bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La confiance portée aux mots
Authors: Georgelin Mélanie
Published: November 2018

Nous portons ici témoignage d’une trajectoire analytique, pour ce qu’elle a de singulier, de fragile et d’ouvert, effectuée dans cette hypermodernité souvent triste et grinçante. Il s’agit de dire la confiance toute, celle portée aux mots, mots des poètes et des résistants, et d’ainsi retrouver la mémoire de leurs gestes. Ce qui permet encore de tenir et d’espérer, comme le bleu éclatant d’une lettre jetée sur un fond gris chagrin.
Parlons de Maisons
Authors: Carreiras Maria Antónia
Published: November 2018

L’histoire de Maria, qui évoque pour l’auteur un poème de Herberto Helder, nous transporte vers la destructivité de la guerre et vers une souffrance impensable et indicible. La violence sociale qui s’est abattue sur le père de Maria a aboli les lieux et les fonctions psychiques et transsubjectives où cette souffrance aurait pu se constituer et acquérir une signification. Ainsi, le drame qu’il a vécu est demeuré en perpétuel défaut d’énonciation. Et Maria a pris contact avec un lieu du psychisme de son géniteur qui était vide, une maison inhabitée qui ne pouvait être maison. C’est à travers le travail thérapeutique qu’elle cherchera à « donner un contenant à ses contenus et [à] donner un contenu à son contenant » (Green), que les absents gagneront, peu à peu, corps et intériorité et le don d’une certaine parentalité psychique. La différentiation mentale progressive ainsi atteinte rendra possible d’enterrer les morts et de fixer un lieu pour les vivants, soit la construction et l’appropriation par Maria d’une maison et d’une langue habitées et habitables.
Soigner, accompagner, contenir
Authors: Moreau Ricaud Michelle , Mayeux Isabelle
Published: November 2018

Le congrès de psychiatrie France-Amérique latine s’est tenu, à Paris, à l’occasion des manifestations pour le 150 e  anniversaire du centre hospitalier Sainte-Anne. Témoignant de la richesse des échanges et des formations réciproques qui se poursuivent depuis plus d’un siècle entre ces deux rives de l’Atlantique, c’est sous l’angle soigner, accompagner, contenir que la vitalité des approches ainsi que les difficultés actuelles en psychiatrie ont été dépliées. Là ont pris place les travaux de figures majeures de la psychanalyse et de la psychiatrie, les apports des neurosciences, les créativités actuelles qui passent par la participation de l’entourage du patient à l’accompagnement thérapeutique. L’influence de la psychanalyse dans l’humanisation des soins et sa théorisation des psychoses, l’histoire de la psychiatrie sont toutefois restées discrètes. Les auteures invitent à se demander si celles-ci traverseront les changements actuels sans que la part subjective de l’être humain soit oubliée, y compris dans la formation des psychiatres, des soignants et des psychologues. Le caractère consensuel de la psychiatrie présenté lors de ce congrès s’est néanmoins fait porteur d’une promesse : celle de l’ouverture d’un débat étayé sur de rigoureuses théorisations des processus inclusifs des différentes conceptions du rapport nature-culture, notamment pour les soins maternels primaires, que l’approche du clinicien soit référée à la psychanalyse, à la psychiatrie et/ou aux neurosciences.
Head, trunk and pelvic kinematics in the frontal plane in un-mounted horseback riders rocking a balance chair from side-to-side
Authors: Engell M.T. , Hernlund E. , Byström A. , Egenvall A. , Bergh A. , Clayton H. , Roepstorff L.
Published: November 2018

For efficient rider-horse communication, the rider needs to maintain a balanced position on the horse, allowing independent and controlled movements of the rider’s body segments. The rider’s balance will most likely be negatively affected by postural asymmetries. The aims of this study were to evaluate inter-segmental symmetry of movements of the rider’s pelvis, trunk, and head segments in the frontal plane while rocking a balance chair from side to side and to compare this to the rider’s frontal plane symmetry when walking. Frontal plane rotations (roll) of the pelvis, trunk and head segments and relative translations between the segments were analysed in twenty moderately-skilled riders seated on a balance chair and rocking it from side to side. Three-dimensional kinematic data were collected using motion capture video. Principal component analysis and linear regression were used to evaluate the data. None of the riders displayed a symmetrical right-left pattern of frontal plane rotation and translation in any of their core body segments. The intersegmental pattern of asymmetries varied to a high degree between individuals. The first three principal components explained the majority of between-rider variation in these patterns (89%). A significant relationship was found indicating that during walking, when foot eversion was present on one side, pelvic/trunk roll during rocking the chair was asymmetric and larger to that same side (P=0.02, slope=0.95 in degrees). The inter-individual variation in the rider’s intersegmental strategies when rocking a balance chair was markedly large. However, there was a significant association to the rider’s foot pattern while walking, suggesting consistent intra-individual patterns over multiple situations. Although further studies are needed to confirm associations between the findings in this study and rider asymmetry while riding, riders’ postural control can likely be improved and this may enhance their sport performance.
Reducing peak pressures under the saddle at thoracic vertebrae 10-13 is associated with alteration in jump kinematics
Authors: Murray R.C. , Mackechnie-Guire R. , Fisher M. , Fairfax V.
Published: November 2018

There is little information about horse-saddle interaction at take-off for a fence, although there is potential that this could have an influence on performance. It was hypothesised that (1) maximum peak pressure under the saddle would occur in the phase of maximum thoracolumbar flexion prior to hindlimb take-off; and (2) limb and trunk kinematics at take-off over the fence would be affected by reducing peak pressure at Thoracic vertebrae (T)10-13 at the point in the stride where peak pressures occur. The peak pressures under the usual saddle (Saddle S) and a saddle modified to reduce peak pressures at T10-13 (Saddle F) were measured during approach and take-off over a 1.30 m upright fence in 12 elite jumping horses. The timing of peak pressures was determined by comparison with simultaneous video data. Shoulder, carpal flexion angle and trunk angle to the horizontal at hindlimb take-off, take-off distance from the fence and fetlock height above the fence were determined using high speed motion analysis. Peak pressures under the saddle at T10-13 and kinematic data were compared between Saddles S and F. Maximum peak pressures occurred at forelimb vertical, during hindlimb protraction, consistent with thoracolumbar ventroflexion. Saddle F was associated with significantly lower peak pressures at T10-13, greater shoulder and carpal flexion, a steeper trunk angle, and higher fetlock height above the fence than Saddle S. Forelimb take-off distance from the fence was not different between saddles, but hindlimbs were significantly closer to the fence with Saddle F, indicating potential increase in ventroflexion through the thoracolumbosacral region. These findings suggest that reducing peak pressures under the saddle at T10-13 are associated with altered kinematics during the approach and take-off over a fence, which may have a positive effect on jumping performance.
Profesión e identidad en la agricultura familiar española
Authors: González Juan Jesús , Gómez Benito Cristóbal
Published: November 2018

Este artículo analiza las posibilidades y límites de la profesionalización agraria en España desde el punto de vista de las opiniones y actitudes de los agricultores que tienen la agricultura como actividad principal. El artículo permite identificar un núcleo de agricultores más bien jóvenes, con explotaciones medio-grandes y de orientación preferentemente hortofrutícola, que se autoidentifican como profesionales o empresarios y que presentan un relativo cumplimiento del ideal profesional. Se trata, sin embargo, de un proceso incipiente que tropieza con todo tipo de limitaciones, no solo actitudinales, sino también institucionales, relativas, por un lado, a la propia naturaleza de la agricultura familiar y, por otro, a la ausencia de un marco político-institucional adecuado.
El desarrollo local en contextos de globalización. Una reflexión desde la experiencia brasileña
Authors: Graziano Da Silva José
Published: November 2018

No disponible
La teoría relacional de la sociedad
Authors: Herrera Gómez Manuel
Published: November 2018

El objetivo de este artículo es afrontar los fundamentos teóricos de la sociología relacional. Nos encontramos ante una forma de observar/pensar cuyo punto de partida es el siguiente: ios problemas de la sociedad son problemas generados por relaciones sociales; por este motivo se propone comprenderlos —y, si es posible, resolverlos— no sólo en función de factores individuales/voluntarios o colectivos/estructurales, sino a través de nuevas relaciones sociales y nuevas conexiones de relaciones. No resulta arriesgado decir que estamos ante una perpectiva bastante compleja. No en vano, aspira a formular una teoría y un método que sean capaces de gestionar órdenes más complejos de realidad.
La individualidad contemporánea. Un análisis a partir de la experiencia de las personas con VIH/SIDA
Authors: Rinken Sebastian
Published: November 2018

Según la literatura existente, el desarrollo de la individualidad en la época actual sigue las pautas del desarrollo del sistema social hacia una mayor fragmentación y flexibilidad. Utilizando como herramienta de análisis la experiencia de la mortalidad por parte de personas con VIH y el método arqueológico elaborado por Michel Foucault como marco analítico, este ensayo sugiere una lectura distinta. Concretamente, el autor propone la tesis de que el yo emerge como fuente de una presunta estabilidad, asumiendo un status casi trascendental a pesar de la presencia de acontecimientos lo suficientemente diversos como para sugerir un desarrollo aleatorio del proceso de construcción del yo.
El suicidio en Durkheim, o la modernidad de la triste figura
Authors: Bericat Alastuey Eduardo
Published: November 2018

En este artículo se expone una novedosa interpretación de la tesis elaborada por Durkheim en El Suicidio. Pese a la perspectiva positivista que inspiró su análisis empírico, una atenta consideración del modelo teórico pone en evidencia que el objetivo fundamental de esta tesis era demostrar científicamente la causación social de las emociones. Un detenido análisis de las emociones implicadas en El Suicidio nos sirve, además, para especificar teóricamente, sin las ambigüedades que caracterizan a otras interpretaciones, los conceptos de integración y regulación, que sustentan la tipología de suicidios (altruista/egoísta y fatalista/anómico). La integración se refiere a la dimensión intercomunicativa del orden social, por lo que está vinculada a las emociones de la vergüenza y del orgullo. La regulación se refiere a la dimensión interactiva del orden social, por lo que está vinculada a las emociones del miedo y de la frustración.
Agricultura familiar, pluriactividad y desarrollo rural en el sur de Brasil
Authors: Sacco Dos Anjos Flavio
Published: November 2018

En este artículo se analiza la importancia de la agricultura familiar en el desanollo de las áreas rurales brasileñas, con especial atención al caso de la Región Sur. Su autor analiza, en primer lugar, las nociones de "agricultura a tiempo parcial" y "pluriactividad", y las conecta con los distintos debates sobre la agricultura. Señala que, mientras el primer concepto puede ser relacionado con la etapa de hegemonía del paradigma de la modernización, el segundo (la pluriactividad) lo está con la etapa actual, dominada por el paradigma de la multiftmcionalidad. En segundo lugar, analiza el proceso de modernización que tuvo lugar en Brasil en la década de los 60, y los efectos de exclusión social que dicho proceso tuvo sobre los pequeños agricultores familiares. En tercer lugar, por último, analiza la relevancia de la agricultura familiar en el actual proceso de desarrollo, y el papel importante que juega la pluriactividad en la dinamización de las zonas rurales.
Las organizaciones solidarias un análisis de su naturaleza y significado a la luz del caso valenciano
Authors: Arino Villarroya Antonio , Cucó I Giner Josepa
Published: November 2018

Las organizaciones de voluntariado están recibiendo una creciente atención por parte de los analistas de la acción colectiva. Para unos, en su fulgurante auge reciente, se manifiesta la estrategia privatizadora del Estado de Bienestar; para otros, son expresión de un nuevo movimiento social. En este artículo los autores utilizan la amplia evidencia reunida en el caso valenciano, mediante distintas estrategias de exploración (entrevistas abiertas, encuestas, análisis de casos), para someter a examen dichas tesis. El resultado obtenido muestra más bien la heterogeneidad, disparidad y diversidad de organizaciones existentes, su reducido tamaño de recursos y su exigua articulación interna. Los autores apuntan la necesidad de reinterpretar el Tercer Sector desde la perspectiva de sus interacciones con los restantes marcos institucionales de producción de bienestar.
Estrategias para incrementar la tasa de respuesta en las encuestas
Authors: Díaz De Rada Vidal
Published: November 2018

Este trabajo aborda una de las limitaciones más importantes de la técnica de encuesta, concretamente la dificultad de seleccionar muestras representativas de la población objeto de estudio por el elevado número de no respuestas. Dos factores intervienen decisivamente en este hecho: la ausencia de personas en los hogares elegidos para realizar las entrevistas y los rechazos de las personas seleccionadas. El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar varios factores que aumentan la cooperación de los entrevistados, para así mejorar la calidad y la tasa de respuesta en las investigaciones mediante encuestas. Una de las razones que justifica el interés de este trabajo es el hecho —mostrado en diversas investigaciones— de que los ciudadanos de las sociedades desarrolladas cada vez se muestran menos partidarios de responder a encuestas.
Inmigrantes senegaleses, islam y cofradías
Authors: Lacomba Joan
Published: November 2018

Este artículo recoge parte de los resultados de una investigación sobre los inmigrantes musulmanes en Valencia y sus estrategias de adaptación en un medio mayoritariamenté no musulmán. De entre las diferentes nacionalidades estudiadas en ese trabajo los ciudadanos senegaleses constituyen el grupo que ofrece mayores elementos de interés para su análisis. En concreto, a su particular entendimiento del Islam, los inmigrantes senegaleses añaden al mismo formas de organización inexistentes en otros colectivos musulmanes. El sistema de cofradías, de gran peso en su sociedad de origen, es importado por los propios inmigrantes a la sociedad de acogida. En el nuevo contexto migratorio la organización cofrádica se convierte en un instrumento fundamental de regulación de la comunidad y de inserción social y laboral para los inmigrantes musulmanes senegaleses.
Mujer, familia y agricultura análisis de las perspectivas teóricas en Francia
Authors: Cardón Philippe
Published: November 2018

El autor analiza la bibliografía sociológica y etnológica francesa sobre la mujer en la agricultura familiar desde los años 60. Destaca tres periodos distintos, en cada uno de los cuales domina una perspectiva teórica sobre la agricultura familiar y la posición de la mujer en ella. Si en los años 60-70 predominaba una concepción ftmcionalista de la familia agrícola (vínculos familiares orgánicos, complementaridad hombre/mujer), emerge en los años 90 una concepción individualista en la que están presénteseos vínculos familiares relaciónales y una identidad individualizada de la mujer y del hombre. En la segunda parte del artículo, el autor propone una nueva perspectiva de análisis de la mujer en la agricultura familiar, haciendo hincapié en un tema tan importante como es la transmisión patrimonial.
New Wave in Mobile Commerce Adoption via Mobile Applications in Malaysian Market: Investigating the Relationship Between Consumer Acceptance, Trust, and Self Efficacy
Authors: Singh Satwinderjit , Zolkepli Izzal Asnira , Cheah Wen Kit
Published: November 2018

Given the prevalence of online technology nowadays, mobile commerce continues to attract considerable attention for marketing research. However, studies on the factors that impact mobile commerce adoption via mobile applications are still limited. Moreover, there is minimal study that investigates the importance of attitudes towards mobile commerce as antecedents of mobile commerce adoption using Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), especially in the Malaysian market. These factors are crucial since the population of online users are massive and their influence is forming the untapped potential for marketers. By knowing the factors that drive the use of mobile commerce, this study seeks to facilitate marketers on how to use the findings and intensify the growth of online business in Malaysia. This quantitative study is cross-sectional in nature with 160 samples. Results showed that out of six hypotheses, five hypotheses were supported. The findings shed lights on the relevance of TAM in reasoning the adoption of mobile commerce via mobile applications. Also, this study provides insightful implications for marketers to understand consumer behaviour and strengthen the mobile commerce market.
A Cross-Platform Mobile Application for Learning Programming Basics
Authors: Yassine Alaeeddine , Berrada Mohammed , Tahiri Ahmed , Chenouni Driss
Published: November 2018

This paper presents and discusses a new mobile application for teaching and learning programming basics. The purpose is to help students acquire competencies while having fun and using their own devices. The mobile application was designed according to cross-platform approach to reach the broadest possible audience of learners, saving time and effort of development and maintenance. The code is fully shared between mobile platforms (iOS, Android and Windows Phone) allowing learners to install the application on any device. The core application is based on a multi-agent system to make the application interactive, flexible and dynamic and provide students with tailored instructions. A prototype is presented showing the main features of the application.
Social Media for Teaching and Learning within Higher Education Institution: A Bibliometric Analysis of the Literature (2008-2018)
Authors: Hashim Kamarul Faizal , Rashid Ammar , Atalla Shadi
Published: November 2018

Research on the topic of social media for teaching and learning in the higher education have received much attention from academia and practitioners. Social media technology was acknowledged not only as an important communication tool between faculty members and students but also shows great potential as the next social learning platform that better serves the teaching, learning and administration of a higher education institute. Its informal setting allows more flexibility for both students and faculty members to teach and learn anywhere and everywhere. Despite its important, little is known about how this research topic is evolving within the literature. Hence, using a bibliometric analysis technique this study examines the trends, topics, and challenges addressed by previous research for the past ten years (2008-2018). The paper ends by discussing future research directions related to this topic.
Using Digital Smart Board to Overcome Higher Order Thinking Skills Learning Difficulties in Data Handling among Primary School Students
Authors: Julius Elizabeth , Mun Soh Hon , Abdullah Abdul Halim , Mokhtar Mahani , Suhairom Nornazira
Published: November 2018

Data Handling at primary school involves gathering and recording information and then presenting it in a way that is meaningful to others. It is a fundamental part of student's mathematical understanding. Initial concepts of Data Handling need to be exposed to students in the early years as these skills will be used and built upon throughout their education. Due to its importance, Data Handling is included in the curriculum at primary level in Malaysia. However results of international assessments which focused on the use of higher order thinking skills showed that Malaysian students performed poorly in Data Handling. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify students’ learning difficulties in Data Handling at each level of higher order thinking skills (HOTS) namely applying, analysing, evaluating and creating. In addition, this study also investigated the use of smart board in overcoming HOTS learning difficulties in Data Handling. Numerous teachers recommend the use of smart board at primary schools since students have the opportunity to explore and learn novel concepts using the technology. Subsequently, it helps to generate dynamic learning experiences and student in school become more motivated about learning when the smart board is used during their lessons. Four experienced year five mathematics teachers and thirty year five students from a primary school were involved in the study. The students and teachers were selected based on purposive sampling. An interview protocol and rubric for cognitive domain in HOTS were used during the data collection phase. In addition, semi-structured interview sessions with the teachers and students as well as document analysis of the students’ mathematics exercise sheets in Data Handling were carried out by the researcher to investigate the students’ learning difficulties at each level of HOTS in Data Handling. It is hoped that the results from this study can contribute towards development of strategies, methods or programs using smart board to enhance HOTS in Data Handling among primary school students in Malaysia.
Study and Elucidation of Fractal Dimension in Anionic and Cationic Clays: Relationship between Fractal Dimensions to the Amount Adsorbed and Pore Size
Authors: Bahah Salah , Nacef Saci , Chebli Derradji , Djellouli Brahim , Bouguettoucha Abdallah
Published: November 2018

In order to search the correlation between textural properties and geometrical heterogeneity in clays, as characterized by the surface fractal dimension, we used, three different cationic clays; namely Kaolin of Hamam Dbagh, Montmorillonite (Mt) of Maghnia and a sample prepared from Sodium Montmorillonte (Na-Mt)) and three different synthetic anionic clays, ZnAlCO3, MgAlCO3at a molar ratio equal to three (R=3), and NiAlCO3with different molar ratios (R=2, R=3 and R= 4). This DSparameter was evaluated from nitrogen (N2) analysis gas. the fractal Frenkel-Halsey-Hill (FHH) (DS) models was used to estimate the surface fractal dimensions at two ranges of relative pressure, the first between 0.08 and 0.22, which were found Ds to be 2.59, 2.53 and 2.68 from Kaolin, Montmorillonite and Sodium Montmorillonte clays respectively and 2.33, 2.61, 2.53, 2.56 and 2.56 for ZnAlCO3and MgAlCO3, NiAlCO3(2, 3 and 4) respectively, and other at medium relative pressure, which there was an excellent linear adjustment for F-H-H equation within the range between 0.37 and 0.82, which were found Ds to be 2.77, 2.64 and 2.82 for Kaolinite, Montmorillonite and Sodium Montmorillonte clays respectively, and 2.68, 2.64, 2.40, 2.60, 2.47 for ZnAlCO3, MgAlCO3, NiAlCO3(2, 3 and 4) respectively. SEM Characterization confirmed the heterogeneous distribution of the particles and the BET analysis confirmed the fractal nature of the surface of these materials. The zeta potential of the sample which is most used as an indicator of dispersion stability, show a proportionality between increases of zeta potential with increase of dimension fractal (DS), for the same type of clays ( (NiAlCO3) with (R=2, 3 and 4) and Mt, Na-Mt). Key words: Anionic clays; Cationic clays; Fractal dimension; geometrical heterogeneity; Frenkel-Halsey-Hill model.
Analysis of Bending of Ceramic-Metal Functionally Graded Plates with Porosities Using of High Order Shear Theory
Authors: Slimane Merdaci
Published: November 2018

This work consists of the analysis of the bending responses of porous Ceramic-Metal functionally graded (FG) rectangular plates are investigated according to high order shear deformation theory. The proposed theory contains four unknowns unlike the other theories which contains five unknowns, but it checks the boundary conditions without constraints on the upper and lower plate surfaces. Both the effect of shear strain and normal deformation are included in the present theory and so it does not need any shear correction factor. The equilibrium equations according to the porous FG plates Ceramic-Metal are derived. The solution of the problem is derived by using Navier’s technique. Numerical results have been reported, and compared with those available in the open literature for non-porous plates. Effects of the exponent graded and porosity factors are investigated.
The Affectivity of Various Wind Condition and Shear Wall Opening in Multi-Story Building on Displacement by Changing Shear Wall Location and its Configuration
Authors: Altouhami Rasheed , Yeoh David , Hong Lovein Soon , Ali Hassan , Radwan Ashraf
Published: November 2018

Shear wall system is used as one of the most lateral load resisting systems in mulit-story building. Shear wall is quite effective in resisting wind and seismic load in medium-rise and high-rise building. Shear wall provided high stiffness and strength, which can be used to resist large lateral as well as vertical load, making the performance of the building beneficial in various wind load conditions. This study has been focused on the displacement of the different lateral load resisting system for high-rise buildings under various wind load conditions. In this paper, a study was carried out by changing the locations of shear wall radically to determine the structural configuration of a multistory building accordantly. This study has been focused on the effect of addition of shear wall at different location and configuration in buildings without shear wall as well as with shear wall. Besides that, from the software results, the behavior of the shear wall with and without opening was able to observed by obtaining the lateral displacement when acted by 10kN point load at the top left of the wall. The accuracy of the software was able to verify by comparing the result obtained from ETABS and SAP2000 and it was found that the percentage difference between values obtained from that two software is below 20 percent. The maximum lateral displacement at 40m/s and 50m/s is 1.8 and 2.8 times bigger than maximum lateral displacement at 30m/s respectively. The lateral displacement of the shear wall increases as the opening size increases.
Thermodynamic Analysis of the Stirling Duplex Machine
Authors: Hèyihin Adjaï Georges , Awanto Christophe , Anjorin Malahimi , Lanzetta François
Published: November 2018

The Stirling Duplex concept, in which a Stirling engine drives a Stirling heat pump, has many energy and environmental benefits. This machine is essentially composed of three movable elements, a working piston and two displacers, in the same enclosure. The machine has two circuits of non-polluting working fluid, in both parts, engine and refrigerator.The compatibility of the Stirling machine with any type of thermal energy as an external combustion engine contributes to its industrial interests and scientific research. In this paper, a study is presented to estimate Stirling Duplex$'$s parameters and efficiencies by considering the adiabatic model. It appears that the Stirling Duplex is more efficient as a heat pump than as a refrigerating machine.
Diffusion and its Application in NiMnGa Alloys
Authors: Zhou Le , Sohn Yong Ho
Published: November 2018

Heusler NiMnGa alloys are often categorized as ferromagnetic shape memory alloys or magnetocaloric materials, which are important for both practical applications and fundamental research. The NiMnGa alloys undergo a series of diffusion and diffusionless transformation from high temperature to low temperature. Among these transformation, martensitic transformation from austenitic phase to martensitic phase is critical in determining the properties of the alloys. Although martensitic transformation is considered diffusionless, diffusion also has important applications in the research of NiMnGa alloysDiffusion couples along with equilibrium alloys have been used to determine the ternary phase diagrams in NiMnGa alloys. Phase diagrams are important in selecting NiMnGa alloys, in particular two-phase NiMnGa alloys for practical applications. Furthermore, the diffusion couples effectively assist in the determination of compositions that exhibit martensitic transformation temperature near room temperature. Diffusion coefficients have been assessed for NiMnGa alloys. Tracer diffusivity of Ni, Mn and Ga was reported in a wide temperature range and followed Arrhenius behavior. Two different activation energies were obtained, corresponding to B2 and L21 crystal structure, respectively. Interdiffusion coefficients for NiMnGa alloys with B2 crystal structure are measured, which showed that Ni diffuses the fastest, followed by Mn then Ga. The diffusion coefficients provide useful information for fabricating NiMnGa alloys through diffusional process.A combinatorial approach involving diffusion couples and advance characterization has been developed to investigate the mechanical properties, microstructure and crystallography of NiMnGa alloys rapidly and systematically over a large compositional range. The composition-dependent modulus and hardness for NiMnGa alloys was extracted from the diffusion couples with the help of nanoindentation. Martensitic phases with non-modulated and various modulated crystal structures, and austenitic phase were identified in the interdiffusion zones by transmission electron microscopy. The results demonstrate the capability of using diffusion couples to speed up the discovery of new NiMnGa alloys or other similar alloys showing martensitic transformation.
Numerical Modeling of Blood Flow in a Healthy Aorta and Aorta with Stent
Authors: Belaghit Abdel Hakem , Aour Benaoumeur , Larabi Mekki , Mebarki Salah
Published: November 2018

The treatment of aortic aneurysm varies according to each patient. Stent implantation is one of many methods used to stabilize diseases. The information obtained from hemodynamic parameters in the pathological aorta with stent could help doctors in choosing the treatment before the surgery. In this context, the numerical simulation of fluid dynamics is an essential tool that can give us more detailed information that could be exploited by surgeons to find appropriate solutions to some pathologies. In this work, a study of two models of aortas: with and without stent was presented. A comparison of the results of changes in pressures and shear stresses of aortas in systolic and diastolic phases was discussed. The obtained results show a nearly similar tendency of variation for both models, which justifies the effectiveness of the type of stent chosen and its effect on the improvement of the blood flow. The methodology used in this work has revealed the detailed and necessary information for both cases studied and has shown the interest of the numerical tools for diagnosis and surgery.
Employing Image Processing Techniques and Artificial Intelligence for Automated Eye Diagnosis Using Digital Eye Fundus Images
Authors: Alqudah Ali Mohammad , Alquraan Hiam , Qasmieh Isam Abu , Al-Badarneh Alaa
Published: November 2018

Blindness usually comes from two main causes, glaucoma and diabetes. Robust mass screening is performed for diagnosing, such as screening that requires a cost-effective method for glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy and integrates well with digital medical imaging, image processing, and administrative processes. For addressing all these issues, we propose a novel low-cost automated glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy diagnosis system, based on features extraction from digital eye fundus images. This paper proposes a diagnosis system for automated identification of healthy, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. Using a combination of local binary pattern features, Gabor filter features, statistical features, and color features which are then fed to an artificial neural network and support vector machine classifiers. In this work, the classifier identifies healthy, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy images with an accuracy of 91.1%,92.9%, 92.9%, and 92.3% and sensitivity of 91.06%, 92.6%, 92.66%, and 91.73% and specificity of 89.83%, 91.26%, 91.96%, and 89.16% for ANN, and an accuracy of 90.0%,92.94%, 95.43%, and 97.92% and sensitivity of 89.34%, 93.26%, 95.72%, and 97.93% and specificity of 95.13%, 96.68%, 97.88%, and 99.05% for SVM, based on 5, 10, 15, and 31 number of selected features. The proposed system can detect glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and normal cases with high accuracy and sensitivity using selected features, the performance of the system is high due to using of a huge fundus database.
Estimation of Steering Wheel Angle and Vehicle Lateral State from Measured Lateral Forces
Authors: Saber Fatima Ezzahra , Ouahi Mohamed , Saka Abdelmjid
Published: November 2018

This paper introduces a method to estimate the lateral dynamics parameters,which are valuable to the development of more complex and powerful driver assistance system. In the assumption of measured lateral forces, three state observer methods are designed to simultaneously estimate the steering angleas unknown input and vehicle lateral state variables. The stability conditionsof such observers are derived in terms of Linear Matrix Inequalities (LMI). Simulation results through Matlab/Simulink software based on data of the CALLAS vehicle simulator is used to evaluate the performance of observersbased on Unknown Input Observer (OEI).
New Approach to Integrate Planning and Scheduling of Production System: Heuristic Resolution
Authors: Hassani Zineb Ibn Majdoub , El Barkany Abdellah , Jabri Abdelouahhab , El Abbassi Ikram , Darcherif Abdel Moumen
Published: November 2018

In general, planning and scheduling of production are treated separately under the hierarchical strategy. Then, over the time, the iterative strategy appeared which partially considers the scheduling constraints during planning, except that the latter remains unsatisfactory because there is no guarantee that these constraints are taken into account. For this, is born the integrated strategy which integrates planning and scheduling and aims to solve the problem and define a feasible production plan. Since capacity constraints don’t reflect reality in terms of resource availability, and they are not always considered, capacity becomes aggregated. To remedy this problem, it is necessary to integrate more precise constraints of scheduling at the planning level. Based on this observation, we propose in this article a new model that integrates planning and scheduling and considers the constraint of resource availability. In our model, the objective function optimizes the total cost of production for a mono-level job-shop problem. To solve this N-P difficult problem we use a stochastic approached method as genetic algorithm (GA).
Enhancement of Pass Percentage through Lean Six Sigma Approach in Degree Level Technical Educational Institutions
Authors: Nallusamy S. , Punna Rao Gunji Venkata
Published: November 2018

The objective of this research is to improve the overall result and pass percentage of students in degree level technical institutions by eliminating the failure causes using lean six sigma method. A case study was carried out in a degree level technical institute, which has a total intake of 720 students producing 54% of results for the past five years. Taking as a challenge issues to produce more than 75% of results, it was considered to carry out a study using lean six sigma approach. In this research five stage methodology of six sigma i.e. DMAIC have been used to reduce the parameters that affect the system. Failure mode effect analysis, histogram, process capability analysis and fish bone diagram methodologies were also adopted to analyze the depth of the issue and to identify the critical factors that requires to be controlled and to improve by implementing the solutions and remarks received from the stakeholders. From the results it was found that, through this approach the pass percentage level of the technical institute had increased from 54% to 75% by identifying and reducing the appropriate source of failures.
Sedimentary Clays as Geopolymer Precursor
Authors: Mostefa F. , Bouhamou Nasr Eddine , Mesbah H.A. , Aggoun Salima , Mekhatria D.
Published: November 2018

This work aims to study the feasibility of making a geopolymer cement based on dredged sediments, from the Fergoug dam (Algeria) and to evaluate their construction potential particularly interesting in the field of special cementitious materials. These sediments due to their mineralogical composition as aluminosilicates; are materials that can be used after heat treatment. Sedimentary clays were characterized before and after calcination by X-ray diffraction, ATG / ATD, spectroscopy (FTIR) and XRF analysis. The calcination was carried out on the raw material sieved at 80 μm for a temperature of 750 ° C, for 3.4 and 5 hours. The reactivity of the calcined products was measured using isothermal calorimetric analysis (DSC) on pastes prepared by mixing an alkaline solution of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) 8 M in an amount allowing to have a Na / Al ratio close to 1 (1: 1). Also, cubic mortar samples were prepared with a ratio L / S: 0.8, sealed and cured for 24 hours at 60 ° C and then at room temperature until the day they were submited to mechanical testing. to check the extent of geopolymerization. The results obtained allowed to optimize the calcination time of 5 hours for a better reactivity of these sediments, and a concentration of 8M of sodium hydroxide and more suitable to have the best mechanical performances.
Highly Sensitive ZnO NWFET Biosensor Fabricated Using Top-Down Processes
Authors: Ditshego Nonofo M.J.
Published: November 2018

A highly sensitive low-doped ZnO nanowire field effect transistor (NWFET) biosensor has been fabricated and measured. The low doped biosensor with NWFET transducer was used to sense charge of the following substances: lysozyme (LYSO), phosphate buffered saline (PBS), bovine serum albumin (BSA). It achieved maximum sensitivity of -543.2 % for the PBS-LYSO protein and 13,069 % for the PBS-BSA protein. These results were achieved because the electrical measurement and characterisation was focused on the charge effect of the LYSO and BSA acting on the ZnO nanowire subthreshold region. The nano-fabrication process is stable and reproducible. The high sensitivity of the ZnO NWFET biosensor can be exploited for selective analyte detection by functionalizing the nanowire surface with antibodies and/or other biomolecular probe molecules.
Effect of the Pore Structure of an Apatite-Fiber Scaffold on the Differentiation of P19.CL6 Cells into Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Ichikawa Yuzuha , Yasuda Kei , Takahara Masahiro , Aizawa Mamoru , Kanzawa Nobuyuki
Published: November 2018

We previously reported that P19.CL6 cells can be cultured in porous hydroxyapatite ceramics prepared by firing green compacts consisting of apatite fibers and spherical carbon beads (150 μm in diameter). Cells cultured for 20 days in an apatite-fiber scaffold (AFS) proliferated and differentiated into cells expressing troponin T, a cardiomyocyte-specific gene, but the expression level was insufficient to support the functional maturation of cells required for biomedical device applications. In this study, we aimed to optimize the internal AFS environment for cardiomyocytes by mixing two sizes (150-and 20-μm) of carbon beads. P19.CL6 cells were cultured in AFS materials comprising different carbon ratios in the presence of alpha-MEM with (AFS+) or without (AFS-) dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and cell growth and gene expression were assessed. We found that AFS(50, 1:1 ratio) is the most suitable scaffold for the proliferation and differentiation of P19.CL6 cells and the addition of DMSO to the culture medium is necessary for differentiation into cardiomyocytes. We also assessed the culture of P19.CL6 cells in AFS in a radial-flow bioreactor for several days.
Preparation and Evaluation of Spray-Dried Nano-Hydroxyapatite/Saccharide Complex for Oral Administration
Authors: Honda Yuya , Rin Yuji , Aoki Hideki , Terukina Takayuki , Hattori Yusuke , Otsuka Makoto
Published: November 2018

nanohydroxyapatite (nanoHA) is a main component of bone and dentin. The nanoHA was synthesized by a neutralization reaction of calcium hydroxide suspension and phosphoric acid solution. The sizes of the nanoHA were in the range of 5-80 nm. The composition and structure of the nanoHA was determined by XRD and FTIR as hydroxyapatite containing small amounts of carbonate. The morphology of the nanoHA was observed by TEM as plate shape. Saccharides including dextrin, lactose and glucose were mixed into the nanoHA suspension and dried by a spray dry method to produce a complex powder for oral administration. The particle sizes of the complex were in the range of 10-20 μm. The dispersibility of the complex in water was examined by a precipitation rate test and the order was as follows: glucose > dextrin > lactose complex.
CO2 Laser Bonding of Silicate-Substituted Strontium Apatite on PEEK and Osteointegration on its Surface
Authors: Furukawa Akira , Akahane Manabu , Tanaka Yasuhito
Published: November 2018

Whether silicate-substituted strontium apatite (SrSiP) stimulates osteogenesis on the surface of implants has been evaluated in the present study. Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) disks were coated with a nanocrystalline SrSiP dispersion using CO2 laser irradiation. At approximately 300°C, the coating layer of SrSiP was tightly adhered to the surface of PEEK disks. The SrSiP-coated PEEK showed excellent bioactive properties when bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells were cultured on the PEEK disks, when compared to the untreated PEEK disks.
Particulate Titania Coating on Poly(Dimethylsiloxane) Films for Improving Osteoconductive Ability
Authors: Peñaflor Galindo Tania Guadalupe , Shiba Kota , Tagaya Motohiro
Published: November 2018

The cytocompatibility of the poly (dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) surfaces can be improved by the coating with biomaterials. In this study, the methodology for the particulate titania (PT) coating on the PDMS film was investigated via the combined process of microfluidic synthesis system with spin-coating, leading to the one-step synthesis and coating. The PT was successfully deposited on the O2-plasma-treated PDMS films by mixing titanium tetraisopropoxide, isopropyl alcohol, water and octadecylamine in a microfluidic reactor and subsequently dropping. The rotation speed in the spin-coating plays an important role in the PT morphologies and deposition amounts on the PDMS films. Through the detailed investigation, the efficient condition for adhering PT to PDMS as well as inducing apatite formation from simulated body fluid was successfully discovered.
Effect of Crystalline Calcium Phosphate Coatings Prepared in an Aqueous Solution on Corrosion Resistance of Bioabsorbable Magnesium Alloy
Authors: Watanabe Shin , Yabutsuka Takeshi , Takai Shigeomi
Published: November 2018

Bioabsorbable magnesium (Mg) alloy was anodized in 1.0 M NaOH solution. Then the anodized Mg alloy was immersed in an aqueous solution with three times concentration of Ca2+ and HPO42- in comparison with those of biological environment to improve its corrosion resistance. The whole surface of Mg alloy was successfully coated with crystalline calcium phosphate (CaP) within 1 day. The CaP coated Mg alloys showed high corrosion resistance in SBF.
Bioceramics are Not Bioinert: The Role of Oxide and Non-Oxide Bioceramics on the Oxidation of UHMWPE Components in Artificial Joints
Authors: Rondinella Alfredo , Marin Elia , McEntire Bryan , Bock Ryan , Bal B. Sonny , Zhu Wen Liang , Yamamoto Kengo , Pezzotti Giuseppe
Published: November 2018

The following research is aimed at understanding the influence of Zirconia-Toughened Alumina (ZTA) and Silicon Nitride (Si3N4) on Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) acetabular liners. Bioceramic femoral heads were systematically tested against UHMWPE in controlled environment according to static/load-free coupling in hydrothermal environment, pin-on-ball wear testing, and hip-simulator wear testing. In addition, a retrieved ZTA femoral head has been analyzed and results have been compared to the simulations. Experimental results from X-ray photoelectron (XPS), cathodoluminescence (CL), Raman and Fourier-Transformed Infrared spectroscopy suggest that, despite conventional notions imply that bioceramics are inert, the surface chemistry of bioceramics was relevant to the oxidation rate of polyethylene liners. Non-biointertness could either be advantageous or disadvantageous toward polyethylene oxidation. The main reason resides in the peculiar chemical interactions between polyethylene and different ceramics, and, more specifically, depends on the direction of oxygen flow at the interface between the ceramic and the polymer. ZTA femoral heads were found to release a non-negligible amount of oxygen moieties from their surfaces, thus accelerating oxidative degradation of polyethylene. Conversely, Si3N4 ceramics exerted a protective role towards the polyethylene liner by scavenging oxygen from the tribolayer. The results of this work provide new insights into the interaction between bioceramics and polymers, which should also be considered when designing the next generation artificial hip joints with significantly elongated lifetimes.
Titanium Nitride Film on Titanium Film by Magnetron Sputtering Method
Authors: Watazu Akira , Teraoka Kay , Sonoda Tsutomu
Published: November 2018

Titanium nitride (TiN) film on titanium film (Ti) was formed by magnetron sputtering method. Pure titanium substrates with TiN/Ti multi-layered films deposited using DC sputter-deposition machine in Ar gas atmosphere, in order to improve not only the blood compatibility of pure titanium but also the adhesion between the deposited TiN coating and the pure titanium substrate. The effects of the thickness of a pure titanium interlayer on adhesion of the TiN coating to the pure titanium substrate were investigated. And the effects of the TiN coating obtained in this study on blood compatibility were also investigated. The obtained multi-layered films looked yellow gold and appeared to be uniform and adhesive without any peel-offs. Based on the results of the platelet test, the ratio of the number of adhered platelets for the TiN/Ti film to that for the pure titanium substrate was estimated to be 0.54. Thus it was found that the platelet adhesion of the obtained TiN/Ti film was much smaller than the pure titanium, concluding that the TiN coating improved the blood compatibility.
Preparation of Calcium Phosphate Coated Simvastatin-Loaded PLGA Microspheres Dispersed Alginate Hydrogel Beads as a Controlled Drug Delivery Carrier
Authors: Matsubayashi Makoto , Terukina Takayuki , Hattori Yusuke , Otsuka Makoto
Published: November 2018

Simvastatin (SIM) is widely used as a cholesterol-lowering drug known to affect bone formation in vivo and its sustainable administration into localized area is of particular interest. We reported previously that sustained SIM release from poly (lactic-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microspheres could maintain relatively low concentration in the bone defect area, resulting in the improved bone regeneration effect. The aim of this study was to determine the release characteristics of SIM from calcium phosphate coated SIM-loaded PLGA Microspheres (CSPMs) dispersed into an alginate hydrogel bead (with different drug release profiles), since we speculated that further sustainable SIM release would be more effective related to stimulate the formulation of BMP-2, resulting in the promoted bone regeneration.