bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recycled concrete with coarse recycled aggregate. An overview and analysis
Authors: González-Fonteboa B. , Seara-Paz S. , De Brito J. , González-Taboada I. , Martínez-Abella F. , Vasco-Silva R.
Published: April 2018

The construction field has contributed to environmental degradation, producing a high amount of construction and demolition waste (C&D waste) and consuming large volumes of natural resources. In this context, recycled concrete (RC) has been recognised as a means to preserve natural resources and reduce space for waste storage. During the last decades, many researchers have developed works studying different recycled concrete properties.
This review focuses on structural RC made with coarse recycled aggregate from concrete waste. The main objective is to provide a state of the art report on RC’s properties and an analysis on how to predict them taking into account relevant research works. Moreover, the study tries to collect and update RC findings, proposing equations to define RC’s performance, in terms of mechanical strength, modulus of elasticity, stress-strain, creep and shrinkage.
Prospective Sustainability of Utilization of Effective Techniques for Remediation of Heavy Metals From Textile Effluents
Authors: Agrawal Bipin Jagdishprasad
Published: April 2018

Textile industries are one of the prevalent water consumers and contaminators ensuing high generation of waste water. Wastewater from dyeing and printing units is often rich in organic compounds, colours, and heavy metals containing residues of various dyes and chemicals. Among these waste water pollutants, heavy metals are of serious environmental concern in recent years. Metals are extensively used for manufacture of synthetic dyestuffs and for colouration of natural dyes on textiles to achieve different shades and hues. Heavy metals such as lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), etc. are widely used for production of colour pigments of textile dyes. These heavy metals, highly toxic, get conveyed to the environment, and can bio-accumulate in the human body, aquatic life, natural water-bodies, and also possibly become trapped in the soil. The chapter deals with the utilization of heavy metals in textile wet processing, their important characteristics, various toxic aspects, and different methods for their elimination from the textile effluent liquors.
Microalgae
Authors: Kumar Vinod , Nanda Manisha
Published: April 2018

The primary functions of ecosystems, wherever located, or whatever their constituents on earth, are to sustain life. They provide vital needs, commonly described as “ecological services,” for all the living things residing within that particular system, or for those on its fringes. Such services include shelter, food, maintaining soils and hydrology, and providing livelihoods for its dwellers. Water is considered an important resource for mankind and other living organisms. Therefore, maintaining the water to a high quality is crucial. Bioremediation of heavy metals and micro pollutants by microorganisms (algae, bacteria, fungi, and yeast) has been used for the last two decades. All micro-organisms and microalgae are gaining increasing attention because microalgae can easily grow and is cheap to process and able to accumulate high metal content.
Application of Plant Tissue Culture in Management of Hg Contaminated Water
Authors: Goswami Srijan , Modak Debraj , Modak Munmun
Published: April 2018

In the chapter, the authors describe how a plant can be selected as a natural indicator of heavy metal (mercury) contamination, how one can select a plant species to monitor a particular type of heavy metal and use those plants to remove the contaminants from the area under consideration. The chapter also contains a brief idea of environmental contamination by heavy metals and how the situation can be managed by the techniques of modern plant biotechnology. The authors add some reports and data of their in-vitro studies of mercury toxicity on Ananas sp., generally known as pineapple, for better understanding of the text.
Grounding Community and Urban Governance Through Ward Committees at eThekwini, Durban, South Africa
Authors: Tshishonga Ndwakhulu Stephen
Published: April 2018

South Africa is premised on the democratic principles of local governance, decentralized service delivery, and development. Although ward committees do not have any executive power, they are regarded as key linking micro structures between communities and the municipality, respectively. In this chapter, ward committees are perceived as the community elected and legislated structures institutionalized to entrench local governance and accelerate decision making more particularly in services delivery and development at ward community level. The author argues that the effectiveness of ward committee structures depends on the interface of five elements: participation, representation, accountability, deliberation, and collective action. This is a qualitative empirical chapter and the data are solicited through the use of research instruments such journals, government documents, and some selected interviews with ward councilors and ward committees in 110 wards at eThekwini Municipality
Governance and Institutional Framework for Smart Cities in India
Authors: Biswas Arindam , Maurya Kranti Kumar
Published: April 2018

Rapidly increasing urbanization in India has brought much needed focus on the urban development. City building in India is done mostly by local governments and very less by state government and union government. All three tiers of governance are involved in realizing smart city. Smart city will be built with a combined effort from various actors from three tiers of public governing institutions and several private enterprises. Smart cities will require superior planning, design, and coordination among these actors. Otherwise, it will be impossible to achieve faster, efficient, and superior quality city building and management. Historically, urban policy and its implementation in India has been tardy, thereby limiting the sustainable and planned growth of cities. The chapter will try to find the connection between governance and institutional framework for smart city building in India by taking a case of Varanasi city. Varanasi is a city in Uttar Pradesh state of India. It is one of the hundred proposed smart cities. Varanasi is a proposed city under AMRUT and HRIDAY schemes also.
Designing and Managing Public-Private Partnership in the Water Sector in Big Cities of the Developing World
Authors: Swai Idda Lyatonga , Anasel Mackfallen Giliadi , Masue Orest Sabastian
Published: April 2018

The chapter examines the available designs and management styles of public-private partnership (PPP) in the water sector and how they can be used to realize the desired outcomes. The chapter applies a qualitative approach based on deductive methods where the design and management styles of PPP in water sector are analyzed through a review of documents from different sources. The chapter concludes that different PPP designs and management styles can be adopted according to the nature and objectives of the intended PPP venture. This reflects that there is not a universally perfect model that can be claimed to be the best for ensuring successful PPP. However, the success or failure of a PPP project partly depends on how the designing was done to meet the intended goal and how management of the joint venture is done to balance the interests of the parties involved.
Challenges of Inclusive Urbanization in the Face of Political Transition in Nepal
Authors: Devkota Kamal
Published: April 2018

Nepal is one of the rapidly urbanizing countries in south Asia. This trend of rapid urbanization and ongoing political change has created several challenges to the planned urban development in Nepal. This chapter presents a picture of urban development and growth in Nepal and identifies key challenges why the existing model of urbanization has not delivered results that are commonly expected through urban transformation. Unclear and inconsistent policy regime, poor municipal services, urban disaster risk and environmental vulnerability, managing the politics of slum, and transforming informal economy are the five key urban challenges for the inclusive urbanization that are discussed in this chapter. The chapter concludes with brief recommendations for each challenge.
Urban Safety and Security in Lagos Metropolis, Nigeria
Authors: Farinmade Ademola A. , Soyinka Oluwole A. , Siu Kin Wai Michael
Published: April 2018

Urban insecurity, loss of life and property are global challenges that affect the living conditions and the geomorphology of urban centers. This study assesses the use of closed-circuit television (CCTV) inclusive design to promote urban safety and security for sustainable urban development. The objectives are to examine the socioeconomic characteristics of the residents, examine the existing security structure, assess the level of CCTV awareness, and assess its current uses. Mixed method of data collection and analysis were adopted. The findings reveal that both the residential houses and banks have suffered adverse security issues and anti-social menace. CCTV inclusive design is described important for preventing crime in banks, while the same cannot be categorically stated in residential houses. Recommendations for CCTV inclusive design strategies, safety, and security strategies with government policies, public and private participation of stakeholders in urban planning design were proposed for the study area.
The Embeddedness of Branding and Marketing in City Governance in the Developing World
Authors: Mugambwa Joshua , Nabatanzi-Muyimba Annet K. , Obedgiu Vincent
Published: April 2018

City branding and marketing is gaining more attention as cities compete on a global scale in attracting visitors, investors, talents, and inhabitants. Websites are used among other mechanisms to market cities as brands. Brands exist as distinct themes, logos, slogans, symbols, and content. Using review of literature, this chapter examines the embeddedness of city branding and marketing in city governance in the developing world. Symbolic elements that differentiate city brands should be exploited in embedding city marketing.
IoT in the Field of Healthcare
Authors: Govinda K.
Published: April 2018

The chapter at first focuses on IoT being used in healthcare in general and then it moves to Parkinson's disease, specifically, and how people with it can be benefitted by IoT.
Mobile Patient Surveillance
Authors: Sultana H. Parveen , Nagendran Nalini
Published: April 2018

Surveillance is defined as providing security in critical situations or monitoring certain places where safety and security are important. Surveillance takes the lead in healthcare departments or sections. Surveillance is also helpful in diagnosing the errors that occur in the automated systems and happening of adverse events in patient care. The main objective of patient surveillance is to observe the changes that occur in any patient's health to provide appropriate medication through automation process. Initially, the comparison is made between surveillance and monitoring. Later the chapter discusses the wireless technologies and mobile applications used for patient surveillance. Using mobile healthcare systems surveillance data that includes not only patient's clinical information but also analyses clinical scenario periodically, the clinical information gathered is disseminated among various teams of specialists for decision making. The advancement in wireless devices not only monitors the patient's conditions but also provides required information or data. This is possible only when sensed data is communicated at an appropriate time to avoid unexpected events in critical care units. This wireless technology helps the nursing staff in improving the surveillance and guaranteeing patient's safety. This chapter explores mobile patient surveillance.
Geo-Location-Based File Security System for Healthcare Data
Authors: Govinda K.
Published: April 2018

Nowadays, a person's medical information is just as important as their financial records as they may include not only names and addresses but also various sensitive data such as their employee details, bank account/credit card information, insurance details, etc. However, this fact is often overlooked when designing a file storage system for storing healthcare data. Storage systems are increasingly subject to attacks, so the security system is quickly becoming a mandatory feature of the data storage systems. For the purpose of security, we are dependent on various methods such as cryptographic techniques, two-step verification, and even biometric scanners. This chapter provides a mechanism to create a secure file storage system that provides two-layer security. The first layer is in the form of a password, through which the file is encrypted at the time of storage, and second is the locations at which the user wants the files to be accessed. Thus, this system would allow a user to access a file only at the locations specified by him/her. Therefore, the objective is to create a system that provides secure file storage based on geo-location information.
Reading Assistance for Visually Impaired People Using TTL Serial Camera With Voice
Authors: Sruthi M.  , Rajasekaran R.
Published: April 2018

Internet of things is where all the things are connected to the internet and communicate with each other. There are many applications of the IoT in various fields such as healthcare, agriculture, industries, and logistics, and even for empowering people with disabilities. There are many previous work for the blind people using IoT in finding the obstacles many navigation applications have been developed. In this chapter, a system is proposed to assist blind people in reading books. This method is based on capturing the text book pages as an image and processing them into text with speech as an output.
An Overview on Peak Shape Method for Thermoluminescence Glow Curve Analysis
Authors: Bhattacharyya Sukhamoy , Majumdar Partha Sarathi
Published: April 2018

The shape of a thermoluminescence (TL) glow curve has fundamental importance for calculating the characteristic parameters of trap levels within the band gap. TL analysis are mostly based on the three-parameter general order kinetics model. The parameters are activation energy, order of kinetics, and frequency factor. Peak shape method is one of the most prominent methods for extracting the activation energy from a TL curve. An overview of different peak shape methods along with an alternative approach formulated directly from basic TL equations is presented in this chapter. Generally, peak shape method requires prior knowledge of order of kinetics to determine activation energy which creates a difficulty due to the non-uniqueness of symmetry factor for a particular value of order of kinetics. A modified version of peak shape method which is free from this constraint is discussed here. Activation energies from experimental curves of tremolite and actinolite are estimated using peak shape method. Limitation of peak shape method for saturated TL peaks with heavy retrapping is also discussed.
Phenanthroimidazole-Based Organic Fluorophores for Organic Light-Emitting Diodes
Authors: Vaidyanathan Sivakumar , Tagare Jairam
Published: April 2018

Considering the imminent global energy crisis and inefficient energy utilization, energy-efficient organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) are considered one of the most competitive candidates for displays and particularly for future energy-saving lighting sources. Full color displays require all primary colors: red, green, and blue (RGB). In recent decades, numerous phenanthroimidazole (PI) RGB-emitting materials have been developed for efficient OLEDs. In organic electronics, considerable interest is shown on PI, due to ease in fluorophore modification. This chapter focuses on the design and synthesis of PI-based materials and their applications in OLEDs. At first, some nondoped blue, green, and yellow fluorescent materials are comprehensively studied. Then attention has been paid for typical blue, green, yellow, orange, and red PhOLEDs of PI-based fluorophores as a host materials are briefly presented. The molecular design concept, general synthetic routes for PI materials, and the applications of fluorophores in fluorescent OLEDs and host materials in PhOLEDs are reviewed.
Thermo, Photo and Mechanoluminescence Studies of Eu3+ Doped Y4Al2O9 Phosphors
Authors: Tripathi Shubha , Mishra Manish Kumar , Jain Vikas Kumar , Tiwari Ratnesh , Dubey Neha
Published: April 2018

The chapter reports synthesis and characterization of europium-doped Y4Al2O9 phosphor for display and dosimetric applications. The europium-activated Y4Al2O9 (YAM) phosphor is synthesized via solid state reaction method. Synthesized phosphors were characterized by powder x-ray diffraction (PXRD) techniques, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) technique. Particle size calculated from TEM analysis and crystallite size was calculated by Scherer's formula. All synthesized phosphor for different concentration of europium ion were studied by photo, thermo, and mechanoluminescence study. It is found that for photoluminescence analysis of Eu3+ doped phosphor has prominent spectra in red region and electric dipole transition (5D0 → 7F2) dominant over the magnetic dipole transition (5D0 → 7F1) due to non-centro symmetry between rare earth ions. Broad excitation spectra found for photoluminescence study.
Industrial Applications of Polymer Composite Materials
Authors: Zindani Divya , Kumar K.
Published: April 2018

Polymeric composites are being used widely for industrial applications. This is because of a number of advantages offered by the composite materials. Some of the advantages offered are low weight, enhanced mechanical properties, excellent durability, etc. Therefore, this chapter provides an overview of different industrial applications of polymeric composites. The different industrial sectors considered are automotive, military, aerospace, sports and leisure, and industrial construction. The authors are of the opinion that the importance of polymeric composites could be realized with the applications presented in this review.
Application of Silica-Gel-Reinforced Aluminium Composite on the Piston of Internal Combustion Engine
Authors: Dixit Anuj
Published: April 2018

The piston of the internal combustion engine is one of the most complex parts among all engine components. During the operation, the pistons of IC engines are typically subjected to high loading and wearing. To withstand these, they require high mechanical properties and excellent tribological properties. This chapter aims to compare the mechanical as well as tribological properties of silica-gel-reinforced aluminium composite with aluminium alloy, which is used in manufacturing of piston of IC engine. Initially silica-gel-reinforced aluminium composite was fabricated with base material aluminium and six different percentages of silica gel reinforcement by stir casting method. After that, mechanical and tribological properties of silica-gel-reinforced aluminium composite were estimated and the tremendous mechanical and tribological properties among all percentages by different optimization techniques were found. The authors then compared the admirable properties of aluminium composite with aluminium alloy for manufacturing of piston of IC engine.
Polymer Composite Materials for Microelectronics Packaging Applications
Authors: Ramdani Noureddine , Azibi Mehdi
Published: April 2018

This chapter reports the recent advances in the fabrication methods, properties, and microelectronics packaging applications of various inorganic fillers and reinforced-polymer composites. Recently, inorganic particles, including ceramics and carbon-based material reinforced polymeric matrices, have attracted both academic and industrial interest because they exhibit good thermal and mechanical properties. The low dielectric constant and dielectric loss, the low thermal expansion coefficient, and high thermal conductivity make these kinds of composites suitable for microelectronics packaging. The filler ratio, surface modification, and preparation methods of these composites have a marked effect on the final properties of these materials. Herein, the preparation methods, thermal and dielectric properties, shortcomings, and microelectronics applications of polymers/inorganic composites are summarized and discussed along with detailed examples collected from the extensive scientific literature.
Electroless Nickel Coatings for High Temperature Applications
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Arkadeb , Barman Tapan Kumar , Sahoo Prasanta
Published: April 2018

This chapter aims to discuss the evolution of electroless nickel coatings with respect to their tribological behavior with special emphasis on their applicability at high-temperature-based applications. Electroless nickel coatings have tremendous potential as anti-wear and anti-friction coatings under ambient condition. The investigation of their tribological properties at high temperatures is relatively new. At demanding conditions, most conventional lubricants lose their properties and hence the use of self-lubricating coatings is unavoidable. Due to high melting point of nickel and oxidation resistance, electroless nickel-based coatings may prove to be suitable candidate at high temperatures. A review and analysis of the tribological characteristics of electroless nickel coatings especially at high temperatures is therefore necessary and has been reported in this chapter. Future research directions for the improvement of coating properties at high temperature are also identified from the review.
Mobile Apps for Acting on the Physical Space
Authors: Eloy Sara , Lopes Pedro Faria , Pedro Tiago Miguel , Ourique Lázaro , Dias Luis Santos
Published: April 2018

This chapter focuses on the development of mobile applications in a research strategy that combines computer sciences and architecture and urbanism. The main goal of the research is to develop mobile applications that help specific target people in daily life situations and that clearly contribute for advances in the fields of computer sciences and social responses. The authors discuss a group of mobile apps that were developed for smartphones and tablets and that respond to the following broad goals: 1) mapping of the physical space in order to adapt it to respond better to the users' needs, 2) adaptation of the physical space to the users' needs, and finally, 3) give the users a better knowledge about the physical space they are in. For each app developed, the authors describe the research problem involved, the goals, the development process, and the developed solution as well as the tests conducted to measure their performance. Usability and satisfaction tests revealed that the developed apps have a good acceptance by the target users.
Mobile Games for Language Learning
Authors: Elaish Monther M. , Ghani Norjihan Abdul , Shuib Liyana , Al-Haiqi Ahmed Mubarak
Published: April 2018

Education, including the subset of language learning, has been greatly influenced by information and communication technologies. This influence manifests itself in the form of various paradigms, starting from distance or digital learning (d-learning) to electronic learning (e-learning) then mobile learning (m-learning) and eventually ubiquitous learning (u-learning). The integration of these paradigms with supportive techniques to enhance inclusion, engagement, and to overcome the classic problem of lack of motivation led to a series of innovations, culminated in the notion of educational mobile game applications. This chapter focuses on the roots of this emergent trend, including the elements of mobile technology and the aspect of gaming, and how instrumental are they in empowering and motivating learners. The relationship of mobile games with the concept of gamification is examined, and a few major challenges to building effective mobile game applications for language learners are highlighted for future attention.
Robust Synchronization of Fractional-Order Arneodo Chaotic Systems Using a Fractional Sliding Mode Control Strategy
Authors: Ladaci Samir , Rabah Karima , Lashab Mohamed
Published: April 2018

This chapter investigates a new control design methodology for the synchronization of fractional-order Arneodo chaotic systems using a fractional-order sliding mode control configuration. This class of nonlinear fractional-order systems shows a chaotic behavior for a set of model parameters. The stability analysis of the proposed fractional-order sliding mode control law is performed by means of the Lyapunov stability theory. Simulation examples on fractional-order Arneodo chaotic systems synchronization are provided in presence of disturbances and noises. These results illustrate the effectiveness and robustness of this control design approach.
Dynamics and Synchronization of the Fractional-Order Hyperchaotic System
Authors: He Shaobo , Wang Huihai , Sun Kehui
Published: April 2018

The fractional-order Lorenz hyperchaotic system is solved as a discrete map by applying Adomian decomposition method (ADM). Dynamics of this system versus parameters are analyzed by LCEs, bifurcation diagrams, and SE and C0 complexity. Results show that this system has rich dynamical behaviors. Chaos and hyperchaos can be generated by decreasing the fractional derivative order q in this system. It also shows that the system is more complex when q takes smaller values. Moreover, coupled synchronization of fractional-order chaotic system is investigated theoretically. The synchronization performances with synchronization controller parameters and derivative order varying are analyzed. Synchronization and complexity of intermediate variables which generated by ADM are investigated. It shows that intermediate variables between the driving system and response system are synchronized and higher complexity values are found. It lays a technical foundation for secure communication applications of fractional-order chaotic systems.
Fuzzy Adaptive Controller for Synchronization of Uncertain Fractional-Order Chaotic Systems
Authors: Bouzeriba Amel
Published: April 2018

In this chapter, the projective synchronization problem of different multivariable fractional-order chaotic systems with both uncertain dynamics and external disturbances is studied. More specifically, a fuzzy adaptive controller is investigated for achieving a projective synchronization of uncertain fractional-order chaotic systems. The adaptive fuzzy-logic system is used to online estimate the uncertain nonlinear functions. The latter is augmented by a robust control term to efficiently compensate for the unavoidable fuzzy approximation errors, external disturbances as well as residual error due to the use of the so-called e-modification in the adaptive laws. A Lyapunov approach is employed to derive the parameter adaptation laws and to prove the boundedness of all signals of the closed-loop system. Numerical simulations are performed to verify the effectiveness of the proposed synchronization scheme.
Chaos Synchronization of Optical Systems via a Fractional-Order Sliding Mode Controller
Authors: Boulkroune Abdesselem , Boubellouta Amina
Published: April 2018

In this chapter, one investigates the chaos synchronization of a class of uncertain optical chaotic systems. More precisely, one also presents a systematic approach for designing a fractional-order (FO) sliding mode controller to achieve a rapid, robust, and perfect chaos synchronization. By this robust controller, it is rigorously proven that the associated synchronization error is Mittag-Leffler (or asymptotically) stable. In a numerical simulation framework, this synchronization scheme is tested on many chaotic optical systems taken from the open literature. The obtained results clearly show that the proposed chaos synchronization controller is not only strongly robust with respect to the unavoidable system's uncertainties (as unmodeled dynamics, and parameters' variation and uncertainty) and eventual dynamical external disturbances, but also can significantly reduce the chattering effect.
Stabilization of a Class of Fractional-Order Chaotic Systems via Direct Adaptive Fuzzy Optimal Sliding Mode Control
Authors: Bourouba Bachir
Published: April 2018

In this chapter a new direct adaptive fuzzy optimal sliding mode control approach is proposed for the stabilization of fractional chaotic systems with different initial conditions of the state under the presence of uncertainties and external disturbances. Using Lyapunov analysis, the direct adaptive fuzzy optimal sliding mode control approach illustrates asymptotic convergence of error to zero as well as good robustness against external disturbances and uncertainties. The authors present a method for optimum tuning of sliding mode control system parameter using particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. PSO is a robust stochastic optimization technique based on the movement and intelligence of swarm, applying the concept of social interaction to problem solving. Simulation examples for the control of nonlinear fractional-order systems are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed fractional adaptive fuzzy control strategy.
Chaos in Nonlinear Fractional Systems
Authors: Hamri Nasr-eddine
Published: April 2018

The first steps of the theory of fractional calculus and some applications traced back to the first half of the nineteenth century, the subject only really came to life over the last few decades. A particular feature is that fractional derivatives provide an excellent instrument for the description of memory and hereditary properties of various materials and processes. This is the main advantage of fractional models in comparison with classical integer-order models; another feature is that scientists have developed new models that involve fractional differential equations in mechanics, electrical engineering. Many scientists have become aware of the potential use of chaotic dynamics in engineering applications. With the development of the fractional-order algorithm, the dynamics of fractional order systems have received much attention. Chaos cannot occur in continuous integer order systems of total order less than three due to the Poincare-Bendixon theorem. It has been shown that many fractional-order dynamical systems behave chaotically with total order less than three.
Neural Approximation-Based Adaptive Control for Pure-Feedback Fractional-Order Systems With Output Constraints and Actuator Nonlinearities
Authors: Zouari Farouk , Boubellouta Amina
Published: April 2018

In this chapter, an adaptive control approach-based neural approximation is developed for a category of uncertain fractional-order systems with actuator nonlinearities and output constraints. First, to overcome the difficulties arising from the actuator nonlinearities and nonaffine structures, the mean value theorem is introduced. Second, to deal with the uncertain nonlinear dynamics, the unknown control directions and the output constraints, neural networks, smooth Nussbaum-type functions, and asymmetric barrier Lyapunov functions are employed, respectively. Moreover, for satisfactorily designing the control updating laws and to carry out the stability analysis of the overall closed-loop system, the Backstepping technique is used. The main advantage about this research is that (1) the number of parameters to be adapted is much reduced, (2) the tracking errors converge to zero, and (3) the output constraints are not transgressed. At last, simulation results demonstrate the feasibility of the newly presented design techniques.
High-Level Design and Implementation of a Home Autonomous System Based on CPS Modeling
Authors: Alhafidh Basman M. , Allen William H.
Published: April 2018

The process used to build an autonomous smart home system based on cyber-physical systems (CPS) principles has recently received increased attention from researchers and developers. However, there are many challenges to be resolved before designing and implementing such a system. In this chapter, the authors present a high-level design approach that simulates a smart home system by implementing three levels of the 5C architecture used in CPS modeling and uses well-known machine learning algorithms to predict future user actions. The simulation demonstrates how users will interact with the smart home system to make more efficient use of resources. The authors also present results from analyzing real-world user data to validate the accuracy of prediction of user actions. This research illustrates the benefits of considering CPS principles when designing a home autonomous system that reliably predicts a user's needs.
Advances in Steam Quality Monitoring Systems in Power Plants
Authors: Meribout Mahmoud , Saied Imran , Al Hosani Esra
Published: April 2018

Online and reliable monitoring of steam quality in power plants is of great importance in smart grids today since it can mitigate eventual erosions and buildups which may occur in associated metal equipment such as pipes and steam turbine. This in turn causes a substantial reduction in the amount of energy produced by the steam generator. This chapter presents state of the art online and offline sensing techniques used for steam quality monitoring in power plants. This includes optical, orifice, swirling, vortex, conductive, and PH meters. While offline monitoring techniques, such as isokinetic sampling technique are still widely deployed for steam monitoring mainly because of the relative simplicity, online monitoring techniques offer the possible to identify transient steam purity conditions. It also allows the prediction of future states of either the steam turbine or the steam quality and hence offers the possibility of effective preventive actions.
Development of an Instrument to Assess Athletic Trainers' Attitudes Toward Transgender Patients
Authors: Ensign Kristine A. , Dodge Brian M. , Herbenick Debra , Docherty Carrie L.
Published: April 2018

Context: 

The unique contexts in which athletic trainers (ATs) work require specific tools in order to understand their attitudes toward diverse patient populations, including sexual and gender minorities.

Objective: 

To develop and validate the Attitudes Toward Transgender Patients (ATTP) instrument for ATs.

Design: 

Cross-sectional study.

Setting: 

Semistructured interviews, paper-based questionnaire, and electronic questionnaire.

Patients or Other Participants: 

Six ATs completed semistructured interviews to develop themes regarding transgender patients. Additionally, 39 students in professional and postprofessional athletic training programs answered questionnaires designed to elicit statements regarding transgender patients. For item reduction, a sample of 3000 ATs were e-mailed (response rate = 17%), and for validation, another sample of 3000 ATs were e-mailed (response rate = 13%). Athletic trainers' e-mail addresses were obtained from the National Athletic Trainers' Association.

Data Collection and Analysis: 

The 3 phases were (1) exploratory interviews, (2) construct validity and item reduction, and (3) criterion validity. Items were created based on interviews and questionnaires. Principal axis factoring was used for item reduction, and Pearson correlations were used for validation.

Results: 

Thirty-six statements pertaining to transgender patients were developed from the interview and questionnaire data. After item reduction, 10 items remained to form the ATTP (α = .834). For validation, the ATTP and Transphobia Scale were significantly correlated (r = .723; P < .001).

Conclusions: 

The ability to assess attitudes toward transgender patients will allow clinicians to identify needed areas of focus for training and education. The ATTP assesses affective and cognitive attitudes and behavioral intentions toward transgender patients in common clinical settings.
Attractors to Faculty Positions Within Higher Education Institutions for Women in Athletic Training
Authors: Barrett Jessica L. , Mazerolle Stephanie M. , Sampson Leah
Published: April 2018

Context:

Selection of one's occupation can be influenced and determined by several variables and is often studied through the lens of the socialization framework. Career choice has been examined in athletic training, with scholars focusing on identifying initial attractors to the education programs as well as the traditional employment settings. However, little is understood about why an athletic trainer (AT) pursues a role in higher education, specifically women ATs.

Objective:

Gain an understanding of the factors that influence and motivate women ATs to pursue a career as a faculty member.

Design:

Qualitative study.

Setting:

Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education professional programs.

Patients or Other Participants:

Sixteen women faculty members, average age 35 (±6.2, range 28–49; 2 did not report ages) with 11 average years of experience teaching in athletic training programs (1 did not report) and an average of 14 years of experience as certified ATs (±5.9, range 7–25).

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Participants completed one-on-one phone interviews, which were digitally recorded and transcribed. Analysis of the data followed the interpretative phenomenological approach. Credibility was established through pilot testing, peer review, and researcher triangulation.

Results:

Women ATs who have selected a role in higher education were attracted to their positions for three main reasons: (1) connection to the role of being a faculty member, employment goals aligned with the tenets of higher education, teaching, and research; (2) flexibility of schedule the women were able to maintain, accommodating schedule shaped to fit their needs; (3) selecting current jobs due primarily to logistics and location, allowing them to live in a desired location also acceptable to their spouse.

Conclusions:

Pursuing a faculty role in higher education for women ATs appears to be stimulated by personal and organizational factors, including an attraction to the roles of the faculty member and job responsibilities that can afford flexibility.
Athletic Training Students' Knowledge of Ethical and Legal Practice with Technology and Social Media
Authors: Winkelmann Zachary K. , Neil Elizabeth R. , Eberman Lindsey E.
Published: April 2018

Context:

Technology, social media, and access to health care continue to grow simultaneously. There is limited research on the knowledge of athletic training students regarding the ethical and legal practice of protected health information using technology and social media.

Objective:

To explore social media use of athletic training students and to determine their knowledge of patient privacy regulations within social media and technology.

Design and Setting:

Online survey instrument and knowledge assessment.

Patients or Other Participants:

A total of 652 athletic training students.

Intervention(s):

A knowledge assessment of 12 items based on the governance and use of patient privacy compliance in health care within the context of athletic training students' clinical experiences.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

An instrument of 26 questions, including 14 demographic and 12 knowledge items, was developed and content validated using a Delphi panel of experts in athletic training, health care information technology, and risk management lawyers. Descriptive statistics and independent t tests were calculated.

Results:

Athletic training students stated they had received previous education (n = 587 of 637, 92.2%) regarding Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations, and had an average of 6.81 ± 2.75 active social media accounts. Only 24.2% (n = 154 of 636) of respondents stated their professional athletic training program had a social media policy that was strictly enforced. We identified a lack of knowledge of best practice by athletic training students, with an average knowledge assessment score of 4.92 ± 1.7 out of 13 (37.8%). Total knowledge scores were significantly different (P = .008) if the respondent had previous HIPAA education.

Conclusions:

The respondents scored poorly on the knowledge assessment despite previous education related to HIPAA regulations. Athletic training educators should seek out strategies to adapt professional or preprofessional curricula to incorporate health care informatics and ethics to adapt to the current culture of technology and social media.
Portability of United States Athletic Training Education in an International Setting
Authors: Izumi Hideyuki , Tsuruike Masaaki
Published: April 2018

Context:

United States-educated athletic trainers (ATs) are expected to have more opportunities in the international environment as the number of mutual recognition agreements grows. However, no information is available from existing studies regarding the portability of current US athletic training education in an international environment.

Objective:

To determine if there are differences in the practices and perceptions of ATs' tasks between US-educated Japanese ATs and Japan-educated Japanese ATs.

Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Setting:

Analysis of secondary datasets from the Global Practice Analysis Survey.

Patients or Other Participants:

Two hundred seventeen Japanese ATs in Japan, of whom 34 were educated in the United States and 183 completed the required coursework to be certified by Japan Sports Association.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Fisher exact tests were used (P < .05) to determine the difference in each of 24 task ratings in terms of the criticality, importance, and frequency dimensions between the 2 groups. Further, Spearman's ranked correlation, in which rankings were based on the average score of 4-point Likert scales (P < .05), were used to compare priorities regarding the 24 tasks between the 2 groups.

Results:

Differences were identified for only 2 tasks among 72 (24 tasks for 3 dimensions) in task-level evaluations. The correlation coefficients were as follows: criticality = 0.92 (P < .01), importance = 0.93 (P < .01), and frequency = 0.92 (P < .01).

Conclusions:

There were negligible differences in the practice patterns and perceptions between those trained in Japan and those who were US trained, indicating that US athletic training education prepares Japanese students well to work in Japan and may be portable internationally.
The health literacy needs of women living with HIV/AIDS
Authors: Thompson Judy , Havenga Yolanda , Naude Susan
Published: April 2018

Women in Sub-Saharan Africa are disproportionately affected by the virus and constitute 60% of the total HIV/AIDS infections in this region. Current recommendations endorse the involvement of people living with HIV in the development of programmes for people living with the virus. The purpose of the study was to explore and describe the health literacy needs of women living with HIV. The research design was qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual. After women living with HIV/AIDS were sampled purposively, semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight women and qualitative content analysis done. The findings revealed that the women expressed a need to increase their knowledge about HIV/AIDS. The knowledge they needed ranged from basic pathophysiology about HIV/AIDS, to the impact of HIV/AIDS on their health, to an awareness of the modes of HIV transmission and methods of protecting others from being infected. Other important health literacy needs related to self-care and correct antiretroviral use. A need for psychosocial skills was also identified in order for women to build and maintain their relationships. Recommendations were made for nursing practice, education and further research, based on these findings.
Die impak van afwesige vaders op adolessente dogters se psigososiale welstand
Authors: Freeks Fazel E. , Strydom Corinne , Bartlett Elretha
Published: April 2018

Daar is bevind dat baie kinders in Suid-Afrika sonder die betrokkenheid van 'n biologiese vader, grootword. Die afwesigheid van 'n ouer binne die gesinsisteem bring 'n vakuum in die ouerskapsrol mee en oefen 'n negatiewe invloed uit op 'n gesin se vermoë om doeltreffend te funksioneer. Met hierdie studie is die impak van afwesige vaders op die welstand van adolessente dogters ondersoek. Die studie is in twee fases verdeel. Tydens die eerste fase is semi-gestruktureerde onderhoude gevoer met ses dogters by wie die vader afwesig was. Die deelnemers se persoonlike menings van die impak wat hulle vaders se afwesigheid op hulle lewens gehad het, is in temas uiteengesit. Die kwalitatiewe data wat uit die onderhoude verkry is, is benut deurdat veranderlikes gëıdentifiseer is wat in die tweede fase getoets kon word. Vir die tweede fase het 30 adolessente vraelyste ingevul. Hierdie bevindings is statisties weergegee. Die twee stelle bevindings is met mekaar vergelyk. Dit wil voorkom of die adolessente dogters 'n groot aantal onvervulde behoeftes het wat aan die afwesigheid van hulle vaders toegeskryf kan word. Hulle het behoefte daaraan om tyd saam met hulle vaders deur te bring en om ’n hegte band met hom op te bou. Die deelnemers het genoem dat hulle moeders beide die rol van moeder en vader vervul en deels vergoed vir die afwesigheid van hulle vaders. Die data wat deur hierdie studie ingesamel is, sal vaders help om ’n beter idee te kry van hulle waarde binne die gesinstruktuur.
An evaluation of the adequacy of pharmaceutical services for the provision of antiretroviral treatment in primary health care clinics
Authors: Crowley Talitha , Stellenberg Ethelwynn L.
Published: April 2018

Background: With the introduction of nurse-initiated and -managed antiretroviral therapy (NIMART), new challenges have emerged with regard to the prescribing and dispensing of ART by nurses. One of the key challenges is ensuring adequate pharmaceutical services at PHC clinics.Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate the adequacy of pharmaceutical services for the provision of ART in PHC clinics.Method: A quantitative descriptive study was undertaken in 20 (43%) randomly selected, eligible clinics in the uMgungundlovu district of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.Results: Clinics used allocated medicine rooms for storing medication, as there were no pharmacies. Problems identified were: insufficient storage space (50%; n = 10); inadequates ecurity (40%; n = 8); poor air conditioning (20%; n = 4), and functional stock-outs of essential drugs (80%; n = 16). Professional nurses performed the tasks of managing drug supply and prescribing and dispensing medication as there were no pharmacists or pharmacist's assistants in these clinics.Conclusion: Human resource constraints necessitate professional nurses to manage drug supplies and to prescribe and dispense medication in resource-constrained PHC clinics. Clear guidelines tailored for PHC are needed to assist nurses in maintaining pharmaceutical service standards when ART services are decentralised.