bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computational Fluid Dynamic Modeling of Horizontal Air-Ground Heat Exchangers (HAGHE) for HVAC Systems
Authors: Congedo Paolo , Lorusso Caterina , De Giorgi Maria , Laforgia Domenico
Published: December 2014

In order to satisfy the requirements of Directive 2010/31/EU for Zero Energy Buildings (ZEB), innovative solutions were investigated for building HVAC systems. Horizontal air-ground heat exchangers (HAGHE) offer a significant contribution in reducing energy consumption for ventilation, using the thermal energy stored underground, in order to pre-heat or pre-cool the ventilation air, in winter and summer, respectively. This is particularly interesting in applications for industrial, commercial and education buildings where keeping the indoor air quality under control is extremely important. Experimental measurements show that, throughout the year, the outside air temperature fluctuations are mitigated at sufficient ground depth (about 3 m) because of the high thermal inertia of the soil, the ground temperature is relatively constant and instead higher than that of the outside air in winter and lower in summer. The study aims to numerically investigate the behavior of HAGHE by varying the air flow rate and soil conductivity in unsteady conditions by using annual weather data of South-East Italy. The analysis shows that, in warm climates, the HAGHE brings a real advantage for only a few hours daily in winter, while it shows significant benefits in the summer for the cooling of ventilation air up to several temperature degrees, already by a short pipe.
Analysis and Design Optimization of a Coaxial Surface-Mounted Permanent-Magnet Magnetic Gear
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxu , Liu Xiao , Wang Chao , Chen Zhe
Published: December 2014

This paper presents the analysis and design optimization of a coaxial surface-mounted permanent-magnet magnetic gear. The magnetic field distribution in the coaxial magnetic gear is calculated analytically in the polar coordinate system and then validated by the finite element method (FEM). The analytical field solution allows the prediction of the magnetic torque, which is formulated as a function of design parameters. The impacts of key design parameters on the torque capability are then studied and some significant observations are summarized. Furthermore, the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is employed to optimize the studied magnetic gear. Given that the torque capability and material cost conflict with each other, both of them are set as the optimization objectives in this paper. Different weight factors may be chosen for the two objectives so that more attention can be placed on one or another. The results shows that the highest torque density of 157 kNm/m3 is achieved with the consideration focusing on the torque capability only, then the highest torque per permanent magnet (PM) consumption could be improved to 145 Nm/kg by taking the material cost into account. By synthesizing the torque capability and material cost, a 124 kNm/m3 of torque density and a 128 Nm/kg of torque per PM consumption could be achieved simultaneously by the optimal design.
Characterization and Study of Transgenic Cultivars by Capillary and Microchip Electrophoresis
Authors: Vega Elena , Marina Maria
Published: December 2014

Advances in biotechnology have increased the demand for suitable analytical techniques for the analysis of genetically modified organisms. Study of the substantial equivalence, discrimination between transgenic and non-transgenic cultivars, study of the unintended effects caused by a genetic modification or their response to diverse situations or stress conditions (e.g., environmental, climatic, infections) are some of the concerns that need to be addressed. Capillary electrophoresis (CE) is emerging as an alternative to conventional techniques for the study and characterization of genetically modified organisms. This article reviews the most recent applications of CE for the analysis and characterization of transgenic cultivars in the last five years. Different strategies have been described depending on the level analyzed (DNA, proteins or metabolites). Capillary gel electrophoresis (CGE) has shown to be particularly useful for the analysis of DNA fragments amplified by PCR. Metabolites and proteins have been mainly separated using capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) using UV and MS detection. Electrophoretic chips have also proven their ability in the analysis of transgenic cultivars and a section describing the new applications is also included.
Emerging Biomarkers in Heart Failure and Cardiac Cachexia
Authors: Loncar Goran , Omersa Daniel , Cvetinovic Natasa , Arandjelovic Aleksandra , Lainscak Mitja
Published: December 2014

Biomarkers are objective tools with an important role for diagnosis, prognosis and therapy optimization in patients with heart failure (HF). To date, natriuretic peptides are closest to optimal biomarker standards for clinical implications in HF. Therefore, the efforts to identify and test new biomarkers in HF are reasonable and justified. Along the natural history of HF, cardiac cachexia may develop, and once at this stage, patient performance and prognosis is particularly poor. For these reasons, numerous biomarkers reflecting hormonal, inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways have been investigated, but only a few convey relevant information. The complex pathophysiology of HF appears far too complex to be embraced by a single biomarker; thus, a combined approach appears reasonable. With these considerations, we have reviewed the recent developments in the field to highlight key candidates with diagnostic, prognostic and therapy optimization properties, either alone or in combination.
PLGA Biodegradable Nanoparticles Containing Perphenazine or Chlorpromazine Hydrochloride: Effect of Formulation and Release
Authors: Halayqa Mohammed , Domańska Urszula
Published: December 2014

In our study, poly(dl-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles loaded with perphenazine (PPH) and chlorpromazine hydrochloride (CPZ-HCl) were formulated by emulsion solvent evaporation technique. The effect of various processing variables, including PLGA concentration, theoretical drug loading, poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) concentration and the power of sonication were assessed systematically to obtain higher encapsulation efficiency and to minimize the nanoparticles size. By the optimization formulation process, the nanoparticles were obtained in submicron size from 325.5 ± 32.4 to 374.3 ± 10.1 nm for nanoparticles loaded with PPH and CPZ-HCl, respectively. Nanoparticles observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) presented smooth surface and spherical shape. The encapsulation efficiency of nanoparticles loaded with PPH and CPZ-HCl were 83.9% and 71.0%, respectively. The drug loading were 51.1% and 39.4% for PPH and CPZ-HCl, respectively. Lyophilized nanoparticles with different PLGA concentration 0.8%, 1.3% and 1.6% (w/v) in formulation process were evaluated for in vitro release in phosphate buffered saline (pH = 7.4) by using dialysis bags. The release profile for both drugs have shown that the rate of PPH and CPZ-HCl release were dependent on a size and amount of drugs in the nanoparticles.
Improving the Efficiency of Organic Solar Cells upon Addition of Polyvinylpyridine
Authors: Rodrigues Rita , Meira Rui , Ferreira Quirina , Charas Ana , Morgado Jorge
Published: December 2014

We report on the efficiency improvement of organic solar cells (OPVs) based on the low energy gap polyfluorene derivative, APFO-3, and the soluble C60 fullerene PCBM, upon addition of a residual amount of poly (4-vinylpyridine) (PVP). We find that the addition of 1% by weight of PVP with respect to the APFO-3 content leads to an increase of efficiency from 2.4% to 2.9%. Modifications in the phase separation details of the active layer were investigated as a possible origin of the efficiency increase. At high concentrations of PVP, the blend morphology is radically altered as observed by Atomic Force Microscopy. Although the use of low molecular weight additives is a routine method to improve OPVs efficiency, this report shows that inert polymers, in terms of optical and charge transport properties, may also improve the performance of polymer-based solar cells.
The Impact of Anemia on Child Mortality: An Updated Review
Authors: Scott Samuel , Chen-Edinboro Lenis , Caulfield Laura , Murray-Kolb Laura
Published: December 2014

Iron deficiency anemia and child mortality are public health problems requiring urgent attention. However, the degree to which iron deficiency anemia contributes to child mortality is unknown. Here, we utilized an exhaustive article search and screening process to identify articles containing both anemia and mortality data for children aged 28 days to 12 years. We then estimated the reduction in risk of mortality associated with a 1-g/dL increase in hemoglobin (Hb). Our meta-analysis of nearly 12,000 children from six African countries revealed a combined odds ratio of 0.76 (0.62–0.93), indicating that for each 1-g/dL increase in Hb, the risk of death falls by 24%. The feasibility of a 1-g/dL increase in Hb has been demonstrated via simple iron supplementation strategies. Our finding suggests that ~1.8 million deaths in children aged 28 days to five years could be avoided each year by increasing Hb in these children by 1 g/dL.
Dietary Magnesium Intake and Metabolic Syndrome in the Adult Population: Dose-Response Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression
Authors: Ju Sang-Yhun , Choi Whan-Seok , Ock Sun-Myeong , Kim Chul-Min , Kim Do-Hoon
Published: December 2014

ncreasing evidence has suggested an association between dietary magnesium intake and metabolic syndrome. However, previous research examining dietary magnesium intake and metabolic syndrome has produced mixed results. Our objective was to determine the relationship between dietary magnesium intake and metabolic syndrome in the adult population using a dose-response meta-analysis. We searched the PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library databases from August, 1965, to May, 2014. Observational studies reporting risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for metabolic syndrome in ≥3 categories of dietary magnesium intake levels were selected. The data extraction was performed independently by two authors, and the quality of the studies was evaluated using the Risk of Bias Assessment Tool for Nonrandomized Studies (RoBANS). Based on eight cross-sectional studies and two prospective cohort studies, the pooled relative risks of metabolic syndrome per 150 mg/day increment in magnesium intake was 0.88 (95% CI, 0.84–0.93; I2 = 36.3%). The meta-regression model showed a generally linear, inverse relationship between magnesium intake (mg/day) and metabolic syndrome. This dose-response meta-analysis indicates that dietary magnesium intake is significantly and inversely associated with the risk of metabolic syndrome. However, randomized clinical trials will be necessary to address the issue of causality and to determine whether magnesium supplementation is effective for the prevention of metabolic syndrome.
Evaluation of the Thickness and Oxygen Transmission Rate before and after Thermoforming Mono- and Multi-layer Sheets into Trays with Variable Depth
Authors: Buntinx Mieke , Willems Gert , Knockaert Griet , Adons Dimitri , Yperman Jan , Carleer Robert , Peeters Roos
Published: December 2014

During thermoforming, plastic sheets are heated and subsequently deformed through the application of mechanical stretching and/or pressure. This process directly impacts sheet properties such as material thickness in walls, corners, and bottom, crystallinity in the constituent layers, and particularly the oxygen gas permeability. The aim of this study was to quantify the impact of thermoforming on thickness and oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of selected packaging materials (polypropylene (PP); PP/ethylene-vinyl alcohol co-polymer/PP (PP/EVOH/PP); polystyrene/EVOH/polyethylene (PS/EVOH/PE); amorphous polyethylene terephtalate/PE (APET/PE); APET/PE/EVOH/PE; polyamide/PE (PA/PE); and (PE/)PA/EVOH/PA/PE). These materials were extruded in two different thicknesses and thermoformed into trays with the same top dimensions and variable depths of 25, 50, and/or 75 mm and a 50 mm tray with a variable radius of the corners. The distribution of the material thickness in the trays was visualized, showing the locations that were most affected by the deep drawn process. The OTR results indicate that the calculated OTR, based on a homogeneous material distribution, can be used as a rough approximation of the measured OTR. However, detailed analysis of crystallization and unequal thinning, which is also related to the tray design, remains necessary to explain the deviation of the measured OTR as compared to the predicted one.
Minimal experimental requirements for definition of extracellular vesicles and their functions: a position statement from the International Society for Extracellular Vesicles
Authors: Lötvall Jan , Hill Andrew F. , Hochberg Fred , Buzás Edit I. , Di Vizio Dolores , Gardiner Christopher , Gho Yong Song , Kurochkin Igor V. , Mathivanan Suresh , Quesenberry Peter , Sahoo Susmita , Tahara Hidetoshi , Wauben Marca H. , Witwer Kenneth W. , Théry Clotilde
Published: December 2014

Secreted membrane‐enclosed vesicles, collectively called extracellular vesicles (EVs), which include exosomes, ectosomes, microvesicles, microparticles, apoptotic bodies and other EV subsets, encompass a very rapidly growing scientific field in biology and medicine. Importantly, it is currently technically challenging to obtain a totally pure EV fraction free from non‐vesicular components for functional studies, and therefore there is a need to establish guidelines for analyses of these vesicles and reporting of scientific studies on EV biology. Here, the International Society for Extracellular Vesicles (ISEV) provides researchers with a minimal set of biochemical, biophysical and functional standards that should be used to attribute any specific biological cargo or functions to EVs.
DOES THE QUALITY OF GOVERNANCE MATTER FOR EQUITY MARKET RISK? EVIDENCE FROM EMERGING AND DEVELOPED EQUITY MARKETS
Authors: Low Soo-Wah , Tee Lain-Tze , Kew Si-Roei
Published: December 2014

This paper examines the relation between country-level governance and cross-country differences in equity market risk by employing panel data regressions. For emerging markets, we find consistent evidence that governance quality of various dimensions is negatively related to equity market risk. On the contrary, for developed markets, the results show that there is generally little or no relation between governance quality and equity market risk. The results provide practical implication to policy makers of emerging markets by highlighting the relevant governance dimensions that constitute important drivers of stock market risk. The findings have academic implication in the context of equilibrium pricing of stock market in emerging market.
DO DIFFERENT TYPES OF FDI STRATEGIES SPUR PRODUCTIVITY AND INNOVATION CAPABILITY GROWTH? EVIDENCE FROM TAIWANESE MANUFACTURING FIRMS
Authors: Lin Hui-Lin , Hsiao Yi-Chi , Lin Eric S.
Published: December 2014

Based on different motivations for engaging in outward FDI, this study divides firms' outward FDI into five types: non-FDI, FDI, defensive only outward FDI, expansive only outward FDI, and both defensive & expansive outward FDI simultaneously, and proposes four hypotheses to evaluate their relative strength in terms of firm productivity and innovation capability. The propensity score matching estimator based on a uniquely compiled Taiwanese manufacturing data set shows that, as firms engage in outward FDI, they have higher productivity growth rates compared to non-FDI firms. As for the further disengagement of the impacts of outward FDI, our empirical results indicate that expansive outward FDI tends to strengthen firms' productivity growth, while such a growth-boosting effect is not statistically significant for defensive outward FDI. Moreover, as far as firms undertaking defensive & expansive outward FDI simultaneously are concerned, we also find a positive and significant impact of outward FDI on productivity growth, but the effect is not as large as that for firms engaging solely in expansive outward FDI. This may imply that defensive outward FDI has some adverse effects on firms' productivity growth. As firm performance is measured by innovation growth, the average treatment effects are all significantly positive regardless of the type of outward FDI strategies. Nevertheless, engaging in defensive outward FDI is less advantageous to innovation growth than the expansionary outward FDI, as well as to defensive & expansive outward FDI simultaneously.
ALTERNATIVE MOTORS IN AVIATION
Authors: Kaddour Mirvat
Published: December 2014

The increasing demand for air travel leads to more pollution produced by air transport. At the same time the fuel prices are constantly rising. Therefore, it becomes necessary to find alternative energy sources for aircraft (alternative fuel, motors). In this article alternative propulsion systems (fuel) that can be used in aviation, their advantages and disadvantages are reviewed.
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR SCHEME FOR CORRODED STIFFENED STEEL BOX GIRDER BRIDGES BASED ON ULTIMATE STRENGTH RELIABILITY AND RISK ASSESSMENTS
Authors: Sharifi Yasser , Paik Jeom Kee
Published: December 2014

The aims of this study are to investigate the effect of corrosion on the load-carrying capacity of stiffened steel box girder bridges and to formulate a repair schedule using reliability-based approaches for such bridges as they age. A credible scenario for a corroded steel box section is estimated. Corrosion rates and their probabilistic characterization are calculated based on the available data. A probabilistic model of ultimate box girder strength is established based on an analytical formula that considers corrosion-related time-dependent strength degradation. The results generated with this model may be useful in the development of an optimized and accurate maintenance and repair schedule for existing steel box girder bridges.
APPLICATION OF TOPSIS METHOD IN PRIORITIZATION OF HIGHWAY BRIDGES FOR SEISMIC RETROFITTING
Authors: Yousefi Ali , Ahamad Mohd Sanusi S. , Majid Taksiah A.
Published: December 2014

The process of bridges seismic retrofitting in the highway network is extremely costly and time consuming. In addition, the constraint on resources prevents the retrofitting of all the bridges at the same time. Besides, the bridges must be prioritized with simultaneous consideration of multiple criteria, including technical and socioeconomic aspect. This study intends to identify the major criteria and consider them simultaneously for prioritization of highway bridges additionally provides an effective technique for weighing these criteria. In this research, TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution) method as a Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) model is applied. TOPSIS method enables decision makers to deal with problems involving a large number of alternatives (bridges) and criteria. This methodology reduces multiple alternative (bridge) performances into a single value (ranking score) to facilitate the decision-making process for determination of the most suitable bridges for retrofitting. Suggested criteria include structural vulnerability, seismic hazard, anticipated service life, average daily traffic, interface with other lifelines, alternative routes and bridge importance. Moreover, relative importance (weight) of the criteria is assigned using Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) technique. The proposed method is applied to a real case of the Isfahan highway network.
MINIMIZATION OF INDOOR TEMPERATURES AND TOTAL SOLAR INSOLATION BY OPTIMIZING THE BUILDING ORIENTATION IN HOT CLIMATE
Authors: Hamdani Maamar , Bekkouche Sidi Mohammed El Amine , Benouaz Tayeb , Belarbi Rafik , Cherier Mohamed Kamel
Published: December 2014

In order to reduce the energy load, understanding the overall architectural design features and optimizing building orientation are important. They are guided by natural elements like sunlight and its intensity, direction of the wind, seasons of the year and temperature variations. The main aim of presented analysis is to give solutions for architects to design standard and low energy buildings in a proper way. The orientation effect of a non-air-conditioned building on its thermal performance has been analyzed in terms of direct solar gain and temperature index for hot-dry climates. This paper aims at introducing an improved methodology for the dynamic modeling of buildings by the thermal nodal method. The study is carried out using computer simulation. This study examines also the effect of geometric shapes on the total solar insolation received by a real building. As a result, the influence of orientation changing depends on the floors and exterior walls construction materials, the insulation levels and application of the inseparable rules of the bioclimatic design. Solar radiation is the most major contributor to heat gain in buildings.
DUAL-UNITY OR DICHOTOMY? ANDROGYNY AND SOCIAL CONSTRUCTION OF GENDER BIPARTITION / DVILYPIS VIENINGUMAS AR DICHOTOMIJA? HERMAFRODITIZMAS IR LYTIES DVEJOPUMO SOCIALINIS KONSTRUKTAS
Authors: Kłonkowska Anna M.
Published: December 2014

The paper concerns mythology, rites, philosophical tradition and other intellectual inspirations, which have influenced the Western culture's approach to the male-female dualism in social categories and the culture's attitude towards the phenomenon of androgyny. This male-female bipartite category and the occurrence of transgressing it, or not fitting it, is analysed in relation to divergent philosophical and sociological theories, like the thought of Claude Lévi-Strauss, Michael Foucault, Judith Butler, etc. The purpose of the paper is to expose – and search for the reason for – Western culture's ambivalent attitude towards androgyny: perceived either as something odd and stigmatized for not matching the traditional dichotomy in cultural categories, or a perfect dual-unity integrating the two polar opposites in one being. Straipsnyje susitelkiama ties mitologija, ritualais, filosofine tradicija ir kitomis intelektualinėmis inspiracijomis, turėjusiomis įtakos Vakarų kultūroje įsišaknijusiam požiūriui į vyriškumo ir moteriškumo dualumą socialinėse kategorijose bei kultūros pozicijai hermafroditizmo fenomeno atžvilgiu. Ši vyriškumo ir moteriškumo dvidalė kategorija bei jos pažeidimo ar neatitikimo atvejis analizuojami remiantis divergentinėmis filosofinėmis ir sociologinėmis teorijomis, pavyzdžiui, plėtojamomis Claude'o Lévi-Strausso, Michaelio Foucault, Judith Butler ir kt. Straipsnio tikslas – atskleisti ir nustatyti Vakarų kultūros ambivalentiškos pozicijos hermafroditizmo atžvilgiu priežastis. Hermafroditizmas suvokiamas arba kaip kažkas keista ir gėdinga, nes tai neatitinka tradicinės dichotomijos kultūros kategorijų požiūriu, arba kaip tobulas dvilypis vieningumas, sujungiantis vienoje būtybėje dvi visiškas priešybes.
Bryophytes and lichens in peatlands and Tepualia stipularis swamp forests of Isla Grande de Chiloé (Chile)
Authors: León Carolina A. , Oliván Gisela , Larraín Juan , Vargas Reinaldo , Fuertes Esther
Published: December 2014

One hundred and twenty-nine taxa of bryophytes and lichens were found in peatlands (Sphagnum bogs) and swamp forests of Tepualia stipularis of Isla Grande de Chiloé (Chile) (41°-43°S, 73°-74°W). Forty eight percent of these species are endemic to southern South America. The range of most species spans from Los Rios Region to Magallanes Region. Fifty mosses, 52 liverworts, and 27 macrolichens were reported. Global and national distributions and habitat preferences are given for each species.
Bigraphical Reactive Systems Based Approaches for Modeling Context-Aware Systems
Authors: Cherfia Taha Abdelmoutaleb , Belala Faïza
Published: December 2014

In the past few years, context-aware computing has become one of the most promising topics of ubiquitous (pervasive) computing where computers are integrated and vanish in the background of users everyday activities. A context-aware system is a ubiquitous system, which is able to adapt its behavior automatically according to the gathered context information. However, due to the increasing complexity and diversity of such systems, the modeling process has become a major challenge for the ubiquitous computing community. In order to address this critical issue, different bigraphical reactive systems based approaches have been proposed to ease the modeling of some aspects of context-aware systems. Therefore, this paper presents a study attempting to show how bigraphs work under these approaches, and to illustrate the efficiency of our proposed approach in terms of addressing various aspects of context-aware systems.
Spatial Multiplexing
Authors: Nilsson Thomy
Published: December 2014

Geometrical constraints limit how much information can be received and emitted along real pathways across the boundary of any processor. Applied to central nervous systems this imposes a seemingly impassable bottleneck to the evolution of large brains. A small brain could never access enough information to warrant a larger brain. A small brain could not send enough information to operate a large body. Larger bodies are needed to support larger brains. Thus, with a rare exception, there are no invertebrates with large brains or large bodies. It is proposed that a convergent-divergent scanning neural network developed which enabled vertebrates to squeeze more information through this bottleneck by “spatial multiplexing”. This reduces the number of pathways into, between and from processors by a factor of 16 while maintaining spatial and intensity accuracy. This paper describes spatial multiplexing using downloadable spreadsheet models and shows how the necessity of scanning likely introduced brain rhythms.
Beyond the Visual in Urban Interactive Interfaces
Authors: Baltazar dos Santos Ana Paula , Filho José dos Santos Cabral , Ferreira de Arruda Guilherme , Marques Lorena Melgaço Silva , Alves de Almeida Marcela
Published: December 2014

This paper discusses the hegemony of the visual and its pervasiveness in current urban installations and technological gadgets. It draws a distinction between functional and playful interactions, showing the prevalence of the former in the design of most interfaces. It discusses interfaces that despite being based on the visual surpass functional interaction by promoting the bodily engagement of people in a playful interaction. This leads to the distinguishing between the interface—which might be reactive, proactive, or dialogical—and the interaction it promotes. It then argues for an interactive interface that moves beyond the visual towards physical action, promoting dialogical interaction. Such a discussion draws from physical computing to enable remote physical actuation to enhance people's feelings of belonging and presence. It then presents an interface that connects two public spaces through the Internet using physical computing to enable remote actuation. It finally indicates pointers for those future interactive installations that are concerned with social transformation.
NUVE
Authors: Moura João Martinho , Marcos Adérito , Barros Né , Branco Pedro
Published: December 2014

The project presented here aims to explore the artistic possibilities offered by digital performances in real time, in the form of dance, which is regarded as a privileged form of body language in the interaction between the performer and a digital artifact, interaction that establishes itself as the driving element of the whole scenic narrative. To research the aforementioned possibilities, a digital artifact, named NUVE, was conceptualized, developed, and implemented for the purpose of creating a dance performance where a performer will interact with the system, resulting in a fluid digital performance, based on the theme of the analog body versus the digital/virtual body, that will be exhibited in public.
An Analytical Model for Resource Characterization and Parameter Estimation for DAG-Based Jobs for Homogeneous Systems
Authors: Sajid Mohammad , Raza Zahid
Published: December 2014

High Performance Computing (HPC) systems demand and consume a significant amount of resources (e.g. server, storage, electrical energy) resulting in high operational costs, reduced reliability, and sometimes leading to waste of scarce natural resources. On one hand, the most important issue for these systems is achieving high performance, while on the other hand, the rapidly increasing resource costs appeal to effectively predict the resource requirements to ensure efficient services in the most optimized manner. The resource requirement prediction for a job thus becomes important for both the service providers as well as the consumers for ensuring resource management and to negotiate Service Level Agreements (SLAs), respectively, in order to help make better job allocation decisions. Moreover, the resource requirement prediction can even lead to improved scheduling performance while reducing the resource waste. This work presents an analytical model estimating the required resources for the modular job execution. The analysis identifies the number of processors required and the maximum and minimum bounds on the turnaround time and energy consumed. Simulation study reveals that the scheduling algorithms integrated with the proposed analytical model helps in improving the average throughput and the average energy consumption of the system. As the work predicts the resource requirements, it can even play an important role in Service-Oriented Architectures (SOA) like Cloud computing or Grid computing.
Exploring the Effects of Student-Centered Project-Based Learning with Initiation on Students' Computing Skills
Authors: Tsai Chia-Wen , Shen Pei-Di , Lin Rong-An
Published: December 2014

This study investigated, via quasi-experiments, the effects of student-centered project-based learning with initiation (SPBL with Initiation) on the development of students' computing skills. In this study, 96 elementary school students were selected from four class sections taking a course titled “Digital Storytelling” and were assigned to the following four groups: SPBL with Initiation group (G1, n = 20), SPBL group (G2, n = 31), PBL group (G3, n = 24), and Traditional group (G4, n = 21). Students had to design digital materials for digital storytelling. The researchers collected both quantitative and qualitative data, including conducting interviews with students and using teachers' journals. Based on the analysis in this study, the effect of SPBL with Initiation on students' computing skills was significantly higher than for those without or with other treatments. This research provides an innovative design and illustration of SPBL with Initiation for teachers, educators, and schools that are keen to enhance students' computing skills.
Use of the Wiki for Cross-Institutional Collaborations
Authors: Fuchs Carolin
Published: December 2014

This article discusses how groups of student teachers use the wiki to collaborate cross-institutionally in order to design tasks for English language learners. Participants in this case study involved student teachers at a private graduate institution on the East Coast in the U.S. and students at a public graduate institution in Luxembourg. In this action research approach, data triangulation involved gathering information through a combination of different instruments such as computer-mediated communication data, needs analyses, journal entries, and post-course questionnaires. Findings showed that in addition to writing collaboratively, groups used the wiki as a discussion tool. This subsequently led to an exploration of the interactions through computer-mediated discourse analysis and a discussion of methodological implications.
Blind Students' Challenges in Social Media Communication
Authors: Babu Rakesh
Published: December 2014

Social Networking Sites (SNS) are increasingly used in academia to facilitate informal learning, knowledge co-creation, and collaborative problem-solving. Deriving these pedagogic benefits requires SNS usability for all. This paper reports results of an early investigation into SNS usability for blind students. Think-aloud observations generated verbal evidence of six participants' Facebook interaction experiences. Verbal protocol analysis revealed where and how challenges arose in online social interactions. Design standards analysis identified responsible interface elements and potential remedial measures. Results show that locating Friend's profile and Timeline, reading, writing, and posting messages were significantly challenging. Participants needed additional time and effort, and occasionally sighted help, to perform these basic SNS functions that are integral parts of informal learning activities. Feasible design improvements are proposed that merit further investigation. Implications for educators, learning technologists, cognitive scientists, and usability experts are discussed.
The HRA-Based Road Crash Data
Authors: Hojjati-Emami Khashayar , Dhillon Balbir S. , Jenab Kouroush
Published: December 2014

Human error has played a critical role in the events precipitating the road accidents. Such accidents can be predicted and prevented by risk assessment, in particular assessing the human contribution to risk. As part of the Human Reliability Assessment (HRA) process, it is usually necessary not only to define what human errors can occur, but how often they will occur. Lack of understanding of the failure distribution characteristics of drivers on roads at any given time is a factor impeding the development of human reliability assessment and prediction of road accidents in order to take best proactive measures. The authors developed the complete investigation methodology for crash data collection. Furthermore, they have experimentally tested the proposed predictive behavioral characteristics of drivers in light of their instantaneous error rate over the course of driving period to assist processing and analysis of data collection as part of risk assessment. The findings of this research can assist road safety authorities to collect the necessary data, to better understand the behavioral characteristics of drivers on roads, to make more accurate risk assessments and finally to come up with right preventive measures.
Public Spending Efficiency
Authors: Korres George M. , Kokkinou Aikaterini
Published: December 2014

Public expenditure is efficient if its planning and policy objectives are achieved and inefficient if they are not. Efficiency is measured by an index of observed and desired performance and involves a comparison of actual performance with optimal performance located on the relevant frontier. Research is concerned with the identification of various ways that might depart from efficiency, the specification of an appropriate method of measuring inefficiency, and an exploration of the implications of each type of inefficiency, comprising a) academic interest, b) managerial decision making, and c) public policy relevance. This paper attempts to focus on defining efficient public expenditure performance, investigating the attainment of efficiency, and examining efficiency in public expenditure as a way to recover from the current financial crisis.
eLearning X.0
Authors: Edrees Mohamed E.
Published: December 2014

Web technologies evolved from Web 1.0 in early 1990s to Web 3.0 nowadays. Alongside Web technologies, eLearning has been evolving from eLearning 1.0 to eLearning 3.0, which integrates the Web X.0 technologies and tools into educational and institutional practice resulting in eLearning X.0. Universities and schools are investing substantial amounts of time and money in implementing Learning Management Systems (LMS). If not designed with eLearning X.0 support in mind, the LMS can pose difficulty for instructors and students to benefit from these technologies through LMS directly. The aim of this study is to evaluate the readiness of learning management systems to support eLearning X.0. This research reviewed the literature for the most common Web X.0 tools or features used in the eLearning process. Then an evaluation model was developed and applied on two respective learning management systems: BlackBoard and MOODLE. The results of readiness evaluation shows that MOODLE is more ready for eLearning X.0 than BlackBoard. The findings of this study provide several important implications for learning management system research and management.
A Pilot Study of the Challenges Associated with eLearning Developments in Saudi Universities
Authors: Xanthidis Dimitrios , Nikolaidis Paul
Published: December 2014

The ongoing developments in Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) lead IT professionals of the academic environments worldwide to adjust the eLearning Management Systems of their universities' domains in this reality by adopting the new ideas and recommendations. As a direct consequence, the influence on teaching and learning environments is more than emphatic and the challenges revealing the all the more increasing need in utilizing modern learning applications, procedures, and policies more apparent than ever before. Nevertheless, their institutions remain teaching organizations with their core processes focused on the need for education and training of their student bodies often increasing in size, especially in the emerging economies and developing countries. The Middle East and especially the Gulf Council Countries' (GCC) higher education systems are no exception. Saudi Arabia in particular can be considered a special case in the GCC due to its numerous and rather crowded higher education institutions. In this research, a number of diverse types of administrative, technical, and general challenges and issues related to eLearning are covered in order to examine the current situation of eLearning progress in Saudi universities, investigate the obstacles preventing high rates of eLearning development, and discover what kind of learning procedures people of Saudi prefer to accommodate their educational preferences. A pre-tested questionnaire was used for the purpose of data collection. The data were gathered from students of these educational institutions in Saudi Arabia and from other individuals from all walks of life and of various employment statuses. This pilot research study suggested that the main reason behind the slow progress of eLearning in Saudi Arabia is the result of problems in the local telecommunications and other infrastructure, as noted by the survey participants, and far less the outcome of weaknesses of the established procedures and facilities available from the local eLearning institutions.
Intestinal Helminths Regulate Lethal Acute Graft-versus-Host Disease and Preserve the Graft-versus-Tumor Effect in Mice
Authors: Li Yue , Chen Hung-Lin , Bannick Nadine , Henry Michael , Holm Adrian N. , Metwali Ahmed , Urban Joseph F. , Rothman Paul B. , Weiner George J. , Blazar Bruce R. , Elliott David E. , Ince M. Nedim
Published: December 2014

Donor T lymphocyte transfer with hematopoietic stem cells suppresses residual tumor growth (graft-versus-tumor [GVT]) in cancer patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation (BMT). However, donor T cell reactivity to host organs causes severe and potentially lethal inflammation called graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). High-dose steroids or other immunosuppressive drugs are used to treat GVHD that have limited ability to control the inflammation while incurring long-term toxicity. Novel strategies are needed to modulate GVHD, preserve GVT, and improve the outcome of BMT. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) control alloantigen-sensitized inflammation of GVHD, sustain GVT, and prevent mortality in BMT. Helminths colonizing the alimentary tract dramatically increase the Treg activity, thereby modulating intestinal or systemic inflammatory responses. These observations led us to hypothesize that helminths can regulate GVHD and maintain GVT in mice. Acute GVHD was induced in helminth (Heligmosomoides polygyrus)–infected or uninfected BALB/c recipients of C57BL/6 donor grafts. Helminth infection suppressed donor T cell inflammatory cytokine generation and reduced GVHD-related mortality, but maintained GVT. H. polygyrus colonization promoted the survival of TGF-β–generating recipient Tregs after a conditioning regimen with total body irradiation and led to a TGF-β–dependent in vivo expansion/maturation of donor Tregs after BMT. Helminths did not control GVHD when T cells unresponsive to TGF-β–mediated immune regulation were used as donor T lymphocytes. These results suggest that helminths suppress acute GVHD using Tregs and TGF-β–dependent pathways in mice. Helminthic regulation of GVHD and GVT through intestinal immune conditioning may improve the outcome of BMT.
Intensive Abdominal Drawing-In Maneuver After Unipedal Postural Stability in Nonathletes With Core Instability
Authors: Lee Nam G. , You Joshua (Sung) H. , Kim Tae H. , Choi Bong S.
Published: December 2014

Context:

The exact neuromechanical nature and relative contribution of the abdominal drawing-in maneuver (ADIM) to postural instability warrants further investigation in uninjured and injured populations.

Objective:

To determine the effects of the ADIM on static core and unipedal postural stability in nonathletes with core instability.

Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Setting:

University research laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants:

A total of 19 nonathletes (4 women: age = 22.3 ± 1.3 years, height = 164.0 ± 1.7 cm, mass = 56.0 ± 4.6 kg; 15 men: age = 24.6 ± 2.8 years, height = 172.6 ± 4.7 cm, mass = 66.8 ± 7.6 kg) with core instability.

Intervention(s):

Participants received ADIM training with visual feedback 20 minutes each day for 7 days each week over a 2-week period.

Main Outcome Measures(s):

Core instability was determined using a prone formal test and measured by a pressure biofeedback unit. Unipedal postural stability was determined by measuring the center-of-pressure sway and associated changes in the abdominal muscle-thickness ratios. Electromyographic activity was measured concurrently in the external oblique, erector spinae, gluteus medius, vastus medialis oblique, tibialis anterior, and medial gastrocnemius muscles.

Results:

All participants initially were unable to complete the formal test. However, after the 2-week ADIM training period, all participants were able to reduce the pressure biofeedback unit by a range of 4 to 10 mm Hg from an initial 70 mm Hg and maintain it at 60 to 66 mm Hg with minimal activation of the external oblique (t18 = 3.691, P = .002) and erector spinae (t18 = 2.823, P = .01) muscles. Monitoring of the pressure biofeedback unit and other muscle activations confirmed that the correct muscle contraction defining the ADIM was accomplished. This core stabilization was well maintained in the unipedal-stance position, as evidenced by a decrease in the center-of-pressure sway measures (t18 range, 3.953–5.775, P < .001), an increased muscle-thickness ratio for the transverse abdominis (t18 = −2.327, P = .03), and a reduction in external oblique muscle activity (t18 = 3.172, P = .005).

Conclusions:

We provide the first evidence to highlight the positive effects of ADIM training on core and postural stability in nonathletes with core instability.
A case series of gastric outlet obstruction secondary to tuberculosis: New diagnostic and treatment paradigm
Authors: Bansal Rinkesh Kumar , Ranjan Piyush , Kumar Mandhir , Sachdeva Munish , Bakshi Pooja
Published: December 2014

Tuberculosis can involve any part of gastrointestinal tract. Gastro-duodenal involvement in tuberculosis is rare. We report four cases of gastric outlet obstruction due to tuberculosis. In all of these patients obstruction was due to extra-luminal compression from lymph-nodes. Clinical presentation was with epigastric pain and recurrent vomiting. Upper GI endoscopy revealed duodenal stricture without any active ulcer or mass. Computed tomography scan showed duodenal thickening along with abdominal lymph nodes. Diagnosis was confirmed with EUS guided FNAC. Antral dilatation using CRE can be used as first treatment option for obstruction in these patients. Patients non responsive to dilatation may require surgery.
Role of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration in the diagnosis of space occupying lesions of the pancreas
Authors: Palaniappan S. , Arvind M. A. , Dinesh Jothimani , Melpakam Srinivas , Vijaya Srinivasan , Venkataraman Jayanthi , Rela Mohamed
Published: December 2014

Introduction: Space occupying lesions (SOLs) of the pancreas are commonly encountered in day to day practice either as an incidental finding or during evaluation of symptomatic patients. The aim of the present study was to compare the final diagnosis at follow-up with diagnosis made at computed tomography (CT)/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). Materials and Methods: Retrospective analysis of EUS data of 131 patients referred for tissue diagnosis of SOL in pancreas was done. The lesions were classified as malignant, benign, and nonneoplastic by both CT/MRI and endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) in conjunction with clinical presentation, biochemical parameters, and tumor markers. Follow-up cases with a final diagnosis alone were included for the comparative analysis. Statistical Analysis: Chi-square test, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive values (NPV) for CT/MRI and EUS-FNA were computed against the follow-up data. Results: Of the 131, there were 78 males (59.5%). The median age of presentation was 48 years (range: 11–82 years. Follow-up information on the final diagnosis was available for 54 patients. Confirmed diagnosis at follow-up was malignant lesion in 18, benign in 13 and 23 with a nonneoplastic lesion. When EUS-FNA outcome was compared with the definitive diagnosis of the 54 patients, it had a higher sensitivity for malignant (66.7% vs. 61.1%) and nonneoplastic lesions (78.3% vs. 73.9%) and was similar to CT/MRI for benign lesions (76.9% for both). EUS-FNA had a higher specificity (87.8% vs. 80.5%) with a good PPV for benign lesions (66.7% vs. 55.6%). CT/MRI was less accurate than EUS-FNA in predicting benign (79.6% vs. 85.2%) and nonneoplastic lesions (79.6% vs. 81.5%) compared to malignant lesions wherein it was similar at 81.5%. The high NPV with a lower PPV for both EUS/FNA and CT/MRI suggests that follow-up definitive diagnosis was superior to both –. Conclusions: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration had a higher specificity, but low sensitivity for the both neoplastic and nonneoplastic lesion of the pancreas compared to the world literature. The overall EUS-FNA yield was low when compared to the follow-up definitive diagnosis.
Zero-temperature 2D stochastic Ising model and anisotropic curve-shortening flow
Authors: Lacoin Hubert , Simenhaus François , Toninelli Fabio L.
Published: December 2014

Let

\mathcal D

be a simply connected, smooth enough domain of

\mathbb R^2

. For

L>0

consider the continuous time, zero-temperature heat bath dynamics for the nearest-neighbor Ising model on

\mathbb Z^2

with initial condition such that

\sigma_x=-1

if

x\in L\mathcal D

and

\sigma_x=+1

otherwise. It is conjectured [23] that, in the diffusive limit where space is rescaled by

L

, time by

L^2

and

L\to\infty

, the boundary of the droplet of "

-

" spins follows a
deterministic
anisotropic curve-shortening flow, where the normal velocity at a point of its boundary is given by the local curvature times an explicit function of the local slope. The behavior should be similar at finite temperature

T<T_c

, with a different temperature-dependent anisotropy function.

We prove this conjecture (at zero temperature) when

\mathcal D

is convex. Existence and regularity of the solution of the deterministic curve-shortening flow is not obvious
a priori
and is part of our result. To our knowledge, this is the first proof of mean curvature-type droplet shrinking for a model with genuine microscopic dynamics.