bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Approaches for Supervision of Systems with Sliding Wear: Fundamental Problems and Experimental Results Using Different Approaches
Authors: Söffker Dirk , Rothe Sandra
Published: August 2017

Reliability and availability of technically complex and safety-critical systems are of increasing importance. Besides the degree of wear, the quality of mechanical systems is significant for the system reliability. The focus of this contribution is the development and application of readily applicable and easily interpretable algorithms for industrial data obtained from technical systems during operation. The methods are within the focus of the production-oriented automation programs (Industrial Internet, Automation 4.0, China 2025). In this contribution as example a hydraulically driven machine in which parts slide over each other is chosen as sliding wear example. Monitoring is applied to distinguish normal and abnormal operation as well as to define end of useful lifetime. In this contribution four different methods will be introduced and experimentally compared without the availability of objective information about the wear state. The approaches differ with respect to the used measurements and data preparation. As measurements Acoustic Emission and the hydraulic pressure of the driving machine are used. For processing the accumulation of damage related values, a machine learning algorithm, and a sensitivity matrix are used. For comparison the experimental validation is based on identical data sets. Different operational states of the system denoted as actual system state are defined and classified. The comparison shows that the four introduced methods provide similar classification results although the underlying measurements are based on different physical principles. The newly introduced approaches allow online evaluation of the actual system state and can serve within improved maintenance strategies.
Organ–Organ Crosstalk and Alcoholic Liver Disease
Authors: Poole Lauren , Dolin Christine , Arteel Gavin
Published: August 2017

Alcohol consumption is a common custom worldwide, and the toxic effects of alcohol on several target organs are well-understood. Given the poor prognosis of treating clinically-relevant alcoholic liver disease (ALD) (i.e., alcoholic hepatitis (AH) and cirrhosis), additional research is required to develop more effective therapies. While the stages of ALD have been well-characterized, targeted therapies to prevent or reverse this process in humans are still needed. Better understanding of risk factors and mechanisms underlying disease progression can lead to the development of rational therapies to prevent or reverse ALD in the clinic. A potential area of targeted therapy for ALD may be organ–organ communication in the early stages of the disease. In contrast to AH and end-stage liver diseases, the involvement of multiple organs in the development of ALD is less understood. The impact of these changes on pathology to the liver and other organs may not only influence disease progression during the development of the disease, but also outcomes of end stages diseases. The purpose of this review is to summarize the established and proposed communication between the liver and other organ systems that may contribute to the development and progression of liver disease, as well as to other organs. Potential mechanisms of this organ–organ communication are also discussed.
Heterogeneous Catalysis for Environmental Remediation
Authors: Duan Xiaoguang , Wang Shaobin
Published: August 2017

The intensive human activities in chemical industry and environmental purification urge the development of advanced protocols for green production and waste management. [...]
Climate-Induced Northerly Expansion of Siberian Silkmoth Range
Authors: Kharuk Viacheslav I. , Im Sergei T. , Ranson Kenneth J. , Yagunov Mikhail N.
Published: August 2017

Siberian silkmoth (Dendrolimus sibiricus Tschetv.) is a dangerous pest that has affected nearly 2.5 × 106 ha of “dark taiga” stands (composed of Abies sibirica, Pinus sibirica and Picea obovata) within the latitude range of 52°–59° N. Here we describe a current silkmoth outbreak that is occurring about half degree northward of its formerly documented outbreak range. This outbreak has covered an area of about 800 thousand ha with mortality of conifer stands within an area of about 300 thousand ha. The primary outbreak originated in the year 2014 within stands located on gentle relatively dry southwest slopes at elevations up to 200 m above sea level (a.s.l.) Then the outbreak spread to the mesic areas including northern slopes and the low-elevation forest belts along the Yenisei ridge. Within the outbreak area, the northern Siberian silkmoth population has reduced generation length from two to one year. Our study showed that the outbreak was promoted by droughts in prior years, an increase of the sum of daily temperatures (t > +10 °C), and a decrease in ground cover moisture. Within the outbreak area, secondary pests were also active, including the aggressive Polygraphus proximus bark borer beetle. The outbreak considered here is part of the wide-spread (panzonal) Siberian silkmoth outbreak that originated during 2014–2015 with a range of up to 1000 km in southern Siberia. Our work concludes that observed climate warming opens opportunities for Siberian silkmoth migration into historically outbreak free northern “dark taiga” stands.
Flow Shop Scheduling Problem and Solution in Cooperative Robotics—Case-Study: One Cobot in Cooperation with One Worker
Authors: Sadik Ahmed , Urban Bodo
Published: August 2017

This research combines between two different manufacturing concepts. On the one hand, flow shop scheduling is a well-known problem in production systems. The problem appears when a group of jobs shares the same processing sequence on two or more machines sequentially. Flow shop scheduling tries to find the appropriate solution to optimize the sequence order of this group of jobs over the existing machines. The goal of flow shop scheduling is to obtain the continuity of the flow of the jobs over the machines. This can be obtained by minimizing the delays between two consequent jobs, therefore the overall makespan can be minimized. On the other hand, collaborative robotics is a relatively recent approach in production where a collaborative robot (cobot) is capable of a close proximity cooperation with the human worker to increase the manufacturing agility and flexibility. The simplest case-study of a collaborative workcell is one cobot in cooperation with one worker. This collaborative workcell can be seen as a special case of the shop flow scheduling problem, where the required time from the worker to perform a specific job is unknown and variable. Therefore, during this research, we implement an intelligent control solution which can optimize the flow shop scheduling problem over the previously mentioned case-study.
Application of Surfactant Micelle-Entrapped Eugenol for Prevention of Growth of the Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli in Ground Beef
Authors: Tolen Tamra , Ruengvisesh Songsirin , Taylor Thomas
Published: August 2017

Beef safety may be compromised by O157 and non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) contamination. The capacity of surfactant micelles loaded with the plant-derived antimicrobial eugenol to reduce STEC on beef trimmings that were later ground and refrigerated for five days at 5 ± 1 °C was tested to determine their utility for beef safety protection. STEC-inoculated trimmings were treated with free eugenol, micelle-encapsulated eugenol, 2% lactic acid (55 °C), sterile distilled water (25 °C), or left untreated (control). Following treatment, trimmings were coarse-ground and stored aerobically at 5 ± 1 °C. Ground beef was then sampled for STEC immediately post-grinding, and again at three and five days of storage. STEC minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) in liquid medium for free eugenol and 1% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-loaded micelles were 0.5% and 0.125%, respectively. STEC numbers on beef trimmings treated by sterile water (6.5 log10 CFU/g), free eugenol (6.5 log10 CFU/g), micelle-loaded eugenol (6.4 log10 CFU/g), and lactic acid (6.4 log10 CFU/g) did not differ compared to untreated controls (6.6 log10 CFU/g) (p = 0.982). Conversely, STEC were significantly reduced by refrigerated storage (0.2 and 0.3 log10 CFU/g at three and five days of storage, respectively) (p = 0.014). Antimicrobial treatments did not significantly decontaminate ground beef, indicating their low utility for beef safety protection.
Distribution of FMR1 and FMR2 Repeats in Argentinean Patients with Primary Ovarian Insufficiency
Authors: Espeche Lucía , Chiauzzi Violeta , Ferder Ianina , Arrar Mehrnoosh , Solari Andrea , Bruque Carlos , Delea Marisol , Belli Susana , Fernández Cecilia , Buzzalino Noemí , Charreau Eduardo , Dain Liliana
Published: August 2017

The premutation state of FMR1 (Fragile X Mental Retardation 1) has been associated with primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), and is the most common known genetic cause for 46,XX patients. Nevertheless, very few studies have analyzed its frequency in Latin American populations. Additionally, a relationship between alleles carrying a cryptic microdeletion in the 5’UTR of FMR2 and the onset of POI has only been studied in one population. Our aim was to analyze the incidence of FMR1 premutations and putative microdeletions in exon 1 of FMR2 in a cohort of Argentinean women with POI. We studied 133 patients and 84 controls. Fluorescent PCR was performed, and the FMR2 exon 1 was further sequenced in samples presenting less than 11 repeats. We found the frequency of FMR1 premutations to be 6.7% and 2.9% for familial and sporadic patients, respectively. Among controls, 1/84 women presented a premutation. In addition, although we did not find microdeletions in FMR2, we observed a change (T >C) adjacent to the repeats in two sisters with POI. Given the repetitive nature of the sequence involved, we could not ascertain whether this represents a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) or a deletion. Therefore, a relationship between FMR2 and POI could not be established for our population.
Glaciers, Permafrost and Lake Levels at the Tsengel Khairkhan Massif, Mongolian Altai, During the Late Pleistocene and Holocene
Authors: Walther Michael , Dashtseren Avirmed , Kamp Ulrich , Temujin Khurelbaatar , Meixner Franz , Pan Caleb G. , Gansukh Yadamsuren
Published: August 2017

Understanding paleo—and recent environmental changes and the dynamics of individual drivers of water availability is essential for water resources management in the Mongolian Altai. Here, we follow a holistic approach to uncover changes in glaciers, permafrost, lake levels and climate at the Tsengel Khairkhan massif. Our general approach to describe glacier and lake level changes is to combine traditional geomorphological field mapping with bathymetric measurements, satellite imagery interpretation, and GIS analyses. We also analysed climate data from two nearby stations, and measured permafrost temperature conditions at five boreholes located at different elevations. We identified four glacial moraine systems (M4-M1) and attribute them to the period from the penultimate glaciation (MIS 4/5) until the Little Ice Age (MIS 1). During the Local Last Glacial Maximum (LLGM; MIS 2), a glacier reached down into the western Kharganat Valley and blocked it, resulting in the formation of the endorheic Khar Lake basin. Subsequently, the lake was fed mainly by precipitation and permafrost meltwater. In recent years, glaciers have been in strong recession, yet Khar Lake levels have remained relatively stable, which is in contrast to mainly decreasing lake levels in other regions throughout Mongolia. While temperatures in the Altai are increasing (leading to increasing evaporation), precipitation in higher elevations has increased, which—in addition to increased glacier and permafrost melting—would counteract the increasing aridity effects. A systematic and holistic monitoring of glaciers, permafrost, lake levels and climate in the Mongolian Altai is necessary, and results from (sub-)disciplines need to be correlated.
Uncovering Culture and Identity in Refugee Camps
Authors: Dalal Ayham
Published: August 2017

Refugee camps, especially in their emergency phases, are places where everything seems to be similar, repetitive, and modular. This impression is not only due to the unified shelter unit that is usually distributed by UNHCR1 (traditionally a tent, and recently caravans, prefabs, and developed T-Shelters), but is also due to the camps’ ordered layout and hierarchical plan (Figures 1–3).[...]
Interventions to Support Integrated Psychological Care and Holistic Health Outcomes in Paediatrics
Authors: Shafran Roz , Bennett Sophie , McKenzie Smith Mhairi
Published: August 2017

There are strong calls from many national and international bodies for there to be a ‘holistic’ and integrated approach to the understanding and management of psychological and physical health needs. Such holistic approaches are characterized by the treatment of the whole person, taking into account mental and social factors, rather than just the symptoms of a disease. Holistic approaches can impact on mental and physical health and are cost-effective. Several psychological interventions have demonstrated efficacy in improving holistic health outcomes, for example Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Behavioural Therapies and Problem Solving Therapies. They have shown to impact upon a wide range of outcomes, including psychological distress, pain, physical health, medication adherence, and family outcomes. There is increasing recognition that the holistic goals of the child and family should be prioritised, and that interventions and outcomes should reflect these goals. A focus on holistic goals in therapy can be achieved through a combination of personalised goal-based outcomes in addition to symptom-based measures.
Well-Being and the Social Environment of Work: A Systematic Review of Intervention Studies
Authors: Daniels Kevin , Watson David , Gedikli Cigdem
Published: August 2017

There is consistent evidence that a good social environment in the workplace is associated with employee well-being. However, there has been no specific review of interventions to improve well-being through improving social environments at work. We conducted a systematic review of such interventions, and also considered performance as an outcome. We found eight studies of interventions. Six studies were of interventions that were based on introducing shared social activities into workgroups. Six out of the six studies demonstrated improvements in well-being across the sample (five studies), or for an identifiable sub-group (one study). Four out of the five studies demonstrated improvements in social environments, and four out of the five studies demonstrated improvements in indicators of performance. Analysis of implementation factors indicated that the interventions based on shared activities require some external facilitation, favorable worker attitudes prior to the intervention, and several different components. We found two studies that focused on improving fairness perceptions in the workplace. There were no consistent effects of these interventions on well-being or performance. We conclude that there is some evidence that interventions that increase the frequency of shared activities between workers can improve worker well-being and performance. We offer suggestions for improving the evidence base.
IP Things as Boundary Objects: The Case of the Copyright Work
Authors: Madison Michael
Published: August 2017

The goal of this article is to initiate the exploration of the meanings and functions of the things of intellectual property: the work of authorship (or copyright work) in copyright, the invention in patent, and the mark and the sign in trademark. The article focuses firstly on the example of copyright work. Relevant challenges are both technological and conceptual, because these things blend the material and the immaterial. Works are neither as clearly defined nor as clearly limited as copyright law often suggests they are. To explain and justify that proposition, the article borrows from information science literature exploring boundary objects, which are stable physical and intangible things that align distinct but overlapping communities of practice in flexible ways, via interpretive openness. The article shows that the meanings of the work in copyright law can be unified conceptually in the sense that the work operates as a boundary object across a number of different legal and cultural divides. This view of the work clarifies the distinct status of relevant communities and practices in copyright but also bridges them in copyright’s construction and governance of culture. None of the boundaries represented in these boundary objects is fixed or impermeable. Their very dynamic and sometimes porous character is precisely the governance role illuminated here.
Grafting Modification of the Reactive Core-Shell Particles to Enhance the Toughening Ability of Polylactide
Authors: Li Zhaokun , Song Shixin , Zhao Xuanchen , Lv Xue , Sun Shulin
Published: August 2017

In order to overcome the brittleness of polylactide (PLA), reactive core-shell particles (RCS) with polybutadiene as core and methyl methacrylate-co-styrene-co-glycidyl methacrylate as shell were prepared to toughen PLA. Tert-dodecyl mercaptan (TDDM) was used as chain transfer agent to modify the grafting properties (such as grafting degree, shell thickness, internal and external grafting) of the core-shell particles. The introduction of TDDM decreased the grafting degree, shell thickness and the Tg of the core phase. When the content of TDDM was lower than 1.15%, the RCS particles dispersed in the PLA matrix uniformly—otherwise, agglomeration took place. The addition of RCS particles induced a higher cold crystallization temperature and a lower melting temperature of PLA which indicated the decreased crystallization ability of PLA. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) results proved the good miscibility between PLA and the RCS particles and the increase of TDDM in RCS induced higher storage modulus of PLA/RCS blends. Suitable TDDM addition improved the toughening ability of RCS particles for PLA. In the present research, PLA/RCS-T4 (RCS-T4: the reactive core-shell particles with 0.76 wt % TDDM addition) blends displayed much better impact strength than other blends due to the easier cavitation/debonding ability and good dispersion morphology of the RCS-T4 particles. When the RCS-T4 content was 25 wt %, the impact strength of PLA/RCS-T4 blend reached 768 J/m, which was more than 25 times that of the pure PLA.
Broadband Dual-Phase Plasmons through Metallization of Polymeric Heterojunctions
Authors: Huang Cuiying , Zhang Xinping
Published: August 2017

Large-area dual-phase plasmonic gold nanostructures were produced using the phase-separation pattern of a polymer blend film, where two typical light-emitting polymeric semiconductors of poly (9,9-dioctylfluorene-co-benzothiadiazole) (F8BT) and poly (9,9-dioctylfluorene-co-bis-N,N′-(4-butylphenyl)-bis-N,N′-phenyl-1,4 phenylenediamine) (PFB) have been employed to construct the heterojunction patterns. The laser-induced selective cross-linking of F8BT molecules and the subsequent rinsing process using the good solvent of chloroform for PFB supplies a stable template for a further metallization process. When colloidal gold nanoparticles were spin-coated onto the surface of the template, a majority of the gold nanoparticles were confined into the “holes” of originally PFB-rich phase, while a minor portion stays on the “ridges” of F8BT-rich phase. After the annealing process, larger gold nanoparticles were produced inside the holes and smaller ones on the ridges, which induced localized surface plasmon resonance in the near infrared and in the visible, respectively. The structural parameters of the gold plasmonic pattern can be tuned by different surface modification and annealing processes, which can tune the spectroscopic response in the spectral position and in the spectral intensity. The produced nanostructures with broadband plasmon resonance can be used as a template for random lasers with strong optical scattering at both the pump and emission wavelengths and for photovoltaic devices with strong absorption in the visible and near infrared.
Mineralogy and Geochemistry of Biologically-Mediated Gold Mobilisation and Redeposition in a Semiarid Climate, Southern New Zealand
Authors: Kerr Gemma , Craw Dave
Published: August 2017

Detrital gold in Late Pleistocene-Holocene placers has been chemically mobilised and redeposited at the micron scale by biologically-mediated reactions in groundwater. These processes have been occurring in a tectonically active semiarid rain shadow zone of southern New Zealand and are probably typical for this type of environment elsewhere in the world. The chemical system is dominated by sulfur, which has been derived from basement pyrite and marine aerosols in rain. Detrital and authigenic pyrite is common below the water table, and evaporative sulfate minerals are common above the fluctuating water table. Pyrite oxidation was common but any acid generated was neutralised on the large scale (tens of metres) by calcite, and pH remained circumneutral except on the small scale (centimetres) around pyritic material. Metastable thiosulfate ions were a temporary product of pyrite oxidation, enhanced by bacterial mediation, and similar bacterial mediation enhanced sulfate reduction to form authigenic pyrite below the water table. Deposition of mobilised gold resulted from localised variations in redox and/or pH, and this formed overgrowths on detrital gold of microparticulate and nanoparticulate gold that is locally crystalline. The redeposited gold is an incidental byproduct of the bacterially-enhanced sulfur reactions that have occurred near to the fluctuating sulfide-sulfate redox boundary.
The Seasonal and Diurnal Influence of Surrounding Land Use on Temperature: Findings from Seoul, South Korea
Authors: Kim Hyungkyoo , Kim Seung-Nam
Published: August 2017

There is a growing interest in understanding how the built environment affects temperature in cities. This study explores the impact of land use on temperature and how it varies by season and time of day in Seoul, South Korea. Unlike other studies that rely on extracted data from remotely sensed information, this study uses land use data from local GIS and near-ground temperature data from a network of state-run weather stations. To deal with multicollinearity among the land use variables, partial least squares regression models were used for analysis. Results suggest that residential and commercial uses and roads increase the temperature while open spaces decrease it. In detail, central commercial use, high-density residential use, and roads were influential heaters, while greenery was an influential cooler throughout the year. This study suggests the need for place-based planning and design solutions that help build climate resilience of cities.
Reliable Detection of Herpes Simplex Virus Sequence Variation by High-Throughput Resequencing
Authors: Morse Alison , Calabro Kaitlyn , Fear Justin , Bloom David , McIntyre Lauren
Published: August 2017

High-throughput sequencing (HTS) has resulted in data for a number of herpes simplex virus (HSV) laboratory strains and clinical isolates. The knowledge of these sequences has been critical for investigating viral pathogenicity. However, the assembly of complete herpesviral genomes, including HSV, is complicated due to the existence of large repeat regions and arrays of smaller reiterated sequences that are commonly found in these genomes. In addition, the inherent genetic variation in populations of isolates for viruses and other microorganisms presents an additional challenge to many existing HTS sequence assembly pipelines. Here, we evaluate two approaches for the identification of genetic variants in HSV1 strains using Illumina short read sequencing data. The first, a reference-based approach, identifies variants from reads aligned to a reference sequence and the second, a de novo assembly approach, identifies variants from reads aligned to de novo assembled consensus sequences. Of critical importance for both approaches is the reduction in the number of low complexity regions through the construction of a non-redundant reference genome. We compared variants identified in the two methods. Our results indicate that approximately 85% of variants are identified regardless of the approach. The reference-based approach to variant discovery captures an additional 15% representing variants divergent from the HSV1 reference possibly due to viral passage. Reference-based approaches are significantly less labor-intensive and identify variants across the genome where de novo assembly-based approaches are limited to regions where contigs have been successfully assembled. In addition, regions of poor quality assembly can lead to false variant identification in de novo consensus sequences. For viruses with a well-assembled reference genome, a reference-based approach is recommended.
Prediction of Emergency Department Hospital Admission Based on Natural Language Processing and Neural Networks
Authors: Zhang Xingyu , Kim Joyce , Patzer Rachel E. , Pitts Stephen R. , Patzer Aaron , Schrager Justin D.
Published: August 2017

Objective: To describe and compare logistic regression and neural network modeling strategies to predict hospital admission or transfer following initial presentation to Emergency Department (ED) triage with and without the addition of natural language processing elements.

Methods: Using data from the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS), a cross-sectional probability sample of United States EDs from 2012 and 2013 survey years, we developed several predictive models with the outcome being admission to the hospital or transfer vs. discharge home. We included patient characteristics immediately available after the patient has presented to the ED and undergone a triage process. We used this information to construct logistic regression (LR) and multilayer neural network models (MLNN) which included natural language processing (NLP) and principal component analysis from the patient’s reason for visit. Ten-fold cross validation was used to test the predictive capacity of each model and receiver operating curves (AUC) were then calculated for each model.

Results: Of the 47,200 ED visits from 642 hospitals, 6,335 (13.42%) resulted in hospital admission (or transfer). A total of 48 principal components were extracted by NLP from the reason for visit fields, which explained 75% of the overall variance for hospitalization. In the model including only structured variables, the AUC was 0.824 (95% CI 0.818-0.830) for logistic regression and 0.823 (95% CI 0.817-0.829) for MLNN. Models including only free-text information generated AUC of 0.742 (95% CI 0.7310.753) for logistic regression and 0.753 (95% CI 0.742-0.764) for MLNN. When both structured variables and free text variables were included, the AUC reached 0.846 (95% CI 0.839-0.853) for logistic regression and 0.844 (95% CI 0.836-0.852) for MLNN.

Conclusions: The predictive accuracy of hospital admission or transfer for patients who presented to ED triage overall was good, and was improved with the inclusion of free text data from a patient’s reason for visit regardless of modeling approach. Natural language processing and neural networks that incorporate patient-reported outcome free text may increase predictive accuracy for hospital admission.
An Optimal Strategy for Accurate Bulge-to-disk Decomposition of Disk Galaxies
Authors: Gao 高 Hua 桦 , Ho Luis C.
Published: August 2017

The development of two-dimensional (2D) bulge-to-disk decomposition techniques has shown their advantages over traditional one-dimensional (1D) techniques, especially for galaxies with non-axisymmetric features. However, the full potential of 2D techniques has yet to be fully exploited. Secondary morphological features in nearby disk galaxies, such as bars, lenses, rings, disk breaks, and spiral arms, are seldom accounted for in 2D image decompositions, even though some image-fitting codes, such as GALFIT, are capable of handling them. We present detailed, 2D multi-model and multi-component decomposition of high-quality R-band images of a representative sample of nearby disk galaxies selected from the Carnegie-Irvine Galaxy Survey, using the latest version of GALFIT. The sample consists of five barred and five unbarred galaxies, spanning Hubble types from S0 to Sc. Traditional 1D decomposition is also presented for comparison. In detailed case studies of the 10 galaxies, we successfully model the secondary morphological features. Through a comparison of best-fit parameters obtained from different input surface brightness models, we identify morphological features that significantly impact bulge measurements. We show that nuclear and inner lenses/rings and disk breaks must be properly taken into account to obtain accurate bulge parameters, whereas outer lenses/rings and spiral arms have a negligible effect. We provide an optimal strategy to measure bulge parameters of typical disk galaxies, as well as prescriptions to estimate realistic uncertainties of them, which will benefit subsequent decomposition of a larger galaxy sample.
Artillería naval veneciana en la Torre del Oro: método para la identificación y análisis de un moschetto da braga del siglo XVI
Authors: Sánchez-Baena Juan José , Fondevila-Silva Pedro
Published: August 2017

En el Museo Naval de la Torre del Oro de Sevilla se ha localizado una pieza de artillería naval de retrocarga, similar a un cañón, que está erróneamente identificada y sin estudiar. Es un esmeril de braga o moschetto da braga probablemente de origen veneciano del siglo XVI, del cual no conocemos ningún otro ejemplar en los museos españoles. Ha estado sumergida en el mar mucho tiempo. Se realiza un estudio histórico de la artillería de la época, así como la descripción y análisis pormenorizado de este objeto único en España. Ante la falta de bibliografía específica, se ofrecen un método de medición y otro de pesado, basados en textos de la época. El análisis de la documentación histórica permite conocer cómo era el sistema para fundir las pelotas de esmeril, hechas de plomo y hierro, hasta ahora inédito, y establecer su densidad.
Variants of the Diffie-Hellman Problem
Authors: Balasubramanian Kannan
Published: August 2017

Many variations of the Diffie-Hellman problem exist that can be shown to be equivalent to one another. We consider following variations of Diffie-Hellman problem: square computational and Square decisional Diffie-Hellman problem, inverse computational and inverse computational decisional Diffie-Hellman problem and divisible computational and divisible decisional Diffie-Hellman problem. It can be shown that all variations of computational Diffie-Hellman problem are equivalent to the classic computational Diffie-Hellman problem if the order of a underlying cyclic group is a large prime. We also describe other variations of the Diffie-Hellman problems like the Group Diffie-Hellman problem, bilinear Diffie-Hellman problem and the Elliptic Curve Diffie-Hellman problem in this chapter.
Secure Multiparty Computation
Authors: Balasubramanian Kannan , Rajakani M.
Published: August 2017

The Secure Multiparty computation is characterized by computation by a set of multiple parties each participating using the private input they have. There are different types of models for Secure Multiparty computation based on assumption about the type of adversaries each model is assumed to protect against including Malicious and Covert Adversaries. The model may also assume a trusted setup with either using a Public Key Infrastructure or a using a Common Reference String. Secure Multiparty Computation has a number of applications including Scientific Computation, Database Querying and Data Mining.
Myths and Challenges of Building an Effective Digital Library in Developing Nations
Authors: Afolabi Olajide Adebayo
Published: August 2017

Building an effective digital library goes beyond just digitizing materials or providing access to electronic resources. There must be a proper understanding of what an effective digital library is. Most developing nations are facing challenges ranging from myths to infrastructural, technical skill and technology dearth, proper planning and implementation; licensing, copyrights and access; interoperability and metadata issues. Recommendations include: political will power, proper planning and management; collaboration and competence skill acquisition with positive attitude from librarians.
Intellectual Property Challenges in Digital Library Environments
Authors: Tutu James Macharia
Published: August 2017

Intellectual property poses a major challenge to digital libraries. This is because access to information in digital libraries is limited by laws, licenses and technology adopted by intellectual property owners. Similarly, intellectual property renders it difficult for digital libraries to make orphan works discoverable and accessible. Furthermore, intellectual property fragments copyright ownership, making it difficult for digital libraries to obtain the right clearance on content. To cope with these challenges, digital libraries have embraced the open access movement which allows reading, copying, downloading and sharing of digital content as long as the creators of the works are cited and acknowledged. Besides, digital libraries offer access to digital works produced under creative commons licenses. These licenses give the copyright owners the liberty to modify the copyright of their works to give room for sharing, use, and building upon the work.
Psychological Resistance for Insulin Therapy Among Patients with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: a Cross Sectional Survey
Authors: Thillainathan S. , Pratheep N. , Marasinghe I.U.K. , Karunayokiny K. , Gunasinghe K.P. , Priyangika D.K. , Premawansa G.
Published: August 2017

Introduction: Psychological insulin resistance can result in delays in treatment initiation. The aim of our study is to find the prevalence of psychological insulin resistance among patients at a tertiary hospital in Sri Lanka. Materials and methods: A prospective cross sectional survey was conducted at General Medical clinic, Colombo North Teaching Hospital, using a pre-tested, intervieweradministered 25 question survey adapted from Insulin Treatment Appraisal Scale (ITAS) among a consequent sample of 358 patients. Results: Majority (52.2%) of patients considered commencement of insulin therapy as personal failure (P=0.0001). Gender had a significant impact on the fear for needle with females having a higher negative score (3.39) compared to males (3.18) (P=0.040). Overall negative appraisal for insulin was similar in both genders. 49.1% feared that once insulin is started it is needed permanently while 0.8% opposed it. Statistically significant difference was not found between the total mean score for negative items among patients on OHDs (3.19) and patients on insulin (3.10) (P=0.133). Perception of social stigmata and perception of injection conveyed higher negative appraisal. Educational level and duration of diabetes did not have significant influence on insulin perception. Conclusion: Health care workers need to probe into the perceptions that worry the patients and focus on groups with more negative appraisal towards insulin.
Spectrum of Thyroid Disease reported to Department of Pathology District General Hospital Matara
Authors: Senarath C. , Wickramasinghe W.H.S.
Published: August 2017

Objectives: This study aimed to characterize the cyto pathological and histopathological pattern of thyroid lesions and to highlight the age and gender variations of these lesions.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data from thyroid specimens including FNAC and the surgical pathology samples received at the Department of Pathology, District General Hospital Matara from June 2014 to January 2015.Results: The 1000 specimens, 929 FNAC and 71 thyroidectomy specimens received during the study period came from (95.69%) 887 females and (4.31%) 40 males in FNAC specimens and from (92.95%) 66 females and (7.05%) 05 males. Age of the patients ranged from 04 years to 92 years. 904 (97.3%) cases were found to be non-neoplastic and 25 (2.7%) cases were neoplastic in FNAC and 34 (47.88%) cases were found to be non-neoplastic and 21 (29.57%) cases benign and 16 (22.53%) were malignant lesions in thyroidectomy specimens. The non-neoplastic group in FNAC included: colloid goiter, including both diffuse and nodular goiter (395 cases; 42.5%), colloid cyst (107 cases; 11.5 %) and Hashimoto/chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis (244 cases; 26.6%). In neoplastic lesions in thyroidectomies, there were benign tumors and malignant tumors. Among the benign tumors, 20 were follicular adenomas and 01 was a Hurthle cell adenomas. Papillary carcinoma was the commonest malignant tumor accounting for 50% of all thyroid malignancies, followed by, papillary micro carcinoma (25%) and follicular carcinoma (12.5%).Conclusions: Non-neoplastic thyroid lesions were more common than neoplastic ones. Colloid goiter was the most common lesion. Follicular adenoma was the commonest benign tumor and papillary carcinoma was the commonest malignant lesion.
Perspective choosing your poison
Authors: Karunatilake Harindra
Published: August 2017

No abstract available
Severe burns with complications successfully managed in a non specialized unit
Authors: Perera Kawindi R.
Published: August 2017

No abstract available
Trichogrammatid egg parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) of rice leaf folder and cabbage caterpillars in Sri Lanka
Authors: Hemachandra K.S. , Polaszek A. , Sirisena U.G.A.I. , Singhamuni S.A.A. , Perera M.C.D.
Published: August 2017

Use of egg parasitoids is an effective option available for managing lepidopteran pest species through augmentation and release of the parasitoids, particularly the locally available species. As the local egg parasitoids in Sri Lanka are poorly studied, an investigation was conducted to identify the egg parasitoids associated with rice leaf folder (Cnaphalocrocis medinalis Guenee) and cabbage semilooper (Trichoplusia ni Hubner). The host eggs were collected in different geographical locations for different durations in rice (Oryza sativa L.) and cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.) fields. The eggs were incubated until the emergence of host larvae or the adult parasitoid. Emerged parasitoids were preserved in 70% ethanol and subsequently dissected for male genitalia and the permanent slides were prepared using Canada balsam as the mounting media. Identification of specimens was done using taxonomic keys and related literature. Identities were confirmed by the Natural History Museum, London. Two species namely, Trichogramma chilonis Ishhi and T. achaeae Nagaraja and Nagarkatti were found parasitizing T. ni at Dodangolla and Thalatuoya regions in Sri Lanka. The record of T. achaeae is the first country report and T. chilonis had been recorded previously in Sri Lanka. The morphology of male genitalia was described and compared with the original description. Trichogrammatoidea bactrae Nagaraja and T. nana Zehnter were found parasitizing C. medinalis eggs at six sampling sites. The male genitalia of these two species were characterized and compared with the original descriptions.
Efficacy of botanicals in managing pod borers in pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.]
Authors: Babu C. S. Jagadeesh , Prasad B. S. Rajendra , Byregowda M.
Published: August 2017

An experiment was conducted to evaluate different botanicals for the management of pod borers in pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] for two years (2012-2014) at the Zonal Research Station of the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, India. Pod damage by Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) in the experimental area ranged from 10.64% to 23.07%. The first spray of neem soap followed by (fb) two sprays of the insecticide indoxacarb, and indoxacarb alone sprayed thrice were effective in reducing pod damage caused by H. armigera. Incidence of Maruca vitrata (Geyer), Melanagromzya obtusa (Malloch) and Callosobruchus spp. was comparatively low during the two-year study period. Botanicals alone did not perform well in controlling the pod borers. However, one spray of these botanicals fb spraying indoxacarb twice resulted in effective control of the pests. The higher yields were recorded in indoxacarb-treated plots (1,290 kg/ha), neem seed kernel extract (NSKE) sprayed thrice (1,258 kg/ha) and one spray of NSKE fb with two sprays of indoxacarb (1,257 kg/ha).
Productive efficiency of rice farming under rainfed conditions in Gampaha and Kalutara districts of Sri Lanka
Authors: Warnakulasooriya H. U. , Athukorale W.
Published: August 2017

This study was conducted to evaluate technical and allocative efficiencies of rice farming in the low country rainfed water regime of the Gampaha and Kalutara districts of Sri Lanka. Data of 2009 Yala season, and 2009/2010 Maha season were collected from 49 rainfed farms per season of the Gampaha district and 50 rainfed farms per season of the Kalutara district. Stochastic frontier production functions of Cobb-Douglas form with an intercept dummy variable representing the Kalutara district were estimated for each season. Values of γ above 0.78 in the Yala season and above 0.9 in the Maha season indicated that inefficiencies explain a major portion of the total product variation. The average technical efficiencies were 0.67 in Gampaha and 0.73 in Kalutara districts in the Yala season, and 0.76 in Gampaha and 0.78 in Kalutara in the Maha season. The average allocative efficiencies were 0.59 in Gampaha and 0.46 in Kalutara in the Yala season, and 0.63 in Gampaha and 0.53 in Kalutara in the Maha season. Increase of technical efficiency has resulted in potential cost savings of approximately 33 % in Gampaha and 27 % in Kalutara district in the Yala season, and 24 % in Gampaha and 22 % for Kalutara in the Maha season. About 40 % of the cost of resources in the Kalutara district and 0.27 of that in the Gampaha district in the Yala season, and 37 % of the resource cost in the Kalutara district and 29 % of that in the Gampaha district could be saved by raising allocative efficiency. The average cost savings indicated by raising both forms of efficiencies were Rs.29,375 per farm (Rs 79,325/ha) in the Kalutara district and Rs 27,645 per farm (Rs 85,870/ha) in the Gampaha district during the Yala season while it was Rs. 29,190 per farm (Rs 89,260/ha) in the Kalutara district and Rs. 22,325 per farm (Rs 81,230/ha) in the Gampaha district in the Maha season. Costs of allocative inefficiencies were more prominent in both seasons in the Kalutara district and in the Maha season in Gampaha district, whereas costs of technical inefficiencies were more important in the Gampaha during Yala season.
High-Value Consults: A Curriculum to Promote Point-of-Care, Evidence-Based Recommendations
Authors: Nandiwada Deepa Rani , Kohli Amar , McNamara Megan , Smith Kenneth J. , Zimmer Shanta , McNeil Melissa , Spagnoletti Carla , Rubio Doris , Berlacher Kathryn
Published: August 2017

Background 

In an era when value-based care is paramount, teaching trainees to explicitly communicate the evidence behind recommendations fosters high-value care (HVC) in the consultation process.

Objective 

To implement an HVC consult curriculum highlighting the need for clear consult questions, evidence-based recommendations to improve consult teaching, clinical decision-making, and the educational value of consults.

Methods 

A pilot curriculum was implemented for residents on cardiology consult electives utilizing faculty and fellows as evidence-based medicine (EBM) coaches. The curriculum included an online module, an EBM teaching point template, EBM presentations on rounds, and “coach” feedback on notes.

Results 

A total of 15 residents and 4 fellows on cardiology consults participated, and 87% (13 of 15) of residents on consults felt the curriculum was educationally valuable. A total of 80% (72 of 90) of residents on general medicine rotations responded to the survey, and 25 of 72 residents (35%) had a consult with the EBM template. General medicine teams felt the EBM teaching points affected clinical decision-making (48%, 12 of 25) and favored dissemination of the curriculum (90%, 72 of 80). Checklist-guided chart review showed a 22% improvement in evidence-based summaries behind recommendations (7 of 36 precurriculum to 70 of 146 charts postcurriculum, P = .015).

Conclusions 

The HVC consult curriculum during a cardiology elective was perceived by residents to influence clinical decision-making and evidence-based recommendations, and was found to be educationally valuable on both parties in the consult process.
Electrochemical Diagnostic Cycle Testing of Magnesium and Magnesium Oxide-Pigmented Primers on AA2024-T351
Authors: Santucci R.J. , Kannan B. , Scully J.R.
Published: August 2017

Intact Mg-rich and MgO-rich primer (MgRP and MgORP) coatings on aluminum alloy 2024-T351 substrate were evaluated for their ability to protect remote scratches (coating defects) as well as for coating barrier properties using a laboratory diagnostic cycle test. These coatings consist of a pretreated substrate and a Mg-containing pigmented primer with and without a UV-inert pigmented topcoat. For MgRP, Mg2+ and electrons are available upon Mg oxidation, while for MgORP only Mg2+ is available upon MgO chemical dissolution. The thickness and the pigment volume concentration of the MgORP was less than the MgRP as characterized with scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectroscopy imaging, resulting in a larger reservoir and Mg capacity in MgRP than the Mg2+ capacity in MgORP. Diagnostic electrochemical cycle testing assessed the anode capacity of Mg pigment available for sacrificial anode-based cathodic protection of the substrate during potentiostatic holds during full-immersion testing in 5 wt% NaCl. The MgO had no capacity for sacrificial anode-based cathodic protection, but it did exhibit beneficial effects associated with the electrochemical behavior of coated and bare AA2024-T351; this was attributed to presence of Mg2+ in solution and the redeposited corrosion product. During exposure, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy monitored the barrier properties of the coatings, which were affected by primer type and the presence of topcoat. MgRP is shown to protect AA2024-T351 via both sacrificial anode-based cathodic protection and Mg2+ redeposition. MgORP is shown to function as a corrosion preventative coating for AA2024-T351 through chemical release of Mg2+, which beneficially alters the electrochemical corrosion behavior of the AA2024-T351 alloy. This investigation serves as a foundation for future investigations into MgORP and spent MgRP in the case where Mg has been oxidized as a result of long-term field exposure.