bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Theatre Attendance Model
Authors: Bisceglia Michele
Published: August 2017

In this manuscript, the author proposes a model that constitutes a generalization of the El Farol Bar problem. In this model, in each period, each one of the n agents decides the arrival time at a theatre with free entry in which there are k (k<n) seats. Each individual wants to minimize the waiting time (before the beginning of the show) but prefers to assist to the show comfortably seated. The author introduces a utility function that takes into account these aspects, in which also agents' heterogeneity, in terms of different patience or comfort preferences, is considered. The author examines some possible approaches to this problem, and provides a new inductive reasoning modeling for a simplified version of this Theatre Attendance model, according to which each agent decides the arrival time at the theatre in a certain period by looking at the outcome of the previous round.
A Comparative Study of Neural Network and Fuzzy Logic Control Based Active Shunt Power Filter for 400 Hz Aircraft Electric Power System
Authors: Khalid Saifullah
Published: August 2017

Constant Instantaneous Power Control Strategy for extracting reference currents for shunt active power filters have been modified using Artificial Neural Network & Fuzzy logic control based controller and their performances have been compared. The acute analysis of Comparison of the compensation capability based on THD and speed will be done, and recommendations will be given for the choice of technique to be used. The simulated results using MATLAB model are shown, and they will undoubtedly prove the importance of the proposed control technique of aircraft shunt APF.
An Effort to Design an Integrated System to Extract Information Under the Domain of Metaheuristics
Authors: Singh Dharmpal
Published: August 2017

The main objective of this work is to develop an integrated system that is capable of extracting precise information (knowledge) based on any stored information using the techniques of data mining and soft computing. For the purpose of extracting precise information based on some stored information, it has been further observed that the research work related to the area of knowledge discovery based on certain information with the help of a particular data mining or soft computing model has been done, but the performance based on the particular soft computing or data mining model has not been reviewed as compared to the other models. The comparison of performance of various models in the area of soft computing domain or statistical domain or data mining area have been remained unattended with limitation of the survey. This absence leads to the necessity and carrying out research work for effective knowledge discovery based on a particular set of information on utilizing the versatility and potential view generation soft computing tools. The modified harmony search technique has been proposed in this paper and it has been observed that it has outperformed the other soft computing technique in case of training and tested data. The result of the modified harmony search technique has also been cross checked by the residual error. The concept of harmony search is also applied to other data set to check the optimality of the models.
Receiver Initiated Deadline Aware Load Balancing Strategy (RDLBS) for Cloud Environment
Authors: Haidri Raza Abbas , Katti Chittaranjan Padmanabh , Saxena Prem Chandra
Published: August 2017

The emerging cloud computing technology is the attention of both commercial and academic spheres. Generally, the cost of the faster resource is more than the slower ones, therefore, there is a trade-off between deadline and cost. In this paper, the authors propose a receiver initiated deadline aware load balancing strategy (RDLBS) which tries to meet the deadline of the requests and optimizes the rate of revenue. RDLBS balances the load among the virtual machines (VMs) by migrating the request from the overloaded VMs to underloaded VMs. Turnaround time is also computed for the performance evaluation. The experiments are conducted by using CloudSim simulator and results are compared with existing state of art algorithms with similar objectives.
A Heuristic Approach for Service Allocation in Cloud Computing
Authors: Sharieh Ahmad , Albdour Layla
Published: August 2017

Cloud computing systems are considered complex systems, because of the various classes of services offered for users and the big challenges for providers to meet the increasing demands. Thus, service allocation is a critical issue in cloud computing. Fuzzy modeling is one choice to deal with such complexity. In this paper, the authors introduce a new heuristic service allocation model for cloud computing service allocation. Fuzzy sets are used to determine a candidate cloud for providing a service and crisp sets are used to serve requests from a cloud. Supply and demand are used as the fuzzy input to provide the desired heuristic allocation model for the candidate cloud, and a set of parameters are used to determine a cloud user needs.
A Novel Machine Learning Algorithm for Cognitive Concept Elicitation by Cognitive Robots
Authors: Wang Yingxu , Zatarain Omar A.
Published: August 2017

Cognitive knowledge learning (CKL) is a fundamental methodology for cognitive robots and machine learning. Traditional technologies for machine learning deal with object identification, cluster classification, pattern recognition, functional regression and behavior acquisition. A new category of CKL is presented in this paper embodied by the Algorithm of Cognitive Concept Elicitation (ACCE). Formal concepts are autonomously generated based on collective intension (attributes) and extension (objects) elicited from informal descriptions in dictionaries. A system of formal concept generation by cognitive robots is implemented based on the ACCE algorithm. Experiments on machine learning for knowledge acquisition reveal that a cognitive robot is able to learn synergized concepts in human knowledge in order to build its own knowledge base. The machine–generated knowledge base demonstrates that the ACCE algorithm can outperform human knowledge expressions in terms of relevance, accuracy, quantification and cohesiveness.
Implanted Cardiac Pacemaker Mathematical Modeling and Research based on the Volume Conduction
Authors: Feng Lixiao , Bai Junjie , Chen Chengyuan , Peng Jun , Chen Guorong
Published: August 2017

The research of the communication between implanted Cardiac Pacemaker and external devices is a focus. In this paper, a data communications model based Volume Conduction is creatively presented, in this way the human body conductive ability will been utilized to transmit current, which is more effective and decrease for harm of the human body than the other ways, such as: RF, Optical Transcutaneous, etc. As the frequency increases the KHz level, the effect of background biological noise is considered negligible, the channel is thus modeled as AWGN channel in these frequencies. From Shannon information theory, in two-dimensional modulation, the volume conduction channel capacity formula was derived, further derivation: with extremely low SNR using in the two-level modulation can be very effective use of channel capacity, with high SNR a multi-level modulation is used in order to make full use of the channel capacity. Matlab software is used to the channel simulation, the input and output signal waveforms and eye diagram comparison, the curves of the BER and SNR.
The Relationship Between Ontology and Modelling Concepts
Authors: von Rosing Mona , Arzumanyan Maxim , Zachman Sr. John A.
Published: August 2017

This paper focuses on role oriented modelling and does so by outlining what it is and how it can be applied. This paper attempts to build a basis of a structured way of thinking, working, modelling, and implementation of roles. It endeavours to provide a standardized terminology, build common understanding, and make available the standardized and integrated role templates/artefacts. It helps to reduce and/or, if needed, enhance complexity of role modelling, engineering and architecture principles. While this paper should be seen and used as a detailed description of how one could work with roles, it does not have all aspects of role modelling, engineering and architecture principles covered. It, however, provides the means of how to go about role oriented modelling.
Using Ontology and Modelling Concepts to Develop Smart Applications
Authors: Bach Bas , von Rosing Mark , von Scheel Henrik
Published: August 2017

Innovating one's organizations alongside the digital transformation that the industry 4.0 and with it the internet of things enables, is a complex undertaking. This case story covers the passage and stages that the Dutch railway transportation industry went through in applying standards from bodies like ISO, OMG and LEADing Practice to developing smart applications and solutions to fit customer needs. They used these the standards together with the Business Ontology, specific the role oriented modelling concepts and managed it all in the process and application lifecycle. The case story covers the aspects of smart application development with smart cards. Like the internet has revolutionised the world, smart cards have revolutionised the traveler's world. Smart cards are secure portable storage devices enabling millions of users around the world for advanced and easy transport flow. This case story elaborates on the Dutch Railway process of cutting edge smart application development within advanced customer process handling through the role oriented processes and services. It elaborates on the Trans Link Systems, which was established by the various Dutch public transport companies to implement a single payment system for public transport, that together with the smart card system OV-chipkaart is made available to the people using public transport in the Netherlands. The case story was chosen not only for their leading practices applied in developing the Railway customer system of the future, but specific they way they did it. Their advanced role oriented processes and services modelling and role oriented architecture thinking in developing cutting edge smart applications. Interlinking the role oriented process lifecycle with the application lifecycle to support the 5 large transport organizations business model, service model, revenue model as well as the performance model.
Supply Chain Coordination through a Revenue-Sharing Contract with Two Kinds of Fuzzy Demand
Authors: Wang Junyan , Ren Yuan
Published: August 2017

Revenue-sharing contract is used in many industries. However, it is hard to guarantee that the retailer report the sales truly to the supplier. In fact, the retailer has both incentive and opportunity to underreport the sales to reduce the sharing revenue to the supplier. What the supplier should do when meeting with the opportunistic retailer(s)? This paper studies a kind of opportunistic phenomenon in a supply chain in which a supplier sells to a retailer under a revenue-sharing contract. Two settings are discussed. The first one is that the retailer does not, or cannot underreport the sales to the supplier to share when the supplier design a strict auditing mechanism under which no lies allowed. The second one is that the retailer can underreport the sales to the supplier to share under another soft auditing mechanism. Due to the uncertainty of market demand, it is characterized by a fuzzy variable. Interestingly, we find that the supplier's profit is higher in the second setting than the one in the first setting. We hope that the conclusion drawn in the paper can provide a new viewpoint to help the supplier to solve the problem when meeting with an opportunistic retailer in a supply chain under a revenue-sharing contract in uncertain environments.
A Service-oriented Methodology for Supporting Business Process Architecture Layers in Supply Chain Management
Authors: Mohammadi Mohsen , Mukhtar Muriati
Published: August 2017

The uncertainties in Supply Chain Management (SCM) have increased the business requirement changes, which increase the complexity in the supply chain processes (SCP). As a result, different technologies of IT system have been emerged based on companies' business processes. Hence, managing the business process is crucial in SCM in which process modeling plays key role for analyzing and redesigning of process. Consequently, many methodologies in SCM have been developed to support the requirements for the modeling of SCP. However, they cannot cover the details of the business process in the lower level, i.e. the coordination of the SCP and their interaction, which can be addressed by service-oriented approach. Therefore, this paper aims at proposing a service-oriented methodology, which provides a new approach for supporting the business process architecture layers. The findings prove that the methodology narrows the gap between process analysts and information system developers, using the combination of modeling languages.
Surface Micro Patterning of Aluminium Reinforced Composite through Laser Peening
Authors: Kumar G. Ranjith , Rajyalakshmi G. , Manupati Vijaya Kumar
Published: August 2017

Aluminium Composites have universal engineering applications because of their higher strength to weight ratio, ductility, and formability. However, in diverse applications, mechanical properties are the prerequisite at closer surface regions. Such localized changes without impacting various surface treatment approaches can attempt the bulk phase. Laser peening is an advanced surface engineering technique, which has been successfully applied to improve the surface morphology of the material. In this work, the authors focus on improving the surface properties of Al7075 composite through laser peening technique. The hardened layer was evaluated using surface integrity with optical microscopy, EDS, SEM and analysis of microhardness. Process parameters and resulting microstructures of Aluminium composite are summarized, along with the impact of laser peening on surface properties. Research results indicated that laser peening shows a significant influence on the final condition of the surface layer of Aluminium composite.
Improving Reliability and Reducing Risk by Separation
Authors: Todinov Michael Todorov
Published: August 2017

The paper introduces the method of separation for improving reliability and reducing technical risk and provides insight into the various mechanisms through which the method of separation attains this goal. A comprehensive classification of techniques for improving reliability and reducing risk, based on the method of separation has been proposed for the first time. The concept ‘stochastic separation' of random events and methods for providing stochastic separation have been introduced. It is shown that separation of properties is an efficient technique for compensating the drawbacks associated with a selection based on homogeneous properties. It is also demonstrated that the logical separation can be an efficient and low-cost risk reduction technique. Finally, the paper demonstrates that the traditional reliability measure ‘safety margin' is misleading and should not be used as a measure of the relative separation between load and strength.
How the Nature of Exogenous Shocks and Crises Impact Company Performance?
Authors: Li Ji , Sun Wei , Jiang Wanxing , Yang He , Zhang Ludan
Published: August 2017

The authors develop an empirical study based on Event System Theory (Morgeson, Mitchell & Liu, 2015), which allows a clearer consideration of specific nature of each exogenous shock and crisis, such as its criticality and geographical proximity. More importantly, they highlight the importance of considering industry characteristics when studying how exogenous shocks and crises may impact both accounting and stock-market performances of companies. Finally, when testing the impacts of economic or political shocks respectively, the authors also take into account the effect of company resources. After analyzing data from companies listed in the New York Stock Exchange, they gain interesting insights: (1) Exogenous shocks and crises with high event criticality are more likely to impact company performance. (2) Exogenous shocks and crises with high event proximity are more likely to impact company performance. (3) Exogenous shocks and crises impact in different directions on a company's accounting performance and stock market performance. Finally, (4) Exogenous shocks and crises make salient the relationship between a firm's resources and its performance, while the relationship is contingent on industry characteristics (i.e., industrial-regulative mechanisms).
A Brief Review of Game Engines for Educational and Serious Games Development
Authors: Marin-Vega Humberto , Alor-Hernández Giner , Zatarain-Cabada Ramon , Barron-Estrada Maria Lucia , García-Alcaraz Jorge Luis
Published: August 2017

Gamification is the use of game design elements to enhance the teaching-learning process and turn a regular, non-game activity into a fun, engaging game. Simultaneously, serious games are proposed as an efficient and enjoyable way of conducting cognitive assessment, as they combine a serious intention with game rules and targets. In this scenario, game engines have emerged as information technologies for serious games and educational games development; however, this development has usually been performed without a guide to identifying game attributes to be present in the game. To address this gap, we present an analysis of the most used game engines to identify game and learning attributes supported for serious and educational games development. Findings from this analysis provide a guide of the most popular game engines that offer the largest support for game attributes, which were also classified by game categories.
An Extension of the MiSCi Middleware for Smart Cities Based on Fog Computing
Authors: Aguilar Jose , Sanchez Manuel B. , Jerez Marxjhony , Mendonca Maribel
Published: August 2017

In a Smart City is required computational platforms, which allow environments with multiple interconnected and embedded systems, where the technology is integrated with the people, and can respond to unpredictable situations. One of the biggest challenges in developing Smart City is how to describe and dispose of enormous and multiple sources of information, and how to share and merge it into a single infrastructure. In previous works, we have proposed an Autonomic Reflective Middleware with emerging and ubiquitous capabilities, which is based on intelligent agents that can be adapted to the existing dynamism in a city for, ubiquitously, respond to the requirements of citizens, using emerging ontologies that allow the adaptation to the context. In this work, we extend this middleware using the fog computing paradigm, to solve this problem. The fog extends the cloud to be closer to the things that produce and act on the smart city. In this paper, we present the extension to the middleware, and examples of utilization in different situations in a smart city.
Growing tropical forage legumes in full sun and silvopastoral systems
Authors: Araújo Saulo Alberto do Carmo , Silva Tatiana Oliveira da , Rocha Norberto Silva , Ortêncio Marluci Olício
Published: August 2017

Growth was evaluated three tropical forage legumes in two cropping systems: silvopastoral system (SSP) and full sun. A completely randomized design was adopted in factorial three legumes (estilosanthes cv. Campo Grande (Stylozanthes macrocephala x Stylozanthes capitata), tropical kudzu (Pueraria phaseoloides (Roxb.) Benth) and macrotiloma (Macrotyloma axillare cv. Java)) x two farming systems, with 4 repetitions. A eucalyptus SSP already deployed, with spatial arrangement of 12 x 2 m between trees was used. Legumes were planted in January 2014 a uniform cut being made in May 2014. The court assessment was carried out 125 days after the uniformity cut. There was difference for mass production of dry legumes (PMMSL) between cultivation systems, evidencing increased productivity in the farming full sun. The macrotiloma showed higher PMSL (5.29 kg DM ha-1 cut-1), while the kudzu obtained the lowest yield (3.42 kg DM ha-1 cut-1) in the sun growing full. The cultivation of legumes in SSP increased the levels of mineral matter, crude protein and neutral detergent fiber. The shade provided by the SSP caused a reduction in the mass of dry matter production, but also altered the chemical composition of the studied legumes.
Grazing behavior and spatial distribution of feces of Young bulls in silvopastoral systems and Marandu monoculture in the Pre-Amazon region
Authors: Araújo Ricardo Alves de , Rodrigues Rosane Cláudia , Costa Clésio Dos Santos , Santos Francisco Naysson De Sousa , Cutrim Júnior José Antonio Alves , Jesus Ana Paula Ribeiro de , Shigaki Francirose , Araújo Jocélio Dos Santos
Published: August 2017

The objective was to evaluate the grazing behavior and the spatial distribution of feces of F1 young bulls from the cross between Nellore and Guzera on pastures of Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu in silvopastoral systems composed of babassu palm (Attalea speciosa) and Marandu monoculture in the Pre-Amazon region of the state of Maranhão. Animals were evaluated in four systems consisting of 0, 80, 131, 160 palms ha-1, characterizing monoculture (mono), low density of palm trees (LD), medium density of palm trees (MD) and high density of palm trees (HD) during the rainy (RE) and dry (DE) periods. Five animals (repetitions) were used in each system, with 231-303 days of age and 180±15 kg body weight. Determinations of behavioral patterns were made by instant sampling, at 10 min intervals. In each system, we demarcated 50 squares of 100 m2, which served as useful area to evaluate the dispersion of feces. The grazing behavior was influenced by the sward structure, which, in turn, was influenced by densities of palm trees, due to shading. The distribution of feces was affected by both the presence of babassu plantations and periods. The silvopastoral systems made the environment more pleasant to animals, since activities considered more stressful and avoided during the daytime were performed by animals of these environments, unlike animals in the monoculture system.
Efficiency of the use of ryegrass by heifers in response to the receival of supplement
Authors: Ribeiro Laila Arruda , Rocha Marta Gomes da , Pötter Luciana , Sichonany Maria José De Oliveira , Silva Mônique Foggiato da , Hundertmarck Anelise Pereira
Published: August 2017

The intensity and frequency of defoliation of ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) by beef heifers exclusively grazing or receiving corn grain or extruded commercial product with fat as supplement were evaluated. The grazing method was put-and-take stocking. The experimental design was completely randomized following a repeated measure arrangement, three treatments and two area replications. The phyllochron of ryegrass was 140.1 and 303.4°GD the leaf lifespan. The intensity (67.0 %) and the frequency of defoliation (6.4 days) were similar, regardless of supply or no of energetic supplement for grazing heifers. The defoliation frequency indicates that the heifers can return about 3.3 times to the same tiller during the leaf lifespan. Considering the different categories of leaf blades, the supply of extruded fat causes the heifers to remove higher proportion (66.5 %) of expanding leaf blades. On ryegrass pasture, the efficiency of forage use is not modified when heifers receive energetic supplement.
Deconstructing the past: Behind the text, in the text, confronted by the text
Authors: Van Eck Ernest
Published: August 2017

This article, taking the Faculty’s centenary celebration slogan of ‘Gateway to’ as cue, reflects on the contributions made by lecturers in the Department of New Testament Studies, University of Pretoria, that ‘opened the gates’ for the disadvantaged, excluded and marginalised. How did these scholars envisage inclusive believing communities and an open society with equal opportunities for all? It is argued that because of a historical, critical and close reading of the texts of the New Testament, many scholars belonging to the Department during the past 100 years were able to hear the texts of the New Testament in their original socio-historical settings (what it meant for its original readers), and therefore were able to apply these meanings in ever-changing new contexts (what it means).
Exodus of clergy: The role of leadership in responding to the call
Authors: Joynt Shaun
Published: August 2017

Leaders play an important role in clergy’s response to their call. Toxic leadership, also known as the dark side of leadership, negatively influences their decision to remain in full-time pastoral ministry. There is a shortage of clergy in the Roman Catholic Church and a distribution or displacement challenge facing the Protestant church. This shortage adversely affects the future of the church as clergy play an integral part in the preparation of congregants for their works of service (Eph 4:11–12). The purpose of this study was to discover what factors were involved in clergy’s response to the call to full-time pastoral ministry. A practical theological grounded theory approach was used to discover the properties of the category ‘leadership’. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and data were coded using Glaser and Strauss’s grounded theory methodology. The category of ‘leadership’ includes properties such as favouritism, leaders abdicating responsibilities, leaders taking no action/being inactive, leaders ‘labeling’ subordinates, leaders’ ‘unethical’ behaviour, nepotism, poor conflict handling, poor handling of multi-racial issues, being placed on a pedestal, affirming subordinates and autocratic leadership style. Osmer’s descriptive-empirical task was used as a practical theological lens through which to view the category ‘leadership’. The results indicated three responses by clergy to the call to full-time pastoral ministry: not being called in the first place, a dual call (being bi-vocational or ‘seasonal’) and being called but leaving anyway because of, among other factors, toxic leadership. A steward leadership approach is recommended in response to the dark side of leadership.
Finding the plot in South African reading education
Authors: Rule Peter , Land Sandra
Published: August 2017

This article argues that we have lost the plot in South African reading education. To find it, we need to move beyond the predominant mode of reading as oral performance, where the emphasis is on accuracy and pronunciation, to reading as comprehension of meaning in text. While reading research in South Africa has been conducted mainly in school contexts, this case study is of a school and Adult Basic Education and Training Centre in a rural KwaZulu-Natal community near Pietermaritzburg. It found that an oratorical approach to reading dominated in both settings. It suggests that developing the way in which teachers understand the teaching of reading and transforming the teaching practices of those who teach as they were taught in the education system of the apartheid era are key to improving the teaching of reading.
Syndromes of Rapidly Progressive Cognitive Decline-Our Experience
Authors: Chandra Sadanandavalli Retnaswami , Viswanathan Lakshminarayanapuram Gopal , Pai Anupama Ramakanth , Wahatule Rahul , Alladi Suvarna
Published: August 2017

Background: Dementias are fairly slowly progressive degenerative diseases of brain for which treatment options are very less and carry a lot of burden on family and society. A small percentage of them are rapidly progressive and mostly carry a different course outcome. However, there are no definite criteria other than the time line for these patients. Aims: The aim of this was to identify and categorize the causes and course of rapidly progressive dementias seen in our center. Settings and Design: Patients who presented with rapid deterioration of cognitive functions within weeks to 1 year between 2011 and December 2016 were evaluated. Patients and Methods: All patients underwent all mandatory tests for dementia including brain imaging. Complete vasculitis workup, autoimmune encephalitis profile including Voltage Gated Potassium Channel, N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor, glutamic acid-decarboxylase, thyroid-peroxidase antibody, cerebrospinal fluid, and other special tests such as duodenal biopsy and paraneoplastic workup were done based on clinical indications. Results and Conclusions: Out of 144 patients 42 had immune-mediated encephalopathy, 18 had Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, 3 had Vitamin B12 deficiency, 63 had infection with neurocysticercosis, 7 had tuberculosis, 2 had HIV, 1 had herpes simplex encephalitis, 1 had neurosyphilis, 1 Whipples disease, 1 had Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis, 1 had Mass lesion, 3 had Frontotemporal dementia, and 3 had small vessel disease. Good majority of these patients have infective and immune-mediated causes and less number belong to degenerative group. Therefore, caution is needed to look for treatable cause as it carries a different treatment options and outcome.
Symptomatic Bilateral Xanthogranuloma of the Choroid Plexus
Authors: Emon Selin Tural , Ozturk Erek , Meric Kaan , Aker Fugen , Orakdogen Metin
Published: August 2017

Xanthogranulomas (XGRs) of the choroid plexus are rare, asymptomatic, and benign lesions usually found incidentally. Here, we present a case of a 47-year-old male with bilateral XGR of the choroid plexus with periventricular edema and discuss our case in relation to a review of existing literature pertaining to the radiology of XGRs. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of bilateral trigonal XGR causing brain edema without ventricular dilatation. Despite the fact that they can cause hydrocephalus, XGRs are silent and benign lesions. Although the etiopathology of XGRs remains poorly understood, enhanced imaging analyses may provide additional information regarding edema and focal white matter signal changes.
Butterfly Tumor of the Corpus Callosum: Clinical Characteristics, Diagnosis, and Survival Analysis
Authors: Tunthanathip Thara , Ratanalert Sanguansin , Sae-heng Sakchai , Oearsakul Thakul
Published: August 2017

Background: The pathologies implicate the bilateral corpus callosum that builds the butterfly pattern on axial view. These tumors have seldom been investigated for both clinical manifestations and outcome. Objective: The objective of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of the butterfly tumor and to identify the predictive factors associated with survival outcome. Methods: A retrospective study of 50 butterfly tumor was conducted between 2003 and 2016. The clinical characteristics, imaging, and outcome were assessed for the purpose of descriptive analysis. Using the Kaplan–Meier method, the median overall survival of the butterfly tumor was determined. Furthermore, the Cox proportional hazard regression was the estimated hazard ratio for death. Results: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma was common of butterfly lesions. The mortality rate was 78% and overall median survival time was 16.03 months (95% confidence interval: 14.0–19.8). Using Cox proportional hazards regression, the independent prognostic factors were Karnofsky Performance Status score ≤70, splenium involvement, and butterfly glioblastoma. Conclusions: The butterfly tumor is a poor prognostic disease compared with each histology subgroup. Further molecular investigation is preferable to explore genetic variations associated with these tumors.
Association of Attention-deficit Hyperkinetic Disorder with Alcohol Use Disorders in Fishermen
Authors: Kumar Manoj , Bharadwaj Balaji , Kuppili Pooja Patnaik , Ramaswamy Gomathi , Majella Gilbert Marie , Chinnakali Palanivel , Roy Gautam
Published: August 2017

Introduction: Alcohol use is a widely prevalent problem and poses hazard during work for certain groups such as fishermen. Disorders such as Attention-Deficit/Hyperkinetic Disorder (ADHD) correlate with early onset and greater severity of alcohol use disorders. Aims: We planned to study the frequency of ADHD among fishermen in a fishing hamlet of southern India using adult ADHD self-reported scale (ASRS) and correlated with the severity of alcohol use disorder as evidenced by age at initiation of alcohol use, presence of harmful use, or dependence use as defined by Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). Subjects and Methods: This was a community-based interview using AUDIT questionnaire for severity of alcohol use and the ASRS to detect ADHD. Results: The prevalence of adult ADHD among fishermen in this study was 25.7% using the critical items of the ASRS. ADHD was about twice as likely in participants with dependence as those without dependence (odds ratio = 2.10). ADHD was also more likely in participants with onset of use before 30 years of age than others (25.1% vs. 15.4%) (P = 0.27). Discussion: We found a high frequency of alcohol use among fishermen (79.8%). However, only 9.9% had alcohol dependence which is higher than the general population (2.3%) in the region. Fishermen with alcohol dependence were twice as likely to have ADHD as those without alcohol dependence. Conclusion: In a community-based survey of fishermen, the prevalence of alcohol dependence was about 10%. The presence of alcohol dependence predicted a two times higher likelihood of ADHD among fishermen than those without alcohol dependence.
Parasellar Chondrosarcoma in Three Young Patients: A Diagnosis of Caution
Authors: Gupta Rakesh Kumar , Gupta Latika , Saran Ravindra Kumar , Jagetia Anita , Garg Lalit
Published: August 2017

Parasellar chondrosarcoma is rare slowly growing intracranial tumors. A correct diagnosis of these tumors is challenging for clinician due to overlapping location and simulation of clinical presentations with much common pituitary adenomas. We are reporting three young patients diagnosed to have parasellar chondrosarcoma highlighting the pathological features of importance required for confirm diagnosis.
Clinical and Genetic Characteristics of Leukodystrophies in Africa
Authors: Amin Mutaz , Elsayed Liena , Ahmed Ammar Eltahir
Published: August 2017

Recent understanding of the genetic basis of neurological disorders in Africa has grown rapidly in the last two decades. Africa harbors the largest genetic repertoire in the world which gives unique opportunity to discover novel variant, genes, and molecular pathways associated with various neurological diseases. Despite that, large-scale genomic and exome studies are severely lacking especially for neglected diseases such as leukodystrophies. This review aims to shed light on the currently developed research in leukodystrophies in Africa. We reviewed all research articles related to “Leukodystrophy in Africa” published in Medline/PubMed and Google Scholar databases up to date. We found very few studies in leukodystrophy from Africa, especially from the Sub-Saharan regions. Metachromatic leukodystrophy was the most studied type of leukodystrophy. Published studies from North Africa (Tunisia, Morocco, and Egypt) were very limited in either sample size (case studies or single/few family studies) or molecular methods (targeted sequencing or polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphisms). More studies (GWAS or large family studies) with advanced techniques such as exome or whole genome sequencing are needed to unveil the genetic basis of leukodystrophy in Africa. Unmasking novel genes and molecular pathways of leukodystrophies invariably lead to better detection and treatment for both Africans and worldwide populations.
Normative Data for Median Nerve Conduction in Healthy Young Adults from Punjab, India
Authors: Singh Manjinder , Gupta Sharat , Singh Kamal Dev , Kumar Avnish
Published: August 2017

Background: Nerve conduction studies (NCSs) are essential for diagnosing various kinds of focal and diffuse neuropathies. Due to the paucity of local NCS data, electrodiagnostic laboratories in Punjab rely on values from Western and other Indian studies. Aim: This study was conducted to provide normative data for median nerve conduction parameters (motor and sensory) in Punjabi populace. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was done on 290 participants (150 males and 140 females), aged 17–21 years, as per standardized protocol. The data were analyzed separately for both genders using SPSS version 20. It consisted of distal latencies and conduction velocities of motor and sensory divisions of median nerve. Student's unpaired t-test was used for statistical analysis. Results: There was no effect of gender on any of the median nerve conduction parameters. Height and weight had nonsignificant negative and positive correlation, respectively (P > 0.05), with conduction velocity in both motor and sensory median nerves. For median motor nerve, the values of distal latency and conduction velocity in males were 2.9 ± 0.16 ms and 60.25 ± 2.99 m/s, respectively, whereas, in females, they were 2.6 ± 0.43 ms and 59.83 ± 2.82 m/s. Similarly, for median sensory nerve, the latency and velocity values in males were 2.8 ± 0.56 ms and 54.81 ± 3.70 m/s, whereas, in females, they were 2.4 ± 0.33 ms and 54.56 ± 3.65 m/s, respectively. Conclusion: The data in this study compared favorably with already existing data. It would help the local electrodiagnostic laboratories in assessing the median nerve abnormalities with greater accuracy in this population subset.
Ocorrência de um molusco invasor (Melanoides tuberculata, Müller, 1774), em diferentes sistemas aquáticos da bacia hidrográfica do Rio Sorocaba, SP, Brasil
Authors: Paula Cecília Maria de , Vaz Adriane Almeida , Vaz Ariane Almeida , Pelizari Gisele Pires , Robayo Heidi Marcela Suarez , Garcia Thaís Deluno , Avelino Daniely , Zacarin Giuliano Grici , Smith Welber Senteio
Published: August 2017

No Brasil e no estado de São Paulo existem poucos levantamentos sobre a presença do gastrópode Melanoides tuberculata (Müller, 1774). Os moluscos invasores representam uma importante ameaça às espécies nativas, em consequência da sua agressividade na competição pelo uso dos habitats e dos diferentes recursos. Melanoides tuberculataé originário da Ásia e África e a sua introdução no Brasil data da década de 60. Estudos recentes ressaltam a importância de realizar novas pesquisas sobre a distribuição espacial desta espécie e seu possível impacto à biodiversidade. O presente estudo documenta a ocorrência da espécie Melanoides tuberculata na bacia hidrográfica do rio Sorocaba, sua abundância e distribuição espacial em 5 sistemas aquáticos em diferentes estágios de conservação. As amostragens foram realizadas nos meses de junho de 2013 até agosto de 2014, onde foram registrados 522 indivíduos, dos quais 67% foram encontrados no Rio Verde, localizado na zona de amortecimento da Floresta Nacional de Ipanema. Os resultados mostraram que esta espécie pode estar amplamente distribuída na bacia principalmente em locais com substrato arenoso, mata ripária degradada e sujeito a lançamento de esgoto. Deve ser ressaltada ainda a correlação com valores de temperatura da água mais altos, o que pode estar ligado à ausência de sombreamento propiciado pela mata ripária. O controle na proliferação desta espécie, deve ser realizado pela melhoria da qualidade ambiental do ambiente aquáticos uma vez que a erradicação se torna inviável por remoção física.
Technical feasibility of reuse of effluent generated from reverse osmosis system in a pharmaceutical plant
Authors: Andrade Bárbara de A. S. de , Lacerda Paulo S. B. de , Oliveira Jaime L. M.
Published: August 2017

Reuse reduces the consumption of freshwater supplies and the negative environmental impact caused by the discharge of industrial effluents. Some industries have already adopted this practice; however, no studies were found in the literature regarding this subject in the pharmaceutical industry. This work investigated the potential reuse of effluent (concentrate) generated from the Reverse Osmosis/Electro-deionization System (RO/EDI) that is used for the production of purified water in a Brazilian pharmaceutical plant. This industrial complex consumed about 200,000 m3 of water per year between 2012 and 2013 to produce one million of doses of vaccines, i.e., 2 L of water per dose of vaccine produced. During this period, the RO/EDI produced 27,000 m3 of purified water annually and generated 24,000 m3 of effluent (concentrate). This amount of effluent could be used to supply the production of industry steam (boilers) and/or cold water (cooling towers) that annually consumed an average of 12,000 m3 and 40,000 m3, respectively. The reuse of this effluent would result in a gross financial savings of 96,000 USD per year, excluding the costs of installation and control. From what has been researched in the literature, this work showed for the first time the possibility of reuse of effluent from RO/EDI System in the pharmaceutical industry.
Comparison of Overridden Medication-related Clinical Decision Support in the Intensive Care Unit between a Commercial System and a Legacy System
Authors: Wong Adrian , Wright Adam , Seger Diane L. , Amato Mary G. , Fiskio Julie M. , Bates David
Published: August 2017

Background: Electronic health records (EHRs) with clinical decision support (CDS) have shown to be effective at improving patient safety. Despite this, alerts delivered as part of CDS are overridden frequently, which is of concern in the critical care population as this group may have an increased risk of harm. Our organization recently transitioned from an internally-developed EHR to a commercial system. Data comparing various EHR systems, especially after transitions between EHRs, are needed to identify areas for improvement.

Objectives: To compare the two systems and identify areas for potential improvement with the new commercial system at a single institution.

Methods: Overridden medication-related CDS alerts were included from October to December of the systems’ respective years (legacy, 2011; commercial, 2015), restricted to three intensive care units. The two systems were compared with regards to CDS presentation and override rates for four types of CDS: drug-allergy, drug-drug interaction (DDI), geriatric and renal alerts. A post hoc analysis to evaluate for adverse drug events (ADEs) potentially resulting from overridden alerts was performed for ‘contraindicated’ DDIs via chart review.

Results: There was a significant increase in provider exposure to alerts and alert overrides in the commercial system (commercial: n=5,535; legacy: n=1,030). Rates of overrides were higher for the allergy and DDI alerts (p<0.001) in the commercial system. Geriatric and renal alerts were significantly different in incidence and presentation between the two systems. No ADEs were identified in an analysis of 43 overridden contraindicated DDI alerts.

Conclusions: The vendor system had much higher rates of both alerts and overrides, although we did not find evidence of harm in a review of DDIs which were overridden. We propose recommendations for improving our current system which may be helpful to other similar institutions; improving both alert presentation and the underlying knowledge base appear important.

Citation: Wong A, Wright A, Seger DL, Amato MG, Fiskio JM, Bates D. Comparison of Overridden Medication-related Clinical Decision Support in the Intensive Care Unit between a Commercial System and a Legacy System. Appl Clin Inform 2017; 8: 866–879 https://doi.org/10.4338/ACI-2017-04-RA-0059
Corrosion of Copper as a Nuclear Waste Container Material in Simulated Anoxic Granitic Groundwater
Authors: He Xihua , Ahn Tae , Gwo Jin-Ping
Published: August 2017

Copper (Cu) is a candidate material for waste packages in geological disposal systems for high-level radioactive waste in Switzerland, Sweden, Finland, Japan, and Canada. This paper reports experimental tests of Cu in the context of radioactive waste disposal applications. Experimental tests of Cu general corrosion and hydrogen evolution were conducted under anoxic conditions (less than 10 ppb of O2) using synthetic saline groundwater based on reference compositions of deep groundwaters in crystalline rock of the Canadian Shield. The results indicate that the Cu open-circuit potential and corrosion rates in anoxic waters were very sensitive to the residual O2 concentration in solution. The corrosion rates ranged from submicrometer to micrometer per year, depending on the residual O2 concentration level. The corrosion products were predominantly cuprous oxide (Cu2O). Chlorine was present in corrosion products for tests exposed to synthetic saline groundwater, but more work is needed to assess its role in the corrosion process. Minute amounts of hydrogen were detected from the autoclave as test cell, however, they cannot be simply correlated to Cu corrosion because of complication of the autoclave material corrosion.
Observations and the source investigations of boundary layer BrO in Ny-Ålesund Arctic
Authors: Luo Yuhan , Si Fuqi , Zhou Haijin , Dou Ke , Liu Yi , Liu Wenqing
Published: August 2017

Abstract. Bromine monoxide is a reactive halogen species which has crucial impact on the chemistry of the tropospheric polar boundary layer. During polar spring, BrO enhancement can be detected in both northern and southern Polar Regions, while the boundary layer ozone depletion events occur. A considerable challenge for understanding enhanced BrO and the associated ODEs is the difficulty of real-time observations. In this study, a typical process of enhanced bromine and depleted ozone in late April, 2015 at Ny-Ålesund boundary layer was observed using ground-based Multi Axis-Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (MAX-DOAS) technique. The results showed that there were as high as 8 × 1014 molecular cm−2 BrO slant columns above the Kings Bay area in 26 April. Considering meteorology, sea ice distribution and air mass history, the floating sea ice in the Kings Bay area was considered as the major source of this bromine enhancement event. During this period, the boundary layer ozone and gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) was synchronously reduced by 85 % and 90 % separately. The kinetic calculation showed that the ozone loss rate is 10.3 ppbv h−1, which is extremely high compared to other area. The GEM loss rate is about 0.25 ng m−3 h−1. The oxidized GEM may directly deposit to snow/ice and thereby influence the polar ecosystem.