bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on Risk Assessment of Financial Market’s Venture Capital Project with Hesitant Fuzzy Uncertain Linguistic Information
Authors: Luo Dan-Cheng , Yang Ming-Han , Gao Li-Feng
Published: May 2017

In the venture capital investment activities, project evaluation is a more important step, which directly lead to the success or failure of venture capital activities. In China, the evaluation approaches of venture capital is not be created, in a degree, which is bad to the health development
of the venture capital industry in China. In this paper, motivated by the idea of traditional I-CG operator, we have proposed the induced hesitant fuzzy uncertain linguistic correlated geometric (IHFULCG) operator. Then, we have utilized the IHFULCG operator to develop some approaches to solve
the hesitant fuzzy uncertain linguistic multiple attribute decision making problems. Finally, a practical example for evaluating the risk of financial market’s venture capital project is given.
A Novel Joint for Image Encryption and Coding Using Piecewise Linear Chaotic Map
Authors: Wang Bin , Zhou Shihua , Zhou Changjun , Zheng Xuedong
Published: May 2017

Due to the features of chaotic maps, they are widely used into encrypting and coding information. Inspired by the tent map which is used to code and encrypt binary data, a novel joint for image encryption and coding based on piecewise linear chaotic map is proposed in this paper. We
divide piecewise linear chaotic map into 256 parts according to the property of gray level image. In order to enhance the security of image, the image is subsequently encrypted by the piecewise linear chaotic map in which the secret key of image encryption is determined by the initial of chaotic
map. This stage of image encryption possesses high key and plain-image sensitivities which results from the secret key related to plain-image. Finally, the encrypted image is coded by the piecewise linear chaotic map with a different initial value. The experimental results validate the effect
of the proposed system and demonstrate that the encrypted and coded image is secure for transmission.
A Combined Control Strategy for Fixed-Wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Authors: Ding Jicheng , Zou Kai , Zhang Junling
Published: May 2017

This study proposes a combined proportional–integral–derivative (PID) flight control strategy within a fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). This type of UAV has high speed and high maneuverability. Considering relatively simple implementation, low computational effort,
and intuitive operation, the classic PID controller is still popular but imperfect because of several well-known reasons. A number of practical and improved PID control methods, such as integral separation, anti-windup, and gearshift integral, are always used separately in many control fields.
In this study, the combined PID flight control strategy is designed and applied to promote the classic PID control performance, along with the aforementioned methods, to fixed-wing UAV. The proposed approach adopts different controls depending on the deviation outputs and UAV physical limitations.
The design flowchart and flight control loop are also presented. The combined PID flight control strategy can achieve a smaller overshoot and a shorter settling time than the conventional PID control. Comparable typical flight parameter tracking results (i.e., pitch, roll, altitude, and path
angle) from principle simulation, hardware-in-the-loop simulation, and real flight experiment validate the efficacy and practicability of the combined PID flight control strategy.
An Approach to Multiple Attribute Decision Making with Triangular Linguistic Information
Authors: Chen Rong-Fang
Published: May 2017

In this paper, we investigate the multiple attribute decision making problems with triangular linguistic information. Motivated by the ideal of Bonferroni mean, we develop the aggregation techniques called the triangular linguistic Bonferroni mean (TLBM) operator for aggregating the
triangular linguistic information. We study its properties and discuss its special cases. For the situations where the input arguments have different importance, we then define the triangular linguistic weighted Bonferroni mean (TLWBM) operator, based on which we develop the procedure for
multiple attribute decision making under the triangular linguistic environments. Finally, a practical example for evaluating the engineer project risk is given to verify the developed approach and to demonstrate its practicality and effectiveness.
Study on Evaluation of Technological SMEs’ Independent Innovation Capacity Based on the Interval Grey Uncertain Linguistic Variables
Authors: Shao Ji-Shu , Yu Zu-Wei , Zhang Biao
Published: May 2017

In this paper, we investigate the multiple attributes group decision making (MAGDM) problems in which attribute values take the form of interval grey uncertain linguistic variables. Firstly, we develop the interval grey uncertain linguistic variables weighted geometric (IGULWG) operator,
the interval grey uncertain linguistic variables ordered weighted geometric (IGULOWG) operator and the induced interval grey uncertain linguistic variables ordered weighted geometric (I-IGULOWG) operator and study some desirable properties of the I-IGULOWG operator. Furthermore, we apply the
I-IGULOWG operator and the IGULWG operator to the group decision making with interval grey uncertain linguistic information. Finally, an illustrative example for evaluating the technological SMEs’ independent innovation capacity with interval grey uncertain linguistic information is
given to verify the developed approach and to demonstrate its practicality and effectiveness.
Evaluation of the Key Physical Parameters of Compressive Strained Ge1-x Snx for Optoelectronic Devices
Authors: Yu-Chen Li
Published: May 2017

Both strain technology and alloying technology can change the band structures of Germanium semiconductor. This paper focus on evaluation of the key physical parameters, such as energy levels and effective mass, of germanium under strain and alloy conditions, on the basis of deformation
potential theory and kp perturbation theory. The results show that: (1), The bandgap transition in Ge1-xSnx alloy cannot occur under strain. So the transformation efficiency of the strained Ge1-xSnx/(001)Ge based
devices can not be improved; (2), The various hole effective masses of strained Ge1-xSnx/(001)Ge decrease with the increase of the stress, which benefits to the pMOS performance improvement. Our valid models can provide the valuable references to the design
of modified Ge semiconductor and optoelectronic devices.
Aspects of Entropy Squeezing and Entanglement for Moving Two-Level Atom in Presence of Finite Trio Coherent State
Authors: Ali S. I , Mosallem A. M , Emam T
Published: May 2017

In this paper, we investigate the entanglement of the interaction of three modes of radiation field with moving and unmoving two-level atom. The time evolution of the von Neumann entropy, entropy squeezing and marginal atomic Wehrl entropy is investigated. The marginal atomic Wehrl
entropy as squeezing indicator of the entanglement of the system is suggested. The results beacon the important roles played by both the atomic motion parameters in the evolution of entanglement, entropy squeezing and marginal atomic Wehrl entropy. Using special values of the photon number
of transition and atomic motion parameter, the entanglement phenomena of sudden death and long living entanglenment can be appeared. The results show that there is atomic motion monotonic harmonization atomic Wehrl entropy (WE). It is illustrated that the amount of the above-mentioned phenomena
can be tuned by controlling the evolved parameters appropriately.
Molecular Dynamics Study on Vibrational Properties of Graphene Nanoribbon Resonator
Authors: Tian Wenchao , Li Wenhua
Published: May 2017

The vibrational properties of nanoelectromechanical system (NMES) resonator based on the defect-free graphene nanoribbon are investigated via classic molecular dynamics simulations. The graphene nanoribbons show ultrahigh fundamental resonant frequencies which can reach 189.6 GHz. The
resonant frequencies increase non-monotonically with increasing externally applied force. When the external forces are between 15.912 nN and 44.2 nN, the resonant frequencies of the graphene nanoribbons remain constant at 132.9 GHz. And when the external stress is greater than 44.2 nN, the
resonant frequencies show an incremental variation tendency. Temperature has a little influence on resonant frequencies. When the temperature is greater than 75 K, the resonant frequencies of the graphene nanoribbons remain constant at 132.9 GHz. The resonant characteristics of graphene nanoribbons
are insensitive to the chirality. The resonant frequencies of the graphene nanoribbon exhibit significant decrease as the length-width ratio increases.
On the First and Second Zagreb and First and Second Hyper-Zagreb Indices of Carbon Nanocones CNCk[n]
Authors: Gao Wei , Farahani Mohammad Reza , Siddiqui Muhammad Kamran , Jamil Muhammad Kamran
Published: May 2017

Let G be a simple molecular graph without directed and multiple edges and without loops, the vertex and edge-sets of which are represented by V(G) and E(G), respectively. Suppose G is a connected molecular graph and vertices u, v ∈
V(>G). The distance dG(u,v) (or d(u,v) for short) between vertices u and V of G is defined as the length of a minimum path between u and V. The first and second Zagreb indices of a graph G
are defined as M1(G) = ΣE=uv∈E(G)(dV+dV) and M2(G) = ΣE=uv∈E(G)(dV×dv)
where du and dv are the degree of the vertices u and V of G. Recently the Hyper-Zagreb index of a graph G is defined as HM(G) = ΣE=uv∈E(G)(dV+dV)2,
by Shirdel et al. In this paper, we define a new version of Zagreb topological indices, on based the Hyper-Zagreb index that defined as the sum of the weights (dudV)2 and the Second Hyper-Zagreb index of G is equal to HM2(G)
= ΣE=uv∈E(G)(dVdV)22. In continue, exact formulas for the first and second Zagreb and Hyper-Zagreb indices of Carbon Nanocones CNCk[n] are computed.
An Order Four Block Method with Three Generalized Off Step Points for Solving First Order Ordinary Differential Equations
Authors: Omar Zurni , Abdelrahim Ra’ft , Kuboye John Olusola
Published: May 2017

This paper presents a single-step block method with three generalized off-step points for solving first order ordinary differential equations. The approach employed in developing this new method is interpolating the approximated power series of order four at xn as well as at
all off-step points and collocating the derivative of the power series at xn+1. The developed method is zero-stable, consistent, convergent and of order four. The new method has better accuracy than the existing methods when solving first order ordinary differential equations.
Control Model of Throttle Back Pressure of Managed Pressure Drilling
Authors: Haibo Liang , Hongyan Li
Published: May 2017

This paper established a controlling model of Throttling Back Pressure system of Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD), and aim at its nonlinear characteristics of the model, a fuzzy-PID controlling method with a capability of parameter self-tuning was proposed. This method utilizes the idea
of fuzzy controlling and designs a fuzzy inference theory to realize the function of online tuning PID control parameters. Through comparing this controlling algorithm with conventional controlling algorithms and analyzing, results showed that overshoot of this throttling back pressure controlling
system using fuzzy-PID controlling method with a capability of parameter self-tuning reduced to 4.1%, and its dynamic response speed reduced to 1.4 s, which can effectively solve back pressure controlling model problems such as slow response and poor robustness during MPD using conventional
controlling algorithms.
Prevention of Capsular Contracture with Montelukast After Insertion of Silicone Implants in Rabbits
Authors: Jin Zhenyu , Hong Ki Yong , Minn Kyung Won , Chang Hak , Jin Ung Sik
Published: May 2017

Capsular contracture is the most common complication after insertion of silicone implants during breast implant surgery. The discovery that myofibroblasts play an important role in the formation of hypertrophic scars led to the development of pharmacological drugs such as zafirlukast,
which prevents capsular contracture by resisting the above mechanism. As a result, the author sought to investigate the effect of the anti-leukotriene montelukast on capsular contracture. Ten white female New Zealand rabbits, each weighing approximately 3 kg, were used as subjects. Through
bilateral incision of the midback area, the prostheses were inserted on the subpanniculus carnosus plane. Once the silicone prostheses had been inserted, the right implant was injected with 10 mL of montelukast (10 µg/mL), and the left implant was injected with 10 mL of normal
saline. Eight weeks after the procedure, the capsular pressure was measured via tonometry using a circular glass piece weighing 42.7 g. The tissue samples were then extracted, and their thicknesses were measured using hematoxylin-eosin stain and Masson trichrome stain. The average pressure
was 4.23±0.99 mmHg in the control group and 3.71±0.51 mmHg in the experimental group, a statistically significant difference (p = 0.02). The average capsular thickness was 947.938±300 µm in the control group and 709.672±274 µm in
the experimental group, a statistically significant difference (p = 0.028). The author confirmed that montelukast injections during silicone prosthesis insertion decreased the formation of capsular contracture.
Object Detection and Recognition Algorithm of Moving UAV Based on Machine Vision
Authors: Jun Mao
Published: May 2017

To conquer disadvantages of slow speed of target tracking algorithm in original distribution field as well as easiness of being caught in local optimal solution, one target tracking algorithm of real-time distribution field based on global matching is presented in the Thesis, thus remarkably
improving performance of target tracking algorithm in distribution field. In proposed algorithm, relevant correlation coefficients will be used to substitute the similarity between target distribution filed of original L1 norm measurement and candidate distribution field. As a consequence,
the target search process can concert from time domain operation to operation processing of frequency domain among which the latter has lower computation complexity and capability of global search of target position so as to conquer disadvantages such as randomness caused by sparse sampling
and that the gradient descent of target tracking algorithm in original distribution field is liable to be caught in local optimal solution. In 12 challenging video sequences, compared with multiple-instance learning and tracking algorithm and tracking algorithm of original distribution field,
the method proposed in the Thesis has acquired the optimum performance in tracking accuracy, success rate and speed.
Research on the Information Management System of Materials of Tobacco Industry in Guizhou Province
Authors: Li Xing
Published: May 2017

Based on the analysis of information construction and management the tobacco materials in Guizhou province in this paper, we analyzed the demand of information construction of tobacco material management and proposed the design objectives, development and operating environment of the
management information system of tobacco material. Secondly, we proposed the design concepts of the management information system of tobacco materials, that is we use 3-tier application model to design and develop this system, and based on the demand of management information system of tobacco
material for the tobacco companies in Guizhou province, we established the overall architecture of the system which mainly including six modules of planning management, entering-warehouse management, inventory management, out-of-warehouse management, imputing basic data and system management.
Finally, we realized the system scheme by using the development tools of visualization software which is Visual Basi6.0 and the tool of designing database which is Acess2003.
Construction Analysis of Ecological College English Teaching Model in Computer Network Environment
Authors: Guo Xiaozheng
Published: May 2017

Based on the research on development situation of college English teaching in computer network environment, the essential task of the thesis is to explore the ecological teaching model. In this paper, the author focuses on presenting the overall design process of empirical research
undertaken in the paper. Specific arrangements of the structure are as follows: firstly, to define the research questions and select proper research subjects, variables and research methods, then to list the design process and specific steps in great details. Finally to make a classified study
and ecological analysis based on the collected data and textual information.
Model of Evaluation on Sports Scientific Research Performance Based on Grey Correlation Analysis in Universities
Authors: Ding Shiliang , Lv Jing
Published: May 2017

Evaluation on the sports scientific research performance, as the way to judge the scientific research ability of sports teachers for universities and colleges, is of great significance to improve the over-all sports scientific research quality. This paper studied on the evaluation on
the sports scientific research performance from the following perspectives. Firstly, the fundamental methods of evaluating the sports scientific research performance was given; the second was to present the indices for the performance evaluation and analyze specifically the indices; thirdly,
the gray ideal domain of the evaluation indices was established as well as the gray correlation coefficients of the evaluated objects and the gray ideal domain; the fourth was to obtain the weight of indices via the comprehensive analysis method and to build the weighted gray correlation analysis
model for the sports scientific research performance evaluation to get the gray correlation degree of the evaluated objects which served to judge the sports scientific research ability and level of objects. For the last part, this paper conducted the case study which verified the simple calculation
and operation of the model.
Designing and Practice of a College English Teaching Platform Based on Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Zou Shuli
Published: May 2017

College English is one of the basic core courses for all college students in China. The course involves many difficult concepts and grammatical structures, so it is difficult to most of the students. The starting point in any teaching program is to determine whether teaching is needed
to specify what that teaching should accomplish. So the students’ need is of vital importance to the success of college English teaching. Traditional college English teaching does not take into account students’ individual learning abilities and feedbacks, which would cause students
to grasp the key knowledge not enough, and then make students lose their interest in English. The purpose of this paper is to establish a college English teaching platform, and using artificial intelligence to find the needs of college students and know about mastering knowledge of students.
The platform can adjust the teaching schedule and contents through artificial intelligence algorithm. Statistical data of several years show that the average score of students who used the platform to learn college English is far higher than those students who didn’t use the platform.
Hence, the platform can improve students’ autonomous learning and English abilities.
A New Energy-Balanced Transmission Scheme for Maximizing Network Lifetime in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Wang Xiaohui , Peng Tongqian
Published: May 2017

Maximizing the network lifetime is one of design challenges for data transmission in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) which is caused by the energy sink-hole problem. Recent researches show the energy sink-hole problem can be overcome by balancing the sensor energy consumptions. The
paper proposes a new energy-balanced transmission scheme for maximizing network lifetime in wireless sensor networks, which focused on the corona-based WSN only with two coronas and we simulate the network base on the different radius of coronas because experiments show that the lifetime of
corona-based WSN using two coronas is optimum for maximizing lifetime in the free space environments. Experimental simulation shows that the design method maximizes lifetime more than 10% than the existing methods.
An Efficient Fault Tolerant Mechanism for Mobile Grid Environment
Authors: Vimala S , Sasikala T
Published: May 2017

In mobile grid environment, the existing fault tolerance techniques are not feasible and proficient. The present techniques lack to achieve the maximum profit associated with successful execution of the tasks and is deemed to be costly. Hence, we propose a fault tolerance mechanism
for scheduling in mobile grid environment. In this technique, we consider failures that occurs during the execution of computing-focused and communication-focused jobs. In order to detect the failure, a novel structured data packet is sent to the destination. The destination acknowledges with
a specific type of data packet corresponding to the received packet. The sender analyses the acknowledgement data packet identifies the place and nature of error. Finally, a fault recovery action is performed using the FTMS technique. By simulation results, we show that the proposed technique
is reliable and efficient.
Fuzzy Logic Based Enhanced AOMDV with Link Status Classification for Efficient Multi-Path Routing in Multi-Hop Wireless Networks
Authors: Aldabbagh Ghadah , Shah Peer Azmat , Hasbullah Halabi B , Aadil Farhan , Awan Khalid Mahmood , Marwat Farman
Published: May 2017

Nodes in a multi-hop wireless network rely on each other to maintain network connectivity. A primary design objective of these networks is to eliminate or minimize the unavailability of network at some point. However, the movement of nodes creates service disruption and delay as path
failure detection and re-establishment consume considerable amount of time. Existing solutions for link classification and prediction operate on discrete values resulting in performance degradation. This problem can best be modelled using fuzzy logic. This work presents a new fuzzy logic based
link status classification mechanism for the use with multipath routing protocols in multi-hop wireless networks. The new Enhanced Adhoc On-demand Multipath Distance Vector (eAOMDV) uses fuzzy logic to classify the link status as active, about-to-break or broken. On the basis of fuzzy input
parameters RSSI, velocity, distance and bit error rate, the fuzzy based classification mechanism predicts in advance that a particular link, on the active path between the sender and receiver, is about-to-break and helps the reactive multipath routing protocol to start the rerouting operation,
thus minimizing the service disruption time, route discovery frequency, end-to-end delay and the packet loss.
Effective Chain-Based Routing Algorithm for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Salim Ahmed , Badran Asmaa Ahmed
Published: May 2017

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are composed of many low cost, low power devices with sensing, local processing and wireless communication capabilities. Recent advances in wireless networks have led to many new protocols specifically designed for WSNs where energy awareness is an essential
consideration. In this paper, we propose a new routing algorithm for WSNs called Chain-based Routing (CRA). CRA solves the main problems in Power Efficient Gathering in Sensor Information Systems (PEGASIS) algorithm. CRA minimizes the energy dissipation and maximizes the network lifetime of
WSNs by introducing new chain construction method and new chain leader election algorithm. The simulation results show that our proposed algorithm outperforms the existing algorithms LEACH, PEGASIS, COSEN, and IECBSN in terms of network lifetime and energy consumption minimization.
Real Time Implementation of Neuro-Adaptive Fuzzy Inferences System for Automatic Condition Monitoring and Speed Control of IM
Authors: Kabilan R , Selvakumar G
Published: May 2017

Aim of this paper describes an accelerometer based motor speed control system using ARM cortex processor in closed loop system. Here a three dimensional accelerometer is used as an input device for the motor fault. The output of accelerometer device is analog in nature. The speed control
of the motor is done by the means of relay. The TIVA micro controller is used to receive data and control the motor speed depending on the vibration of the motor during fault. The fault signal is analysed through fuzzy logic controller based on MATLAB simulation and decision is feed to the
controller for speed control. TIVA a mixed-signal microcontroller family from Texas Instruments; Built around a 16-bit CPU, and is designed for low cost and low power consumption embedded applications. The speed of the motors is controlled by using a regulator connected relay circuit for different
voltage tapping.
Thermal Degradation and Combustion Performance Comparison of Plywood Based on Inorganic Adhesive and Phenol-Formaldehyde Resin
Authors: Yang Shoulu , Wu Yiqiang , Ji Ning , Qing Yan , Li Dan , Huang Anxiang , Yao Liuhan , Song Yuanyuan , Zhang Xinli
Published: May 2017

The main objective of this work was to study a new inorganic adhesive used for wood-based panel. Inorganic adhesive and its poplar plywood were prepared to investigate their properties. Thermo-gravimetric analysis tests revealed that the total mass loss of inorganic adhesive was 76.24%,
which was higher than that of phenol-formaldehyde resin (64.97%). The results showed better thermal stability of inorganic adhesive. For inorganic adhesive plywood, approximately 30% decrease in peak of heat release rate, 62% in total smoke production and 20% in mean CO2 yield,
respectively, were seen compared to the control by cone calorimeter analysis. Scanning electron microscopy imaged wider glue line of inorganic adhesives plywood, which was related to the bonding strength of plywood. Thus the inorganic adhesive of fireproofing made in lab could be better used
for plywood processing.
Multi-Dimensional Performance Optimization in Cloud Computing
Authors: Shengji Yu , Yanping Xiang
Published: May 2017

The challenge of multi-dimensional performance optimization has been extensively addressed in the literature based on deterministic parameters. Since resources in Cloud Computing platforms are geographically separated and heterogeneous, it is rather difficult to apply a uniform distribution
algorithm for achieving various optimization goals. Based on the analysis of cloud service performance measures, this paper proposes an approach for optimal network resource distribution managed by the multi-agent system (MAS), which is aimed to satisfy both the users’ and the service
providers’ requirements. Moreover, a communication algorithm that uses the universal generating function technique is proposed to obtain the service time distribution efficiently.
Research on Electro-Hydraulic Force Servo Control System Based on Specialist PID Control Strategy
Authors: Jianying Li , Yanwei Wang , Zhongqiang Zhao , Xiaojing Wang , Guihua Han
Published: May 2017

There is flexibility load in the electro-hydraulic force servo control system researched in this paper, and it results in that there is a lower oscillation frequency secondary differential element in radical of the transmit function of the system. The flexibility load and the secondary
differential element seriously impact the bandwidth of the system and let the bandwidth rise difficultly, and that the flexibility load and the secondary differential element make the system oscillation even instability easily. Aiming at this special characteristic and the smaller system gain
characteristic of the electrohydraulic force servo control system, the specialist PID control theory applied to the electro-hydraulic force servo control system which is the typical nonlinear system. The mathematic model of the system is built and the simulation and the experiment research
is finished in the work of this paper, at the same time, the author of this paper compares the control result of the new controller designed according to the specialist PID control theory with the control result of traditional PID controller. The simulation and the experiment results indicate
that the new controller designed according to the specialist PID control theory not only enlarge the bandwidth of system, improve the accuracy, reduce control error, but also accelerate the response speed obviously, increase the dynamic property of the system.
Simulation on Short-Gap Streamer Discharge in Gases Using the Lattice Boltzmann Method
Authors: Wang Nan , Lei Qingquan , Wang Xuan
Published: May 2017

Streamer discharge is an important aspect of gap discharge in gases, but experimental method alone cannot delineate the microscopic mechanism of streamer discharge and all physical parameters of the discharge channel. Numerical simulation provides an important method for theoretical
study of streamer discharge. To solve the particle transport equations in streamer discharge simulation, we applied the lattice Boltzmann method to the design of a solution model which requires a smaller calculation load. Furthermore, we provided the 1.5-dimensional streamer discharge simulation
model based on the D1Q3 model as well as the numerical solutions to electron transport and positive ion transport equations. Using this model, numerical simulation was performed on two types of streamer development processes in N2 gas between the plate electrodes under atmospheric
pressure. The simulation results were then compared against the results in the previous reports, and the feasibility of using the lattice Boltzmann method for streamer discharge simulation was demonstrated.
Single Disk Recovery and Load Balancing Using Parity Declustering
Authors: Ramkumar M. P , Narayanan Balaji , Selvan G. S. R. Emil , Ragapriya M
Published: May 2017

In the recent scenario, capacity of the storage system increases significantly due to increasing demands. Data availability is a major concern in the context of storage systems. In order to achieve high data availability, a Maximum Distance Separable (MDS) code such as Row-Diagonal
Parity (RDP) is used in RAID 6 storage systems. In order to ensure continuous availability of data, even a failure in a single disk cannot be tolerated and hence it must be recovered at the earliest. Existing RDOR-RDP, a modified scheme of RDP that achieves minimal disk I/O access and reduced
recovery time when compared with conventional scheme but yet fails to achieve load balancing during the recovery process. In this work, Parity declustering based load balancing is proposed, which provides optimal recovery time when compared to RDOR-RDP.
Dynamic Programming Inspired Virtual Machine Instances Allocation in Cloud Computing
Authors: Karthikeyan P , Chandrasekaran M
Published: May 2017

Cloud computing provides virtual machines instances to the user for performing various computational tasks on demand for a specific period of time. Considering the architecture and characteristics of the cloud environments, traditional virtual machine instances allocation algorithms
cannot be applied to the cloud environment appropriately. In this paper, we propose Dynamic programming inspired virtual machine instances allocation algorithm which allocates virtual machine instances to the user based on demand. The aim of this algorithm is to maximize the cloud provider’s
revenue. We have mainly focused on the total revenue generation of the cloud provider and percentage of user served rather than focusing on running time and space complexity of the virtual machine instances allocation problem. We evaluate the proposed mechanism by performing simulations. The
experimental results show that the proposed Dynamic programming inspired virtual machine instances allocation method provided a higher revenue generation for the cloud provider than traditional fixed price and combinatorial auction greedy virtual machine instances allocation method.
How Do I-Deals Influence Client Satisfaction? The Role of Exhaustion, Collective Commitment, and Age Diversity
Authors: Bal P. Matthijs , Boehm Stephan A.
Published: May 2017

This paper introduces a multilevel perspective on the relationships of idiosyncratic deals (i-deals) with organizational outcomes (i.e., client satisfaction) and investigates how and under which conditions these relationships manifest. On the basis of contagion theory, we proposed that the positive effects of i-deals will spill over within organizational units (indicated by reduced emotional exhaustion and enhanced collective commitment), which leads to increased customer satisfaction. Moreover, we postulated that the effects of i-deals would be more prominent in units with high age diversity, as i-deals are more important in units where people’s work-related needs are more heterogeneous due to the higher diversity in employee age. A study among 19,780 employees and 17,500 clients of a German public service organization showed support for the contagion model and that i-deals were negatively related to individual emotional exhaustion and subsequently positively related to collective commitment within units and client satisfaction measured 6 months later. Emotional exhaustion and collective commitment mediated the relationships between i-deals and client satisfaction. Finally, we found that the relationships between i-deals and emotional exhaustion / client satisfaction were more strongly negative in units with high age diversity, rather than in units with low age diversity, indicating the benefits of i-deals within units with high age diversity to reduce emotional exhaustion and enhance client satisfaction.
Same-Sex and Mixed-Sex Couples in the Netherlands: The Association Between Life Satisfaction and Relationship Dynamics
Authors: Tornello Samantha L. , Ivanova Katya , Bos H. M. W.
Published: May 2017

Using a national sample of Dutch ( N = 5,854) individuals in same-sex and mixed-sex relationships we explored the associations between relationship dynamics, both positive (partner support) and negative (conflict), and life satisfaction. We found that individuals in same-sex relationships reported lower life satisfaction compared with their peers in mixed-sex relationships but there were no differences in the amount of partner support or level of relationship conflict. Across all couples, greater partner support and lower relationship conflict was associated with greater individual life satisfaction. Interestingly, for individuals in mixed-sex relationships, low level of conflict was associated with greater life satisfaction, whereas the association was not as pronounced for individuals in same-sex relationships. In sum, the impact of some relationship factors (such as conflict) on individual life satisfaction may vary in different ways across couple type.
Challenges faced by libraries in a democratic South Africa
Authors: Mojapelo Samuel Maredi
Published: May 2017

Community libraries are crucial for people to have access to information to satisfy their multiple needs. As custodians of information and knowledge in diverse spheres, they play a role in the socio-economic development of nations. This article attempts to investigate challenges faced by libraries in three different settings in post-apartheid South Africa. The study adopted a qualitative research design. The users, librarians and a well-placed official of the relevant department were interviewed. Convenience sampling was used to select users and librarians while purposive sampling was used to select an official. Face-to-face interviews and observation and a checklist were used to collect data. Senior officials of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture need to study challenges revealed by the findings and to take action to remedy the situation.
Propionitrile: Whole Body Autoradiography, Conventional Toxicokinetic and Metabolism Studies in Rats
Authors: Mumtaz M. M. , Farooqui M. Y. H. , Cannon-Cooke E. P. , Ahmed A. E.
Published: May 2017

The toxicokinetics, covalent binding and metabolism of propionitrile (PCN) was investigated in female Sprague-Dawley rats. For toxicokinetic studies a tracer dose of 100 μCi/Kg (11.8 μmol/Kg) [2-14C] PCN was injected i.v. and selected animals were sacrificed 1, 8, and 24 h post administration. Within an hour of administration peak concentration of PCN-derived radioactivity was detected in duodenum, kidney, lung, large intestine, plasma, red blood cells, stomach, heart, and brain. The treated animals excreted about 5.3% of the dose in 24 h, with approximately equal amounts in the expired air and the urine with traces in the feces. Presence of PCN-derived radioactivity up to 24 hours in the gastrointestinal tract suggests an enterohepatic recirculation of PCN and/or its metabolites. The subcellular fractions of liver duodenum and brain showed significant (p ≤ 0.05) accumulation of PCN-derived radioactivity. Nuclear fraction accumulated the highest amount of radioactivity in the liver, duodenum and brain. The data indicate that PCN is readily distributed in the rat, it is metabolized to cyanide via the cytochome P-450-dependent mixed-function oxidase system and that the direct interaction of PCN and/or its metabolites with duodenal tissues appears to be the first step in the expression of its overall toxicity. This report also shows that, for limited chemicals, whole body autoradiography combined with computer-aided imaging techniques, provides a powerful approach to preliminarily evaluate the toxicokinetic behavior of xenobiotics very quickly.
How Things Become Popular
Authors: Fonseca António Filipe , Louçã Jorge
Published: May 2017

This work discusses the mechanisms of popularity generation on the Internet. What we propose here is a model that replicates the statistical distribution profile of popularity. It is a probabilistic model of the number of individuals who read, hear or see, and then replicate a message, and parameterizes an individual’s preference for either new or older messages. Messages can gain in popularity according to a process of paying attention and the resulting popularity distribution has a stretched lognormal configuration. The stretch depends on the degree of attention paid to new messages versus that paid to older messages. We considered three sets of data to test the fit of the model: the American singers/songwriters listed on Wikipedia, videos on YouTube belonging to two different categories, and the number of visits to Wikipedia pages on music albums and film categories. Our main results adjust, with good approximation, to this experimental data. In each of the three case studies, the fit produced by the model is better adjusted to the data than the lognormal standard function.
Sliding mode switching control under arbitrary switchings in the presence of uncertain parameters
Authors: Yu Lei , Fei Shumin , Huang Jun , Hou Zhiwei
Published: May 2017

In this article, we concerned with the tracking control problem for a class of single-input single-output discrete switched nonlinear systems in the presence of uncertain parameters. We address a discrete-time sliding mode switching control scheme via disturbance compensator technique using saturation function and arbitrary switching method which is an effective robust way to reduce the chattering phenomenon and improve system control performance. The resulting closed-loop switched system is proved to be robustly stable such that the sliding mode surface of the closed control system is well obtained and the accuracy of the tracking error performance can be reached. Simulation results of the of electro-hydraulic servo system show that the presented sliding mode switching control scheme gives better tracking control performance over traditional sliding mode control scheme without disturbance compensator.
Latest Holocene depositional history of the southern Venice Lagoon, Italy
Authors: Roner Marcella , Ghinassi Massimiliano , Fedi Mariaelena , Liccioli Lucia , Bellucci Luca Giorgio , Brivio Lara , D’Alpaos Andrea
Published: May 2017

Analyzing the signatures of landscape changes in the stratigraphic record is crucial to refine our knowledge of tidal landform dynamics and represents a first step toward the development of predictive morphodynamic models. The southern Venice Lagoon (Italy) is particularly suited to analyze modifications in the depositional environment and, consequently, in the sedimentary record because of the remarkable changes that occurred in the last centuries. We collected 25 cores along a NE–SW linear transect about 5 km long cutting through salt marshes, tidal flats, and subtidal platforms. High-resolution sedimentological analyses defined the spatial arrangement of four deposits along the transect (palustrine, salt marsh, lag, and tidal-flat/subtidal-platform deposits), whose cores were dated through radiocarbon, 210Pb, and 137Cs geochronological analyses. The study succession testifies an evolution from a palustrine freshwater environment to a lagoonal environment over the last 2000 years. The palustrine peat progressively evolved into salt marshes in the 14th century. Salt-marsh aggradation is characterized by different accretion rates over time and occurred in parallel with the decrease in the salt-marsh extent and tidal-flat expansion. Where salt-marsh deposits were locally flooded and impacted by wind waves, a lag deposit developed. As a consequence of the progressive water deepening, organic-rich mud accumulated above the lag. The results, as well as providing the first accretion model for the latest Holocene succession in the southern Venice Lagoon, highlight that the disappearance of salt marshes in this area has to be ascribed to the lateral erosion of their margins, rather than to their progressive drowning.
Book Review: Debraj Bhattacharya, Exploring Marxist Bengal c.1971–2011: Memory, History, and Irony
Authors: Bagchi Soumyabrato
Published: May 2017

Debraj Bhattacharya, Exploring Marxist Bengal c.1971–2011: Memory, History, and Irony, 2016, Kolkata: K.P. Bagchi & Company, pp. 285 + xii, ₹ 995, ISBN-13: 978-8170743668 (Hardcover).
Arthroscopic Treatment of Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus With Allograft Cartilage Matrix
Authors: Ahmad Jamal , Maltenfort Mitchell
Published: May 2017

Background:

This prospective study evaluated the intermediate-term outcomes of operatively treating primary osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) of 1.5 cm2 or smaller with arthroscopic excision, microfracture, and allograft cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM).

Methods:

Between 2012 and 2015, 30 consecutive patients received allograft cartilage ECM at their microfractured OLT of 1.5 cm2 or smaller after failing nonoperative treatment. Preoperative and postoperative function and pain were graded using the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) and a visual analog scale (VAS), respectively. Postoperative imaging was assessed for osteochondral healing and degenerative changes. This included computed tomography (CT) at 6 months from surgery. Data regarding postoperative complications were recorded. All 30 patients that received allograft cartilage ECM for their OLT were evaluated for final follow-up at a mean of 20.2 months.

Results:

Mean FAAM increased from 51.4 preoperatively to 89.3 of 100 at final follow-up. Mean VAS decreased from 8.1 preoperatively to 1.7 of 10 at final follow-up. These differences between preoperative and postoperative function and pain were statistically significant ( P < .05). At 6 months from surgery, 2 patients (6.7%) received CT scans that revealed incomplete chondral formation at their OLT. At 19 months after surgery, a separate patient (3.3%) developed ankle arthritic changes.

Conclusion:

Treating OLTs with allograft cartilage ECM has not been previously reported. Using allograft cartilage ECM resulted in a high rate of improvement in ankle function and pain in patients with OLTs. These findings are important as allograft cartilage ECM could be of significant benefit for patients with OLTs.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, prospective comparative series.
Do Changing Labor Market Conditions Affect the Length of Stay for Chronic Respiratory Failure Hospitalizations?
Authors: Christensen Eric W. , Maynard Roy C.
Published: May 2017

The availability of home care nurses is widely seen as a cause for delayed discharge from inpatient care. However, there is a paucity of data to support or refute this hypothesis. If availability is driven by labor market conditions, the relative availability should vary over time with changing labor market conditions. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the length of stay for pediatric patients bound for home care was correlated with the local unemployment rate. We found that a 1-percentage-point (or marginal) increase in the unemployment rate was associated with a 2.3-day decrease in the length of stay for chronic respiratory failure hospitalizations. This suggests that labor market conditions result in delayed discharge for chronic respiratory failure patients.
Facing a Health Threat in a Complex Information Environment: A National Representative Survey Examining American Adults’ Behavioral Responses to the 2009/2010 A(H1N1) Pandemic
Authors: Lin Leesa , McCloud Rachel F. , Jung Minsoo , Viswanath Kasisomayajula
Published: May 2017

Background. Recent A(H1N1) studies suggest that intrapersonal and interpersonal factors may exert influence on people’s preventive behaviors for avoiding the flu during pandemics. Aims. Nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) and vaccinations play key roles in containing disease transmission during a pandemic. We examined how intrapersonal and interpersonal factors influenced adoption of NPIs and vaccine uptake during the A(H1N1) pandemic of 2009. Method. The data come from a nationally representative sample survey of 1,569 American adults. Hierarchical multivariable logistic regression was conducted to investigate the association between socioeconomic position, concern and knowledge about the threat, social networks for health advice or health care seeking, health consultations with doctors, and NPIs (including individual’s social distancing behaviors and hygiene practices) and vaccine acceptance. Results. People with higher scores on health-related social networks, more knowledge or concern about A(H1N1), and those who have consulted their doctor were more likely than others to adopt NPIs. There was a significant association between being concerned about A(H1N1), having consulted a doctor, and seeking a vaccine. Conclusions. These findings suggest that interpersonal communication factors, such as health-related social networks and consultations with doctors, and intrapersonal factors, such as concern and knowledge, play a critical role in NPIs and vaccine uptake during pandemics and offer avenues for intervention.
Mama’s Turn: A mother’s musical journey
Authors: Koops Lisa Huisman , Kuebel Christa , Smith Sarah Starr Alleman
Published: May 2017

The purpose of this narrative inquiry was to document the musical journey of Sarah, a young mother taking piano lessons. The research questions explored how Sarah’s journey influenced her young children’s musical expressions, their expressed desires to participate in music outside of their current experiences, and Sarah’s experience of musical parenting. Data for this study included Sarah’s lesson notes, iPhone videos of piano practice and family interactions, emails related to the project, and interview transcripts from five interviews spanning 15 months and an additional interview over two years later. In addition, Sarah wrote a 3000-word reflection in which she identified three principles from her piano lessons that she applied to other areas of her life: “focus and attention, small and do-able, and quality over quantity.” We explore the interpersonal dynamics created by Sarah’s becoming the music learner in the family, the tension between enjoyment and guilt of a leisure pursuit, as well as her application of the principles.