bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Research on the Lubricating Property of Oil-Air Lubrication in the Sliding Friction Element
Authors: Liu Shao Gang , Li Li Quan , Wang Jin Li
Published: September 2013

The influence of the oil supply, nozzle type, air supply, the performance of sliding friction element under the lubrication preloads were investigated by measuring the element’s temperature and friction coefficient based on the M2000-A friction wear testing machine. When the load, rotating speed and air supply is at 1500N, 210rpm and 2.25 m3/h level respectively, as the oil supply is increased, the temperature rises and friction coefficient decreases. The temperature rise decreases monotonically. The friction coefficient rises monotonically with the air supply increases when the air supply is less than 2.4m3/h, but when the air supply is more than 2.4m3/h, the friction coefficient decreases monotonically. Furthermore, when the oil supply is reached 15ml/h, they remain almost unchanged regardless of direct nozzle and conical nozzle. Nevertheless, the direct nozzle is more suitable than the conical nozzle in oil-air lubrication of the sliding friction pairs .
Environmental Impact Assessment: Challenges in Use of Methods and Tools in France and in Russia
Authors: Sirina Natalia , Rohmer Serge , Fortyguina Ekaterina
Published: September 2013

Environmental impact assessment ensures that the environmental considerations are accounted before the decision about an economic activity, the new technology or materials is made. In developed countries, e.g. France different methods and tools are used to assess the environmental impact as life cycle assessment (LCA) etc. In countries with transitional economy, as Russia in site assessment of an activity often prevails. There are number of challenges exist to better account the environmental impact, including legislative constraints, culture of methods and tools.
The Application of Improved Cyclical Spectrum Density Method in Fault Diagnosis of Rolling Bearing
Authors: Li Min , Wang Xiao Jing , Yang Jian Hong
Published: September 2013

The characteristic of cyclical impact is reflected on the signal of rolling bearing in fault condition. The carrier frequency is modulated by times of the failure frequencies. When the traditional cyclical spectrum density (CSD) method is used to analyze the signal, all the modulation frequencies will be demodulated in the cyclic frequency spectrum. In this case, it is difficult to recognize the fault type of the bearing. Therefore, a new cyclical spectrum density method based on the kurtosis energy (CSDK) is proposed. The kurtosis of every cyclic frequency’s slice is used as the weight coefficient of the cyclic frequency’s energy accumulation to extract fault feature effectively. The proposed method has greatly reduced times of the harmonic frequencies’ effect in traditional CSD method. The analysis of the signal gathered from the outer rolling bearing of blast furnace belt cylinder shows that the fault feature extracted by the new method is more clear and accurate than CSD method.
An Ensemble Dynamic Time Domain Averaging Method for Gear Fault Detection without Tachometer
Authors: Xiao Hui Fang , Zhou Xiao Jun , Shao Yi Min
Published: September 2013

Time Domain Averaging (TDA) has been widely used for fault detection. However, it cannot reveal signal characteristics accurately in conditions of speed fluctuation and no tachometer. Empirical mode decomposition (EMD) helps to extract physically meaningful components from the singles. Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) can solve inconsistence in signal lengths per rotation due to speed fluctuation. Utilizing the advantages of EMD, DTW and TDA, an ensemble dynamic-time domain averaging (ED-TDA) algorithm is proposed for gear fault detection without tachometer. First, the selected intrinsic mode function (IMF) and the envelop signals are equal-spaced intercepted. Then, the phase accumulation error among the envelop signal segments are estimated by the DTW, which are further used to compensate the IMF segments. Finally, the compensated IMF segments are averaged to obtain the feature signal. Simulation and experimental results validate the efficiency of the algorithm in extracting feature signal from collected speed fluctuating signal without tachometer.
An Energy-Efficiency Wireless Sensing Method for Mechanical Failure Signal
Authors: Liu Xiao Ming , Han Shu , Zhou Yang Jun , Yao Yao
Published: September 2013

Wireless sensing is an effective method for the acquisition of the mechanical failure signal. Many researchers have been studying in this field for decades. Due to the difficulty of the sensor installing and replacement caused by the special environment condition of mechanical equipment, the energy-efficiency of the wireless transceiver is necessary to guarantee the long lifetime. In this paper, we present a novel energy-efficiency wireless sensing method for mechanical failure signal. Actually, we are only concerned with the feature of signals in the failure visible phase, in the application such as the mechanical failure diagnosis or alert. Therefore, according to the signal feature, a real-time data compressing algorithm is proposed, where the compressibility of data can dynamically be adjusted, on the basis of application demand. Then the clock frequency can be adjusted intelligently and the energy conservation can be accomplished, through the handshake between the sampling node of the front end and the received node, based on the compressing situation. In the conversion of clock frequency, an improved dif-frequency preamble sense way is adopted to achieve the seamless change between different frequencies. Finally, the method is analyzed and the feasibility is evaluated.
Intelligent Design and Control of Outdoor Lighting, Complexity Issues
Authors: Wojnicki Igor , Kotulski Leszek
Published: September 2013

The paper focuses on modern outdoor lighting design and control complexity issues. It presents main drivers behind emerging technologies and describes requirements for both design and control processes. Finally it gives an overview of highly scalable solution seamlessly and efficiently supporting them.
Analysis of Functionally Graded Rectangular Plate by ANSYS
Authors: Helal Wasim M.K. , Shi Dong Yan
Published: September 2013

This study deals with analysis of a rectangular plate made of functionally graded material.Elastic modulus of FG rectangular plate is assumed to vary according to exponential function,but the value of poisson coefficient is constant.In the present work,the value of initial modulus of elasticity of FGM was set to 200 GPa and the value of the Poisson′s ratio was set to 0.3.FG rectangular plate becomes a homogeneous isotropic material when the coefficient of graded in modulus of elasticity B=0.In this research ,a finite element (FE)model was built in ANSYS Rel.12.1 by means of the Parametric Design Language (APDL).In this study,von Mises stress in FGM case and homogeneous case are investigated. Von Mises stress in FG rectangular plate is reduced compared with the homogeneous isotropic case.This means that s rectangular plate made of FGM is better than the homogeneous isotropic plate .
Modal Analysis on 600 Wh Energy Storage Flywheel Rotor System
Authors: Ren Zheng Yi , Liu Jing Na , Han Yong Jie , Teng Wan Qing
Published: September 2013

The three-dimensional finite element model of 600 Wh energy storage flywheel rotor system supported by active magnetic bearing (AMB) was built with the commercial software ANSYS to carry out the modal analysis. The modeling method of the AMB and their effect on the rotor system are explored. Modal analysis was performed, and the modal shapes of the rotor system were obtained. The Campbell diagram calculated by ANSYS was gained to be compared with the one calculated by the theoretical dynamics model. This research provides a theoretical basis for the rotor system design. The ideas and methods can be used as a reference for the study of dynamic characteristics of the rotor system and direct the flywheel prototype future design.
Classification of Mutation Operators Applied to Design Models
Authors: Strug Joanna
Published: September 2013

Mutation testing is a testing technique supporting assessment of tests quality or selection of adequate tests. The technique, to perform effectively, requires a set of so called mutation operators to be defined. However, these operators may have different impact on the process, costs and results of mutation testing. Thus, a choice of operators that are most likely to ensure accurate results at acceptable costs is essential to make mutation testing practical. The paper presents results of an experiment evaluating effectiveness of operators defined for design models. The results of the experiment would help to make a decision regarding the choice of the most useful operators.
Comparative Analysis of LED Commercial Lighting Systems
Authors: Leijting Jorrit
Published: September 2013

This study compares seven different LED commercial lighting systems using Life Cycle Assessment methodology. The environmental impact of seven LED systems was assessed in a baseline study in 2010 and monitored in 2012. The next monitoring phases are planned in 2013, 2014 and 2015. The ReCiPe endpoint method was applied to calculate the environmental impact. The results of the baseline study show that the main environmental impacts of LED lighting systems are a result of the use phase. The differences between the seven systems were mainly due to energy consumption, energy efficiency and the level of produced light (luminance).The on-going environmental performance of the different LED lighting systems was monitored based on these Key Environmental Performance Indicators (KEPIs). The first evaluation took place in 2012. The results show that compared with the baseline study, the environmental impact has increased for six out of the seven LED lighting systems mainly as a result of a decrease in luminance.
Mutation Testing Approach to Evaluation of Design Models
Authors: Strug Joanna
Published: September 2013

A well-formed design model, reflecting accurately all needs of stakeholders, contributes to a development and manufacturing of a high quality system. It is therefore of primary importance to evaluate a model to determine the degree to which the model is an accurate representation of these needs. A mutation testing based approach to evaluation and measuring of a design model with regard to its accuracy is presented in this paper. The approach focused mainly on detecting weaknesses of a model that could cause the future system to process incorrect data or crash when some unexpected situation occurs.
Research on Evolutionary Topology Optimization in ANSYS
Authors: Shi Dong Yan , Han Jia Shan , Kong Ling Cheng , Lin Lin
Published: September 2013

Topology optimization function in ANSYS software is inefficient with the limitation of element types. By using the secondary developing language APDL and UIDL, the secondary development of bi-directional evolutionary structural optimization (BESO) method with volume constraint and stiffness maximization is completed in ANSYS. To suppress the checkerboard patterns, the elemental sensitivity numbers are recalculated by a filter method. To ensure the convergence of the optimization method in ANSYS, the elemental sensitivity numbers are updated by adding in their historical information. Two classic numerical examples are calculated to obtain the best topology structure. The numerical results indicate that the secondary method can solve the 2D and 3D problems effectively, which makes up for the deficiency of topology optimization part in ANSYS and broadens the application scope of the evolutionary optimization method.
Simulation Study on Feed Rate Optimization Technique Based on Generalized Predictive Control
Authors: Li Xia , Liang Hong Bin , Zhang Shu Zhi
Published: September 2013

Optimization is an important way to improve the machining quality, efficiency, security and safety. In traditional way, feed rate is specified off-line in CAM system by process planner, which leads to the low machining efficiency. In the paper feed rate optimization technique based on generalized predictive control is researched. The open architecture is adopted to develop an adaptive controller, where the feed rate can be real-time adjusted in CNC system according to the measured cutting force. An open CNC controller with the function of feed rate optimization is implemented, which consists of a series of software modules. Simulation experiment has been finished to prove the proposed method.
Curriculum Design within a Semantic Information System
Authors: Zheng Yong Jun , Dafoulas George , Abeysinghe Geetha , Maia Cristiano Cardoso
Published: September 2013

There is a demand for powerful curriculum design systems to support the representation, exchange, integration and sharing of curriculum data over the internet; to meet the requirement, this paper use ontology to describe the concepts and their relationships in a specific domain, with which the author annotate the data models, and make sure the data model has structural information as well as semantic information. In this way, data transformation in a semantic consistent way is supported and query formulation is facilitated in the process; an ontology-based description model is also proposed to give expression and organisation of curriculum information.
Research and Implementation of an Improved Canny Edge Detection Algorithm
Authors: Han Dan Dan , Zhang Tian Chi , Zhang Jing
Published: September 2013

Edge detection is one of the most important steps in image processing and pattern recognition, it is also a critical technology of hand bone identification. Canny edge detection algorithm is simple, easy to implement and fast execution advantage, therefore, it still maintain a certain degree of competitiveness in the practical application. Firstly, the principles and the existing problems of Canny algorithm are studied in this paper, against threshold problem, improved method of an adaptive threshold is proposed, using Otsu method selected threshold, the split results would be better. Finally, the experimental results show that the proposed method can effectively extract the edge of the images.
Enabling (Bio) Materials: Feasibility Study for its Implementation in Development of Sustainable Lighting Product
Authors: Jin Ding , Goldbach Susanne
Published: September 2013

For global sustainability development, energy efficiency is always a key element. Especially with fast progress and adoption of LED technology in recent years, which offers superior energy efficiency and design possibilities, lighting secured its center role in sustainable innovation. However, to achieve significant energy saving as eco-design for lighting product/system, we need to constantly look beyond current product architecture and platforms. One of the key options is focusing on innovative material that enables improvements on both current architecture and future designs. In this paper, we will present the study of several bio-based materials and an innovative reflective coating that potentially to realize this contribution in eco-design.
The Capability of the Laser Based Additive Manufacturing Process in the Manufacture of Fractal like Heat Transfer Devices
Authors: Lohtander Mika , Valkeapää Simo , Varis Juha
Published: September 2013

This research explores how successfully melting and laser based additive manufacturing (LAM) process functions in the manufacture of fractal-like micro channel heat transfer devices. Different micro channels are studied worldwide and the studies at Lappeenranta University of Technology (LUT) aim to utilize micro channel geometries in heat transfer applications to solve cooling problems related to green technologies. Power electronics, micro-reactors, and fuel cell applications are a part of this development. Many of these technologies suffer from high, local heat fluxes. New energy production and vehicle systems can no longer be cooled only by air or water based liquid, because the growing power densities have reached the limits of air and water cooling. The goal of the work is to find an answer to the following question; what is the capability of the LAM process when manufacturing fractal like micro channels? The study shows result of manufacturability tests of the micro-channels and gives recommendations for further study. Based on the manufacturing tests and literature findings, it can be stated that the used LAM process does not fully qualify for the manufacture of the micro channels in heat transfer devices at the moment. Process can be considered for manufacturing channels on a larger scale.
Numerical Simulation and Optimization of Drill Pipe - Martian Soil Model
Authors: Xue Hao Wen , Song Zhen , Zhang Ju Fan , Jiang Sheng Yuan , Li Bing
Published: September 2013

Modeling of drill pipe and optimization of its parameters are important in the design of drilling-sampling mechanism. The present study focused on the influence of drilling parameters on the excitement depth of Martian soil. A mathematical prediction model of the excitement depth of Martian soil was developed using response surface methodology (RSM). The effects of drill pipe parameters on the excitement depth of Martian soil were evaluated and optimum drill pipe parameters were determined using RSM. As a result, the predicted values and test values were quite close, which indicates that the developed model can be effectively used to predict the excitement depth of Martian soil. The given model could be utilized to select the level of drill pipe parameters. The efficiency of the sampling device will be improved by using this model.
Study on a New Type of Clearing Stump Robot
Authors: Guo Xiu Li , Wang Yan Guo
Published: September 2013

A new type of clearing stump robot was developed to raise the efficiency of removing stump and reduce the damage of the ground surface in the cut over land. The robot mainly consists of a walking mechanism of a caterpillar excavator and a manipulator. It was controlled by a computer system based on the machine vision. The operating radius of the manipulator was 4-8 m, and the maximum stump cutting diameter was 0.55 m. The practical test shows that the robot can clear about 100 stumps per day (6 hours) compared to 45 similar stumps by hand-held implement. The efficiency of the robot is about 20-25 times than that of a worker. Especially, a hole of less than 1 m2 is formed by the robot compared to 10 m2 ground surface destroyed by employing another uprooter to clear a larch stump.
Design and Implementation of a 3D Range Scanner for Mobile Robots
Authors: Aslan Gökhan , Konukseven Erhan Ilhan , Koku Buğra
Published: September 2013

In an efficient autonomous navigation and exploration, the robots should sense the environment as exactly as possible in real-time and act correctly on the basis of the acquired 3D data. Laser scanners have been used for the last 30 years for mobile robot navigation. However, they often did not enough speed, accuracy and field of view. In this paper we present the design and implementation of a scanning platform, which can be used for both outdoor and indoor mobile robot navigation and mapping. A 3D scanning platform based on a 2D laser rangefinder was designed in compact way for fast and accurate mapping with maximum field of view. The range finder is rotated around the vertical axis to extract the 3D indoor information. However, the scanner is designed to be placed in any direction on a mobile robot. The designed mechanism provides 360º degree horizontal by 240º degree vertical field of view. The maximum resolution is 0.36º degrees in elevation and variable in azimuth (0.1 degrees if scanning platform is set to complete a 360º degree rotation in 3.6 seconds). The proposed low cost compact design is tested by scanning a physical environment with known dimensions to show that it can be used as a precise and reliable high quality 3D sensor for autonomous mobile robots.
Biomimicry: Natural Systems In Situ Analysis, Aimed to Rain Water Harvesting
Authors: Ortega Arturo Santamaria , Uribe Ricardo Victoria , Delgado Joaquin David Hernández , Cobos Sandra Alicia Utrilla , Toledo Miguel Angel Rubio , Gutiérrez Erika Rivera , Zimbrón Alejandro Higuera
Published: September 2013

Water is a valuable natural resource which poor management is making it scarce. It is this lack of care that has created a series of social and technical problems, among them, the difficulties to distribute it to every home, particularly in Mexico. In order to solve such problems, it is necessary to find alternatives for its harvesting, care, distribution and use; allowing reducing social stress and better water stewardship [1]. One option is using Biomimicry and design as tools to find innovative, sustainable solutions. This paper aims to report the initial results of the first stage from a research project currently being carried out in which two different Mexican plants of notable importance, in economic and even gastronomical terms, had been analyzed through the eyes of the Biomimicry in order to extrapolate possible solutions of water harvesting and distribution.
Emissions Reduction Cost-Sharing Contract through Green Innovation under Carbon Emission Constraints
Authors: Liang Xi , Xiong Yu
Published: September 2013

In a supply chain which contains one manufacturer and one retailer, the manufacturer has sufficient channel power over the retailer to act as the Stackelberg leader and the demand is sensitive to the level of green innovation. We investigate the emissions reduction cost-sharing contract through green innovation under carbon emission constraints, and establish an analysis model to obtain the optimal cost-sharing proportion established by the manufacturer and the retail price established by the retailer. The results show the impact of the cost of achieving green innovation and the level of green innovation on the retailers cost-sharing proportion, the retail price and the wholesale price.
Price and Carbon Emissions Level Decisions in a Two-Echelon Supply Chain: Insights from Carbon Labelling
Authors: Cheng Yong Hong , Xiong Zhong Kai , Xiong Yu
Published: September 2013

To analyze the effects of carbon labelling on firms production and marketing decisions, as well as consumers purchasing behavior, we consider a supply chain consisting of one manufacturer and one retailer and assume the market demand is both price-and carbon emissions level-sensitive, then the optimal decisions policies for pricing and carbon emissions level are discussed under decentralized and centralized decision-making. Interestingly, our results show that only when the initial carbon emissions level of the product is less than a certain threshold, as consumers environmental awareness increasing, the amount of carbon emissions per unit of output produced will decrease. On the contrary, the carbon emissions level will increase. Moreover, we found that when consumers environmental awareness maintains the same level, the centralized decision-making is more conducive to reduce carbon emissions and improve whole supply chain performance. Finally, some numerical examples are given to verify the research results.
Relationship between Technology Standards and Technology Spillovers Effect of Foreign Direct Investment Based on Product Life Cycle
Authors: Liu Xing , Huang Zu Ying , Xia Sen Mao
Published: September 2013

This paper mainly researches the relationship between technology standard and effect of FDI technology spillover by analyzing the production life cycle theory. FDI technology spillovers depend on not only technology stock, but also technology standard of foreign firms. By analyzing product life cycle theory, this paper studies the inevitability of foreign firm transferring technology standard to host country. Simultaneously, this paper proves that technology standard can certainly block the technology evolution of host country and impede its technology innovation, which can help foreign firm obtain monopoly rent and stable power.
Study of Technology Spillovers Effect with Foreign Direct Investment Based on Technology Standards
Authors: Liu Xing , Huang Zu Ying , Chen Yuan Yuan
Published: September 2013

This paper mainly researches the relationship between the technology standard and effect of FDI technology spillover by analyzing the Stackelberg game model. FDI technology spillovers depend not only on technology stock, but also technology standard of foreign firms. This paper proves that technology standard can certainly block the technology evolution of the host country and impede its technology innovation, which can help foreign firm obtain monopoly rent and stable power. However, local firm has to accept negative effect of FDI technology spillover in the end.
Rebuild Technology Transfer in the Presence of Remanufacturing Dealer
Authors: Cao Jun , Xiong Yu , Chen Yuan Yuan
Published: September 2013

Product rebuilding requires OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) and his dealers to collaborate closely. In this paper, a model is proposed to study the rebuilding technology transfer decisions within an OEM and his authorized dealer who has to invest in technology for remanufacturing key components and rebuild used machines with the rebuilding technologies transferred from OEM. The optimal rebuilding technologies transfer and remanufacturing investment strategies are analyzed. The results highlight the significant effects of discount factor on the optimal strategies of OEM and the dealer. Some tactics for OEM to balance the new and rebuilding market are analysed.
The Adaptability of Products to E-Commerce: Transaction Cost Economics Perspective
Authors: Long Yong , Xia Sen Mao , Xiong Yu , Liang Xi
Published: September 2013

Although e-commerce is prevailing, not all products are suitable for it. Most of extant ways of measuring the adaptability of a product are too complex or unconvincing. Based on transaction cost economics (TCE), this paper finds that a product is adaptable to e-commerce if its degree of both perception and price transparency are high. The two dimensions can help companies judge whether their products suit e-commerce or how to make their products become more suitable for e-commerce.
Total Quality Environmental Management Toward Sustainability: Need and Implementation in Libyan Food Industry
Authors: Saad Abdelsalam , Su Dai Zhong , Marsh Phillipa , Wu Zhong Min
Published: September 2013

mplementing Total Quality Environmental Management (TQEM) improves environment, quality, sustainability, and reduces food risks. TQEM has emerged from integrating Environmental Management System (EMS) into the Total Quality Management (TQM). In this paper, an investigation is presented to study the current situation, and identify the barriers and motivations for implementing TQEM towards sustainability for Libyan food industry (LFI). A qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews was adopted to collect the data with general, operation, and quality managers in LFI. The findings show that LFI are still in the early stage of quality and a little concern about the EMS and TQM has been given. There are five key barriers and five motivations for implementing TQEM in LFI. The paper contributes to the existing knowledge by investigating the implementation of TQEM in different context (i.e., Arab/North African) to the one that the quality and environmental theory developed in. Also, the paper studies all barriers and motivations of TQM and EMS implementation compared with previous studies focusing on few barriers and motivations. The paper provides ideas and insights for LFI managers to develop their implementation in TQEM while also considering quality and environmental issues.
The diverse issues of Healthcare in Low-resource Settings
Authors: Khan Niazi Asfandyar
Published: September 2013

Not available.
The Human Resource function contribution to human development in South Africa
Authors: Abbott Penny , Goosen Xenia , Coetzee Jos
Published: September 2013

Orientation: This article discusses the extent to which human under-development in South Africa and the consequent societal problems of poverty and inequality are addressed by the work of HR practitioners. Research purpose: The purpose of the study was to provide empirical evidence of the appropriateness of current HR practice in South African socio-economic conditions and to make suggestions for improvement. Motivation for the study: Societal problems caused by human under-development are impacting more and more on organisations in South Africa. It is currently not known to what extent and in what way HR work contributes to the improvement of this situation. Research design and method: An interpretive approach was adopted. Qualitative methods within a basic qualitative study strategy were used, including interviewing and a focus group. A sample of 50 individual HR practitioners at various organisational levels was interviewed. Data were analysed by means of thematic analysis. Main findings: Societal problems caused by human under-development impact tremendously on the daily work of HR practitioners. Many HR practitioners do play an Employee Advocate role within the workplace but do not see this role as extending further to any degree. Some role models of more strategic responses were found. Practical/managerial implications: HR practitioners would better fulfil their mandate to work for the success of their organisation if they took pro-active steps to accelerate human development outside their organisations. Contribution/value-add: Empirical evidence is presented to support efforts to broaden the focus of HR work to human development. This linkage has not previously been researched.
Some Effects of Electrolyte Composition and Heat Treatment on the Aqueous Crevice Corrosion of Alloy 600 and Type 304 Stainless Steel at 288 C
Authors: TAYLOR DALE F. , SILVERMAN MICHAEL
Published: September 2013

Crevice experiments with small bore Alloy 600 and Type 304 stainless steel tubing demonstrated that specific ion effects and heat treatments which change the microstructure of exposed surfaces, can counteract the charge transport/metal hydrolysis mechanism of crevice acidification. The results suggested that competition between the macroscopic electrochemical cell or “macrocell” mechanism, and direct reduction of water, hydrogen ions, or anions by the alloy, established the direction and extent of changes in pH. A simple uniform dissolution model correctly predicted the relationship among metal ion concentrations and the pH in a crevice when only macrocell corrosion occurred.
Canine Vaginal Leiomyoma Diagnosed by CT Vaginourethrography
Authors: Weissman Andrea , Jiménez David , Torres Brian , Cornell Karen , Holmes Shannon P.
Published: September 2013

A 13 yr old female spayed Labrador retriever presented for vulvar bleeding. Abdominal radiographs revealed a soft tissue mass in the ventral pelvic canal. A computed tomography (CT) exam and a CT vaginourethrogram localized the mass to the vagina, helped further characterize the mass, and aided in surgical planning. A total vaginectomy was performed and the histologic diagnosis was leiomyoma. Vaginal tumors make up 1.9–3% of all tumors. Seventy-three percent of vaginal tumors are benign, and 83% of those are leiomyomas. Leiomyomas often have a good long-term prognosis with surgical resection. The diagnostic investigation of this case report utilized a multimodal imaging approach to determine the extent and respectability of the vaginal mass. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report describing a CT vaginourethrogram.
GH Deficiency in a Dalmatian Puppy with Megaesophagus
Authors: Cho Kyu-Deok , Kang Ji-Houn , Noh Sung-Jun , Chang Dongwoo , Na Ki-Jeong , Jeung Eui-Bae , Yang Mhan-Pyo
Published: September 2013

An 8 wk old female Dalmatian weighing .56 kg presented with growth retardation. The puppy exhibited no abnormalities during physical examination other than significantly reduced growth compared with her littermates. Endocrine results suggested pituitary dwarfism. Two wk later, the puppy returned due to the onset of megaesophagus, but the puppy unfortunately died the following morning. This case report describes the diagnosis of dwarfism in a Dalmatian puppy that was caused by growth hormone (GH) deficiency and describes its early clinical manifestations.
Clinicopathologic and MRI Characteristics of Presumptive Hypertensive Encephalopathy in Two Cats and Two Dogs
Authors: O'Neill Jeremy , Kent Marc , Glass Eric N. , Platt Simon R.
Published: September 2013

Two dogs and two cats were evaluated for the acute-onset of abnormal mentation, recumbency, and blindness. All cases had systemic hypertension, ranging from 180 mm Hg to 260 mm Hg. MRI of the brain disclosed noncontrast-enhancing, ill-defined, T2-weighted (T2W) hyperintensities in the white matter of the cerebrum in the areas of the frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital lobes. Lesions were also observed in the caudate nuclei and thalamus (n = 1 in each). Intracranial hemorrhage was observed in one animal. Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) was consistent with vasogenic edema in two animals. Retinal lesions were observed in three animals. Hypertension was secondary to renal disease in three animals. A primary underlying disorder was not identified in one animal. Normalization of blood pressure was achieved with amlodipine either alone or in combination with enalapril. In one cat, hypertension spontaneously resolved. In three cases, neurologic improvement occurred within 24–48 hr of normalization of blood pressure. The presumptive diagnosis of hypertensive encephalopathy was supported by the MRI findings and neurologic dysfunction coincident with systemic hypertension in which the neurologic dysfunction improved with treatment of hypertension. The prognosis appears good for the resolution of neurologic deficits with normalization of blood pressure in animals with hypertensive encephalopathy.
Robot Visual Tracking via Incremental Self-Updating of Appearance Model
Authors: Zhao Danpei , Lu Ming , Zhang Xuguang , Jiang Zhiguo
Published: September 2013

This paper proposes a target tracking method called Incremental Self-Updating Visual Tracking for robot platforms. Our tracker treats the tracking problem as a binary classification: the target and the background. The greyscale, HOG and LBP features are used in this work to represent the target and are integrated into a particle filter framework. To track the target over long time sequences, the tracker has to update its model to follow the most recent target. In order to deal with the problems of calculation waste and lack of model-updating strategy with the traditional methods, an intelligent and effective online self-updating strategy is devised to choose the optimal update opportunity. The strategy of updating the appearance model can be achieved based on the change in the discriminative capability between the current frame and the previous updated frame. By adjusting the update step adaptively, severe waste of calculation time for needless updates can be avoided while keeping the stability of the model. Moreover, the appearance model can be kept away from serious drift problems when the target undergoes temporary occlusion. The experimental results show that the proposed tracker can achieve robust and efficient performance in several benchmark-challenging video sequences with various complex environment changes in posture, scale, illumination and occlusion.
Frequency of gene hMLH1 promoter methylation in the stomach antral and body area tissue of chronic atrophic pangastritis patients
Authors: Kupčinskaitė-Noreikienė Rita , Jančiauskas Dainius , Juozaitytė Elona
Published: September 2013

Aim. To compare hMLH1 methylation frequency in stomach antral and body area tissue in chronic atrophic pangastritis patients, and to evaluate possible correlation severity of chronic atrophic gastritis markers.
Methods. The study population consisted of 24 participants (with histologically confirmed chronic atrophic pangastritis), who underwent upper endoscopy. Biopsy specimens were taken from the gastric antral and body area. The methylation status of the gene hMlH1 was investigated.
Results. Methylation of the CpG island of gene hMLH1 was found in the antral stomach area group 9/24, compared with the body area 2/24. There was a significant difference in gene methylation frequencies in the observed stomach parts (Fisher’s exact test, p = 0.04). There was a significant association between gene hMLH1 methylation and the occurrence of severe atrophic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia and the presence of hyperplastic mucosal changes (Fisher’s exact test, p
Assessing Students' Metacognitive Awareness of Learning Strategies among Secondary School Students in Edo State, Nigeria
Authors: Okoza Jolly , Aluede Oyaziwo , Owens-Sogolo Osasere
Published: September 2013

This study examined metacognitive awareness of learning strategies among Secondary School Students in Edo State, Nigeria. The study was an exploratory one, which utilized descriptive statistics. A total number of 1200 students drawn through multistage proportionate random sampling technique participated in the study. The study found that secondary school students have poor use of metacognitive awareness of learning strategies, and there was no significant difference between students in Junior and Senior Secondary schools in the extent to which they use metacognitive awareness of learning strategies. The study recommended among others that: teachers should teach with metacognitive learning strategies; both pre-service and in-service teachers should be taught the concept of metacognition as a new strategy for enhancing students learning and direct instruction on metacognitive awareness strategies should be given to the students in the classroom.
Status of Eye Care in South East Asia Region
Authors: Murthy GVS , Malhotra Sumit , Vashist Praveen
Published: September 2013

South East Asia is one of the most populated regions of the world. The South East Region of the World Health Organization comprises of 11 countries which have differences in governance as well as health indicators. Data available from large population-based surveys in the regions was accessed from published sources to review the existing situation in relation to eye care. The region has provided significant evidence on magnitude of blindness and visual impairment through large population- based surveys conducted periodically. The predominant sector providing eye care services is the government sector in five countries among the 11 countries which constitute this region. Cataract is the leading cause of blindness in the region, as evidenced by surveys. The region has witnessed improved cataract surgical rates and quality of cataract surgery over the past two decades. The gains in the region have a significant impact on the global magnitude of blindness and visual impairment. Eye care infrastructure and availability of appropriate human resources for eye care vary significantly across the region. Adequate focus on health systems strengthening, boosting primary eye care and generating evidence of progress made through monitoring and evaluation mechanisms will be imperative for realizing goal of eliminating avoidable blindness from the region in coming years.
Intensive fishing has not forced dietary change in the South American fur seal Arctophoca(=Arctocephalus)australis off Río de la Plata and adjoining areas
Authors: Vales Damián G. , Saporiti Fabiana , Cardona Luis , De Oliveira Larissa R. , Dos Santos Roberta A. , Secchi Eduardo R. , Aguilar Alex , Crespo Enrique A.
Published: September 2013

South American fur seals (Arctophoca australis) inhabiting the Río de la Plata plume and adjoining areas are known to forage upon a wide range of prey (i.e. pelagic, demersal and benthic species).

Since the 1960s, trawlers have operated in the area, targeting primarily demersal and benthic species. Carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios from 54 adult male fur seals dead stranded along the coast of southern Brazil from 1994 to 2011 were analysed to investigate whether the intensification of fishing in Río de la Plata and adjoining areas since the mid‐1990s has reduced the availability of benthic and demersal prey to the growing population of South American fur seals.

No significant correlation between δ13C or δ15N values and stranding year was found, thus revealing that fur seals maintained a steady diet over 17 years.

Reconstruction of the isotopic landscape of the study area using potential prey of fur seals showed a spatial segregation, with prey from southern Brazil typically enriched in 13C and depleted in 15N compared with those from northern Argentina. Most adult male fur seals relied mainly on small pelagic fishes and squid captured on the continental shelf, whereas medium pelagic and demersal–benthic prey played a minor role in the diet.

It is concluded that South American fur seals rely on pelagic resources (i.e. small pelagic fish and squid) more strongly than previously thought and that their diet does not reflect the varying abundance of demersal–benthic resources in the area.

As long as small pelagic fish remain under‐exploited in the area, competition between fisheries and fur seals is not expected. However, it is difficult to foresee how changes in the structure and dynamics of the ecosystem caused by fisheries may affect South American fur seal conservation in the long term.

Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Birefringence of Compensated Cholesteric Liquid Crystals
Authors: Müller W. U. , Stegemeyer H.
Published: September 2013

The temperature dependence of refractive indices of three compensated cholesteric mixtures has been measured using a commercial Abbe‐refractometer. At compensation temperature Tn a homeotropic nematic texture was achieved indicated by exchange of ordinary and extraordinary ray and strong increase of birefringence. A comparison is given between nematic and cholesteric birefringence yielding good agreement with the de Vries model of cholesteric structure.
The Effects of Hydrogen and Other Interstitials on the Low Temperature Relaxation of Deformed Vanadium
Authors: Chang H. Y. , Wert C. A.
Published: September 2013

This investigation reports three damping peaks in V caused by dislocation motion constrained by several types of atmospheres. Deformed wires of pure V showed a well‐known damping peak called the α‐peak. This peak is presumed to be caused by depinning of dislocations by an oscillatory stress. Increases in immobile oxygen or nitrogen atoms gradually suppress the peak. Hydrogen, which forms a mobile atmosphere, produces two additional peaks of the Snoek‐Köster type. These latter peaks can result from either externally imposed deformation or from internal deformation produced by misfit of precipitated hydrides.
Magnetic Susceptibility and Equilibrium Diagram of PdHn
Authors: Frieske H. , Wicke E.
Published: September 2013

The limits nαmax and nβmin of the two‐phase region of PdHn can only roughly be estimated from the shape of the equilibrium isotherms pH2(n). Other methods applied so far do not yield more accurate results. More precise values can be obtained, however, from measurements of the magnetic susceptibility x as a function of the hydrogen content n at various temperatures.

Such x(n) isotherms have been measured at temperatures between 20 and 300°C and H2 pressures up to 140 atm (0 · n · 0.8), using samples of Pd wire (1 mm) and Pd foil (33 μm). In the homogeneity range isotherms for adsorption and desorption were identical, in the two‐phase region, however, hysteresis was always observed. Here the desorption curve was taken as the equilibrium isotherm, and was applied to determine the values of nαmax and nβmin by extrapolation.

Measurements on Pd black in the same region of pressure and temperature showed a number of peculiarities, for instance smaller values of susceptibility and smaller hysteresis loops as compared with bulk Pd. These can be attributed to the large specific surface area of Pd black as well as to its strongly distorted lattice structure.

By means of the measurements on bulk Pd the position of the critical point of the palladium‐hydrogen system could be redetermined with rather high precision: Tc = 291 ± 2°C; nc = 0.250 ± 0.005 mol H/mol Pd; Pc = 19.7 ± 0.2 atm H2.

The measurements on Pd‐black yielded within the limits of error the same values for the critical temperature and the critical pressure, whereas the value of the H/Pd ratio, properly corrected, was found to be a bit higher, namely nc = 0.260 ± 0.005.
A Chemical Relaxation Study of Base Pairing through Self‐Association of Uracil and its Hetero‐Association with Adenine
Authors: Hopmann Rudolf F. W.
Published: September 2013

A chemical relaxation study of base pairing through self‐association of 1‐isobutyl‐6‐methyl‐uracil (I) and its hetero‐association with 5‐O‐acetyl‐2′,3′‐O‐isopropylidene‐adenosine (II) in benzene has been carried out by means of the dipolar chemical field effect. The measurements have been interpreted in terms of kinetic parameters as well as with respect to the structures of these hydrogen bonded complexes. The rate constants and dipole moments are: magnified image the self‐association being a dimerization process. The dimerization constant (K0 = 1151/mol) has been checked by i.r. spectrophotometric measurements, and a comparison has been made between I and 5′‐O‐acetyl‐2′,3′‐O‐isopropylidene‐uridine in tetrachloromethane, chloroform, and benzene. In benzene, the dimer of I acquires most probably structure IV, and the A = U‐base pair will be the so‐called Hoogsteenassociate X.
Response of nonlinear soil‐MDOF structure systems subjected to distinct frequency‐content components of near‐fault ground motions
Authors: Khoshnoudian Faramarz , Ahmadi Ehsan , Sohrabi Sina
Published: September 2013

This paper is devoted to investigate the effects of near‐fault ground motions on the seismic responses of nonlinear MDOF structures considering soil‐structure interaction (SSI). Attempts are made to take into account the effects of different frequency‐content components of near‐fault records including pulse‐type (PT) and high‐frequency (HF) components via adopting an ensemble of 54 near‐fault ground motions. A deep sensitivity analysis is implemented based on the main parameters of the soil‐structure system. The soil is simulated based on the Cone model concept, and the superstructure is idealized as a nonlinear shear building. The results elucidate that SSI has approximately increasing and mitigating effects on structural responses to the PT and HF components, respectively. Also, a threshold period exists above which the HF component governs the structural responses. As the fundamental period of the structure becomes shorter and structural target ductility reduces, the contribution of the HF component to the structural responses increases, elaborately. Soil flexibility makes the threshold period increase, and the effect of the PT component becomes more significant than the HF one. In the case of soil‐structure system, slenderizing the structure also increases this threshold period and causes the PT component to be dominant. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Visualizing Qualitative Data in Evaluation Research
Authors: Henderson Stuart , Segal Eden H.
Published: September 2013

This chapter introduces data visualization techniques for qualitative data. These techniques can be used in most stages of evaluations, including early planning and design, data analysis, and reporting. Qualitative data visualization can also be used in different approaches to evaluation, for instance, traditional process and summative, developmental, utilization, participatory, and mixed‐methods evaluations. The authors first describe a conceptual framework for understanding the different types of qualitative data visualizations before providing examples of visualizations in various evaluation contexts. The chapter concludes with a discussion of challenges or issues evaluators should consider when visualizing qualitative data. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc., and the American Evaluation Association.