months. At the end of the 4-month follow-up, another prostatic secretion analysis was performed. Based on expressed prostatic secretion culture and white blood cell (WBC) count, 84 (62.2%) were having chronic bacterial prostatitis. The remaining 51 (37.8%) patients had negative WBC count. Of the 84 patients with secondary premature ejaculation (SPE) and chronic bacterial prostatitis, 20 patients were left untreated and considered as a control group. All 64 patients with PE and chronic prostatitis continued the 1- month treatment duration. Following 1-month antibiotic treatment, all 64 patients with initially positive cultures had sterile final cultures (P < 0.05). Fifty one (79.68%) patients showed increases in their ejaculatory latency time and reported good control of their ejaculation and were considered treatment responsive. None of the control group patients experienced any improvement either in their prostatic infection condition or in their ejaculation time. The follow-up of treatment-responsive patients (N = 51) revealed no recurrence of PE with negative prostatic culture. Successful eradication of causative organisms in patients with PE and chronic prostatitis may lead to marked improvement in intravaginal ejaculatory latency time and ejaculatory control.Medicine Today 2017 Vol.29(2): 21-25
Comparative Study on Methotrexate alone Versus Combination Therapy with Methotrexate Plus Chloroquine Plus Low Dose Prednisolone in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Islam AKM Mazharul , Haq Syed Atiqul , Yeasmin Murshida
Published: November 2017

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) has significant contributor to the global burden of disease and affects people in all communities across the world. It is a chronic inflammatory disease of the locomotors system that leads to substantial disability, loss of productivity and increased mortality. The Study was conducted among the RA patients based on broad objective of exploring the efficacy and adverse effects of triple combination therapy. This was an open, randomized, prospective study which followed qualitative research method. A total 61 patients were included in the trail. All subjects were randomly selected to combination therapy and MTX group. One patient from each group stopped the drugs due to adverse effects. Finally 59 patients completed the trail. 33 belonged to combination therapy group and 26 to MTX. Combination therapy is the best and easiest than others modifying anti-rheumatic drug used. Combination therapy with Methotrexate, Chloroquine and low dose Prednisolone is better than Methotrexate alone.Medicine Today 2017 Vol.29(2): 26-29
Prevalence and Determinants of Smoking among Young Age Male Patients Coming at OPD in Selected Hospital
Authors: Kibria Md Golam , Islam AKM Mazharul , Rahman Md Mostafizur
Published: November 2017

Smoking is now recognized as a major public health problem in the developing world. Bangladesh is one of the largest populated developing country. Here public health crisis is in danger among youngers. The study was conducted among the young age male patients in selected hospital based on broad objective of exploring the prevalence and determinants of smoking behavior of young age male patients. A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted on prevalence of young age patients in selected hospital. The quantitative investigation was undertaken to fulfill the objectives of the study by collecting information using questionnaire. Findings of the study showed that 35.33% of respondents have smoking habit. We also found that about 86.79% smoking habit respondents start smoking when they were 14-17 years old. The study tried to find out current adolescent smoking trend in rural area of developing country. In our study we know that most of the smoker started smoking at their adolescent period & it is a high prevalence. There is a significant association between smoking and other risky behavior like Cannabis, Yaaba, Alcohol etc. So urgently our Govt. need to implement public health interventions, with special attention to the determinants of smoking in this age group.Medicine Today 2017 Vol.29(2): 38-41
Molecular Biological Effects of Weightlessness and Hypergravity on Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
Authors: Wu Di , Zheng Chao , Wu Ji , Huang Rongrong , Chen Xuanyu , Zhang Tong , Zhang Lili
Published: November 2017

INTRODUCTION: The rate of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is influenced by environmental factors. Extracellular matrix (ECM) destruction and apoptosis of intervertebral disc cells are major characteristics of IVDD. ECM degradation is closely linked to up-regulation of
matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMP). This study aimed to elucidate the molecular biological changes during IVDD under conditions of weightlessness and hypergravity.METHODS: A total of 120 rabbits were divided randomly into four groups: control group,
weightlessness group, hypergravity group, and mixed (hypergravity + weightlessness) group. Tail-suspension was used to simulate a weightless environment, and an animal centrifuge (+7 Gz three times for 60 s) was used to mimic hypergravity conditions. After exposure to the above
conditions for 30, 60, and 90 d, respectively, 10 rabbits were selected from each group for immunohistochemical determination of MMP-1, MMP-3, and TIMP-1 expression. TUNEL staining was also carried out to detect apoptotic cells in each group at each time point.RESULTS: MMP-1, MMP-3,
and TIMP-1 were rarely expressed in the control group, but were positively expressed in the other three groups. The strongest expression was in the mixed group at every time point, followed by the hypergravity group, and then the weightlessness group. Cell apoptosis index followed a similar
trend to MMPs and TIMP-1 expression.DISCUSSION: The results suggested that weightlessness and hypergravity may both aggravate IVDD over time, with hypergravity having a particularly marked effect.Wu D, Zheng C, Wu J, Huang R, Chen X, Zhang T, Zhang L. Molecular biological
effects of weightlessness and hypergravity on intervertebral disc degeneration. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2017; 88(12):1123–1128.
Simulated High Altitude Helium-Oxygen Diving
Authors: Shi Lu , Zhang Yan-meng , Tetsuo Katsuura , Shi Zhong-yuan , Fang Yi-qun , Denoble Petar J. , Li Yang-yang
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND: Experience with commercial heliox diving at high altitude is limited. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of acute high-altitude exposure on fitness to dive and the safety of decompression after heliox diving while using U.S. Navy heliox decompression
tables with Cross correction.METHOD: Four professional male divers were consecutively decompressed in a hypo- and hyperbaric chamber to altitudes of 3000 m (9842.5 ft), 4000 m (13,123.4 ft), and 5200 m (17,060.4 ft) during the 8-d study. The dive profiles tested were to 30 m (98.4
ft) for 60 min at all three altitudes and, in addition, a dive to 50 m (164 ft) for 60 min at 5200 m altitude. The decompression followed the U.S. Navy heliox decompression table. The safety of decompression was evaluated by precordial Doppler venous gas emboli (VGE) monitoring during the
decompression stages and postdive monitoring of the divers for symptoms of decompression sickness (DCS). Effects of altitude exposure were measured as subjective rating and EEG signs of sleepiness and fatigue, clinical symptoms of high altitude disease, and fitness to dive.RESULTS:
A total of 24 person-dives were conducted. There were no VGE detected during the decompression and no postdive symptoms of decompression illness. Both the EEG findings and subjective evaluation indicated increased sleepiness and fatigue at 3000 m, 4000 m, and 5200 m, all compared with the
sea level baseline. During the diving phase, both the EEG findings and subjective evaluation scores returned to the baseline and the divers successfully completed diving.DISCUSSION: Diving at high altitude with a short acclimatization period appears safe despite divers exhibiting
clinical symptoms and EEG signs of impairment by hypoxia at high altitude. Despite a small number of dives, the results of this study indicate that our application of U.S. Navy standard heliox decompression tables with Cross correction is effective and could be used for underwater constructions
up to 5200 m altitude, with due caution.Shi L, Zhang Y, Tetsuo K, Shi Z, Fang Y, Denoble PJ, Li Y. Simulated high altitude helium-oxygen diving. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2017; 88(12):1088–1093.
The Borromean Rings of Lispector, Cixous and Horn
Authors: Greenshields Will
Published: November 2017

The subject of this paper is the interdependence between three works: Clarice Lispector's Água Viva, Hélène Cixous's ‘See the Neverbeforeseen’ and Roni Horn's Rings of Lispector (Água Viva). It begins by exploring by what means, according to Cixous's reading, Lispector subverts the order of language and narrative, the logic of representation and the concept of ‘The Author’ in Água Viva. We then look at how Horn's ‘plastic-surgical interpretation’ of Lispector's text further dislocates this order and how it permits us to experience the becoming unreadable of the readable and the becoming readable of the unreadable. The second half examines the analogical use made of the Borromean rings by Cixous in presenting the topological relation between herself, Lispector and Horn and its ‘capture [of] the secret of the intangibility of the intangible’.
The Kernel of the Distributed Order Fractional Derivatives with an Application to Complex Materials
Authors: Caputo Michele , Fabrizio Mauro
Published: November 2017

The extension of the fractional order derivative to the distributed order fractional derivative (DOFD) is somewhat simple from a formal point of view, but it does not yet have a simple, obvious analytic form that allows its fast numerical calculation, which is necessary when solving differential equations with DOFD. In this paper, we supply a simple analytic kernel for the Caputo DOFD and the Caputo-Fabrizio DOFD, which may be used for numerical calculation in cases where the weight function is unity. This, in turn, could potentially allow faster solution of differential equations containing DOFD. Utilizing an analytical formulation of simple physical systems with phenomenological equations that include a DOFD, we show the relevant differences between the Caputo DOFD and the Caputo-Fabrizio DOFD. Finally, we propose a model based on DOFD for modeling composed materials that comprise different constituents, and show its compatibility with thermodynamics.
Analysis of the Anisotropic Magnetocaloric Effect in RMn2O5 Single Crystals
Authors: Balli Mohamed , Mansouri Saber , Jandl Serge , Fournier Patrick , Dimitrov Dimitre
Published: November 2017

Thanks to the strong magnetic anisotropy shown by the multiferroic RMn2O5 (R = magnetic rare earth) compounds, a large adiabatic temperature change can be induced (around 10 K) by rotating them in constant magnetic fields instead of the standard magnetization-demagnetization method. Particularly, the TbMn2O5 single crystal reveals a giant rotating magnetocaloric effect (RMCE) under relatively low constant magnetic fields reachable by permanent magnets. On the other hand, the nature of R3+ ions strongly affects their RMCEs. For example, the maximum rotating adiabatic temperature change exhibited by TbMn2O5 is more than five times larger than that presented by HoMn2O5 in a constant magnetic field of 2 T. In this paper, we mainly focus on the physics behind the RMCE shown by RMn2O5 multiferroics. We particularly demonstrate that the rare earth size could play a crucial role in determining the magnetic order, and accordingly, the rotating magnetocaloric properties of RMn2O5 compounds through the modulation of exchange interactions via lattice distortions. This is a scenario that seems to be supported by Raman scattering measurements.
NMR-Assisted Structure Elucidation of an Anticancer Steroid-β-Enaminone Derivative
Authors: Poirier Donald , Maltais René
Published: November 2017

The fortuitous modification of a quinoline-proline-piperazine side chain linked to a steroid in the presence of lithium (trimethylsilyl) acetylide has generated an unknown product that is more active than its precursor. After having characterized two β-enaminones (two-carbon homologation compounds) that were generated from a simplified model side chain, we have identified the unknown product as being the β-enaminone steroid derivative 1. NMR analysis, especially two-dimensional (2D) experiments (correlation spectroscopy (COSY), NOE spectroscopy (NOESY), heteronuclear single-quantum correlation (HSQC) and heteronuclear multiple-bond correlation (HMBC)) provided crucial information that was found essential in the characterization of enaminone 1. We also proposed a mechanism to rationalize the formation of this biologically active compound.
Wear of Shaped Surfaces of PVD Coated Dies for Clinching
Authors: Džupon Miroslav , Kaščák Ľuboš , Spišák Emil , Kubík René , Majerníková Janka
Published: November 2017

A clinching method that uses a simple toolset consisting of a punch and a die, is utilized for joining lightweight materials. This paper is aimed at investigating the wear of the die cavity of a clinching tool. A clinching tool with a specially shaped cavity was used for joining thin hot-dip galvanized steel sheets. Various types of physical vapour deposition (PVD) coatings such as ZrN, CrN and TiCN were deposited on the shaped surface of the die using Lateral Rotating Arc-Cathodes technology. Hot-dip galvanized steel sheets were used for testing the clinching tool. The material properties of PVD coatings that were deposited on the shaped part of the clinching die were evaluated. Finite Element Analysis was used to localize the area of the shaped part of the die and the part of surface area of the cylindrical die cavity of ϕ 5.0 mm, in which high contact pressure values were predicted. The prediction of the start of the wear cycle was verified experimentally by the clinching of 300 samples of hot-dip galvanized steel sheets. Unlike the CrN and ZrN coatings, the TiCN coating remained intact on the entire surface of the die.
Antimalarial Activity of Acetylenic Thiophenes from Echinops hoehnelii Schweinf
Authors: Bitew Helen , Mammo Wendimagegn , Hymete Ariaya , Yeshak Mariamawit
Published: November 2017

Malaria is one of the world’s most severe endemic diseases and due to the emergence of resistance to the currently available medicines, the need for new targets and relevant antimalarial drugs remains acute. The crude extract, four solvent fractions and two isolated compounds from the roots of Echinops hoehnelii were tested for their antimalarial activity using the standard four-day suppressive method in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice. The 80% methanol extract exhibited suppression of 4.6%, 27.8%, 68.5% and 78.7% at dose of 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg respectively. The dichloromethane fraction displayed chemosuppression of 24.9, 33.5 and 43.0% dose of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg of body weight. Five acetylenicthiophenes were isolated from the dichloromethane fraction of which 5-(penta-1,3-diynyl)-2-(3,4-dihydroxybut-1-ynyl)-thiophene decreased the level of parasitaemia by 43.2% and 50.2% while 5-(penta-1,3-diynyl)-2-(3-chloro-4-acetoxy-but-1-yn)-thiophene suppressed by 18.8% and 32.7% at 50 and 100 mg/kg, respectively. The study confirmed the traditional claim of the plant to treat malaria and could be used as a new lead for the development of antimalarial drugs.
Optimized Charging Scheduling with Single Mobile Charger for Wireless Rechargeable Sensor Networks
Authors: Wang Qihua , Kong Fanzhi , Wang Meng , Wang Huaqun
Published: November 2017

Due to the rapid development of wireless charging technology, the recharging issue in wireless rechargeable sensor network (WRSN) has been a popular research problem in the past few years. The weakness of previous work is that charging route planning is not reasonable. In this work, a dynamic optimal scheduling scheme aiming to maximize the vacation time ratio of a single mobile changer for WRSN is proposed. In the proposed scheme, the wireless sensor network is divided into several sub-networks according to the initial topology of deployed sensor networks. After comprehensive analysis of energy states, working state and constraints for different sensor nodes in WRSN, we transform the optimized charging path problem of the whole network into the local optimization problem of the sub networks. The optimized charging path with respect to dynamic network topology in each sub-network is obtained by solving an optimization problem, and the lifetime of the deployed wireless sensor network can be prolonged. Simulation results show that the proposed scheme has good and reliable performance for a small wireless rechargeable sensor network.
Accretion Flow Properties of Swift J1753.5-0127 during Its 2005 Outburst
Authors: Debnath Dipak , Jana Arghajit , Chakrabarti Sandip K. , Chatterjee Debjit , Mondal Santanu
Published: November 2017

Galactic X-ray binary black hole candidate Swift J1753.5-0127 was discovered on 2005 June 30 by the Swift/BAT instrument. In this paper, we make a detailed analysis of spectral and timing properties of its 2005 outburst using the archival data of the RXTE/PCA instrument. A simultaneous observation of Swift/XRT with PCA is also used to study the broadband features. Here, we study the evolution of the spectral properties of the source from spectral analysis with an additive table model fits file of the Chakrabarti-Titarchuk two-component advective flow (TCAF) solution. From the spectral fit, we extract physical flow parameters, such as the Keplerian disk accretion rate, sub-Keplerian halo rate, shock location, and shock compression ratio, etc. We also study the evolution of temporal properties, such as the observation of low-frequency quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs), and the variation of X-ray intensity throughout the outburst. From the nature of the variation of QPOs, and accretion rate ratios (ARRs = ratio of halo to disk rates), we classify the entire 2005 outburst into two harder (hard-intermediate and hard) spectral states. No signatures of softer (soft-intermediate and soft) spectral states are seen. This may be because of a significant halo rate throughout the outburst. This behavior is similar to a class of other short-orbital-period sources, such as MAXI J1836-194, MAXI J1659-152, and XTE J1118+480. We estimate the probable mass range of the source to be in between

based on our spectral analysis.
Discovery of Diffuse Dwarf Galaxy Candidates around M101
Authors: Bennet P. , Sand D. J. , Crnojević D. , Spekkens K. , Zaritsky D. , Karunakaran A.
Published: November 2017

We have conducted a search of a 9 deg2 region of the Canada–France–Hawaii-Telescope Legacy Survey around the Milky Way analog M101 (D ∼ 7 Mpc), in order to look for previously unknown low-surface-brightness galaxies. This search has uncovered 38 new low-surface-brightness dwarf candidates, and confirmed 11 previously reported galaxies, all with central surface brightness μ(g, 0) > 23 mag arcsec−2, potentially extending the satellite luminosity function for the M101 group by ∼1.2 mag. The search was conducted using an algorithm that nearly automates the detection of diffuse dwarf galaxies. The candidates’ small sizes and low surface brightnesses mean that the faintest of these objects would likely be missed by traditional visual or computer detection techniques. The dwarf galaxy candidates span a range of −7.1 ≥ M

g
 ≥ −10.2 and half-light radii of 118–540 pc at the distance of M101, and they are well fit by simple Sérsic surface brightness profiles. These properties are consistent with dwarfs in the Local Group, and to match the Local Group luminosity function, ∼10–20 of these candidates should be satellites of M101. Association with a massive host is supported by the lack of detected star formation and the overdensity of candidates around M101 compared to the field. The spatial distribution of the dwarf candidates is highly asymmetric, and concentrated to the northeast of M101, therefore distance measurements will be required to determine if these are genuine members of the M101 group.
A Comparison of Cosmological Parameters Determined from CMB Temperature Power Spectra from the South Pole Telescope and the Planck Satellite
Authors: Aylor K. , Hou Z. , Knox L. , Story K. T. , Benson B. A. , Bleem L. E. , Carlstrom J. E. , Chang C. L. , Cho H-M. , Chown R. , Crawford T. M. , Crites A. T. , Haan T. de , Dobbs M. A. , Everett W. B. , George E. M. , Halverson N. W. , Harrington N. L. , Holder G. P. , Holzapfel W. L. , Hrubes J. D. , Keisler R. , Lee A. T. , Leitch E. M. , Luong-Van D. , Marrone D. P. , McMahon J. J. , Meyer S. S. , Millea M. , Mocanu L. M. , Mohr J. J. , Natoli T. , Omori Y. , Padin S. , Pryke C. , Reichardt C. L. , Ruhl J. E. , Sayre J. T. , Schaffer K. K. , Shirokoff E. , Staniszewski Z. , Stark A. A. , Vanderlinde K. , Vieira J. D. , Williamson R.
Published: November 2017

The Planck cosmic microwave background temperature data are best fit with a ΛCDM model that mildly contradicts constraints from other cosmological probes. The South Pole Telescope (SPT) 2540

SPT-SZ survey offers measurements on sub-degree angular scales (multipoles

) with sufficient precision to use as an independent check of the Planck data. Here we build on the recent joint analysis of the SPT-SZ and Planck data in Hou et al. by comparing ΛCDM parameter estimates using the temperature power spectrum from both data sets in the SPT-SZ survey region. We also restrict the multipole range used in parameter fitting to focus on modes measured well by both SPT and Planck, thereby greatly reducing sample variance as a driver of parameter differences and creating a stringent test for systematic errors. We find no evidence of systematic errors from these tests. When we expand the maximum multipole of SPT data used, we see low-significance shifts in the angular scale of the sound horizon and the physical baryon and cold dark matter densities, with a resulting trend to higher Hubble constant. When we compare SPT and Planck data on the SPT-SZ sky patch to Planck full-sky data but keep the multipole range restricted, we find differences in the parameters n

s
and

. We perform further checks, investigating instrumental effects and modeling assumptions, and we find no evidence that the effects investigated are responsible for any of the parameter shifts. Taken together, these tests reveal no evidence for systematic errors in SPT or Planck data in the overlapping sky coverage and multipole range and at most weak evidence for a breakdown of ΛCDM or systematic errors influencing either the Planck data outside the SPT-SZ survey area or the SPT data at

.
A Spectroscopic Survey of the Fields of 28 Strong Gravitational Lenses: Implications for H0
Authors: Wilson Michelle L. , Zabludoff Ann I. , Keeton Charles R. , Wong Kenneth C. , Williams Kurtis A. , French K. Decker , Momcheva Ivelina G.
Published: November 2017

Strong gravitational lensing provides an independent measurement of the Hubble parameter (H
0). One remaining systematic is a bias from the additional mass due to a galaxy group at the lens redshift or along the sightline. We quantify this bias for more than 20 strong lenses that have well-sampled sightline mass distributions, focusing on the convergence κ and shear γ. In 23% of these fields, a lens group contributes ≥1% convergence bias; in 57%, there is a similarly significant line-of-sight group. For the nine time-delay lens systems, H
0 is overestimated by

% on average when groups are ignored. In 67% of fields with total

, line-of-sight groups contribute

more convergence than do lens groups, indicating that the lens group is not the only important mass. Lens environment affects the ratio of four (quad) to two (double) image systems; all seven quads have lens groups while only 3 of 10 doubles do, and the highest convergences due to lens groups are in quads. We calibrate the γ–κ relation:

with an rms scatter of 0.34 dex. Although shear can be measured directly from lensed images, unlike convergence, it can be a poor predictor of convergence; for 19% of our fields, κ is

. Thus, accurate cosmology using strong gravitational lenses requires precise measurement and correction for all significant structures in each lens field.
Don Quijote y la novela de formación alemana
Authors: Hernández Isabel
Published: November 2017

El presente artículo pretende demostrar cómo, a través de los procesos de traducción y reescritura de Don Quijote en los territorios alemanes, la novela cervantina ha de ser considerada a todas luces como la obra que sirvió de base para la conformación del género por excelencia de las letras germanas: la novela de formación.
Discussing Tourism as a Rite of Passage
Authors: Korstanje Maximiliano
Published: November 2017

This chapter recapitulates the discussion originated by John Tribe respecting to the dispersion of produced knowledge in tourism. We critically give a new fresh paradigm in order for readers to understand what tourism is. This chapter centers on themes I am not accustomed to discuss but are very important to the epistemological advance of the discipline, precisely in a moment where the epistemology of tourism enters in a serious crisis. Though I here am synthesizing my experience as author, reviewer and editor, no less true is that it situates as a complementary platform to expand the current understanding of tourism and its intersection in culture.
Authenticity and Buddhist Experience
Authors: Gilli Monica
Published: November 2017

Aim of this paper is the analysis of two Tibetan Buddhist Centers in Italy. The topic was the perception of authenticity by visitors. Our survey is based on 21 in-depth interviews to visitors of two Tibetan Buddhist Centers in Piedmont. What seems to emerge is that this experience is mainly nourished by the so-called “existential-experiential” authenticity, a notion of authenticity that is mainly spent on an individual level, which means searching for that “true self” that society and everyday life tend to inhibit. Although less important, the aspects of authenticity as a social construction and the so-called “objective authenticity” appear to be significant.
Catholic Pilgrimage in Europe
Authors: Liutikas Darius
Published: November 2017

The chapter deals with the historic and contemporary Catholic pilgrimages in Europe. Modern religious practices of European pilgrims are presented. Author applies different typologies to classify European pilgrimage sites. Catholic sacred places divided into categories related with Virgin Mary, Jesus and saints. Analysis includes historic background, and contemporary challenges of pilgrimage traditions in relation to the themes of valuistic journeys, globalization, virtualization and development of modern tourism. Author identifies and analyzes the six most important religious practices performed at the pilgrimage places (participation at the Holy Mass and receiving indulgence, praying, processions and the Way of Cross, usage of water, leaving votive amulets, and buying souvenirs and devotionalias). Chapter also presents significance of values and identity in traveling. Valuistic journeys could help to express lifestyle and manifest values of the individuals. The chapter tries to answer the question – what are the challenges of pilgrimage traditions in Europe?
Images of Halal
Authors: El-Bassiouny Noha
Published: November 2017

The purpose of this chapter is to delve into exploring the status of halal products between the East and West through a qualitative introspect from the view point of a Muslim traveler. The research takes an exploratory interpretivist approach by employing a comparative study utilizing observation and content analysis of visuals related to halal brands in one Eastern and one Western country with considerable Muslim populations; namely Singapore and Germany. The results show that despite the potential of the halal market in Germany, it is yet to become integrated in mainstream retailing, whereas in Singapore, the market is developed and shows high levels of stringency in the halal certification and retailing process.
The Economics of Religious Tourism (Hajj and Umrah) in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Bokhari Abla Abdul Hameed
Published: November 2017

Even though great oil wealth has freed Saudi Arabia from economic dependence on Hajj and Umrah revenues, diversification of economic base and sources of income necessitates taking the economic impacts of these revenues into account. Therefore, this chapter aims to discuss the economic impact of religious tourism in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Tourism worldwide is a risky business. Nevertheless, religious motives of Muslim pilgrims have never been noticeably vulnerable to any circumstances. Furthermore, religious tourists are the highest spenders compared with other types of tourists in Saudi Arabia. Subsequently, annual pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia for Hajj and Umrah can play an increasingly vital role in economic growth and development. In its broadest generic sense, religious tourism plays a vital role as foreign exchange earner, a creator of job opportunities, and a tool for improving the balance of payments. Its contribution to the economic welfare, if well planned, can be more significant than any other economic force known.
Dietary Matters to Which Tourists With Religious Sensitivity Pay Attention During Their Vacation
Authors: Altaş Aysu
Published: November 2017

People change their location around the world every year based upon various reasons. The most comprehensive type of these changes of location is international tourism. In 2015, it is known that 1,184,000,000 people have changed their location taking part in the international tourism. Many people from different nations, religions and habits participate in tourism and they want to continue with their own habits and stick by their religious belief even in the host country. However, tourists with religious sensitivity have some difficulties on the matter of nutrition during their stay. This situation directly affects the food and beverage industry. This study will examine primarily the points that the tourists with religious sensitivity give importance to about their food and beverage choices during their vacation with respect to various religious groups, secondly the problems that they might face with regarding the concerned points and lastly this study will propose several solutions to some of those problems.
Realizing the Potential of Retail Analytics
Authors: Saurav Swapnil
Published: November 2017

Few industries are changing more rapidly than today's retail sector. A still-turbulent economy, new selling channels, advanced digital technologies, and increasingly demanding consumers all challenge retailers to find new ways of remaining relevant and competitive. The purchasing decision journey for consumers involves multiple steps, many of which are now being captured, digitized, and transformed into metrics and data. As this data becomes an implied derivative of essential retail and consumer technologies, the focus is shifting from how to acquire the data to how to extract insights from it— insights that can be turned into differentiation and competitive advantage for the retailer and a better shopper experience for the consumer.
Technologies Enabling Omni-Channel
Authors: Das Rohit
Published: November 2017

The retail industry has been scaling up by better co-ordination among channel partners, improving shipment delivery time at a lower possible cost over last few years. Looking at the Indian scenario, large logistics companies such as Bluedart, FedEx, Gati, etc. have launched dedicated services for online retailers. However, entrance and elevation of e-commerce focused logistic companies such as Chhotu, Mudita, Unicommerce and Delhivery seem to be promising and can be the real game changer. These companies offer solutions that address the various pain-points pertaining to the supply chain of e-commerce companies, which traditional and big supply chain & logistic providers so far failed to do. This is a global phenomenon. Despite considerable improvement in recent past, many logistics providers still struggle to cope up with inadequate infrastructure leading to operational inefficiencies to support their services. Some of such operational concerns, but not limited to, are wrong delivery, unaccepted shipment pick-ups, product unavailability leading to promise to deliver.
Retail Management and Electronic Retailing
Authors: Kasemsap Kijpokin
Published: November 2017

This chapter presents the overview of retail management; retail management and technology; the aspects of Electronic Retailing (e-tailing); e-tailing and Electronic Commerce (e-commerce); the perspectives on online consumer behavior; and the advanced issues of e-tailing in retail environments. Retail management focuses on the processes that go into ensuring consumers can obtain the products they want from their chosen retail store. Effective retail management helps company distributes the finished products created by the business to consumers in order to determine and satisfy what buyers want and require. E-tailing is a powerful marketing technique for the right product with the right message to the right person. The chapter argues that effective retail management and e-tailing applications generate business revenue, build brand awareness, and pave the way for broader distribution in retail environments.
Enhancing Closed-Loop Supply Chain in Global Supply Chain
Authors: Kasemsap Kijpokin
Published: November 2017

This chapter explains the overview of Closed-Loop Supply Chain (CLSC); CLSC activities and reverse logistics outsourcing in global supply chain; and the applications of CLSC in global supply chain. CLSC, the integration of the forward and reverse supply chains, is an emerging area of interest as firms seek to reduce the costs of product returns, increase profits through value recovery, and meet more rigorous environmental standards. In CLSC, the original manufacturer will take the used product and remake it. CLSC deals with the uncertainty in the timing, location, quantity, and quality of returned products. CLSC integrates the returns of end-of-life products from end-users to retailers, manufacturers, and suppliers for refurbishment, remanufacturing, and recycling. The chapter argues that enhancing CLSC has the potential to reach strategic goals toward sustainability in global supply chain.
Predicting Online Returns
Authors: Smriti Kumari
Published: November 2017

The E-commerce industry is growing year on year in double digits. But customers today are not only buying more through their computers, they are also returning more. The volume of these returns is such that it just can't be ignored. E-tailers today are following many practices to handle these returns but the ‘predictability' factor is still missing from their approaches. This paper tries to fulfill that void. The framework suggested in this paper will help the E-tailers to predict the probability of a particular item being returned by a particular shopper. The idea is that if the E-tailer will know the probability of return during any transaction he/she would certainly be better equipped to handle the situation.
Ensuring Social Justice for English Language Learners
Authors: Vega Juan A. Rios , Arquette Cecile M. , Lee Hwa , Crowe Heljä Antola , Hunzicker Jana Lynn , Cushing Jane
Published: November 2017

Bradley University's embedded English as a Second Language (ESL) endorsement program was first implemented during the 2015-2016 academic year. This program consists of eighteen credit hours of course work specified by the Illinois State Board of Education in order to prepare teachers to work with students who do not speak English as their first language. Now in its second year, early outcomes of the program are quite positive. This chapter describes the program and its development in detail, and analyzes the program's strengths and weaknesses, focusing especially on teacher candidates' knowledge of pedagogy and cultural awareness as it relates to social justice in education for English language learner (ELL) students. The chapter concludes with recommendations for programming and future research.