bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Password Security as a Game of Entropies
Authors: Rass Stefan , König Sandra
Published: April 2018

We consider a formal model of password security, in which two actors engage in a competition of optimal password choice against potential attacks. The proposed model is a multi-objective two-person game. Player 1 seeks an optimal password choice policy, optimizing matters of memorability of the password (measured by Shannon entropy), opposed to the difficulty for player 2 of guessing it (measured by min-entropy), and the cognitive efforts of player 1 tied to changing the password (measured by relative entropy, i.e., Kullback–Leibler divergence). The model and contribution are thus twofold: (i) it applies multi-objective game theory to the password security problem; and (ii) it introduces different concepts of entropy to measure the quality of a password choice process under different angles (and not a given password itself, since this cannot be quality-assessed in terms of entropy). We illustrate our approach with an example from everyday life, namely we analyze the password choices of employees.
A Novel Approach for Searching the Upper/Lower Bounds of Uncertainty Parameters in Microgrids
Authors: Ding Xiaojun , Li Kaicheng , Li Yuanzheng , Cai Delong , Luo Yi , Dong Youli
Published: April 2018

In this study, a novel method based on μ analysis is presented to search for the upper/lower bounds of uncertainty parameters in microgrids (MGs). It is well known that uncertainty parameters have important effects in a MG, and they may cause instability. Previous studies have mainly focused on identifying the stability of a MG with its uncertainty parameters, but they did not address the problem of the upper/lower bounds of uncertainty parameters, i.e., how far the uncertainty parameters can be extended while the system remains stable in the small-signal sense. Thus, we developed an approach for identifying the bounds of uncertainty in MGs. In the current paper, first, a method is proposed for linear fractional transformation (LFT) configuration to express the uncertainty parameters, which makes the stability of the nominal MG system independent of any extension of the bounds. An algorithm based on this configuration is then designed to find the upper/lower bounds for both single parameter and multiple uncertainty parameters in a MG. Finally, the two cases are discussed, and the accuracy of the proposed method is confirmed using the conventional eigenvalue method.
Theoretical and Computational Analysis on Double-End Submerged Hollow Fibre Membrane Modules
Authors: Lim Keng , An Hui , Wang Peng , Liu Guiqin , Yu Simon
Published: April 2018

This paper studies the potential increase in permeate output flow rate that submerged hollow fibres can achieve when operating in double-end suction. The flow dynamics of submerged hollow fibre membranes with different combinations of fibre inner diameter, membrane thickness, and membrane permeability were numerically simulated. Fibre features (fibre inner diameter, membrane thickness, and membrane permeability) are then characterised for their effects on the increment in permeate flow rate due to change in configuration. Concurrently, an analytical model of a fibre in double-end suction is modelled. Analysis on the double-end fibre model has indicated that the fibre characteristic ratio, λ, has a direct influence on the relative increase in output flow rate when both ends are open. Parametric investigations on the three fibre features have shown that their effects on relative output increase agree with the co-relations indicated by λ. For fibres with λ less than 4, a proportional relationship between a fibre’s λ value and the percentage increment in permeate flow rate is observed when adopting double-end suction. The fibre characteristic ratio, λ, in addition to characterising flux uniformity, can further be used to consider the effectiveness of applying double-end suction in Submerged Hollow Fibre Membrane Module (SHFMM) systems at the design stage.
Geological Factors and Reservoir Properties Affecting the Gas Content of Coal Seams in the Gujiao Area, Northwest Qinshui Basin, China
Authors: Zou Zhuo , Liu Dameng , Cai Yidong , Wang Yingjin , Li Jiapeng
Published: April 2018

Coalbed methane (CBM) well drilling and logging data together with geological data were adopted to provide insights into controlling mechanism of gas content in major coal seams and establish gas accumulation models in the Gujiao area, Northwest Qinshui Basin, China. Gas content of targeted coals is various in the Gujiao area with their burial depth ranging from 295 to 859 m. Highly variable gas content of coals should be derived from the differences among tectonism, magmatism, hydrodynamism, and sedimentation. Gas content preserved in the Gujiao area is divided into two parts by the geological structure. Gas tends to accumulate in the groundwater stagnant zone with a total dissolved solids (TDS) value of 1300–1700 ppm due to water pressure in the Gujiao area. Reservoir properties including moisture content, minerals, and pore structure also significantly result in gas content variability. Subsequently, the gray correlation statistic method was adopted to determine the most important factors controlling gas content. Coal metamorphism and geological structure had marked control on gas content for the targeted coals. Finally, the favorable CBM exploitation areas were comprehensively evaluated in the Gujiao area. The results showed that the most favorable CBM exploitation areas were in the mid-south part of the Gujiao area (Block I).
Energy Efficient Design of Massive MIMO by Considering the Effects of Nonlinear Amplifiers
Authors: Ahmad Khan Arfat , Uthansakul Peerapong , Duangmanee Pumin , Uthansakul Monthippa
Published: April 2018

Massive Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) alludes to the theory of having a large number of transmitter chains at the base station, which in turn provides the higher spectral and energy efficiency with reduced radiated power and greater simplicity in the signal processing. In this paper, we have improved the energy efficiency of Massive MIMO by considering the effects of nonlinear amplifiers in each transmitter branch. We have designed the system by calculating the optimal number of transmitters and receivers with the optimal transmitted power and their corresponding spectral efficiency in terms of energy efficient prospective of Massive MIMO under both the perfect and imperfect channel conditions at different power consumption and area of coverage. We have evaluated the impacts of nonlinear amplifiers by calculating the energy efficiency at different efficiencies and distortion losses of nonlinear power amplifiers. In order to solve the optimization problem of energy efficiency, we have proposed an alternative optimization method which converges quickly and provides the optimal parameters under both the perfect and imperfect channel conditions.
Impacts of Demand-Side Management on Electrical Power Systems: A Review
Authors: Jabir Hussein Jumma , Teh Jiashen , Ishak Dahaman , Abunima Hamza
Published: April 2018

Electricity demand has grown over the past few years and will continue to grow in the future. The increase in electricity demand is mainly due to industrialization and the shift from a conventional to a smart-grid paradigm. The number of microgrids, renewable energy sources, plug-in electric vehicles and energy storage systems have also risen in recent years. As a result, future electricity grids have to be revamped and adapt to increasing load levels. Thus, new complications associated with future electrical power systems and technologies must be considered. Demand-side management (DSM) programs offer promising solutions to these issues and can considerably improve the reliability and financial performances of electrical power systems. This paper presents a review of various initiatives, techniques, impacts and recent developments of the DSM of electrical power systems. The potential benefits derived by implementing DSM in electrical power networks are presented. An extensive literature survey on the impacts of DSM on the reliability of electrical power systems is also provided for the first time. The research gaps within the broad field of DSM are also identified to provide directions for future work.
A Fast Equalizer with Adaptive Balancing Current Control
Authors: Wang Shun-Chung , Liu Chun-Yu , Liu Yi-Hua
Published: April 2018

In this paper, a fast equalizer for series-connected battery packs with adaptive balancing current control is proposed. As the duty cycle of the power switch in conventional equalizers is kept constant during the equalization process, smaller voltage difference between cells will decrease balancing current and consequently result in extended balancing time, especially in the later phase of equalization. To deal with this problem and take the battery nonlinearity and circuit parameter non-ideality into consideration, an adaptive balancing current control based on a fuzzy logic inference is proposed. The presented approach can adjust the duty ratio adaptively, according to voltages of individual cells and pack, to keep the balancing current nearly constant: Therefore, the balancing time can be shortened and the balancing efficiency can be improved. Finally, experimental results of three compared methods will be given and discussed to validate the feasibility, effectiveness, and performance improvement of the studied method.
The Effect of Temperature on the Methanogenic Activity in Relation to Micronutrient Availability
Authors: Seneesrisakul Kessara , Sutabutr Twarath , Chavadej Sumaeth
Published: April 2018

In the view of microbial community, thermophilic microorganisms were reported to have faster biochemical reaction rates, which are reflected by a higher methane production rate. However, there has no research to discuss the effect of temperature on methanogenic activity in relation to micronutrient transport and availability. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of temperature on methanogenic activity in relation to nutrient uptakes, micronutrient transports, and mass balance using anaerobic sequencing batch reactors (ASBR) with recycled biogas for treating ethanol wastewater at mesophilic (37 °C) and thermophilic (55 °C) temperatures. The increase in temperature from 37 to 55 °C increased in both of the optimum chemical oxygen demand (COD) loading rate and methanogenic activity, corresponding to the results of N and P uptakes, energy balance, and mass balance. The higher temperature of the thermophilic operation as compared to the mesophilic one caused a lower water solubility of the produced H2S, leading to lowering the reduction of divalent cation micronutrients. The thermophilic operation could prevent the deficit of micronutrients, thus causing a higher methanogenic activity, while the mesophilic operation still had the deficit of most micronutrients, leading to the lower activity.
Correction: Lee, Y.-H., et al. Beverage Intake, Smoking Behavior, and Alcohol Consumption in Contemporary China—A Cross-Sectional Analysis from the 2011 China Health and Nutrition Survey. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14, 493
Authors: Lee Yen-Han , Wang Zhi , Chiang Timothy , Liu Ching-Ti
Published: April 2018

The authors wish to add the following amendments and corrections to their paper published in IJERPH [1]. [...]
BREXIT and Foreign Direct Investment: Key Issues and New Empirical Findings
Authors: Welfens Paul J. J. , Baier Fabian J.
Published: April 2018

This contribution takes a new look at the gravity equation model in relation to foreign direct investment (FDI) of leading industrialized countries which presents a useful basis for assessing certain potential impacts arising from BREXIT—the envisaged leaving of the EU by the United Kingdom. The gravity equation estimated subsequently allows one to consider the case of BREXIT and the broader role of EU membership and other variables. Looking at the period from 1985 to 2012 for a dataset which contains 34 OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries, Pseudo Poisson Maximum Likelihood (PPML) dyadic fixed estimations take into account a broad set of approaches and variables. Besides the traditional variables of the EU/EU single-market membership of the source country and of the host country, we further consider the role of trade openness as well as corporate tax rates and the ratio of inward FDI stock to total capital stock. The analysis shows that trade openness is a variable which can be largely replaced by the inward FDI stock/capital stock ratio so that gravity FDI modeling with a strong emphasis on trade openness is likely to overstate the role of trade and to understate the role of relative FDI accumulation effects. The implication for BREXIT analysis is that the UK will face three impulses for FDI inflows: (1) leaving the EU single market will strongly reduce FDI inflows; (2) if foreign ownership in UK capital stock should strongly increase in the run-up to the BREXIT year 2019, part of the dampening effects of leaving the EU will be mitigated by the increase of the FDI stock/capital stock ratio, which in turn is likely to reflect a Froot–Stein effect related to real pound depreciation for 2016–2018; (3) to the extent that the UK government will want to reinforce output growth through higher FDI inflows, a reduction of corporate taxation could generate high effects but could also stimulate a downward international corporate tax reduction game.
Development of a Conceptual Mapping Standard to Link Building and Geospatial Information
Authors: Kang Taewook
Published: April 2018

This study introduces the BIM (building information modeling)-GIS (geographic information system) conceptual mapping (B2GM) standard ISO N19166 and proposes a mapping mechanism. In addition, the major issues concerning BIM-GIS integration, and the considerations that it requires, are discussed. The B2GM is currently being standardized by the spatial-information international standardization organization TC211. Previous studies on BIM-GIS integration seem to focus on the integration of different types of model schemas and on the implementation of service interfaces. B2GM concerns the clear definition of the conditions and methods for mapping the object information required from the user’s use-case viewpoint for city-scale mapping. The benefits of the B2GM approach are that the user is able directly control the BIM-GIS linkage and integration process in order to acquire the necessary objection information. This can reveal cases of possibly unclear BIM-GIS integration outside the black box in an explicit and standard way, so that the user can distinctively predict the final output obtainable from the BIM-GIS integration. This study examined B2GM in terms of its development background, components, and several utilization examples, as well as the levels and considerations of the integration of different BIM-GIS models.
Ethylene Responsive Factor MeERF72 Negatively Regulates Sucrose synthase 1 Gene in Cassava
Authors: Liu Chen , Chen Xin , Ma Ping’an , Zhang Shengkui , Zeng Changying , Jiang Xingyu , Wang Wenquan
Published: April 2018

Cassava, an important food and industrial crop globally, is characterized by its powerful starch accumulation in its storage root. However, the underlying molecular mechanism for this feature remains unclear. Sucrose synthase initializes the conversion of sucrose to starch, and, to a certain extent, its enzyme activity can represent sink strength. To understand the modulation of MeSus gene family, the relatively high expressed member in storage root, MeSus1, its promoter was used as bait to screen cassava storage root full-length cDNA library through a yeast one-hybrid system. An ethylene responsive factor cDNA, designated as MeERF72 according to its homolog in Arabidopsis, was screened out. The transcript level of MeERF72 was induced by ethylene, drought, and salt treatments and repressed by abscisic acid, Auxin, gibberellin, salicylic acid, and low and high temperatures. The MeERF72 protein has a conserved APETALA2 domain in its N-terminus and an activated domain of 30 amino acids in its C-terminus, can bind to MeSus1 promoter in vitro and in vivo, and represses the promoter activity of MeSus1. MeERF72 is a transcription factor that can negatively regulate the expression level of MeSus1 in cassava.
Does Typological Proximity Really Matter? Evidence from Mandarin and Brazilian Portuguese-Speaking Learners of Spanish
Authors: Cuza Alejandro , Jiao Jian , López-Otero Julio César
Published: April 2018

The present study examines the role of typological proximity in the acquisition of Differential Object Marking (DOM) in Spanish among eighteen (n = 18) Mandarin-speaking second language (L2) learners and sixteen (n = 16) Spanish heritage speakers (HSs) with Brazilian Portuguese (BP) as their dominant language. Specifically, we investigate the extent to which language proximity (languages are members of the same family) plays a role in the complete specification of the relevant features constraining DOM marking in Spanish. Results from an elicited production task and an acceptability judgment task (AJT) showed no support for the typological proximity model (Rothman 2010). There were also no age of onset of acquisition effects, in contrast to what was expected. The post-puberty Mandarin L2 learners outperformed the BP HSs in most of the conditions examined, suggesting a role for language instruction. Results are discussed along the lines of Liceras and Alba de la Fuente’s (2015) proposal whereby the locus of transfer is more related to the typological similarity between the languages at the microparametric level than to language proximity itself.
Enhanced Strength of a Mechanical Alloyed NbMoTaWVTi Refractory High Entropy Alloy
Authors: Long Yan , Su Kai , Zhang Jinfu , Liang Xiaobiao , Peng Haiyan , Li Xiaozhen
Published: April 2018

A NbMoTaWVTi refractory high entropy alloy (HEA) has been successfully synthesized by mechanical alloying (MA) and spark plasma sintering (SPS). The microstructure and mechanical properties of this alloy are investigated. It is observed that only two types of body-centered cubic (BCC) solid solutions are formed in the powders after ball milling for 40 h. However, a new face-centered cubic (FCC) precipitated phase is observed in the BCC matrix of bulk material consolidated by SPS. The FCC precipitated phase is identified as TiO, due to the introduction of O during the preparing process of HEA. The compressive yield strength, fracture strength, and total fracture strain of the consolidated bulk HEA are 2709 MPa, 3115 MPa, and 11.4%, respectively. The excellent mechanical properties can be attributed to solid solution strengthening and grain boundary strengthening of the fine-grained BCC matrix, as well as the precipitation strengthening owing to the formation of TiO particles.
Relevance of Nasal Potential Difference in Diagnosis of Cystic Fibrosis Among Children
Authors: Valiulis Arūnas , Skurvydienė Iveta , Misevičienė Valdonė , Kasnauskienė Jūratė , Vaidelienė Laimutė , Utkus Algirdas
Published: April 2018

Objective. The aim of this study was to estimate the significance of nasal potential difference (NPD) in the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis (CF) in children with clinical symptoms suggestive of the disease, positive sweat test results, and/or genetically confirmed diagnosis. Material and Methods. NPD measurements according to the modifications by Alton were performed in 50 children with clinical CF symptoms supported by positive sweat test results, 50 children with other obstructive lung diseases, and 50 healthy children. A subgroup of 17 children with the diagnosis confirmed by 2 identified mutations in the CF transmembrane regulatory gene was analyzed individually. Results. The mean NPD value recorded in 50 children with clinical symptoms of CF supported by positive sweat test results and/or genetic analysis was –28.0 mV [SD, 10.2]. The mean NPD value in the subgroup of children with 2 identified mutations in the CF gene (n=17) was more negative than in the subgroup of children with unrecognized mutations (n=33) (–37.1 mV [SD, 7.0] vs. –23.4 mV [SD, 8.3], P<0.001). The mean NPD value in patients with other obstructive lung diseases and healthy children was significantly more positive than in the group of CF children with positive sweat test results and/or identified mutations (–18.1 mV [SD, 3.6] and –15.5 mV [SD, 4.3] vs. –28.0 mV [SD, 10.2], P<0.001). The NPD cut point value for the genetically confirmed diagnosis of CF was –35.0 mV (sensitivity, 93.9%; specificity, 88.2%), while in general, the NPD prognostic value was –24.0 mV (sensitivity, 58.0%; specificity, 98.0%) Conclusions. The NPD measurement is a valuable tool for the diagnosis of CF in children, but further studies are necessary to establish NPD values related to the CF genotype and to reduce the intrasubject variability of this test.
Surgical Treatment of Ventricular Septal Defect Following Myocardial Infarction: A Case Report
Authors: Ereminienė Eglė , Jurgaitienė Rūta , Benetis Rimantas , Bakšytė Giedrė , Stanaitienė Giedrė
Published: April 2018

Ventricular septal defect after myocardial infarction is a rare but often life-threatening mechanical complication. The keys of management are a prompt diagnosis of ventricular septal defect and an aggressive approach to stabilize patient’s hemodynamics. Invasive monitoring, judicious use of inotropes and vasodilators, and an intra-aortic balloon pump are recommended for the optimal support of patient’s hemodynamics. The best results are achieved if optimally medically managed patients survive at least 4 weeks before elective surgery necessary for scar formation in a friable infarcted tissue. We report a case of acute myocardial infarction complicated by the rupture of ventricular septum. Instead of attempting an immediate surgical closure of ventricular septal defect, the postponed surgery was successfully performed 3 weeks after the occurrence of ventricular septal defect. Preoperatively, clinical and hemodynamic conditions of the patient were maintained stable with the support of an intra-aortic balloon pump and inotropes.
The Effect of Polyscias filicifolia Bailey Biomass Tincture on the Protein Synthesis Process in the Heterogeneous System From the Isolated Pig Heart
Authors: Kašauskas Artūras , Mongirdienė Aušra
Published: April 2018

Background and Objective. An insufficient supply of oxygen to the heart influences the process of protein synthesis. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the Polyscias filicifolia Bailey biomass tincture on the protein synthesis process in a heterogeneous translation system from the isolated pig heart. Materials and Methods. The effect of anoxia was evaluated after 20- and 90-minute anoxia. With the aim to determine the effect of Polyscias, the pig hearts were perfused with a buffer containing the Polyscias filicifolia Bailey biomass tincture. To determine the rate and the level of translation, the incorporation of [14C]-leucine into translational products in a cell-free system was measured. Results. The protein synthesis level decreased by 23%–42% when the translation system containing cytosol from the anoxic heart was used. When the translation system containing a ribosomal fraction after 20-minutes anoxia was used, the protein synthesis level was the same as in the control. In the case of 90-minute anoxia, it decreased by 16%. The protein synthesis rate and the level in the translation system containing cytosol from the heart after 20-minute anoxic perfusion with the buffer containing Polyscias was the same as in the control. Conclusions. A decrease in the protein synthesis rate and the level after 20-minute anoxia was determined by changes in cytosol. On the other hand, 90-minute anoxia caused changes in cytosol and the ribosomal fraction. The Polyscias filicifolia Bailey biomass tincture restored the protein synthesis process acting on the components of the translation system in cytosol and the ribosomal fraction.
Keratoprosthesis Surgery as an Alternative to Keratoplasty
Authors: Jašinskas Vytautas , Rudalevičius Paulius , Miliauskas Arūnas , Milčius Darius , Jurkūnas Ūla
Published: April 2018

Corneal transplant surgery after chemical or thermal burns has a very low success rate. Vision in these patients can be restored by using an artificial cornea (keratoprosthesis). In this report, we present 5 clinical cases of implanting a fresh corneal graft with Boston type 1 keratoprosthesis in patients with corneas inappropriate for standard corneal transplantation. The mean follow-up was 26.4 months (range, 12 to 36 months; SD, 13.1). The main measures of outcomes were visual acuity and keratoprosthesis stability. At least 1 year after the operation (5 eyes), vision acuity was >0.1 in 100% of the eyes and >0.4 in 50% of the eyes. Retention of the initial keratoprosthesis was 100%. The results of this study seem to be similar to those reported internationally. The anatomical and visual functions of the eyes were stable after keratoprosthesis implantation, though for a longer follow-up period, additional surgical procedures may be required.
Independent Pretreatment Predictors of Graves’ Disease Outcome
Authors: Daukšienė Dalia , Daukša Albertas , Mickuvienė Narseta
Published: April 2018

Background and Objective. Current treatment options of Graves’ disease (GD) are often unsatisfactory. This study aimed at determining the independent baseline predictors of medical treatment failure in GD. Material and Methods. A retrospective study of 194 patients with GD was carried out. According to the disease outcome, patients were divided into groups. The remission group included the patients who achieved long-term remission after initial antithyroid drug (ATD) treatment with no relapse (group 1) or after 2 or 3 courses of ATD therapy (group 2). The treatment failure group included the patients who underwent thyroid ablation due to relapse (group 3) or without ATD withdrawal (group 4). Results. A family history of thyroid disorders was associated with greater odds of failure (P=0.046). Higher thyrotropin receptor antibodies (TRAb) levels and a larger goiter size (grade 2/ grade 3) at the onset of the disease were both independently associated with a greater likelihood of failure. The initial TRAb concentration of 30.2 U/L and the TRAb concentration of 12.97 U/L at the end of ATD therapy were found to be the best cutoff values predicting the treatment failure. A hypoechogenic thyroid after ATD therapy, but not before therapy, increased the likelihood of failure by nearly 7.5 times (P<0.001). Conclusions. Higher TRAb levels and a larger goiter size at the onset of the disease were found to be the independent predictors of medical treatment failure in GD.
Infant Mortality Gap in the Baltic Region – Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania – in Relation to Macroeconomic Factors in 1996–2010
Authors: Ebela Inguna , Zile Irisa , Ebela Danute , Rozenfelde Ingrida
Published: April 2018

Background and Objective. A constant gap has appeared in infant mortality among the 3 Baltic States - Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania – since the restoration of independence in 1991. The aim of the study was to compare infant mortality rates in all the 3 Baltic countries and examine some of the macro- and socioeconomic factors associated with infant mortality. Material and Methods. The data were obtained from international databases, such as World Health Organization and EUROSTAT, and the national statistical databases of the Baltic States. The time series data sets (1996–2010) were used in the regression and correlation analysis. Results. In all the 3 Baltic States, a strong and significant correlation was found: Latvia (r=–0.81, P<0.01), Lithuania (r=–0.93, P<0.01), and Estonia (r=–0.91, P<0.01). There was also a correlation between infant mortality and healthcare expenditure in local currency per capita: Latvia (r=– 0.81, P<0.01); Lithuania (r=–0.90, P<0.01) and Estonia (r=–0.88, P<0.01). In Latvia (r=0.87, P<0.01) and Estonia (r=0.70; P<0.01), a significant correlation between infant mortality and unemployment levels was observed from 1996 to 2008, whereas the statistical significance disappeared in the period from 1996 to 2010. In Lithuania, the relationship was not significant. Conclusions. Higher infant mortality rates and a less stable decreasing tendency in Latvia are apparently explained by less successful adaptation to a new political and economic situation and limited skills in adjusting the healthcare system to the reality of life.
Incidentally Diagnosed Malignant Coronary Artery Anomaly: A Clinical Case
Authors: Golubickas Domas , Motiejūnaitė Justina , Jankauskas Antanas , Šlapikas Rimvydas , Basevičius Algidas
Published: April 2018

The incidence of congenital coronary artery anomalies is estimated to range between 1% and 2% in the general population. The separate types of coronary artery anomalies are even rarer – the left main coronary artery arising from the right coronary sinus and passing between the thoracic aorta and the pulmonary artery is one of them. In this case, the segment of the artery that courses between the aorta and the pulmonary artery is prone to compression, especially during heavy exercise. Outcomes may be fatal due to myocardial hypoperfusion, which is associated with sudden cardiac death especially among children, young adults, and athletes. Nowadays, innate coronary artery anomalies may be incidentally diagnosed in older age using new investigation methods such as computed tomography angiography.
Outcome of the First Successful Heart-Lung Transplantation in the Baltic Countries
Authors: Kubilius Raimondas , Malakauskas Kęstutis , Jankauskienė Loreta , Jakuška Povilas , Bolys Ramūnas , Pociūtė Evelina , Boguševičius Vaidotas , Benetis Rimantas
Published: April 2018

Successful heart-lung complex transplantation was performed in a 48-year-old man. During the postoperative period, M. tuberculosis infection was diagnosed, and the treatment subsequently started. One year after, the patient was urgently hospitalized due to myocardial infarction. However, despite the best efforts, the patient died. Antituberculosis treatment is recommended to all the patients with confirmed active tuberculosis. Treatment of tuberculosis in transplant recipients is similar to that of the general population, with the exclusion of rifamycins in the regimen and longer duration of treatment.
Prothrombin Complex Concentrate for Warfarin-Associated Intracranial Bleeding in Neurosurgical Patients: A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Mačiukaitienė Jomantė , Bilskienė Diana , Tamašauskas Arimantas , Bunevičius Adomas
Published: April 2018

Objective: The number of patients presenting with warfarin-associated intracranial bleeding and needing neurosurgical intervention is growing. Prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) is commonly used for anti-coagulation reversal before emergent surgery. We present our experience with PCC use in patients presenting with coagulopathy and needing urgent craniotomy. Methods: We retrospectively identified all patients presenting with intracranial bleeding and coagulopathy due to warfarin use, requiring urgent neurosurgical procedures, from January, 2014 (implementation of 4-PCC therapy) until December, 2016. For coagulation reversal, all patients received 4-PCC (Octaplex) and vitamin K. Results: Thirty-five consecutive patients (17 men; median age 72 years) were administered 4-PCC before emergent neurosurgical procedures. The majority of patients presented with traumatic subdural hematoma (62%) and spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (32%). All patients were taking warfarin. Median international normalized ratio (INR) on admission was 2.94 (range: 1.20 to 8.60). Median 4-PCC dose was 2000 I.U. (range: 500 I.U. to 3000 I.U.). There was a statically significant decrease in INR (p < 0.01), PT (p < 0.01), and PTT (p = 0.02) after 4-PCC administration. Postoperative INR values were ≤3.00 in all patients, and seven (20%) patients had normal INR values. There were no 4-PCC related complications. Four (11%) patients developed subdural/epidural hematoma and 20 (57%) patients died. Mortality was associated with lower Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score. Conclusions: The 4-PCC facilitates INR reversal and surgery in patients presenting with warfarin-associated coagulopathy and intracranial bleeding requiring urgent neurosurgical intervention.
Direct Electron Transfer of Dehydrogenases for Development of 3rd Generation Biosensors and Enzymatic Fuel Cells
Authors: Bollella Paolo , Gorton Lo , Antiochia Riccarda
Published: April 2018

Dehydrogenase based bioelectrocatalysis has been increasingly exploited in recent years in order to develop new bioelectrochemical devices, such as biosensors and biofuel cells, with improved performances. In some cases, dehydrogeases are able to directly exchange electrons with an appropriately designed electrode surface, without the need for an added redox mediator, allowing bioelectrocatalysis based on a direct electron transfer process. In this review we briefly describe the electron transfer mechanism of dehydrogenase enzymes and some of the characteristics required for bioelectrocatalysis reactions via a direct electron transfer mechanism. Special attention is given to cellobiose dehydrogenase and fructose dehydrogenase, which showed efficient direct electron transfer reactions. An overview of the most recent biosensors and biofuel cells based on the two dehydrogenases will be presented. The various strategies to prepare modified electrodes in order to improve the electron transfer properties of the device will be carefully investigated and all analytical parameters will be presented, discussed and compared.
Optical and Acoustic Sensor-Based 3D Ball Motion Estimation for Ball Sport Simulators †
Authors: Seo Sang-Woo , Kim Myunggyu , Kim Yejin
Published: April 2018

Estimation of the motion of ball-shaped objects is essential for the operation of ball sport simulators. In this paper, we propose an estimation system for 3D ball motion, including speed and angle of projection, by using acoustic vector and infrared (IR) scanning sensors. Our system is comprised of three steps to estimate a ball motion: sound-based ball firing detection, sound source localization, and IR scanning for motion analysis. First, an impulsive sound classification based on the mel-frequency cepstrum and feed-forward neural network is introduced to detect the ball launch sound. An impulsive sound source localization using a 2D microelectromechanical system (MEMS) microphones and delay-and-sum beamforming is presented to estimate the firing position. The time and position of a ball in 3D space is determined from a high-speed infrared scanning method. Our experimental results demonstrate that the estimation of ball motion based on sound allows a wider activity area than similar camera-based methods. Thus, it can be practically applied to various simulations in sports such as soccer and baseball.
Ultrasound Pulse-Echo Coupled with a Tracking Technique for Simultaneous Measurement of Multiple Bubbles
Authors: Povolny Antonin , Kikura Hiroshige , Ihara Tomonori
Published: April 2018

Bubbly flows are commonly used in various applications and their measurement is an important research topic. The ultrasound pulse-echo technique allows for the detection of each bubble and the measurement of the position of its surface. However, so far it has been used only to measure single bubbles. This paper investigates whether the pulse-echo technique can be applied for measuring multiple bubbles concurrently. The ultrasonic transducer wavelength and diameter were selected based on expected bubble diameters so that each bubble produced a strong reflection. The pulse-echo was implemented to obtain good accuracy without sacrificing the signal processing speed. A tracking technique was developed for the purpose of connecting detected reflections to trajectories. The technique was tested experimentally by measuring the horizontal position of rising air bubbles in a water tank. The results show that the pulse-echo technique can detect multiple bubbles concurrently. The pulse-echo technique detected almost the same number of bubbles as a high-speed video. For average void fractions up to around 1 % (and instantaneous void fraction reaching 5.3 % ), the rate of bubbles missed by the pulse-echo and the rate of noise trajectories both stayed less than 5%. The error rate increased with the void fraction, limiting the technique’s application range.
Information Systems for the Management of the Organizations
Authors: Penalver Antonio Juan Briones
Published: April 2018

This chapter investigates the main concepts and activities of information in strategic decision-making systems. Since information became the global economy value source for organizations, information assumes a key role in contributing to the development of the performance of organizations through the selection of relevant information for businesses. The relationship of the strategic management of information with business activities contributes to the process of strategic decision making for more effective and efficient decisions. The understanding of the importance of information as a strategic resource in the management of organizations is becoming more important to strategists than the formulation of strategy models of industrial society. In the twenty-first century, no manager will be able to set and implement the strategy successfully without a basic understanding of information for strategic decision making.
Trends in Gerotechnology
Authors: Rada Roy , Du Jie , Wimmer Hayden
Published: April 2018

A review of the literature highlights the ways in which information technology offers opportunities in long-term care, an area of research and application that might be called gerotechnology. The authors reviewed eight books about long-term care to find evidence of the possibilities for information technology. That led to the hypothesis that quality control, workflow, and telehealth are important topics for the gerotechnology journal literature. A query about gerotechnology was presented to PubMed, and patterns in that literature supported the hypothesis. A further experiment examined year-by-year trends over the last quarter century and highlighted the increasing importance of telehealth and monitoring in gerotechnology. The trends are consonant with the emergence of computer-assisted life flow as a future topic for gerotechnology.
User Behaviors and Knowledge Exchange in Health Infomediary
Authors: Yim Dobin , Khuntia Jiban , Argyris Young Anna
Published: April 2018

Online health infomediaries have the objective of knowledge exchange between participants. Visitor contribution is an important factor for the success of the infomediaries. Providers engaged with infomediaries need visitor identification for reputational incentives. However, identification or classification of visitors in online health infomediaries is sparse in literature. This chapter proposes two dimensions of participation, the intention and intensity levels of visitors, to conceptualize four user categories: community supporters, experiencer providers, knowledge questors, and expertise contributors. The authors validate these categories using a unique large data set collected from a health infomediary for cosmetic surgery, and consisting of 162,598 observed activities of 44,350 visitors, at different participation levels in the year 2012-13. They use cluster analysis to describe similarities and differences among the four user categories. Practice implications are discussed.
Revisiting Project Definition/Initiation for Telemedicine Services
Authors: Wood Suzanne J. , LeRouge Cynthia M. , Tulu Bengisu , Tan Joseph
Published: April 2018

Healthcare organizations and stakeholders are profoundly challenged in transiting a telemedicine project into a sustainable telehealth service line. While project management best practices have added values across multiple domains, a knowledge gap exists on informed execution of telehealth best practices. Project definition, or initiation, sets the strategic vision (and plan) for a project. It is the predominant stage in a project. As project initiation hugely defines project success, revisiting this stage for telemedicine may help to inform key actors on ways to achieve an optimal delivery of such services. Indeed, winning telehealth services require well-knitted intra- and inter-organizational collaboration on technology adoption across different organizational arrangements and among key stakeholders. Hence, a model redefining key project initiation components is used to drive our analysis. Drawing from collected data of a multisite telestroke implementation and anchoring on the model's conceptualization, the authors explore in-depth how project initiation can be strategically framed within the telemedicine context. The interpretative findings from the data analysis, with each case surmising a distinct telemedicine business model, provide further insights on the collaborative uptake of telestroke programs. More specifically, the authors extend the analysis through comparative examination of key factors that promote or impede adoption via the lens of five distinct telecare business models: (1) the outsourced model; (2) the alliance model; (3) the not-for-profit private hospital network model; (4) the not-for-profit university sponsored network model; and (5) the for-profit private hospital network model. Together, the insights provided by this contribution will help efforts directed towards contextualizing key elements of project initiation in telemedicine and highlight the alignments of critical factors that can impact future telehealth efforts.
An Exploration of Thinking About Complex Global Issues and Then Taking Action
Authors: Roderick Ian
Published: April 2018

There are many problems and challenges facing the world. They go beyond problems that can be solved. They present as continual challenges that perpetually shift and transform themselves. The word we use for these situations are issues and they are by nature complex and large scale – they are global and long term. However, action does follow thinking and talking, even if that action is internalized. This chapter explores thinking about complex global issues and taking action.
Determination of the Content of Fluorine and Chlorine in Inorganic Insulation Materials by Ion Chromatography
Authors: Liu Shi Hua , Yuan Qing Dan , Chen Peng , Li Xuan , Shao Di
Published: April 2018

A fast and accurate method for simultaneous determination of the content of fluorine and chlorine in inorganic thermal insulation materials by ion chromatography was developed. The samples were cut into pieces of weight less than 40mg, washed with water as the extractant, heated for 30 min and then centrifuged, filtered through a 0.22 μm microporous membrane, and the cation was removed using a SEP-H column. The solution was rinsed with 20/30 mM KOH as the mobile phase, separated by anion exchange column and then detected using a conductivity detector. The mass concentration of fluorine and chlorine in the range of 0.1-10mg/L was linearly related to their peak area, the detection limit of fluorine was 0.030mg/Land the detection limit of chlorine was 0.016mg/L. The relative standard deviations (n=6) of the three typical inorganic insulating materials (glass wool, rock wool and mineral wool) were less than 2.0% and the rate of recovery of fluoride and chloride ion was between 97% and 101%.The method had good accuracy and recovery rate. The absolute error of the measured value between ion chromatography and the national standard was less than 0.20%.The results showed that the method was suitable for the determination of the content of fluorine and chlorine in inorganic thermal insulation materials
Exploring the decision to adopt International Financial Reporting Standards early: The case of International Financial Reporting Standards 13
Authors: Swait Nakita , Patel Adnan , Maroun Warren
Published: April 2018

Using an exploratory interpretive research approach and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) 13 as a case study, this article investigates the factors that affect the decision to adopt a specific IFRS early. The research findings are significant as very little interpretive research has been performed on financial reporting from a South African perspective. The findings reveal that the majority of the interviewees did not elect to adopt IFRS 13 early. Technical constraints – such as the need to provide additional accounting disclosure – discouraged the early adoption of the standard. Factors such as the effect of adoption on earnings, decisions made by competitors and the relevance of the standard to business operations were also considered as part of this decision. Perhaps most significant is the logic of resistance to new standards evidenced by a general dismissal of the view that IFRS 13 provides more useful information to users of financial statements.
Management strategies of cranial encephaloceles: A neurosurgical challenge
Authors: Velho Vernon , Naik Harish , Survashe Pravin , Guthe Sachin , Bhide Anuj , Bhople Laxmikant , Guha Amrita
Published: April 2018

Background: Encephalocele is defined as herniation of cranial contents beyond the normal confines of the skull through a defect in the calvarium either along the midline or at the base of skull. These anomalies should be repaired in the first few months of life to prevent neurological deficits and facial disfigurement. The aim of the surgery is water tight dural closure at the level of internal defect, closure of skull defect, and reconstruction of external bony deformity. Materials and Methods: Fifty-four cases of encephalocoeles were studied in our hospital over a 6-year period from 2010 to 2016. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain were performed to delineate the bony defect and associated anomalies. Reconstruction of the bony defect was done using autologous calvarial bone graft, Osteopore polycaprolactone (PCL) bone scaffold filler and titanium mesh. Results: In our study, 54 patients (34 boys and 20 girls) whose age varied between 2 months and 14 years were evaluated. Frontoethmoidal (44.5%) and occipital encephaloceles (25.9%) were the most frequently seen varieties. Repair of the dural defect either primarily or using pericranium was done in all cases. Closure of the bony defect was done using autologous calvarial bone graft in 12 (22.22%) patients. Titanium mesh was used in eight and Osteopore PCL bone scaffold filler in four children. Cranioplasty was not done in remaining thirty children because of the small bone defect. Overall, 80% had no postoperative problem and were discharged between 7 and 10 days of surgery. Cerebrospinal fluid leak was the most frequent postoperative complication, noted in five patients. Re-exploration with repair was done in one and remaining four were managed conservatively. Overall, cosmetic results were acceptably good, with parents judging the cosmetic outcome as good to excellent in 70%, satisfactory in 18%, and poor in 3% at the last follow-up. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that encephaloceles are associated with complex deformities and pose a technical challenge to the neurosurgeon. A multidisciplinary approach is necessary to manage these cases. MRI brain and three dimensional CT aids in evaluating the deformity better and surgical correction should be performed as soon as possible to prevent a further neurological deficit. Repair of dural defect and reconstruction of the skull defect results in a good long-term outcome. We present our experience on 54 cases of cranial encephaloceles managed surgically over a period of only 6 years which is one of the largest series reported from Asia.