bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Integrated Yoga on Labor Outcome: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Maharana Satyapriya , Nagarathna Raghuram , Padmalatha Venkatram , Nagendra Hongasandra Ramarao , Hankey Alex
Published: November 2013

BACKGROUND:Antenatal yoga has been found to be useful and reported to have many beneficial effects. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of yoga on labor outcome.

METHODS:This randomized two-armed active control study recruited 96 women with normal pregnancy. The experimental group practiced integrated yoga and the control group practiced standard antenatal exercises (1 hr/day), from 18 to 20 weeks of gestation until term.

RESULTS:The first stage of labor was 4.71 ± 0.59 and 6.19 ± 0.79 hr in yoga and control groups, respectively (p< .001, independent samplesttest); the second stage was 23.41 ± 7.68 min in yoga and 55.19 ± 10.87 min in control group (p< .001); the third stage took 9.07 ± 2.35 min in yoga and 12.96 ± 2.86 min in control group (p< .001). Fewer number of women in yoga group required epidural analgesia (p< .001). The cesarean sections (7/51 in yoga and 18/45 in control;p= .004) and complications of pregnancy (intrauterine growth restriction [IUGR], pregnancy-induced hypertension [PIH], and preterm labor) were fewer (p= .010) in yoga than in control group. Birth weight of babies (p< .001) was higher and Apgar scores (p< .001) were better in yoga as compared to the control group.

CONCLUSION:Yoga during pregnancy decreases the duration of all stages of labor, complications of pregnancy, need for epidural analgesia, and cesarean sections; it also improves birth weight and Apgar scores of the infant.
Costs of raccoon rabies incidents in cattle herds in Hampshire County, West Virginia, and Guernsey County, Ohio
Authors: Chipman Richard B. , Cozzens Tyler W. , Shwiff Stephanie A. , Biswas Rita , Plumley Jewell , O'Quin Jeanette , Algeo Timothy P. , Rupprecht Charles E. , Slate Dennis
Published: November 2013

Objective—To determine direct and indirect costs associated with raccoon rabies incidents involving cattle herds in Hampshire County, WV, in 2008 and Guernsey County, Ohio, in 2010.

Design—Ex post cost analysis.

Animals—1 cattle herd in Hampshire County, WV, in 2008 and 1 cattle herd in Guernsey County, Ohio, in 2010.

Procedures—Data were collected for each incident through telephone and email interviews with 16 federal, state, and county agency personnel involved in the case investigations and coordinated responses for rabies in the cattle herds. To characterize the economic impact associated with rabies in the 2 cattle herds, cost analysis was conducted with 7 cost variables (salary and benefits for personnel involved in the response, human postexposure prophylaxis, indirect patient costs, rabies diagnostic testing, cattle carcass disposal, market value of euthanized cattle, and enhanced rabies surveillance). Estimates of direct costs were determined on the basis of agency records and other relevant data obtained from notes and reports made by agency staff at the time of the incident and from a review of the literature.

Results—Primary costs included the market value of euthanized cattle ($51,461 in West Virginia; $12,561 in Ohio), human postexposure prophylaxis ($17,959 in West Virginia; $11,297 in Ohio), and salary and benefits for personnel involved in the response ($19,792 in West Virginia; $14,496 in Ohio).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—These results should provide a basis for better characterization of the economic impact of wildlife rabies in cattle in the United States.
Rehabilitation of Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy Utilizing Eccentric Training, Lumbopelvic Stabilization, and Trigger Point Dry Needling: 2 Case Reports
Authors: Jayaseelan Dhinu J. , Moats Nick , Ricardo Christopher R.
Published: November 2013

Study Design

Case report.

Background

Proximal hamstring tendinopathy is a relatively uncommon overuse injury seen in runners. In contrast to the significant amount of literature guiding the evaluation and treatment of hamstring strains, there is little literature about the physical therapy management of proximal hamstring tendinopathy, other than the general recommendations to increase strength and flexibility.

Case Description

Two runners were treated in physical therapy for proximal hamstring tendinopathy. Each presented with buttock pain with running and sitting, as well as tenderness to palpation at the ischial tuberosity. Each patient was prescribed a specific exercise program focusing on eccentric loading of the hamstrings and lumbopelvic stabilization exercises. Trigger point dry needling was also used with both runners to facilitate improved joint motion and to decrease pain.

Outcomes

Both patients were treated in 8 to 9 visits over 8 to 10 weeks. Clinically significant improvements were seen in pain, tenderness, and function in each case. Each patient returned to running and sitting without symptoms.

Discussion

Proximal hamstring tendinopathy can be difficult to treat. In these 2 runners, eccentric loading of the hamstrings, lumbopelvic stabilization exercises, and trigger point dry needling provided short- and long-term pain reduction and functional benefits. Further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of this cluster of interventions for this condition.

Level of Evidence

Therapy, level 4. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2014;44(3):198–205. Epub 21 November 2013. doi:10.2519/jospt.2014.4905
First isolation of Enterococcus strains in pig faeces in Turkey and determination of antibiotic susceptibilities
Authors: Metiner Kemal , Küçüker Mine Anğ , Boral Özden Büyükbaba , Anğ Özdem
Published: November 2013

In this trial,Enterococcusstrains were isolated from a total of 69 faecal samples obtained from 238 pigs (105 pigs < 6 months old and 133 > 6 months old) on three pig farms located in Istanbul and Tekirdag Provinces in the Marmara Region of Turkey in the summer season of 2003. Forty-seven of the isolates were determined asEnterococcus faecium(68%), 15 isolates asEnterococcus faecalis(21.7%), three isolates asEnterococcus gallinarum(4.3%) and one of each asEnterococcus hirae(1.4%),Enterococcus casseliflavus(1.4%),Enterococcus cecorum(1.4%)andEnterococcus sulfurens(1.4%). In addition, antimicrobial susceptibilites of isolates were assessed through the disk diffusion method. Among 47E. faeciumisolates, 44 were determined to be resistant to erythromycin, 38 to ciprofloxacine, and three isolates were resistant to vancomycin. AllE. faecalisisolates were resistant to erythromycin (100%) and four were resistant to vancomycin (27%). FiveE. faecium(11%) and fiveE. faecalisisolates (33%) were found to exhibit intermediate resistance to vancomycin. In this study, isolates obtained from pig faeces were determined to exhibit a high rate of antimicrobial resistance. This study is the first report on isolation and determination of antimicrobial resistance of Enterocci in Turkey.
Synthesis and Mercury ion Recognition of a Novel Azobenzene Derivative Bearing Naphthalene Units
Authors: Wang Wei , Jiang Xiaoyu , Zhang Qiang , Li Mingzhu , Yu Xiaolong , Wang Junwu , Gao Yan
Published: November 2013

A fluorescent probe for selective detection of mercury based on an azobenzene derivative bearing naphthalene units has been synthesised and its cation recognition abilities examined by UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy. The fluorescent probe exhibits a highly selective response of fluorescence enhancement toward mercury in DMF aqueous media (DMF: H2O, v/v = 1:1).
Efficient Three-Component Strecker Reaction of Acetals and Aromatic Amines Catalysed by Hafnium Tetrachloride at Room Temperature
Authors: Zhang Xue-Lin , Wu Qin-Pei , Zhang Qing-Shan
Published: November 2013

A straightforward, mild, efficient, one-pot method has been found for the synthesis of α-aminonitriles via three-component Strecker reaction using acetals or cyclic acetals, curious aromatic amines and trimethylsilyl cyanide (TMSCN) catalysed by hafnium tetrachloride at room temperature. It is with good to excellent yields under mild conditions. This developed approach has been successfully applied for the synthesis of a wild rang of α-aminonitriles with a variety of functional groups.
One-Pot Multicomponent Synthesis of Highly Functionalised Piperidines from Aromatic Aldehydes, Cyanoacetates, Nitromethane and Ammonium Acetate
Authors: Liu Juanjuan , Zhou Zhengquan , Li Yan , Ye Weijian , Yao Juan , Wang Cunde
Published: November 2013

An efficient and straightforward multicomponent synthetic protocol has been developed for the preparation of three kinds of highly functionalised piperidines via multicomponent reaction between aromatic aldehydes, ammonium acetate, cyanoacetates and/or nitromethane for the generation of a wide range of structurally interesting and pharmacologically significant compounds. The structure of ethyl 3-cyano-2,4,6-tris(4-methoxyphenyl)-5-nitropiperidine-3-carboxylate, ethyl 3-cyano-2,4,6-tris(3-methoxyphenyl)-5-nitropiperidine-3-carboxylate and diethyl 3,5-dicyano-2,4,6-tris(3-methoxyphenyl)piperidine-3,5-dicarboxylate were further confirmed by X-ray single crystal analysis.
Efficient Synthesis of Apigenin
Authors: Zhang Ji , Liu Man , Cui Wei , Yang Jian , Liao Xia-li
Published: November 2013

An efficient synthesis of apigenin using 1,3,5-trimethoxybenzene and anisaldehyde as starting materials is described, involving Friedel–Crafts acylation, selective demethylation, cyclisation, and demethylation. This transformation features a new method for the deprotection of methyl ethers. The overall yields reached approximately 55%.
Cellular Cycling, Carbon Utilization, and Photosynthetic Oxygen Production during Bicarbonate-Induced Triacylglycerol Accumulation in a Scenedesmus sp.
Authors: Gardner Robert , Lohman Egan , Cooksey Keith , Gerlach Robin , Peyton Brent
Published: November 2013

Microalgae are capable of synthesizing high levels of triacylglycerol (TAG) which can be used as precursor compounds for fuels and specialty chemicals. Algal TAG accumulation typically occurs when cellular cycling is delayed or arrested due to nutrient limitation, an environmental challenge (e.g., pH, light, temperature stress), or by chemical addition. This work is a continuation of previous studies detailing sodium bicarbonate-induced TAG accumulation in the alkaline chlorophyte Scenedesmus sp. WC-1. It was found that upon sodium bicarbonate amendment, bicarbonate is the ion responsible for TAG accumulation; a culture amendment of approximately 15 mM bicarbonate was sufficient to arrest the cellular cycle and switch the algal metabolism from high growth to a TAG accumulating state. However, the cultures were limited in dissolved inorganic carbon one day after the amendment, suggesting additional carbon supplementation was necessary. Therefore, additional abiotic and biotic experimentation was performed to evaluate in- and out-gassing of CO2. Cultures to which 40–50 mM of sodium bicarbonate were added consumed DIC faster than CO2 could ingas during the light hours and total photosynthetic oxygen production was elevated as compared to cultures that did not receive supplemental inorganic carbon.
Equivalent Electromagnetic Constants for Microwave Application to Composite Materials for the Multi-Scale Problem
Authors: Fujisaki Keisuke , Ikeda Tomoyuki
Published: November 2013

To connect different scale models in the multi-scale problem of microwave use, equivalent material constants were researched numerically by a three-dimensional electromagnetic field, taking into account eddy current and displacement current. A volume averaged method and a standing wave method were used to introduce the equivalent material constants; water particles and aluminum particles are used as composite materials. Consumed electrical power is used for the evaluation. Water particles have the same equivalent material constants for both methods; the same electrical power is obtained for both the precise model (micro-model) and the homogeneous model (macro-model). However, aluminum particles have dissimilar equivalent material constants for both methods; different electric power is obtained for both models. The varying electromagnetic phenomena are derived from the expression of eddy current. For small electrical conductivity such as water, the macro-current which flows in the macro-model and the micro-current which flows in the micro-model express the same electromagnetic phenomena. However, for large electrical conductivity such as aluminum, the macro-current and micro-current express different electromagnetic phenomena. The eddy current which is observed in the micro-model is not expressed by the macro-model. Therefore, the equivalent material constant derived from the volume averaged method and the standing wave method is applicable to water with a small electrical conductivity, although not applicable to aluminum with a large electrical conductivity.
Comparative Analysis of the Oxygen Supply and Viability of Human Osteoblasts in Three-Dimensional Titanium Scaffolds Produced by Laser-Beam or Electron-Beam Melting
Authors: Jonitz-Heincke Anika , Wieding Jan , Schulze Christoph , Hansmann Doris , Bader Rainer
Published: November 2013

Synthetic materials for bone replacement must ensure a sufficient mechanical stability and an adequate cell proliferation within the structures. Hereby, titanium materials are suitable for producing patient-individual porous bone scaffolds by using generative techniques. In this in vitro study, the viability of human osteoblasts was investigated in porous 3D Ti6Al4V scaffolds, which were produced by electron-beam (EBM) or laser-beam melting (LBM). For each examination, two cylindrical scaffolds (30 mm × 10 mm in size, 700 µm × 700 µm macropores) were placed on each other and seeded with cells. The oxygen consumption and the acidification in the center of the structures were investigated by means of microsensors. Additionally, the synthesis of pro-collagen type 1 was analyzed. On the LBM titanium scaffolds, vital bone cells were detected in the center and in the periphery after 8 days of cultivation. In the EBM titanium constructs, however, vital cells were only visible in the center. During the cultivation period, the cells increasingly produced procollagen type 1 in both scaffolds. In comparison to the periphery, the oxygen content in the center of the scaffolds slightly decreased. Furthermore, a slight acidification of the medium was detectable. Compared to LBM, the EBM titanium scaffolds showed a less favorable behavior with regard to cell seeding.
Isolation and Characterization of Collagen and Antioxidant Collagen Peptides from Scales of Croceine Croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea)
Authors: Wang Bin , Wang Yu-Mei , Chi Chang-Feng , Luo Hong-Yu , Deng Shang-Gui , Ma Jian-Yin
Published: November 2013

Acid soluble collagen (ASC) from scales of croceine croaker (ASC-C) was successfully isolated with the yield of 0.37% ± 0.08% (dry weight basis), and characterized as type I collagen on the basis of amino acid analysis and electrophoretic pattern. The antioxidant hydrolysate of ASC-C (ACH) was prepared through a two-stage in vitro digestion (4-h trypsin followed by 4-h pepsin), and three antioxidant peptides (ACH-P1, ACH-P2, and ACH-P3) were further isolated from ACH using ultrafiltration, gel chromatography, and RP-HPLC, and their amino acid sequences were identified as GFRGTIGLVG (ACH-P1), GPAGPAG (ACH-P2), and GFPSG (ACH-P3). ACH-P1, ACH-P2, and ACH-P3 showed good scavenging activities on hydroxyl radical (IC50 0.293, 0.240, and 0.107 mg/mL, respectively), DPPH radical (IC50 1.271, 0.675, and 0.283 mg/mL, respectively), superoxide radical (IC50 0.463, 0.099, and 0.151 mg/mL, respectively), and ABTS radical (IC50 0.421, 0.309, and 0.210 mg/mL, respectively). ACH-P3 was also effectively against lipid peroxidation in the model system. The antioxidant activities of three collagen peptides were due to the presence of hydrophobic amino acid residues within the peptide sequences. The collagen peptides might be used as antioxidant for the therapy of diseases associated with oxidative stress, or reducing oxidative changes during storage.
Biological Activity of Propolis-Honey Balm in the Treatment of Experimentally-Evoked Burn Wounds
Authors: Jastrzębska-Stojko Żaneta , Stojko Rafał , Rzepecka-Stojko Anna , Kabała-Dzik Agata , Stojko Jerzy
Published: November 2013

Medicines of biogenic origin with micro-organic, regenerative and analgesic properties are becoming more and more significant in the treatment of burn wounds. These properties are found in apitherapeutics such as propolis and honey—products collected and processed by a honey bee. Their effect on the course of the healing processes is multidirectional. The aim of the study was a histopathological and biochemical analysis of the processes of scar formation in experimentally evoked burn wounds in white pigs treated with the 1% and 3% Sepropol balms containing standardized extracts of propolis and honey. The results were compared with the therapeutic effects obtained with dermazin cream (1% silver sulfadiazine). The level of collagen was determined in the wounds treated with 1% and 3% Sepropol and compared with the collagen level in healthy skin and wounds treated with dermazin. Granulation and regenerated epithelium formation times were compared, with the 3% Sepropol being by far the most effective. The 3% Sepropol also increased the collagen level to 116% with the control sub-groups scoring between 80% and 98%. The results show the healing process of burn wounds in pigs treated with the Sepropol balm starts earlier and has a faster course than the standard dermazin therapy.
Sublingual Nucleotides Prolong Run Time to Exhaustion in Young Physically Active Men
Authors: Ostojic Sergej , Idrizovic Kemal , Stojanovic Marko
Published: November 2013

Although dietary nucleotides have been determined to be required for normal immune function, there is limited direct interventional evidence confirming performance-enhancing effects of sublingual nucleotides in humans. A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of sublingual nucleotides (50 mg/day) administered for 14 days in thirty young healthy physically active males, on endurance performance and immune responses. Fasting white blood cell count, natural killer cells (NKC) number, NKC cytotoxic activity, and serum immunoglobulin (IgA, IgM, IgG), and time to exhaustion, peak rate of perceived exertion, peak heart rate, and peak running speed during the exercise test were measured at baseline (day 0) and post-intervention (day 14). Time to exhaustion, as well as serum immunoglobulin A and NKC cytotoxic activity, were significantly higher at day 14 (p < 0.05) in participants supplemented with nucleotides compared with those who consumed placebo. No significant differences in other parameters were observed between groups at post-intervention. No volunteers withdrew before the end of the study nor reported any vexatious side effects of supplementation. The results of the present study suggest that sublingual nucleotides may provide pertinent benefit as both an ergogenic and immunostimulatory additive in active males.
Dendritic Cell-Induced Th1 and Th17 Cell Differentiation for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Terhune Julia , Berk Erik , Czerniecki Brian
Published: November 2013

The success of cellular immunotherapies against cancer requires the generation of activated CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells. The type of T-cell response generated (e.g., Th1 or Th2) will determine the efficacy of the therapy, and it is generally assumed that a type-1 response is needed for optimal cancer treatment. IL-17 producing T-cells (Th17/Tc17) play an important role in autoimmune diseases, but their function in cancer is more controversial. While some studies have shown a pro-cancerous role for IL-17, other studies have shown an anti-tumor function. The induction of polarized T-cell responses can be regulated by dendritic cells (DCs). DCs are key regulators of the immune system with the ability to affect both innate and adaptive immune responses. These properties have led many researchers to study the use of ex vivo manipulated DCs for the treatment of various diseases, such as cancer and autoimmune diseases. While Th1/Tc1 cells are traditionally used for their potent anti-tumor responses, mounting evidence suggests Th17/Tc17 cells should be utilized by themselves or for the induction of optimal Th1 responses. It is therefore important to understand the factors involved in the induction of both type-1 and type-17 T-cell responses by DCs.
Therapeutic Potential of Laminin–Biodritin Microcapsules for Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Campanha-Rodrigues Ana Lucia , Grazioli Gisella , Oliveira Talita C. , Campos-Lisbôa Ana Carolina V. , Mares-Guia Thiago R. , Sogayar Mari C.
Published: November 2013

Pancreatic islet microencapsulation constitutes an attractive therapy for type 1 diabetes mellitus; however, long-term β-cell function remains a major problem. Loss of extracellular matrix interactions during islet isolation dramatically affects β-cell viability. We have previously shown beneficial effects of laminin (LN) in human islet cultures. Herein, we investigated whether LN could improve the outcome of transplantation after islet microencapsulation in Biodritin, an alginate-based material. To test LN-Biodritin stability, microcapsules were subjected to different types of in vitro stress. Focusing on biocompatibility, empty microcapsules were coincubated with the RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line for up to 24 h, and empty beads were implanted IP in mice and retrieved for analyses after 7 and 30 days. Upon culturing for 48 h, mRNA, protein levels, and caspase 3 activity were evaluated in islets microencapsulated with LN-Biodritin. Mice rendered diabetic by streptozotocin injection were transplanted with microencapsulated islets, followed by assessment of body weight, glycemia, and graft function (evaluated by OGTT). Graft efficiency was observed upon microencapsulated islet explantation. The results obtained showed that LN-Biodritin microcapsules were as stable and biocompatible as Biodritin. Modulation of mRNA and protein levels suggested protection against apoptosis and islet stress. Mice transplanted with LN-Biodritin microencapsulated islets presented a better outcome at 198 days postsurgery. Graft explantation led animals to hyperglycemia. In conclusion, LN-Biodritin constitutes a very promising biomaterial for islet transplantation.
New developments in gold-catalyzed manipulation of inactivated alkenes
Authors: Chiarucci Michel , Bandini Marco
Published: November 2013

Over the recent years, the nucleophilic manipulation of inactivated carbon–carbon double bonds has gained remarkable credit in the chemical community. As a matter of fact, despite lower reactivity with respect to alkynyl and allenyl counterparts, chemical functionalization of isolated alkenes, via carbon- as well as hetero atom-based nucleophiles, would provide direct access to theoretically unlimited added value of molecular motifs. In this context, homogenous [Au(I)] and [Au(III)] catalysis continues to inspire developments within organic synthesis, providing reliable responses to this interrogative, by combining crucial aspects such as chemical selectivity/efficiency with mild reaction parameters. This review intends to summarize the recent progresses in the field, with particular emphasis on mechanistic details.
An Algorithm for Occlusion-Free Texture Mapping from Oriented Images
Authors: Previtali Mattia , Scaioni Marco , Barazzetti Luigi , Brumana Raffaella , Oreni Daniela
Published: November 2013

The possibility of deriving digital reconstructions of real objects has given new emphasis to numerous research domains. The growing interest in accurate and detailed models has also increased the request of realistic visualizations and data management methods. The aim of this work is the implementation of an algorithm able to map digitaled images on 3D polygonal models of terrestrial objects. In particular, the authors focus on two different aspects: the geometric issues during the texture mapping phase with convergent images (e.g. self-occlusions) and the color brightness correction when multiple images are used to process the same portion of the mesh.
Building Recommendation Service with Social Networks and Semantic Databases
Authors: Karakatič Sašo , Podgorelec Vili , Heričko Marjan
Published: November 2013

In this chapter, it is shown how useful user services can be created through the integration of social networks and semantic databases. The authors developed a recommendation service in a form of a Web-based application, where a user's interests are imported from social network Facebook and linked with additional data from open semantic database Freebase. Based on a custom implementation of k-nearest neighbors algorithm, the developed method is able to find recommendations based on users’ interests enriched with semantic information. The resulting list of found recommendations is then shown to the user in some basic categories like movies, music, games, books, and others.
Storyboard and Computer Animation for Children
Authors: Cipolla-Ficarra Francisco V. , Quiroga Alejandra , Carré Jim
Published: November 2013

The authors present the key elements of the storyboard and computer graphics that must be contained in the computer animations that are broadcast as miniseries and are based on world-known literary works. The first analyses are established to set a differentiation between the contents aimed at the adult and the child audience. Finally, the authors make known the necessary strategies of storytelling applied to computer animation, bearing in mind the time and production cost factor.
Mashing-Up Weather Networks Data to Support Hydro-Meteorological Research
Authors: Bedrina Tatiana , Parodi Antonio , Clematis Andrea , Quarati Alfonso
Published: November 2013

The use of Web technologies for the collection and visualization of geoscentific data has significantly increased the availability of free sensor data over the Internet. This work aims at designing a Web mashup for the aggregation of meteorological variables (precipitation, humidity, pressure, etc.) published on the Web by several weather networks and the rendering of query results through a graphic interface in a homogeneous way. The mashup approach is particularly suitable to provide an easy to develop and quickly deployed application capable to support HM scientists in their everyday activity. As a significant case study of the adoption of the tool, the authors consider the severe flash-flood event that occurred in fall 2011 in the Liguria region, Italy. To this end, they base their analysis on the aggregated rainfall data observed by an official and a personal weather network.
Bi-Manual 3D Painting
Authors: Clay Alexis , Lombardo Jean-Christophe , Couture Nadine , Conan Julien
Published: November 2013

The rise of gestural interaction led artists to produce shows or installations based on this paradigm. The authors present the first stages of the “Sculpture Numérique” (Virtual Sculpture) project. This project was born from a collaboration with dancers. Its goal is to propose bi-manual interactions in a large augmented space, giving dancers the possibility to generate and manipulate virtual elements on stage using their hands. The first set of interactions presented in this chapter is 3D painting, where the user can generate 3D virtual matter from his hands. The movement of the hand defines a stroke, and shape is controlled by the shape of the hand. Changing the shape and orientation of the hand allows switching between three interaction modes to produce volumes, surfaces, or curves in space. The authors explore the applicative case of dance, with the goal of producing a plastic creation from choreography.
Using Genetic Algorithm for Scheduling Tasks of Computational Grids in the Gridsim Simulator
Authors: Phellipe João , Katarina Carla , Chagas Francisco das , Aloise Dario
Published: November 2013

Computer processing power has evolved considerably in recent years. However, there are problems that still require many machines to perform a large amount of processing in a parallel and distributed way. In this context, the task scheduling in a distributed system present many algorithms. In this chapter, the authors present a scheduler based on genetic algorithms in order to distribute tasks more efficiently in a computational grid; it has been implemented in GRIDSIM, a computational grid simulator with the features and attributes of a real grid.
Corporate Governance Codes in a Transitional Economy
Authors: Hassaan Marwa
Published: November 2013

This study aims to investigate the influence of the introduction of a corporate governance code in 2005 on the levels of compliance with mandatory IFRS disclosure requirements by companies listed on the Egyptian Exchange (EGX) as a leading stock exchange in the Middle East. Using a disclosure index derived from mandatory IFRS disclosure requirements for the fiscal year 2007, this study measures the levels of compliance by a sample of 75 non-financial companies listed on the focus stock exchange. This study extends the financial reporting literature and the emerging market disclosure literature by being the first to investigate the influence of corporate governance requirements for best practices on the levels of compliance with mandatory IFRS disclosure requirements by companies listed on the EGX. Results provide evidence of the lack of influence of corporate governance best practices on the levels of compliance with mandatory IFRS disclosure requirements as it is not yet part of the cultural values within the Egyptian context. These findings are consistent with the notions of the proposed theoretical foundation.
Women’s Entrepreneurship Development in Bangladesh
Authors: Rabbani Golam , Chowdhury Solaiman
Published: November 2013

Women’s entrepreneurship is important for women’s position in society and for economic development of a country. It opens up new avenues for creating employment opportunities for women and men. It is a matter of encouraging that a good number of women are contributing in the economic progress of Bangladesh, making them involved in medium and small enterprises. In this process, policy-related factors and institutional factors play a vital role. Government agencies provide policy, legal, and financial support, taking active support from non-state actors. Specially, NGOs have been working in Bangladesh from 1980s to create a viable social environment for business women. Though more women are now involved in economic activities than in the past, women constitute less than 10 percent of the country's total business entrepreneurs. Women do business in a masculine society where they encounter policy-related problems, and they do not get proper supports from all respective institutions because of corruption and lack of information. It is assumed that combined initiatives of government and non-government institutes will be successful in encountering the changes of business women in Bangladesh.
From Security Matter to Economic Recovery and Stability
Authors: Hacıoğlu Ümit , Dinçer Hasan
Published: November 2013

In the Balkans, interethnic peace sustained by international participation has been prone to disappear as security problems are associated with unstable economic conditions of the new emerging states. Moreover, the new collective presidency system with unclear boundaries of power sharing for these countries in transition also contributes to unstable political conditions. The global economic crisis, higher unemployment rates, and budgeting problems are some economic-based issues. In the Balkans, sustaining long-term interethnic security is to be traced to a number of complex factors. The last decade reveals the importance of sustaining interethnic security among conflicting parties by maintaining common economic interest rather than solitary military measures. This chapter illustrates the contributory role of economic recovery in sustaining long-term interethnic peace. It is also aimed to illustrate the link between economic recovery and interethnic security.
Cultural Values and Motivation in Nigeria Work Settings
Authors: Iguisi Osarumwense
Published: November 2013

There has been general upsurge in cultures and management research in the last decades. Despite this fact, empirical studies on culture dimensions to management practices in Sub-Saharan Africa have been limited in numbers and scope. In Africa, there is very limited knowledge about cultural values and the consequences they pose for employee motivation. A major research question this study tries to address is whether the results could help to explain the disappointing economic development of Nigeria. The findings do confirm profound employee motivational values with the family collective interests playing a very important role in Nigeria. The study challenges the validity of the dominant Western universal perspectives in employee motivation in traditional African organizations. The study suggests that elements of traditional values pose serious challenges to African managers’ abilities to adopt local cultural and traditional values practices that can improve the effectiveness of employee motivation in their organizations.
Visual Discourse of the Ottoman Clove
Authors: Taskiran Nurdan Oncel , Bolat Nursel
Published: November 2013

In tile art, one of the world-famous Turkish handicrafts, a wide variety of patterns are used on tile objects. The most common of these, after the tulip pattern, is the naturalist clove pattern. Different meanings are assigned to this pattern within the boundaries of form, color, and design. Identification and perception of these meanings has a special place within the frame of the culture that they relay. In this present study, the fields of meaning of the clove pattern frequently used in tile decoration arts among Turkish handicrafts are determined. By taking Greimas' Actantial Model as the theoretical model visual discourse analysis of the clove pattern is made.
Halal Cosmetics
Authors: Baig Aysha Karamat , Baig Uzma Karamat
Published: November 2013

The chapter shows the intention of Pakistani consumers in choosing Halal cosmetic products. Their perceived ideologies about Halal regarding cosmetics are shown as well. The data was congregated through a self-administrated survey based upon judgmental sampling. A total of 500 respondents from two large cities of Pakistan (Lahore and Faisalabad) were involved in this study to determine the awareness about Halal Cosmetics and the extent to which cosmetic brands’ promotional activities had influenced the respondents’ preferences. The results of this study expressed the beguiling demand for Halal cosmetic products was predominantly influenced by Halal logo. Therefore, Pakistani government should give attention to devising and implementing the Halal logo policy, while ensuring that the cosmetic industry provides only those cosmetic products that meet Halal requirements. A limitation to be considered is the generalization of the results. Despite the fact that Lahore and Faisalabad are two of three most populated cities in Pakistan and include almost five percent of the country’s citizens, the results cannot be expected to explain the overall behavior of Pakistani consumers toward Halal cosmetic products. This study is the first one to look into the level of understanding about Halal Cosmetics among Pakistani consumers.
Valuation of Technology-Based Companies
Authors: Zambujal-Oliveira João , Serradas César
Published: November 2013

The cash flows of technology-based companies show high degrees of uncertainty. As traditional valuation methods can hardly capture these characteristics, they are insufficient for valuing these kinds of companies. On the contrary, real options theory can quantify the value associated with management flexibility, growth opportunities, and synergies. This chapter assesses the corporate value of a technology-based company. By gathering information from historical cash flows and using Monte Carlo simulations, the chapter generates future returns paths and primarily uses them for valuations by discounted cash flow methods. The generated volatility is subsequently used to value the measurement carried out by real options theory. The value obtained under the real options binomial approach is about 40% higher than the one obtained by the discounted cash flow method. This difference can be attributed to the value associated with uncertainty and flexibility.
Trial Manufacture of Bionic Honeycomb Plates and their Bending Properties
Authors: Gu Cheng Long , He Cheng Lin , Liu Jian Xun , Chen Jin Xiang
Published: November 2013

In order to develop the lightweight composite materials, we developed an integrated manufacturing method. The first trial production of the integrated honeycomb plate was fairly rough. This paper focuses on the trial manufacture of bionic honeycomb plates and discusses their mechanical properties. The conclusions were :1) An edge-sealing bionic integrated honeycomb plate has been provided; 2) some specific cases of improving the integrated manufacturing technology have been studied; and 3) the failure strength in the integrated honeycomb plate is significantly higher than that of the honeycomb plate with the adhesive layer.
Acoustic Performance Analysis of Bionic Coupling Multi-Layer Structure
Authors: Wang Yong Hua , Zhang Cheng Chun , Ren Lu Quan , Ichchou Mohamed , Galland Marie Annick , Bareille Olivier
Published: November 2013

The interest of this paper lies in the proposition of using bionic method to develop a new sound absorption structure. Inspired by the coupling absorption structure of the skin and feather of a typical silent flying bird – owl, a bionic coupling multi-layer structure model is developed, which is composed of a micro-silt plate, porous fibrous material and a flexible micro-perforated membrane backed with airspace. The impedance transfer method is applied to calculate the absorption coefficients and analyze the influences of different parameters of each layer on absorption coefficients of this model. Based on numerical simulations, the effectiveness of this proposed model is tested. The average absorption coefficient reaches 0.85 within the frequency range from 200 Hz to 2000 Hz. The significant improvement of absorption coefficients can be mainly due to the Helmholtz effects of the micro-silt plate and flexible micro-perforated membrane, and the combination with porous materials can lead to even better absorption performance in broadband.
Mechanical Performance Tests of Bamboo Beetles Otidognathus davidis fairs' Abdominal Shells
Authors: Song Yi , Wang Zhou Yi , Ji Ai Hong , Dai Zhen Dong
Published: November 2013

The biomaterials with excellent properties such as high strength-weights ratio and so on will inspire inspirations about bionic composite materials to satisfy the scalding hypercriticisms for aerial materials. The investigations of biomaterial mechanical performances are of great advantages in bionic designs and bionic manufactures. The mechanical performances of Bamboo BeetlesOtidognathus Davidis Fairs abdominal shells were tested with a nanoindenter in this paper. The experiments results demonstrated that the harnesses and modulus are different at different test areas. The mechanical performances resemble much at the same latitude but decrease along longitude from the forehead to the rearward, indicating that the mechanical performances of the abdominal shells distribute topologically. Whats more, the topological distributions of mechanical performances illustrate a kind of unlearned structure optimizations of insects which will provide edifications to designs of light and strong materials.
Mechanics of Locomotion Energetics in Chinese Mitten Crab Eriocheir sinensis Milne-Edwards
Authors: Zhang Xiao Dong , Li Jian Qiao , Huang Han , Zou Meng
Published: November 2013

The study on the locomotion mechanism in laboratory has defined performance limits for animals presently. But it is more significant for investigating mechanics of animals in their free state. In order to study the locomotion properties of Chinese mitten crabsEriocheir sinensis Milne-Edwardson one flat terrain and four kinds of rough terrains, a high speed 3-D video recording system was used to record motion video images of crabs. The gait pattern, average speeds, the mechanical energy of the mass center and percentage energy recovery were investigated with motion analysis system. The results showed that Chinese mitten crabs used alternating tetrapod gait on flat terrain and with increasing of terrain roughness, the regularity of gait tend to be less conspicuous. Crabs used two fundamental models of energy exchanging patterns: the inverted pendulum gait and the bouncing gait and the bouncing gait was the main energy saving and conserving pattern. Keywords-biomechanics, Chinese mitten crab, rough terrain, gait, mechanical energy, percentage energy recovery
A Method for Quantitative Analysis of Geometrical Structure of Animal Organs in Meso-Scale: The Dung Beetle Foreleg End Tooth as a Case Example
Authors: Tong Jin , Zhang Zhi Hong , Chen Dong Hui , Wang Hong Chang , Ma Yun Hai
Published: November 2013

The geometrical shapes of some animal organs have distinguished functions and properties that can provide useful information for bionic engineering applications. Hence, it is necessary to quantitatively measure the geometrical structure of those animal organs. However, some of the animal organs are tiny, complex and in the Meso-scale (0.1~10 mm). Their potential bionic application requires an accurate and efficient method to quantitatively analysis of their geometrical shapes. But existing methods are difficult and inefficient to quantitatively analysis. Yet, it was found that MATLAB image processing and computer vision technique can be advantageously exploited to obtain outer margin geometrical information from stereomicroscopy photograph. In this work, based on MATLAB, a program was designed and a method was proposed that specified for extract meso-scale animal organ outer margin contour points. The procedure for obtaining quantified geometrical information can be conclude as that stereomicroscope image of bionic object animal organ was prepared, the image to reduce noise interference was processed, the outer edge contour points was detected, and the points x and y coordinates data to computer database was stored. The foreleg of dung beetle Copris ochus Motschulsky, which is with special tooth-like structure for burrowing, the height of the end tooth is only around 1 mm and the width is about 0.5 mm, supported by this method, the outer edge profile of the foreleg end tooth was extracted from stereomicroscopy image with 669 × 727 pixels, about 1500 outer edge contour points was obtained, points x and y coordinates data were inputted to computer database for further analysis. This method is efficient, accurate and easy to adapt to quantitatively analysis of geometrical characteristic features of other animal organs in meso-scale.
Model and Fabrication of Biomimetic Integrated Porous Core Laminated Composite
Authors: Fan Jian Mei
Published: November 2013

This paper deals with imitating a novel type of biomimetic integrated composite with porous core layer from the beetle elytra microstructures. Firstly,the microstructures of the elytron of Anoplophora Glabripennis, Anomala Corpulenta Motschulsky, Prosopocoilus Inclinatus and Melolonthidae were examined with SEM. Inspired by these structure characteristics, a biomimetic composite model was proposed, in which the two face layers were interconnected with a porous core layer, and there are continuous fibers embedded into these three layers to enhance mechanical performance of the laminated composite. Then a specimen of this laminated composite with porous core layer was made. The procedures include: weaving a piece of two layers space fabric by glass fibers as the preform of the composite,filling the mixed resin which contained 50% granular paraffin wax and 50% epoxy resin into the space of the fabric, putting it into a flat mold, keeping 36 hours, and finally heating the composite to remove the paraffin wax to form the porous core layer. The experiment showed that the model of integrated porous core laminated composite inspired by the beetle elytra structure is reasonable and this novel type of lightweight composite material was manufacturable.
Simulation Platform for Fishlike Swimming
Authors: Zhou Han , Hu Tian Jiang , Wang Guang Ming , Zhang Dai Bing , Lv Yun Xiao
Published: November 2013

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technique is considered as an effective approach for analysis of fishlike swimming, which quantitatively visualizes interaction between fishes and their fluid environment. This paper proposed and developed a simulation environment for understanding fish locomotion and hydrodynamic effects during the self-propulsion in a flow field. Approximate kinetic model or/and shape description based camera observation are recommended to specify active deformation of the body. Burst-Coast swimming is analyzed as an illustration of the simulation platform.
Design and Experiments of a Bionic Hook-Shape Subsoiler
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Yu Lu Lu , Jia Hong Lei , Liu Xian Jun , Zhang Li
Published: November 2013

Based on study of morphology of animal claws and subsoiling characteristics of subsoiler, a bionic hook-shape subsoiler is designed to decrease its operating resistance and to improve the terrain surface morphology. Design concepts and the structure scheme of the subsoiler are presented. The influences of tillage depth and operating speed on the operating resistance of bionic hook-shape subsoiler are examined in soil bin experimental tests by compared with a standard arc-shape subsoiler regulated by national standard (JB/T 9788-1999). It is proved by experiment results that the bionic hook-shape subsoiler when the operating speed range is 4-5km / h, compared with the standard arc-shape subsoiler, showed much lower operating resistance and power requirement against soil. The resistance-decrease index of the bionic hook-shape subsoiler is 24.1%, 24.4% and 26.5% at 300, 350 and 400mm cutting depth, respectively.
Design and Realization of an Early Pre-Impact Fall Alarm System Based on MEMS Inertial Sensing Units
Authors: Li Hui Qi , Liang Ding , Ning Yun Kun , Zhang Qi , Zhao Guo Ru
Published: November 2013

Falls are the second leading cause of unintentional injury deaths worldwide, so how to prevent falls has become a safety and security problem for elderly people. At present, because the sensing modules of most fall alarm devices generally only integrate the single 3-axis accelerometer, so the measured accuracy of sensing signals is limited. It results in that these devices can only achieve the alarm of post-fall detection but not the early pre-impact fall recognition in real fall applications. Therefore, this paper aimed to develop an early pre-impact fall alarm system based on high-precision inertial sensing units. A multi-modality sensing module embedded fall detection algorithm was developed for early pre-impact fall detection. The module included a 3-axis accelerometer, a 3-axis gyroscope and a 3-axis magnetometer, which could arouse the information of early pre-impact fall warning by a buzzer and a vibrator. Total 81 times fall experiments from 9 healthy subjects were conducted in simulated fall conditions. By combination of the early warning threshold algorithm, the result shows that the detection sensitivity can achieve 98.61% with a specificity of 98.61%, and the average pre-impact lead time is 300ms. In the future, GPS, GSM electronic modules and wearable protected airbag will be embedded in the system, which will enhance the real-time fall protection and timely immediate aid immensely for the elderly people.