bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reuse of Boron Waste as an Additive in Road Base Material
Authors: Zhang Yutong , Guo Qinglin , Li Lili , Jiang Ping , Jiao Yubo , Cheng Yongchun
Published: May 2016

The amount of boron waste increases year by year. There is an urgent demand to manage it in order to reduce the environmental impact. In this paper, boron waste was reused as an additive in road base material. Lime and cement were employed to stabilize the waste mixture. Mechanical performances of stabilized mixture were evaluated by experimental methods. A compaction test, an unconfined compressive test, an indirect tensile test, a modulus test, a drying shrinkage test, and a frost resistance test were carried out. Results indicated that mechanical strengths of lime-stabilized boron waste mixture (LSB) satisfy the requirements of road base when lime content is greater than 8%. LSB can only be applied in non-frozen regions as a result of its poor frost resistance. The lime–cement-stabilized mixture can be used in frozen regions when lime and cement contents are 8% and 5%, respectively. Aggregate reduces the drying shrinkage coefficient effectively. Thus, aggregate is suggested for mixture stabilization properly. This work provides a proposal for the management of boron waste.
Roles of Extracellular Polysaccharides and Biofilm Formation in Heavy Metal Resistance of Rhizobia
Authors: Nocelli Natalia , Bogino Pablo , Banchio Erika , Giordano Walter
Published: May 2016

Bacterial surface components and extracellular compounds, particularly flagella, lipopolysaccharides (LPSs), and exopolysaccharides (EPSs), in combination with environmental signals and quorum-sensing signals, play crucial roles in bacterial autoaggregation, biofilm development, survival, and host colonization. The nitrogen-fixing species Sinorhizobium meliloti (S. meliloti) produces two symbiosis-promoting EPSs: succinoglycan (or EPS I) and galactoglucan (or EPS II). Studies of the S. meliloti/alfalfa symbiosis model system have revealed numerous biological functions of EPSs, including host specificity, participation in early stages of host plant infection, signaling molecule during plant development, and (most importantly) protection from environmental stresses. We evaluated functions of EPSs in bacterial resistance to heavy metals and metalloids, which are known to affect various biological processes. Heavy metal resistance, biofilm production, and co-culture were tested in the context of previous studies by our group. A range of mercury (Hg II) and arsenic (As III) concentrations were applied to S. meliloti wild type strain and to mutant strains defective in EPS I and EPS II. The EPS production mutants were generally most sensitive to the metals. Our findings suggest that EPSs are necessary for the protection of bacteria from either Hg (II) or As (III) stress. Previous studies have described a pump in S. meliloti that causes efflux of arsenic from cells to surrounding culture medium, thereby protecting them from this type of chemical stress. The presence of heavy metals or metalloids in culture medium had no apparent effect on formation of biofilm, in contrast to previous reports that biofilm formation helps protect various microorganism species from adverse environmental conditions. In co-culture experiments, EPS-producing heavy metal resistant strains exerted a protective effect on AEPS-non-producing, heavy metal-sensitive strains; a phenomenon termed “rescuing” of the non-resistant strain.
Synthesis of Ball-Like Ag Nanorod Aggregates for Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering and Catalytic Reduction
Authors: Zhang Wenjing , Cai Yin , Qian Rui , Zhao Bo , Zhu Peizhi
Published: May 2016

In this work, ball-like Ag nanorod aggregates have been synthesized via a simple seed-mediated method. These Ag mesostructures were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Adding a certain amount of polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) can prolong its coagulation time. These Ag nanorod aggregates exhibit effective SERS effect, evaluated by Rhodamine 6G (R6G) and doxorubicin (DOX) as probe molecules. The limit of detection (LOD) for R6G and DOX are as low as 5 × 10−9 M and 5 × 10−6 M, respectively. Moreover, these Ag nanorod aggregates were found to be potential catalysts for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) in the presence of NaBH4.
Elevation of Fasting Ghrelin in Healthy Human Subjects Consuming a High-Salt Diet: A Novel Mechanism of Obesity?
Authors: Zhang Yong , Li Fenxia , Liu Fu-Qiang , Chu Chao , Wang Yang , Wang Dan , Guo Tong-Shuai , Wang Jun-Kui , Guan Gong-Chang , Ren Ke-Yu , Mu Jian-Jun
Published: May 2016

Overweight/obesity is a chronic disease that carries an increased risk of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and premature death. Several epidemiological studies have demonstrated a clear relationship between salt intake and obesity, but the pathophysiologic mechanisms remain unknown. We hypothesized that ghrelin, which regulates appetite, food intake, and fat deposition, becomes elevated when one consumes a high-salt diet, contributing to the progression of obesity. We, therefore, investigated fasting ghrelin concentrations during a high-salt diet. Thirty-eight non-obese and normotensive subjects (aged 25 to 50 years) were selected from a rural community in Northern China. They were sequentially maintained on a normal diet for three days at baseline, a low-salt diet for seven days (3 g/day, NaCl), then a high-salt diet for seven days (18 g/day). The concentration of plasma ghrelin was measured using an immunoenzyme method (ELISA). High-salt intake significantly increased fasting ghrelin levels, which were higher during the high-salt diet (320.7 ± 30.6 pg/mL) than during the low-salt diet (172.9 ± 8.9 pg/mL). The comparison of ghrelin levels between the different salt diets was statistically-significantly different (p < 0.01). A positive correlation between 24-h urinary sodium excretion and fasting ghrelin levels was demonstrated. Our data indicate that a high-salt diet elevates fasting ghrelin in healthy human subjects, which may be a novel underlying mechanism of obesity.
Carbon Microparticles from Organosolv Lignin as Filler for Conducting Poly(Lactic Acid)
Authors: Köhnke Janea , Fürst Christian , Unterweger Christoph , Rennhofer Harald , Lichtenegger Helga , Keckes Jozef , Emsenhuber Gerhard , Mahendran Arunjunai , Liebner Falk , Gindl-Altmutter Wolfgang
Published: May 2016

Carbon microparticles were produced from organosolv lignin at 2000 °C under argon atmosphere following oxidative thermostabilisation at 250 °C. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, small-angle X-ray scattering, and electro-conductivity measurements revealed that the obtained particles were electrically conductive and were composed of large graphitic domains. Poly(lactic acid) filled with various amounts of lignin-derived microparticles showed higher tensile stiffness increasing with particle load, whereas strength and extensibility decreased. Electric conductivity was measured at filler loads equal to and greater than 25% w/w.
A

PT

-Symmetric Dual-Core System with the Sine-Gordon Nonlinearity and Derivative Coupling
Authors: Cuevas-Maraver Jesús , Malomed Boris , Kevrekidis Panayotis
Published: May 2016

As an extension of the class of nonlinear PT -symmetric models, we propose a system of sine-Gordon equations, with the PT symmetry represented by balanced gain and loss in them. The equations are coupled by sine-field terms and first-order derivatives. The sinusoidal coupling stems from local interaction between adjacent particles in coupled Frenkel–Kontorova (FK) chains, while the cross-derivative coupling, which was not considered before, is induced by three-particle interactions, provided that the particles in the parallel FK chains move in different directions. Nonlinear modes are then studied in this system. In particular, kink-kink (KK) and kink-anti-kink (KA) complexes are explored by means of analytical and numerical methods. It is predicted analytically and confirmed numerically that the complexes are unstable for one sign of the sinusoidal coupling and stable for another. Stability regions are delineated in the underlying parameter space. Unstable complexes split into free kinks and anti-kinks that may propagate or become quiescent, depending on whether they are subject to gain or loss, respectively.
Black Holes and Exotic Spinors
Authors: Da Silva J. , Villalobos C. , Da Rocha Roldao
Published: May 2016

Exotic spin structures are non-trivial liftings, of the orthogonal bundle to the spin bundle, on orientable manifolds that admit spin structures according to the celebrated Geroch theorem. Exotic spin structures play a role of paramount importance in different areas of physics, from quantum field theory, in particular at Planck length scales, to gravity, and in cosmological scales. Here, we introduce an in-depth panorama in this field, providing black hole physics as the fount of spacetime exoticness. Black holes are then studied as the generators of a non-trivial topology that also can correspond to some inequivalent spin structure. Moreover, we investigate exotic spinor fields in this context and the way exotic spinor fields branch new physics. We also calculate the tunneling probability of exotic fermions across a Kerr-Sen black hole, showing that the exotic term does affect the tunneling probability, altering the black hole evaporation rate. Finally we show that it complies with the Hawking temperature universal law.
PRINCIPLES OF EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION AND PERSUASION IN BUSINESS NEGOTIATIONS
Authors: Peleckis Kestutis , Peleckienė Valentina , Lapinskienė Giedrė , Dudzeviciute Gitana
Published: May 2016

In business communication and negotiations communicating sides are trying to convince each other in their views, positions justice. For this purpose using a variety of measures starting with scientifically sound principles, logic diagrams and ending in various appeals, speculations, sophistries. Language persuasiveness is very important the negotiators’ competence. Nothing can replace the suggestibility of a live word. Only directly communicating, negotiating, submitting proof, arguments, counter-arguments, controverting negotiators can move quickly to the overall objective of the agreement. Persuasion aims to change the behavior of the opponent, interviewer. Persuasion can bring positive and negative results.
THE NEW SILK ROAD – ANALYSIS OF THE POTENTIAL OF NEW EURASIAN TRANSPORT CORRIDORS
Authors: Nazarko Joanicjusz , Kuźmicz Katarzyna Anna , Czerewacz-Filipowicz Katarzyna
Published: May 2016

The objective of this paper is to investigate the potential of the Chinese initiative The New Silk Route (NSR) comprising two transport routes: railway and maritime, linking Europe and Asia. In the paper the NSR was analysed from the perspective of: potential benefits from countries’ participation in NSR and challenges that NSR will have to face to become a well performing transport corridor. The authors point out that the NSR is going to be a logistic corridor that is to influence transport and supply chains and determine the position of participating countries in international division of labour.
TOWARDS PROCESS MATURITY – TRIGGERS OF CHANGE
Authors: Jurczuk Arkadiusz
Published: May 2016

Process-oriented development of an organization is supported by maturity models. They delineate a sequence of stages that together form a path from an initial to a desired maturity level. Maturity progress is determined by various success factors and initiated by different triggers. There is no common classification of these triggers. The purpose of this paper is to identify triggers in relation to maturity levels. To identify triggers a contextual model has been developed and literature review has been conducted. Results suggest that due to incomplete understanding of process-based approach some additional triggers may also affect success of its implementation.
AGAINST THE WIND: RADIO LIGHT CURVES OF TYPE IA SUPERNOVAE INTERACTING WITH LOW-DENSITY CIRCUMSTELLAR SHELLS
Authors: Harris Chelsea E. , Nugent Peter E. , Kasen Daniel N.
Published: May 2016

For decades a wide variety of observations spanning the radio through optical and on to the X-ray have attempted to uncover signs of type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) interacting with a circumstellar medium (CSM). The goal of these studies is to constrain the nature of the hypothesized SN Ia mass-donor companion. A continuous CSM is typically assumed when interpreting observations of interaction. However, while such models have been successfully applied to core-collapse SNe, the assumption of continuity may not be accurate for SNe Ia, because shells of CSM could be formed by pre-supernova eruptions (novae). In this work, we model the interaction of SNe with a spherical, low-density, finite-extent CSM and create a suite of synthetic radio synchrotron light curves. We find that CSM shells produce sharply peaked light curves. We also identify a fiducial set of models that obey a common evolution and can be used to generate radio light curves for an interaction with an arbitrary shell. The relations obeyed by the fiducial models can be used to deduce CSM properties from radio observations; we demonstrate this by applying them to the nondetections of SN 2011fe and SN 2014J. Finally, we explore a multiple shell CSM configuration and describe its more complicated dynamics and the resultant radio light curves.
EXTINCTION LAWS TOWARD STELLAR SOURCES WITHIN A DUSTY CIRCUMSTELLAR MEDIUM AND IMPLICATIONS FOR TYPE IA SUPERNOVAE
Authors: Nagao Takashi , Maeda Keiichi , Nozawa Takaya
Published: May 2016

Many astronomical objects are surrounded by dusty environments. In such dusty objects, multiple scattering processes of photons by circumstellar (CS) dust grains can effectively alter extinction properties. In this paper, we systematically investigate the effects of multiple scattering on extinction laws for steady-emission sources surrounded by the dusty CS medium using a radiation transfer simulation based on the Monte Carlo technique. In particular, we focus on whether and how the extinction properties are affected by properties of CS dust grains by adopting various dust grain models. We confirm that behaviors of the (effective) extinction laws are highly dependent on the properties of CS grains, especially the total-to-selective extinction ratio R

V
, which characterizes the extinction law and can be either increased or decreased and compared with the case without multiple scattering. We find that the criterion for this behavior is given by a ratio of albedos in the B and V bands. We also find that either small silicate grains or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are necessary for realizing a low value of R

V
as often measured toward SNe Ia if the multiple scattering by CS dust is responsible for their non-standard extinction laws. Using the derived relations between the properties of dust grains and the resulting effective extinction laws, we propose that the extinction laws toward dusty objects could be used to constrain the properties of dust grains in CS environments.
MULTIWAVELENGTH OBSERVATIONS OF THE REDBACK MILLISECOND PULSAR J1048+2339
Authors: Deneva J. S. , Ray P. S. , Camilo F. , Halpern J. P. , Wood K. , Cromartie H. T. , Ferrara E. , Kerr M. , Ransom S. M. , Wolff M. T. , Chambers K. C. , Magnier E. A.
Published: May 2016

We report on radio timing and multiwavelength observations of the 4.66 ms redback pulsar J1048+2339, which was discovered in an Arecibo search targeting the Fermi-Large Area Telescope source 3FGL J1048.6+2338. Two years of timing allowed us to derive precise astrometric and orbital parameters for the pulsar. PSR J1048+2339 is in a 6 hr binary and exhibits radio eclipses over half the orbital period and rapid orbital period variations. The companion has a minimum mass of 0.3 M
⊙, and we have identified a V ∼ 20 variable optical counterpart in data from several surveys. The phasing of its ∼1 mag modulation at the orbital period suggests highly efficient and asymmetric heating by the pulsar wind, which may be due to an intrabinary shock that is distorted near the companion, or to the companion’s magnetic field channeling the pulsar wind to specific locations on its surface. We also present gamma-ray spectral analysis of the source and preliminary results from searches for gamma-ray pulsations using the radio ephemeris.
PRECISION EPHEMERIDES FOR GRAVITATIONAL WAVE SEARCHES. II. CYG X-2
Authors: Premachandra Sammanani S. , Galloway Duncan K. , Casares Jorge , Steeghs Danny T. , Marsh Thomas R.
Published: May 2016

Accreting neutron stars in low-mass X-ray binaries are candidate high-frequency persistent gravitational wave sources. These may be detectable with next-generation interferometers such as Advanced LIGO/VIRGO within this decade. However, the search sensitivity is expected to be limited principally by the uncertainty in the binary system parameters. We combine new optical spectroscopy of Cyg X-2 obtained with the Liverpool Telescope with available historical radial velocity data, which gives us improved orbital parameter uncertainties based on a 44 year baseline. We obtained an improvement of a factor of 2.6 in the orbital period precision and a factor of 2 in the epoch of inferior conjunction T
0. The updated orbital parameters imply a mass function of 0.65 ± 0.01 M
⊙, leading to a primary mass (M
1) of 1.67 ± 0.22 M
⊙ (for

). In addition, we estimate the likely orbital parameter precision through to the expected Advanced LIGO and VIRGO detector observing period and quantify the corresponding improvement in sensitivity via the required number of templates.
NONAXISYMMETRIC MHD INSTABILITIES OF CHANDRASEKHAR STATES IN TAYLOR-COUETTE GEOMETRY
Authors: Gellert M. , Rüdiger G. , Schultz M. , Guseva A. , Hollerbach R.
Published: May 2016

We consider axially periodic Taylor–Couette geometry with insulating boundary conditions. The imposed basic states are so-called Chandrasekhar states, where the azimuthal flow U

ϕ
and magnetic field B

ϕ
have the same radial profiles. Mainly three particular profiles are considered: the Rayleigh limit, quasi-Keplerian, and solid-body rotation. In each case we begin by computing linear instability curves and their dependence on the magnetic Prandtl number

. For the azimuthal wavenumber m = 1 modes, the instability curves always scale with the Reynolds number and the Hartmann number. For sufficiently small

these modes therefore only become unstable for magnetic Mach numbers less than unity, and are thus not relevant for most astrophysical applications. However, modes with

can behave very differently. For sufficiently flat profiles, they scale with the magnetic Reynolds number and the Lundquist number, thereby allowing instability also for the large magnetic Mach numbers of astrophysical objects. We further compute fully nonlinear, three-dimensional equilibration of these instabilities, and investigate how the energy is distributed among the azimuthal (m) and axial (k) wavenumbers. In comparison spectra become steeper for large m, reflecting the smoothing action of shear. On the other hand kinetic and magnetic energy spectra exhibit similar behavior: if several azimuthal modes are already linearly unstable they are relatively flat, but for the rigidly rotating case where m = 1 is the only unstable mode they are so steep that neither Kolmogorov nor Iroshnikov–Kraichnan spectra fit the results. The total magnetic energy exceeds the kinetic energy only for large magnetic Reynolds numbers

.
L’herméneutique coranique dans l’ Épître sur le Retour d’Avicenne : entre orthodoxie et philosophie
Authors: Lamrani Lila
Published: May 2016

Dans son Épître sur le Retour , Avicenne propose une étude sur le statut et la fonction du Coran, qui constitue l’une des réflexions les plus poussées sur l’herméneutique des Textes sacrés. Loin de considérer le Coran comme un texte démonstratif portant sur ce qui est, Avicenne explique qu’il s’agit en réalité d’un texte rhétorique dont l’objectif est de pousser les gens à adopter le comportement moral adéquat pour assurer la cohésion sociale. La supériorité du Coran réside donc dans le fait qu’il remplit parfaitement sa fonction en associant une connaissance fine de la psychologie humaine à l’utilisation de procédés rhétoriques adaptés. La tradition péripatéticienne de la rhétorique et de sa fonction permet de mieux comprendre le cadre dans lequel s’inscrit Avicenne pour effectuer sa démontration. Cependant, les sources de la tradition juridique confortent cette position en posant que les versets coraniques ne doivent pas toujours être pris dans leur sens littéral.
Avicenne, « philosophe analytique » des mathématiques
Authors: Rashed Roshdi
Published: May 2016

Le présent article s’attache à décrire quelques aspects de la philosophie des mathématiques d’Avicenne. Il montre qu’Avicenne ne s’est pas contenté de réfléchir sur l’ontologie des entités des mathématiques en tant que telles, mais qu’il aborde également les sciences mathématiques de manière analytique, c’est-à-dire en tant qu’elles suscitent, révèlent et permettent de formaliser des problèmes surgis dans d’autres champs du savoir philosophique.
Fonctions et dénis du cadre clinique
Authors: Poupart Florent , Pirlot Gérard
Published: May 2016

L’intérêt pour les fonctions du cadre en psychanalyse est apparu tardivement, une dizaine d’années après la mort de Sigmund Freud. Après avoir rappelé les préconisations techniques essentielles de Freud quant au dispositif ( Verfahren ), les auteurs définissent les principales fonctions du cadre (contenante, interdictrice, symboligène) telles qu’elles ont été dégagées notamment par Donald W. Winnicott, José Bleger, André Green et René Roussillon. Puis ils s’interrogent sur les enjeux cliniques des transgressions du cadre, en particulier dans le travail psychothérapique auprès des patients non névrotiques. Enfin, les auteurs proposent de questionner l’influence des références théoriques des cliniciens dans leur façon de considérer et de manier le cadre clinique, à partir d’une réflexion sur certains aspects théorico-pratiques du courant psychanalytique issu de l’enseignement de Jacques Lacan.
La corporation des psychanalystes français : généalogie d’une situation institutionnelle et politique
Authors: Dupont Sébastien
Published: May 2016

Cet article se propose de retracer la généalogie de la situation politique et institutionnelle du mouvement psychanalytique français. Il s’agit également de mettre en évidence les conséquences majeures de cette configuration historique, concernant le rapport des psychanalystes à l’État, la reconnaissance du statut de psychanalyste et l’encadrement déontologique des pratiques
Georg Groddeck (1866-1934) et un cas de sclérodermie
Authors: Tréhel Gilles
Published: May 2016

Georg Groddeck est un médecin formé par Ernst Schweninger. Après avoir décrié la psychanalyse, il s’y intéresse. En 1917, il prend contact avec Sigmund Freud dans un courrier où il mentionne plusieurs exemples dont une histoire de maladie. Transmise à Ferenczi, elle retient son attention. Cette même année, Groddeck fait paraître une brochure intitulée «  Détermination psychique et traitement psychanalytique des affections organiques  » dans laquelle se retrouve la même histoire de maladie d’un patient. En 1918, dans l’une de ses «  Conférences psychanalytiques à l’usage des malades  », il présente la forme que peut prendre une maladie chronique en s’appuyant sur la symptomatologie de ce même patient. En 1923, dans le «  Le Livre du Ça  », Groddeck consacre un chapitre à l’étude de ce cas qu’il nomme : Monsieur D. L’amélioration des symptômes de ce patient lui permet de partir sous les drapeaux. Karl Abraham fait référence à M. D. dans l’un de ses écrits. Il ressort que ce cas donne à Groddeck un matériel pour démontrer la valeur du travail psychanalytique avec des affections organiques.
A Guiding Design System for Pressure Vessels based on 3D CAD
Authors: Shanhui Zhang , Chaoying Yang , Ning Xu
Published: May 2016

The design of pressure vessel is an extremely professional job which has heavy workload, repeated work, and rich accumulated knowledge, and it has good characteristics of serialization, generalization, standardization. Generic 3D CAD systems are not suitable for pressure vessel design. On the contrary, customized development based on 3D CAD system is needed. In this paper, a new pressure vessel design system based on Chinese 3D CAD system named SINOVATION was developed to improve design efficiency and accuracy. First, the functions and construction of pressure vessel design system were presented with the analysis of the traditional design process of pressure vessels. Second, related design specifications were managed and used flexibly in pressure vessel design system, and general parts library and standard parts library were established to improve parts reuse and accumulation. Finally, a guiding design mode was accepted for typical vessels and components to design same product series while direct modeling function was used for atypical pressure vessels. The results show that this method is helpful for embedded use of design specifications, standards and knowledge, and also provides an extensive interface for product updates and diversification. Statistical data reports and accurate engineering drawings are generated automatically based on 3D models. The quality, efficiency, and consistence are greatly improved. With the implementation and application, the system has been highly commended by customers in Chinese pressure vessel industry, especially in petrochemical industry.
Research on the Application of Intelligent Calibration Device for Nuclear Power Plants Based on Wireless Sensor Technology
Authors: Yang Zhe , Yang Cheng
Published: May 2016

Wireless technology possesses distinct technical and economic advantages in the design, construction, and operations management of nuclear power plants. To improve the level of autonomy of nuclear power plants, we discuss the research on the international system of developing wireless technology applications for use in nuclear power plants. Further studies have enabled the extensive use of wireless technology in China’s nuclear power industry. The application of the proposed wireless sensor technology in nuclear power plants is based on reliability, environmental adaptability, electromagnetic compatibility, scalability, and maintainability requirements. Accordingly, the application will be a gradual process but wireless sensor technology needs to evolve continuously to meet these requirements. This study is designed to implement a thermal instrumentation calibration device using a Windows CE embedded operating system as the core of the test procedures in accordance with the relevant requirements. We also maximize the considerable reliability of an embedded operating system in the traditional areas of metering industry. Results show that in using wireless technology in nuclear power plant, the general thermal instrumentation calibration application of an intelligent device system is low, data accuracy is high, and the process is stable.
Energy Balancing of a Heuristic Algorithm for the Path Planning of Mobile Sensor Nodes
Authors: Xu X. , Liu B. Z.
Published: May 2016

A wireless sensor network (WSN) is one of the core technologies of the Internet of things. It is an important means to realize a real-time geographic information system. Related research has shown that in the future, tens of billions of sensors and intelligent terminal equipment will be connected to WSNs based on the establishment of the function of the Internet of things. This study presents a heuristic algorithm to balance the energy consumption of each sensor node. It proposes a new real-time dynamic allocation algorithm for sensor tasks based on the concept of this heuristic algorithm and by considering that a multisensory system is composed of a phased-array radar. This allocation algorithm can dynamically assign tasks to the most suitable sensor before tasks fail to arrive, which ensures that the sensor can achieve a good load balance and extend network lifetime. A simulation experiment is conducted, and results validate the proposed algorithm. The energy consumption of mobile sensor nodes is effectively balanced. The path-planning algorithm standardizes the energy consumption of each mobile sensor node across the network , thereby effectively prolonging network lifetime.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS APPLICATION IN CERVICAL CANCER PATHOLOGICAL CELL IMAGE CLASSIFICATION SYSTEMS — A REVIEW
Authors: Sokouti Massoud , Sokouti Babak
Published: May 2016

Cervical cancer cell images play an important part in diagnosing the cancer among the females worldwide. Existing noises, overlapping cells, mucus, blood and air artifacts in cervical cancer cell images makes their classification a hard task. It makes it difficult for both pathologists and intelligent systems to segment and classify them into normal, pre-cancerous and cancerous cells. However, true cell segmentation is needed for pathologists to make for accurate diagnosis. In this paper, a review of algorithms used for cervical cancer cell image classification is presented. This includes pre-processing steps (noise reduction and cell segmentation/without segmentation), feature extraction, and intelligent diagnosis systems and their evaluations. Finally, future research trends on cervical cell classification to achieve complete accuracy are described.
AMPHIPHILIC POLYMER-ASSISTED SYNTHESIS OF HYDROXYAPATITE PARTICLES AND THEIR INFLUENCE ON THE RHEOLOGICAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF THERMOSENSITIVE HYDROGELS
Authors: Huang Yu-Chao , Lin Pei-Wen , Qiu Wen-Jian , Yang Ta-I
Published: May 2016

Polymeric composite materials hold promise for versatile advanced applications. Of utmost importance for these applications is incorporating inorganic particles within polymer matrices which lead to multifunctional polymeric composites with desired functions. Specifically, thermosensitive polymeric hydrogels incorporating particle fillers have elicited widespread interest because of promising applications in drug delivery, tissue engineering, and medical devices. Although these materials are frequently discussed in many research fields, there are no decisive conclusions reported in literature, showing how the particle filler affects the rheological and mechanical behaviors of the resulting hydrogels. In this research, hydroxyapatite (HAp) bioceramics with definable morphologies were synthesized in order to reveal their effects on the resulting properties of HAp/polymer composite hydrogels. HAp particles with spherical, sheet-like and rod-like shapes were prepared with assistance by adding amphiphilic surfactant, poly(ethylene oxide)-b-poly(propylene oxide)-b-poly(ethylene oxide) in synthesis. Thermosensitive composite hydrogels with controllable rheological and mechanical properties were thus developed by incorporating HAp particles into poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PEG-PLGA) hydrogel. Experimental results revealed that the rheological and mechanical properties of the resultant HAp/PEG-PLGA composite hydrogel not only influenced by the added HAp particle amount, but also by the particle morphology and interactions between particles and hydrogels. The findings from this research provide a critical guideline for designing thermosensitive composite hydrogels with required rheological and mechanical properties.
Discovering Gathering Pattern Using a Taxicab Service Rate Analysis Method based on Neural Network
Authors: Zhang Junming , Li Jinglin
Published: May 2016

Moving objects gathering pattern represents a group events or incidents that involve congregation of moving objects, enabling the analysis of traffic system. However, how to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the gathering pattern discovering method still remains as a challenging issue since the large number of moving objects will generate high volume of trajectory data. In order to address this issue, the authors propose a method to discovering the gathering pattern by analyzing the taxicab demand. This paper first introduces the concept of Taxicab Service Rate (TSR). In this method, they use the KS measures to test the distribution of TSR and calculate the mean value of the TSR of a certain time period. Then, the authors use a neural network based method Neural Network Gathering Discovering (NNGD) to detect the gathering pattern. The neural network is based on the knowledge of historical gathering pattern data. The authors have implemented their method with experiments based on real trajectory data. The results show the both effectiveness and efficiency of their method.
Improved Port Modulation for Multiuser Massive MIMO Systems
Authors: He Yujiao , Zhao Jianing , Tao Lijuan , Hou Fuyu , Jia Wei
Published: May 2016

This paper proposes an improved port modulation (PM) method which can be applied to the multiuser (MU) massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system. The precoding process of the improved PM can be divided into two parts: port precoding and MU precoding. The methods of the precoding and detection are provided and the performance of the proposed improved PM is simulated and analyzed. Simulation results show that the proposed improved PM system can achieve a satisfying bit error rate (BER) performance with a cutdown channel state information (CSI) feedback.
Mobile Data Offloading for Streaming-Class Traffic with QoS Guarantee
Authors: Ajith Anusree , Venkatesh T. G.
Published: May 2016

Faced with the tremendous increase in the amount of data traffic and associated congestion, mobile network operators are moving towards Heterogeneous networks (HetNets), in the process of expanding network capacity. Offloading data traffic onto Wi-Fi in order to avoid congestion in the backbone is an important step in the evolution of HetNets. On-the-spot and delayed offloading have been widely studied in the literature. This paper proposes an offloading algorithm which has low computational complexity. The proposed algorithm offloads data based on a balking function which is dependent on present network condition. Using extensive simulations, the authors demonstrate that the proposed algorithm achieves reduction in mean transmission delay without sacrificing much on the offloading efficiency. This technique is more efficient and applicable to real-time traffic, like live streaming video and audio, which has short and stringent delay requirements or deadlines.
Three-Dimension Kronecker Channel Modeling and Correlation Analysis
Authors: Li Jianzheng , Li Fei , Ji Wei , Zou Yulong , Li Chunguo
Published: May 2016

In this paper a three-dimension (3D) multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) channel model is derived by considering the elevation dimension and the azimuth dimension together. To get a more accurate performance analysis for 3D MIMO channel, both Tx and Rx correlation matrices are derived, respectively, in closed form, which consist of 3D Kronecker channel model. This novel 3D Kronecker channel model is developed for arbitrary antenna arrays with non-isotropic antenna patterns and also for any propagation environment of 3D MIMO systems. In order to quantify the performance of 3D MIMO systems, the capacity in multi-user cases is analyzed. Simulation results validate the proposed 3D Kronecker channel model and study the impact of elevation and azimuth angular spread and that of Rx antenna element spacing on the correlation. The proposed capacity analysis in multi-user cases for 3D MIMO systems is also verified by simulation.
An Optimal Switching-off eNB Selection Algorithm in LTE Hyper-dense Networks
Authors: Fei Ding , En Tong , Zhiwen Pan , Xiaohu You , Aigu Song
Published: May 2016

Although the application of the exhaustive search (ES) algorithm in the energy conservation strategy can realize the simultaneous switching off of multiple eNBs in the existing eNB-based (Evolved Node B) networks, it fails to satisfy the practical requirement of network deployment with the heavy computation burden. On account of this, this paper proposes an optimal switching-off eNB selection (OSS) algorithm in homogeneous networks. By selecting a certain cell within the coverage of multiple eNBs, the OSS algorithm can make an evaluation of the increment of network load caused by the switching off of various eNBs in the coverage area. Then it can sort one by one all of the eNBs that are to be switched off under the condition that the QoS (Quality of service) requirement of all of the users has been met. Afterwards, the OSS algorithm will switch the users according to the principle of least network load increment and eventually find an eNB that shows the optimal energy saving effect in sleep mode. The simulation results reveal that the OSS algorithm can satisfy the requirement of efficient energy conservation in wireless networks. Additionally, with low computational complexity, it also will facilitate network deployment.
Usability and Player Experience of Input Device for Mobile Gaming
Authors: Kimberly Chu , Lim Tek Yong , Khong Chee Weng , Wong Chui Yin
Published: May 2016

Input devices for mobile gaming consist of hard keypad (HK) and soft keypad (SK). Different interaction for both input devices have an impact on usability and player experience. Although there are publications that evaluate on input devices and game, little is known on how HK and SK affect mobile gaming. The implication to usability aspect is not fully understood and the list of recommendation on player experience is limited. The aim of this paper is to examine usability and construct recommendation list for player experience by comparing two different types of mobile devices, namely HK and SK. For usability, an experiment was employed to measure effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction. The studies conducted an interview after the experiment. From the interview, a list of recommendation was constructed to identify player experience of input devices for mobile games. Results of the experiment were significant for effectiveness and satisfaction measures where HK performed better than SK. The recommendation list revealed both devices most mentioned positive and negative comments.
Assessment of Clinical Decision Support Systems for Predicting Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Mokeddem Sidahmed , Atmani Baghdad
Published: May 2016

The use of data mining approaches in medicine and medical science has become necessary especially with the evolution of these approaches and their contributions medical decision support. Coronary artery disease (CAD) touches millions of people all over the world including a major portion in Algeria. However, much advancement has been done in medical science, but the early detection of CAD is still a challenge for prevention. Although, the early detection of CAD is a prevention challenge for clinicians. The subject of this paper is to propose new clinical decision support system (CDSS) for evaluating risk of CAD called CADSS. In this paper, the authors describe the characteristics of clinical decision support systems CDSSs for the diagnosis of CAD. The aim of this study is to explain the clinical contribution of CDSSs for medical decision-making and compare data mining techniques used for their implementation. Then, they describe their new fuzzy logic-based approach for detecting CAD at an early stage. Rules were extracted using a data mining technique and validated by experts, and the fuzzy expert system was used to handle the uncertainty present in the medical field. This work presents the main risk factors responsible for CAD and presents the designed CASS. The developed CADSS leads to 94.05% of accuracy, and its effectiveness was compared with different CDSS.
Deconstructing the Value Creation Process
Authors: Mupepi Mambo Governor , Motwani Jaideep
Published: May 2016

The discourse in this presentation is about how talent, explicit knowing, and appropriate techniques, can be de-constructed to progress the necessary efficacy in the structure of the value creation process. Value is created anytime an action is taken for which the benefits exceed the costs, or anytime an action can be prevented for which the costs exceed the benefits. A co-constructed competency model can be applied to understand the structures that enhance performance and the design of attractive conditions of service to retention talent and nurture the skillfulness and knowing necessary in boosting yields in diversified entities.
Implementation of Social Media Concepts for e-Government
Authors: Díaz-Díaz Raimundo , Pérez-González Daniel
Published: May 2016

Some governments have proven social media's potential to generate value through co-creation and citizen participation, and municipalities are increasingly using these tools in order to become smart cities. Nevertheless, few public administrations have taken full advantage of all the possibilities offered by social media and, as a consequence, there is a shortage of case studies published on this topic. By analyzing the case study of the platform Santander City Brain, managed by the City Council of Santander (Spain), the current work contributes to broaden the knowledge on ambitious social media projects implemented by local public administrations for e-Government; therefore, this case can be useful for other public sector's initiatives. The case studied herein proves that virtual social media are effective tools for civil society, as it is able to set the political agenda and influence the framing of political discourse; however, they should not be considered as the main channel for citizen participation. Among the results obtained, the authors have found that several elements are required: the determination and involvement of the government, a designated community manager to follow up with the community of users, the secured privacy of its users, and a technological platform that is easy to use. Additionally, the Public Private Partnership model provides several advantages to the project, such as opening new sources of funding.
Human Lymphoid Tissues Harbor a Distinct CD69+CXCR6+ NK Cell Population
Authors: Lugthart Gertjan , Melsen Janine E. , Vervat Carly , van Ostaijen-ten Dam Monique M. , Corver Willem E. , Roelen Dave L. , van Bergen Jeroen , van Tol Maarten J. D. , Lankester Arjan C. , Schilham Marco W.
Published: May 2016

Knowledge of human NK cells is based primarily on conventional CD56bright and CD56dim NK cells from blood. However, most cellular immune interactions occur in lymphoid organs. Based on the coexpression of CD69 and CXCR6, we identified a third major NK cell subset in lymphoid tissues. This population represents 30–60% of NK cells in marrow, spleen, and lymph node but is absent from blood. CD69+CXCR6+ lymphoid tissue NK cells have an intermediate expression of CD56 and high expression of NKp46 and ICAM-1. In contrast to circulating NK cells, they have a bimodal expression of the activating receptor DNAX accessory molecule 1. CD69+CXCR6+ NK cells do not express the early markers c-kit and IL-7Rα, nor killer cell Ig-like receptors or other late-differentiation markers. After cytokine stimulation, CD69+CXCR6+ NK cells produce IFN-γ at levels comparable to CD56dim NK cells. They constitutively express perforin but require preactivation to express granzyme B and exert cytotoxicity. After hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, CD69+CXCR6+ lymphoid tissue NK cells do not exhibit the hyperexpansion observed for both conventional NK cell populations. CD69+CXCR6+ NK cells constitute a separate NK cell population with a distinct phenotype and function. The identification of this NK cell population in lymphoid tissues provides tools to further evaluate the cellular interactions and role of NK cells in human immunity.
Feasibility study of a novel intraosseous device in adult human cadavers
Authors: Singh Sandeep , Aggarwal Praveen , Lodha Rakesh , Agarwal Ramesh , Gupta Arun Kr. , Dhingra Renu , Karve Jayant Sitaram , Jaggu Srinivas Kiran , Bhargava Balram
Published: May 2016

Background & objectives:

Intraosseous (IO) access is an alternative to difficult intravenous (iv) access during emergency clinical situations. Existing IO solutions are expensive, require power supply and trained manpower; limiting their use in resource constrained settings. To address these limitations, a novel IO device has been developed. The objectives of this study were to evaluate functionality and safety of this device in adult human cadavers.

Methods:

The ability of the IO device to penetrate the proximal and/or distal tibia was evaluated in three adult cadavers. Subjective parameters of loss of resistance, stable needle hold, easy needle withdrawal and any damage to the device were evaluated during the study. The insertion time was the objective parameter measured. Four sets of radiographs per insertion confirmed the position of the needle and identified complications.

Results:

A single physician performed 12 IO access procedures using the same device. Penetration of proximal and/or distal tibia was achieved in all instances. It was successful in the first attempt in eight (66.7%) and during second attempt in the remaining. The mean time to insertion was 4.1 ± 3.1 sec. Appropriate insertion of needle in the intra-medullary space of bone was confirmed with radiological examination in 10 (83.3%) insertions. In two occasions after penetrating the cortical layer of bone, the device overshot the intra-medullary space, as detected by radiological examination. Device got bent during insertion in one instance. There was no evidence of needle breakage or bone fracture. The needle could be withdrawn effortlessly in all instances.

Interpretation & conclusions:

The novel IO device could successfully penetrate the adult cadaver bones in most cases. Further studies are needed to confirm these results on a large sample.
Feedbacks between earlywood anatomy and non-structural carbohydrates affect spring phenology and wood production in ring-porous oaks
Authors: Pérez-de-Lis Gonzalo , García-González Ignacio , Rozas Vicente , Olano José Miguel
Published: May 2016

Abstract. Non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) play a central role in the construction and maintenance of the vascular system, but feedbacks between the NSC status of trees and wood formation are not fully understood. We aimed to evaluate multiple dependencies among wood anatomy, winter NSC, and phenology for coexisting temperate (Quercus robur) and sub-Mediterranean (Q. pyrenaica) oaks along a water-availability gradient in NW Iberian Peninsula. Sapwood NSC was quantified at three sites in December 2012 (n = 240). Leaf phenology and wood anatomy were surveyed in 2013. Structural equation modelling was used to analyze the interplay among hydraulic diameter (Dh), winter NSC, date of budburst, and earlywood vessel production (EVP), while the effect of Dh and EVP on latewood width was assessed by using a mixed-effects model. NSC and wood production increased under drier conditions in both species. Q. robur showed narrower Dh and lower soluble sugar (SS) concentration (3.88–5.08 % dry matter) than Q. pyrenaica (4.06–5.57 % dry matter), but Q. robur exhibited larger EVP and wider latewood (1,403 µm) than Q. pyrenaica (667 µm). Trees of both species with large Dh showed higher SS concentration in winter and earlier flushing. Q. pyrenaica exhibited a carbon saving strategy, as evidences the fact that EVP was in tune with SS content in winter. Latewood production was controlled by Dh and EVP, rather than by foliage density and growing season duration. Our results suggest that high SS content in oaks with high conductive area favours an earlier spring phenology, as well as earlywood growth. Q. pyrenaica exhibited a tighter control of carbohydrate allocation to xylem formation than Q. robur, which is probably related to the acquisition of physiological resistance to stress in the sub-Mediterranean area.