bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Growth and Maturation in Female Athletes at a Single Point in Time
Authors: Gay Jennifer L. , Monsma Eva V. , Smith Alan L. , DeFreese J.D. , Torres-McGehee Toni
Published: November 2014

Growth and maturation may impact adolescent behavior and development of psychological disorders. Currently age at menarche is used as the primary marker of maturation, even though it occurs later than other indicators of growth such as peak height velocity (PHV). Maturity offset predicting age at PHV has not been validated in diverse samples. Anthropometric measures and self-reported age at menarche were obtained for 212 female athletes ages 11 to 16 years (M = 13.25). Shared variance between menarcheal age and estimated age at PHV (APHV) was small (R2 = 5.3%). Discriminant validity was established by classifying participants as pre- or post-PHV or menarche (X2 = 32.62, P < .0001). The Pearson’s correlation between chronological age and age at PHV (r = .69) was stronger than with age at menarche (r = .26). Making informed decisions about accounting for growth and maturation using estimated age at PHV are offered.
“They Never Do This to Men”: College Women Athlet’ Responses to Sexualized Images of Professional Women Athletes
Authors: Everbach Tracy , Mumah Jenny
Published: November 2014

This study analyzed the reactions of college women athletes to mass media images of nude and scantily clad professional female athletes. The study focused on interviews of 18- to 22-year-old female athletes about the pressure on women to pose for sexualized photographs. Using a feminist framework, the study found that some of the college athletes rejected socially constructed concepts of femininity, others criticized the professional athletes for posing, and others accepted socially constructed standards of beauty. This research suggests that young women athletes are conflicted by the images of femininity presented by mass media and react in complex ways to them.
Girls Opting in to Senior Elective Physical Education
Authors: Gibbons Sandra L. , Temple Viviene A. , Humbert Louise
Published: November 2014

It is well documented that many young women become discontented with physical education in their high school years. The purpose of this investigation was to gain insight into the characteristics of nine senior elective physical education courses that were specifically designed to accommodate the needs and interests of female students. Data collection methods included focus group interviews with students; individual interviews with teachers; and analysis of course documents. The following themes are presented: (a) choice in what to learn and how to learn it; (b) all-female learning environment; (c) lifetime physical activities; (d) personalized assessment; and (e) responsive and flexible planning. Findings offer considerations for the development of physical education curricula that will gain and hold the interest of female high school students.
A novel approach to the treatment of a direct carotid–cavernous fistula in a patient with Ehlers–Danlos syndrome type IV
Authors: Nakagawa Ichiro , Park Hun Soo , Wada Takeshi , Takayama Katsutoshi , Nakagawa Hiroyuki , Kichikawa Kimihiko , Nakase Hiroyuki
Published: November 2014

We report a case of a direct carotid–cavernous fistula (CCF) in a patient with Ehlers–Danlos syndrome type IV who presented with progressive chemosis and diplopia. To prevent potential lethal arterial wall injury due to the fragility of the arterial vessel wall, the ipsilateral carotid artery and internal jugular vein were surgically exposed for direct insertion of endovascular sheaths, and transvenous embolization was performed using triple microcatheters with detachable coils. The clinical course was uneventful, and chemosis and diplopia subsequently resolved. By the 6 month follow-up, MRI revealed no recurrence of the CCF. These techniques offer a unique access alternative for endovascular treatment, thereby reducing the risks associated with arterial dissection that often accompanies transfemoral access in this particular condition.
Small cell lung cancer and progressive retinopathy
Authors: Morita Mami , Fukuhara Tatsuro , Takahashi Hidetoshi , Maemondo Makoto
Published: November 2014

Cancer-associated retinopathy (CAR) is one of the paraneoplastic neurological syndromes and characterised by retinal degeneration. Autoimmunity between cancer cells and retinal proteins is considered a major cause of CAR. The presence of serum autoantibodies to retinal antigens plays an important role in the diagnosis. A 60-year-old man reporting of visual disturbance and paresthaesia of extremities presented to our hospital. CT scan revealed a massive tumour in the left lower lobe of the lung. Small cell lung cancer was diagnosed histologically with bronchoscopy. Ophthalmological examination showed retinopathy but not optic neuritis. Anti-CV2/collapsin response mediator protein (CRMP)-5 and anti-Hu antibodies were detected by further serum examination. It has been reported that anti-CV2/CRMP5 antibodies are present in patients with neoplasms accompanied by retinopathy as well as optic neuritis. This is the first case of CAR with presence of anti-CV2/CRMP5 antibodies without neuritis.
On-pump coronary artery bypass surgery in vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
Authors: Kelly R P , Horne S G , Molinari M , Wood J
Published: November 2014

A 58-year-old woman with vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS; type IV) presented to a Canadian tertiary care emergency department with a non-ST elevation myocardial infarction. The patient failed medical therapy and after careful consideration of the options, elected to undergo urgent coronary artery bypass (CABG) surgery. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a successful on-pump CABG surgery in a patient with vascular EDS.
Antiviral treatment of a boy with EBV-associated hydroa vacciniforme
Authors: Pahlow Mose Anja , Fisker Niels , Clemmensen Ole , Bygum Anette
Published: November 2014

Hydroa vacciniforme is one of the rarest forms of photosensitivity disorders of the skin. Effective treatment options are scarce and mainly constitute of strict sun protection. Lately, hydroa vacciniforme has been associated with Epstein-Barr virus infection. We present a patient with hydroa vacciniforme and concomitant previous/chronic Epstein-Barr virus infection. In this case, antiviral treatment was successful.
Neonatal Graves’ disease with unusual metabolic association from presentation to resolution
Authors: Khadora Manal Mustafa , Al Dubayee Mohammad
Published: November 2014

Neonatal Graves’ disease is a rare disorder seen in 1 in 25 000 births and in 1% of the offspring of mothers with either established or cured Graves’ disease. This is due to transplacental passage of thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSIs). A higher TSI titre in maternal serum makes hyperthyroidism more likely in the fetus or newborn; however, not all fetuses born by women with positive TSIs develop overt hyperthyroidism. In spite of its rarity, its serious nature (if not treated) and its association with multisystem abnormalities justifies careful clinical screening and management. We report a preterm 30 weeks neonate with neonatal thyrotoxicosis secondary to untreated maternal Graves’ disease who, in addition to the typical hyperthyroidism symptoms, had unusual metabolic associations of neonatal cholestasis and hyperammonaemia. The patient was treated accordingly with a good response. This report supports previous reports on the association between neonatal hyperthyroidism and cholestatic liver disease. However, it is the second case report to describe the unusual association of hyperammonaemia and neonatal Graves’ disease.
Paradoxical embolism following intralesional sclerotherapy for cervical venous malformation
Authors: Allevi Fabiana , Rabbiosi Dimitri , Mandalà Marco , Colletti Giacomo
Published: November 2014

We present a rare case of a 47-year-old woman admitted to our maxillofacial surgery department for a large cervicofacial venous malformation. The patient underwent fluoroscopy-guided intralesional foam sclerotherapy with sodium tetradecyl sulfate and air under general anaesthesia. On awakening, after 48 h of endotracheal intubation, she displayed dysarthria and dysmetria. Her brain CT scan showed no haemorrhagic lesions. A chest CT scan ruled out a potential pulmonary embolism. Suspicion for a paradoxical embolism was high and echocardiography confirmed a patent foramen ovale, which acted as a passageway for the embolus. Transcranial ultrasound showed mild right-to-left heart shunting. The dysarthria and dysmetria disappeared gradually over 48 h, thus confirming a reversible ischaemic neurological deficit. A brain MRI performed 1 week later showed no ischaemic or haemorrhagic lesions. The patient recovered completely. She was advised cardiosurgical follow-up and discharged.
Anal tuberculosis complicating anti-TNFα therapy
Authors: Luquín Nuria , Masiá Mar , Noguera Raúl , Gutiérrez Félix
Published: November 2014

A 42-year-old man receiving anti-tumour necrosis factor α (anti-TNFα) therapy with adalimumab due to psoriatic arthritis presented with a 2-month-old anal ulcer. An apical right lung infiltrate was found in his chest X-ray, although he had no pulmonary symptoms. Two biopsies of the ulcer were taken and reported as granulomatous, necrotising, with chronic inflammation (first), and as hyperplasic epidermis with linfocitary infiltrate and the presence of plenty of plasmatic cells (second). Histochemical techniques, including Ziehl-Neelsen, Grocott and periodic acid-Schiff stains, and PCR forMycobacterium tuberculosison both biopsies were negative. Serology for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis were also negative. In the second biopsy culture, moderate colonies ofM. tuberculosisfinally grew. The patient started a four-drug antituberculosis regimen. Adalimumab was discontinued and etanercept introduced after 2 months of antituberculosis therapy. The patient remained on therapy for 9 months with complete ulcer resolution.
Sequential bilateral lesser trochanter avulsion fractures in an adolescent patient
Authors: Obi Nnamdi Jonathan , Allman Claire , Moore-Thompson Elizabeth , Latimer Mark David
Published: November 2014

We report the rare case of a 15-year-old boy who sustained sequential bilateral lesser trochanter avulsion fractures over a 6-month period while playing football. No malignancy or associated metabolic bone disease was found. He subsequently made a full recovery with non-operative treatment.
Piled raft with hollow auger piles founded in a Brazilian granular deposit
Authors: Soares Wilson Cartaxo , Coutinho Roberto Quental , Pinto da Cunha Renato
Published: November 2014

Geotechnical projects typically achieve load transfer to the ground using shallow or deep foundations. The conventional design approach does not provide for the combination of these two types of foundation. The piled raft philosophy allows the association of the soil elements, raft, and piles to obtain technical and economic advantages over conventional design. The city of João Pessoa, in northeastern Brazil, has developed foundation practices with hollow auger piles in piled raft design. The coastal area of the city has topsoil layers with favorable conditions for using such a technique. This paper addresses the results of a research project with instrumented load tests on foundation systems of hollow auger piles and a piled raft. The analysis is based on the load–settlement curve through extrapolation criteria. The Poulos–Davis–Randolph (PDR) method is applied according to a trilinear and hyperbolic approach to simulate the load–settlement curve of piled rafts. The results indicate that the raft absorbs most of the load, and the raft–soil contact significantly increases the load capacity of the foundation. The PDR hyperbolic method could apply to practical use in the foundations of the region, as it allows a more detailed assessment of the behavior of the foundation and can forecast the behavior of the (locally nontraditional) piled raft foundation system.
The use of tin(IV) chloride to selectively cleave benzyl esters over benzyl ethers and benzyl amines
Authors: Baker Alexander E.G. , Marchal Estelle , Lund Kate-lyn A.R. , Thompson Alison
Published: November 2014

Benzyl esters are cleaved upon reaction with SnCl4, resulting in isolation of the corresponding carboxylic acid. Importantly, benzyl ethers, amines, and amides do not undergo debenzylation under these conditions, nor do a variety of other common protecting groups for alcohols, thereby rendering SnCl4 selective amongst Lewis acids. The scope, tolerance, and limitations of the strategy are demonstrated through the analysis of several multifunctional substrates, including those bearing Cbz groups.
A mixed integer program to model spatial wildfire behavior and suppression placement decisions
Authors: Belval Erin J. , Wei Yu , Bevers Michael
Published: November 2014

Wildfire suppression combines multiple objectives and dynamic fire behavior to form a complex problem for decision makers. This paper presents a mixed integer program designed to explore integrating spatial fire behavior and suppression placement decisions into a mathematical programming framework. Fire behavior and suppression placement decisions are modeled using nodes associated with cell centers from raster landscapes. The nodes at which suppression is located are determined by control variables. Response variables include fire spread paths, arrival times, and fireline intensities for each node. Both fire arrival times and fireline intensities are necessary to address ecological objectives and fire control. Test cases for this model provide examples of fire behavior interacting with suppression placement to achieve multiple objectives.
Response of carbon utilization and enzymatic activities to nitrogen deposition in three forests of subtropical China
Authors: Wang Yong-Sheng , Cheng Shu-Lan , Yu Gui-Rui , Fang Hua-Jun , Mo Jiang-Ming , Xu Min-Jie , Gao Wen-Long
Published: November 2014

Nitrogen (N) deposition has been shown to affect soil carbon (C) and N cycling in subtropical forests; however, the underlying microbial mechanisms are poorly understood. We used patterns of community-level physiological profiles and enzyme activities to assess the relative effects of the addition of four N levels (0, 50, 100, and 150 kg·ha−1·year−1) on the soil microbial community in three forest stands (pine, mixed, and broadleaf forests) in southern China, where the forests have been experimentally manipulated for over 8 years. In pine forests, N50 addition significantly increased microbial biomass carbon (MBC) concentration but decreased soil pH levels. N100 addition significantly increased soil peroxidase activity but decreased soil β-1,4-glucosidase activity. In broadleaf forests, N addition increased soil dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentration and polyphenol oxidase activity but decreased soil MBC concentration and soil pH levels. N addition also significantly increased soil microbial metabolism activity (expressed as average well color development) in pine forest and broadleaf forest soils. However, the mixed forests responded slowly to N additions and exhibited no significant response of C-utilization profiles and soil enzyme activities. Principal component analysis of C-utilization data separated microbial communities with respect to N addition and forest successional stage. In addition, microbial C utilization was driven by soil pH levels. Although enzyme activities were correlated with soil MBC and microbial biomass nitrogen concentrations, stepwise regression results indicated that soil total carbon contents that were integrated with soil pH levels were key integrators of soil enzyme activities. Our results suggest that soil acidification due to N addition increased soil bacterial C utilization and enzyme activities.
Mixed convection of electrically conducting and viscous fluid in a vertical channel using Robin boundary conditions
Authors: Kumar J. Prathap , Umavathi J.C. , Chamkha Ali J. , Ramarao Y.
Published: November 2014

An analytical and semi-analytical method is used to solve two-fluid magneto-hydrodynanamic flow and heat transfer in the presence of a constant electric field in a vertical channel using Robin boundary conditions. The channel is filled with electrically conducting fluid in one region and non-conducting fluid in the other region, which are immiscible. The viscous and Ohmic dissipation terms are included in the energy equation. The fluids in both regions are incompressible and the transport properties are assumed to be constant. Separate solutions are matched at the interface using suitable matching conditions. First, the simple cases of the negligible Brinkman number or the negligible Grashof number are solved analytically. Then, the combined effects of buoyancy forces and viscous dissipation are analyzed by a perturbation series method (PM) valid for small values of the perturbation parameter. To relax the conditions on the perturbation parameter, the flow fields are solved by using the differential transform method (DTM). The results are presented for various values of mixed convection parameter, perturbation parameter, Hartman number, viscosity ratio, width ratio, conductivity ratio, and Biot numbers for open and short circuits. The effects of these parameters on the physical characteristics, such as the Nusselt number at the walls, is also studied. The solutions obtained by DTM are justified by comparing the solutions obtained by PM, and good agreement is found.
Seasonal temperature variations influence tapetum mitosis patterns associated with reproductive fitness
Authors: Lavania Umesh C. , Basu Surochita , Kushwaha Jyotsana Singh , Lavania Seshu
Published: November 2014

Environmental stress in plants impacts many biological processes, including male gametogenesis, and affects several cytological mechanisms that are strongly interrelated. To understand the likely impact of rising temperature on reproductive fitness in the climate change regime, a study of tapetal mitosis and its accompanying meiosis over seasons was made to elucidate the influence of temperature change on the cytological events occurring during microsporogenesis. For this we used two species of an environmentally sensitive plant system, i.e., genus Cymbopogon Sprengel (Poaceae), namely Cymbopogon nardus (L.) Rendle var. confertiflorus (Steud.) Bor (2n = 20) and Cymbopogon jwaruncusha (Jones) Schult. (2n = 20). Both species flower profusely during extreme summer (48 °C) and mild winter (15 °C) but support low and high seed fertility, respectively, in the two seasons. We have shown that tapetal mitotic patterns over seasons entail differential behavior for tapetal mitosis. During the process of tapetum development there are episodes of endomitosis that form either (i) an endopolyploid genomically imbalanced uninucleate and multinucleate tapetum, and (or) (ii) an acytokinetic multinucleate genomically balanced tapetum, with the progression of meiosis in the accompanying sporogenous tissue. The relative frequency of occurrence of the two types of tapetum mitosis patterns is significantly different in the two seasons, and it is found to be correlated with the temperature conditions. Whereas, the former (genomically imbalanced tapetum) are prevalent during the hot summer, the latter (genomically balanced tapetum) are frequent under optimal conditions. Such a differential behaviour in tapetal mitosis vis-à-vis temperature change is also correspondingly accompanied by substantial disturbances or regularity in meiotic anaphase disjunction. Both species show similar patterns. The study underpins that tapetal mitotic behaviour per se could be a reasonable indicator to elucidate the effect of climate change on reproductive fitness.
Limitations of holography
Authors: Chowdhury Borun D.
Published: November 2014

By studying global AdS using different foliations, global and Rindler-AdS, we show that there are two different asymptotic Fefferman–Graham expansions possible and thus two different definitions of "boundaries". We demonstrate that imposing boundary conditions on the two boundaries is not mutually compatible even when these boundaries are pushed to infinity. Thus, these two procedures define two genuinely distinct theories that we call global-CFT and Rindler-CFT. We show that the Rindler-CFT is not the same as the theory one gets by "Rindlerizing the global-CFT" described in hep-th/9804085. We conjecture that the Rindler theory is incapable of capturing the dynamics inside the horizon and discuss its implications for the BTZ-CFT duality proposed in hep-th/0106112.
Leadership, Innovation Among Tunisian ICT SMEs
Authors: Kacem Sondes , El Harbi Sana
Published: November 2014

Currently, innovation is a major challenge in emerging economies such as Tunisia. Although the influence of leadership seems evident in the implementation of innovations, few studies have investigated this impact; especially for SMEs in the ICT sector. For this purpose, we propose to highlight the impact of leadership on the implementation of innovations in SMEs through exploratory qualitative study of five small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the high-tech sector in Tunisia, to understand the management styles of the chief executive officers (CEOs) and their motivations towards innovative activities. The results of this investigation show that the style of leadership in the ICT sector is both participative and transformational. Only organizational innovation has been detected. Collaborative work and group cohesion are the major cultural aspects of innovation. Items from this exploration allows us to clarify aspects of three basic concepts that make up our conceptual model (leadership, culture of innovation, and innovations) for testing later under a quantitative study by the method of structural equation modeling.
Gendered Lending Practices: Enabling South African Women Entrepreneurs to Access Start-Up Capital
Authors: Derera Evelyn , Chitakunye Pepukayi , O'Neill Charles , Tarkhar-Lail Amandeep
Published: November 2014

This study explores gendered lending and marketing practices of start-up capital to women entrepreneurs in South Africa. A multi-method research design, comprising of 6 in-depth interviews with experts, and a survey of 50 women entrepreneurs was adopted using convenience and snowball sampling techniques, respectively. The findings revealed that women entrepreneurs are experiencing gendered discriminatory practices embedded in lending practices used by financial institutions, thereby discouraging them to venture into non-traditional industries. Whilst financial providers may know their products well, many emerging women entrepreneurs in South Africa may find it difficult and costly to obtain information on the thousands of financial products available. Hence, women entrepreneurs resort to taking greater risks than necessary in order to get their businesses off the ground. Educating women on financial matters is extremely important if South Africa is to benefit fully from the untapped entrepreneurial talent that women possess. The study adds voice to the discriminatory lending practices faced by women entrepreneurs in developing countries. Future research could explore the feasibility of establishing a financial institution which caters specifically for the needs of women.
On the order of unitary subgroup of the modular group algebra 𝔽2kD2N
Authors: Makhijani Neha , Sharma R. K. , Srivastava J. B.
Published: November 2014

Let 𝔽qD2Nbe the group algebra of D2N, the dihedral group of order 2N, over 𝔽q= GF (q). In this paper, we compute the order of the unitary subgroup of the group of units of 𝔽2kD2Nwith respect to the canonical involution ∗.
s.Baer and s.Rickart Modules
Authors: Birkenmeier Gary F. , LeBlanc Richard L.
Published: November 2014

In this paper, we study module theoretic definitions of the Baer and related ring concepts. We say a module is s.Baer if the right annihilator of a nonempty subset of the module is generated by an idempotent in the ring. We show that s.Baer modules satisfy a number of closure properties. Under certain conditions, a torsion theory is established for the s.Baer modules, and we provide examples of s.Baer torsion modules and modules with a nonzero s.Baer radical. The other principal interest of this paper is to provide explicit connections between s.Baer modules and projective modules. Among other results, we show that every s.Baer module is an essential extension of a projective module. Additionally, we prove, with limited and natural assumptions, that in a generalized triangular matrix ring every s.Baer submodule of the ring is projective. As an application, we show that every prime ring with a minimal right ideal has the strong summand intersection property. Numerous examples are provided to illustrate, motivate, and delimit the theory.
Augmenting Molecular Junctions with Different Transition Metal Contacts
Authors: Kaur Rupan Preet , Sawhney Ravinder Singh , Engles Derick
Published: November 2014

In this research paper, the effect of the material of electrodes at the nanometer scale was elucidated towards measuring the electron transport properties of a single molecular junction comprising of anthracenedithiol molecule (ADT) stringed to two semi-infinite metallic electrodes using Extended Huckle Theory (EHT)-based semi-empirical modelling approach. The electron transport parameters i.e., I–V curves, Conductance-Voltage curves and transmission spectrum were investigated through ADT molecule by buffering it between different electrodes composed of rhodium, palladium, nickel and copper, all from transition metals series, under finite bias voltages within Keldysh's non equilibrium green function formulism (NEGF). The simulated results revealed that the copper electrodes showed maximum conduction whereas palladium showed least. The maximum conductance of 0.82 G0 and 43 μA current was exhibited by copper and thus affirmed to be the most effective electrode at nanometre scale when compared with other electrodes viz. nickel, rhodium and palladium.
Voltammetric Sensor for Sudan I Based on Glassy Carbon Electrode Modified by SWCNT/β-Cyclodextrin Conjugate
Authors: Cao Yu , Fang Zhihui , Yang Duanguang , Gao Yong , Li Huaming
Published: November 2014

We reported a sensitive voltammetric sensor for Sudan I determination by modifying glassy carbon electrode (GCE) with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs)/β-cyclodextrin conjugate. The cyclic voltammetry results showed that the modified GCE exhibited strong catalytic activity toward the electro-reduction of Sudan I with a well-defined cyclic voltammetric peak at -673 mV. Differential pulse voltammetry measurement showed that the response current exhibited a linear range between 50 nM and 5 μM, and the detection limit was as low as 2.22 nM (S/N = 3). The enhanced electrochemical performance of the fabricated sensor was attributed to the combination of the excellent electrocatalytic properties of SWCNTs and the molecular recognition ability of β-cyclodextrin to Sudan I. The sensor was successfully applied to determine Sudan I in real food samples with satisfactory results.
Staggered Heterojunctions-Based Nanowire Tunneling Field-Effect Transistors for Analog/Mixed-Signal System-on-Chip Applications
Authors: Chakraborty Avik , Sarkar Angsuman
Published: November 2014

This paper presents the analog/RF performance for an III–V semiconductor-based staggered hetero-tunnel-junction n-type nanowire (NW) tunneling field effect transistor (n-TFET), for the first time. The device parameters for analog/mixed-signaling applications, such as transconductance (gm), transconductance-to-drive current ratio (gm/I DS ), output resistance (R out ), intrinsic gain and unity-gain cutoff frequency (fT) are studied for III–V based NW n-TFET, with the help of device simulator and compared with those for a similarly sized homojunction (HJ) NW n-TFET. The result reveals that the hetero-tunnel-junction n-TFETs outperform their HJ counterparts for analog/mixed-signal system-on-chip (SoC) applications.
Reasoning About Strategies
Authors: Mogavero Fabio , Murano Aniello , Perelli Giuseppe , Vardi Moshe Y.
Published: November 2014

In open systems verification, to formally check for reliability, one needs an appropriate formalism to model the interaction between agents and express the correctness of the system no matter how the environment behaves. An important contribution in this context is given by modal logics for strategic ability, in the setting of multiagent games, such as A
tl
, A
tl
*, and the like. Recently, Chatterjee, Henzinger, and Piterman introduced
Strategy Logic
, which we denote here by CHP-S
l
, with the aim of getting a powerful framework for reasoning explicitly about strategies. CHP-S
l
is obtained by using first-order quantifications over strategies and has been investigated in the very specific setting of two-agents turned-based games, where a nonelementary model-checking algorithm has been provided. While CHP-S
l
is a very expressive logic, we claim that it does not fully capture the strategic aspects of multiagent systems.

In this article, we introduce and study a more general strategy logic, denoted S
l
, for reasoning about strategies in multiagent concurrent games. As a key aspect, strategies in S
l
are not intrinsically glued to a specific agent, but an explicit binding operator allows an agent to bind to a strategy variable. This allows agents to share strategies or reuse one previously adopted. We prove that S
l
strictly includes CHP-S
l
, while maintaining a decidable model-checking problem. In particular, the algorithm we propose is computationally not harder than the best one known for CHP-S
l
. Moreover, we prove that such a problem for S
l
is N
on
E
lementary
. This negative result has spurred us to investigate syntactic fragments of S
l
, strictly subsuming A
tl
*, with the hope of obtaining an elementary model-checking problem. Among others, we introduce and study the sublogics S
l
[
ng
], S
l
[
bg
], and S
l
[1
g
]. They encompass formulas in a special prenex normal form having, respectively, nested temporal goals, Boolean combinations of goals, and, a single goal at a time. Intuitively, for a goal, we mean a sequence of bindings, one for each agent, followed by an L
tl
formula. We prove that the model-checking problem for S
l
[1
g
] is 2E
xp
T
ime
-
complete
, thus not harder than the one for A
tl
*. In contrast, S
l
[
ng
] turns out to be N
on
E
lementary
-hard, strengthening the corresponding result for S
l
. Regarding S
l
[
bg
], we show that it includes CHP-S
l
and its model-checking is decidable with a 2E
xp
T
ime
lower-bound.

It is worth enlightening that to achieve the positive results about S
l
[1
g
], we introduce a fundamental property of the semantics of this logic, called
behavioral
, which allows to strongly simplify the reasoning about strategies. Indeed, in a nonbehavioral logic such as S
l
[
bg
] and the subsuming ones, to satisfy a formula, one has to take into account that a move of an agent, at a given moment of a play, may depend on the moves taken by any agent in another counterfactual play.
Ad Hoc Participation in Situation Assessment
Authors: Reuter Christian , Ludwig Thomas , Pipek Volkmar
Published: November 2014

Emergencies are characterized by high complexity and unpredictability. In order to assess and manage them successfully, improvisation work and informal communication, even beyond local and organizational boundaries, is needed. Such informal practices can facilitate ad hoc participation of units in situation assessment, but this may lack overall situation awareness. This article presents a study on how emergent “collaboration needs” in current work of response teams located on-site and in the control center could be supported by mobile geo-collaboration systems. First, we present the results of an empirical study about informal work and mobile collaboration practices of emergency services. Then we describe the concept of a mobile geo-collaboration system that addresses the aspects detected in the empirical study and that was implemented as an Android application using web sockets, a technology enabling full-duplex ad hoc communication. Finally, we outline the findings of its evaluation in practice and its implications.
Efficient Coverage-Driven Stimulus Generation Using Simultaneous SAT Solving, with Application to SystemVerilog
Authors: Cheng An-Che , Yen Chia-Chih (Jack) , Val Celina G. , Bayless Sam , Hu Alan J. , Jiang Iris Hui-Ru , Jou Jing-Yang
Published: November 2014

SystemVerilog provides powerful language constructs for verification, and one of them is the
covergroup
functional coverage model. This model is designed as a complement to assertion verification, that is, it has the advantage of defining cross-coverage over multiple coverage points. In this article, a coverage-driven verification (CDV) approach is formulated as a simultaneous Boolean satisfiability (SAT) problem that is based on covergroups. The coverage
bins
defined by the functional model are converted into Conjunction Normal Form (CNF) and then solved together by our proposed simultaneous SAT algorithm PLNSAT to generate stimuli for improving coverage. The basic PLNSAT algorithm is then extended in our second proposed algorithm GPLNSAT, which exploits additional information gleaned from the structure of SystemVerilog covergroups. Compared to generating stimuli separately, the simultaneous SAT approaches can share learned knowledge across each coverage target, thus reducing the overall solving time drastically. Experimental results on a UART circuit and the largest ITC benchmark circuits show that the proposed algorithms can achieve 10.8x speedup on average and outperform state-of-the-art techniques in most of the benchmarks.
SmartCap
Authors: Li Xueliang , Yan Guihai , Han Yinhe , Li Xiaowei
Published: November 2014

Power efficiency is increasingly critical to battery-powered smartphones. Given that the using experience is most valued by the user, we propose that the power optimization should directly respect the user experience. We conduct a statistical sample survey and study the correlation among the user experience, system runtime activities, and computational performance of an application processor. We find that there exists a minimal frequency requirement, called “saturated frequency”. Above this frequency, the device consumes more power but provides little improvements in user experience. This study motivates an intelligent self-adaptive scheme, SmartCap, that automatically identifies the most power-efficient state of the application processor. Compared to prior Linux power adaptation schemes, SmartCap can help save power from 11% to 84%, depending on applications, with little decline in user experience.
Dataflow Graph Partitioning for Area-Efficient High-Level Synthesis with Systems Perspective
Authors: Sinha Sharad , Srikanthan Thambipillai
Published: November 2014

Area efficiency in datapath synthesis is a widely accepted goal of high-level synthesis. Applications represented by their dataflow graphs are synthesized using resource sharing principles to reduce the area. However, existing resource sharing algorithms focus on absolute area reduction and maximal resource sharing. This kind of a design approach leads to constraints on how often, in terms of number of clock cycles, a new set of input data can be fed to an application. It also leads to very large multiplexers in case of very big dataflow graphs with hundreds of nodes. An adaptive dataflow graph partitioning algorithm is proposed that partitions a graph taking into account a user-defined constraint on how often a new set of input data (generally referred to as data initiation interval) is available. At the same time, a resource sharing algorithm is applied to such partitions in order to reduce area. Multiple design points are generated for a given dataflow graph with different area and time measures to enable a designer to make decisions. We demonstrate our graph partitioning algorithm using synthetically generated large dataflow graphs and on some benchmark applications.
Mutual Authentication and Trust Bootstrapping towards Secure Disk Encryption
Authors: Götzfried Johannes , Müller Tilo
Published: November 2014

The weakest link in software-based full disk encryption is the authentication procedure. Since the master boot record must be present unencrypted in order to launch the decryption of remaining system parts, it can easily be manipulated and infiltrated by bootkits that perform keystroke logging; consequently, password-based authentication schemes become attackable. The current technological response, as enforced by BitLocker, verifies the integrity of the boot process by use of the trusted platform module. But, as we show, this countermeasure is insufficient in practice. We present STARK, the first tamperproof authentication scheme that
mutually authenticates
the computer and the user in order to resist keylogging during boot. To achieve this, STARK implements
trust bootstrapping
from a secure token to the whole PC. The secure token is an active USB drive that verifies the integrity of the PC and indicates the verification status by an LED to the user. This way, users can ensure the authenticity of the PC before entering their passwords.
An Efficient Hardware-Based Higher Radix Floating Point MAC Design
Authors: Basiri M Mohamed Asan , Sk Noor Mahammad
Published: November 2014

This article proposes an effective way of implementing a multiply accumulate circuit (MAC) for high-speed floating point arithmetic operations. The real-world applications related to digital signal processing and the like demand high-performance computation with greater accuracy. In general, digital signals are represented as a sequence of signed/unsigned fixed/floating point numbers. The final result of a MAC operation can be computed by feeding the mantissa of the previous MAC result as one of the partial products to a Wallace tree multiplier or Braun multiplier. Thus, the separate accumulation circuit can be avoided by keeping the circuit depth still within the bounds of the Wallace tree multiplier, namely
O
(
log
2
n
), or Braun multiplier, namely
O
(
n
). In this article, three kinds of floating point MACs are proposed. The experimental results show 48.54% of improvement in worst path delay achieved by the proposed floating point MAC using a radix-2 Wallace structure compared with a conventional floating point MAC without a pipeline using a 45nm technology library. The same proposed design gives 39.92% of improvement in worst path delay without a pipeline using a radix-4 Braun structure as compared with a conventional design. In this article, a radix-32
Q
32.32
-format-based floating point MAC is proposed using a Wallace tree/Braun multiplier. Also this article discusses the
msb
prediction problem and its solution in floating point arithmetic that is not available in modern fused multiply-add designs. The performance results show comparisons between the proposed floating point MAC with various floating point MAC designs for radix-2,-4,-8, and -16. The proposed design has lesser depth than a conventional floating point MAC as well as a lower area requirement than other ways of floating point MAC implementation, both with/without a pipeline.
Three Questions to Ask Before You Embark on Gamification
Authors: Yang Yi
Published: November 2014

What's the difference between game-based learning and gamification? When shall I use game-based learning and when shall I use gamification? Many instructional designers and instructors struggle in differentiating those two terms and debate on which learning strategy to choose. The article will reveal the answers to these questions and posit three questions for instructional designers and instructors to consider to help them make the decision.
Understanding Trust in IT Artifacts
Authors: Paravastu Narasimha , Gefen David , Creason Steve B.
Published: November 2014

This paper studies the role of trust and trustworthiness as it applies to inanimate software artifacts. Extrapolating from the meaning and theory of interpersonal trust and supporting theories, this study develops software artifact trustworthiness and trust scales for the context of antiviral software. The proposed constructs deal with trustworthiness beliefs in software predictability and performance, corresponding respectively to a partial conceptual overlap with the interpersonal trustworthiness beliefs of predictability and ability. Data collected from 232 users support the psychometric properties of the new scales and demonstrate their nomological validity. The analysis shows that in the case of this software artifact, trustworthiness but not trust, predicts user satisfaction. This is in apparent contrast to interpersonal trust in online contexts where trust and trustworthiness are mostly indistinguishable, and where in the few cases that trust was studied separately from trustworthiness, trust had always been a significant predictor. The importance of trustworthiness, but apparently not of trust, in a software artifact is discussed.
Ecology and Evolution of the African Great Lakes and Their Faunas
Authors: Salzburger Walter , Van Bocxlaer Bert , Cohen Andrew S.
Published: November 2014

The Great Lakes of East Africa are collectively the earth's most remarkable and species-rich freshwater feature. Intrinsic biological factors and extrinsic ecological opportunities allowed much of the lakes' spectacular biological diversity to evolve through evolutionary (often adaptive) radiation and explosive speciation. Beyond evolutionary patterns and processes that led to this remarkable biodiversity and its astonishing morphological disparity, we highlight ecosystem functioning and complex biotic interactions such as coevolution. Comparative biogeographic patterns for vertebrates and invertebrates are discussed, as are patterns of diversity and disparity through the late Cenozoic. We demonstrate that the African Great Lakes, because of excellent fossil archives, are a phenomenal setting to integrate micro- and macroevolution. Unfortunately, these amazing ecosystems are also subject to various anthropogenic stressors at global and regional scales, which have already impacted their stability and threaten part of their extraordinary biodiversity with extinction.
The Impact of Microstructure Geometry on the Mass Transport in Artificial Pores: A Numerical Approach
Authors: Galinsky Matthias , Sénéchal Ulf , Breitkopf Cornelia
Published: November 2014

The microstructure of porous materials used in heterogeneous catalysis determines the mass transport inside networks, which may vary over many length scales. The theoretical prediction of mass transport phenomena in porous materials, however, is incomplete and is still not completely understood. Therefore, experimental data for every specific porous system is needed. One possible experimental technique for characterizing the mass transport in such pore networks is pulse experiments. The general evaluation of experimental outcomes of these techniques follows the solution of Fick’s second law where an integral and effective diffusion coefficient is recognized. However, a detailed local understanding of diffusion and sorption processes remains a challenge. As there is lack of proved models covering different length scales, existing classical concepts need to be evaluated with respect to their ability to reflect local geometries on the nanometer level. In this study, DSMC (Direct Simulation Monte Carlo) models were used to investigate the impact of pore microstructures on the diffusion behaviour of gases. It can be understood as a virtual pulse experiment within a single pore or a combination of different pore geometries.
Static Eccentricity Fault Recognition in Three‐Phase Line Start Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor Using Finite Element Method
Authors: Karami Mahdi , Mariun Norman , Rezazadeh Mehrjou Mohammad , Ab Kadir Mohd Zainal Abidin , Misron Norhisam , Mohd Radzi Mohd Amran
Published: November 2014

This paper is dedicated to investigating static eccentricity in a three‐phase LSPMSM. The modeling of LSPMSM with static eccentricity between stator and rotor is developed using finite element method (FEM). The analytical expression for the permeance and flux components of nonuniform air‐gap due to static eccentricity fault is discussed. Various indexes for static eccentricity detection using stator current signal of IM and permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) are presented. Since LSPMSM is composed of a rotor which is a combination of these two motors, the ability of these features is evaluated for static eccentricity diagnosis in LSPMSM. The simulated stator current signal of LSPMSM in the presence of static eccentricity is analyzed in frequency domain using power spectral density (PSD). It is demonstrated that static eccentricity fault generates a series of low frequency harmonic components in the form of sidebands around the fundamental frequency. Moreover, the amplitudes of these components increase in proportion to the fault severity. According to the mentioned observations, an accurate frequency pattern is specified for static eccentricity detection in three‐phase LSPMSM.
Relevance of Chronic Lyme Disease to Family Medicine as a Complex Multidimensional Chronic Disease Construct: A Systematic Review
Authors: Borgermans Liesbeth , Goderis Geert , Vandevoorde Jan , Devroey Dirk
Published: November 2014

Lyme disease has become a global public health problem and a prototype of an emerging infection. Both treatment-refractory infection and symptoms that are related to Borrelia burgdorferi infection remain subject to controversy. Because of the absence of solid evidence on prevalence, causes, diagnostic criteria, tools and treatment options, the role of autoimmunity to residual or persisting antigens, and the role of a toxin or other bacterial-associated products that are responsible for the symptoms and signs, chronic Lyme disease (CLD) remains a relatively poorly understood chronic disease construct. The role and performance of family medicine in the detection, integrative treatment, and follow-up of CLD are not well studied either. The purpose of this paper is to describe insights into the complexity of CLD as a multidimensional chronic disease construct and its relevance to family medicine by means of a systematic literature review.
New Equivalent Linear Impact Model for Simulation of Seismic Isolated Structure Pounding against Moat Wall
Authors: Liu Yang , Liu Wen-Guang , Wang Xin , He Wen-Fu , Yang Qiao-Rong
Published: November 2014

Base-isolated buildings subjected to extreme earthquakes or near-fault pulse-like earthquakes can exceed their design gap distance and impact against the surrounding moat wall. Based on equating energy dissipation and maximum collision compression deformation of isolated structure with the Hertz-damp model and Kevin-Voigt model in the process of collision, an equivalent linear impact model (ELIM) is proposed to better predict impact response of seismic isolated structure. The formula of the equivalent linear stiffness of ELIM is theoretically derived. The effectiveness of ELIM is verified by comparing the results of numerical analyses with the results of pounding experiments. Four near-fault earthquakes are selected to validate rationality and accuracy of the proposed model using numerical analysis. The results indicate that the proposed linear model can nearly capture impact behavior of isolated structure in simulating the pounding-involved structural response.