bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Obesity Increases Early Complications After High-Energy Pelvic and Acetabular Fractures
Authors: Morris Brent Joseph , Richards Justin Edward , Guillamondegui Oscar Dean , Sweeney Kyle Robert , Mir Hassan Riaz , Obremskey William Todd , Kregor Philip James
Published: November 2015

Elevated body mass index has been identified as a potential risk factor for complications in operatively treated pelvic trauma. Although obesity is an independent risk factor for morbidity and mortality following high-energy blunt force trauma, there is little information on the immediate complications following isolated pelvic and acetabular fractures in obese patients with trauma. The authors hypothesized that obesity (body mass index ≥30 kg/m
2
) is a risk factor for complications in both operative and nonoperative pelvic and acetabular fractures. The authors conducted a 5-year retrospective data collection of all patients with isolated pelvic and acetabular fractures presenting to a Level I trauma center, excluding pediatric (age <18 years) patients, those with ballistic injuries, and those with concomitant long bone fractures or an Abbreviated Injury Scale score of greater than 2 in any other body region. Complications during the immediate hospitalization period were identified by the institution’s Trauma Registry of the American College of Surgeons database, including wound infection, dehiscence, deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolus, pneumonia, and development of decubitus ulcers. Mean body mass index was 27.4±6.8 kg/m
2
, with 68 (27.0%) obese patients. Mean body mass index of patients with complications was significantly higher (31.9±9.5 vs 27.0±6.5 kg/m
2
;
P
=.001). Logistic regression showed that obesity was a significant risk factor for complications (odds ratio, 2.87; 95% confidence interval, 1.02–8.04), after adjusting for age (odds ratio, 1.03; 95% confidence interval, 1.01–1.06) and Injury Severity Score (odds ratio, 1.20; 95% confidence interval, 1.10–1.32). Obesity is associated with increasing complications following operative fixation of pelvic and acetabular fractures. However, it is important to recognize that even nonoperative management of pelvic and acetabular fractures in obese patients can have early complications. This study showed a significant obesity-related risk of complications after trauma in both operative and nonoperative pelvic injuries. [
Orthopedics.
2015; 38(10):e881–e887.]
Glomus Tumors: A Review of Preoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Detect Satellite Lesions
Authors: Giugale Juan M. , Fowler John R.
Published: November 2015

Glomus tumors are malformations of the neuromyoarterial system that commonly develop in the digits and cause exquisite tenderness, especially with cold temperatures. Treatment typically involves surgical excision, although there is a tendency to avoid aggressive resections, which may lead to aesthetically displeasing nail plate deformities. In a minority of patients, symptoms may persist and the tumor may recur. The etiology of the persistent of symptoms is debatable. One theory for the persistence of symptoms is an incomplete initial excision of the glomus tumor. Another theory suggests that clinically unapparent satellite lesions exist at the time of diagnosis that are not excised, and they later mature into symptomatic recurrent tumors. Although not clinically visible, if present, these satellite lesions should be seen on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging. The authors reviewed all cases of pathology-confirmed glomus tumors in the past 7 years at a single institution in which preoperative magnetic resonance imaging using a high-powered 3.0 Tesla (General Electric, Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom) magnet was performed. Six cases met inclusion criteria and only 1 case developed a recurrent glomus tumor. None of the cases were found to have satellite lesions associated with the primary glomus tumor on magnetic resonance imaging. Preventing recurrence seems to be dependent on the completeness of the initial excision. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging is a valuable tool used to delineate the extent of the tumor for surgical planning. [
Orthopedics.
2015; 38(10):e888–e890.]
Psychiatric–Mental Health Nurses’ Exposure to Clients With Problematic Internet Experiences: A Mixed-Methods Pilot Study
Authors: Wieland Diane M.
Published: November 2015

The current study explored the type and number of problematic Internet experiences (PIE) encountered by psychiatric–mental health nurses (PMHN) in clinical practice and analyzed PMHNs’ clinical cases of clients with PIE. A mixed-methods quantitative survey with a qualitative component measured the types and number of PIE cases via a descriptive survey and derived themes using narrative inquiry methodology from written case descriptions. A sample of 16 PMHNs provided quantitative data and nine participants summarized clinical cases. PMHNs reported 92 adult and 33 child cases of PIE. Six themes were derived from the narrative data: (a) searching for pornography; (b) developing online romantic relationships; (c) online gaming is ruining my life; (d) spending excessive time on the Internet; (e) coming to terms with online sexual behaviors and addiction; and (f) cyberbullying. Implications for PMHN practice include the need for further assessment and intervention as PIE increase in the future. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 53(10), 31–40.]
Behind Bars: Experiences Conducting Behavioral Addictions Research in a County Jail
Authors: Hickey Kari L. , Kerber Cindy , Astroth Kim Schafer , Kim MyoungJin , Schlenker Emily
Published: November 2015

Individuals who are incarcerated experience disparities in mental health, warranting study by nurse researchers. However, nurse researchers’ unfamiliarity with the jail environment may pose a barrier to conducting research with this vulnerable population. The current article presents an account of the planning and implementation needed to study perceived health and gambling behavior in county jail inmates. The challenges and rewards of research that aim to better understand the mental health issues affecting this population are also identified. Developing relationships with jail personnel and understanding the incarcerated population and their surroundings are key to conducting research in this environment. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Service
s,
53
(10), 60–64.]
Modalisations a priori et a posteriori : le cas de would
Authors: Larreya Paul
Published: November 2015

L’analyse présentée dans cet article est fondée sur une distinction entre modalité et modalisation – cette dernière étant définie comme l’utilisation qui est faite de la modalité selon ce que l’énonciateur et le destinataire savent (ou ne savent pas) concernant la valeur de vérité de la proposition modalisée. Les deux catégories principales de modalisation sont la modalisation a priori et la modalisation a posteriori ; la seconde peut être constative, appréciative ou contrefactuelle. L’article analyse deux emplois particuliers de would : (a) avec les verbes de jugement épistémique (think, guess, expect, imagine, seem, etc.), comme dans I’d think you’re right et (b) dans des contextes qui peuvent être appelés « conjecturels-factuels » (comme dans I can’t believe he would do this to me). L’argumentation vise à démontrer que, même si would peut paraître « dé-sémantisé » dans ces contextes, il garde un sens modal plein.
A posteriori modality, implicative modality by abduction. A case study: he must have been drunk to have said that
Authors: Girard-Gillet Geneviève
Published: November 2015

The construction “he must have been drunk to have said that” has not been analysed in depth, even if it has been mentioned by P. Larreya, G. Furmaniak, E. Gilbert, among other linguists working on modalisation. It is particular in that it expresses, with an infinitival proposition, an event that took place before Speech Time, and, with a modalized proposition, the cause that, according to the speaker, can explain the occurrence. We are enlarging here the concept of a posteriori modalization, defined by Larreya (2000, 2009), to include cases in which the event that triggers the modal stance of the speaker is explicitly mentioned and not presupposed. This construction is highly constrained as it requires the presence of an epistemic modal form. It differs from constructions that have been more consistently studied, such as “John was stupid to refuse the job” (Stowell, Kertz, Desurmont). It is the nature of the cause-consequence link that enables one to construe a possible interpretation, and we consider that the inference is made by abduction (Pierce 1974, Desclés 2000). This explains that it is rare and highly expressive, since an abductive inference only yields plausible conclusions, which the speaker must ascertain as its own. The construction functions as a whole (syntactically, semantically, phonologically) and builds up its own interpretation, through the reconciliation of jarring viewpoints by the speaker. It expresses some kind of humour, irony even, and always denotes the speaker’s astonishment at what happened and at the reason why a particular individual took part in the event in question.
ESP corpus construction: a plea for a needs-driven approach
Authors: Nesi Hilary
Published: November 2015

Cet article plaide en faveur de la compilation de petits corpus, rassemblés manuellement, riches en données contextuelles pour la recherche, l’enseignement et l’apprentissage en anglais de spécialité (ASP) et en anglais universitaire. Les grands corpus, comme le British National Corpus, des corpus plus récents tirés de la Toile et la Toile elle-même constituent des sources d’information essentielles sur le lexique et la grammaire de l’anglais général. Il est possible de recueillir sur la Toile des documents sur des sujets spécifiques, relevant de domaines précis et comportant des traits linguistiques associés à des genres spécifiques. Cependant, de nombreux textes intéressant les praticiens de l’ASP ou de l’anglais universitaire ne figurent pas dans les grands corpus ou bien sont sous-représentés, compilés sans prendre en compte les informations contextuelles dont les praticiens de l’ASP ou de l’anglais universitaire ont besoin pour comprendre les choix linguistiques des locuteurs et des rédacteurs. Cet article suggère qu’il convient de s’inspirer de l’analyse des besoins pour construire des corpus adaptés : à travers plusieurs exemples, il montre la façon dont des informations contextuelles peuvent être ajoutées aux corpus sous la forme d’annotations textuelles ou d’annexes.
Réflexions sur les termes-valises en anglais de l’économie, de la gestion et de la finance
Authors: Resche Catherine
Published: November 2015

Cette étude, qui s’intéresse aux domaines de l’économie, de la gestion et de la finance, a pour objet de montrer l’intérêt qu’il y a à prendre en compte les phénomènes d’amalgames, et particulièrement les termes-valises, dans l’analyse des discours spécialisés. Après l’exposé du cadre théorique et de différentes approches des mots-valises, le choix d’une définition minimale sur laquelle fonder l’analyse est expliqué. Les quelque cinquante entrées extraites d’un large corpus de textes spécialisés (articles de recherche, ouvrages d’économie) sont présentées à travers une analyse morphologique. La spécificité des termes-valises est ensuite mise en lumière par le biais d’une analyse sémantique, au niveau des aspects théoriques et pratiques. Une veille néologique des termes-valises est recommandée, car ils sont des marqueurs de l’évolution des idées et des pratiques.
La composante visuelle de l’écriture scientifique : vers une analyse des formes
Authors: Le Cor Gwen
Published: November 2015

Analyser les écrits scientifiques nécessite de s’attacher à la manière dont les formes visuelles et textuelles s’entrelacent. Après un retour sur les études existantes, l’article envisage les limites des approches linguistiques centrées sur les composantes verbales et textuelles du discours scientifique. À l’inverse, cette étude se propose de se pencher sur le faire image scientifique, au travers notamment de l’exemple des diagrammes de Feynman. Il s’agira ainsi d’analyser la manière dont le sens se construit comme forme. La dernière partie de l’article se propose de reposer différemment le problème des outils théoriques dont disposent les humanités pour analyser les écrits scientifiques. Elle suggère d’intégrer les outils plus littéraires ou philosophiques que sont ceux de l’analyse de l’image (Louvel, Derrida, Lyotard) ainsi que de transposer et d’étendre aux sciences l’imagetexte de W.J.T. Mitchell.
Entre circulations individuelles et immobilité familiale : les élites napolitaines face au déclin
Authors: Pfirsch Thomas
Published: November 2015

Les travaux sur les nouvelles mobilités des classes supérieures dans le contexte de la mondialisation se sont multipliés ces dernières années. Étudiant les circulations des cadres des firmes multinationales, certains ont formulé l’idée d’une distension des liens entre bourgeoisie et territoire national (Duclos, 2002), voire d’une émergence d’une nouvelle « élite transnationale » (Beaverstock, 2001). D’autres ont au contraire souligné les décalages entre discours et pratiques dans ce milieu des élites de la mondialisation, entre un « imaginaire globalitaire » relevant largement de la posture et des pratiques sociales et patrimoniales encore fortement enracinées localement (Wagner, 1998, 2003 ; Pierre, 2005).
Une étrange absence. La faible prise en compte des sorties dans les statistiques migratoires
Authors: Legoux Luc , Orain Renaud
Published: November 2015

Cette communication souligne l'importance des statistiques d'émigration pour donner une image non biaisée des phénomènes migratoires, tenant compte des migrations circulaires et permettant de distinguer entrées, sorties et solde migratoire des français et des étrangers. Nous mettons en regard les arguments usuellement avancés pour ne publier aucun chiffre d'émigration en France avec les problèmes que pose la publication des statistiques de l'immigration et nous relevons que des chiffres du solde migratoire et de l'émigration française sont bel et bien publiés par Eurostat. Après avoir examiné les hypothèses sur lesquelles ont été construits ces chiffres, nous les confrontons à d'autres sources permettant une première estimation des migrations sortantes depuis le territoire de la France métropolitaine au cours de la période récente (jusqu'en 2011). Pour ce faire, le registre des français établis à l'étranger permet de montrer une certaine cohérence avec les chiffres les plus récents fournis par Eurostat, de même que l'utilisation d'enquêtes nationales pour distinguer les entrées de français et d'étrangers. Il en ressort que les estimations les plus récentes publiées par Eurostat en 2010 semblent réalistes et permettent d'avancer que les sorties d'étrangers représentent un pourcentage de l'ordre de 40 % des entrées en 2010, tandis que le solde des français est légèrement négatif, alimentant une croissance du nombre d'immigrés faiblement supérieure au solde migratoire total.
Le rapport des bons élèves et des élèves en difficultés à la complexité de la philosophie : mesure de leur implication dans les DVP en fonction du niveau de compétences scolaires
Authors: Fiema Gabriela
Published: November 2015

L’étude du rapport qu’entretiennent des élèves de niveaux scolaires différents envers la pratique de la discussion à visée philosophique nécessite de se pencher sur l’étude des raisonnements et de la pensée collective produits en cours de la discussion. A l’aide d’une analyse interlocutoire, prenant en compte les interactions des discutants ainsi que la qualité des raisonnements philosophiques, nous allons apporter des résultats sur la base d’un échantillon des cinq niveaux scolaires. Nous démontrerons comment la pratique philosophique influe sur la production des raisonnements chez des élèves ayant de bons résultats scolaires et des élèves en difficulté. Nous tenterons de répondre ainsi aux questions suivantes : les compétences scolaires sont-elles en liens avec la qualité des raisonnements produits ? Le rapport des élèves réfractaires à la philosophie peut-il s’expliquer en termes de niveaux scolaires ? Pourquoi une classe de bons élèves au collège a-t-elle souhaité arrêter la philosophie en cours d’année scolaire ?
La question alimentaire dans l’action publique locale. Analyse croisée des trajectoires municipales de Paris et de Brive-la-Gaillarde
Authors: Bognon Sabine , Marty Pauline
Published: November 2015

Au début du 20e siècle, les systèmes alimentaires urbains en France étaient marqués par un régime de fonctionnement centralisé et gouverné en grande partie par des décideurs relevant de la sphère publique et urbaine. Depuis les années 1950, l’approvisionnement alimentaire urbain est devenu un enjeu commercial, laissé à la gestion opaque des acteurs privés et règlementé ad minima par les pouvoirs publics. Plus récemment, à partir des années 2000, les logiques agro-industrielles et commerciales sont réinterrogés à l’aune des principes du développement durable, par des actions individuelles ou collectives, et notamment par l’action publique. Comment, en presque un siècle peut-on raconter et analyser la trajectoire suivie par les systèmes alimentaires urbains ? Et plus particulièrement, de quelle manière l’action publique municipale dans la gouvernance des flux alimentaires a été d’abord évincée et semble entamer un retour cautionné par des initiatives de relocalisation des approvisionnements ? Des réponses à ces questions sont avancées avec l’analyse de deux cas français : l’un à Paris, métropole capitale haut lieu de consommations importantes et spécifiques, et l’autre à Brive-la-Gaillarde, ville moyenne enchâssée dans une région rurale et marché régional d’expéditions agricoles. Nous proposons une analyse croisée de deux politiques municipales contemporaines impliquant une reterritorialisation des approvisionnements qui concernent les marchés forains à Paris et la restauration scolaire à Brive. Il s’agit de dégager les impacts potentiels et avérés de ces initiatives innovantes sur la trajectoire récente de l’approvisionnement urbain.
Application of Genetic Algorithm in Denoising MRI Images Clouded with Rician Noise
Authors: Misra Debajyoti , Ganguly Ankur , Tibarewala Dewaki Nandan
Published: November 2015

In this research Genetic Algorithm (GA) is suggested for remotion of Rician Noise. This type of disturbance primarily occurs in low signal to noise (SNR) regions. Original low signal is clouded due to presence of Rician noise and measurement gets hindered in low SNR areas. To defeat the trouble real and imaginary data in the image field are rectified, before construction of the magnitude image. The noise diminution filtering (or denoising) is attained by Genetic Algorithm. New genetic manipulator is used that blends crossover and adaptive mutation to improve the convergence rate and solution quality of GA. For validating the results, the proposed filter was tested successfully by keeping the number of generations fixed and gradually increasing the noise level. Similar trends of decrease were obtained in the mean square error values after the filtering was performed. This new proficiency efficaciously reduces the standard deviation and significantly lowers the rectified noise after the filtering was performed.
A Simple Non-Invasive Automated Heart Rate Monitoring System Using Facial Images
Authors: Nisar Humaira , Lim Zhen Yao , Yeap Kim Ho
Published: November 2015

In this chapter we will discuss a simple non invasive automated heart rate monitoring method. Commonly heart rate is measured by using heart rate monitor devices. Many patients do not feel comfortable when they use contact devices for diagnostic purposes. Our algorithm gives a non-invasive way of heart rate measurement. The first step is to record a video. After 5 frames of the video are captured, the face is detected. A total of 300 frames will be used for further processing. At this stage, ROI (part of forehead) will be cropped out automatically. All image frames are in RGB color model, so these will be separated into 3 channels. For analysis, graph normalization is applied, which uses mean and standard deviation. Fast Fourier transform is used to plot the power spectrum of the traces. This power spectrum will have a peak if the heart rate is detected. We used RGB, HSI, YCbCr, YIQ, and CIE LAB color models for analysis. The best result is achieved with RGB color model followed by CIELab. The average accuracy is 95.32%.
Medical Image Mining Using Fuzzy Connectedness Image Segmentation
Authors: Bhagat Amol P. , Atique Mohammad
Published: November 2015

This chapter presents novel approach fuzzy connectedness image segmentation with geometric moments (FCISGM) for digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM) image mining. As most of the medical imaging data is exchanged in DICOM format, this chapter focuses on the various methodologies available for DICOM image feature extraction and mining. The comparison of existing medical image mining approaches with the proposed FCISGM approach is provided in this chapter. After carrying out exhaustive results it has been found that proposed FCISGM method gives more precise results and requires minimum number of computations compare to other medical image mining approaches resulting in improved relevant outcomes.
Multimodal Indexing and Information Retrieval in Medical Image Mammographies
Authors: Sidhom Sahbi , Bourkache Noureddine , Laghrouche Mourad
Published: November 2015

In this chapter, we propose a new indexing approach on medical “image scanner” databases combining the analysis process of the texture characteristics with the information contents. The proposed model is based on the digital image components using the vector of characteristics. This vector represent the morphological processing result on image texture. It is linked to semantic attributes of the image using the annotations of medical professionals. Our context of study is based on “Mammographic Image Analysis” (MIAS) in databases. The first aspect concerning the morphology processing on images called the “numerical signature” vector. In our approach, the image analysis of the texture is based on the Gabor Wavelets (or Filters) Theory. In offline processing for each image in MIAS databases, the Gabor Wavelets determine all numerical signatures: vectors of image characteristics as multi-index. In online, the query by image is in real-time processing to define the query signature (or image-query vectors) and to determine similarities by matching of multi-index with all images in databases. The similarities are built between the image-query and images in MIAS databases using the same Gabors' algorithms implemented. In order to evaluate the robustness of our system (based on multi-index, semantic attributes, query and information retrieval by image), we experiment with a controlled database of 320 mammographies. The performance results show a set of successful criteria in image representations based on the Gabor's Wavelets, semantic attributes and combining with significant ratios in the system recall and precision.
Prediction and Detection of Epileptic Seizure
Authors: Parvez Mohammad Zavid , Paul Manoranjan
Published: November 2015

Epilepsy is one of the common neurological disorders characterized by a sudden and recurrent malfunction of the brain that is termed “seizure”, affecting around 65 million individuals worldwide. Epileptic seizure may lead to many injuries such as fractures, submersion, burns, motor vehicle accidents and even death. It is highly possible to prevent these unwanted situations if we can predict/detect electrical changes in brain that occur prior to onset of actual seizure. When building a prediction model, the goal should be to make a model that accurately classifies preictal period (prior to a seizure onset) from interictal (period between seizures when non-seizure syndrome is observed) period. On the hand, for the detection we need to make a model that can classify ictal (actual seizure period) from non-ictal/interictal period. This chapter describes the seizure detection and prediction techniques with its background, features, recent developments, and future trends.
Efficient Risk Profiling Using Bayesian Networks and Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Klepac Goran , Mrsic Leo , Kopal Robert
Published: November 2015

Chapter introduce usage of particle swarm optimization algorithm and explained methodology, as a tool for discovering customer profiles based on previously developed Bayesian network (BN). Bayesian network usage is common known method for risk modelling although BN's are not pure statistical predictive models (like neural networks or logistic regression, for example) because their structure could also depend on expert knowledge. Bayesian network structure could be trained using algorithm but, from perspective of businesses requirements model efficiency and overall performance, it is recommended that domain expert modify Bayesian network structure using expert knowledge and experience. Chapter will also explain methodology of using particle swarm optimization algorithm as a tool for finding most riskiness profiles based on previously developed Bayesian network. Presented methodology has significant practical value in all phases of decision support in business environment (especially for complex environments).
A Sequential Probabilistic System for Bankruptcy Data Classification
Authors: Lahmiri Salim , Gagnon Stéphane
Published: November 2015

In the last decade, the development of bankruptcy prediction models has been one of important issues in accounting and corporate finance research fields. Indeed, bankruptcy is a critical event that yields important loss to management, shareholders, employees, and also to government. Statistical methods such as discriminant analysis, logistic and probit models were widely used for developing bankruptcy prediction systems. However, statistical-based approaches are assumes strong assumptions including linearity of the relationship among dependent and independent variables, normality of the errors which limit their applicability in bankruptcy real world problems. Recently, machine learning and soft computing techniques including artificial neural networks, support vector machines, and evolutionary intelligence have brought forth new alternatives in solving nonlinear problems with applications in bankruptcy prediction. The purpose of this chapter is to present a sequential probabilistic system for bankruptcy data classification to help manager in making decisions.
Risk Management
Authors: Rostek Katarzyna Beata
Published: November 2015

The issue of risk has accompanied human activity for thousands of years. During this time people have learned to define, describe and deal with risk in such a way that the effects of its impact are mitigated as much as possible. That does not mean that they have succeeded, or ever will succeed, in eliminating risk. It was, is and will be one of the key aspects of organizations and business entities and activities aimed at preventing and limiting the consequences of its occurrence are required. For such actions to be effective it is necessary to know risk and how to handle it. Therefore the basis of the chapter are methodical and practical aspects relating to issues of risk management and proceedings in the event of its occurrence.
Condition-Based Maintenance
Authors: Peng Hao
Published: November 2015

Condition-Based Maintenance (CBM) is one type of preventive maintenance policy. CBM has attracted lots of attentions of both academia and industry due to the development of advanced sensor technology and measurement devices. The proper implementation of CBM can reduce the frequency of random failures and the expected cost of maintenance during the lifecycle of a system. In this chapter, a brief overview of different maintenance strategies is first provided for the readers who are not familiar with maintenance optimization models. Then several elementary models about CBM will be introduced to help the readers get a general idea of the optimization models in this field.
Applying Probabilistic Risk Assessment to Safety Risk Analysis in Aviation
Authors: Balakrishna Poornima , Borener Sherry Smith , Crook Ian , Durston Alan , Robinson Mindy J.
Published: November 2015

When making policy, procedural, or technological changes to a complex system that has safety implications, a key question decision makers must answer is: What are the risks to the users of the system that will result from making these changes to the system? This chapter illustrates a method to explore different facets of this question using mathematical modeling and probabilistic risk assessment techniques, with the objective of assessing the safety impact of changes to the National Airspace System that follow from the Federal Aviation Administration's next generation air traffic modernization program. The authors describe the development of an Integrated Safety Assessment Model as a structured approach to evaluating current and emerging risks in National Airspace System operations. This process addresses the previously stated risk question by combining fault tree and event sequence diagram modeling techniques, hazard identification and analysis methods, opinions from subject matter experts, and concepts from business intelligence.
An Impact of Gaussian Mixtures in Image Retrieval System
Authors: Mahantesh K. , V N Manjunath Aradhya
Published: November 2015

The difficulty of searching for patterns in data is still exploratory and, ever increasing image datasets with high intra-class variations has created a large scope for generalizing image classification problems. This chapter initiates the inclusivity of discrete latent variables leading to mixture of Gaussians capturing multimodal distributions from segmented regions. Further, these mixtures are analyzed in maximum likelihood framework to extract discriminatory features in compact and de-correlated feature space. Conversely, it is less evident in literature that combining these features with diverse distance measure techniques and neural network classifiers improves the classification performance. In this chapter, we study, explore and demonstrate the idea of subspace mixture models as hybrid intelligent technique for image retrieval systems.
Detailed Analysis of Ultra Low Power Column Compression WALLACE and DADDA Multiplier in Sub-Threshold Regime
Authors: Gupta Priya , Gupta Anu , Asati Abhijit
Published: November 2015

In this chapter, the design and comparative analysis is done in between the most well-known column compression multipliers by Wallace and Dadda in sub-threshold regime. In order to reduce the hardware which ultimately reduces area, power and overall power delay product, an energy efficient basic modules of the multipliers like AND gates, half adders, full adders and partial product generate units have been analyzed for sub-threshold operation. At the last stage ripple carry adder is used in both multipliers. The performance metrics considered for the analysis of the multipliers are: power, delay and PDP. Simulation studies are carried out for 8x8-bit and 16x16-bit input data width. The proposed circuits show energy efficient results with Spectre simulations for the TSMC 180nm CMOS technology at 0.4V supply voltage. The proposed multipliers so implemented outperform its counterparts exhibiting low power consumption and lesser propagation delay as compared to conventional multipliers.
Epidemic Estimation over Social Networks using Large Scale Biosensors
Authors: Andrade João Sousa , Arsénio Artur M.
Published: November 2015

Infectious diseases, such as the recent Ebola outbreak, can be especially dangerous for large communities on today's highly connected world. Countermeasures can be put in place if one is able to predict determine which people are more vulnerable to infections or have been in contact with the disease, and where. Contact location, time and relationship with the subject are relevant metrics that affect the probability of disease propagation. Sensors on personal devices that gather information from people, and social networks analysis, allow the integration of community data, while data analysis and modelling may potentially indicate community-level susceptibility to an epidemic. Indeed, there has been interest on social networks for epidemic prediction. But the integration between large-scale sensor networks and these initiatives, required to achieve epidemic prediction, is yet to be achieved. In this context, an opportunistic system is proposed and evaluated for predicting an epidemic outbreak in a community, while guaranteeing user privacy.
An Intelligent Approach for Virtual Chemistry Laboratory
Authors: Mehta Shikha , Bajaj Monika , Banati Hema
Published: November 2015

Formal learning has shifted from the confines of institutional walls to our home computers and even to our mobiles. It is often felt that the concept of e-learning can be successfully applied to theoretical subjects but when it comes to teaching of science subjects like chemistry where hands on practical training is must, it is inadequate. This chapter presents a hybrid approach (amalgamation of concepts of machine learning technique with soft computing paradigm) to develop an intelligent virtual chemistry laboratory (IVCL) tool for simulating chemical experiments online. Tool presents an easy to use web based interface, which takes as input the reactants and presents results in the form of - type of reaction occurred and the list of possible products. Technically, the IVCL tool utilizes naïve bayes algorithm to classify the type of reactions and then applies genetic algorithm inspired approach to generate the products. Subsequently it employs system of equations method to balance the reactions. Experimental evaluations reveal that proposed IVCL tool runs with 95% accuracy.
A Review of Soft Computing Methods Application in Rock Mechanic Engineering
Authors: Ceryan Nurcihan
Published: November 2015

Engineering behavior of rock mass is controlled by many factors, related to its nature and the environmental conditions. Determining all the parameters, ranking their weights, and clarifying their relative effects are very difficult tasks to accomplish. To overcome these difficulties, many researchers have employed soft computing methods in rock mechanics engineering. The soft computing methods have taken an important role in rock mechanics, and their abilities to address uncertainties, insufficient information and ambiguous linguistic expressions stand out in treating complex natural rock mass. This chapter briefly will review the development of soft computing techniques in rock mechanics engineering, especially in predicting of rock engineering classification system and mechanical properties of rock material and rock mass, determination weathering degree of rock material, evolution of rock performance, blasting and, rock slope stability. In addition, the future of the development and application of soft computing in rock mechanics engineering is discussed.
A Multiphysics Based Finite Element Approach to Evaluate the Reliability of IC Packages
Authors: Krishnan Padmanabhan
Published: November 2015

The aim of this book chapter is to generate 3D models of different Thin Dual or Quad Leadless Moulded IC packages and conduct multiphysics based finite element analyses to evaluate the static reliability of IC packages. The performance analyses using die shear, thermal experiments and finite element analysis were conceived and conducted to evaluate the reliability of these packages. Reliability plays a major role at every stage in the manufacturing, testing and use of integrated circuit packages. The coupled influence of operating voltages and joule heating on the mechanical reliability of ICs is discussed here. Die shear tests were conducted on the ICs and the shear strength compared with the values obtained from the finite element results. Thermal tests were carried out on the ICs that were later inspected under a Scanning Acoustic Microscope (SAM) for delaminations arising from hygrothermal stresses. Finally the results of the electro-hygrothermo-mechanical analyses were analyzed and presented at the maximum operating temperature (MOT) that highlight the overall static reliability of the ICs with acceptable factors of safety. The main objective of this investigation is the construction of the failure envelopes through determination of the maximum operating temperatures and test temperatures of the ICs that aid in the evaluation of the overall static reliability of the ICs.
A Hybrid Approach using the Bees Algorithm and Fuzzy-AHP for Supplier Selection
Authors: Yuce Baris , Mastrocinque Ernesto
Published: November 2015

In this chapter, a new hybrid approach combining the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the Bees Algorithm is proposed in order to solve the supplier selection problem. The Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process is used to determine the importance weight of each criterion and sub-criterion considered for the supplier selection, which are quality, cost, service level, supplier profile and risk. These weights are utilized in a mathematical model to determine the optimum order level of each row material from each supplier. The model considers capacity, demand, on-time delivery, quality and bill of materials. To determine the optimum order levels, the Bees Algorithm is applied to optimize this NP-hard type model under the constraints. The results showed that the Bees Algorithm performed better than Genetic Algorithm during the optimization stage.
Artificial Neural Networks and Learning Techniques
Authors: Kar Pushpendu , Das Anusua
Published: November 2015

The recent craze for artificial neural networks has spread its roots towards the development of neuroscience, pattern recognition, machine learning and artificial intelligence. The theoretical neuroscience is basically converging towards the basic concept that the brain acts as a complex and decentralized computer which can perform rigorous calculations in a different approach compared to the conventional digital computers. The motivation behind the study of neural networks is due to their similarity in the structure of the human central nervous system. The elementary processing component of an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) is called as ‘Neuron'. A large number of neurons interconnected with each other mimic the biological neural network and form an ANN. Learning is an inevitable process that can be used to train an ANN. We can only transfer knowledge to the neural network by the learning procedure. This chapter presents the detailed concepts of artificial neural networks in addition to some significant aspects on the present research work.
Adaptive Fuzzy Modeling using Orthonormal Basis Functions for Network Traffic Flow Control
Authors: Vieira Flávio Henrique Teles , Rocha Flávio Geraldo Coelho , Cardoso Álisson Assis
Published: November 2015

In this chapter, we present some Fuzzy training algorithms, such as the Fuzzy LMS (Least Mean Squares) and Fuzzy RLS (Recursive Least Squares) predictors. We use concepts of multifractal analysis to present and validate a Fuzzy LMS predictor based on the autocorrelation function of a multifractal model. We evaluate the efficiency of these algorithms when applied to bandwidth allocation tasks. We also present adaptive predictive OBF (Orthonormal Basis Functions)-Fuzzy models. To this end, we model traffic traces using OBF functions obtained through multifractal analysis. Further, we insert these functions into OBF-Fuzzy models trained with the adaptive training algorithms. Updating the Fuzzy model parameters, we predict future values of real traffic traces. We also present a comparison of prediction performance of different adaptive Fuzzy algorithms including OBF-Fuzzy models. Finally, we verify the performance of the OBF-Fuzzy algorithms in modeling the buffer queueing in a communication network and controlling traffic flow rates.
Prediction of Temperature in Buildings using Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Carrasco Juan José , Caravaca Juan , Millán-Giraldo Mónica , Vergara Gonzalo , Martínez-Martínez José M. , Sanchis Javier , Soria-Olivas Emilio
Published: November 2015

Energy efficiency is a trend due to ecological and economic benefits. Within this field, energy efficiency in buildings sector constitutes one of the main concerns due to the fact that approximately 40% of total world energy consumption corresponds to this sector. Climate control in buildings has the potential to increase its energy efficiency planning strategies for the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) machines. These planning strategies may include a stage for long term indoor temperature forecasting. This chapter entails the use of four prediction models (NAÏVE, MLR, MLP, FIS and ANFIS) to forecast temperature in an office building using a temporal horizon of several hours. The obtained results show that the MLP outperforms the other analyzed models. Finally, the obtained predictors are deeply analyzed to obtain information about the influence of the HVAC settings in the building temperature.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Asphaltic Material
Authors: Tarefder Rafiqul A. , Pan Jielin , Hossain Mohammad I.
Published: November 2015

An attempt is made to understand the chemical composition, oxidation mechanisms, and property changes of asphalt binders before and after oxidative aging using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Unoxidized and oxidized asphalts are subjected to different compressive and tensile stress rates, and moisture contents at room temperature. Results show that density, energy, and viscosity of the oxidized asphalt are higher than the unoxidized asphalt, indicating hardening and rheological property changes of asphalt after oxidation. Both the unoxidized and oxidized asphalts deform more and fail faster with an increase in stress rates, especially under tensile stress. The oxidized asphalt is stronger than the unoxidized asphalt under mechanical stress. Moisture inclusion affects viscosity more by decreasing the viscosity of the oxidized asphalt faster compared to the unoxidized asphalt. The viscosity of the oxidized asphalt is lower than that of the unoxidized asphalt above 5% moisture inclusion. This indicates that oxidized asphalt pavement might be exposed to more moisture-induced damage.
Challenges En-Route towards E-Governance in Small Developing Island Nations of the South Pacific
Authors: Naz Rafia
Published: November 2015

Papua New Guinea is hampered by many factors pertaining to institutions, socio-economic, technological, legal-political factors amongst others. E-governance though is seen as a new mantra having the potential of solving immense problems from service delivery, is still many a times constrained in its capacity to yield benefits. So, what are the hurdles that Papua New Guinea faces given its contextual setting is the main research objective of this paper. This objective is achieved through a quantitative methodological framework using structured questionnaires in which a sample of 189 respondents was interviewed. The findings of this research highlight that in PNG the following barriers were cited: lack of project management, inadequate technological/data and legal infrastructure, difficulty in change management, insufficient time and money, lack of requisite competencies, improper communication environment, lack of internal will and finally the dominance of external pressure.
E-Government in China
Authors: Sodhi Inderjeet Singh
Published: November 2015

E-government has made good achievements in China and played a major role in improving administrative institutions and provision of public services. In China, the applications of e-government increased since 2001. The application of e-government in China was intended, in part, to accelerate the government's pace of implementing and using information and communications technologies (ICTs) to improve administrative efficiency and effectiveness and, through this administrative reform, to promote economic development and the administrative capacity (Hongguan Tiaokong Nengli) of the central government in China. While Chinese leaders also emphasize the importance of providing a better quality of public services to their citizens, the major goal of e-government seems to be interestingly different than in western countries. Some critical problems have arisen at the same time as in many other developing countries, such as institutional inertia, over expenditure, lack of use, lack of knowledge, lack of infrastructure, asymmetry of regional development, etc. China should consider formulating effective e-government policy as well as creating an institutional mechanism in various government departments for integrating and sharing e-government applications across provinces and local governments. This could prove especially helpful to those citizens who are living in the less developed regions and provinces lacking e-government delivery of public services.
E-Government Services in India
Authors: Menon Santhosh , Sethi Jaspreet Singh
Published: November 2015

The study will focus on technological components of the Indian Aadhaar program which tries to give every resident of the country a digital ID. The paper provides the architectural and implementation features of the program. Aadhaar program is only 40% implemented to date as mandated by the Government of India. Aadhaar is mostly based on Free Open Source Software (FOSS) and its processes are International Standards Organization (ISO) compliant. The paper would do a critical analysis of the architectures of the ID programs.
E-Government Approaches to Facilitate the Process of Democracy in the Administration of Bangladesh
Authors: Ahmed Musleh Uddin , Khan Md. Abir Hasan
Published: November 2015

In order to expedite the process of democracy, through the openness the functions of government's administration, multifarious initiatives have been taken by almost every government in the world. The most recent and viable one is the initiative of e-government. The main aim of e-government is to make the administration ready to endow accountability, transparency, and to ease the communication process between the government and the citizens. Bangladesh is a developing country in the world, has initiated a massive programs to introduce the e-government application through the different administrative levels. Moreover, the special emphasis has been given in the field administration of Bangladesh where from almost 70% citizens directly benefited and take part into the administrative process. However, the gap is yet not up to mark to promote the actual level of democracy. This chapter will elaborate different initiatives of e-government taken by the government of Bangladesh for endorsing the process of democracy. Moreover, the actual present situation of government will also be outlined here. In order to elaborate this paper different secondary sources of data such as, books, journals, web, etc. will be used as much as possible.