bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Calculating balance velocities with a membrane stress correction
Authors: Williams C. Rosie , Hindmarsh Richard C.A. , Arthern Robert J.
Published: March 2014

Inverse methods, where surface data are ‘inverted’ in order to quantify basal properties of ice sheets, play a major role in initializations. The balance-velocity method is a unique linear initialization, in which accumulation, surface elevation and thickness data are used to calculate the velocities and basal conditions required to maintain the observed ice-sheet altimetric signal, resulting in an estimate of the basal sliding viscosity that is guaranteed to be non-negative. We examine the observation that balance velocities based on the shallow-ice approximation (SIA) are extremely dependent on grid size, showing that Antarctic balance velocities on a 1 km grid are excessively over-channelized. Incorporating the membrane-stress approximation into balance-velocity calculations and comparing them with a simplified analytical solution shows that numerical error monotonically decreases with grid resolution and over-channelization is eliminated for Newtonian and non-Newtonian rheology. In contrast, for the SIA reducing grid size below the membrane-stress coupling length fails to improve accuracy. However, since this approach is nonlinear, a unique viscosity solution is not guaranteed, and in practice ‘sliding viscosity’ estimates are noisy. This raises problems of the sensitivity of these estimates to data and model errors, which may mean using inverse or smoothing techniques in association with balance-velocity methods in many, if not all, practical applications.
Pathogenesis of Pullorum Disease (PD) in Chickens by Local Isolate of Salmonella pullorum in Bangladesh
Authors: Haider MG , Chowdhury EH , Sharif SMK , Hossain MM
Published: March 2014

Pullorum disease is caused by Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar Pullorum. Chickens are the natural host of this pathogen. In the present study experimental pathogenesis was studied. Twenty pullets (Salmonella pullorum seronegative) of Isa Brown breed of 18 weeks and 10 cocks (Salmonella pullorum seronegative) of RIR breed of 26 weeks of age were experimentally infected orally with 2 x107 (CFU) dose of Salmonella Pullorum organisms and in control group no bacteria was given. Birds were observed for clinical signs, gross pathology, and reisolation of S. Pullorum from different organs and blood, histopathological study, detection of antibody levels and detection of S. Pullorum by PCR at different time intervals of experimental period. Four hens and one cock were randomly selected and sacrificed on 6 hr before inoculation and 1 wk, 2, 3 and 4 wks of post infection (PI). Samples were collected for bacteriological, serology and histopathological examinations. Liver, lungs, ovarian follicles and testis were also collected in 50% buffered- glycerol and preserved in - 80&edeg;C for PCR. The clinical signs of infected hens were found at 72 hrs of PI, which continued up to 4 wks. 15.81% reduction in egg production was observed. The highest mean CFU ml-1 of Salmonella Pullorum from blood was 13.55x 103 at 1 wk PI and the lowest was 13x 102 at 4 wk PI. Gross lesions were variable in different birds at different time interval. The highest gross lesion was 93.75% as swollen and congested spleen and the lowest lesion was 43.75% as pericarditis and necrotic foci/ nodules in the heart. Microscopically, the liver showed congestion; hepatitis with infiltration of inflammatory cells, and focal necrosis with nodule formation. The antibody titre increased gradually and the highest titer was at 4 wks PI in hens (4712±1851) than that of cock (3059±903). S. Pullorum was detected by PCR in all liver and lung samples from 1 wk to 4 wks PI. S. Pullorum was reisolated from male and female reproductive organs after experimental infection. S. Pullorum was detected by PCR at 1 wk to 3 wks PI from testicular tissues. S. Pullorum was also reisolated from 50% eggs of experimentally infected birds. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sja.v11i2.18398 SAARC J. Agri., 11(2): 1-16 (2013)
Effect of Integrated Disease Management Packages on Diseases Incidence and Bulb Yield of Onion (Allium cepa L.)
Authors: Gupta RC , Gupta RP
Published: March 2014

A field experiment was conducted to find out the effect of different integrated disease management (IDM) packages on severity of basal rot (Fusarium oxysporum), white rot (Sclerotium rolfsii) and stemphylium blight (S. vesicarium) diseases, and bulb yield of onion (Allium cepa L.) variety Agrifound Light Red. Nine IDM packages consisting of NPK fertilizers, farm yard manure, biocontrol agents and spray of fungicides starting from 30 days of transplanting at 15 days interval were applied. The incidence of basal rot and white rot of onion bulbs ranged from 0.98- 4.31% and 0.00-0.96%, respectively. The highest incidence of basal rot (4.31%) and white rot (0.96) was recorded in bulbs harvested from untreated control. The lowest incidence of basal rot (0.98%) was found in bulbs harvested from the IDM package consisting of NPK @ 100:50:50 kg ha-1 + FYM @ 10 t ha-1 + vermicompost @ 1 t ha-1 + Ps. fluorescens @ 5 kg ha-1 + copper oxychloride @ 0.3%). White rot did not appear under this package. The lowest Stemphylium blight intensity (3.87%) was achieved with the package having four foliar sprays of propiconazole @ 0.1% followed by mancozeb @ 0.25% and copper oxychloride @ 0.3%. The IDM package increased the bulbs yield over standard check by 25.54% and over untreated control by 109.42%. The average highest bulb diameter (54.15 mm) and bulb size index (23.27 cm2) and lowest incidence (0.98%) of basal rot disease in onion bulbs was also obtained with IDM package consisting of NPK @ 100:50:50 kg ha-1 + FYM @ 10 t ha-1 + vermicompost @ 1 t ha-1 + Ps. fluorescens @ 5 kg ha-1 + copper oxychloride @ 0.3%). DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sja.v11i2.18401 SAARC J. Agri., 11(2): 49-59 (2013)
Combining Ability and Gene Action
Authors: Verma RS , Pratap Narendra , Dubey DK , Singh SS
Published: March 2014

The investigation was carried out to get information regarding magnitude of combining ability and nature of gene action for fruit yield and several other yield attributing traits following line × tester mating design involving 12 lines and 3 testers and their 36 hybrids tested in two environments viz., summer and rainy season 2010 at Research Farm of Department of Vegetable Science, N. D. University of Agriculture & Technology, Kumarganj, Faizabad, UP, India. From the estimate of gca effects, among the parental lines NDBT-13, NDBT-15 and NDBT-19 were identified as superior donor for both seasons and NDBT-10 for summer season and among the testers Kalyanpur Sona for summer season and Pusa Do Mausami for rainy season for fruit yield per plant and its yield contributing traits like number of fruits per plant and average fruit weight. Eight crosses displayed desirable significant sca effects in both seasons for fruit yield per plant. Among these eight crosses the best cross combinations based on desirable sca effects for fruit yield per plant were NDBT-19 × Pusa Do Mousami in summer season while NDBT-8 × Pusa Do Mousami, NDBT-15 × NDBT-12 and NDBT-10 × Pusa Do Mousami in rainy season. These crosses have more number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight, fruit diameter and other component traits in both seasons. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sja.v11i2.18407 SAARC J. Agri., 11(2): 117-127 (2013)
Genetic Variability and Character Association in Dolichos Bean
Authors: Magalingam V , Yassin Mohammed , Kumar Ramesh
Published: March 2014

Field bean (Dolichos lablab L.) is an important vegetable crop throughout India due to its local acceptability by the people. It has wide genetic variability for various traits like plant habit, branching habit, stem pigmentation, pod colour and pod characters etc. In the past, very little attention was given by the scientists on systematic crop improvement in Dolichos bean. The present investigation was laid out in a simple randomized complete block design with three replications during rabi 2011-2012 to study the variability present in 23 genotypes of dolichos bean. Analysis of variance revealed that there were significant differences among the genotypes for all the characters studied. The difference between PCV and GCV was narrow for all characters except percentage of pod set. Hence, these characters were less influenced by environment. High GCV and heritability estimates were associated with greater genetic advance for the nine traits viz., percentage of pod set, number pods per cluster, number pods per plant, green pod length, green pod width, individual green pod weight, pod yield, crude protein and crude fibre indicating that these characters had additive gene effect and were more reliable for effective selection in the improvement of dolichos bean. It is inferred from correlation and path analysis that the individual green pod weight, percentage of pod set, number of flowers per cluster and number of pods per plant exhibited significant positive correlation and direct positive effect on yield. Hence, these traits may be used as selection indices for yield improvement of dolichos bean. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sja.v11i2.18411 SAARC J. Agri., 11(2): 161-171 (2013)
Comparison of Pyrolysis Mass Spectrometry and Near Infrared Spectroscopy for Genetic Analysis of Lignocellulose Chemical Composition in Populus
Authors: Zhang Jianxing , Novaes Evandro , Kirst Matias , Peter Gary
Published: March 2014

Genetic analysis of wood chemical composition is often limited by the cost and throughput of direct analytical methods. The speed and low cost of Fourier transform near infrared (FT-NIR) overcomes many of these limitations, but it is an indirect method relying on calibration models that are typically developed and validated with small sample sets. In this study, we used >1500 young greenhouse grown trees from a clonally propagated single Populus family, grown at low and high nitrogen, and compared FT-NIR calibration sample sizes of 150, 250, 500 and 750 on calibration and prediction model statistics, and heritability estimates developed with pyrolysis molecular beam mass spectrometry (pyMBMS) wood chemical composition. As calibration sample size increased from 150 to 750, predictive model statistics improved slightly. Overall, stronger calibration and prediction statistics were obtained with lignin, S-lignin, S/G ratio, and m/z 144 (an ion from cellulose), than with C5 and C6 carbohydrates, and m/z 114 (an ion from xylan). Although small differences in model statistics were observed between the 250 and 500 sample calibration sets, when predicted values were used for calculating genetic control, the 500 sample set gave substantially more similar results to those obtained with the pyMBMS data. With the 500 sample calibration models, genetic correlations obtained with FT-NIR and pyMBMS methods were similar. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis with pyMBMS and FT-NIR predictions identified only three common loci for lignin traits. FT-NIR identified four QTLs that were not found with pyMBMS data, and these QTLs were for the less well predicted carbohydrate traits.
A Chrysanthemum Heat Shock Protein Confers Tolerance to Abiotic Stress
Authors: Song Aiping , Zhu Xirong , Chen Fadi , Gao Haishun , Jiang Jiafu , Chen Sumei
Published: March 2014

Heat shock proteins are associated with protection against various abiotic stresses. Here, the isolation of a chrysanthemum cDNA belonging to the HSP70 family is reported. The cDNA, designated CgHSP70, encodes a 647-residue polypeptide, of estimated molecular mass 70.90 kDa and pI 5.12. A sub-cellular localization assay indicated that the cDNA product is deposited in the cytoplasm and nucleus. The performance of Arabidopsis thaliana plants constitutively expressing CgHSP70 demonstrated that the gene enhances tolerance to heat, drought and salinity. When CgHSP70 was stably over-expressed in chrysanthemum, the plants showed an increased peroxidase (POD) activity, higher proline content and inhibited malondialdehyde (MDA) content. After heat stress, drought or salinity the transgenic plants were better able to recover, demonstrating CgHSP70 positive effect.
Evolution of the Sinus Venosus from Fish to Human
Authors: Jensen Bjarke , Boukens Bastiaan , Wang Tobias , Moorman Antoon , Christoffels Vincent
Published: March 2014

The sinus venosus, the cardiac chamber upstream of the (right) atrium, is a severely underinvestigated structure. Yet, its myocardium harbors the cardiac pacemaker in all vertebrates. In human, ectopic pacemaking and subsequent pathologies may originate from sinus venosus-derived myocardium surrounding the coronary sinus and the superior caval vein. In ectothermic vertebrates, i.e., fishes, amphibians and reptiles, the sinus venosus aids atrial filling by contracting prior to the atrium (atria). This is facilitated by the sinuatrial delay of approximately the same duration as the atrioventricular delay, which facilitates atrial filling of the ventricles. In mammals, the sinuatrial delay is lost, and the sinus venosus-derived myocardium persists as an extensive myocardial sheet surrounding the caval veins, which is activated in synchrony with the myocardium of the atria. The caval vein myocardium is hardly of significance in the healthy formed heart, but we suggest that the sinus venosus functions as a chamber during development when cardiac output, heart rate, blood pressure and architecture is much more like that of ectothermic vertebrates. The remodeling of the sinus venosus in mammals may be an adaptation associated with the high heart rates necessary for postnatal endothermy. If so, the endothermic birds should exhibit a similar remodeling as mammals, which remains to be investigated.
Retinoids and Cardiac Development
Authors: Zaffran Stéphane , Robrini Nicolas , Bertrand Nicolas
Published: March 2014

Retinoic acid (RA), a derivative of vitamin A, is involved in signal transduction during vertebrate organogenesis. Retinoids through binding to nuclear receptors called RA receptors (RARs) and retinoid X receptors (RXRs) regulate various processes during cardiogenesis. Deregulated retinoid signaling thus has later consequences leading to cardiac malformations. In this review, we will summarize and discuss our current knowledge on the role of RA signaling during heart development, especially during patterning of the heart fields. We have also integrated recent experiments essential for our understanding of the role of RA signaling during epicardial development and myocardial growth.
Cardiovascular Disease Self-Management: Pilot Testing of an mHealth Healthy Eating Program
Authors: Dale Leila , Whittaker Robyn , Eyles Helen , Mhurchu Cliona , Ball Kylie , Smith Natasha , Maddison Ralph
Published: March 2014

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is crucial in the management of cardiovascular disease (CVD), yet attendance is poor. Mobile technology (mHealth) offers a potential solution to increase reach of CR. This paper presents two development studies to determine mobile phone usage in adults with CVD and to evaluate the acceptability of an mHealth healthy eating CR program. Methods: CR attendees were surveyed to determine mobile phone usage rates. A second single-subject pilot study investigated perceptions of a 4-week theory-based healthy eating mHealth program and explored pre-post changes in self-efficacy. Results: 74 adults with CVD completed the survey (50/74 male; mean age 63 ± 10). Nearly all had mobile phones (70/74; 95%) and used the Internet (69/74; 93%), and most were interested in receiving CR by text message (57/74; 77%). 20 participants took part in the healthy eating pilot study. Participants read all/most of the text messages, and most (19/20) thought using mobile technology was a good way to deliver the program. The website was not widely used as visiting the website was reported to be time consuming. Exploratory t-tests revealed an increase in heart healthy eating self-efficacy post program, in particular the environmental self-efficacy subset (Mean = 0.62, SD = 0.74, p = 0.001). Conclusions: Text messaging was seen as a simple and acceptable way to deliver nutrition information and behavior change strategies; however, future research is needed to determine the effectiveness of such programs.
Diffusion of Molecular Diagnostic Lung Cancer Tests: A Survey of German Oncologists
Authors: Steffen Julius
Published: March 2014

This study was aimed at examining the diffusion of diagnostic lung cancer tests in Germany. It was motivated by the high potential of detecting and targeting oncogenic drivers. Recognizing that the diffusion of diagnostic tests is a conditio sine qua non for the success of personalized lung cancer therapies, this study analyzed the diffusion of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) tests in Germany. Qualitative and quantitative research strategies were combined in a mixed-method design. A literature review and subsequent Key Opinion Leader interviews identified a set of qualitative factors driving the diffusion process, which were then translated into an online survey. The survey was conducted among a sample of 961 oncologists (11.34% response rate). The responses were analyzed in a multiple linear regression which identified six statistically significant factors driving the diffusion of molecular diagnostic lung cancer tests: reimbursement, attitude towards R&D, information self-assessment, perceived attitudes of colleagues, age and test-pathway strategies. Besides the important role of adequate reimbursement and relevant guidelines, the results of this study suggest that an increasing usage of test-pathway strategies, especially in an office-based setting, can increase the diffusion of molecular diagnostic lung cancer tests in the future.
Antioxidant Activity of Hispidin Oligomers from Medicinal Fungi: A DFT Study
Authors: Anouar El , Shah Syed , Hassan Normahanim , Moussaoui Najoua , Ahmad Rohaya , Zulkefeli Mohd , Weber Jean-Frédéric
Published: March 2014

Hispidin oligomers are styrylpyrone pigments isolated from the medicinal fungi Inonotus xeranticus and Phellinus linteus. They exhibit diverse biological activities and strong free radical scavenging activity. To rationalize the antioxidant activity of a series of four hispidin oligomers and determine the favored mechanism involved in free radical scavenging, DFT calculations were carried out at the B3P86/6-31+G (d, p) level of theory in gas and solvent. The results showed that bond dissociation enthalpies of OH groups of hispidin oligomers (ArOH) and spin density delocalization of related radicals (ArO•) are the appropriate parameters to clarify the differences between the observed antioxidant activities for the four oligomers. The effect of the number of hydroxyl groups and presence of a catechol moiety conjugated to a double bond on the antioxidant activity were determined. Thermodynamic and kinetic studies showed that the PC-ET mechanism is the main mechanism involved in free radical scavenging. The spin density distribution over phenoxyl radicals allows a better understanding of the hispidin oligomers formation.
Structure-Activity Relationship Study of Sesquiterpene Lactones and Their Semi-Synthetic Amino Derivatives as Potential Antitrypanosomal Products
Authors: Zimmermann Stefanie , Fouché Gerda , De Mieri Maria , Yoshimoto Yukiko , Usuki Toyonobu , Nthambeleni Rudzani , Parkinson Christopher , Van der Westhuyzen Christiaan , Kaiser Marcel , Hamburger Matthias , Adams Michael
Published: March 2014

Sesquiterpene lactones (STLs) are natural products that have potent antitrypanosomal activity in vitro and, in the case of cynaropicrin, also reduce parasitemia in the murine model of trypanosomiasis. To explore their structure-antitrypanosomal activity relationships, a set of 34 natural and semi-synthetic STLs and amino-STLs was tested in vitro against T. b. rhodesiense (which causes East African sleeping sickness) and mammalian cancer cells (rat bone myoblast L6 cells). It was found that the α-methylene-γ-lactone moiety is necessary for both antitrypanosomal effects and cytotoxicity. Antitrypanosomal selectivity is facilitated by 2-(hydroxymethyl)acrylate or 3,4-dihydroxy-2-methylenebutylate side chains, and by the presence of cyclopentenone rings. Semi-synthetic STL amines with morpholino and dimethylamino groups showed improved in vitro activity over the native STLs. The dimethylamino derivative of cynaropicrin was prepared and tested orally in the T. b. rhodesiense acute mouse model, where it showed reduced toxicity over cynaropicrin, but also lost antitrypanosomal activity.
Integrated River and Coastal Hydrodynamic Flood Risk Mapping of the LaHave River Estuary and Town of Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, Canada
Authors: Webster Tim , McGuigan Kevin , Collins Kate , MacDonald Candace
Published: March 2014

Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, is located 20 km inland from the mouth of the LaHave River estuary on the Atlantic Coast of Canada. Bridgewater is at risk of flooding due to the combined effects of river runoff and a storm surge on top of high tide. Projected increases in sea-level and possible increased river runoff with climate change increase the risk of future flooding. A set of river and ocean water level simulations were carried out to determine the risk of flooding to Bridgewater today and in the future under climate change. The hydrodynamic simulation developed incorporates return periods of a time series of river discharge measurements for the LaHave watershed, ocean water dynamics at the mouth of the river under normal tidal conditions and with two levels of storm surge, near shore and river bathymetry, as well as high precision topographic lidar derived ground elevations and survey grade GPS. The study was supported by data from two tide gauge sensors, and qualitative evidence provided by the community such as historical flood levels and photographs. Results show that areas upstream of the town are vulnerable to large discharge events of the LaHave River. The downtown waterfront and infrastructure are not susceptible to fluvial flooding, but is vulnerable to sea-level rise and storm surge flooding.
Philosophic Meaning in Oedipus Rex
Authors: Coughanowr Effie
Published: March 2014

Oedipe, bouleversé par la force de l'oracle delphique, se rend incapable de réfléchir raisonnement et à confronter son avenir avec sensibilité et prévoyance. En cherchant à éviter son destin, il manque de se conduire comme un homme sensible et humain avec sa famille, son peuple et son entourage. En subissant au terreur de l'oracle, Oedipe s'enfuit et devient un héros tragique, pas épique.
La construction publique en Étrurie à l'époque augustéenne
Authors: Goffaux Bertrand
Published: March 2014

Après avoir répertorié, pour le règne d'Auguste, les constructions publiques d'Étrurie attestées par l'épigraphie et l'archéologie, l'étude s'attache à replacer celles-ci dans leur cadre économique, social et politique. Les résultats sont dès lors mis en rapport avec la situation économique générale, la rénovation du réseau routier, l'impact des guerres civiles et du mouvement de colonisation, et enfin les structures de la société augustéenne. L'Étrurie apparaît ainsi dans tout son dynamisme, reflétant l'adhésion de toutes les classes à l'œuvre augustéenne, sans qu'il y ait d'intervention impériale directe.
Les élites locales et municipales de la colonie de Vienne au Haut-Empire
Authors: Rémy Bernard
Published: March 2014

Fondé sur les inscriptions et quelques rares textes littéraires, cet article étudie 275 notables : simples honestiores, sévirs augustaux et prêtres des divinités orientales, honorati locaux, municipaux et «impériaux». Bon nombre vivaient «noblement» sur leurs domaines au moins une partie de l'année. Cette élite semble s'être renouvelée assez rapidement en n'hésitant pas à s'ouvrir aux hommes nouveaux. Numériquement importante, elle sort fréquemment du cadre municipal pour accéder aux honneurs équestres, sans toujours parvenir à faire une véritable carrière.
DEVELOPMENT OF A PERFORMANCE THRESHOLD APPROACH FOR IDENTIFYING THE MANAGEMENT OPTIONS FOR STABILISATION/SOLIDIFICATION OF LEAD POLLUTED SOILS
Authors: Falciglia Pietro Paolo , Al-Tabbaa Abir , Vagliasindi Federico G. A.
Published: March 2014

Two soils spiked with lead at different rates were stabilised/solidified using Portland cement and fy ash at different soil:binder ratios, and tested for their setting time, unconfined compressive strength, leachability and durability. A performance threshold approach was used in order to identify optimal management options for the products of the S/S treatment. Results show that soil texture, percentage of binders and lead concentration play an important part in the treatment, significantly influencing the performance of the resulting products in terms of curing, compressive strength and durability. Pb soil concentrations higher than 15000 mg kg-1 were found to heavily reduce the applicability of the treatment requiring the maximum amount of binder in order to satisfy the performance criteria. Te performance of sandy soils was shown to be limited by setting time and UCS features due to the retardation of the hydration reactions and also by its leaching behaviour, whereas for silt-clayey soils the critical parameter is the mechanical resistance.
Elastic Application Container System
Authors: He Sijin , Guo Li , Guo Yike
Published: March 2014

Cloud applications have been gaining popularity in recent years for their flexibility in resource provisioning according to Web application demands. The Elastic Application Container (EAC) system is a technology that delivers a lightweight virtual resource unit for better resource efficiency and more scalable Web applications in the Cloud. It allows multiple application providers to concurrently run their Web applications on this technology without worrying the demand change of their Web applications. This is because the EAC system constantly monitors the resource usage of all hosting Web applications and automatically reacts to the resource usage change of Web applications (i.e. it automatically handles resource provisioning of the Web applications, such as scaling of the Web applications according to the demand). In the chapter, the authors firstly describe the architecture, its components of the EAC system, in order to give a brief overview of technologies involved in the system. They then present and explain resource-provisioning algorithms and techniques used in the EAC system for demand-driven Web applications. The resource-provisioning algorithms are presented, discussed, and evaluated so as to give readers a clear picture of resource-provisioning algorithms in the EAC system. Finally, the authors compare this EAC system technology with other Cloud technologies in terms of flexibility and resource efficiency.
What Have Computational Models Ever Done for Us?
Authors: Alonso Eduardo , Mondragón Esther
Published: March 2014

The last 50 years have seen the progressive refinement of our understanding of the mechanisms of classical conditioning and this has resulted in the development of several influential theories that are able to explain with considerable precision a wide variety of experimental findings, and to make non-intuitive predictions that have been confirmed. This success has spurred the development of increasingly sophisticated models that encompass more complex phenomena. In such context, it is widely acknowledged that computational modeling plays a fundamental part. In this paper the authors analyze critically the role that computational models, as simulators and as psychological models by proxy, have played in this enterprise.
A Feature Selection Approach for Network Intrusion Classification
Authors: Eid Heba F. , Salama Mostafa A. , Hassanien Aboul Ella
Published: March 2014

Feature selection is a preprocessing step to machine learning, leads to increase the classification accuracy and reduce its complexity. Feature selection methods are classified into two main categories: filter and wrapper. Filter methods evaluate features without involving any learning algorithm, while wrapper methods depend on a learning algorithm for feature evaluation. Variety hybrid Filter and wrapper methods have been proposed in the literature. However, hybrid filter and wrapper approaches suffer from the problem of determining the cut-off point of the ranked features. This leads to decrease the classification accuracy by eliminating important features. In this paper the authors proposed a Hybrid Bi-Layer behavioral-based feature selection approach, which combines filter and wrapper feature selection methods. The proposed approach solves the cut-off point problem for the ranked features. It consists of two layers, at the first layer Information gain is used to rank the features and select a new set of features depending on a global maxima classification accuracy. Then, at the second layer a new subset of features is selected from within the first layer redacted data set by searching for a group of local maximum classification accuracy. To evaluate the proposed approach it is applied on NSL-KDD dataset, where the number of features is reduced from 41 to 34 features at the first layer. Then reduced from 34 to 20 features at the second layer, which leads to improve the classification accuracy to 99.2%.
Telephone Handset Identification by Collaborative Representations
Authors: Panagakis Yannis , Kotropoulos Constantine
Published: March 2014

Recorded speech signals convey information not only for the speakers' identity and the spoken language, but also for the acquisition devices used for their recording. Therefore, it is reasonable to perform acquisition device identification by analyzing the recorded speech signal. To this end, recording-level spectral, cepstral, and fusion of spectral and cepstral features are employed as suitable representations for device identification. The feature vectors extracted from the training speech recordings are used to form overcomplete dictionaries for the devices. Each test feature vector is represented as a linear combination of all the dictionary columns (i.e., atoms). Since the dimensionality of the feature vectors is much smaller than the number of training speech recordings, there are infinitely many representations of each test feature vector with respect to the dictionary. These representations are referred to as collaborative representations in the sense that all the dictionary atoms collaboratively represent any test feature vector. By imposing the representation to be either sparse (i.e., to admit the minimum norm) or to have the minimum norm, unique collaborative representations are obtained. The classification is performed by assigning each test feature vector the device identity of the dictionary atoms yielding the minimum reconstruction error. This classification method is referred to as the sparse representation-based classifier (SRC) if the sparse collaborative representation is employed and as the least squares collaborative representation-based classifier (LSCRC) in the case of the minimum norm regularized collaborative representation is used for reconstructing the test sample. By employing the LSCRC, state of the art identification accuracy of 97.67% is obtained on a set of 8 telephone handsets, from Lincoln-Labs Handset Database.
A Secure and Efficient Scheme for Remote Poll Station Voting
Authors: George Vinodu , Sebastian M. P.
Published: March 2014

Electronic voting has found wider acceptance both in developed and developing countries in the recent past. The current research focuses mainly in the area of privacy and security aspects of e-voting. In spite of the good security and privacy features, the existing e-voting protocols remain useful only to small elections or just to support the conventional voting, mainly because of their high computational overhead. Naturally, e-voting is not in wide use, even in the developed countries. Thus, there is a need for e-voting protocols which are secure and practical, but with less complexity. This paper proposes an efficient protocol and framework for the practical implementation of the electronic election process. An analysis on the largest election process in the world shows that the proposed protocol has the potential to serve as an efficient polling system with increased voter turnout. This protocol can be adopted easily in the developed world too.
The CUBIST Project
Authors: Andrews Simon
Published: March 2014

As a preface to this Special 'CUBIST' Edition of the International Journal of Intelligent Information Technologies (IJIIT), this article describes the European Framework Seven Combining and Unifying Business Intelligence with Semantic Technologies (CUBIST) project, which ran from October 2010 to September 2013. The project aimed to combine the best elements of traditional BI with the newer, semantic, technologies of the Sematic Web, in the form of the Resource Description Framework (RDF), and Formal Concept Analysis (FCA). CUBIST's purpose was to provide end-users with “conceptually relevant and user friendly visual analytics” to allow them to explore their data in new ways, discovering hidden meaning and solving hitherto difficult problems. To this end, three of the partners in CUBIST were use-cases: recruitment consultancy, computational biology and the space industry. Each use-case provided their own requirements and problems that were finally addressed by the prototype CUBIST visual-analytics developed in the project.
A Transaction-Oriented Architecture for Enterprise Systems
Authors: Polovina Simon
Published: March 2014

Many enterprises risk business transactions based on information systems that are incomplete or misleading, given that 80-85% of all corporate information remains outside of their processing scope. It highlights that the bulk of information is too unstructured for these systems to process, but must be taken into account if those systems are to provide effective support. Computer technology nonetheless continues to become more and more predominant, illustrated by SAP A.G. recognising that 65-70% of the world's transactions are run using their technology. Using SAP as an illustrative case study, and by bringing in the benefits of technologies such as Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA), Business Process Management (BPM), Enterprise Architecture Frameworks (EA) and Conceptual Structures, a practical roadmap is identified to a Transaction-Oriented Architecture (TOA) that is predicated on the Transaction Concept. This concept builds upon the Resources-Events-Agents (REA) modelling pattern that is close to business reality. Enterprise systems can thus better incorporate that missing 80-85% of hitherto too-unstructured information thereby allowing enterprise systems vendors such as SAP, their competitors, customers, suppliers and partners to do an ever better job with the world's transactions.
Experimental System Identification, Feed-Forward Control, and Hysteresis Compensation of a 2-DOF Mechanism
Authors: Bhagat Umesh , Shirinzadeh Bijan , Clark Leon , Qin Yanding , Tian Yanling , Zhang Dawei
Published: March 2014

Most of the micro/nano manipulation mechanisms and systems are commonly based on flexure-based monolithic structures, and are generally driven by piezoelectric actuators. In the presented work, experimental system identification, 1-DOF trajectory tracking with feed-forward control, and hysteresis compensation are investigated. An experimental research facility with laser interferometry-based sensing and measurement technique is established. System identification experiments were performed on a 2-DOF flexure-based mechanism to investigate its dynamics. The system identification procedure, experimental design, data acquisition, analysis and validation of the identified system are presented in details. A linear sine swept signal is applied to the system as an input and the corresponding response of the system is measured with laser interferometry-based sensing and measurement technique. The experimental results are used to evaluate the transfer function and the first natural frequency of the system in the X and Y axes. Experimental validation data is used to verify the accuracy of the identified model. Further, a feed-forward controller is established to track a 1-DOF smooth multiple-frequency trajectory. For hysteresis compensation, inverse PI (Prandtl–Ishlinskii) model is derived from classical PI model. The parameters of the inverse PI model is estimated and validated with the experimental data. Finally, inverse PI model is directly adopted as a feed-forward controller for hysteresis compensation of piezoelectric actuators.
Automatized Decision Making for Autonomous Agents
Authors: Ekenberg Love , Danielson Mats
Published: March 2014

Utility theory and the principle of maximising the expected utility have, within the multi-agent community, had a great influence on multi-agent based decision. Even though this principle is often useful when evaluating a decision situation it is virtually impossible, except in very artificial situations, to use the more basic decision rules with its unrealistically strong requirements for the input data, and other candidate methods must be considered instead. This article provides an overview and brings attention to some of the possibilities to utilize more elaborated decision methods, while still keeping the computational issues at a tractable level.
A Robot for Cell Injection
Authors: Kostadinov K. , Chakarov D. , Shulev A. , Tiankov T.
Published: March 2014

This work deals with modelling and experimenting of a compliant serial-parallel robot. Using Pseudo-Rigid-Body Modelling (PRBM) of elastic structures, a kinematics and stiffness model of a serial-parallel structure has been built. Several approaches for pre-tensioning of a parallel structure with elastic joints were developed in order to eliminate backlashes and improve the performance of its actuators. In this work a robot is designed to inject biological cells with size in the range of 10-30µm. The approaches used for pre-tensioning of the robot have been analysed and subjected to numerical evaluation. Assessing the mechanical parameters of the tensed manipulator has been performed using the following methods: PRBM and Finite Element Analysis (FEA). An experimental set-up for testing a robot prototype has been developed, using an optical system and correlation technique for digital image processing. The experimental results obtained are compared to data received from the numerical experiment.
Towards Scalable Certificate Status Validation in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Masdari Mohammad , Barbin Javad Pashaei , Bidaki Moazam
Published: March 2014

Certificate validation is an important operation in the PKI-based security systems and its overheads have direct impact on the performance of PKI system. ADOPT is an effective certificate validation protocol that tries to tune the OCSP protocol to multihop wireless networks by using caching techniques. In this paper, the authors present a protocol called BP-ADOPT to decrease the overheads of the ADOPT-based certificate validations in mobile ad hoc networks. This solution also increases the security of ADOPT protocol by making it more resilient against the DoS attacks and improves its scalability and throughput. Finally, the authors present an analysis of our solution and ADOPT protocol in mobile ad hoc networks.
Iterative Effort Reduction in B2B Schema Integration via a Canonical Data Model
Authors: Dietrich Michael , Lemcke Jens , Stuhec Gunther
Published: March 2014

Nowadays, B2B integration still remains a big cost driver for companies. On the one hand, standardization efforts were able to reduce the mapping effort between e-Business schemas. However, the effort for creating customized messages from the huge and underspecified standard templates increased. Due to the myriad of different requirements by different companies, a great variety of standards coexist. Instead of forcing companies to adopt huge standards, this article propagates an iteratively improving schema and mapping derivation system in the cloud. Thus, we provide flexibility, but streamline companies' integration efforts based on an evolving canonical data model. This approach reduces the need for explicit standardization to a minimum. Our simulation based on real schemas shows a potential to reduce guide creation effort by 50% and mapping effort from 6% to almost 100%.
Detecting Behavioral Biases in Mixed Human-Proxy Online Auction Markets
Authors: Vragov Roumen
Published: March 2014

Currently many auction websites directly or indirectly provide support for the use of automated proxies or agents. Buyers can use proxies to monitor auctions and bid at the appropriate time and with the appropriate bid price, sellers can use proxies to set prices or negotiate deals. Proxy complexity varies, however most proxies first require some input on the part of the human trader and then perform the trading task autonomously. This paper proposes and tests a theoretical model of human behavior that can be used to detect behavioral biases in electronic market environments populated by humans and software agents. The paper also quantifies the effect of these biases on individual and business profits.
Infinite Ability
Authors: Singh Satendra
Published: March 2014

In June 2011, Infinite Ability, a new special interest group on disability within the Medical Humanities Group was formed to explore disability through creativity. Disability studies are sporadically used in Medical Humanities program. Since persons with disabilities constitute a large minority, we need to bridge the gap so as to move towards social model of disability. The author describe an innovation of reaching people with disabled attitude through medical humanities and believes further research can help in incorporating new evidences towards achieving new special interest group on disability and initial activities in sensitizing people
Introducing Medical Humanities--Use of Humour for Teaching Ethics
Authors: Ahmad Ayesha , Khan Tamkin , Dwivedi Shridhar , Kausar Farah
Published: March 2014

Use of Medical humanities to teach empathy started to come into being nearly 50 years ago. It has been introduced in most of the medical schools in the West for many years. In India the concept is still in its infancy with very few medical schools teaching the subject. This study was undertaken as a pilot project at the Hamdard Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, New Delhi to introduce the concept of empathy through medical humanities to undergraduate students. Students were explained the definition, meaning, scope and purpose of medical humanities. The authors aimed at sensitising the students to the importance of the public image of their profession through humour/jokes. The students were encouraged to discuss and reflect on the reasons for a negative image. The session ended by asking for commitment on their part to behave in a more ethical and professional manner once they start practicing medicine. The session was appreciated by most of the students. Majority agreed that medical humanities was an interesting way to develop empathy in doctors and develop ethical values, professionalism and communication skills. It is imperative that communication skills, professionalism and ethics are integrated into medical curriculum at all stages to inculcate empathy in medical students. Medical humanities modules are an interesting way of achieving this aim. Humour has been used as a pedagogic and communication tool in medicine. Its use for reflection and analysis of a situation or as a tool of social commentary to bring about corrective change can be explored. Further research in the subject is required; curriculum needs to be defined, teachers need to be educated and trained.
‘To Be or Not to Be': Altruism Needed for Our Progeny
Authors: Pal Ranabir
Published: March 2014

The world will ever grow as the offspring are more intellectual and intelligent than their forefathers. So in the era of global explosion of knowledge and ever increasing information base with plenty of publications amidst immense improvements in information technology, we have to think of sharing our thinking with the descendants.
Teaching
Authors: Shah M. Salman , Khan Fatima
Published: March 2014

Empathy, compassion and kindness are some of the virtues that often get ignored amidst the tough study schedule, through the entire professional course. This is where a medical student loses those virtues and compassion for humanity that on the first instance obligated him to join this stream of medicine, despite the odds. The medical humanities can have both instrumental and non-instrumental functions in a medical school curriculum. The instrumental functions are met through the different aspect of their curriculum but there is little room for non-instrumental functions. This article deals with the unique way of teaching learning humanities by means of an organization that was conceptualized and is being nurtured and managed by the medical students for the welfare of the patients and communities but what makes the organization unique in itself is in a sense that it is run by medical students, it teaches budding healers how to be a good human being with concern for society especially underprivileged section of society.
Handle With Care
Authors: Srivastava Ranjana
Published: March 2014

Reflective writing helps people to explore the larger context, the meaning, and the implications of an experience and action. When used well, it promotes the growth of the individual (William, 2002). Just as personal illness narratives help patients understand their illnesses and help in healing similarly reflective writing by physicians can help them see and understand illness, pain and loss from a larger perspective. At the same time reflection on one's lapses or inadequacies can help in one's own healing. They also help people evolve into more empathic and self-aware practitioners (Sayatani, 2004). Here are two case studies which can be used to make future generation of doctors more human. The first raises the issue of the inadequate training and courage to admit one's mistakes. Whenever this happens people are the first casualty for one carries the burden for years when simple disclosure would have helped in the healing and helped in improving the doctor patient relationship by making doctors appear more human. The second advises struggling students and residents trying to find answers and develop reactions to deal with a situation when they can do nothing for patients (Lisa, 2011)—the answer is communication: engage with patients, simply listen to their stories and keep learning by listening.
Using Mobile Devices with BYOD
Authors: Disterer Georg , Kleiner Carsten
Published: March 2014

Using mobile devices like smartphones and tablets offers many advantages and has become very popular in private life. Using them in the workplace is also popular, but nobody wants to carry around and handle two devices: one for personal use, and one for work-related tasks. Therefore “Bring Your Own Device” (BYOD) may be appropriate: users make their personal devices available for company use. Apart from improved convenience this also incurs additional opportunities and risks for companies at the same time. We describe and discuss organizational issues, technical approaches, and solutions.