bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beyond Moore’s technologies: operation principles of a superconductor alternative
Authors: Soloviev Igor I , Klenov Nikolay V , Bakurskiy Sergey V , Kupriyanov Mikhail Yu , Gudkov Alexander L , Sidorenko Anatoli S
Published: December 2017

The predictions of Moore’s law are considered by experts to be valid until 2020 giving rise to “post-Moore’s” technologies afterwards. Energy efficiency is one of the major challenges in high-performance computing that should be answered. Superconductor digital technology is a promising post-Moore’s alternative for the development of supercomputers. In this paper, we consider operation principles of an energy-efficient superconductor logic and memory circuits with a short retrospective review of their evolution. We analyze their shortcomings in respect to computer circuits design. Possible ways of further research are outlined.
Time- and Energy-dependent Characteristics of Thermonuclear Burst Oscillations
Authors: Chakraborty Manoneeta , Bahar Yunus Emre , Göğüş Ersin
Published: December 2017

We have investigated temporal and spectral properties of a large sample of thermonuclear bursts with oscillations from eight different sources with spin frequencies varying from 270 to 620 Hz. For our sample, we chose those bursts for which the oscillation is sufficiently strong and of relatively long duration. The emission from the hot-spot that is formed during a thermonuclear burst is modulated by several physical processes and the burst oscillation profiles unavoidably carry signatures of these. In order to probe these mechanisms, we examined the amplitude and phase lags of the burst oscillations with energy. We also studied the frequency variation of oscillations during these thermonuclear bursts. We observed that the frequency drifts are more frequent in the cases where the spin frequency is lower. We found that the phase lag of the burst oscillations shows no systematic evolution with energy between the bursts, and also in between different sources. In seven cases, we do indeed observe lag of soft energy photons, while there is a significant number of cases for which hard lag or no lag is observed.
ALMA Observations of the Physical and Chemical Conditions in Centaurus A
Authors: McCoy Mark , Ott Jürgen , Meier David S. , Muller Sébastien , Espada Daniel , Martín Sergio , Israel Frank P. , Henkel Christian , Impellizzeri Violette , Aalto Susanne , Edwards Philip G. , Brunthaler Andreas , Neumayer Nadine , Peck Alison B. , van der Werf Paul , Feain Ilana
Published: December 2017

Centaurus A, with its gas-rich elliptical host galaxy, NGC 5128, is the nearest radio galaxy at a distance of 3.8 Mpc. Its proximity allows us to study the interaction among an active galactic nucleus, radio jets, and molecular gas in great detail. We present ALMA observations of low-J transitions of three CO isotopologues, HCN, HCO+, HNC, CN, and CCH toward the inner projected 500 pc of NGC 5128. Our observations resolve physical sizes down to 40 pc. By observing multiple chemical probes, we determine the physical and chemical conditions of the nuclear interstellar medium of NGC 5128. This region contains molecular arms associated with the dust lanes and a circumnuclear disk (CND) interior to the molecular arms. The CND is approximately 400 pc by 200 pc and appears to be chemically distinct from the molecular arms. It is dominated by dense gas tracers while the molecular arms are dominated by 12CO and its rare isotopologues. The CND has a higher temperature, elevated CN/HCN and HCN/HNC intensity ratios, and much weaker 13CO and C18O emission than the molecular arms. This suggests an influence from the AGN on the CND molecular gas. There is also absorption against the AGN with a low velocity complex near the systemic velocity and a high velocity complex shifted by about 60 km s−1. We find similar chemical properties between the CND in emission and both the low and high velocity absorption complexes, implying that both likely originate from the CND. If the HV complex does originate in the CND, then that gas would correspond to gas falling toward the supermassive black hole.
Intracluster Patches of Baryons in the Core of the Fornax Cluster
Authors: Iodice E. , Spavone M. , Cantiello M. , D’Abrusco R. , Capaccioli M. , Hilker M. , Mieske S. , Napolitano N. R. , Peletier R. F. , Limatola L. , Grado A. , Venhola A. , Paolillo M. , Ven G. Van de , Schipani P.
Published: December 2017

In the core of the Fornax cluster, on the west side of NGC 1399, we have detected a previously unknown region of intracluster light (ICL). It is made up by several faint (

mag arcsec−2) patches of diffuse light. The bulk of the ICL is located in between the three bright galaxies in the core, NGC 1387, NGC 1379, and NGC 1381, at

arcmin (∼58–230 kpc) from the central galaxy NGC 1399. We show that the ICL is the counterpart in the diffuse light of the known over-density in the population of blue globular clusters (GCs). The total g-band luminosity of the ICL is

L
⊙, which is ∼5% of the total luminosity of NGC 1399. This is consistent with the fraction of the blue GCs in the same region of the cluster. The ICL has

mag, which is similar to the colors in the halo of the bright galaxies in the cluster core. The new findings were compared with theoretical predictions for the ICL formation and they support a scenario in which the intracluster population detected in the core of the Fornax cluster is build up by the tidal stripping of material (stars and GCs) from galaxy outskirts in a close passage with the central brightest galaxy (cD). Moreover, the diffuse form of the ICL and its location close to the core of the cluster is expected in a dynamically evolved cluster like Fornax.
Realising the benefits of industrial world heritage sites, with particular reference to the Forth Bridge
Authors: Oglethorpe Miles
Published: December 2017

L’inscription au patrimoine mondial de l’UNESCO est réputée rapporter des profits à la fois aux sites inscrits eux-mêmes et aux régions et pays où ils se trouvent. En 2007 ce présupposé a été mis en cause par le gouvernement britannique et par la société de conseil mandatée par lui : Price Waterhouse Coopers, qui a étudié les coûts à engager pour obtenir une nomination et les recettes que l’on peut attribuer à l’inscription. Le gouvernement a alors envisagé de réduire ou même d’arrêter les nominations. Mais après une consultation publique, tout au contraire une nouvelle liste indicative de sites britanniques a été élaborée en 2011. En tête de celle-ci venait le Pont du Forth. A Bonn, le 5 juillet 2015, le Pont a été inscrit au patrimoine mondial, premier site britannique à l’être depuis l’aqueduc de Pontcysyllte en 2009.
The heritage of uranium mining in the German-Czech ore mountains
Authors: Albrecht Helmuth
Published: December 2017

La région minière des Monts métallifères (Erzgebirge/Krušnohoři), commune à l’Allemagne et à la République tchèque, revêt un caractère exceptionnel. Exploitée depuis plus de 800 ans pour ses minerais polymétalliques (argent, cuivre, cobalt, nickel, plomb, etc.), elle a été la première à ouvrir un site d’extraction de l’uranium. Cette production a été utilisée localement avec, en 1906, l’ouverture d’une station thermale, mais elle a surtout contribué à édifier la puissance nucléaire soviétique de la fin de la Seconde Guerre mondiale jusqu’aux années 1990. Sa valeur culturelle repose donc à la fois sur son histoire technique, sur son importance politique et géostratégique et sur son histoire sociale. La politique de démolition systématiquement mise en œuvre après la fermeture des mines a laissé peu de sites intacts : ce qui reste forme, avec de nombreux édifices à usages administratifs, culturels ou sociaux, un ensemble unique dont l’inscription sur la liste du patrimoine de l’humanité est proposée par les deux pays à l’UNESCO.
Remains of industry in the polar regions: histories, processes, heritage
Authors: Avango Dag
Published: December 2017

Les impacts du changement climatique et la recherche croissante de ressources naturelles ont attiré l’attention sur les régions polaires. Les débats qui s’en sont suivis ont renforcé une erreur courante d’analyse qui voit les régions polaires comme des zones désertes et vides, que la société n’a pas affectées. Ce n’est pas du tout le cas. L’Arctique et l’Antarctique sont l’objet de booms de matières premières depuis plusieurs centaines d’années. L’article explique pourquoi ces booms se sont produits, quels ont été leurs legs et dans quelles circonstances ces sites ont été redéfinis comme des patrimoines et/ou utilisés pour de nouveaux objectifs. Ce sont des questions clés pour tous ceux qui veulent construire des avenirs durables dans les régions polaires.
On the road  : les New Travellers et leur besoin radical d’espace
Authors: Frediani Marcelo
Published: December 2017

Dans cet article, les New Travellers du Royaume-Uni sont présentés comme une évolution contemporaine de la contre-culture britannique. De nombreux membres de ce groupe social optent pour un style de vie nomade en raison de difficultés économiques et de conditions sociales difficiles. L’adoption d’un tel mode de vie, basé sur l’itinérance ainsi que sur l’occupation alternative de l’espace social comme du territoire, les conduit à former des « communautés de pratique » (Wenger, 2005). Leur fonctionnement est centré sur la satisfaction de besoins que l’on peut, à la suite de Marx, qualifier de « radicaux » . Sur la base d’une enquête ethnographique menée dans les années 1990, l’article montre que l’association des deux notions – celle de « communautés de pratique » et celle de « besoins radicaux » – permet de rendre compte du mode de vie des New Travellers .
La conception de projets d’aménagement urbain comme processus collectif
Authors: Rode Sylvain
Published: December 2017

En s’appuyant sur un ensemble de méthodes qualitatives complémentaires, l’article interroge la conception des projets d’aménagement urbain comme processus collectif. À travers l’étude de deux projets mis en œuvre à Perpignan en lien avec les cours d’eau qui traversent la ville, l’article analyse les rôles, visions et influences des différents acteurs (publics et privés, maîtrise d’ouvrage, maîtrise d’œuvre et maîtrise d’usage, planificateur et aménageur) qui participent à la conception urbaine lato sensu (programmation et conception proprement dite). L’analyse détaillée d’un processus collectif qui demeure le plus souvent invisible a le mérite de donner à comprendre la manière dont sont conçus des projets d’aménagement urbain, qui résultent de l’intervention et des jeux d’influence entre de nombreux acteurs. Les cas d’étude font ressortir l’influence dans le processus de conception, aux côtés du maître d’œuvre chargé par contrat de la mission de conception détaillée, de deux catégories d’acteurs : la collectivité publique et la maîtrise d’usage. Sont ainsi éclairés un certain nombre d’enjeux liés au rôle et modalités d’action des acteurs publics dans la fabrique de la ville, ainsi que les enjeux liés à la mise en œuvre d’un urbanisme participatif.
Kurdistan : l’indépendance en balance
Authors: Bakawan Adel
Published: December 2017

Depuis un siècle, les mouvements kurdes sont à la recherche des éléments constitutifs d’un État. Les Kurdes irakiens sont sans doute les plus avancés sur cette voie. Mais leur discours indépendantiste a connu plusieurs phases et des mutations considérables. Les conditions objectives, locales et internationales, sont aujourd’hui défavorables à l’indépendance du Kurdistan. La pan-kurdisme n’existe plus et l’indépendantisme kurde irakien aura du mal à se concrétiser en État.
Lutte contre le terrorisme : la Belgique, maillon faible ?
Authors: Boussois Sébastien
Published: December 2017

Après les attentats de 2015 et 2016, la Belgique a été pointée du doigt et a fait l’objet d’un véritable Belgium bashing . Les critiques émises étaient parfois exagérées mais pas totalement injustifiées : les ministères régaliens avaient fait l’objet de coupes budgétaires drastiques et la complexité du système politico-administratif belge rendait la coopération entre services difficile. Une commission d’enquête a tiré les leçons des attentats et de profondes réformes ont été entreprises.
Clinique différentielle du fantasme dans les névroses et les perversions
Authors: Lévy Alexandre , Martin-Mattera Patrick
Published: December 2017

Il y a une spécificité de l’acte dans la perversion, comme implication subjective du partenaire et de manière concomitante, un démenti de son implication propre. Le fait de se faire objet, instrument du dispositif, permet de contourner l’implication du sujet pervers. Cela signifie qu’afin de parer aux conséquences de la castration, aux effets de division et de s’arrimer à une identification phallique, le sujet pervers ne peut se soutenir qu’à la condition d’élire un objet fétiche, instrument du démenti, afin de s’y confondre. En cela, l’acte pervers peut être considéré comme une forme fétichisée d’ acting out , où l’acte est orienté par la volonté de jouissance, par le fait de dévoiler et de prélever la jouissance au nom de l’Autre. Ce travail différencie donc les structures névrotiques et perverses quant à la fonction et à la place du fantasme. Il contribue ainsi à orienter le clinicien dans sa pratique psychothérapique.
Sedimentological and malacological comparisons between the Upper Saalian and Upper Weichselian loess superimposed in the Nantois cliff (Brittany, France): Reconstruction of their environments south of the British Ice Sheet
Authors: Danukalova Guzel , Lefort Jean-Pierre , Monnier Jean-Laurent , Osipova Eugenia , Pustoc’h François , Le Bannier Jean-Christophe
Published: December 2017

The site of Nantois is located in Brittany
(France), almost at the westernmost end of Europe. The outcrop
consists of loam, loess and slope deposits, now continuously eroded by
the sea. The layers containing fragments of rock and loam are
completely decalcified. Only the loess of the lower and upper parts of
the section corresponding to the Nantois (Middle Pleistocene) and
Sables-d’Or-Les-Pins (Late Pleistocene) formations are well preserved
and display mollusc shells. A detailed study of the sediment and of
the fauna permitted to better characterize the two loess. The older
loess is characterized by a large variety of species. The analysis of
their distribution indicates for the first time the existence of three
moderate climatic improvements during the sedimentation. The lower
part of the younger loess is poor in mollusc shells which are either
absent or only exist as single finds or detritus, above, the molluscs
composition indicates cold and severe climatic conditions during the
sedimentation and can be correlated with the last glacial stage MIS 2.
According to geochronological data, the upper part of the Nantois
Formation corresponds to the glacial stage MIS 6. The origin of the
discrepancies observed in the evolutions of the two loess was probably
not related with the small difference in their distances respect with
the Weichselian and Saalian British ice sheets but to the very
different durations of the Upper Saalian (60 ka) and Upper Weischelian
(7 ka) loess depositions. The absence of any significant warming
episode during the Upper Weischelian and the existence of three
climatic improvements during the Upper Saalian support the concept of
sub-Milankovitch cycles which suggests that we cannot have any
climatic change during a period shorter than 11Ka.
Santo Domingo’s Hispanic convent, Panama. A new appraisal from 3D resistivity survey
Authors: Mojica Alexis , Arosemena Díaz Graciela , Grajales Javier , Durán Félix
Published: December 2017

In 2012, a geophysical survey was conducted inside
the open space of a Hispanic Dominican convent in Panama (Central
America); its ruins form part of the Panamá Viejo Historical Monument
Complex, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2003. The
geophysical survey consisted of measuring the apparent electrical
resistivity values along 24 parallel profiles inside the convent; the
aim of this approach was focused on generating 3D electrical
resistivity tomography in order to detect buried structures that could
be associated with a possible cloister in this area of the convent.
This dataset was inverted using a smooth inversion algorithm and shows
important electrical anomalies on three horizontal maps at depths of
0.29, 0.90 and 1,60 m. The main electrical anomalies presented linear
and isolated geometries that, in accordance with the archaeological
excavations conducted at the site, are linked to a series of buried
cultural features associated with the convent’s cloister, such as
perimeter walls, pillar footings and bases made of stone as supports
for the gallery of a second floor. This study was also able to
identify other archaeological features that could be linked to the
initial stages of the construction of this important building.
BDI Approach to Build a Single Agent of a Distributed Multi-Agent System
Authors: Ebrahimi Maryam
Published: December 2017

The main purpose of this study is to describe and analyze an agent from a distributed multi-agent based system (ABS) according to the BDI architecture. This agent is capable of autonomous action to propose general technology strategies (TSs) in renewable energy SMEs based on a set of rules and interacts with a core agent in multi ABS. The recognition of internal strengths and weaknesses as well as external opportunities and threats takes place on the basis of technological SWOT-analysis. Proposed TSs are categorized into four types: aggressive strategy, turnaround oriented strategy, diversification strategy, and defensive strategy. Agent architecture in terms of three abstraction layers called psychological, theoretical, and implementation is explained. And after system validation by experts, some program codes and output results of this agent are presented. This system provides information to facilitate the TS planning process to be carried out effectively.
Scenario Planning for Technical Knowledge Development
Authors: Ebrahimi Maryam
Published: December 2017

Localizing and creating technical knowledge in the developing countries to make them able to compete in the international arena will not be an easy task to undertake as it involves complexities and uncertainties. In this regard, methods of modeling and simulation help understanding the reality and thereby delineating the future. This paper discusses using system dynamics methodology in the Petrochemical Research and Technology Company (Iran). After determining causal loop diagrams, a dynamic model, and validation test, in order to improve the system, related scenarios to the research are proposed. The results show that research financing is a major obstacle in the course of growth and development; accordingly, some scenarios are recommended to increase technical knowledge through raising the initiation and completion rates of research projects. The paper closes with a description of the suggested scenarios.
Robustness in Fingerprinting-Based Indoor Positioning Systems
Authors: Fang Shih-Hau
Published: December 2017

Indoor positioning systems have received increasing attention for supporting location-based services in indoor environments. Received signal strength (RSS), mostly utilized in Wi-Fi fingerprinting systems, is known to be unreliable due to two reasons: orientation mismatch and variations in hardware. This chapter introduces an approach based on histogram equalization to compensate for orientation mismatch in robust Wi-Fi localization. The proposed method involves converting the temporal-spatial radio signal strength into a reference function (i.e., equalizing the histogram). This chapter also introduces an enhanced positioning feature, which is called delta-fused principal strength, to enhance the robustness of Wi-Fi localization against the problem of heterogeneous hardware. This algorithm computes the pairwise delta RSS and then integrates with RSS using principal component analysis. The proposed methods effectively and efficiently improve the robustness of location estimation in the presence of mismatch orientation and hardware variations, respectively.
Cooperative Localization in Wireless Networks
Authors: Wang Yunlong , Cai Yang , Shen Yuan
Published: December 2017

This chapter describes cooperative localization in wireless networks, where mobile nodes with unknown positions jointly infer their positions through measuring and exchanging information with each other. The technique of cooperation localization, efficiently even in harsh propagation environment, enables amounts of location-based services that rely on high-accuracy position information of mobile nodes. After a brief introduction of cooperative localization, the Cramer-Rao lower bound is given as a standard metric for performance. Then the information in the temporal and spatial domain is illustrated with geometrical interpretations. Two classes of cooperative localization algorithms, namely, centralized and distributed algorithms, are presented to show the implementation of the cooperative localization in a wireless network. Then the performance of cooperative localization under non-line-of-sight condition is analyzed. Lastly, numerical results are given to illustrate the performance of cooperative localization algorithms.
Weak GNSS Signal Acquisition for Indoor Environments
Authors: Kong Seung-Hyun
Published: December 2017

High sensitivity and fast acquisition are two important goals that must be considered in the development of signal processing techniques for a GNSS acquisition function to meet the demands for LBS in GNSS-challenged environments, such as indoor and urban canyon. This chapter introduces the fundamentals of GNSS acquisition functions, GNSS acquisition techniques for new GNSS signals, and GNSS acquisition techniques achieving high sensitivity and fast acquisition. Therefore, this chapter contains useful information for engineers who study the fundamentals and principles of GNSS acquisition and the state-of-the-art GNSS signal acquisition techniques for weak signals.
Teaching Formation to Develop Computational Thinking
Authors: Condori Klinge Orlando Villalba
Published: December 2017

In order to develop computational thinking, it is essential to modify the initial training of teachers, that is to say, to restructure the curricula of the faculties or professional schools of education in any field or context it is going to be possible to identify areas of basic or general training and areas of specialized training. As well as reading or writing, computer thinking is currently essential because its application in any professional context is necessary.
Technology-Enhanced Learning
Authors: Fonseca David , Kompen Ricardo Torres , Labrador Emiliano , Villegas Eva
Published: December 2017

There are numerous examples from recent years of the incorporation of all types of applications and technological systems into the classroom at all educational levels, with the aim to improve both student motivation and academic performance; we can group these initiatives under the term technology-enhanced learning, TEL. The TEL research field has been profoundly involved with the development and application of collaboration apps. Computers, mobile devices, and applications play diverse roles at different times along the project lifecycle. The most common lifecycle comprises four distinct phases: design, implementation, approval, and final assessment. In this chapter, the authors discuss key concepts of these TEL phases as well as some different approaches that can be defined as “good technological practices” and their main results in order to implement technologies in the formative process.
Open Government and Bureaucratic Secrecy in the Developing Democracies
Authors: Amadi Luke A. , Igwe Prince
Published: December 2017

Despite the widespread assumption that open government (OG) has emerged as a critical apparatus of governance, its institutionalization in the developing democracies remains contestable. Studies in open government suggest transparency and accountability in public office. This typically depends on the development of OG data and use of the same for effective and efficient governance choices and decision making. Although open government initiatives have recently proliferated to remedy transparency and accountability deficiency in governance in various ways, while it succeeds in fostering the culture of governance accountability in the developed societies, it has failed to fully resolve the difficulties associated with bureaucratic secrecy in the developing democracies, particularly in Africa. This chapter builds on content analysis to review and analyze salient issues raised on bureaucratic secrecy in Africa and in particular provides evidence of the effects of bureaucratic secrecy on the advancement of OG initiatives.
A Privacy Perspective of Open Government
Authors: Zhao Bo
Published: December 2017

Open government and freedom of information are key values in today's democracy, rule of law, and public governance. Their further development may have to be equally taken into consideration with other important public interests, such as state secret, public security, and other individual rights including reputation and privacy. In particular, there is the need to consider how individual privacy can be protected in the digital era in which both the concept and practice of open government may claim more territory. Taking China as an example, this chapter tries to reveal the complex, dynamic relationship between open government (transparency) and privacy protection, in particular by studying two specific privacy-related issues: the disclosure of official's public interest-related private life and the disclosure of family asset. In the sense that they can be regarded as the benchmarks to measure the level of open government and FOI development in a community, both can reflect the cultural and political complexities that affect such developments.
Prospects and Challenges of E-Government in Black Africa
Authors: Endong Floribert Patrick C.
Published: December 2017

Most scholars' perspectives on e-government development in Africa have tended to be monolithic. This has been irrespective of the fact that African nations have been adopting relatively different approaches to e-governance. Though the dominant tendency among them has been to struggle to have a certain amount of web presence through the creation of e-government web portals, each African country has designed its own (customized) e-government initiatives. It will therefore be very interesting to explore the extent to which the prospects and challenges of e-governance in Africa have been varying across countries. This chapter attempts to fill this gap in knowledge through a comparative study of e-government implementation in Nigeria and Cameroon. The chapter is divided into three main parts. The first part provides a conceptual definition and a brief history of e-government. The second part explores the phenomena of ICTs and e-governance in Africa while the last part provides a comparative perspective on the implementation of e-government in Nigeria and Cameroon.
Data Organization as Structure for Collaborative Governance
Authors: Pandey Sharadindu , Sharma Dhwani
Published: December 2017

NREGA is an employment guarantee legislation promulgated for the rural workers of India. It provides 100 days of employment in a year with a provision of unemployment allowance by implementing agencies. To monitor the legislation, a collaborative platform has been developed that is customized to the requirement of the multiple stakeholders (e.g., different governments, village bodies, beneficiaries, public, work engineers, etc.). A large amount of the data is generated on the platform. Despite this, it takes lot of time in complaint redressal and mostly it is done manually. The chapter attempts to explore ideas of how the collaborative platform could be made more effective by organizing the data such that the requirement of field-based variability can be minimized.
Conceptualizing Cyber-Security From EU Perspective
Authors: Kok Ayse
Published: December 2017

If the aim of the EU is the establishment of deeper cooperation with other nations within the context of cyber security in the future, platforms (e.g., the Task Force) should create an effective agenda that reflects the differences between the EU (soft power) and other countries such as China or Russia (hard power). Yet, there should not be any compromise in the principles and norms of these countries with regard to their Internet policies. Although this may sound too difficult to accomplish, it is not impossible given EU's increased emphasis on cybersecurity along with its evolving cybersecurity strategy.
A Discussion Paper on Cybersecurity Policies
Authors: Kok Ayse
Published: December 2017

This chapter presents various reasons for the insufficiency of externalities in terms of the inference of market failure with regard to the field cybersecurity policy, which is claimed to be necessary for government intervention. The main argument of this chapter is that cybersecurity market failures are much smaller than initially assumed, and as a result, more harm might be done by trying to correct them through naïve government regulation.
Mobile Application Stickiness
Authors: Furner Christopher P. , Racherla Pradeep , Babb Jeffry , Zinko Robert
Published: December 2017

While mobile application use has grown substantially in the past 10 years, research suggests that the majority of mobile applications are abandoned and often deleted shortly after being downloaded. This study seeks to explore the cognitive processes behind the decision to keep applications, while seeking to identify app characteristics, usage characteristics as well as consumer characteristics which influence mobile application stickiness. Finally, this study maps the decision processes involved in application use continuation.
Public Services Through Multi-Channel Issues and Challenges
Authors: Rao Velamala Ranga
Published: December 2017

The objective of this chapter is 1) to understand multi-channel architecture, integration, and management; 2) to develop a framework for citizen relationship and grievance management system for a single view; 3) as a case study, to propose framework applied to find what types of channels are providing to the citizens get access to the public services at National, State, and Local level in India; 4) as a case study, to find out challenges and issues with implementation of multi-channel services delivery. The key findings of the case study are: 1) There is no declining in providing traditional channels after introducing modern channels. 2) The departments are offering mixed channels. 3) Usage of mobile-based applications, social media, and wi-fi are in pilot basis or at initial stage. 4) Multi-channel integration and management is not yet initiated. 5) Electricity and network coverage are main issues in implementation of modern channels. However, such initiatives have some issues and challenges to the developing countries like India.
Bloodless Technique to Detect Diabetes using Soft Computational Tool
Authors: Sah Puspalata , Sarma Kandarpa Kumar
Published: December 2017

Detection of diabetes using bloodless technique is an important research issue in the area of machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI). Here we present the working of a system designed to detect the abnormality of the eye with pain and blood free method. The typical features for diabetic retinopathy (DR) are used along with certain soft computing techniques to design such a system. The essential components of DR are blood vessels, red lesions visible as microaneurysms, hemorrhages and whitish lesions i.e., lipid exudates and cotton wool spots. The chapter reports the use of a unique feature set derived from the retinal image of the eye. The feature set is applied to a Support Vector Machine (SVM) which provides the decision regarding the state of infection of the eye. The classification ability of the proposed system for blood vessel and exudate is 91.67% and for optic disc and microaneurysm is 83.33%.
Analogizing the Thinning Algorithm and Elicitation of Vascular Landmark in Retinal Images
Authors: J. Shiny Priyadarshini , D. Gladis
Published: December 2017

The retinal tissue is composed of network of blood vessels forming a unique biometric pattern. Feature extraction in retinal blood vessel is becoming an emerging trend in the field of personal identification. Because of its unique identity and less vulnerability to noise and distortion it has become one of the most secured biometric identities. The paper highlights the segmentation of blood vessel and the extraction of feature points such as termination and bifurcation points using Zhang Suen's thinning algorithm in retinal images. A comparison has been made and results are analyzed and tabulated between Zhang Suen and Morphological thinning. The count has been taken for both termination and bifurcation markings as spurious and non- spurious minutiae. The spurious minutiae are removed by using the crossing number method. The results clearly depict that the Zhang Suen's thinning algorithm gives better result when compared to morphological thinning.
A New EYENET Model for Diagnosis of Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Kandan Priya , Aruna P.
Published: December 2017

Age-related macular degeneration is an eye disease, that gradually degrades the macula, a part of the retina, which is responsible for central vision. It occurs in one of the two types, DRY and WET age-related macular degeneration. In this chapter, to diagnose Age-related macular degeneration, the authors have proposed a new EYENET model which was obtained by combining the modified PNN and modified RBFNN and hence it poses the advantages of both the models. The amount of the disease spread in the retina can be identified by extracting the features of the retina. A total of 250 fundus images were used, out of which 150 were used for training and 100 images were used for testing. Experimental results show that PNN has an accuracy of 87%, modified PNN has an accuracy of 90% RBFNN has an accuracy of 80%, modified RBFNN has an accuracy of 85% and the proposed EYENET Model has an accuracy of 94%. This infers that the proposed EYENET model outperforms all other models.
An Efficient and Lossless Cryptosystem for Security in Tele-Ophthalmology Applications Using Chaotic Theory
Authors: Mehta Garima , Dutta Malay Kishore , Kim Pyung Soo
Published: December 2017

Tele-ophthalmology has gained a lot of popularity as it involves retinal fundus images which can be analyzed for identification of severe diseases like diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. With this increasing popularity, requirement for medical data confidentiality and privacy has also increased during transmission or storage. To meet this challenge, this paper propose an efficient and lossless cryptosystem based upon chaotic theory for encryption of medical fundus images. In the proposed encryption scheme a strategic combination of scrambling and substitution architecture is proposed which complements each other. The proposed scheme of encryption for fundus images is challenging as these images are 3-D color image and cannot be compressed as compression may not be able to retain all relevant medical information. For performance analysis, the proposed algorithm has been evaluated for perceptual and cryptographic security. The experimental results indicate that the proposed method is lossless and resistant against attacks making the proposed scheme suitable for real time applications.
Nanotechnology for Omics-Based Ocular Drug Delivery
Authors: Hirani Anjali , Grover Aditya , Lee Yong Woo , Pathak Yashwant , Sutariya Vijaykumar
Published: December 2017

Millions of people suffer from ocular diseases that impair vision and can lead to blindness. Advances in genomics and proteomics have revealed a number of different molecular markers specific for different ocular diseases, thereby optimizing the processes of drug development and discovery. Nanotechnology can increase the throughput of data obtained in omics-based studies and allows for more sensitive diagnostic techniques as more efficient drug delivery systems. Biocompatible and biodegradable nanomaterials developed through omics-based research are able to target reported molecular markers for different ocular diseases and offer novel alternatives to conventional drug therapy. In this chapter, the authors review the pathophysiology, current genomic and proteomic information, and current nanomaterial-based therapies of four ocular diseases: glaucoma, uveal melanoma, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. Omics-based research can be used to elucidate specific genes and proteins and develop novel nanomedicine formulations to prevent, halt, or cure ocular diseases at the transcriptional or translational level.
An Overview and Study on the Use of Games, Simulations, and Gamification in Higher Education
Authors: Wiggins Bradley E
Published: December 2017

This article examines the use of both game-based learning (GBL) and gamification in tertiary education. This study focuses specifically on the use of games and/or simulations as well as familiarity with gamification strategies by communication faculty. Research questions concentrate on the rate, frequency, and usage of digital and non-digital games and/or simulations in communication courses, as well as instructor familiarity with gamification. A survey was constructed with questions emerging from the game-based learning and gamification literature. It was distributed to communication faculty at public institutions of higher education in a southern state. In this context, the author argues that while the term gamification is novel, the approach is not. Based on the results, current gamification strategies appear to be a repackaging of traditional instructional strategies.
Applying Gamification in a Parallel Programming Course
Authors: Fresno Javier , Ortega-Arranz Hector , Ortega-Arranz Alejandro , Gonzalez-Escribano Arturo , Llanos Diego R.
Published: December 2017

Pursuing a college degree is a task that requires a great amount of time and effort. Universities are facing a big challenge to attract students and keep them motivated. The gamification of education is a practice that expects to increase the students' engagement, which in turn increases learning outcomes. Nevertheless, obtaining beneficial results from gamification requires educators to mold the teaching to include this new practice, usually involving a lot of effort. In this chapter, the authors present a new software tool developed to encourage gamification dynamics, and they describe their experience using this tool in a Parallel Programming course. The chapter describes the structure of the course, the different proposed activities, the organization of hardware resources, the design of the developed software tool, and an evaluation of the gamified course. The results show that the use of gamification techniques has been a great success. The authors have had a very positive response from their students, and there has been also a big percentage of passing students.
Towards a Model of Playful Learning
Authors: Raphael Raphael
Published: December 2017

What is the role of play in learning? What ways can we as educators leverage our students' extracurricular digital lives in meaningful ways in our digital and physical learning environments? What roles can the elements of game mechanics and game thinking serve towards these ends, especially in a blended learning environment? These are some of the initial questions that guided my action research at the American Community Schools, Athens (ACS). My project considers the efficacy of employing gamification strategies within a blended learning environment. This chapter in turn provides a brief narrative account of my research experience, focusing on an entrepreneur simulation in the ACS Academy (High School), and a series of gamified interventions done with ACS middle school students. It closes with a brief gamification toolset, a series of practical considerations drawn from this field experience and relevant research that may be helpful for teachers and administrators interested in exploring ways to gamify their own digital and physical learning communities or spaces.
Combination of negative pressure wound therapy and systemic steroid therapy in postsurgical pyoderma gangrenosum after reduction mammoplasty; a case of proven efficacy and safety
Authors: Tanini Sara , Calugi Gianmarco , Lo Russo Giulia
Published: December 2017

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare non-infective inflammatory disease of unknown etiology characterized by cutaneous papulo-pustoles that rapidly evolve into painful ulcerative lesions. Postoperative PG (PPG) is a clinical variant of PG in which pathergic response occurs at surgical sites. It is important to include PG in the differential diagnosis of breast ulceration. An incorrect diagnosis and treatment can potentially worsen the patient state, causing disfigurement with extensive scarring, an unpleasant aesthetic result and produce consequent psychological trauma. We report a case of PPG after bilateral breast reduction mammoplasty treated with negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) as local treatment for wound dehiscence in combination with systemic steroid therapy. This synergism led to a good aesthetic result. NPWT improved wound perfusion, it decreased the exudate, and promoted adherence of the mammary gland to the pectoral muscle. After 31 days deep sutures were placed to directly close the wound and the patient was discharged. PPG is a rare, devastating occurrence after surgery. Surgeons must know that PPG is an evenience that can occur in otherwise healthy patients and must be considered in the differential diagnosis in case of necrotic ulcers and apparent infection status. NPWT resulted to have benefits in the treatment of PPG, with a role in limiting the size of the defect, avoiding pathergic self-reaction and allowing a faster recovery with higher chances of achieving a better result.
Échanges d’animaux dans la Communauté Économique Européenne (C.E.E.). II. Les Législations européennes
Authors: Rémy Claude , Seynave René Lucien
Published: December 2017

Si, pour les échanges d’animaux, il existe un harmonisation de la législation européenne sur le plan sanitaire, aucun texte communautaire ne traite du règlement des litiges portant sur les ventes d’animaux atteints de vices cachés.

Les auteurs examinent les législations des États membres de la C.E.E. en la matière, très différentes entre elles. Certains pays ont une législation voisine de la législation française, d’autres pays n’appliquent que les dispositions générales de leur Code Civil sur les défauts cachés de la chose vendue, d’autres enfin sont démunis de toute législation spécifique sur les vices cachés.
Étude du risque de transmission de l’ehrlichiose canine à l’homme
Authors: Davoust Bernard , Parzy Daniel
Published: December 2017

Alors qu’aux États-Unis, plus de 200 cas humains d'ehrlichiose à Ehrlichia canis diagnostiqués sérologiquement ont été rapportés depuis 1986, les auteurs ont démontré indirectement par des arguments épidémiologiques que l’homme n’était pas réceptif à cette rickettsiose.

Ils ont effectué une étude séroépidémiologique qui montre que les personnes présentant des commémoratifs de morsures de Rhipicephalus et en contact étroit et prolongé avec des chiens infectés, n’ont pas de trace d’anticorps spécifiques d'E. canis.

Depuis, en 1991, les auteurs états-uniens ont isolé l’agent pathogène responsable de l’ehrlichiose humaine (E. chaffeensis).
Échanges d’animaux dans la Communauté Économique Européenne (C.E.E.) : III. Pratique des échanges
Authors: Rémy Claude , Seynave René Lucien
Published: December 2017

Le développement prévisible des échanges d’animaux dans la perspective de l’ouverture du marché unique européen devrait, par voie de conséquence, entraîner l’accroissement du nombre des litiges entre acheteurs et vendeurs.

En droit international privé, les règles applicables peuvent varier en fonction des Conventions internationales ratifiées par les États. Cependant, de façon générale, les règles sont celles de la loi interne du pays où réside le vendeur.

Dans leur conclusion, les auteurs insistent sur la nécessité d’inclure, dans les contrats d’achat-vente, des stipulations suffisamment précises pour éviter les litiges ou faciliter leur règlement. Il peut notamment être fait référence dans ces contrats à la législation française sur les vices rédhibitoires (Code Rural).

Les opérations de vente ou d’échanges d’animaux sont souvent à l’origine de litiges dont le règlement peut être complexe, même entre ressortissants d’un même État doté d’une réglementation précise et d’une jurisprudence développée.

La complexité ne peut que s’aggraver quand un litige concerne une opération commerciale effectuée entre ressortissants de deux États ou plus, dont les législations sont inévitablement différentes.

La mise en application du marché unique européen, si elle prévoit la suppression des contrôles sanitaires aux frontières, ne va pas créer pour autant une situation nouvelle dans le domaine des litiges commerciaux et de leur règlement. Il est même probable que le principe, visé par le marché unique, de la libre circulation des animaux entraînera, avec le développement des échanges, une augmentation du nombre des litiges.

En l’absence d’un contrat de vente comportant des stipulations précises ou d’un accord amiable, le règlement des litiges survenant à l’occasion d’échanges commerciaux d’animaux est basé sur le droit international.
L’être et la personne chez les humains et les animaux
Authors: Catsaras Marc
Published: December 2017

L’être humain et l’être animal sont montrés comme acceptés par tous : êtres vivants, il n’y a aucune différence entre les deux.

La personne humaine est une donnée constante, alors que la personne animale connaît une reconnaissance partielle : cela dépend des périodes dans nos pays occidentaux ; cela dépend des pays et des populations à l’époque actuelle.

La vie rassemble les humains et les animaux : tous sont l’expression de la vie, et toute vie mérite le respect
Le vétérinaire sapeur-pompier : sa mission lors des catastrophes naturelles
Authors: Buecher Michel
Published: December 2017

Les vétérinaires sapeurs-pompiers français interviennent dans les situations d’urgences et de catastrophes mettant en cause les animaux et les denrées alimentaires ; la catastrophe étant un accident majeur qui bouleverse le rythme de la vie quotidienne. Lors des catastrophes naturelles, les vétérinaires peuvent intervenir avant (par la prévention et la prévision) ; pendant (par une alerte fiable, performante, rapide et spécifique et par les 3B (Baser, Baliser, Boucler), mesures à prendre sur le site de la catastrophe) ; après, tout d’abord en participant activement aux secours des humains (en tant qu’auxiliaire de santé et par la transformation de la Clinique Vétérinaire en PMA) puis, après le confinement ou l’évacuation, au sauvetage des animaux
Le plan d’intervention contre la fièvre aphteuse
Authors: Tison Isabelle , Merlin Paul
Published: December 2017

Du fait de son extraordinaire contagiosité, la fièvre aphteuse a longtemps été considérée comme un fléau redoutable. Elle a aujourd’hui totalement disparu de l’Europe Occidentale, ce qui a conduit la Communauté Européenne à interdire la vaccination sur tout son territoire. Zone d’intenses échanges commerciaux, l’Europe ne peut cependant pas être totalement à l’abri d’une réintroduction du virus à partir d’un pays tiers. C’est pourquoi la Communauté a rendu obligatoire la préparation dans chaque État membre d’un plan d’alerte et d’intervention rapide.