bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Common Mode Feedback Circuits for Low Voltage Fully-Differential Amplifiers
Authors: Rekha S. , Laxminidhi T.
Published: May 2016

Continuous time common mode feedback (CMFB) circuits for low voltage, low power applications are proposed. Four circuits are proposed for gate/bulk-driven pseudo-differential transconductors operating on sub-1-V power supply. The circuits are validated for a bulk-driven pseudo-differential transconductor operating on 0.5[Formula: see text]V in 0.18[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m standard CMOS technology. Simulation results reveal that the proposed CMFB circuits offer power efficient solution for setting the output common mode of the transconductors. They also load the transconductor capacitively offering capacitance of about 1[Formula: see text]fF to tens of femto farads.
“Counterfactual” quantum protocols
Authors: Vaidman L.
Published: May 2016

The counterfactuality of recently proposed protocols is analyzed. A definition of “counterfactuality” is offered and it is argued that an interaction-free measurement (IFM) of the presence of an opaque object can be named “counterfactual”, while proposed “counterfactual” measurements of the absence of such objects are not counterfactual. The quantum key distribution protocols which rely only on measurements of the presence of the object are counterfactual, but quantum direct communication protocols are not. Therefore, the name “counterfactual” is not appropriate for recent “counterfactual” protocols which transfer quantum states by quantum direct communication.
EFFECTS OF CHALLENGE METHODS AND FEEDING ADDITIVES ON ANTIBODY PRODUCTION AND GROWTH INHIBITION OF THE SERUM AGAINSTSALMONELLAENTERITIDIS,S. GALLINARUM ANDS. PULLORUM IN CHICKEN
Authors: Chen Kuo-Lung , Lin Jiang-Liang , Yu Chang-You , Su Yao-Chi , Wu Chean-Ping , Chu Chishih
Published: May 2016

Salmonellosis in humans occurs by consumption of contaminated poultry and their products. To prevent the Salmonella infection in poultry, we investigated the maturity of peritoneal macrophages of chicks, the effect of feeding additives on the IgM and IgG levels and growth inhibition of Salmonella and egg contamination among four inoculation methods. The maximal yield of peritoneal macrophages was in 30- to 33-day-old chicks and intracellular Escherichia coli were eradicated in the macrophages of chicks aged [Formula: see text]29-days old. Fungal [Formula: see text]-glucan sources and serovars affected the IgM and IgG levels. Complement activity affected IgM measurement and the highest antibody levels were observed against S. Enteritidis compared with [Formula: see text] Pullorum/Gallinarum. Furthermore, [Formula: see text]-glucans of Schizophyllum commune and Ganodermaincreased the IgM level against three serovars, while [Formula: see text]-glucans of Ganoderma, Taiwanofungus camphoratus, and Botryosphaeria rhodina increased the IgG level against [Formula: see text] Enteritidis and S. Pullorum. In the growth inhibition, [Formula: see text]-glucans from S. commune and T. camphoratus increased the inhibition against S. Gallinarum. Supplementation with [Formula: see text]-glucan from S. commune in combination with antibiotics and/or herbal medicine or [Formula: see text]-glucan from B. rhodina inhibited the growth of S. Pullorum. Feeding with [Formula: see text]-glucans from S. commune and Cordyceps inhibited the growth of S. Enteritidis. Among cloacal, oral, intraperitoneal (IP) and intravenous (IV) inoculations, IP inoculation stimulated the maximum antibody level, while S. Enteritidis could not be eradicated from the eggs with the highest antibody level. In conclusion, additives with [Formula: see text]-glucan can be used to enhance the immune responses of young and mature chicken against Salmonella infection.
Design and Analysis of Incentive and Reputation Mechanisms for Online Crowdsourcing Systems
Authors: Xie Hong , Lui John C. S. , Towsley Don
Published: May 2016

Today, online crowdsourcing services like Amazon Mechanical Turk, UpWork, and Yahoo! Answers are gaining in popularity. For such online services, it is important to attract “workers” to provide high-quality solutions to the “tasks” outsourced by “requesters.” The challenge is that workers have different skill sets and can provide different amounts of effort. In this article, we design a class of incentive and reputation mechanisms to solicit high-quality solutions from workers. Our incentive mechanism allows multiple workers to solve a task, splits the reward among workers based on requester evaluations of the solution quality, and guarantees that high-skilled workers provide high-quality solutions. However, our incentive mechanism suffers the potential risk that a requester will eventually collects low-quality solutions due to fundamental limitations in task assigning accuracy. Our reputation mechanism ensures that low-skilled workers do not provide low-quality solutions by tracking workers’ historical contributions and penalizing those workers having poor reputations. We show that by coupling our reputation mechanism with our incentive mechanism, a requester can collect at least one high-quality solution. We present an optimization framework to select parameters for our reputation mechanism. We show that there is a trade-off between system efficiency (i.e., the number of tasks that can be solved for a given reward) and revenue (i.e., the amount of transaction fees), and we present the optimal trade-off curve between system efficiency and revenue. We demonstrate the applicability and effectiveness of our mechanisms through experiments using a real-world dataset from UpWork. We infer model parameters from this data, use them to determine proper rewards, and select the parameters of our incentive and reputation mechanisms for UpWork. Experimental results show that our incentive and reputation mechanisms achieve 98.82% of the maximum system efficiency while only sacrificing 4% of revenue.
Seismic velocities of halite salt: Anisotropy, heterogeneity, dispersion, temperature, and pressure effects
Authors: Yan Fuyong , Han De-hua , Yao Qiuliang , Chen Xue-Lian
Published: May 2016

We have made various experimental investigations on rock-physics properties of the halite salt coming from a salt dome in the U.S. Gulf Coast Basin. The effect of crystal defects and intercrystal cracks on the P-wave velocity of the halite salt sample can be mitigated after high-pressure annealing. The temperature effect on seismic velocities of halite salt is dominant relative to the stress effect. Azimuthal anisotropy is not observed on the halite salt samples. We have observed that the velocity variations in different directions were mostly caused by the crystal-scale heterogeneity. For the salt structures primarily made of creep-deformed halite, the effect of seismic velocity anisotropy might be negligible for seismic exploration. No significant dispersion of seismic velocities was observed from the low-frequency measurement. Our measurements supply basic information for seismic velocity model building that may help to improve seismic imaging of salt structures.
Acoustic wavefield imaging using the energy norm
Authors: Rocha Daniel , Tanushev Nicolay , Sava Paul
Published: May 2016

Wavefield energy can be measured by the so-called energy norm. We have extended the concept of “norm” to obtain the energy inner product between two related wavefields. Considering an imaging condition as an inner product between the source and receiver wavefields at each spatial location, we have developed a new imaging condition that represents the total reflection energy. Investigating this imaging condition further, we have found that it accounts for wavefield directionality in space time. Based on the directionality discrimination provided by this imaging condition, we have applied it to attenuate backscattering artifacts in reverse time migration (RTM). This imaging condition can be designed not only to attenuate backscattering artifacts, but also to attenuate any selected reflection angle. By exploiting the flexibility of this imaging condition for attenuating certain angles, we have developed a procedure to preserve the type of events that propagate along the same path, i.e., backscattered, diving, and head waves, leading to a suitable application for full-waveform- inversion (FWI). This application involves filtering the FWI gradient to preserve the tomographic term (waves propagating in the same path) and attenuate the migration term (reflections) of the gradient. We have developed the energy imaging condition applications for RTM and FWI using numerical experiments in simple (horizontal reflector) and complex models (Sigsbee and Marmousi).
Radial basis function neural networks: a topical state-of-the-art
survey
Authors: Dash Ch. Sanjeev Kumar , Behera Ajit Kumar , Dehuri Satchidananda , Cho Sung-Bae
Published: May 2016

Radial basis function networks (RBFNs) have
gained widespread appeal amongst researchers and have
shown good performance in a variety of application domains.
They have potential for hybridization and demonstrate
some interesting emergent behaviors. This paper
aims to offer a compendious and sensible survey on RBF
networks. The advantages they offer, such as fast training
and global approximation capability with local responses,
are attracting many researchers to use them in diversified
fields. The overall algorithmic development of RBF networks
by giving special focus on their learning methods,
novel kernels, and fine tuning of kernel parameters have
been discussed. In addition, we have considered the recent
research work on optimization of multi-criterions in
RBF networks and a range of indicative application areas
along with some open source RBFN tools.
Milling strategies evaluation when simulating the
forming dies’ functional surfaces production
Authors: Ižol Peter , Tomáš Miroslav , Beňo Jozef
Published: May 2016

The paper deals with selection and evaluation
of milling strategies, available in CAM systems and applicable
when complicated shape parts are produced, such
as forming dies. A method to obtain samples is proposed
and this stems from real forming die surface machined by
proper strategies. The strategy applicability for the whole
part – forming die – is reviewed by the particular specimen
evaluation. The presented methodology has been verified
by machining model die and comparing it to the production
procedure proposed in other CAM systems.
Calibrator device for the extrusion of cable
coatings
Authors: Garbacz Tomasz , Dulebová Ľudmila , Spišák Emil , Dulebová Martina
Published: May 2016

This paper presents selected results of theoretical
and experimental research works on a new calibration
device (calibrators) used to produce coatings of electric
cables. The aim of this study is to present design solution
calibration equipment and present a new calibration
machine, which is an important element of the modernized
technology extrusion lines for coating cables. As a result
of the extrusion process of PVC modified with blowing
agents, an extrudate in the form of an electrical cable
was obtained. The conditions of the extrusion process
were properly selected, which made it possible to obtain a
product with solid external surface and cellular core.
Spectral Quasi-linearization Method for
Homogeneous-Heterogeneous Reactions on
Nonlinear Convection Flow of Micropolar Fluid
Saturated Porous Medium with Convective
Boundary Condition
Authors: RamReddy Chetteti , Pradeepa Teegala
Published: May 2016

Based on the nonlinear variation of density with
temperature (NDT) in the buoyancy term, the mixed convection
flow along a vertical plate of a micropolar fluid saturated
porous medium is considered. In addition, the effect
of homogeneous-heterogeneous reaction and convective
boundary condition has been taken into account. Using
lie scaling group transformations, the similarity representation
is attained for the system of partial differential
equations, prior to being solved by a spectral quasilinearization
method. The results show that in the presence
of aiding and opposing flow situations, both the
species concentration and mass transfer rate decreases
when the strength of homogeneous and heterogeneous reaction
parameters are enhanced.
Historical metallurgical activities and environment pollution at the substratum level of the Main Market Square in Krakow
Authors: Wardas-Lasoń Marta , Garbacz-Klempka Aldona
Published: May 2016

The main purpose of the interdisciplinary research described in the present paper is to determine the characteristics of ground environment changes in the Main Market Square area, and to compare these with analyses of metal artefacts. The elemental composition of metal artefacts and the degree of contamination of archaeological layers make it possible to consider both as specific indicators, including being geoindicators that are helpful in establishing the chronology of layers. Metal-artefact samples come from archaeological layers originating from different parts of the Great Weigh House. Layers were sampled, both in this region and also in a neighbouring area at the entrance to Bracka Street — trench A. They were collected from an area of archaeological excavations, which were carried out in the years 2005–2010, reaching down to a depth of 4 meters. All artefacts come primarily from cultural layers and structures - probably linked to workshops in the early medieval settlement which functioned in the area of the Main Market Square in the 12th and early 13th century. However, archaeological analysis of historical material allowed us to more precisely date metal arte-facts to the turn of the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, which was confirmed by analysis of the radiocarbon age of a sample from Room R of the Great Scales, from layer 109. Average concentrations (mg/kg) of Pb of 128454 and Cu of 108610 were determined in this sample to the AAS, which significantly exceeded of the most concentration values characteristic of the layers from the Great Weigh House.
Book review
Authors: Dave Crook
Published: May 2016

ICOLD Bulletin 141: Concrete Face Rockfill Dams – Concepts for Design and Construction
“An Echo in their Hearts”: The Church in Our Modern World
Authors: Heyer Kristin E.
Published: May 2016

Given the theological anthropology and ecclesiological charge of Gaudium et spes, living out its call demands Christians appreciate that “Nothing that is genuinely human fails to find an echo in our hearts,” indeed sometimes a thorn in our hearts. This essay outlines some of the key themes and legacies of Gaudium et spes in light of this focus and then returns to several elements of its “echo” in areas of dialogue, conscience, and resonance for the church today.
From the Site of the Empty Tomb: Approaching the Hidden Grief of Prenatal Loss
Authors: Reynolds Susan Bigelow
Published: May 2016

Despite the prevalence of pregnancy loss, theologians and pastoral ministers have continually neglected the experience. In this paper, I suggest that a deep lacuna exists in theological reflection and pastoral practice with respect to the widespread but silenced experience of miscarriage and stillbirth. While Catholic magisterial teaching is outspoken in its opposition to abortion and embryo destruction, the sparse and improvisational nature of theological, pastoral, and liturgical responses to women who experience the loss of a child in the womb calls into question the depth and breadth of its commitment to the conviction that unborn life is sacred and worthy of being mourned. I begin by briefly mapping the contours of the treatment of pregnancy and motherhood in feminist theology, arguing that theological neglect of pregnancy loss impoverishes feminist discourse and pastoral practice. I then identify three areas of social and theological contestation that have contributed to this neglect. Finally, I place personal and pastoral experience in conversation with Elisabeth Schüssler Fiorenza's retrieval of the Mary Magdalene/empty tomb tradition in John’s gospel (Jn 20:1-18), arguing that it provides a promising hermeneutical lens through which to begin to approach theologically and pastorally women’s experiences of death before birth.
No fim, o bibliotecário morre
Authors: Amaro Regina Keiko Obata F.
Published: May 2016

Apresenta organização e classificação dos sistemas de informação e cultura revistas a partir de O Nome da rosa, livro e filme. Destaca a representação como abordagem conceitual. Amplia a noção de linguagem estabelecida para o Sistema de Recuperação da Informação (SRI) e propõe a identificação de várias linguagens como constituintes dos sistemas de informação e cultura. Essas linguagens, tomadas como instrumentos conceituais e operacionais, são utilizadas para a análise da obra em questão. Palavras-chave Sistemas de informação e cultura; Sistema de Recuperação da Informação (SRI); Representação; Linguagem; O Nome da rosa Abstract Organization and classification of the information and culture systems reviewed starting from The Name of the rose, book and film. Representation is the conceptual approach. The language notion used on Information Retrieval Systems (IRS) is broadened. Proposes the identification of several languages as constituents of the information and culture systems. These languages, taken as conceptual and operational tools, are used for the analysis. Key words Information and culture systems; Information Retrieval Systems (IRS); Representing; Language; The Name of the rose
Yield Stability of Yellow Maize Hybrids in the Savannas of West Africa
Authors: Meseka Silvestro , Menkir Abebe , Olakojo Samuel , Jalloh Alpha , Coulibaly Ntji , Bossey Olubunmi
Published: May 2016

There is growing interest for yellow maize among farmers and the food and feed industries in West Africa. Testing of maize hybrids in multi‐location trials is crucial for identifying adapted high‐yielding candidates for quick release. This study was designed to evaluate yield stability of three‐way cross yellow maize hybrids across 17 diverse environments in the savannas of West Africa. Highly significant differences (P < 0.001) were observed among hybrids across locations. The interaction between genotypes and environments was significant for grain yield and most other agronomic traits, with high repeatability (0.68) for grain yield across the test environments. The hybrid A1001‐19 was found to be the highest yielding, with yield advantage of 10% over the commercial hybrid Oba Super 2. The genotype, genotype by environment biplot identified hybrid A1001‐7 as the most stable hybrid with above‐average grain yield, followed by A1001‐10. However, A1001‐19 was relatively stable and was the best hybrid in 12 of the 17 environments across Mali, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone. Kudu and Zaria 2013 were the most discriminating locations for the hybrids. The stable yield performance of A1001‐7 and A1001‐10, and to a larger extent A1001‐19, would benefit farmers and seed producers with limited capacity to handle single‐cross hybrids. Hybrid A1001‐10 was released by partners, and hybrids A1001‐7 and A1001‐19 have been evaluated in national performance and on‐farm trials for potential release. This would provide more food for resource‐poor farmers and raw materials for food and feed industries and would result in increased household incomes of smallholder farmers in West Africa.

Core Ideas

There is growing interest for yellow maize among farmers, food, and feed industries.

Testing maize hybrids in several locations is crucial for identifying best candidates.

Highly significant differences were observed among the hybrids across 17 locations.

Three hybrids were relatively stable across locations compared with a commercial hybrid.

These will benefit producers with limited capacity to handle single‐cross hybrids.
Aerosol Optical Properties Based on Ground and Satellite Retrievals during a Serious Haze Episode in December 2015 over Beijing
Authors: Gui Ke , Che Huizheng , Chen Quanliang , An Linchang , Zeng Zhaoliang , Guo Zengyuan , Zheng Yu , Wang Hong , Wang Yaqiang , Yu Jie , Zhang Xiaoye
Published: May 2016

An extreme haze event occurred in the Beijing area from 17 to 23 December 2015. Ground-based measurements and satellite observations during this event were used to further our understanding of the formation process of haze pollution and aerosol optical properties. The results suggest that high relative humidity, poor diffusion conditions (low wind speed and stable stratification) and favorable secondary transformation conditions under the hygroscopic growth of aerosol and high emissions led to this serious haze episode. During the haze period, the daily average value was 1.15 and 0.42 for aerosol optical depth (AOD500nm) and columnar water-vapor (CWV, in cm), respectively. On 19 December, the correlation coefficient between CWV and AOD500nm was 0.91, indicating the effect of hygroscopic growth of fine-mode articles. The daily average values for Ångström exponent, fine-mode fraction, aerosol absorption optical depth, and Ångström absorption exponent were 1.19, 0.81, 0.11 and 1.47, respectively, which suggests that fine aerosol particles were dominant in the atmosphere and fine-mode particles were the dominant contributor to atmospheric extinction during the haze period. Moreover, it also reflects that there were more absorbing aerosol particles during the haze period. Compared with other polluted periods with a bimodal distribution, there was an obvious trimodal distribution on 19 December. There were three peaks at radii of about 0.1 μm, 0.5–0.8 μm and 4 μm. Satellite observations show that there was an obvious aerosol layer in the Beijing area during the haze period, concentrated at ground level to within 2 km in the upper layers. The types of aerosol were mainly composed of mixed pollution aerosols.
A Two-Stage Maximum Entropy Prior of Location Parameter with a Stochastic Multivariate Interval Constraint and Its Properties
Authors: Kim Hea-Jung
Published: May 2016

This paper proposes a two-stage maximum entropy prior to elicit uncertainty regarding a multivariate interval constraint of the location parameter of a scale mixture of normal model. Using Shannon’s entropy, this study demonstrates how the prior, obtained by using two stages of a prior hierarchy, appropriately accounts for the information regarding the stochastic constraint and suggests an objective measure of the degree of belief in the stochastic constraint. The study also verifies that the proposed prior plays the role of bridging the gap between the canonical maximum entropy prior of the parameter with no interval constraint and that with a certain multivariate interval constraint. It is shown that the two-stage maximum entropy prior belongs to the family of rectangle screened normal distributions that is conjugate for samples from a normal distribution. Some properties of the prior density, useful for developing a Bayesian inference of the parameter with the stochastic constraint, are provided. We also propose a hierarchical constrained scale mixture of normal model (HCSMN), which uses the prior density to estimate the constrained location parameter of a scale mixture of normal model and demonstrates the scope of its applicability.
Soybean-Enriched Snacks Based on African Rice
Authors: Marengo Mauro , Akoto Hannah , Zanoletti Miriam , Carpen Aristodemo , Buratti Simona , Benedetti Simona , Barbiroli Alberto , Johnson Paa-Nii , Sakyi-Dawson Esther , Saalia Firibu , Bonomi Francesco , Pagani Maria , Manful John , Iametti Stefania
Published: May 2016

Snacks were produced by extruding blends of partially-defatted soybean flour with flours from milled or parboiled African-grown rice. The interplay between composition and processing in producing snacks with a satisfactory sensory profile was addressed by e-sensing, and by molecular and rheological approaches. Soybean proteins play a main role in defining the properties of the protein network in the products. At the same content in soybean flour, use of parboiled rice flour increases the snack’s hardness. Electronic nose and electronic tongue discriminated samples containing a higher amount of soybean flour from those with a lower soybean flour content.
Titanium Carbide Nanofibers-Reinforced Aluminum Compacts, a New Strategy to Enhance Mechanical Properties
Authors: Khalil Khalil , Sherif El-Sayed , Nabawy A. , Abdo Hany , Marzouk Wagih , Alharbi Hamad
Published: May 2016

TiC nanofibers reinforced Al matrix composites were produced by High Frequency Induction Heat Sintering (HFIHS).The titanium carbide nanofibers with an average diameter of 90 nm are first prepared by electrospinning technique and high temperature calcination process. A composite solution containing polyacrylonitrile and titanium isopropoxide is first electrospun into the nanofibers, which are subsequently stabilized and then calcined to produce the desired TiC nanofibers. The X-ray diffraction pattern and transmission electron microscopy results show that the main phase of the as-synthesized nanofibers is titanium carbide. The TiC nanofibers is then mixed with the aluminum powders and introduced into high frequency induction heat sintering (HFIHS) to produce composites of TiC nanofibers reinforced aluminum matrix. The potential application of the TiC nanofibers reinforced aluminum matrix composites was systematically investigated. 99.5% relative density and around 85 HV (833 MPa) Vickers hardness of the Al reinforced with 5 wt % TiC nanofiber has been obtained. Furthermore, the sample of Al contains 5 wt % TiC, has the highest value of compression and yield strength of about 415 and 350 MPa, respectively. The ductility of the Al/5 wt % TiC showed increasing with increasing the TiC contents.
Correction: Xiang, S., et al. Schisandrin B Induces Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Arrest of Gallbladder Cancer Cells. Molecules 2014, 19, 13235–13250
Authors: Xiang Shan-Shan , Wang Xu-An , Li Huai-Feng , Shu Yi-Jun , Bao Run-Fa , Zhang Fei , Cao Yang , Ye Yuan-Yuan , Weng Hao , Wu Wen-Guang , Mu Jia-Sheng , Wu Xiang-Song , Li Mao-Lan , Hu Yun-Ping , Jiang Lin , Tan Zhu-Jun , Lu Wei , Liu Feng , Liu Ying-Bin
Published: May 2016

We would like to change the Affiliation addresses on Page 13235 of paper [1], [...]
Liver Status Assessment by Spectrally and Time Resolved IR Detection of Drug Induced Breath Gas Changes
Authors: Rubin Tom , Von Haimberger Theodore , Helmke Alexander , Lock Johan , Stockmann Martin , Heyne Karsten
Published: May 2016

The actual metabolic capacity of the liver is crucial for disease identification, liver therapy, and liver tumor resection. By combining induced drug metabolism and high sensitivity IR spectroscopy of exhaled air, we provide a method for quantitative liver assessment at bedside within 20 to 60 min. Fast administration of 13C-labelled methacetin induces a fast response of liver metabolism and is tracked in real-time by the increase of 13CO2 in exhaled air. The 13CO2 concentration increase in exhaled air allows the determination of the metabolic liver capacity (LiMAx-test). Fluctuations in CO2 concentration, pressure and temperature are minimized by special gas handling, and tracking of several spectrally resolved CO2 absorption bands with a quantum cascade laser. Absorption measurement of different 12CO2 and 13CO2 rotation-vibration transitions in the same time window allows for multiple referencing and reduction of systematic errors. This FLIP (Fast liver investigation package) setup is being successfully used to plan operations and determine the liver status of patients.
Pressing Metal, Pressing Politics: Papal Annual Medals, 1605–1700
Authors: Averett Matthew
Published: May 2016

This article surveys images depicted on the reverses of papal annual medals in the seventeenth century, beginning in 1605 under Paul V (r. 1605–21) with the first confirmed annual medal, and ending in 1700 at the conclusion of the papacy of Innocent XII (r. 1691–1700), a reign that marked a distinct change in papal politics in advance of the eighteenth century. The article mines a wealth of numismatics images and places it within a narrative of seventeenth-century papal politics. In the ninety-six years under consideration, ten popes issued ninety-four annual medals (sede vacante produced generic annual medals in 1667 and 1691). Annual medals are a unique iteration of papal commemorative medals and they celebrate an important papal achievement from the preceding year. The production of annual medals was an exercise in identity creation, undertaken to advance the image of the pope as an aristocratic prince in three specific roles: as builder, warrior, and impresario. The timeliness of the medals makes them valuable sources to gauge the perceived success of the papacy on an annual basis and to chart the political course plotted by popes through the seventeenth century.
Contextualising Water Use in Residential Settings: A Survey of Non-Intrusive Techniques and Approaches
Authors: Carboni Davide , Gluhak Alex , McCann Julie , Beach Thomas
Published: May 2016

Water monitoring in households is important to ensure the sustainability of fresh water reserves on our planet. It provides stakeholders with the statistics required to formulate optimal strategies in residential water management. However, this should not be prohibitive and appliance-level water monitoring cannot practically be achieved by deploying sensors on every faucet or water-consuming device of interest due to the higher hardware costs and complexity, not to mention the risk of accidental leakages that can derive from the extra plumbing needed. Machine learning and data mining techniques are promising techniques to analyse monitored data to obtain non-intrusive water usage disaggregation. This is because they can discern water usage from the aggregated data acquired from a single point of observation. This paper provides an overview of water usage disaggregation systems and related techniques adopted for water event classification. The state-of-the art of algorithms and testbeds used for fixture recognition are reviewed and a discussion on the prominent challenges and future research are also included.
The Contribution of the Type of Detergent to Domestic Laundry Graywater Composition and Its Effect on Treatment Performance
Authors: López Zavala Miguel , Espinoza Estrada Eunice
Published: May 2016

In this study, the contribution of liquid and powder detergents to the composition of domestic laundry graywater was evaluated. Dosages recommended by the manufacturers were used to prepare detergent solutions and generate laundry graywater. Solutions and graywater were characterized in terms of total solids (TS), total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total organic carbon (TOC), and concentration of Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonates (LAS’s). Additionally, the effect of the type of detergent on the treatment performance was also assessed. The coagulation–flocculation process was selected as a potential alternative for treating domestic laundry graywater. Treatment performance was assessed based on the removals of TS, TSS, TDS, turbidity, COD, and electrical conductivity (EC). Optimum coagulant dosages and mixing conditions for flocculation were determined. The results indicate a differential contribution of the type of detergent to the domestic laundry graywater composition. Liquid detergents contributed with more COD and TOC and fewer solids and LAS’s, in comparison with powder detergents. Soiled clothes increased the solids and organic loads of laundry graywater; furthermore, the laundry process reduced the LAS concentration of graywater by 77% for the liquid detergent and 47% for the powder detergent. On the other hand, the coagulation–flocculation process was more effective in treating powder detergent graywater even though the liquid detergent graywater was less polluted. Removal efficiencies on the order of 95% for turbidity and 75% for TSS were achieved for powder detergent graywater; meanwhile, for liquid detergent graywater, the removals were 73% for turbidity and 51% for TSS.
Knee Disarticulation for a Total Knee Arthroplasty Periprosthetic Fracture
Authors: Lee Larry V. , Esmende Sean M. , Born Christopher T.
Published: May 2016

Total knee arthroplasty, although a very successful surgery, can present the patient with several potential complications, including the risk for periprosthetic fractures. Complications involving periprosthetic fractures after total knee arthroplasty can present a complex clinical scenario for orthopedic surgeons. To date, adequate literature exists to guide surgeons in approaching most periprosthetic fractures; however, standard operating procedure can fall short when confronted with more complex clinical scenarios. The authors present an alternative approach, falling outside the traditional paradigm, to addressing a periprosthetic tibial fracture in the setting of a previous total knee arthroplasty. Given both the patient's physiological factors and the inherent factors of the fracture, the authors found that the first-line treatments for periprosthetic fracture, including open reduction and internal fixation and joint revision, were inadequate and posed more potential risks than benefits for the patient. In light of this situation, the authors elected to treat this patient's periprosthetic fracture with a through knee amputation, as this provided the patient with the lowest cost in morbidity while still addressing the fracture. [
Orthopedics.
2016; 39(4):e775–e778.]
Implementation of the World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa Stepwise Laboratory Quality Improvement Process Towards Accreditation
Authors: Ndihokubwayo Jean-Bosco , Maruta Talkmore , Ndlovu Nqobile , Moyo Sikhulile , Yahaya Ali Ahmed , Coulibaly Sheick Oumar , Kasolo Francis , Turgeon David , Abrol Angelii P.
Published: May 2016

Background: The increase in disease burden has continued to weigh upon health systems in Africa. The role of the laboratory has become increasingly critical in the improvement of health for diagnosis, management and treatment of diseases. In response, the World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa (WHO AFRO) and its partners created the WHO AFRO Stepwise Laboratory (Quality) Improvement Process Towards Accreditation (SLIPTA) program.SLIPTA implementation process: WHO AFRO defined a governance structure with roles and responsibilities for six main stakeholders. Laboratories were evaluated by auditors trained and certified by the African Society for Laboratory Medicine. Laboratory performance was measured using the WHO AFRO SLIPTA scoring checklist and recognition certificates rated with 1–5 stars were issued.Preliminary results: By March 2015, 27 of the 47 (57%) WHO AFRO member states had appointed a SLIPTA focal point and 14 Ministers of Health had endorsed SLIPTA as the desired programme for continuous quality improvement. Ninety-eight auditors from 17 African countries, competent in the Portuguese (3), French (12) and English (83) languages, were trained and certified. The mean score for the 159 laboratories audited between May 2013 and March 2015 was 69% (median 70%; SD 11.5; interquartile range 62–77). Of these audited laboratories, 70% achieved 55% compliance or higher (2 or more stars) and 1% scored at least 95% (5 stars). The lowest scoring sections of the WHO AFRO SLIPTA checklist were sections 6 (Internal Audit) and 10 (Corrective Action), which both had mean scores below 50%.Conclusion: The WHO AFRO SLIPTA is a process that countries with limited resources can adopt for effective implementation of quality management systems. Political commitment, ownership and investment in continuous quality improvement are integral components of the process.
An 11-digit identification system for individual Nile crocodiles using natural markings
Authors: Bouwman Hindrik , Cronje Enrico
Published: May 2016

Research and conservation of wild crocodiles and husbandry of captive crocodiles requires the reliable identification of individuals. We present a method using the individual colour markings on the first 10 single-crest scutes on the tails of Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus). The scutes are scored by number for colour, with a prefix for left or right providing a binary 11-digit identification number (identification numbers [IDs]; e.g. 12232232242 and 22333233232) per crocodile. A survey of 359 captive Nile crocodiles showed no duplication. However, 42% had asymmetrical scute markings requiring a binary approach. There does not seem to be a change in patterns with age, except that the number of missing scutes increased. A small trial showed that this method can be applied in the field, although more work is needed to determine observer bias and establish parameters for observability in the field. It is unlikely that both left and right IDs would be obtainable for each individual, but other distinctive markings such as scute shape and damage can be used to register the two IDs to one individual. Having two independent IDs for each crocodile provides the possibility of two independent population estimates for equal effort without having to link left and right IDs to individuals. Our proposed method would be useful in conservation, individual tracking and husbandry.Conservation implications: A non-invasive marking and recapture method for Nile crocodile is presented whereby the first 10 single-crest scutes are scored for colour, allowing conservation practitioners to count and monitor crocodile populations and individuals. This method provides two equal-effort estimations of population size, as left and right hand sides are scored independently.Keywords: Crocodylus niloticus; identification; mark - recapture; mark - resight
Dementia in a tribal landlocked elderly population at high altitude: What explains the lower
prevalence?
Authors: Raina Sunil Kumar , Chander Vishav , Bhardwaj Amit
Published: May 2016

Introduction: Studies across the populations have suggested that dementia is differentially distributed with a lower prevalence in developing regions than the developed ones. A comparison in the prevalence of dementia across populations may provide an insight into its risk factors. Earlier, we reported on the prevalence of dementia in elderly population in migrant, urban, rural, and tribal populations. The present study was conducted with a view to estimating the prevalence of dementia in Tribal Landlocked Elderly Population at high altitude and therefore to draw some conclusions on the differential distribution of dementia across populations. Methods: A cross-sectional comprehensive two-phase survey of all residents aged 60 years and older was conducted. Phase 1 involved screening of all individuals aged 60 and above with the help of a cognitive screen specifically developed for the tribal population. Phase 2 involved clinical examination of individuals who were suspected of dementia as per the developed cognitive screening test. Results: The results revealed that six individuals out of a total of 481 studied above 60 years of age in the studied population scored between 17 and 23, thus qualifying as suffering from mild cognitive impairment. Importantly, none of the individuals above 60 years of age scored <17. Discussion: The current study is in conformity with our previous study conducted on urban, rural, and migrant areas of the state of Himachal Pradesh again emphasizing on dementia being rare in tribal populations and thereby pointing to the presence of some protective factors among tribal people.
Malnutrition as a cause of mental retardation: A population-based study from Sub-Himalayan India
Authors: Raina Sunil Kumar , Sharma Shailja , Bhardwaj Ashok , Singh Mitasha , Chaudhary Sanjeev , Kashyap Vipasha
Published: May 2016

Background: Mental retardation is one of the most common disabilities of childhood. The research on childhood malnutrition and its relationship with cognitive functioning suggests that malnutrition alone does not cause mental retardation. Objective: To identify the relation between malnutrition and cognition among children from a Sub-Himalayan state in North India. Materials and Methods: A two-phase cross-sectional study was conducted in the rural, urban, and slum area of district Kangra. A 30-cluster sampling technique was used to screen a population of children 1–10 years of age from five randomly selected panchayats (village government units) of district Kangra. The screening was based on a modified version of the ten questions screen, adapted to the local population. In the first phase, a door-to-door survey was done to identify suspects of mental retardation. In the second phase, the children found positive in the first phase were called for clinical examination to confirm mental retardation. Anthropometric assessment of all study children was done by measuring weight and height. The nutritional assessment was done by categorizing them according to Waterlow classification for malnutrition. Results: Out of the total 5300 children, 1.7% were diagnosed as mentally retarded. No positive association was reported with different types of malnutrition and mental retardation. A weakly positive association existed between nutritional status and mental retardation (correlation coefficient-0.04). Children who were both wasted and stunted had the highest risk (odds ratio, 95% confidence interval - 5.57, 2.29–10.36) of mental retardation as compared to normal. Conclusion: Malnutrition may be one of the causes but certainly not the only cause of mental retardation. Other causes may be contributing more significantly toward it.
Assessment of intracranial metastases from neuroendocrine tumors/carcinoma
Authors: Shalaby Ahmad M. Ragab , Kazuei Hoshi , Koichi Honma , Naguib Saeed , Al-Menawei Lubna A.
Published: May 2016

Background: The most common sites of origin for neuroendocrine carcinoma are gastrointestinal tract and its accessory glands, and lungs. Materials and Methods: One.hundred fifty cases diagnosed with metastatic brain lesions were retrieved from hospital records within 5 years. For these cases, the primary neoplasm, histopathological classification, metastasis, treatment, and fate all were studied. Results: Intracranial deposits were detected in 10%. The primary lesion was in the lungs in 87% of patients, and 1 patient in the breast and 1 in esophagus. Pathological classification of the primary lesion was Grade 2 (MIB.1: 3.20%) in 1 patient and neuroendocrine carcinoma (MIB.1: .21%) in 14 patients. The median period from onset of the primary lesion up to diagnosis of brain metastasis was 12.8 months. About 33% of patients had a single metastasis whereas 67% patients had multiple metastases. Brain metastasis was extirpated in 33% of patients. Stereotactic radiotherapy alone was administered in 20% of patients, and brain metastasis was favorably controlled in most of the patients with coadministration of cranial irradiation as appropriate. The median survival period from diagnosis of brain metastasis was 8.1 months. Conclusion: Most of patients with brain metastasis from neuroendocrine carcinoma showed the primary lesion in the lungs, and they had multiple metastases to the liver, lymph nodes, bones, and so forth at the time of diagnosis of brain metastasis. Theguidelines for accurate diagnosis and treatment of neuroendocrine carcinoma should be immediately established based on further analyses of those patients with brain metastasis
Palaeoclimatic oscillations in the Pliensbachian (Early Jurassic) of the Asturian Basin (Northern Spain)
Authors: Gómez Juan J. , Comas-Rengifo María J. , Goy Antonio
Published: May 2016

Abstract. One of the main controversial themes in palaeoclimatology involves elucidating whether climate during the Jurassic was warmer than the present day and if it was the same over Pangaea, with no major latitudinal gradients. There has been an abundance of evidence of oscillations in seawater temperature throughout the Jurassic. The Pliensbachian (Early Jurassic) constitutes a distinctive time interval for which several seawater temperature oscillations, including an exceptional cooling event, have been documented. To constrain the timing and magnitude of these climate changes, the Rodiles section of the Asturian Basin (Northern Spain), a well exposed succession of the uppermost Sinemurian, Pliensbachian and Lower Toarcian deposits, has been studied. A total of 562 beds were measured and sampled for ammonites, for biochronostratigraphical purposes, and for belemnites, to determine the palaeoclimatic evolution through stable isotope studies. Comparison of the recorded latest Sinemurian, Pliensbachian and Early Toarcian changes in seawater palaeotemperature with other European sections allows characterization of several climatic changes that are likely of a global extent. A warming interval partly coinciding with a δ13Cbel negative excursion was recorded at the Late Sinemurian. After a “normal” temperature interval, with temperatures close to average values of the Late Sinemurian–Early Toarcian period, a new warming interval containing a short-lived positive δ13Cbel peak, developed during the Early–Late Pliensbachian transition. The Late Pliensbachian represents an outstanding cooling interval containing a δ13Cbel positive excursion interrupted by a small negative δ13Cbel peak. Finally, the Early Toarcian represented an exceptional warming period, which has been pointed out as being responsible for the prominent Early Toarcian mass extinction.
Practical considerations for enhanced-resolution coil-wrapped distributed temperature sensing
Authors: Hilgersom Koen , van Emmerik Tim , Solcerova Anna , Berghuijs Wouter , Selker John , van de Giesen Nick
Published: May 2016

Abstract. Fibre optic distributed temperature sensing (DTS) is widely applied in Earth sciences. Many applications require a spatial resolution higher than that provided by the DTS instrument. Measurements at these higher resolutions can be achieved with a fibre optic cable helically wrapped on a cylinder. The effect of the probe construction, such as its material, shape, and diameter, on the performance has been poorly understood. In this article, we study data sets obtained from a laboratory experiment using different cable and construction diameters, and three field experiments using different construction characteristics. This study shows that the construction material, shape, diameter, and cable attachment method can have a significant influence on DTS temperature measurements. We present a qualitative and quantitative approximation of errors introduced through the choice of auxiliary construction, influence of solar radiation, coil diameter, and cable attachment method. Our results provide insight into factors that influence DTS measurements, and we present a number of solutions to minimize these errors. These practical considerations allow designers of future DTS measurement set-ups to improve their environmental temperature measurements.
Life Skills Acquired in Relation to Teaching Methods Used Through Swimming Context
Authors: Bayyat Manal M. , Orabi Samira M. , Abu Altaieb Mohammad H.
Published: May 2016

This study aims: (1) to examine life skills acquired by students attending different levels of swimming courses. (2) To investigate the relation between teaching/learning methods used by swimming teachers and the level of life skills acquired. The population of this study were students who attended one of the three levels of the swimming courses in the Faculty of Physical Education /University of Jordan (n= 236). The sample of the study consisted of 142 students. Both “Life skills through swimming context scale” and “Teaching/ Learning methods in swimming context scale” were used to collect the required data. The data was analyzed using descriptive and statistical analysis. Results showed that the sample acquired the life skills through swimming context on a high level scale. Students believed that communication and self-confidence/self-esteem were the most important skills acquired (86%), followed by teamwork (85%), decision-making/responsibility (84%) and problem-solving (80%). There was a significant relation between life skills acquired and the teaching/ learning methodologies used including brainstorming, demonstration and guided practice, small groups, games and situation analysis. Therefore swimming context using the efficient participatory teaching methods proved to have a positive effect on life skills and youth development.