bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AN INVESTIGATION INTO ELECTROMAGNETIC BASED IMPEDANCE TOMOGRAPHY USING REALISTIC HUMAN HEAD MODEL
Authors: Munawar Awais , Mustansar Zartasha , Nadeem Ahmed E , Akhtar Mahmood
Published: September 2016

The objective of this research is to investigate the feasibility of Electromagnetic based Impedance Tomography (EMIT) for brain stroke detection, localization and classification. Electromagnetic based Impedance Tomography employing microwave imaging technique is an emerging brain stroke diagnostic modality. It relies on the significant contrast between dielectric properties of the normal and abnormal brain tissues. To study the interaction between micro-wave signals and head tissues, the simulations are performed using a geometrically simple 3-D ellipsoid head model with emulated stroke. Finite Element numerical technique is adopted to find the solution of Maxwell’s equations to measure the transmitted and backscattered signals in forward problem. Contrast Source Inversion technique is proposed to solve the inverse scattering problem and reconstruct brain images based on calculated dielectric profiles. Detailed analysis is performed to determine the safety limits of transmitted signals to minimize ionizing effects while ensuring maximum penetration. The simulations verify the inhomogeneous and frequency-dispersive behavior of brain tissue’s dielectric properties. The solution of the forward problem demonstrates the microwave signals scattering by the multilayer structure of the head model, duly validated by analytical results. The scattering phenomena can be fully capitalized by image reconstruction algorithm to obtain brain images and detect stroke presence. The initial results obtained in this research and prior work indicates that EMIT-based head imaging system has a potential for rapid stroke detection, classification, and continuous brain monitoring and offers a comparatively cost-effective solution.
THE EFFECT OF INDONESIAN VELVET BEAN EXTRACT ON THE FERTILITY OF ALBINO MALE MICE
Authors: Sardjono Ratnaningsih Eko , Pradipta Viensa , Musthapa Iqbal
Published: September 2016

Objective: This research aims to determine the dose of Indonesian velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens) extract which has significant effect on the ferlitity mice (concentration, motility and morphology of mice sperm). The extract is expected to become an alternative infertility herbal medicine relatively more secure and affordable replacing synthetic hormonal drugs which tend to have negative effects.

Methods: The seed was taken from Yogyakarta Indonesia. Fertility test was done to fertile adult male albino mice 12 w old, weighing 25-35 grams. Fertility tests performed on seven groups of mice; i.e. negative control, positive control and treatment groups (five dose levels at 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 mg/kg body weight). Subsequent fertility test results were statistically tested, including tests of normality (Kolmogorov-Sminov) followed by T test (Independent-Samples T Test).

Results: The sperm concentration and motility increased as an increased dose of seed extract was applied, as well as decreased abnormal morphology. The highest change in the quality and quantity of sperm occurred at the dose of 250 mg/kg body weight with increased sperm concentration of about 22 million, sperm motility increased by 18% and decreased abnormal sperm morphology by 12%. Statistical analysis showed a significant increase in sperm concentration and motility at doses of 100, 150, 200 and 250 mg/kg body weight, whereas a significant decrease of abnormal sperm morphology was found at doses of 150, 200 and 250 mg/kg body weight.

Conclusion: Based on this study it is concluded that Indonesian velvet beans seed extract can increased the fertility of albino male mice significantly at dose level 250 mg/kg body weight.
Measurement and prediction of physical properties of aqueous sodium salt of L-phenylalanine
Authors: Garg Sahil , Shariff Mohd , Shaikh Muhammad , Lal Bhajan , Aftab Asma , Faiqa Nor
Published: September 2016

Physical properties, such as density, refractive index and viscosity, of an aqueous sodium salt of (S)-2-amino-3-phenylpropionic acid (L-phenylalanine, Na-Phe) were investigated in this work. These properties were measured over a temperature range of 298.15?343.15 K at atmospheric pressure. The mass fractions (w) of Na-Phe were 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35 and 0.40. The analysis of the experimental data showed that the values of density, refractive index and viscosity decreased with increasing temperature at any constant concentration of Na-Phe. However, these values increased with increasing concentration at any constant temperature. The density values were used to estimate the thermal expansion coefficient. The thermal expansion coefficient increased slightly with increasing temperature and concentration. The density and refractive index data were correlated using a modified Graber equation, while, the viscosity data were correlated using a modified Vogel?Tamman?Fulcher (VTF) equation. In all the cases, quantitative analyses of the influence of temperature and concentration were performed.
Unrevealing mechanism of the thermal tautomerization of avobenzone by means of quantum chemical computations
Authors: Kojic Marko , Petkovic Milena , Etinski Mihajlo
Published: September 2016

Avobenzone (4-tert-butyl-4?-methoxydibenzoylmethane) is one of the most
widely used UVA filters in cosmetic sunscreens. Reactivity of avobenzone is
complex and challenging to understand, due to a presence of transient
tautomers. In this contribution we study chelated enol, rotamer and keto
tautomers of a reduced model of avobenzone which are involved in keto-enol
tautomerization. Two thermal tautomerization mechanisms are postulated and
their transient structures are discussed. The computed vertical and adiabatic
electronic excitation energies of tautomers provide an additional insight
into excited state properties of the tautomers.
Predictors and outcomes of new-onset atrial fibrillation in patients with acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Vukmirovic Mihailo , Boskovic Aneta , Bukumiric Zoran , Tomasevic-Vukmirovic Irena , Vukmirovic Filip
Published: September 2016

Background/Aim. The onset of atrial fibrillation (AF) in the acute phase of myocardial infarction (MI) may be a predictor of poor prognosis. The aim of our study was to examine this relationship. Methods. Six hundred patients were enrolled in the study and divided into two groups. The first group included 48 patients with new-onset AF and the second group of 552 patients without this arrhythmia. Patients with previously registered AF were excluded from the study. We investigated the correlation between new-onset AF and intra-hospital mortality as well as mortality during the follow-up period of 48 months. We also analyzed predictors of this arrhythmia. Results. New-onset AF was registered in 48 (8%) patients. The independent predictors of this arrhythmia were older age, particularly more than 70 years [odds ratio 2.37; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.23?4.58) and increased body mass index (odds ratio 1.17; 95% CI 1.04?1.33). Patients with new-onset AF had a higher mortality during the hospital course than patients without AF, but this difference was not statistically significant (10.4% vs 5.6%, p = 0.179). Patients with this arrhythmia had also a higher mortality after follow-up period of 48 months than patients without AF (33.3 % vs 17.8%, p = 0.009). Major adverse cardiac and cardiovascular events (MACCE) defined as death, recurrent MI, revascularization, and stroke were more after registered in patients with new-onset AF than in those with no this arrhythmia after follow-up period of 48 months (52.1% vs 33.9%, p = 0.011). However, multivariate Cox's regression analysis demonstrated that new-onset AF was not an independent predictor of mortality during the follow-up period of 48 months (HR 0.68; 95% CI 0.38?1.20; p = 0.182). Conclusion. New-onset AF in patients with MI was associated with a higher mortality as well as MACCE after the follow-up period of 48 months but was not an independent predictor of mortality during this period.
Non-plug technique of bilayer patch device insertion for indirect inguinal hernia repair
Authors: Ilic Miroslav , Putnik Srdjan , Kuhajda Ivan , Ivanov Dejan
Published: September 2016

Background/Aim. Despite a huge success in decrease rate of recurrences of inguinal hernia in mesh and ?plug in? techniques, a new problem appears such as chronic pain and other complications. The aim of this paper was to present the original modification of bilayer patch device (Prolene Hernia System?, Ethicon) insertion in ?non-plugged? fashion and 11-year experience with this open technique for the indirect hernia repair in a male. Methods. This retrospective study included 96 male patients with 103 indirect unilateral and bilateral inguinal hernias, operated due to a primary or recurrent hernia in an 11-year interval (2004?2015). In all operation an extended Prolene Hernia System? (PHS) bilayer patch device was inserted medially of inferior epigastric vessels through a small incision in Hasselbach's triangle, thus avoiding plug component of device connector into the internal ring. All data were taken from the medical records, operative protocols, and telephone questionnaire. Results. Non-plugged technique of bilayer patch device insertion was presented in details. Mean age of patients was 59 years. There were 3 (2.91%) patients with procedure-related complications, two patients with postoperative seroma and one with scrotal ecchymosis. There were 86 (89.6%) patients who answered on the questionnaire. During 11 years of following, recurrence of a hernia occurred in 1 patient, one had funiculocele and only one had chronic pain during 6 months. Almost all patients (97.68%) were satisfied with the procedure and results of hernia surgery. Conclusion. Nonplugged insertion of bilayer patch device is a safe technique for solving the primary and recurrent indirect inguinal hernias. The low incidence of the recurrence and chronic pain many years after the operation justifies this technique even in hospitals not specialized for the hernioplasty.
Neurophysiological evaluation of short-term outcome of pharmacological treatment of diabetic neuropathy
Authors: Cvijanovic Milan , Simic Svetlana , Kopitovic Aleksandar , Raicevic Ranko
Published: September 2016

Background/Aim. Diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) is a very frequent and progressive disease that severely impairs the overall quality of life, accompanied by a high rate of disability. For these reasons, the testing of therapeutic agents for this disease is increasing. Methods. We tested the most frequently used drugs for diabetic neuropathy in our area, along with electrophysiological monitoring in order to avoid subjectivity and the "placebo effect". A total of 120 patients were divided into four groups: three groups who received alpha-lipoic acid, benfotiamine or gabapentin respectively, and the control group who did not receive any treatment. In all the patients we analyzed motor conduction velocity, distal latency, sensory conduction velocity, F wave and F wave chronodispersion before and after treatment with each drug. Results. It is evident that some drugs had a favorable impact on the condition of the peripheral nerves. Alpha-lipoic acid and benfotiamine had an impact on the recovery of the nerve, i.e. pathophysiological processes, whereas gabapentin had no impact on the recovery, similarly to the control group without any treatment. Electrophysiological indicators had different sensitivity to detect conditions of the peripheral neurons. The best effect, in terms of increased sensory conduction velocity, had the patients treated with alpha-lipoic acid. Conclusion. The effect of alpha-lipoic acid and benfotiamine on the condition of peripheral nerve was evident. The failure of recovery, i.e. deterioration of electrophysiological parameters in patients who did not receive neuroprotective therapy suggests the need of permanent medication and periodic electrophysiological monitoring of patients with diabetic polyneuropathy.
God, The Creator Versus Man, The Explorer and Manipulator
Authors: Singh Arambam Giridhari
Published: September 2016

On 26th December 2016, the author of this Editorial was changed from Sita Pokhrel TO Arambam Giridhari SinghNot available.
Monitoring of Ovarian Follicular Development and Ovulation with Transvaginal Sonography (TVS) in Infertile Women in Eastern Region of Nepal
Authors: Bhattarai Manoj
Published: September 2016

Background Ultrasonography is the first line imaging modality for evaluation of ovaries, monitoring ovarian follicular development and detecting ovulation in infertile women; thus plays a significant role in infertility management. This study was undertaken to evaluate the pattern of ovarian follicular growth and to predict and detect ovulation in infertile women by transvaginal sonography in eastern region of Nepal.Material and Methods Hospital based prospective cross-sectional study on 100 infertile patients referred for ultrasonographic monitoring of ovarian follicle was conducted over duration of 26 months. Serial transvaginal sonography of the patients was performed using standard procedure daily from day 10 of menstrual cycle till detection of ovulation. Identification of ovarian dominant follicle, monitoring of dominant follicle development and detection of ovulation was assessed in relation to the day of menstrual cycle.Results Increase in mean diameter of the dominant follicle was seen in serial ultrasound scan till ovulation, which occurred in all cases by day 16 of menstrual cycle. The average daily follicular growth rate ± SD from day 10 of menstrual cycle till detection of ovulation was 2.2 ± 0.2 mm per day and the mean diameter ± SD of dominant follicle on the day prior to ovulation was 21.4 ± 2.8 mm (range: 17.2 – 26.3 mm).Conclusion Transvaginal sonography is an excellent method for monitoring of ovarian follicular development and shows a linear increase in mean diameter of dominant follicle from day 10 of menstrual cycle till detection of ovulation.Journal of Nobel Medical CollegeVolume 5, Number 1, Issue 8, January-July 2016, 43-48
Comparative Evaluation between Local and Spinal Anaesthesia for Inguinal Mesh Hernioplasty in Elderly Patients with Limited Cardiac Reserve
Authors: Paudel Bandana , Paudel Sumitra , Chapagain Saugat , Das Chitta Ranjan
Published: September 2016

Background The choice of anaesthesia technique, based on its advantages and disadvantages in elderly patients with limited cardiac reserve will be influenced by the patient’scomorbid diseases. The aim of the study was to compare the effects of spinal anaesthesia and local anaesthesia in elderly patients with limited cardiac reserve for inguinal mesh hernioplasty.Material and Methods In the present study 60 male patients between the ages of 65 to 92 with limited cardiac reserve, reported for mesh hernioplasty were equally divided in two groups. One group received spinal anaesthesia (SA) and the other group received local anaesthesia with nerve block (LA). Effectiveness and complications of both the group were evaluated.Results All patients had comorbid cardiac diseases with limited cardiac reserve along with hernia. Perioperative and postoperative complications were significantly more in SA group. All the surgeons and patients were satisfied with the operating conditions.Conclusion Nerve block anaesthesia with skin infiltration for inguinal mesh hernioplasty in elderly patients with limited cardiac reserve is recommended, as it is safe, patient friendly with less postoperative complications.Journal of Nobel Medical CollegeVolume 5, Number 1, Issue 8, January-July 2016, 49-56
Characterisation and Isolation of Candida Species from ICU Patients in Nobel Medical College Teaching Hospital, Biratnagar
Authors: Chaudhari Bigu Kumar , Singh Ganesh K. , Parajuli Kamal Prasad , Shrestha Kewal , Shah Dharmendra
Published: September 2016

Background Fungi have emerged as major causes of human diseases. Intensive Care Units (ICU), harbor almost all the risk factors for opportunistic fungal infections. Among these, Candida infections are very common with recent trends being rise in the non-Candida albicans (NCA) species along with an increase in resistance of these species to antifungal drugs. Increament in invasive Candidasis during last three decades have been reported in several studies, among all Candida species the Candida albicans is considered as the most common infectious agent the other non-albicans like C. Tropicalis, C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis C. krusei, and C. dubliniensis were raised as infectious agents. The aim of current study is to characterize the candida species from the clinical specimens of patients admitted in the ICU of Tertiary Care hospital in Eastren Nepal and to perform their antifungal susceptibility.Material and Methods The study was carried out in the tertiary care hospital Nobel Medical College and Teaching Hospital Biratnagar Nepal over a period of 6 monthsbetween September 2015 to February 2016. The following techniques were employed to characterize the isolates in the study – Gram’s stain, culture on Sabouraud’s Dextrose Agar, Germ Tube test, morphology in Cornmeal Agar and chromogenic agar media, sugar fermentation and sugar assimilation tests, and the results were interpreted by using standard protocols.Results Out of 50 candida isolates from different clinical samples including 37 blood samples, 9 urines and 4 Endo Tracheal (ET) tube, the most common species was C.albicans (44%) followed by C.tropicalis (26%), C.Glabrata (18%), C.Parapsilosis (08%), C.Krusei (02%), and C.Dubliniensis(02%).Conclusion The purpose of the study is to show the value of species isolation, identification and antimicrobial sensitivity testing of the ICU & NICUs patients.Journal of Nobel Medical CollegeVolume 5, Number 1, Issue 8, January-July 2016, 61-65
Characterization of delaminations in composite laminates by laser ultrasonics
Authors: Sun Guangkai , Zhou Zhenggan
Published: September 2016

The influence of delaminations in the anisotropic carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) on laser- generated ultrasound is investigated. A 3D-finite element method is used to simulate the propagation of ultrasonic waves in CFRP with delaminations. The asymmetric properties and distortions as well as the wave reflection and attenuation at delamination interfaces are clearly shown. Measurements on CFRP specimens with circular delaminations above 2 mm in diameter are imaged by C-scans and correlated to the modeling results. The effects of ultrasound frequency, defect size and depth location are discussed. The results show that it is possible to decrease the influence of anisotropy in CFRP composites by choosing appropriate ultrasonic frequencies and controlling the laser parameters.
Untersuchungen zur Beständigkeit von Dichtungswerkstoffen unter dem Einfluss von Kraftstoffen und Heizöl mit biogenen Anteilen
Authors: Weltschev Margit
Published: September 2016

Kurzfassung

Ziel dieser Untersuchungen war die Bewertung der Beständigkeit häufig eingesetzter Dichtungswerkstoffe, wie FKM, FVMQ, VMQ, EPDM, CR, CSM, IIR, PA, NBR und PUR in Kraftstoffen und Heizöl mit und ohne biogene Zusätze bei 20 °C, 40 °C und 70 °C. E10, E85, Dieselkraftstoff mit max. 5 % Biodiesel, ungealtertes und 2 Jahre gealtertes B10 (Heizöl mit 10 % Biodiesel), reiner Dieselkraftstoff, Heizöl und Kraftstoff Super Plus zählten zu den Testsubstanzen. Masse, Zugfestigkeit und Bruchdehnung wurden von den Prüfkörpern vor und nach der 84-tägigen Auslagerung in den Kraftstoffen und Heizöl bestimmt. Die visuelle Begutachtung einiger Elastomerprüfkörper zeigte eindeutig hohe Quellung bis zur partiellen Auflösung. Die Shore-Härte A und D (für PA) der Prüfkörper wurden vor und nach der 42-tägigen Auslagerung in den Kraftstoffen bestimmt. In den internationalen Normen wird zur Bewertung der Beständigkeit von Elastomeren kein Grenzwert der Reduzierung der Zugeigenschaften und der Shore-Härte definiert. Deshalb wurde für die Beständigkeitsbewertung ein Grenzwert von 15 % festgelegt. Zusammenfassend kann die Aussage getroffen werden, dass die Beständigkeit der Fluorpolymere FKM und FVMQ in den Kraftstoffen und Heizöl mit und ohne biogene Zusätze am besten ist.
Rapid expansion of TiO2 layers processed by supercritical solutions for dye sensitized solar cell applications
Authors: Tuncer Mustafa , Göçmez Hasan , Çetin Seher
Published: September 2016

In this work, anatase-type TiO2 layers were prepared by deposition of precursor solution including titanium isopropoxide, ethanol and acetic acetylacetone on a FTO substrate using rapid expansion of supercritical solutions (RESS). The spraying to obtain a particulate coating of TiO2 was carried out at 65 °C and 180 bar of supercritical carbon dioxide environment. Then, thermal annealing at 550 °C for 2 h was applied to coated substrates to obtain desired phase composition. The structural and optical properties of the film were evaluated by XRD, SEM and UV-Vis. SEM observation showed that the photoanode film has porous microstructure with interconnected spherical TiO2 grains. TiO2 film has a band gap of 2.6 eV.
Comparison of concepts for a point-shaped energy density detector after flash lamp excitation
Authors: Krankenhagen Rainer , Maierhofer Christiane
Published: September 2016

The paper describes investigations and research work in order to develop a simple sensor for the quantification of spectral broadband energy dissipation of flash lamps at any point in space. Such flash lamps are often used as energy source during active thermography testing (TT). Here, the temperature transient of the sensor surface has to be recorded by the infrared camera that is already present. During the following data evaluation, the energy input into the investigated specimen can be determined. Two opposite concepts were considered: thermal thick and thermal thin probes. The direct comparison shows advantages for thermal thick probes based on the physics of thermal balance processes.
Anatomical differences in patients with lumbosacral transitional vertebrae and implications for minimally invasive spine surgery
Authors: Josiah Darnell T. , Boo SoHyun , Tarabishy Abdul , Bhatia Sanjay
Published: September 2016

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to investigate the neurovascular and anatomical differences in patients with lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (LSTV) and the associated risk of neurovascular injury in minimally invasive spine surgery.

METHODS

The authors performed a retrospective study of CT and MR images of the lumbar spine obtained at their institution between 2010 and 2014. The following characteristics were evaluated: level of the iliac crest in relation to the L4–5 disc space, union level of the iliac veins and arteries in relation to the L4–5 disc space, distribution of the iliac veins and inferior vena cava according to the different Moro zones (A, I, II, III, IV, P) at the L4–5 disc space, and the location of the psoas muscle at the L4–5 disc space. The findings were compared with findings on images obtained in 28 age- and sex-matched patients without LSTV who underwent imaging studies during the same time period.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight patients (12 male, 16 female) with LSTV and the required imaging studies were identified; 28 age- and sex-matched patients who had undergone CT and MRI studies of the thoracic and lumbar spine imaging but did not have LSTV were selected for comparison (control group). The mean ages of the patients in the LSTV group and the control group were 52 and 49 years, respectively. The iliac crest was located at a mean distance of 12 mm above the L4–5 disc space in the LSTV group and 4 mm below the L4–5 disc space in the controls. The iliac vein union was located at a mean distance of 8 mm above the L4–5 disc space in the LSTV group and 2.7 mm below the L4–5 disc space in the controls. The iliac artery bifurcation was located at a mean distance of 23 mm above the L4–5 disc space in the LSTV group and 11 mm below the L4–5 disc space in controls. In patients with LSTV, the distribution of iliac vein locations was as follows: Zone A, 7.1%; Zone I only, 78.6%; Zone I encroaching into Zone II, 7.1%; and Zone II only, 7.1%. In the control group, the distribution was as follows: Zone A only, 17.9%; Zone A encroaching into Zone I, 75%; and Zone I only, 7.1%. There were no iliac vessels in Zone II in the control group. The psoas muscle was found to be rising away laterally and anteriorly from the vertebral body more often in patients with LSTV, resulting in the iliac veins being found in the “safe zone” only 14% of the time, greatly increasing the risk of vascular injury.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with LSTV, the iliac crest is more likely to be above the L4–5 disc space, which increases the technical challenges of a lateral approach. The location of the psoas muscle rising away laterally and ventrally in patients with LSTV compared with controls and with the union of the iliac veins occurring more often above the L4–5 disc space increases the risk for iatrogenic vascular injury at the L4–5 level in this patient population.
Curb Cuts: Crip Displacements and El Edificio de Enfrente
Authors: McRuer Robert
Published: September 2016

Theorists of neoliberalism have placed dispossession and displacement at the centre of their analyses of the workings of contemporary global capitalism. Disability, however, has not figured centrally into these analyses. This essay attends to what might be comprehended as the crip echoes generated by dispossession, displacement, and a global austerity politics. Centring on British-Mexican relations during a moment of austerity in the UK and gentrification in Mexico City, the essay identifies both the voices of disability that are recognized by and made useful for neoliberalism as well as those shut down or displaced by this dominant economic and cultural system. The spatial politics of austerity in the UK have generated a range of punishing, anti-disabled policies such as the so-called ‘Bedroom Tax.’ The essay critiques such policies (and spatial politics) by particularly focusing on two events from 2013: a British embassy good will event exporting British access to Mexico City and an installation of photographs by Livia Radwanski. Radwanski's photos of the redevelopment of a Mexico City neighbourhood (and the displacement of poor people living in the neighbourhood) are examined in order to attend to the ways in which disability might productively haunt an age of austerity, dispossession, and displacement.
‘The Stuff of Slow Constitution’: Reading Down Syndrome for Race, Disability, and the Timing that Makes Them So
Authors: Chen Mel Y.
Published: September 2016

In this paper I would like to bring into historical perspective the interrelation of several notions such as race and disability, which at the present moment seem to risk, especially in the fixing language of diversity, being institutionalised as orthogonal in nature to one another rather than co-constitutive. I bring these notions into historical clarity primarily through the early history of what is today known as Down Syndrome or Trisomy 21, but in 1866 was given the name ‘mongoloid idiocy’ by English physician John Langdon Down. In order to examine the complexity of these notions, I explore the idea of ‘slow’ populations in development, the idea of a material(ist) constitution of a living being, the ‘fit’ or aptness of environmental biochemistries broadly construed, and, finally, the germinal interarticulation of race and disability – an ensemble that continues to commutatively enflesh each of these notions in their turn.
Array Multipliers for High Throughput in Xilinx FPGAs with 6-Input LUTs
Authors: Walters E.
Published: September 2016

Multiplication is the dominant operation for many applications implemented on field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). Although most current FPGA families have embedded hard multipliers, soft multipliers using lookup tables (LUTs) in the logic fabric remain important. This paper presents a novel two-operand addition circuit (patent pending) that combines radix-4 partial-product generation with addition and shows how it can be used to implement two’s-complement array multipliers. The circuit is specific to modern Xilinx FPGAs that are based on a 6-input LUT architecture. Proposed pipelined multipliers use 42%–52% fewer LUTs, and some versions can be clocked up to 23% faster than delay-optimized LogiCORE IP multipliers. This allows 1.72–2.10-times as many multipliers to be implemented in the same logic fabric and potentially offers 1.86–2.58-times the throughput by increasing the clock frequency.
Entropy for the Quantized Field in the Atom-Field Interaction: Initial Thermal Distribution
Authors: Andrade-Morales Luis , Villegas-Martínez Braulio , Moya-Cessa Hector
Published: September 2016

We study the entropy of a quantized field in interaction with a two-level atom (in a pure state) when the field is initially in a mixture of two number states. We then generalise the result for a thermal state; i.e., an (infinite) statistical mixture of number states. We show that for some specific interaction times, the atom passes its purity to the field and therefore the field entropy decreases from its initial value.
Visualizing the Intellectual Structure of Eye Movement Research in Cartography
Authors: Wang Shuang , Chen Yufen , Yuan Yecheng , Ye Haiyun , Zheng Shulei
Published: September 2016

Eye movement research is a burgeoning frontier area in cartography that has attracted much attention from cartographers. However, the substantial amount of relevant literature poses a challenge for researchers aiming to obtain a rapid understanding of the intellectual structure of this research field. The purpose of this paper is to introduce the use of bibliometric analysis methods and multiple visual metaphors to visualize the intellectual structure of eye movement research in cartography, including the classic literature, research theme clusters, and research hotspots, etc. We also explain the use of geovisualization method, which can efficiently represent the spatial distribution of scientific power. Although the analysis results may not fully describe the whole research field, this method is generally applicable. We hope that it will not only help researchers to quickly grasp the evolution and trends of this research field, but will also become a novel method of merging geovisualization with knowledge visualization.
Long-Term Morphological Modeling of Barrier Island Tidal Inlets
Authors: Styles Richard , Brown Mitchell , Brutsché Katherine , Li Honghai , Beck Tanya , Sánchez Alejandro
Published: September 2016

The primary focus of this study is to apply a two-dimensional (2-D) coupled flow-wave-sediment modeling system to simulate the development and growth of idealized barrier island tidal inlets. The idealized systems are drawn from nine U.S. coastal inlets representing Pacific Coast, Gulf Coast and Atlantic Coast geographical and climatological environments. A morphological factor is used to effectively model 100 years of inlet evolution and the resulting morphological state is gauged in terms of the driving hydrodynamic processes. Overall, the model performs within the range of established theoretically predicted inlet cross-sectional area. The model compares favorably to theoretical models of maximum inlet currents, which serve as a measure of inlet stability. Major morphological differences are linked to inlet geometry and tidal forcing. Narrower inlets develop channels that are more aligned with the inlet axis while wider inlets develop channels that appear as immature braided channel networks similar to tidal flats in regions with abundant sediment supply. Ebb shoals with strong tidal forcing extend further from shore and spread laterally, promoting multi-lobe development bisected by ebb shoal channels. Ebb shoals with moderate tidal forcing form crescent bars bracketing a single shore-normal channel. Longshore transport contributes to ebb shoal asymmetry and provides bed material to help maintain the sediment balance in the bay.
Effect of Welding Parameters on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Cast Fe-40Al Alloy
Authors: Torun Osman
Published: September 2016

Friction welding of cast Fe-40Al alloy was carried out at 1000 rmp for various friction times, friction pressures, and forging pressures. The microstructures of the interface of welded samples were analyzed by optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Micrographs demonstrated that excellent welding formed continuously along the interface, except for samples welded for 3 s. Chemical compositions of the interface of the friction welded samples and of the fractured surface of all the specimens were determined using energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). After the welding process, shear tests were applied to the welded samples to determine the shear strength of joints. Test results indicated that the maximum shear strength was 469.5 MPa.
Analysis of Flavonoids in Rhamnus davurica and Its Antiproliferative Activities
Authors: Chen Guilin , Li Xun , Saleri Flora , Guo Mingquan
Published: September 2016

Rhamnus davurica Pall. (R. davurica) has been used as a traditional medicinal herb for many years in China and abroad. It has been well documented as a rich source of flavonoids with diversified structures, which in turn results in far-ranging biological activities, such as anti-inflammation, anticancer, antibacterial and antioxidant activities. In order to further correlate their anticancer potentials with the phytochemical components, the fingerprint profile of R. davurica herb from Dongbei was firstly investigated using HPLC-ESI-MS/MS. Thirty two peaks were detected and identified, 14 of which were found in R. davurica for the first time in this work. Furthermore, a total of 23 peaks were resolved as flavonoids, which are the major components found in R. davurica. Meanwhile, the antiproliferative activities against human cancer cells of HT-29 and SGC-7901 in vitro exhibited distinct inhibitory effects with IC50 values at 24.96 ± 0.74 and 89.53 ± 4.11 μg/mL, respectively. Finally, the general toxicity against L-O2 cells displayed a much higher IC50 at 229.19 ± 8.52 μg/mL, which suggested very low or no toxicity on hepatic cell viability. The current study revealed for the first time the correlations between the flavonoids of R. davurica with their antiproliferative activities, which indicated that the fingerprint profile of flavonoids and their anticancer activities could provide valuable information on the quality control for herbal medicines and their derived natural remedies from this valuable medicinal plant.
Identification of Nematicidal Constituents of Notopterygium incisum Rhizomes against Bursaphelenchus xylophilus and Meloidogyne incognita
Authors: Liu Gai , Lai Daowan , Liu Qi , Zhou Ligang , Liu Zhi
Published: September 2016

During a screening program for new agrochemicals from Chinese medicinal herbs, the ethanol extract of Notopterygium incisum rhizomes was found to possess strong nematicidal activity against the two species of nematodes, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus and Meloidogyne incognita. Based on bioactivity-guided fractionation, the four constituents were isolated from the ethanol extract and identified as columbianetin, falcarindiol, falcarinol, and isoimperatorin. Among the four isolated constituents, two acetylenic compounds, falcarindiol and falcarinol (2.20–12.60 μg/mL and 1.06–4.96 μg/mL, respectively) exhibited stronger nematicidal activity than two furanocoumarins, columbianetin, and isoimperatorin (21.83–103.44 μg/mL and 17.21–30.91 μg/mL, respectively) against the two species of nematodes, B. xylophilus and M. incognita. The four isolated constituents also displayed phototoxic activity against the nematodes. The results indicate that the ethanol extract of N. incisum and its four isolated constituents have potential for development into natural nematicides for control of plant-parasitic nematodes.
Comparative Analysis of the Thermal Insulation of Traditional and Newly Designed Protective Clothing for Foundry Workers
Authors: Frydrych Iwona , Cichocka Agnieszka , Gilewicz Paulina , Dominiak Justyna
Published: September 2016

An objective of the undertaken research was checking the applicability of aluminized basalt fabrics for the production of clothing for foundry workers. The results of flammability, the resistance to contact, convective and radiation heat, as well as the resistance to big molten metal splashes confirmed the thesis of applicability of the packages with the use of aluminized basalt fabric content for the assumed purpose; therefore, such protective clothing was produced. Thermal comfort of foundry workers is very important and related to many factors, i.e., the structure of the protective clothing package, the number of layers, their thickness, the distance between the body and appropriate underwear. In the paper, a comparison of the results of thermal insulation measurement of two kinds of protective clothing is presented: the traditional one made of aluminized glass fabrics and the new one made of aluminized basalt fabrics. Measurements of clothing thermal insulation were conducted using a thermal manikin dressed in the protective clothing and three kinds of underwear products covering the upper and lower part of the manikin.
Learning Change from Synthetic Aperture Radar Images: Performance Evaluation of a Support Vector Machine to Detect Earthquake and Tsunami-Induced Changes
Authors: Wieland Marc , Liu Wen , Yamazaki Fumio
Published: September 2016

This study evaluates the performance of a Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier to learn and detect changes in single- and multi-temporal X- and L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) images under varying conditions. The purpose is to provide guidance on how to train a powerful learning machine for change detection in SAR images and to contribute to a better understanding of potentials and limitations of supervised change detection approaches. This becomes particularly important on the background of a rapidly growing demand for SAR change detection to support rapid situation awareness in case of natural disasters. The application environment of this study thus focuses on detecting changes caused by the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami disaster, where single polarized TerraSAR-X and ALOS PALSAR intensity images are used as input. An unprecedented reference dataset of more than 18,000 buildings that have been visually inspected by local authorities for damages after the disaster forms a solid statistical population for the performance experiments. Several critical choices commonly made during the training stage of a learning machine are being assessed for their influence on the change detection performance, including sampling approach, location and number of training samples, classification scheme, change feature space and the acquisition dates of the satellite images. Furthermore, the proposed machine learning approach is compared with the widely used change image thresholding. The study concludes that a well-trained and tuned SVM can provide highly accurate change detections that outperform change image thresholding. While good performance is achieved in the binary change detection case, a distinction between multiple change classes in terms of damage grades leads to poor performance in the tested experimental setting. The major drawback of a machine learning approach is related to the high costs of training. The outcomes of this study, however, indicate that given dynamic parameter tuning, feature selection and an appropriate sampling approach, already small training samples (100 samples per class) are sufficient to produce high change detection rates. Moreover, the experiments show a good generalization ability of SVM which allows transfer and reuse of trained learning machines.
ESTIMATING THE RADIUS OF THE CONVECTIVE CORE OF MAIN-SEQUENCE STARS FROM OBSERVED OSCILLATION FREQUENCIES
Authors: Yang Wuming
Published: September 2016

The determination of the size of the convective core of main-sequence stars is usually dependent on the construction of models of stars. Here we introduce a method to estimate the radius of the convective core of main-sequence stars with masses between about 1.1 and 1.5 M
⊙ from observed frequencies of low-degree p-modes. A formula is proposed to achieve the estimation. The values of the radius of the convective core of four known stars are successfully estimated by the formula. The radius of the convective core of KIC 9812850 estimated by the formula is 0.140 ± 0.028 R
⊙. In order to confirm this prediction, a grid of evolutionary models was computed. The value of the convective-core radius of the best-fit model of KIC 9812850 is 0.149 R
⊙, which is in good agreement with that estimated by the formula from observed frequencies. The formula aids in understanding the interior structure of stars directly from observed frequencies. The understanding is not dependent on the construction of models.
SOLAR WIND CHARGE EXCHANGE CONTRIBUTION TO THE ROSAT ALL SKY SURVEY MAPS
Authors: Uprety Y. , Chiao M. , Collier M. R. , Cravens T. , Galeazzi M. , Koutroumpa D. , Kuntz K. D. , Lallement R. , Lepri S. T. , Liu W. , McCammon D. , Morgan K. , Porter F. S. , Prasai K. , Snowden S. L. , Thomas N. E. , Ursino E. , Walsh B. M.
Published: September 2016

DXL (Diffuse X-ray emission from the Local Galaxy) is a sounding rocket mission designed to estimate the contribution of solar wind charge eXchange (SWCX) to the diffuse X-ray background and to help determine the properties of the Local Hot Bubble. The detectors are large area thin-window proportional counters with a spectral response that is similar to that of the PSPC used in the ROSAT All Sky Survey (RASS). A direct comparison of DXL and RASS data for the same part of the sky viewed from quite different vantage points in the solar system, and the assumption of approximate isotropy for the solar wind, allowed us to quantify the SWCX contribution to all six RASS bands (R1–R7, excluding R3). We find that the SWCX contribution at

, where the DXL path crosses the Galactic plane, is

for R1,

for R2,

for R4,

for R5, and negligible for the R6 and R7 bands. Reliable models for the distribution of neutral H and He in the solar system permit estimation of the contribution of interplanetary SWCX emission over the the whole sky and correction of the RASS maps. We find that the average SWCX contribution in the whole sky is

for R1,

for R2,

for R4,

for R5, and negligible for R6 and R7.
Developing a Common Global Framework for Marine Data Management
Authors: Glaves Helen M.
Published: September 2016

The paradigm shift in marine research moving from the traditional discipline based methodology to a multidisciplinary, ecosystem level approach is being driven by changes in both the policies for the management and exploitation of the ocean, and the scientific method itself. The availability of large volumes of good quality data is fundamental to this increasingly holistic approach to ocean research but there are significant barriers to its re-use. The Ocean Data Interoperability Platform (ODIP) project has been funded in parallel by the European Commission, National Science Foundation in the USA and the Australian Government to promote the development of a common framework for marine data management that leverages the existing marine e-infrastructures which have been created in response to the need for greater sharing of marine data at a regional level.
Linked Ocean Data 2.0
Authors: Leadbetter Adam , Cheatham Michelle , Shepherd Adam , Thomas Rob
Published: September 2016

Within the theme of sustainable development, it is not desirable to either have data siloed in one location where it cannot be reused for purposes beyond which it was originally collected, or in a state where it cannot be integrated into a holistic view of the marine environment. As such, the links between datasets should be formally documented and exploited as best as possible. Given this, the use of Semantic Web technology and information modelling patterns are explored in this chapter with reference to the marine domain. Further, new strategies for adding semantic annotation to data in real-time are discussed and prototyped.
Repositioning Data Management Near Data Acquisition
Authors: Diviacco Paolo , Sorribas Jordi , De Cauwer Karien , Sinquin Jean Marc , Casas Raquel , Busato Alessandro , Stoyanov Yvan , Scory Serge
Published: September 2016

This chapter intends to propose a solution to the progressive paradigmatic drift that emerges when data is part of a workflow where processes and contexts are not accessible. In this case end users can have difficulties in identifying possible anomalies, or events that might be very important for the dataset and its interpretation. Since sustainable development is based on cross-disciplinary studies, this can revert in misunderstanding and difficulties to work collaboratively. To address this issue it is proposed to fill the gap between the data and its acquisition through a logging system named EARS that records underway data such as for example: meteo or swell, and events such as: anomalies or acquisition milestones. Once all these information are stored, they can be linked to the data through an OGC compliant metadata model and gathered as summaries as required by several data management initiatives.
Data and Operational Oceanography
Authors: Wulff Enrique
Published: September 2016

Data obtained within the operational oceanography infrastructures denote a possibility of significant analysis of fisheries in the progress of the implementation of the 1995 FAO Code for Responsible Fisheries. Data products for fisheries and aquaculture cater for research needs, thereby ensuring a capacity to meet temporal resolution, time frame, reporting frequency and interoperability formats requirements. The existence of this legislation and the costs of its enforcement make that the present data infrastructures are employed under relatively precarious circumstances. This chapter provides with an overview, not exhaustive but demonstrative, of what has been achieved for data within operational oceanography addressing the needs of fisheries and aquaculture scientists.
Firm Performance and Research and Development
Authors: Prokop Jacek
Published: September 2016

The objective of this chapter is to analyze the impact of research and development activities on the profitability of oligopolistic firms. The analysis is conducted in a two-stage, game-theoretic model of duopolistic competition. In the first stage, firms decide about the size of R&D investments, and in the second stage, they decide about the supply of the final product. On the one hand, different levels of research externalities are considered. And, on the other hand, three types of firms' behavior in the final-product market are analyzed: Cournot competition, Stackelberg competition, and cooperation within a cartel. The numerical analysis shows that the full cartelization of the industry generates the highest profits for both firms, independent of the size of technological spillovers. In the non-cartelized industry the performance of the Stackelberg leader is better in comparison to the Cournot firm, when the extent of research externalities is not too high.
Online Banking and Finance
Authors: Vidal Marta , Vidal-García Javier
Published: September 2016

In recent years, online banking has become an alternative channel for most traditional entities. The increase in the number of users and rapid expansion has resulted in a successful strategy among financial institutions. This chapter discusses the use of technology in the finance industry and the various factors associated with it, as well as introducing the reader to the basic characteristics of online financial services. We review the current literature identifying the relevant research questions for our purpose.