bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Review on Synthesis, Thermo-Physical Property, and Heat Transfer Mechanism of Nanofluids
Authors: Patil Mahesh , Seo Jae-Hyeong , Kang Suk-Ju , Lee Moo-Yeon
Published: October 2016

Nanofluids are suspended nano-sized particles in a base fluid. With increasing demand for more high efficiency thermal systems, nanofluids seem to be a promising option for researchers. As a result, numerous investigations have been undertaken to understand the behaviors of nanofluids. Since their discovery, the thermo-physical properties of nanofluids have been under intense research. Inadequate understanding of the mechanisms involved in the heat transfer of nanofluids has been the major obstacle for the development of sophisticated nanofluids with the desired properties. In this comprehensive review paper, investigations on synthesis, thermo-physical properties, and heat transfer mechanisms of nanofluids have been reviewed and presented. Results show that the thermal conductivity of nanofluids increases with the increase of the operating temperature. This can potentially be used for the efficiency enhancement of thermal systems under higher operating temperatures. In addition, this paper also provides details concerning dependency of the thermo-physical properties as well as synthesis and the heat transfer mechanism of the nanofluids.
Drought-Responsive Mechanisms in Plant Leaves Revealed by Proteomics
Authors: Wang Xiaoli , Cai Xiaofeng , Xu Chenxi , Wang Quanhua , Dai Shaojun
Published: October 2016

Plant drought tolerance is a complex trait that requires a global view to understand its underlying mechanism. The proteomic aspects of plant drought response have been extensively investigated in model plants, crops and wood plants. In this review, we summarize recent proteomic studies on drought response in leaves to reveal the common and specialized drought-responsive mechanisms in different plants. Although drought-responsive proteins exhibit various patterns depending on plant species, genotypes and stress intensity, proteomic analyses show that dominant changes occurred in sensing and signal transduction, reactive oxygen species scavenging, osmotic regulation, gene expression, protein synthesis/turnover, cell structure modulation, as well as carbohydrate and energy metabolism. In combination with physiological and molecular results, proteomic studies in leaves have helped to discover some potential proteins and/or metabolic pathways for drought tolerance. These findings provide new clues for understanding the molecular basis of plant drought tolerance.
Effect of Surface Densification on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Powder Metallurgical Gears by Using a Surface Rolling Process
Authors: Peng Jingguang , Zhao Yan , Chen Di , Li Kiade , Lu Wei , Yan Biao
Published: October 2016

Powder metallurgy (PM) components are widely used in the auto industry due to the advantage of net-shape forming, low cost, and high efficiency. Still, usage of PM components is limited in the auto industry when encountering rigorous situations, like heavy load, due to lower strength, hardness, wear resistance, and other properties compared to wrought components due to the existence of massive pores in the PM components. In this study, through combining the powder metallurgy process and rolling process, the pores in the PM components were decreased and a homogenous densified layer was formed on the surface, which resulted in the enhancement of the strength, hardness, wear resistance, and other properties, which can expand its range of application. In this paper, we study the impact of different rolling feeds on the performance of the components’ surfaces. We found that with the increase of the rolling feed, the depth of the densified layer increased.
In-Plane MEMS Shallow Arch Beam for Mechanical Memory
Authors: Hafiz Md , Kosuru Lakshmoji , Ramini Abdallah , Chappanda Karumbaiah , Younis Mohammad
Published: October 2016

We demonstrate a memory device based on the nonlinear dynamics of an in-plane microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) clamped–clamped beam resonator, which is deliberately fabricated as a shallow arch. The arch beam is made of silicon, and is electrostatically actuated. The concept relies on the inherent quadratic nonlinearity originating from the arch curvature, which results in a softening behavior that creates hysteresis and co-existing states of motion. Since it is independent of the electrostatic force, this nonlinearity gives more flexibility in the operating conditions and allows for lower actuation voltages. Experimental results are generated through electrical characterization setup. Results are shown demonstrating the switching between the two vibrational states with the change of the direct current (DC) bias voltage, thereby proving the memory concept.
The Potential of Secondary Metabolites from Plants as Drugs or Leads against Protozoan Neglected Diseases—Part III: In-Silico Molecular Docking Investigations
Authors: Ogungbe Ifedayo , Setzer William
Published: October 2016

Malaria, leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, and human African trypanosomiasis continue to cause considerable suffering and death in developing countries. Current treatment options for these parasitic protozoal diseases generally have severe side effects, may be ineffective or unavailable, and resistance is emerging. There is a constant need to discover new chemotherapeutic agents for these parasitic infections, and natural products continue to serve as a potential source. This review presents molecular docking studies of potential phytochemicals that target key protein targets in Leishmania spp., Trypanosoma spp., and Plasmodium spp.
Extract from Maize (Zea mays L.): Antibacterial Activity of DIMBOA and Its Derivatives against Ralstonia solanacearum
Authors: Guo Bing , Zhang Yongqiang , Li Shili , Lai Ting , Yang Liang , Chen Juanni , Ding Wei
Published: October 2016

Many cereals accumulate hydroxamic acids involved in defense of plant against various fungi, bacteria, and insects. 2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-1,4-benzoxazine-3-one, commonly known as DIMBOA, is one of the principal cyclic hydroxamic acids in aqueous extracts of maize. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of the isolated DIMBOA and its derivatives 2-benzoxazolinone (BOA), 6-chloro-2-benzoxazolinone (CDHB), and 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT) against Ralstonia solanacearum. MBT showed the strongest antibacterial activity, followed by CDHB and DIMBOA, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 50, 100 and 200 mg/L, respectively, better than the BOA with 300 mg/L. These compounds also significantly affect bacterial growth, reduce biofilm formation, and inhibit swarming motility within 24 h. This paper is the first to report the anti-R. solanacearum activity of DIMBOA from Z. mays. The bioassay and pot experiment results suggested that DIMBOA and its derivatives exhibit potential as a new matrix structure of designing target bactericide or elicitor for controlling tobacco bacterial wilt. Further studies must evaluate the efficacy of DIMBOA and its derivatives in controlling bacterial wilt under natural field conditions where low inoculum concentrations exist.
Differential Service in a Bidirectional Radio-over-Fiber System over a Spectral-Amplitude-Coding OCDMA Network
Authors: Yang Chao-Chin , Chen Kai-Sheng , Huang Jen-Fa , Kuo Jia-Cyuan
Published: October 2016

A new scheme of radio-over-fiber (RoF) network based on spectral-amplitude-coding (SAC) optical code division multiple access (OCDMA) is herein proposed. Differential service is provided by a power control scheme that classifies users into several classes and assigns each of them with a specific power level. Additionally, the wavelength reuse technique is adapted to support bidirectional transmission and reduce base station (BS) cost. Both simulation and numerical results show that significantly differential quality-of-service (QoS) in bit-error rate (BER) is achieved in both downlink and uplink transmissions.
Nested MC-Based Risk Measurement of Complex Portfolios: Acceleration and Energy Efficiency
Authors: Desmettre Sascha , Korn Ralf , Varela Javier , Wehn Norbert
Published: October 2016

Risk analysis and management currently have a strong presence in financial institutions, where high performance and energy efficiency are key requirements for acceleration systems, especially when it comes to intraday analysis. In this regard, we approach the estimation of the widely-employed portfolio risk metrics value-at-risk (VaR) and conditional value-at-risk (cVaR) by means of nested Monte Carlo (MC) simulations. We do so by combining theory and software/hardware implementation. This allows us for the first time to investigate their performance on heterogeneous compute systems and across different compute platforms, namely central processing unit (CPU), many integrated core (MIC) architecture XeonPhi, graphics processing unit (GPU), and field-programmable gate array (FPGA). To this end, the OpenCL framework is employed to generate portable code, and the size of the simulations is scaled in order to evaluate variations in performance. Furthermore, we assess different parallelization schemes, and the targeted platforms are evaluated and compared in terms of runtime and energy efficiency. Our implementation also allowed us to derive a new algorithmic optimization regarding the generation of the required random number sequences. Moreover, we provide specific guidelines on how to properly handle these sequences in portable code, and on how to efficiently implement nested MC-based VaR and cVaR simulations on heterogeneous compute systems.
Spectral Discrimination of Vegetation Classes in Ice-Free Areas of Antarctica
Authors: Calviño-Cancela María , Martín-Herrero Julio
Published: October 2016

Detailed monitoring of vegetation changes in ice-free areas of Antarctica is crucial to determine the effects of climate warming and increasing human presence in this vulnerable ecosystem. Remote sensing techniques are especially suitable in this distant and rough environment, with high spectral and spatial resolutions needed owing to the patchiness and similarity between vegetation elements. We analyze the reflectance spectra of the most representative vegetation elements in ice-free areas of Antarctica to assess the potential for discrimination. This research is aimed as a basis for future aircraft/satellite research for long-term vegetation monitoring. The study was conducted in the Barton Peninsula, King George Island. The reflectance of ground patches of different types of vegetation or bare ground (c. 0.25 m 2 , n = 30 patches per class) was recorded with a spectrophotometer measuring between 340 nm to 1025 nm at a resolution of 0.38 n m . We used Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) to classify the cover classes according to reflectance spectra, after reduction of the number of bands using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The first five principal components explained an accumulated 99.4% of the total variance and were added to the discriminant function. The LDA classification resulted in c. 92% of cases correctly classified (a hit ratio 11.9 times greater than chance). The most important region for discrimination was the visible and near ultraviolet (UV), with the relative importance of spectral bands steeply decreasing in the Near Infra-Red (NIR) region. Our study shows the feasibility of discriminating among representative taxa of Antarctic vegetation using their spectral patterns in the near UV, visible and NIR. The results are encouraging for hyperspectral vegetation mapping in Antarctica, which could greatly facilitate monitoring vegetation changes in response to a changing environment, reducing the costs and environmental impacts of field surveys.
Responsive Boronic Acid-Decorated (Co)polymers: From Glucose Sensors to Autonomous Drug Delivery
Authors: Vancoillie Gertjan , Hoogenboom Richard
Published: October 2016

Boronic acid-containing (co)polymers have fascinated researchers for decades, garnering attention for their unique responsiveness toward 1,2- and 1,3-diols, including saccharides and nucleotides. The applications of materials that exert this property are manifold including sensing, but also self-regulated drug delivery systems through responsive membranes or micelles. In this review, some of the main applications of boronic acid containing (co)polymers are discussed focusing on the role of the boronic acid group in the response mechanism. We hope that this summary, which highlights the importance and potential of boronic acid-decorated polymeric materials, will inspire further research within this interesting field of responsive polymers and polymeric materials.
Preliminary Study on Continuous Recognition of Elbow Flexion/Extension Using sEMG Signals for Bilateral Rehabilitation
Authors: Song Zhibin , Zhang Songyuan
Published: October 2016

Surface electromyography (sEMG) signals are closely related to the activation of human muscles and the motion of the human body, which can be used to estimate the dynamics of human limbs in the rehabilitation field. They also have the potential to be used in the application of bilateral rehabilitation, where hemiplegic patients can train their affected limbs following the motion of unaffected limbs via some rehabilitation devices. Traditional methods to process the sEMG focused on motion pattern recognition, namely, discrete patterns, which are not satisfactory for use in bilateral rehabilitation. In order to overcome this problem, in this paper, we built a relationship between sEMG signals and human motion in elbow flexion and extension on the sagittal plane. During the conducted experiments, four participants were required to perform elbow flexion and extension on the sagittal plane smoothly with only an inertia sensor in their hands, where forearm dynamics were not considered. In these circumstances, sEMG signals were weak compared to those with heavy loads or high acceleration. The contrastive experimental results show that continuous motion can also be obtained within an acceptable precision range.
Municipal Solid Waste Characterization According to Different Income Levels: A Case Study
Authors: Ozcan Huseyin , Guvenc Senem , Guvenc Lokman , Demir Goksel
Published: October 2016

Solid waste generation and characterization are some of the most important parameters which affect environmental sustainability. Municipal solid waste (MSW) characterization depends on social structure and income levels. This study aims to determine the variations in waste components within MSW mass by income levels and seasonal conditions following the analysis conducted on the characterization of solid wastes produced in the Kartal district of the province of Istanbul, which is the research area of this study. To this end, 1.9 tons of solid waste samples were collected to represent four different lifestyles (high, medium, and low income levels, and downtown) in the winter and summer periods, and characterization was made on these samples. In order to support waste characterization, humidity content and calorific value analyses were also conducted and various suggestions were brought towards waste management in line with the obtained findings. According to the results obtained in the study, organic waste had the highest rate of waste mass by 57.69%. Additionally, significant differences were found in municipal solid waste components (MSWC) based on income level. Average moisture content (MC) of solid waste samples was 71.1% in moisture analyses. The average of calorific (heating) value (HHV) was calculated as 2518.5 kcal·kg−1.
Proteomic Characterization and Comparison of Malaysian Tropidolaemus wagleri and Cryptelytrops purpureomaculatus Venom Using Shotgun-Proteomics
Authors: Zainal Abidin Syafiq , Rajadurai Pathmanathan , Chowdhury Md , Ahmad Rusmili Muhamad , Othman Iekhsan , Naidu Rakesh
Published: October 2016

Tropidolaemus wagleri and Cryptelytrops purpureomaculatus are venomous pit viper species commonly found in Malaysia. Tandem mass spectrometry analysis of the crude venoms has detected different proteins in T. wagleri and C. purpureomaculatus. They were classified into 13 venom protein families consisting of enzymatic and nonenzymatic proteins. Enzymatic families detected in T. wagleri and C. purpureomaculatus venom were snake venom metalloproteinase, phospholipase A2, ʟ-amino acid oxidase, serine proteases, 5′-nucleotidase, phosphodiesterase, and phospholipase B. In addition, glutaminyl cyclotransferase was detected in C. purpureomaculatus. C-type lectin-like proteins were common nonenzymatic components in both species. Waglerin was present and unique to T. wagleri—it was not in C. purpureomaculatus venom. In contrast, cysteine-rich secretory protein, bradykinin-potentiating peptide, and C-type natriuretic peptide were present in C. purpureomaculatus venom. Composition of the venom proteome of T. wagleri and C. purpureomaculatus provides useful information to guide production of effective antivenom and identification of proteins with potential therapeutic applications.
Case Study: A Real-Time Flood Forecasting System with Predictive Uncertainty Estimation for the Godavari River, India
Authors: Barbetta Silvia , Coccia Gabriele , Moramarco Tommaso , Todini Ezio
Published: October 2016

This work presents the application of the multi-temporal approach of the Model Conditional Processor (MCP-MT) for predictive uncertainty (PU) estimation in the Godavari River basin, India. MCP-MT is developed for making probabilistic Bayesian decision. It is the most appropriate approach if the uncertainty of future outcomes is to be considered. It yields the best predictive density of future events and allows determining the probability that a critical warning threshold may be exceeded within a given forecast time. In Bayesian decision-making, the predictive density represents the best available knowledge on a future event to address a rational decision-making process. MCP-MT has already been tested for case studies selected in Italian river basins, showing evidence of improvement of the effectiveness of operative real-time flood forecasting systems. The application of MCP-MT for two river reaches selected in the Godavari River basin, India, is here presented and discussed by considering the stage forecasts provided by a deterministic model, STAFOM-RCM, and hourly dataset based on seven monsoon seasons in the period 2001–2010. The results show that the PU estimate is useful for finding the exceedance probability for a given hydrometric threshold as function of the forecast time up to 24 h, demonstrating the potential usefulness for supporting real-time decision-making. Moreover, the expected value provided by MCP-MT yields better results than the deterministic model predictions, with higher Nash–Sutcliffe coefficients and lower error on stage forecasts, both in term of mean error and standard deviation and root mean square error.
Monnaies locales et identités : Le cas du monnayage colonial de la Nîmes augustéenne
Authors: Suspène Arnaud
Published: October 2016

Nemausus is well known as a favourite city of Augustus and one of the leading cities of Gallia Narbonensis at the beginning of the Empire. The aes coinage of Augustan Nemausus is studied as an expression of the multiple identities of the city at that time. Nemausus, a very peculiar colony, produces an equally peculiar coinage.
Arados (Phénicie) au IIe siècle : Monnaie, expansionnisme régional et richesse
Authors: Duyrat Frédérique
Published: October 2016

La réintégration au fonds général du Cabinet des Médailles de Paris de monnaies anciennement classées dans les collections de doubles ou de rebuts, ainsi que la découverte de deux nouveaux trésors aradiens est l’occasion de revenir sur la production de monnaies d’argent et de bronze en Phénicie du Nord au IIe s. Les relations entre Arados et sa rivale continentale, Marathos, sont revisitées à la lumière de ces nouveautés.
Les statères de Pergame et les réquisitions d’Alexandre le Grand : l’apport d’un nouveau trésor (« Statères de Pergame 2004 »)
Authors: de Callataÿ François
Published: October 2016

Over the past decade, previously unknown examples of gold staters with a representation of Alexander the Great entering the marketplace allows one to quintuple the number of gold staters struck at Pergamum on the Attic standard in the wake of Alexander the Great (22 new specimens compared to five previously-known, of which at least four came from the Saïda hoard buried in c. 320 BC). Perfectly preserved, highly die-linked, and with weights higher than those from Saïda, these new staters enable us to refine the chronology of an issue which is best dated to the end of the 330s. Studying the other exceptional issues of contemporary gold staters of Attic standard leads to the strong presumption that all of these coinages are to be linked with the Macedonian military campaign. Numismatics thus allows us to recover a history about which written sources are mute : how did Alexander finance the first phase of his Asiatic expedition before he could seize Persian booty ?
L’utilisation du génogramme en formation de thérapeutes familiaux psychanalytiques
Authors: Barraco de Pinto Marthe
Published: October 2016

Après une évocation des travaux de quelques cliniciens qui se servent du génogramme comme médiation, l’article s’attache à présenter cet outil dans le cadre de la formation des thérapeutes familiaux de l’association psyfa (Psychanalyse et Famille). Sont envisagés en particulier sa finalité et les modalités de son utilisation. Le but de cet exercice en groupe est de permettre à chacun de réfléchir à la place qu’il occupe dans sa famille actuelle, de repérer les legs des générations précédentes, de s’intéresser aux phénomènes de répétition qui impactent les différents membres du groupe familial ainsi que les relations traduites en termes d’alliances. Les particularités de la situation groupale sont aussi évoquées, comme les nécessités du cadre contenant, les résonances induites chez les participants et la créativité du goupe qui s’exprime. Les témoignages de thérapeutes en formation jalonnent cet écrit et illustrent les propos.
L’analyse comportementale du droit Manifeste pour un nouveau champ de recherche en Europe
Authors: Sibony Anne-Lise , Helleringer Geneviève , Alemanno Alberto
Published: October 2016

Pour être efficace, le droit a besoin d’une représentation aussi exacte que possible des comportements humains. Les sciences cognitives et comportementales offrent à cet égard des enseignements précieux, que le droit gagnerait à intégrer davantage. Dans cet article, nous rendons compte d’un mouvement de recherche qui s’est développé depuis une vingtaine d’années et s’intéresse aux manières d’intégrer les apports des sciences comportementales à l’étude du droit et à l’élaboration des politiques publiques. Nous explicitons dans un premier temps les prémisses de ce champ d’études, avant de discuter l’appellation qui convient le mieux pour le nommer. Nous en dessinons ensuite les contours en décrivant ses objets et questions de recherche. Enfin, nous évoquons ses méthodes. Par cette introduction à l’analyse comportementale du droit, nous adressons aux juristes une invitation à embrasser ce champ de recherches interdisciplinaires encore nouveau en Europe.
Neck Pain, Preoperative Opioids, and Functionality After Cervical Fusion
Authors: Faour Mhamad , Anderson Joshua T. , Haas Arnold R. , Percy Rick , Woods Stephen T. , Ahn Uri M. , Ahn Nicholas U.
Published: October 2016

The use of opioids among patients with workers' compensation claims is associated with tremendous costs, especially for patients who undergo spinal surgery. This study compared return-to-work rates after single-level cervical fusion for degenerative disk disease between patients who received opioids before surgery and patients who underwent fusion with no previous opioid use. All study subjects qualified for workers' compensation benefits for injuries sustained at work between 1993 and 2011. The study population included 281 subjects who underwent single-level cervical fusion for degenerative disk disease with
International Classification of Diseases,
Ninth Revision, and Current Procedural Terminology code algorithms. The opioid group included 77 subjects who received opioids preoperatively. The control group included 204 subjects who had surgery with no previous opioid use. The primary outcome was meeting return-to-work criteria within 3 years of follow-up after fusion. Secondary outcome measures after surgery, surgical details, and presurgical characteristics for each cohort also were collected. In 36.4% of the opioid group, return-to-work criteria were met compared with 56.4% of the control group. Patients who took opioids were less likely to meet return-to-work criteria compared with the control group (odds ratio, 0.44; 95% confidence interval, 0.26–0.76;
P
=.0028). Return-to-work rates within the first year after fusion were 24.7% for the opioid group and 45.6% for the control group (
P
=.0014). Patients who used opioids were absent from work for 255 more days compared with the control group (
P
=.0001). The use of opioids for management of diskogenic neck pain, with the possibility of surgical intervention, is a negative predictor of successful return to work after fusion in a workers' compensation population. [
Orthopedics.
2017; 40(1):25–32.]
Radiologic and Clinical Features of Misdiagnosed Idiopathic Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head
Authors: Ando Wataru , Yamamoto Kengo , Koyama Tsuyoshi , Hashimoto Yoshichika , Tsujimoto Takashi , Ohzono Kenji
Published: October 2016

Idiopathic osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) can be correctly diagnosed in accordance with the established criteria. However, some general orthopedic physicians have misdiagnosed patients as having ONFH. The goal of this study was to clarify the radiologic and clinical features of misdiagnosed patients. This study included 50 patients who were referred to the authors' hospital by general physicians with a diagnosis of ONFH. The correct diagnosis was made based on the Japanese Investigation Committee diagnostic criteria for ONFH. Demographic data were compared between patients with and without ONFH. Of the 50 patients, 24 were diagnosed with other diseases: 10 with osteoarthritis, 7 with transient osteoporosis of the femoral head, 4 with rapidly destructive coxopathy, and 3 with subchondral insufficiency fracture. Seventeen patients who did not have ONFH had magnetic resonance imaging findings that showed a bone marrow edema pattern at the femoral head. The mean age of 62.9 years among patients without ONFH was significantly higher than that of 45.2 years among patients with ONFH. There were 18 female patients in the non-ONFH group and 5 female patients in the ONFH group. Bilateral disease was found in 1 patient in the non-ONFH group and 17 patients in the ONFH group. No patients in the non-ONFH group had a history of systemic steroid administration compared with 11 patients in the ONFH group. Clinical features associated with the non-ONFH group were female sex, older age, unilateral disease, and no history of systemic steroid administration. For patients with these features, the diagnosis of ONFH should be made carefully. [
Orthopedics.
2017; 40(1):e117–e123.]
Characterization of Rotator Cuff Tears: Ultrasound Versus Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Okoroha Kelechi R. , Mehran Nima , Duncan Jonathan , Washington Travis , Spiering Tyler , Bey Michael J. , Van Holsbeeck Marnix , Moutzouros Vasilios
Published: October 2016

Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are both capable of diagnosing full-thickness rotator cuff tears. However, it is unknown which imaging modality is more accurate and precise in evaluating the characteristics of full-thickness rotator cuff tears in a surgical population. This study reviewed 114 patients who underwent arthroscopic repair of a full-thickness rotator cuff tear over a 1-year period. Of these patients, 61 had both preoperative MRI and ultrasound for review. Three musculoskeletal radiologists evaluated each ultrasound and MRI in a randomized and blinded fashion on 2 separate occasions. Tear size, retraction status, muscle atrophy, and fatty infiltration were analyzed and compared between the 2 modalities. Ultrasound measurements were statistically smaller in both tear size (
P
=.001) and retraction status (
P
=.001) compared with MRI. The 2 image modalities showed comparable intraobserver reliability in assessment of tear size and retraction status. However, MRI showed greater interobserver reliability in assessment of tear size, retraction status, and atrophy. Independent observers are more likely to agree on measurements of the characteristics of rotator cuff tears when using MRI compared with ultrasound. As tear size increases, the 2 image modalities show greater differences in measurement of tear size and retraction status. Additionally, compared with MRI, ultrasound shows consistently low reliability in detecting subtle, but clinically important, degeneration of the soft tissue envelope. Although it is inexpensive and convenient, ultrasound may be best used to identify a tear, and MRI is superior for use in surgical planning for larger tears. [
Orthopedics.
2017; 40(1):e124–e130.]
Evaluation and Referral of Diabetic Eye Disease in the Endocrinology and Primary Care Office Settings
Authors: Silva Fabiana Q. , Adhi Mehreen , Wai Karen M. , Olansky Leann , Lansang M. Cecilia , Singh Rishi P.
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

The purpose of this study was to identify whether endocrinologists and primary care physicians (PCP) adequately screen for ophthalmic symptoms/signs within office visits and provide timely ophthalmology referrals in patients with diabetes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Patients between the ages of 18 years and 80 years with diabetes who underwent an office visit with an endocrinologist or a PCP between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2014, were identified. Demographics, ophthalmic assessments, and referral information were collected.

RESULTS:

A total of 1,250 patient records were reviewed. Providers asked about ophthalmic symptoms/signs in 95.5% and 71% of endocrinology and primary care office encounters, respectively (
P
< .0001). Past and/or future ophthalmology appointments were verified in 86.1% and 49.7% of patients during endocrinology and PCP visits, respectively (
P
< .0001).

CONCLUSIONS:

Ophthalmic complications from diabetes are not adequately screened, especially within the primary care setting, and further quality improvement measures may improve adherence to recommended screening protocols.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2016;47:930–934.]
Mobile Location Tracking
Authors: Nadler Sima
Published: October 2016

One of the key things that differentiate mobile devices from static computing platforms is the ability to provide information about the device user's location. While the raw location is often useful, it is the ability to understand the user's context that makes this capability so powerful. This chapter will review the technologies used today to provide location tracking of mobile devices and which are best for different types of use cases. It will also address challenges associated with location tracking, such as accuracy, performance and privacy.
Mobile Application and User Analytics
Authors: Ramakrishna Venkatraman , Dey Kuntal
Published: October 2016

Mobile analytics is the systematic study of mobile device and application usage, and application performance, for the purpose of improving service quality. This chapter motivates the need for mobile analytics as an essential cog in the emerging economy built around devices, applications, and communication. A taxonomy of mobile analytics problems is presented, and technical details of a typical mobile analytics solution are discussed. Scale, heterogeneity, dynamically changing environments, and diverse privacy requirements pose challenges to collecting and processing data for such analysis. This chapter examines how analytics solutions handle these challenges. The core of the chapter consists of a technical section describing the general architecture of a mobile analytics solution, procedures to collect and process data, event monitoring infrastructure, system administration processes, and privacy management policies. Case studies of a number of analytics solutions available as commercial products or prototypes are presented.
Bioinformatics
Authors: Niosi Jorge E.
Published: October 2016

Bioinformatics is the methodological tool required to use the massive genomics databases being created on human, animal, bacterial and vegetal organisms. This paper retraces the development of bioinformatics as a new discipline and its diffusion into Latin America. It argues that governments in the region do not pay enough attention at this fast-growing new area of the set of biotech technologies stemming from the convergence between information and communication technology and biotechnologies, and in consequence, the region is falling increasingly behind the world leader (the United States), Japan and Western Europe.
The Turkish Biotechnology System
Authors: Cetindamar Dilek
Published: October 2016

This chapter empirically examines biotechnology innovation system in order to present the concerns of developing countries. Even though it is not possible to create standard prescriptions across countries, this paper aims to develop a solid understanding of how biotechnology and institutions co-evolve that might shed light to innovation policy issues for biotechnology across developing countries. The immediate goal is the Turkish policy makers but it will surely have policy implications for developing countries in general. Through mapping innovation processes/functions over time, it is possible to develop insights of the dynamics of innovation systems. This mapping is carried out for the Turkish biotechnology system, and the findings are summarized.
Corporate Social Responsibility of Pharmaceutical Industry Towards Access to Medicine: A Case Study of GlaxoSmithKline
Authors: Rashmi Rakhi
Published: October 2016

India has changed its patent policy in 2005. It was compliance to WTO TRIPs provision and after this there was prohibition on process or generic manufacturing. India is the biggest supplier of affordable generic medicines and this patent protection is said to be beneficial to novel drug manufacturing countries. The generic drugs can be a differentiation factor between lives starting point and the ending point for millions of people in developing countries. This remains an obstacle to inexpensive generic medicines which results in devastating impact on the poorer people. These patent laws allow large MNC's to place ‘profits over people'. World Health Organisation report price of medicines are important for maintaining the affordability and access of the medicines. This research evaluates the strategies and practices of Glaxo Smith Kline in contribution towards the access to medicines and their contribution of corporate social responsibility in India.
Modeling and Simulation of a Stand-Alone Hydrogen Photovoltaic Fuel Cell Hybrid System
Authors: Benmessaoud M.T. , Stambouli A. Boudghene , Tioursi M.
Published: October 2016

In this Chapter, a hybrid Photovoltaic-Fuel Cell (PV-FC) generation system employing an electrolyser for hydrogen generation is designed and simulated. The system is applicable for remote areas or isolated loads. This system has been simulated via a developed general dynamic mathematical model which analytically describes the electric subsystems. Some interesting simulation results are presented in this chapter. Specific attention is paid to the investigation of the dynamic analysis of the photovoltaic, fuel cell, and electrolyser system at the connection. The objective of this study is to evaluate the performance of an autonomous stationary power generation and thermal coupling a PV array and a storage system for hydrogen, consisting of an electrolyser, a storage unit of gas, and a fuel cell of high temperature. Hydrogen is the only means that stores electricity. Stationary applications of a few kilowatts are evaluated by numerical simulation in MATLAB/SIMULINK.
A Novel Mixed Integer Programming Formulation for Selecting the Best Renewable Energies to Invest
Authors: Rabbani Masoud , Mamaghani Mahsa Ghanbarpour , Farshbaf-Geranmayeh Amir , Mirzayi Mahsa
Published: October 2016

The governments seeking to invest renewable energies for electrifying far spots and/or isolated islands are always confronted with the problem of selecting the best energy (portfolio of energies) technology. To reach the optimum decision, they must take into account a variety of criteria including technical, economic, environmental and social aspects at the same time. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to address the mentioned concern by developing a multi objective mixed integer programming formulation that not only takes into account the above criteria with a focus on tax, depreciation costs and time value of money, but also optimizes a set of objective functions simultaneously. Furthermore, to model the intrinsic uncertainty of some parameters like demand and budget, a fuzzy goal programming approach is applied. In order to demonstrate the applicability of the model, a numerical example, based on the data obtained from the literature, is developed. The results indicate that, for the given conditions, hydro and PV are superior to their counterparts.
Dynamic Particle Swarm Optimization with Any Irregular Initial Small-World Topology
Authors: Wang Shuangxin , Tian Guibin , Yu Dingli , Lin Yijiang
Published: October 2016

It is realized that the topological structure of the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm has a great influence on its optimization ability. This paper presents a new dynamic small-world neighborhood PSO (D-SWPSO) algorithm whose neighbourhood structure can be constructed with any irregular initial networks. The choice of the learning exemplar is not only based upon the big clustering coefficient and the average shortest distance for a regular network, but also based upon the eigenvalues of Laplacian matrix for irregular networks. Therefore, the D-SWPSO is a PSO algorithm based on small-world topological neighbourhood with universal significance. The proposed algorithm is tested by some typical benchmark test functions, and the results confirm that there is a significant improvement over the basic PSO algorithm. Finally, the algorithm is applied to a real-world optimization problem, the economic dispatch on the IEEE30 system with wind farms. The results demonstrate that the proposed D-SWPSO is a practically feasible and effective algorithm.
Feasibility of Implementation of Solar Bottle Bulb in Urban Slums of India
Authors: Maggu Akshay , Garg Jaideep
Published: October 2016

Reach of undisrupted electricity is a perennial problem that is faced by urban slums in India. Through this chapter, the authors aim to study the feasibility of implementation of a ground breaking idea that will help in fighting this problem in a cost effective way and that has already been implemented in Philippines on a large scale. Further, given the present scenario of development in India, this chapter also tries to focus on the ways in which this product can be introduced on a commercial level covering one slum at a time. Also, this chapter revolves around the usability and identification of the most suitable and cost effective way to implement this idea in the desired target group. The chapter ultimately hopes to drive its readers to find the best solution to the proposed problem.
Optimal Operational Strategy for PV/Wind-Diesel Hybrid Power Generation System with Energy Storage
Authors: Ani Vincent Anayochukwu
Published: October 2016

Telecommunications industry requires efficient, reliable and cost-effective hybrid power system as alternative to the power supplied by diesel generator. This paper proposed an operational control algorithm that will be used to control and supervise the operations of PV/Wind-Diesel hybrid power generation system for GSM base station sites. The control algorithm was developed in such a way that it coordinates when power should be generated by renewable energy (PV panels and Wind turbine) and when it should be generated by diesel generator and is intended to maximize the use of renewable system while limiting the use of diesel generator. Diesel generator is allocated only when the demand cannot be met by the renewable energy sources including battery bank. The developed algorithm was used to study the operations of the hybrid PV/Wind-Diesel energy system. The control simulation shows that the developed algorithm reduces the operational hours of the diesel generator thereby reducing the running cost of the hybrid energy system as well as the pollutant emissions. With the data collected from the site, a detailed economic and environmental analysis was carried out using micro power optimization software homer. The study evaluates savings associated with conversion of the diesel powered system to a PV/Wind-Diesel hybrid power system.
Hybrid Supply Chain Strategies in Wind Business
Authors: Castelló Jordi , de Castro Rodolfo , Bikfalvi Andrea
Published: October 2016

The present chapter aims to increase the understanding of possible supply chain models and their fit and most effective configuration in a typically engineer-to-order sector, namely the wind business. Our findings argue the pertinence of a Hybrid Supply Chain model combining elements of the Lean, Agile and Leagile paradigms upstream and the Project Management paradigm downstream in the case of a Wind Turbine Manufacturer. We also find that, depending on the complexity of the market and supply diversity, multiple decoupling points emerge. Through the present Wind Energy Supply Chain case, we find that for effective management of a global supply chain characterized by a high number of references and multiple technologies, it is necessary to mix different manufacturing paradigms in order to provide a quick, agile and competitive response to the customer.
A New Robust H∞ Control Power
Authors: Abdelmalek Samir , Belmili Hocine
Published: October 2016

Attention has been paid by many researchers to address the various challenges of grid connection of DFIG-based Wind Energy Conversion Systems (WECS). This chapter focuses on the design of a robust H8 controller for the power flow between the stator of the Doubly-Fed Induction Generator (DFIG) and the grid. The robust H8 controller design is formulated as a mixed-sensitivity problem. A mathematical model of the DFIG written in an appropriate d-q reference frame is established to carry out simulations. The proposed power control scheme is elaborated and compared with a conventional Proportional-Integral (PI) controller based on vector control technique. The results show interesting performance of the controlled system in terms of the power reference tracking (the active and reactive power) and robustness against parameter variations compared with the conventional PI controller.
Population Health Management and Cervical Cancer Screening Programs
Authors: Moumtzoglou Anastasius , Pouliakis Abraham
Published: October 2016

Population Health Management (PHM) aims to provide better health outcomes for preventing diseases, closing care gaps and providing more personalized care. Since the inception of the Pap test, cervical cancer (CxCa) decreased in countries applying screening programs, involving both prevention and treatment. In this chapter, we map a PHM roadmap to CxCa screening programs, examine the effect of supporting information technology systems, and propose a suitable architecture for implementation. Notwithstanding screening programs have a tight relation to PHM; the mapping reveals numerous interventions involving additional data sources, and timeless reconfiguration. Today, the use of open source platforms allows the implementation of IT systems supporting CxCa screening, when employed in a multitier web-based architecture.
Robotics in Surgical Techniques
Authors: Costarides Vassilia , Zygomalas Apollon , Giokas Kostas , Koutsouris Dimitris
Published: October 2016

Healthcare robotic applications are a growing trend due to rapid demographic changes that affect healthcare systems, professionals and quality of life indicators, for the elderly, the injured and the disabled. Current technological advances in robotic systems offer an exciting field for medical research, as the interdisciplinary approach of robotics in healthcare and specifically in surgery is continuously gaining ground. This chapter features a review of current applications, from external large scale robotic devices to nanoscale swarm robots programmed to interact on a cellular level.
Surface Segmentation
Authors: Zimeras S.
Published: October 2016

Segmentation is a powerful procedure that could be used to extract relevant information of the images based on advanced techniques (like active contours, region growing, Markov random fields, and medical atlas analysis). For the procedures, the main task is the contour, or volume or surface representation of specific parts of the organs that could be used for the benefit of the patients under doctor evaluation. So, in real cases, the proposed process must be quick, accurate and easy to implement. The segmentation of the organ is another problem that must be considered. More complicated, more demanding the segmentation process. In our case (bronchus segmentation) a quick, effective and easy to implement procedure is proposed based on the combination of boundary tracking and region growing techniques.
Assessing Performance of Leaf Area Index in a Monitored Mountain Ecosystem on Mount Elgon-Uganda
Authors: Oyana Tonny , Kayendeke Ellen , Adu-Prah Samuel
Published: October 2016

This study investigated the performance of leaf area index (LAI) and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) in a mountain ecosystem. The authors hypothesized that significant spatial and temporal differences exist in LAI and PAR values in the Manafwa catchment on Mt. Elgon. This was accomplished through field measurements of actual LAI and PAR values of diverse vegetation types along a ~900m altitudinal gradient (1141–2029 masl) in the catchment. In-situ measurements were obtained from 841 micro-scale study plots in 28 sampling plots using high resolution LAI sensors. The findings showed a significant positive relationship exists between elevation and observed LAI (r = 0.45, p = 0.01). A regression model further shows that elevation and curvature of the landscape slope were highly significant (p < 0.00002) predictors of LAI. Finally, the authors detected significant spatial and temporal differences in LAI and PAR values in the study area. The study provides a critical basis for setting up long-term monitoring plans to understand mountain ecosystems and global climate change.
A MDSD Approach for Adaptable Service Oriented Systems based on Domain Specific Language Engineering
Authors: Lethrech Mohammed , Kenzi Adil , Elmagrouni Issam , Nassar Mahmoud , Kriouile Abdelaziz
Published: October 2016

The simultaneous use of the new computing paradigms: Domain Specific Modeling, Context Oriented Computing and Service Oriented Computing, raises many challenges. Particularly, the challenge of engineering such systems, which consists of the definition of modeling approaches, processes, techniques and tools to facilitate their construction. The proposed MDSD approach for context-aware service oriented systems is based on Domain Specific Language Engineering. The Context-Aware, Domain Specific and Service Oriented (CADSSO) development approach is based on five models. The first one is domain specific context model; it symbolizes the services context of use. The second is domain specific services model; it takes care of services modeling. The third is service variability model; it formulates services variants. The fourth is adaptation rules model, which is the joint between service variability model and context model. The fifth is business rules model, used to model domain business. A code generator is in charge of the transformation of the five models to the final code.