bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Repeat digital subtraction angiography after a negative baseline assessment in nonperimesencephalic subarachnoid hemorrhage: a pooled data meta-analysis
Authors: Bakker Nicolaas A. , Groen Rob J. M. , Foumani Mahrouz , Uyttenboogaart Maarten , Eshghi Omid S. , Metzemaekers Jan D. M. , Lammers Natasja , Luijckx Gert-Jan , Van Dijk J. Marc C.
Published: October 2013

Object

A repeat digital subtraction angiography (DSA) study of the cranial vasculature is routinely performed in patients with diffuse nonperimesencephalic subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) after negative baseline CT angiography (CTA) and DSA studies. However, DSA carries a low but substantial risk of neurological complications. Therefore, the authors evaluated the added value of repeat DSA in patients with initial angiographically negative diffuse nonperimesencephalic SAH.

Methods

A systematic review of the contemporary literature was performed according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement. Studies from January 2000 onward were reviewed since imaging modalities have much improved over the last decade. A pooled analysis was conducted to identify the detection rate of repeat DSA. In addition, the diagnostic yield of repeat DSAs in a prospectively maintained single-center series of 1051 consecutive patients with SAH was added to the analysis.

Results

An initial search of the literature yielded 179 studies, 8 of which met the selection criteria. Another 45 patients from the authors' institution were included in the study, providing 368 patients eligible for the pooled analysis. In 37 patients (10.0%, 95% CI 7.4%–13.6%) an aneurysm was detected on repeat DSA. The timing of the repeat DSA varied from 1 to 6 weeks after the initial DSA. The use of 3D techniques was poorly described among these studies, and no direct comparisons between CTA and DSA were made.

Conclusions

Repeat DSA is still warranted in patients with a diffuse nonperimesencephalic SAH and negative initial assessment. However, the exact timing of the repeat DSA is subject to debate.
Determinants of quality of life in patients with skull base chordoma
Authors: Diaz Roberto Jose , Maggacis Nicole , Zhang Shudong , Cusimano Michael D.
Published: October 2013

Object

Skull base chordomas can be managed by surgical intervention and adjuvant radiotherapy. As survival for this disease increases, identification of determinants of quality of life becomes an important focus for guiding comprehensive patient care. In this study the authors sought to measure functional outcome and quality of life in patients with skull base chordomas and to identify determinants of quality of life in these patients.

Methods

The authors carried out an internet-based cross-sectional survey, collecting detailed data for 83 individual patients. Demographic and clinical variables were evaluated. Functional outcomes were determined by Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) and Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended (GOSE), quality of life was measured using the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), and depression was assessed using Patient Health Questions–9 (PHQ-9) instrument. Caregiver burden was assessed using the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI). Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed to identify determinants of the physical and mental components of the SF-36.

Results

Patients with skull base chordomas who have undergone surgery and/or radiation treatment had a median KPS score of 90 (range 10–100, IQR 10) and a median GOSE score of 8 (range 2–8, IQR 3). The mean SF-36 Physical Component Summary score (± SD) was 43.6 ± 11.8, the mean Mental Component Summary score was 44.2 ±12.6, and both were significantly lower than norms for the general US population (p < 0.001). The median PHQ-9 score was 5 (range 0–27, IQR 8). A PHQ-9 score of 10 or greater, indicating moderate to severe depression, was observed in 29% of patients. The median ZBI score was 12 (range 0–27, IQR 11), indicating a low burden. Neurological deficit, use of pain medication, and requirement for corticosteroids were found to be associated with worse SF-36 Physical Component Summary score, while higher levels of depression (higher PHQ-9 score) correlated with worse SF-36 Mental Component Summary score.

Conclusions

Patients with skull base chordomas have a lower quality of life than the general US population. The most significant determinants of quality of life in the posttreatment phase in this patient population were neurological deficits (sensory deficit and bowel/bladder dysfunction), pain medication use, corticosteroid use, and levels of depression as scored by PHQ-9.
Sturge-Weber syndrome with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage in childhood
Authors: Nakajima Madoka , Sugano Hidenori , Iimura Yasushi , Higo Takuma , Nakanishi Hajime , Shimoji Kazuaki , Karagiozov Kostadin , Miyajima Masakazu , Arai Hajime
Published: October 2013

A girl aged 2 years 10 months suddenly went into a deep coma and demonstrated left hemiplegia. At birth, she had exhibited a left-sided facial port-wine stain typical of Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) and involving the V1 and V2 distributions of the trigeminal nerve. Computed tomography showed a right thalamic hemorrhage with acute hydrocephalus. Magnetic resonance imaging with Gd enhancement 8 months before the hemorrhage had shown a patent superior sagittal sinus (SSS) and deep venous system. Magnetic resonance imaging and MR angiography studies 2 months before the hemorrhage had revealed obstruction of the SSS and right internal cerebral vein (ICV). Given that a digital subtraction angiography study obtained after the hemorrhage did not show the SSS or right ICV, the authors assumed that impaired drainage was present in the deep venous system at that stage. The authors speculated that the patient's venous drainage pattern underwent compensatory changes because of the occluded SSS and deep venous collectors, shifting outflow through other cortical venous channels to nonoccluded dural sinuses. Sudden congestion (nearly total to total obstruction) of the ICV may have caused the thalamic hemorrhage in this case, which is the first reported instance of pediatric SWS with intracerebral hemorrhage and no other vascular lesion. Findings suggested that the appearance of major venous sinus occlusion in a child with SWS could be a warning sign of hemorrhage.
AFFECTIVE-SOUND EFFECTS ON DRIVING BEHAVIOUR
Authors: Serrano Jesús , Stasi Leandro Luigi Di , Megías Alberto , Catena Andrés
Published: October 2013

Recent technological developments in active advanced driver assistance systems and in-car infotainment devices have contributed to reducing the number and severity of road accidents as well as improving and simplifying driver experience. However, these systems may impact driving performance in undesired ways, especially when emotionally-charged stimuli are used as warning signals. Emotional distraction can be a serious danger, causing delays in information processing, and reducing driving safety below minimal acceptable levels. Here we study the effect of emotionally-laden auditory signals on the speed of concurrent driving decisions. We distinguished two categories of behavioural responses: ‘urgent’ vs ‘evaluative’. In the experiments reported here participants were quicker to evaluate whether a traffic scene was risky or not after hearing an emotionally-charged auditory stimulus than after a neutral one. However, urgent (braking) responses to the same scenes were not affected by the emotional quality of the auditory signal. Based on these results, we give preliminary advice on the design of guidelines for in-car interfaces particularly in the field of affective in-car computing.
SEAPORT POSITIONING SUPPORTED BY THE COMBINATION OF SOME QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE APPROACHES
Authors: Bauk Sanja , Šekularac-Ivošević Senka , Jolić Natalija
Published: October 2013

The ports’ management is facing the challenge of sustainable port development, considering several aspects: economic, technological, logistical, environmental, and community involvement. Although the numerous scientific concepts have been developed for explaining the trends of ports’ involvement into the logistics chains, this research work presents an attempt to draw the attention to the marketing aspect of the port mission, being focused primarily on the customers’ needs, whose preferences are the key factor in selecting specific port in competitive environment. Therefore, the Adriatic, Aegean, and Black Sea ports, sharing the unique marketing features and target market, have been analyzed with the aim to be mutually positioned. The considered ports have similar goals: to achieve the greater degree of competitiveness as well as to acquire the larger number of customers being attracted on the basis of superior port choice criteria. These circumstances have been explored through some distinctive quantitative and qualitative criteria by employing the appropriate, well known and structured quantitative PROMETHEE and AHP method. The obtained results are presented by perception maps, and described on the basis of gained quantitative indicators and the qualitative explanations given by the authors, primarily, in the marketing manner.
Nevirapine–Raltegravir Combination, An Nrti and Pi/R Sparing Regimen, as Maintenance Antiretroviral Therapy in Virologically Suppressed HIV-1-Infected Patients
Authors: Reliquet Véronique , Chirouze Catherine , Allavena Clotilde , Muret Patrice , Peytavin Gilles , André-Garnier Elisabeth , Bettinger Dominique , Ferré Virginie , Hoen Bruno , Raffi François
Published: October 2013

Background

Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) and protease inhibitor (PI)/ritonavir sparing regimens may be useful to some HIV-infected patients. Nevirapine (NVP) and raltegravir (RAL) are both potent antiretrovirals with good long-term safety profiles.

Methods

We retrospectively identified from our electronic database all patients with HIV RNA<50 copies/ml for >6 months on an NVP-containing regimen and no prior exposure to integrase strand transfer inhibitors who were switched to RAL plus NVP. Data was collected for 36 months or until discontinuation of RAL plus NVP for any reason.

Results

A total of 39 patients (30 male) were included in this analysis. Median duration of prior antiretroviral therapy was 14 years (IQR 10–17) and median duration with plasma HIV-1 RNA<50 copies/ml prior to switch was 50 months (IQR 22–96). Switched regimens included mainly a boosted PI ( n=24) or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine ( n=12). After switching, the percentages of patients with HIV-1 RNA<50 copies/ml were 87.2% (95% CI 76.7, 97.7) and 82.1% (95% CI 70.0, 94.1) at 6 and 12 months, respectively, in the intent-to-treat-exposed analysis, 97.1% (95% CI 91.6, 100) and 94.1% (95% CI 86.2, 100), respectively, in the per-protocol analysis. All patients with follow-up to month 24 ( n=22) or month 36 ( n=14) had HIV-1 RNA<50 copies/ml. One virological failure was observed (related to archived non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor resistance mutation). During follow-up, no patient experienced Grade 3 or 4 adverse events. Median values of serum creatinine and lipids significantly improved after switch.

Conclusions

In patients with prolonged HIV-1 RNA<50 copies/ml, switching to NVP–RAL combination maintained virological suppression throughout 36 months. This combination deserves further evaluation in patients unable to tolerate NRTI or PI/ritonavir agents.
Delayed Emergence of HIV-1 Variants Resistant to 4′-Ethy Nyl-2-Fluoro-2′-Deoxyadenosine: Comparative Sequential Passage Study with Lamivudine, Tenofovir, Emtricitabine and BMS-986001
Authors: Maeda Kenji , Desai Darshan V , Aoki Manabu , Nakata Hirotomo , Kodama Eiichi N , Mitsuya Hiroaki
Published: October 2013

Background

4′-Ethynyl-2-fluoro-2′-deoxyadenosine (EFdA) contains an ethynyl moiety and the 3′-hydroxyl and exerts highly potent activity against various HIV type-1 (HIV-1) strains including multi-drug-resistant variants.

Methods

Comparative selection passages against EFdA, lamivudine (3TC), tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), emtricitabine (FTC) or BMS-986001 (Ed4T) were conducted using a mixture of 11 highly multi-drug-resistant clinical HIV-1 isolates (HIV11MIX) as a starting virus population.

Results

Before selection, HIV11MIX was sensitive to EFdA with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 0.032 μM, less susceptible to TDF and Ed4T with IC50s of 0.57 and 2.6 μM, respectively, and highly resistant to 3TC and FTC with IC50s>10 μM. IC50s of TDF against HIV11MIX exposed to EFdA and TDF for 17 (HIV11MIXEFdA-P17) and 14 (HIV11MIXTDF-P14) passages were 8 and >10 μM, respectively, while EFdA remained active against HIV11MIXEFdA-P17 and HIV11MIXTDF-P14 with IC50s of 0.15 and 0.1 μM, respectively. Both selected variants were highly resistant against zidovudine, 3TC, Ed4T and FTC (IC50 values >10 μM).

Conclusions

The present data demonstrate that HIV11MIX developed resistance more rapidly against 3TC, FTC, TDF and Ed4T than against EFdA and that EFdA remained substantially active against TDF- and EFdA-selected variants. Thus, EFdA has a favourable resistance profile and represents a potentially promising new-generation nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor.
Quelle voix pour les enfants sourds ?
Authors: Plecy Annonciade
Published: October 2013

L’article traite du travail orthophonique auprès de très jeunes enfants sourds au sein d’une équipe pluridisciplinaire de CAMSP. L’évolution des prothèses utilisées et le changement de regard sur la personne sourde ont fait évoluer la pratique orthophonique vers plus de naturel, en particulier en ce qui concerne la voix.
Histoires de renoncement ? Le cas des jeunes retirants sociaux touaregs au Mali
Authors: Figueiredo Cristina
Published: October 2013

À travers des cas de retrait social de jeunes touaregs entre deux mondes et modes identificatoires, il s’agit ici d’interroger l’émergence d’une manière nouvelle d’exprimer l’incertitude, et la souffrance psychique qu’elle occasionne, face à des choix de vie au moment du passage à l’âge adulte. La période qui recoupe l’adolescence et la jeunesse est particulièrement signifiante et, si elle fait l’objet de nombreuses réflexions sociologiques dans les sociétés occidentales, elle reste peu étudiée dans les autres sociétés. La période du passage « à l’âge d’homme » est probablement aussi intense chez les Touaregs que chez les jeunes Français. Ce qui pourrait la distinguer est un investissement plus ou moins important de l’accompagnement et de la solidarité entre pairs.
Alice au pays d'Alzheimer : fable clinique
Authors: Valentin Michèle
Published: October 2013

Cette fable clinique, qui n’est pas une étude de cas, mais qui en a la valeur de transmission, nous donne à entendre comment une jeune enfant, confrontée au traumatisme du meurtre de sa mère par son père et à l’incarcération de ce dernier, surmonte, dans le cadre d’un suivi thérapeutique une importante période de mutisme réactionnel.
Accompagner les candidats à l'adoption : l'expérience de la Belgique et du Luxembourg
Authors: Crine Anne-Marie
Published: October 2013

Cet article présente l’accompagnement professionnel des candidats à l’adoption tel qu’il a été développé en Belgique et au Luxembourg. Il est apparu nécessaire aux responsables d’adoption dans ces deux pays d’accompagner ce que des spécialistes décrivent comme une « grossesse adoptive » au vu du décalage entre enfant rêvé et enfant réel, accru dans le cas des projets d’adoption. Cet accompagnement se décline sur des étapes d’information, de sensibilisation, de « démystification », de cheminement vers une ouverture à l’altérité et à la responsabilisation. Le travail avec les candidats s’appuie sur des concepts comme celui de « normalité adoptive », développé par Johanne Lemieux, et plus largement, sur une méthodologie qui se nourrit du partage d’expériences et des éclairages pluriels basés sur des recherches actualisées.
La consultation postadoption à l'espace Paris adoption et la recherche des origines
Authors: Rosset Dominique , Le Run Jean-Louis , Pelloux Anne-Sylvie
Published: October 2013

L’équipe de l’espace Paris adoption, qui dépend du conseil général de Paris, reçoit les parents et les enfants qui reviennent après l’adoption, quelle que soit leur demande, que les enfants aient été pupilles de l’État ou qu’ils soient nés à l’étranger. Cette équipe a organisé une consultation postadoption. Elle reçoit également des adultes adoptés à la recherche de leur histoire, voire de leur origine. L’espace Paris adoption les accompagne dans cette démarche délicate, souvent trop largement médiatisée.
Art-thérapie et psychanalyse : vers une articulation théorique et clinique
Authors: Ferraro Sylvia
Published: October 2013

L’auteur, après avoir développé la dimension anthropologique de l’art et sa valeur symbolique, présente ici une façon de travailler qui intègre la dimension expressive et artistique dans diverses interventions en santé mentale, dans une perspective psychanalytique. Des exemples d’interventions préventives, thérapeutiques, individuelles ou groupales mettent en évidence la valeur de médiation, de transition, offerte par l’art sur la voie de la symbolisation et son intérêt en pratique clinique.
Strong Value Proposition through Social Media Tools
Authors: Kapoor Avinash , Kulshrestha Chinmaya
Published: October 2013

This chapter looks into social media tools being leveraged by marketing groups of various organisations. More specifically, this chapter attempts to identify the usefulness, sustainability, and reliability of social media tools in the context of the brand image of American Express. In the last two years, American Express has launched numerous touch points on various social media platforms, which include Facebook, LinkedIn, and FourSquare. The chapter concludes that social media tools do impact the brand building exercise of an organisation to offer strong value proposition, and therefore, American Express should also invest such effort to stay a leader in the payment industry. However, in order to target younger customers there is a need for revamping and rejuvenation the value proposition so as to remain young, meaningful, and contemporary.
Using Social Marketing to Encourage the Purchase of Fuel-Efficient Vehicles
Authors: Watson Lisa , Lavack Anne M.
Published: October 2013

With a looming future shortage of fossil fuels, how can consumers be convinced to purchase more fuel-efficient vehicles? To begin to address this basic question, it is necessary to examine consumer attitudes toward the environment, consumer decision-making models, consumer willingness to trade luxury or personal comfort in order to buy smaller and more Fuel-Efficient Vehicles (FEVs), and price sensitivity with regard to purchasing hybrid vehicles or other Alternate Fuel Vehicles (AFVs). By understanding the consumer dynamics behind the purchase of FEVs and AFVs, an effective strategy for social marketing can be developed.
Computer System Attacks
Authors: Ning Zhang
Published: October 2013

The study of computer system attacks is an important part RFID security and privacy. This chapter provides a general overview of computer system attacks organized by target. Attacks on EPC entities - tags, readers, middleware, and back-end systems - are categorized and discussed, as well as wired link attacks. Countermeasures to the attacks are summarized and evaluated based on the discussion. The Denial of Services (DoS) attack is highlighted in the discussion.
Mobile Agents Security Protocols
Authors: Al-Jaljouli Raja , Abawajy Jemal H.
Published: October 2013

Mobile agents are expected to run in partially unknown and untrustworthy environments. They transport from one host to another host through insecure channels and may execute on non-trusted hosts. Thus, they are vulnerable to direct security attacks of intruders and non-trusted hosts. The security of information the agents collect is a fundamental requirement for a trusted implementation of electronic business applications and trade negotiations. This chapter discusses the security protocols presented in the literature that aim to secure the data mobile agents gather while searching the Internet, and identifies the security flaws revealed in the protocols. The protocols are analyzed with respect to the security properties, and the security flaws are identified. Two recent promising protocols that fulfill the various security properties are described. The chapter also introduces common notations used in describing security protocols and describes the security properties of the data that mobile agents gather.
Lessons from Major Incidents Influencing and Influenced by Telecoms Failures
Authors: Johnson Chris W.
Published: October 2013

Previous studies have proposed new methodologies for the protection of national critical infrastructures without grounding their proposals in a detailed analysis of previous contingencies. This chapter provides the background for subsequent parts of this book by summarising previous telecom-related incidents. In particular, it considers the causes and consequences of natural disasters, of blackouts across power distribution networks, of terrorist attacks, and of ICT infrastructure failures.
Examining the Implications of Process and Choice for Strategic Decision Making Effectiveness
Authors: Drnevich Paul L. , Brush Thomas H. , Chaturvedi Alok
Published: October 2013

Most strategic decision-making (SDM) approaches advocate the importance of decision-making processes and response choices for obtaining effective outcomes. Modern decision-making support system (DMSS) technology is often also needed for complex SDM, with recent research calling for more integrative DMSS approaches. However, scholars tend to take disintegrated approaches and disagree on whether rational or political decision-making processes result in more effective decision outcomes. In this study, the authors examine these issues by first exploring some of the competing theoretical arguments for the process-choice-effectiveness relationship, and then test these relationships empirically using data from a crisis response training exercise using an intelligent agent-based DMSS. In contrast to prior research, findings indicate that rational decision processes are not effective in crisis contexts, and that political decision processes may negatively influence both response choice and decision effectiveness. These results offer empirical evidence to confirm prior unsupported arguments that response choice is an important mediating factor between the decision-making process and its effectiveness. The authors conclude with a discussion of the implications of these findings and the application of agent-based simulation DMSS technologies for academic research and practice.
Information Seeking and Retrieval Service for Crisis Response
Authors: Chen Nong , Dahanayake Ajantha
Published: October 2013

Crisis response involves handling information intensive processes, and coordination of large quantities of information from and for different relief-response organizations. The information needs and responses of such organizations are closely related to the situations and roles these organizations are involved during a crisis relief-response process. The information seeking and retrieval processes associated with crisis situations influence the affectivity of response vigor and the coordination of relief-response activities. To provide an effective solution for a European Main Port’s crisis response needs, a role-based situation-aware information seeking and retrieval conceptual framework is formulated. The conceptual framework, the design approach, and the implementation in a prototype are presented as an approach to design future crisis response for information seeking and retrieval services.
A Systems Framework for Modeling Health Disparities in the Prevalence in Chronic Conditions following a Natural Disaster Event
Authors: Diaz Rafael , Behr Joshua G. , Longo Francesco , Liu Hua
Published: October 2013

Natural disaster events impact both the short- and long-term health of a region’s population. Due to variation in the vulnerability among population segments, a severe storm event can be expected over time to have a greater public health impact upon traditionally underserved and medically fragile populations. This research illustrates the causal relationships leading to a change over time in the prevalence of chronic conditions among black and non-black populations within U.S. Hampton Roads. Using a system dynamics approach, the authors develop and integrate a macro model that captures change in regional economic and demographic profiles with a micro model that focuses on access to health services and the ability to respond within the context of the changing regional environment. The authors’ study finds that: (1) the disparity in the prevalence of chronic conditions increases over time following the event, (2) the growth in health disparity may be slowed by regional resiliency intervention policies, and (3) mitigation efforts result in greater reductions in growth of chronic conditions among the black population relative the non-black general population. Knowledge of the disparate impact that such an event will have on the long-term health of underserved and medically fragile populations may be used to inform mitigation investments.
Nonparametric Correspondence Analysis of Global Risk Management Techniques
Authors: Strang Kenneth David
Published: October 2013

This study presents 211 program managers that were interviewed from around the globe to explore the nature of the relationship between portfolio risk management and the functional discipline where it was applied. The purpose was to identify multidisciplinary best-practices in light of the recent global crises and natural disasters. Open-ended questions were asked to avoid limiting responses to survey choices as well as to capture emerging routines. The participants were from 15 companies around the world with high annual earnings-per-share (listed on the New York Stock Exchange). A mixed-method design was used, employing correspondence analysis in SPSS to estimate the quality of the relationship between the applied techniques versus industry disciplines. A significant symmetric model of portfolio risk management techniques was plotted, dimensioned by five distinct methods across six functional disciplines. The prototype revealed unexpected relationships such as the use of nonlinear techniques in manufacturing and statistical procedures in the human resource/labor management field.
Using an Agent-Based Behavior Modeling for Finding Humanitarian Relief Center Location in an Earthquake Zone
Authors: Celebi Numan
Published: October 2013

Every year many different disasters occur in the world. The numbers of disasters has increased, especially in recent years. Emergency management of contingency has attracted by many researchers, who used analytical methods to find the optimal locations of humanitarian relief distribution center(s). This study sets up a model for humanitarian relief center facility location problem. This model considers some characteristics such as earthquake risk index, population density index, and transportation index to determine the optimal facility location center to respond the victims when an earthquake or disaster occurs. The method is based on a mathematical model for locating facility center. The author applies this model in a city in Turkey, and then the model is solved as an agent based behavior modeling according to the particle swarm optimization. Finally, the results are presented.
Spectrum Sensing in Emergency Cognitive Radio Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: GVK Sasirekha , Bapat Jyotsna
Published: October 2013

Ad hoc networks are infrastructure less networks which are self organizing and adaptive. Such networks can be used in emergency situations like disaster management and military applications. Usage of cognitive radios as the wireless terminals in ad hoc networks in emergency situations has distinct advantages. Better bandwidth, interoperability, avoidance of interference, and ant-jamming capabilities are a few such advantages. Ad hoc networks with cognitive radios are wireless terminals used in emergency situations and can be referred to as Emergency Cognitive Radio Ad Hoc Networks (Emergency CRAHNs). In this chapter, the authors discuss emergency CRAHNs and the specific requirements that must be met by the spectrum sensing mechanism used by them. In particular, the authors discuss collaborative spectrum sensing methodology; where in multiple cognitive radios operate together such that reliability of spectrum sensing in improved. This collaborative sensing in ad hoc networks can be either of centralized or distributed architectures, both of which are discussed in this chapter.
Soft Computing Modeling of Wild Fire Risk Indices
Authors: Iliadis L. , Betsidou T.
Published: October 2013

It is essential to find ways that can reduce the risk of devastating forest fires which have multiple negative ecological and financial consequences. This preliminary research effort focuses on the implementation of an intelligent rule based fuzzy inference system evaluating wild fire risk in the forest departments of Greece. The system uses soft computing techniques and was built in the Matlab integrated environment. The whole research is related to the wild fires in Greece during the period 1983-1997 with data coming from the general forest management service. It classifies all Greek forest departments (by assigning three labels) according to their forest fire risk due to distinct parameters. The estimation of the risk indices was done by using fuzzy triangular membership functions and Einstein fuzzy conjunction T-Norms. Moreover the system produces the profile of the forest departments located in the geographic area of “Peloponnesus.” This is a region located in the southern part of the country and it has a vast number of annual forest fire breakouts. Meteorological, topographic, and historical (total burned area and intervention time) features were considered for the determination of the risk indices. The system has shown a good performance which can be improved further if more data is gathered and used. Its main advantage is that it offers an innovative and reliable model that can be employed in any part of the world as a basis for natural disasters’ risk estimation.
A Forest Fire Detection System
Authors: Tsetsos Vassileios , Sekkas Odysseas , Zervas Evagellos
Published: October 2013

Forest fires cause immeasurable damages to indispensable resources for human survival, destroy the balance of earth ecology, and worst of all they frequently cost human lives. In recent years, early fire detection systems have emerged to provide monitoring and prevention of the disasterous forest fires. Among them, the Meleager1 system aims to offer one of the most advanced and integrated technology solutions for fire protection worldwide by integrating several innovative features. This chapter outlines one of the major components of the Meleager system, that is the visual fire detection sybsystem. Groundbased visible range PTZ cameras monitor the area of interest, and a low level decision fusion scheme is used to combine individual decisions of numerous fire detection algorithms. Personalized alerts and induced feedback is used to adapt the detection process and improve the overall system performance.
Secure Route Discovery in DSR against Black Hole Attacks in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Subathra P. , Sivagurunathan S.
Published: October 2013

A Mobile Ad hoc Network (MANET) is a collection of wireless nodes communicating over multi-hop paths without any infrastructure. Nodes must cooperate to provide necessary network functionalities. The security in routing protocols like Dynamic Source Routing (DSR) can be compromised by a “Black Hole” attack. Here, a malicious node claims to have the shortest path to the destination and attracts all traffic and drops them, leading to performance degradation. The situation becomes worse when two or more nodes cooperate and perform the “Cooperative black hole” attack. This chapter proposes a solution based on probing to identify and prevent such attacks. The proposed solution discovers a secure route between the source and destination by identifying and isolating the attacking nodes. Simulation results show that the protocol provides better security and performance in terms of detection time, packet delivery ratio, and false negative probability in comparison with trust and probe based schemes.
General Outlook on Financial Structure and Capital Adequacy of ISE-30 Companies during Economic Crisis (2008-2009)
Authors: Erhan Deniz Umut , Akdoğan M. Uğur
Published: October 2013

In the simplest terms, economic crises could be recognised as abnormal fluctuations adversely impacting market conditions. Despite subsequent economic recoveries, markets and the financial system remain in a period of significant uncertainty after such crises. The baseline scenario is for balance sheets to strengthen gradually as the economy recovers and as progress is made in addressing structural problems in financial positions. However, substantial downside risks always remain for companies. Even companies with a high “Capital Adequacy Ratio” (CAR) face the difficult challenge of managing a smooth transition to self-sustaining growth while stabilising debt burdens under low and uncertain economic prospects. Without further bolstering of balances sheets, markets remain susceptible to funding shocks that could intensify deleveraging pressures and place further drag on public finances and recovery. Companies have proven resilient to economic turbulence but are vulnerable to a slowdown and face risks in managing sizable and potentially volatile capital inflows. Policy actions need to be intensified to contain risks, address debt burdens, and implement effective and institutional frameworks to ensure financial stability. Based on this perspective and through applying the financial soundness indicators methodology, the financial structures and soundness indicators of the top 30 companies on the Istanbul Stock Exchange (ISE-30) are subjected to an assessment for determining the impact of the global crisis. The short- and long-run credits and non-monetary debit lines of ISE-30 companies are investigated together with the momentum of growth in assets, liabilities, and cash-flow stabilities. The financial soundness of ISE-30 companies is discussed in terms of the “capital-liabilities ratios” performance measure. Finally, the study focuses on long-run economic impacts and the analysis assumes that companies should transition to new levels of capital and liquidity to strengthen their financial stability and sustainability.
The Impact of Crises
Authors: Ergin Emre
Published: October 2013

Stock markets are the barometers of an economy. They are very sensitive to the news and can measure economic pressures to forecast economy. They react momentarily to crises that might be triggered by such events as a currency crisis, a debt crisis, a political crisis, or an accounting fraud crisis. According to technical analysts, drastic decreases in stock prices recover from their crash value rapidly since these decreases are realized with low traded values. The overreaction hypothesis affirms that extreme price movements are subsequently adjusted by opposite direction. This chapter analyses these assertions by measuring the impacts of the crises on the Istanbul Stock Exchange (ISE) over the last decade. The duration of the crises and weekly negative abnormal percentage returns in the period of 01.01.2000-31.12.2011 are analyzed using a regression model. In this period, from a total of 621 weeks, 277 weeks have negative returns, 93 of which are identified as negative abnormal returns. The results are statistically significant, and suggest that the duration of the crises is related to the magnitude of negative returns. On the other hand, research shows that the duration of the crisis and traded value are positively correlated. This study offers empirical observations that would be useful for technical analysts and stock investors.
ICT Resilience as Dynamic Process and Cumulative Aptitude
Authors: Theron Paul
Published: October 2013

Many definitions of resilience coexist today, whether within the domain of telecommunications or in the vaster world. Is it a process? Is it a production? Is it a learnt aptitude? This debate has been going on in social sciences for decades and ICT revives it in its own ways today. This chapter proposes a definition of resilience founded on three findings: (1) resilience is the aptitude of a sociotechnical system to surmount a crisis; (2) whether in the telecommunication sector or elsewhere, a crisis is an experience of collapse that stems from critical incidents; (3) critical incidents are a complex dynamic phenomenon, and resilience is its counterpart, a dynamic, adaptive attempt to master circumstances, a form of dynamic struggle against adversity. To support this thesis, first the chapter reviews some of the main elements of literature on hand, browsing through different currents of research, including computing science and social sciences. Next, the chapter presents a short analysis of some significant incidents to show their dynamic nature and how systems they affect collapse and react, possibly resiliently. Third, it suggests an articulated definition of resilience, very applicable to ICT and largely discussed with scientists and professionals in the past three years. The chapter concludes that this definition acts as a paradigm that opens new questions for research, standardisation, and change management projects.
Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Considerations for Healthcare Technology
Authors: Goldberg Edward M.
Published: October 2013

As the healthcare industry moves towards adoption of electronic collection and storage of health data it becomes increasingly dependent on the successful functioning of these technologies in order to ensure access to this important information. This chapter explores the technical, ethical and legal issues associated with the importance of careful planning and implementation of robust disaster recovery procedures as well as the importance of business continuity activities in assuring that this data is available following a system failure or other event that may introduce risk of data loss.
Identification and Authentication for RFID Systems
Authors: Malek Behzad , Miri Ali
Published: October 2013

In this chapter, the author briefly reviews the various attacks on existing identification and authentication schemes and describes the challenges in their design for RFID systems. The chapter categorizes the RFID identification and authentication schemes into two general categories: cryptographic and non-cryptographic solutions. Cryptographic solutions are based on symmetric or asymmetric cryptography systems. Depending on the resources available on the RFID tags, algorithms based on standard cryptography cannot be utilized in an RFID system and new cryptographic algorithms must be designed. However, there remain security challenges in protecting the RFID systems that cannot be solved solely by relying on cryptographic solutions. The chapter also reviews these challenges and looks at the countermeasures based on non-cryptographic solutions that would further protect RFID systems.
A Hybrid of Back Propagation Neural Network and Genetic Algorithm for Modeling and Simulation of Standard Involute Spur Gear
Authors: Luo Jian Lan , Wang Xiao Kai
Published: October 2013

A method is presented for gear modeling and simulation based on a hybrid of back propagation (BP) neural network and genetic algorithm (GA). Generally, the method of mechanical design includes building up 3D models and gets them checked in corresponding software, which is complicated and takes much time. This proposed method offers a quick way for designers, which combines finite element analysis (FEA) with a hybrid of BP neural network and an intelligence global optimization algorithm, i.e. genetic algorithm (GA). ANSYS APDL is applied to build up the FEA database, which offers data for study and training of BP neural network. Then, the GA is applied to optimize the process parameters that would result in optimal solution of the BP neural network goals. The case study demonstrates that the proposed method can get accurate results in a short time.
Take-Off Motion Planning of Legged Hopping Robot with Redundancy Characteristic
Authors: Li Yong Bo , Xu Min Qiang , Wei Yu
Published: October 2013

The planning for four-joint legged hopping robot with two redundant degrees of freedom at the take-off stage is researched. According to the take-off velocity and the boundary condition of centroid motion, the trajectory is planned with variable quartic polynomial interpolation. From inverse kinematics, the motion planning with redundancy characteristic is completed by using the GPM with continuous scale factor. Performance index of avoiding joint limit and optimizing joint driving torque are realized. The data indicates the feasibility and practicability of this algorithm.
Fatigue Crack Propagation Experiment and Remaining Fatigue Life Evaluation for Welded Crane Members with Initial Crack
Authors: Zhao Zhang Yan , Li Zhong Jin , Wu Zhan Wen , Shen Gong Tian
Published: October 2013

nitial crack widely exits in the welded crane members. These cracks are induced by defect of design and manufacturing and effect of alternate fatigue stress. The fatigue performance and remaining life of welded components which have initial crack is significantly reduced. In the paper the typical box-type welded components of crane are discussed. Based on fatigue propagation experiment of box-type specimen with initially prefabricated crack, the fatigue propagation feature of Q235 steel is studied. Meanwhile finite element software Ansys is used to calculate the stress intensity factor. Combining experimental data and calculated result of stress intensity factor, two important propagation parameters of Q235 steel are acquired. The experiment result can be applied to evaluate the remaining fatigue life of welded crane members with initial crack.
Precision Temperature Sensor Design
Authors: Meng Yong Juan , Guo Hong An
Published: October 2013

In the photoelectric detection technology,Often encountered in the detection and control of temperature.If the use of photovoltaic cells,Photoresistor,When the photodiode as a measurement of original,Because temperature of the light current or sensitive resistor, Therefore, if the requirements of high accuracy,Need to build circuit for temperature compensation on many occasions,For temperature control,Or independent testing to the temperature signal into the microcontroller,Through the system mathematical model associated with the temperature and temperature compensation of software,The last one is common ways.
Aerodynamic Modeling Research of Wind Turbine Suitable for Individual Pitch Control
Authors: Gao Feng
Published: October 2013

Momentum theory model which was widely used in pitch control cant calculate wind turbine load, so it can't meet pitch control research needs of large-scale wind turbine. In this paper, the traditional model based on momentum theory firstly was improved to be able to calculate load under some hypothesis. Then the wind turbine model suitable for individual pitch control was built based on blade element theory. And wind shear and tower shadow on load of wind turbine was calculated and analyzed. Finally, the model was simulated in the turbulent flow conditions and load was analyzed by Bladed. Simulations indicate that the model built in the paper can be used in simulation and verification of individual pitch control, and the conclusions drawn by load analysis can provide theoretic basis and the reference standard for individual pitch control strategy.
Lightweight Study on Gear Reducer Box Structure Based on Finite Element Analysis
Authors: He Yi Bin , Yang Bing Kuan , Zhang Yu , Liu Shi Wen , Chen Ding Fang
Published: October 2013

On the basis of the analysis of the problems existing in the current research on gear reducer structure, using Solidworks to reducer box structure finite element analysis, by changing the angle of the rib plate and rib plate thickness, the size of the box thickness and the thickness of the bottom plate, based on a comparative study on the experimental data, the comprehensive analysis of the change of the stress and displacement, enclosure structure stress and deformation with the change of size of box body, and eventually make the reducer box to achieve optimization of the structure, lightweight design for the reducer box to explore effective ways and means, has a certain practical significance. Keywords: Solidworks;Finite Element Analysis;Gear Reducer Box;Lightweight;
Researches on Nonlinear Hybrid Vibration Isolation System
Authors: Yang Li Hua , Lou Jing Jun , Zhu Shi Jian
Published: October 2013

In this paper, the dynamics of nonlinear hybrid vibration isolation system is carried out for a qualitative analysis, based on the algorithm of synovial variable structure the control model of hybrid vibration isolation system is designed, and then the validity of the control model is verified by relevant examples in the condition of nonlinear stiffness. Moreover, the simulation results show that: the control performance of nonlinear hybrid vibration isolation is better than passive vibration isolation and linear vibration isolation system, and the introduction of nonlinear stiffness can effectively reduce the force transmited to foundation. The control methods studied in this paper has an important guiding significance to design the nonlinear hybrid vibration isolation system in the practical engineering.
Research on the Temperature Compensation Method for Micro Inertial Measurement Unit
Authors: Wang Dan , Gao Guo Wei , Cui Fang Wei , Song Zhen
Published: October 2013

In this paper, the temperature characteristics of Micro Inertial Measurement Unit (MIMU) were studied for improving its stability. The temperature error model was built on the basis of analyzing its temperature characteristics. The model combined zero bias and calibration factors for MEMS accelerometers and gyros with multiple variables and it was optimized by the stepwise regression method. Meanwhile, combined with Kalman filtering theory, using Kalman filtering to reduce the noise of the temperature measurement could further improve the compensation accuracy and measurement accuracy.
A PCOT Monitoring System Based on Virtual Instrument Technology
Authors: Guo Ting , Gong Man , Nie Lei Xin , Zhou Gen Ming
Published: October 2013

in order to monitoring connecting rod and crank pin bearings working condition, the PCOT monitoring system which was named crank pin oil temperature monitoring system was developed based on virtual instrument technology. The bearings working condition was estimated by testing oils temperature splashed from the connecting rod and crankshaft. The function, working principle and structure composition were described, and corresponding experimental prototype was researched. After experimental verification, this system could monitoring the crank pin oil temperature in a steady and reliable state, provided technical support for testing bearings faults.
The Dynamic Analysis of Gantry Crane Girder under Lifting Process
Authors: He Cheng Zhong , Chen Wei Liang
Published: October 2013

In order to get the displacement response curve of the Gantry Crane Girder under three stage of lifting process, the vibration differential equation and displacement response expression were deduced, combining with the actual case, the displacement response expression and displacement response curve were deduced in the load duration time 0.8 s and 0.2 s. The results show that: the lifting process is an important factor affecting the structural vibration; Displacement peak and load duration time are inversely proportional; Increase the load duration time can reduce the vibration of the structure.