bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrochemical determination of hydrogen peroxide at glassy carbon electrode modified with palladium nanoparticles
Authors: Kitte Addisu , Assresahegn Desalegn , Soreta Refera
Published: November 2012

We report here the modification of glassy carbon electrode (GCE) with
palladium nanoparticles and palladium film. The response to hydrogen peroxide
on the modified electrode was examined using cyclic voltammetry and
amperometry (at -0.2 V vs Ag/AgCl reference electrode in the phosphate buffer
solution pH 7.4). The palladium film and palladium nanoparticle modified GCE
showed a linear response to hydrogen peroxide in the concentration range
between 10 ?M to 14 mM and 1 ?M to 14 mM with detection limit of 6.79 ?M and
0.33 ?M, respectively.
Foods: Where Innovation, Agriculture, Molecular Biosciences and Human Nutrition Meet
Authors: Brennan Charles
Published: November 2012

There is one commodity the world over that unites mankind—food. In 2011 the United Nations claimed that the world’s population had reached the seven billion mark, a number which is set to increase dramatically in the decades to come. Food security, supply and sustainability are of paramount concern to the future economic and social progress of humanity. It is the responsibility of the food industry, together with food scientists and technologists, to shoulder the burden of ensuring an adequate supply of nutritious, safe and sensorially acceptable foods for a range of demanding consumers. In responding to this challenge, we need to understand the link between agriculture, engineering, food processing, molecular biosciences, human nutrition, commercialisation and innovation. Access to information concerning the composition and quality of foods has never been so easy for consumers and technologists alike. A plethora of research publications are made available each month to scientists and associated interested parties. The outcomes of these research manuscripts are often distilled and disseminated into messages available to everyone through bulletin boards, forums and the popular press. Newspapers and new agencies constantly report on the latest pharma-medical finding, or news regarding food safety and security concerns. We live in an age where information is so readily available to everyone that the task of finding credible and reputable data can be difficult at times. Providing sound evidenced based research is where a peer-reviewed journal can provide clarity. [...]
Marine Omega-3 Phospholipids: Metabolism and Biological Activities
Authors: Burri Lena , Hoem Nils , Banni Sebastiano , Berge Kjetil
Published: November 2012

The biological activities of omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 FAs) have been under extensive study for several decades. However, not much attention has been paid to differences of dietary forms, such as triglycerides (TGs) versus ethyl esters or phospholipids (PLs). New innovative marine raw materials, like krill and fish by-products, present n-3 FAs mainly in the PL form. With their increasing availability, new evidence has emerged on n-3 PL biological activities and differences to n-3 TGs. In this review, we describe the recently discovered nutritional properties of n-3 PLs on different parameters of metabolic syndrome and highlight their different metabolic bioavailability in comparison to other dietary forms of n-3 FAs.
Errors in the Calculation of 27Al Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Chemical Shifts
Authors: Wang Xianlong , Wang Chengfei , Zhao Hui
Published: November 2012

Computational chemistry is an important tool for signal assignment of 27Al nuclear magnetic resonance spectra in order to elucidate the species of aluminum(III) in aqueous solutions. The accuracy of the popular theoretical models for computing the 27Al chemical shifts was evaluated by comparing the calculated and experimental chemical shifts in more than one hundred aluminum(III) complexes. In order to differentiate the error due to the chemical shielding tensor calculation from that due to the inadequacy of the molecular geometry prediction, single-crystal X-ray diffraction determined structures were used to build the isolated molecule models for calculating the chemical shifts. The results were compared with those obtained using the calculated geometries at the B3LYP/6-31G(d) level. The isotropic chemical shielding constants computed at different levels have strong linear correlations even though the absolute values differ in tens of ppm. The root-mean-square difference between the experimental chemical shifts and the calculated values is approximately 5 ppm for the calculations based on the X-ray structures, but more than 10 ppm for the calculations based on the computed geometries. The result indicates that the popular theoretical models are adequate in calculating the chemical shifts while an accurate molecular geometry is more critical.
Dietary Docosahexaenoic Acid (22:6) Incorporates into Cardiolipin at the Expense of Linoleic Acid (18:2): Analysis and Potential Implications
Authors: Cortie Colin H. , Else Paul L.
Published: November 2012

Cardiolipin is a signature phospholipid of major functional significance in mitochondria. In heart mitochondria the fatty acid composition of cardiolipin is commonly viewed as highly regulated due to its high levels of linoleic acid (18:2n − 6) and the dominant presence of a 4×18:2 molecular species. However, analysis of data from a comprehensive compilation of studies reporting changes in fatty acid composition of cardiolipin in heart and liver mitochondria in response to dietary fat shows that, in heart the accrual of 18:2 into cardiolipin conforms strongly to its dietary availability at up to 20% of total dietary fatty acid and thereafter is regulated. In liver, no dietary conformer trend is apparent for 18:2 with regulated lower levels across the dietary range for 18:2. When 18:2 and docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n − 3) are present in the same diet, 22:6 is incorporated into cardiolipin of heart and liver at the expense of 18:2 when 22:6 is up to ~20% and 10% of total dietary fatty acid respectively. Changes in fatty acid composition in response to dietary fat are also compared for the two other main mitochondrial phospholipids, phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine, and the potential consequences of replacement of 18:2 with 22:6 in cardiolipin are discussed.
Nigribactin, a Novel Siderophore from Vibrio nigripulchritudo, Modulates Staphylococcus aureus Virulence Gene Expression
Authors: Nielsen Anita , Mansson Maria , Wietz Matthias , Varming Anders N. , Phipps Richard K. , Larsen Thomas O. , Gram Lone , Ingmer Hanne
Published: November 2012

Staphylococcus aureus is a serious human pathogen that employs a number of virulence factors as part of its pathogenesis. The purpose of the present study was to explore marine bacteria as a source of compounds that modulate virulence gene expression in S. aureus. During the global marine Galathea 3 expedition, a strain collection was established comprising bacteria that express antimicrobial activity against Vibrio anguillarum and/or Staphylococcus aureus. Within this collection we searched colony material, culture supernatants, and cell extracts for virulence modulating activity showing that 68 out of 83 marine bacteria (affiliated with the Vibrionaceae and Pseudoalteromonas sp.) influenced expression of S. aureus hla encoding α-hemolysin toxin and/or spa encoding Protein A. The isolate that upon initial screening showed the highest degree of interference (crude ethyl acetate extract) was a Vibrio nigripulchritudo. Extraction, purification and structural elucidation revealed a novel siderophore, designated nigribactin, which induces spa transcription. The effect of nigribactin on spa expression is likely to be independent from its siderophore activity, as another potent siderophore, enterobactin, failed to influence S. aureus virulence gene expression. This study shows that marine microorganisms produce compounds with potential use in therapeutic strategies targeting virulence rather than viability of human pathogens.
seco-Briarellinone and Briarellin S, Two New Eunicellin-Based Diterpenoids from the Panamanian Octocoral Briareum asbestinum
Authors: Gómez-Reyes José , Salazar Ana , Guzmán Héctor , González Yisett , Fernández Patricia , Ariza-Castolo Armando , Gutiérrez Marcelino
Published: November 2012

Two new eunicellin-based diterpenes, seco-briarellinone (1) and briarellin S (2), and a known seco-asbestinin (3) have been isolated from the methanolic extract of the common octocoral Briareum asbestinum collected in Bocas del Toro, Caribbean of Panama. The structures and relative stereochemistry of the compounds were defined using extensive spectroscopic analysis including 1D, 2D-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). Compounds 1 and 2 displayed anti-inflammatory properties inhibiting nitric oxide (NO) production induced by lipopolisacharide (LPS) in macrophages with an Inhibitory concentration 50% (IC50) of 4.7 μM and 20.3 μM, respectively. This is the first report of briarellin diterpenes containing a ketone group at C-12.
Error Propagation Analysis for Quantitative Intracellular Metabolomics
Authors: Tillack Jana , Paczia Nicole , Nöh Katharina , Wiechert Wolfgang , Noack Stephan
Published: November 2012

Model-based analyses have become an integral part of modern metabolic engineering and systems biology in order to gain knowledge about complex and not directly observable cellular processes. For quantitative analyses, not only experimental data, but also measurement errors, play a crucial role. The total measurement error of any analytical protocol is the result of an accumulation of single errors introduced by several processing steps. Here, we present a framework for the quantification of intracellular metabolites, including error propagation during metabolome sample processing. Focusing on one specific protocol, we comprehensively investigate all currently known and accessible factors that ultimately impact the accuracy of intracellular metabolite concentration data. All intermediate steps are modeled, and their uncertainty with respect to the final concentration data is rigorously quantified. Finally, on the basis of a comprehensive metabolome dataset of Corynebacterium glutamicum, an integrated error propagation analysis for all parts of the model is conducted, and the most critical steps for intracellular metabolite quantification are detected.
Benefits of Structured and Free Monoacylglycerols to Deliver Eicosapentaenoic (EPA) in a Model of Lipid Malabsorption
Authors: Cruz-Hernandez Cristina , Thakkar Sagar , Moulin Julie , Oliveira Manuel , Masserey-Elmelegy Isabelle , Dionisi Fabiola , Destaillats Frédéric
Published: November 2012

In the present study, we used a preclinical model of induced lipolytic enzyme insufficiency, and hypothesized that the use of monoacylglycerols (MAG) will enhance their bioavailability and delivery to the tissues. Experimental diets containing 20% lipids were fed to rats for 21 days with or without Orlistat. The control diet of fish oil (FO), a source of EPA and DHA, was tested against: structured (A) vanillin acetal of sn-2 MAG (Vanil + O) and (B) diacetyl derivative of sn-2 MAG (Acetyl + O) and (C) free MAG (MAG + O). FA profiles with an emphasis on EPA and DHA levels were determined in plasma, red blood cells (RBC), liver, spleen, brain and retina. We observed significant reduction of lipid absorption when rats co-consumed Orlistat. As expected, the FO groups with and without Orlistat showed the biggest difference. The Vanil + O, Acetyl + O and MAG + O groups, demonstrated higher levels of EPA (5.5 ± 1.9, 4.6 ± 1.6 and 5.6 ± 0.6, respectively) in RBC compared with FO + O diets (3.3 ± 0.2, 2.6 ± 0.2). Levels of EPA incorporation, in plasma, were similar to those obtained for RBC, and similar trends were observed for the collected tissues and even with DHA levels. These observations with two MAG derivatives providing the fatty acid esterified in the sn-2 position, show that these molecules are efficient vehicles of EPA in malabsorption conditions which is in line with our hypothesis. Free MAG, characterized as having exclusively sn-1(3) isomers of EPA, demonstrated better absorption efficiencies and accretion to tissues when compared to structured MAG. The study demonstrated that structured and free MAG can be used efficiently as an enteral vehicle to supply bioactive fatty acids such as EPA and DHA in lipid malabsorption where diminished lipolytic activity is the underlying cause.
Welcome to Processes—A New Open Access Journal on Chemical and Biological Process Technology
Authors: Henson Michael
Published: November 2012

As the result of remarkable technological progress, this past decade has witnessed considerable advances in our ability to manipulate natural and engineered systems, particularly at the molecular level. These advancements offer the potential to revolutionize our world through the development of novel soft and hard materials and the construction of new cellular platforms for chemical and pharmaceutical synthesis. For these technologies to truly impact society, the development of process technology that will enable effective large-scale production is essential. Improved processes are also needed for more established technologies in chemical and biochemical manufacturing, as these industries face ever increasing competitive pressure that mandates continuous improvement. [...]
Growth behaviour and mechanical properties of PLL/HA multilayer films studied by AFM
Authors: Üzüm Cagri , Hellwig Johannes , Madaboosi Narayanan , Volodkin Dmitry , von Klitzing Regine
Published: November 2012

Scanning- and colloidal-probe atomic force microscopy were used to study the mechanical properties of poly(L-lysine)/hyaluronan (PLL/HA)nfilms as a function of indentation velocity and the number of polymer deposition stepsn. The film thickness was determined by two independent AFM-based methods: scratch-and-scan and newly developed full-indentation. The advantages and disadvantages of both methods are highlighted, and error minimization techniques in elasticity measurements are addressed. It was found that the film thickness increases linearly with the bilayer numbern, ranging between 400 and 7500 nm forn= 12 and 96, respectively. The apparent Young’s modulusEranges between 15 and 40 kPa and does not depend on the indenter size or the film bilayer numbern. Stress relaxation measurements show that PLL/HA films have a viscoelastic behaviour, regardless of their thickness. If indentation is performed several times at the same lateral position on the film, a viscous/plastic deformation takes place.
Subjective and Objective Outcomes from New BiCROS Technology in a Veteran Sample
Authors: Williams Victoria A. , McArdle Rachel A. , Chisolm Theresa H.
Published: November 2012

Background:Patients with single-sided deafness (SSD), where one ear has an unaidable hearing loss and the other ear has normal or aidable hearing, often complain of difficulties understanding speech and localizing sound sources, and report a higher self-perceived hearing disability.
Patients with SSD may benefit from using contralateral routing of signal (CROS) or bilateral contralateral routing of the signal (BiCROS) amplification. Dissatisfaction of previously available (Bi)CROS devices has been reported, such as, interfering transmissions, low-fidelity sound quality,
poor “user-friendly” set-up, and a bulky and cosmetically cumbersome appearance.Purpose:Recent advances in hearing aid technology have improved (Bi)CROS hearing aids; however, these devices have not been experimentally evaluated. We hypothesized that newer technology with
reports of improved digital signal processing, wireless transmission, and physical design would be as good, or better than, our participants' previous-generation BiCROS systems.Research Design:A within-subjects, pretest-posttest design was executed.Study Sample:Thirty-nine veterans
(one female, 38 males; mean age = 74 yr, range = 49‐85 yr) from the Audiology Section of the Bay Pines Veterans Affair Healthcare System participated. All participants were previously experienced BiCROS hearing aid users with varying degrees of sensorinerual hearing impairment in their
better ear.Intervention:Participants were provided at least 4 wk of consistent use with the new BiCROS.Data Collection and Analyses:Participants completed three research visits. At Visit 1, with their previous BiCROS, and at Visit 3, with their new BiCROS, the following objective
and subjective measures were obtained: (1) soundfield speech-in-noise testing using the Words-In-Noise (WIN) test; (2) speech, spatial, and qualities of the hearing scale (SSQ) questionnaire; (3) selected questions from the MarkeTrak questionnaire; and, (4) three open-ended questions. Data
were analyzed using parametric and nonparametric statistics.Results:Overall, the objective (WIN) and subjective (SSQ, MarkeTrak, and open-ended questions) measures indicated that the new BiCROS provided better outcomes than the previous BiCROS system. In addition, an overlap of favorable
results was seen across measures.Conclusions:Of the 39 participants, 95% reported improvements with the new BiCROS and chose to utilize the device regularly. The favorable objective and subjective outcomes indicate that the new BiCROS system is as good, or better than, what was previously
utilized by our sample of veterans.
Printemps & révolutions arabes : un renouveau pour la séparation des pouvoirs ?
Authors: Touzeil-Divina Mathieu
Published: November 2012

Résumé La théorie de la séparation des pouvoirs, dans son sens originel de non-concentration, semble retrouver une utilité théorique et pratique au cœur des Printemps arabes. Toutefois, si un désir d’organisation différenciée et démocratique du pouvoir est tangible notamment en Égypte, en Tunisie et au Maroc, les volontés populaires ne sont pas toutes et instantanément traduites juridiquement et constitutionnellement. On y perçoit davantage des séparations floues ou performatives ainsi que des concentrations au moins provisoires des pouvoirs.
La majorité contrôlée par l'opposition : pierre philosophale de la nouvelle répartition des pouvoirs ?
Authors: Thiers Éric
Published: November 2012

Résumé Le principe classique de séparation des pouvoirs, distinguant l’exécutif et le Parlement, semble aujourd’hui remis en cause par un concept plus opérationnel et renouvelé par la révision constitutionnelle de 2008 : le contrôle de la majorité par l’opposition. Au prix d’une inflexion notable au regard de notre tradition politique, la loi constitutionnelle du 23 juillet 2008 a apporté une reconnaissance juridique et symbolique à l’opposition parlementaire. Pour essentiel qu’il soit dans la revitalisation de notre vie institutionnelle, ce concept ne répond pas à toutes les nécessités de la distribution des pouvoirs au sein d’un régime démocratique. Le Parlement doit demeurer un acteur positif du jeu institutionnel et non un simple contre-pouvoir.
Un concept erroné, celui de l'existence d'un pouvoir judiciaire
Authors: Boucobza Isabelle
Published: November 2012

Résumé Le concept d’existence d’un pouvoir judiciaire est présenté comme le résultat d’une description de l’application de la théorie de la séparation des pouvoirs dans la jurisprudence du Conseil constitutionnel. Or, cette « application » n’est en fait que le produit du choix d’une interprétation de cette jurisprudence à la lumière des préférences des auteurs concernant la meilleure façon d’organiser les pouvoirs. La critique du caractère faussement descriptif du concept laisse donc la place à la proposition de pistes pour la réalisation d’une analyse non normative du pouvoir juridictionnel, dont personne aujourd’hui ne conteste l’existence. À partir des interprétations que le droit positif reçoit, on sollicite deux terrains : celui de la définition de l’activité juridictionnelle et de sa portée normative, celui du régime juridique des organes qui l’exercent. Sur chacun de ces terrains, c’est la division, le partage et la maîtrise de cette « puissance », au profit notamment du pouvoir gouvernemental, qui est en jeu.
Un concept moderne : séparation des pouvoirs et contrôle de la loi
Authors: Roblot-Troizier Agnès
Published: November 2012

Résumé Traditionnellement perçu en France comme contrevenant à la théorie de la séparation des pouvoirs, le contrôle de la loi par le juge doit, au contraire, être considéré comme une application de celle-ci en ce qu’il confère au juge une « faculté d’empêcher » propice à l’équilibre des pouvoirs. Régulièrement appliqué par le juge constitutionnel qui en définit la signification actuelle, le principe de séparation des pouvoirs sort rénové de son interprétation jurisprudentielle, laquelle sublime une des dimensions pourtant fondamentales du concept : la protection des droits des citoyens.
La séparation des pouvoirs aux États-Unis
Authors: Boudon Julien
Published: November 2012

Résumé La doctrine juridique française, depuis la fin du xix e  siècle, qualifie de « rigide » la séparation des pouvoirs aux États-Unis. Cette vue est erronée : tributaire des enjeux politiques de la III e  République, elle méconnaît les traits saillants du régime américain. Celui-ci est caractérisé par une interdépendance des organes (sous réserve des membres du Congrès) et par leur collaboration dans l’accomplissement des fonctions étatiques.
L'articulation des pouvoirs dans les démocraties parlementaires européennes : fusion et mitigation
Authors: Le Divellec Armel
Published: November 2012

Résumé Si elle reste un mythe célébré encore aujourd’hui, la séparation des pouvoirs n’existe pas en tant que principe juridique univoque qui serait opératoire dans le constitutionnalisme libéral et démocratique. En revanche, les régimes politiques contemporains reposent tous sur un principe constitutionnel de distinction d’organes et de fonctions dont l’articulation, selon des schémas variés, est structurante pour eux. Toutes les démocraties parlementaires européennes connaissent, dans des termes essentiellement voisins, la même coexistence de deux logiques, l’une de fusion organique et fonctionnelle des pouvoirs de gouvernement (cabinet et Parlement), l’autre, de mitigation à travers des contre-pouvoirs extérieurs au couple cabinet-Parlement.
Prêcher dans le secret des foules
Authors: Muchnik Natalia
Published: November 2012

Cet article se propose d’analyser les usages de la parole cultuelle chez plusieurs minorités religieuses des villes de l’Europe moderne, confrontées à de puissantes instances répressives : les catholiques britanniques, après l’instauration de l’anglicanisme, les morisques et les crypto-judaïsants (ou marranes) dans l’Espagne inquisitoriale et les nouveaux-catholiques qui pratiquent secrètement le protestantisme en France après la révocation de l’édit de Nantes. Tous ont dû adapter leurs rites aux exigences de la clandestinité dans un espace contraint et élaborer des pratiques sociales originales. La parole religieuse, officiellement exclue de l’espace public, se replie dans le foyer et sur la famille. Mais elle s’en échappe parfois pour se diffuser dans la cité : elle pénètre les lieux interlopes comme les plus contrôlés selon des modalités singulières qui révèlent autant qu’elles créent des territoires spécifiques au sein du tissu urbain.
« Sermons prononcés à l'occasion d'inaugurations de mosquées au Caire en 1964 » par Jacques Jomier
Authors: Jomier Augustin
Published: November 2012

Dans cet article publié en 1969, le dominicain et islamologue Jacques Jomier analyse, à travers les discours de prédicateurs musulmans, le rôle religieux et social des mosquées. Ses sources, très originales, sont quatre prêches radiodiffusés, prononcés lors d’inaugurations de mosquées au Caire et à Alexandrie. Par delà son objectif affiché, cet article est une source pour l’histoire des relations entre pouvoir et islam dans l’Egypte des années 1960. Le double processus de subordination des savants musulmans, spécialement de l’université d’Al Azhar, et de construction d’une légitimité islamique aux orientations socialistes du régime nassérien y est lisible. Attentif au surgissement de la parole religieuse radiodiffusée et à l’importante figure du prêcheur, Jacques Jomier donne aussi un aperçu des transformations à l’œuvre dans la culture religieuse d’une société en voie d’urbanisation rapide, notamment dans la mégapole cairote.
Written scientific discourse beyond words
Authors: Sionis Claude
Published: November 2012

Le discours scientifique écrit, surtout en ingénierie, technologie et différents autres domaines des sciences dures, a souvent recours à des éléments partiellement verbaux ou non verbaux dans la représentation du savoir. Ces éléments coexistent au sein de blocs compacts de texte ou à leur périphérie. L'article étudie certains aspects de la dynamique intégrative entre des composants de nature différente et la spécificité du discours qu'ils engendrent. Les notions de connexité pragmatique/rhétorique, de discours rigides ou flexibles, et de modes d'exposition littéraux ou non littéraux sont abordées en tant que critères qui transcendent la distinction verbal/non-verbal. Un éventuel modèle pour la formation du discours scientifique intégrant verbal et non-verbal est aussi suggéré.
Dinâmicas territoriais do espaço agrário na Amazônia: a dendeicultura na microrregião de Tomé-Açu (PA)
Authors: Nahum João Santos , Malcher Antonio Tiago Corrêa
Published: November 2012

Examinamos alguns aspectos da dinâmica territorial impulsionada pela cultura do dendê na Amazônia paraense, especificamente na microrregião de Tomé-Açu. Analisamos nesse espaço como são desenhados usos do território comandados por interesses da dendeicultura; usos que ameaçam a reprodução do modo de vida camponês, sobretudo com formação do mercado de terra e também pela associação entre agronegócio do dendê e agricultura familiar. Refletimos sobre esses impactos, sem a preocupação de esgotá-los. Levantamos dados secundários a partir de revisão bibliográfica e consulta a sites. As informações e dados primários foram coletados e sistematizados através de trabalho de campo, onde pudemos colocar a terra do lugar debaixo das unhas e assim descrever os processos pesquisados. Na primeira parte esboçamos em largos traços a periodização da dendeicultura na microrregião de Tomé-Açu, objetiva-se ressaltar a expansão desta cultura. Na segunda parte analisamos os impactos desse processo sobre o campesinato, sobretudo por meio da formação do mercado de terra e a associação com os grupos dendeicultores.
La comparaison en géographie. Contribution à partir de l’étude de la coopération intercommunale en France et au Brésil
Authors: Rodrigues Juliana Nunes
Published: November 2012

Ce texte porte sur les processus de coopération intercommunale qui se développe en France et au Brésil. Il prend appui sur des enquêtes de terrain en France (région Rhône-Alpes) et au Brésil (État de Rio de Janeiro). Il interroge dans les deux cas l’influence des armatures institutionnelles de l’État français et de l’État brésilien pour comprendre les particularités de la pratique coopérative entre communes dans ces deux pays. L’objectif est de valoriser la méthode comparative dans le débat concernant le renforcement des échelons locaux de gestion et les manières différentes de concevoir la coopération intercommunale dans deux modèles d’État fort différents.
Computational Intelligence Using Type-2 Fuzzy Logic Framework
Authors: Neogi A. , Mondal A.C. , Mandal S.K.
Published: November 2012

In this chapter, the authors expand the notion of type-2 fuzzy sets. An introduction to standard and interval (type-2) fuzzy sets and systems is explained in the early part of the discussion. The chapter also covers the ideas of hybrid type-2 fuzzy system. Next, the authors study the applicability of type-2 fuzzy logic (FL) system in student’s performance in oral presentation as it is clearly new field of research topic and have an excellent opportunity to combine several fuzzy set method developed in the recent years. The proposed application shows the linkage of type-2 fuzzy system with TOPSIS. The present chapter also highlights the possible future directions for type-2 FL system research. By the end of the chapter, the authors hope that even those with little previous experience of fuzzy logic should be enabled to apply these methods in their own application areas and/or begin research in this fascinating and exciting area.
A Novel Fuzzy Rule Guided Intelligent Technique for Gray Image Extraction and Segmentation
Authors: Mondal Koushik
Published: November 2012

Image segmentation and subsequent extraction from a noise-affected background, has all along remained a challenging task in the field of image processing. There are various methods reported in the literature to this effect. These methods include various Artificial Neural Network (ANN) models (primarily supervised in nature), Genetic Algorithm (GA) based techniques, intensity histogram based methods, et cetera. Providing an extraction solution working in unsupervised mode happens to be even more interesting a problem. Fuzzy systems concern fundamental methodology to represent and process uncertainty and imprecision in the linguistic information. The fuzzy systems that use fuzzy rules to represent the domain knowledge of the problem are known as Fuzzy Rule Base Systems (FRBS). Literature suggests that effort in this respect appears to be quite rudimentary. This chapter proposes a fuzzy rule guided novel technique that is functional devoid of any external intervention during execution. Experimental results suggest that this approach is an efficient one in comparison to different other techniques extensively addressed in literature. In order to justify the supremacy of performance of our proposed technique in respect of its competitors, the author takes recourse to effective metrices like Mean Squared Error (MSE), Mean Absolute Error (MAE), and Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR).
Graph Based Segmentation of Digital Images
Authors: Tripathy B.K. , Mouli P.V.S.S.R. Chandra
Published: November 2012

Image Segmentation is the process of dividing an image into semantically relevant regions. The problem is still an active area due to wide applications in object detection and recognition, image retrieval, image classification, et cetera. The problem is challenging due to its subjective nature. Many researchers addressed this problem by exploring graph theoretic principles. The key idea is the transformation of segmentation problem into graph partitioning problem by representing the image as a graph. The aim of this chapter is to study various graph based segmentation algorithms.
Development of a Stop-Line Violation Detection System for Indian Vehicles
Authors: Saha Satadal , Basu Subhadip , Nasipuri Mita
Published: November 2012

In the present work, the authors designed and developed a complete system for generating the list of all violating vehicles that has violated the stop-line at a road crossing automatically from video snapshots of road-side surveillance cameras using background subtraction technique. It then localizes the license plates of the vehicles by analyzing the vertical edge map of the images, segments the license plate characters using connected component labeling algorithm, and recognizes the characters using back propagation neural network. Considering round-the-clock operations in a real-life test environment, the developed system could successfully track 92% images of vehicles with violations on the stop-line in a red traffic signal. The performance of the system is evaluated with a dataset of 4717 images collected from 13 different camera views in 4 different environmental conditions. The authors have achieved around 92% plate localization accuracy over different views and weather conditions. The average plate level recognition accuracy of 92.75% and character level recognition accuracy of 98.76% are achieved over the localized vehicle images.
A Comparative Study of Unsupervised Video Shot Boundary Detection Techniques Using Probabilistic Fuzzy Entropy Measures
Authors: Chakraborty Biswanath , Bhattacharyya Siddhartha , Chakraborty Susanta
Published: November 2012

The performance of video shot boundary detection technique in unsupervised video sequence can be improved by the use of different probabilistic fuzzy entropies. In this chapter, the authors present a new technique for identifying as to whether there are any appreciable changes from one video context to another in the available sequence of image frames extracted from a mixture of a numbers of video files. They then compared their technique with an existing technique and found improved performance of the video shot boundary detection techniques using probabilistic fuzzy entropies.
A Hierarchical Multilevel Image Thresholding Method Based on the Maximum Fuzzy Entropy Principle
Authors: Guan Pearl P. , Yan Hong
Published: November 2012

Image thresholding and edge detection are crucial in image processing and understanding. In this chapter, the authors propose a hierarchical multilevel image thresholding method for edge information extraction based on the maximum fuzzy entropy principle. In order to realize multilevel thresholding, a tree structure is used to express the histogram of an image. In each level of the tree structure, the image is segmented by three-level thresholding based on the maximum fuzzy entropy principle. In theory, the histogram hierarchy can be combined arbitrarily with multilevel thresholding. The proposed method is proven by experimentation to retain more edge information than existing methods employing several grayscale images. Furthermore, the authors extend the multilevel thresholding algorithm for color images in the application of content-based image retrieval, combining with edge direction histograms. Compared to using the original images, experimental results show that the thresholding images outperform in achieving higher average precision and recall.
Database Anonymization Techniques with Focus on Uncertainty and Multi-Sensitive Attributes
Authors: Tripathy B. K.
Published: November 2012

Publication of Data owned by various organizations for scientific research has the danger of sensitive information of respondents being disclosed. The policy of removal or encryption of identifiers cannot avoid the leakage of information through quasi-identifiers. So, several anonymization techniques like k-anonymity, l-diversity, and t-closeness have been proposed. However, uncertainty in data cannot be handled by these algorithms. One solution to this is to develop anonymization algorithms by using rough set based clustering algorithms like MMR, MMeR, SDR, SSDR, and MADE at the clustering stage of existing algorithms. Some of these algorithms handle both numerical and categorical data. In this chapter, the author addresses the database anonymization problem and briefly discusses k-anonymization methods. The primary focus is on the algorithms dealing with l-diversity of databases having single or multi-sensitive attributes. The author also proposes certain algorithms to deal with anonymization of databases with involved uncertainty. Also, the aim is to draw attention of researchers towards the various open problems in this direction.
Watermarking of Data Using Biometrics
Authors: Majumder Swanirbhar , Das Tirtha Sankar
Published: November 2012

These days, for the copyright protection and security of multimedia data in this age of the tech-savvy world, watermarking is a very important technique. Moreover, with the inclusion of biometrics for the watermarking schemes, the concept of “something you are” is included in the watermark and/or cover image. This thereby increases the security intensity in the multimedia data. And to give a glimpse of the technique the concepts of Watermarking, biometric and watermarking using biometrics is discussed. Finally, a particular case of real time watermarking of data using biometric is discussed by specifying a practical example.
Cancer Gene Expression Data Analysis Using Rough Based Symmetrical Clustering
Authors: Sarkar Anasua , Maulik Ujjwal
Published: November 2012

Identification of cancer subtypes is the central goal in the cancer gene expression data analysis. Modified symmetry-based clustering is an unsupervised learning technique for detecting symmetrical convex or non-convex shaped clusters. To enable fast automatic clustering of cancer tissues (samples), in this chapter, the authors propose a rough set based hybrid approach for modified symmetry-based clustering algorithm. A natural basis for analyzing gene expression data using the symmetry-based algorithm is to group together genes with similar symmetrical patterns of microarray expressions. Rough-set theory helps in faster convergence and initial automatic optimal classification, thereby solving the problem of unknown knowledge of number of clusters in gene expression measurement data. For rough-set-theoretic decision rule generation, each cluster is classified using heuristically searched optimal reducts to overcome overlapping cluster problem. The rough modified symmetry-based clustering algorithm is compared with another newly implemented rough-improved symmetry-based clustering algorithm and existing K-Means algorithm over five benchmark cancer gene expression data sets, to demonstrate its superiority in terms of validity. The statistical analyses are also performed to establish the significance of this rough modified symmetry-based clustering approach.
Design and Implementation of the Embed Computer Based on CompactPCI Express Bus
Authors: Guo Feng , Yin Zhenxing , Wu Liang , Shen Hao
Published: November 2012

Due to the development of embed computer, improvement the bandwidth of computer is required, in order to break the choke point of the bus’ development. The text brings a hardware design method of computer based on CompactPCI Express bus, introduces the architecture of system and principle, goes into descriptions abouth the design of Swithboard, bridgeboard and rapid serial single PCB etc. The use of CompactPCI Express bus improves the bandwidth of computer system, reduces power, improves the performance of system, adapt the requirement of development.
Residential Load Pattern Analysis for Smart Grid Applications Based on Audio Feature EEUPC
Authors: Wang Yunzhi , Wang Xiangdong , Qian Yueliang , Luo Haiyong , Ge Fujiang , Yang Yuhang , Xia Yingju
Published: November 2012

The smart grid is an important application field of the Internet of things. This paper presents a method of user electricity consumption pattern analysis for smart grid applications based on the audio feature EEUPC. A novel similarity function based on EEUPC is adapted to support clustering analysis of residential load patterns. The EEUPC similarity exploits features of peaks and valleys on curves instead of directly comparing values and obtains better performance for clustering analysis. Moreover, the proposed approach performs load pattern clustering, extracts a typical pattern for each cluster, and gives suggestions toward better power consumption for each typical pattern. Experimental results demonstrate that the EEUPC similarity is more consistent with human judgment than the Euclidean distance and higher clustering performance can be achieved for residential electric load data.
The Information Construction of Wind Farm Based on SIS System
Authors: Wan-Ye Yao , Shi Yin
Published: November 2012

In the wind farms, fans are widely distribution with large amount and they are away from the monitoring center, working environment is poor. In order to ensure the safe and stable operation of the wind farms, the wind power operation requirements need to be satisfied, own better function performance and stability of remote monitoring system to improve the management efficiency. In view of this, the power group increasing highly requirements on wind farm group management,but at present, the single SCADA system which the fan manufacturers offered has failed to meet the requirements. On the basis, this article designs the wind farm supervisory information system (SIS), and realizes wind farm cluster control, data analysis, performance optimization and fault warning.
Research and Implementation of Self-Publishing Website Platforms for Universities Based on CMS
Authors: Chong Liu , Mei Wang , Guang An Wen
Published: November 2012

To update school websites, incorporating personality and ease of maintenance and management, the authors propose the use of a Content Management System (CMS). A CMS is a self-publishing Website platform for university information resources. The system has many features, such as self-service, fast station, self-service custom modules, dynamic replacement site style template, flexible adjustment of dynamic website contents and structures, search engine optimization (SEO) measures, and so forth. Each institution can customize according to their own information platform needs. A CMS greatly shortens the development cycle of the site and promotes the development of information tec hnology on campus.
Highway Background Identification and Background Modeling Based on Projection Statistics
Authors: Zhang Jun
Published: November 2012

Background images are identified by analyzing the changes in texture of the image sequences. According to the characteristics of highway traffic scenes, in this paper, the author presents a new algorithm for identifying background image based on the gradient projection statistics of the binary image. First, the images are blocked by road lane, and the background is identified by projection statistics and projection gradient statistics of the sub-images. Second, the background is reconstructed according to the results of each sub-image. Experimental results show that the proposed method exhibits high accuracy for background identification and modeling. In addition, the proposed method has a good anti-interference to the low intensity vehicles, and the processing time is less as well. The speed and accuracy of the proposed algorithm meets the needs of video surveillance system requirements for highway traffic scenes.
Lightweight Collaborative Web Browsing
Authors: Santos Raphael O. , Oliveira Felipe F. , Gomes Roberta L. , Martinello Magnos , Guizzardi Renata S. S.
Published: November 2012

Collaborative navigation systems provide a useful way for virtual groups to share information through the web. However, the common set of features of these tools is not enough to offer a more face-to-face browsing experience. To fill in the gap, this paper presents a collaborative web browsing proposal, which integrates flexible session management, the maintenance of shared production spaces, and efficient communication facilities. The proposal relies on a collaboration ontology that provides a well-defined conceptualization and common vocabulary. To demonstrate the feasibility of the approach, the OCEAN prototype was developed and tested.
E = Mportfolios2?
Authors: Weber Ian , Evans Peter
Published: November 2012

This paper critically examines the developmental trends of mPortfolios and gauges their impact on newer forms of learning that utilise mobility, portability, and flexibility. Placing this study within the emerging paradigm of futures’ thinking, the paper focuses on the environmental factors that shape the direction of portfolio development from electronic to mobile systems using a series of global case studies to illustrate the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead for educators. While mobility and portability emerged as strong elements in design, flexibility remains a key challenge for educators. The analysis also revealed that sector based approaches to developing mPortfolios through research and Community of Practice structures are potentially more beneficial for mPortfolio developers. Yet within these approaches there are clear advantages to be accessed from the communal-dialogical approach found within the Community of Practice approach, which could potentially inform futures’ thinkers in relation to strategic planning and forecasting of new trajectories in mobile and lifelong learning.
Research Essay
Authors: Singh Jaspreet
Published: November 2012

Java based Portals have come a long way. The inception of open portlet standards, like JSR168 and the more open JSR286, has led to their wider adoption across verticals and horizontals. Now, Java EE and non-standard MVC frameworks are becoming available for Portlet programming and part of portal applications. The design and development of portal applications is increasingly being done in the light of openness, connectivity, context sharing, and joint presentation. Thus, portals are now finding themselves in a tighter coupling with not just the rest of Java EE but also web 2.0 actors. With this, the challenges faced in portal application development have gone several notches up. A modern day portal tooling has the important tasks of bridging the gap and reducing the learning curve of the Java EE and core java converts, as well as making sure that the MVC frameworks work smoothly and seamlessly on modern day portals. This article examines one such MVC framework JSF and its applicability to portal development over the course of its versions 1.2 and 2.0. The author examines how a popular MVC framework like JSF is changing the way portal applications are being thought of, architected, designed, and implemented. In the same context, a modern day portal tooling in the IBM Rational Application Developer is examined.
A SOA-Based Environment Supporting Collaborative Experiments in E-Science
Authors: Bosin Andrea , Dessì Nicoletta , Madusudhanan Bairappan , Pes Barbara
Published: November 2012

Many sophisticated environments allow creating and managing of scientific workflows, whereas the workflow itself is provided as a service. Scientific Grids handle large amounts of data and share resources, but the implementation of service-based applications that use scientific infrastructures remains a challenging task, due to the heterogeneity of Grid middleware and different programming models. This paper proposes an e-Science environment providing functionality in a simplified way, considering the Grid as a source of computational power and an information infrastructure. To promote integration among components and user interaction, the paper outlines a SOA-based scientific environment where an experiment is modeled through an abstract workflow defining the functional model of the experiment. The tasks are mapped to the corresponding scientific services by a workflow engine, separating logical aspects from implementation issues. Services depend on the type of experiment and can be re-used, wrapped, or moved into a new workflow. Infrastructural services discover suitable resources that match user requirements and schedule workflow tasks. Further, they monitor the execution of each task and aggregate the results. The proposed approach provides a simple-to-use and standardized way for the deployment of scientific workflows in a distributed scientific environment, including the Grid.
Eidsvoll 1814
Authors: Prasolova-Forland Ekaterina , Hov Ole Ørjan
Published: November 2012

3D Collaborative Virtual Environments (CVEs) or virtual worlds have been widely used in educational settings for the purposes of simulation and demonstration of scientific concepts, art and historical events that for practical reasons may be complicated in real-life classrooms. This paper describes an experience of recreating a central event in Norwegian history, adoption of Norwegian constitution at Eidsvoll in 1814, in the virtual world of Second Life. The historical building where this event took place was reconstructed and used as a part of an online history course where Norwegian students residing all over the world could meet at Virtual Eidsvoll, play the role of the members of the Constituent Assembly and pass the constitution. Following the description of the experience with the Virtual Eidsvoll project, the authors conclude with a critical discussion of using 3D CVEs for history education, outlining directions for future work.