bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comparative study of fistulotomy and fistulectomy in management of simple fistula in ano
Authors: Barase Avishkar K. , Shinde Ashok M.
Published: October 2018

Background: Fistula in ano is one of the commonest benign anorectal condition encountered during the day today practice. There are different treatment modalities available for the management of anal fistula. These include fistulotomy, fistulectomy, LIFT, seton placement, advancement flaps and use of biological agents like fibrin glue. In this prospective randomized clinical study, we have studied the outcomes after fistulotomy and fistulectomy in patients with simple low-lying fistula.Methods: Total 84 patients with simple low-lying fistula were randomized into two groups of fistulotomy and fistulectomy (42 patients each). The intraoperative and postoperative findings noted, and the results are compared. The results are analyzed using statistical tests like student’s t test and chi square test.Results: The mean duration of surgery in fistulotomy group was 28.6min and that of fistulectomy group was 31.7 min. The difference in duration of surgery is statistically not significant (p>0.05). The median duration of wound healing was shorter in the fistulotomy group (12 days) compared to the fistulectomy group (21 days) and the difference is statistically highly significant (p<0.001). The incidence of incontinence in fistulotomy group observed in 5 cases compared to single case in fistulectomy group. This difference is again statistically significant. Recurrence observed in one case from both the groups each within 6 months post-op period.Conclusions: The results of fistulotomy and fistulectomy are comparable with respect to duration of surgery, postoperative pain and recurrence rate. The postoperative wound healing is faster in fistulotomy; while incontinence is also higher in fistulotomy group.
Necrotising Fasciitis of lower anterior abdominal wall post lower segment ceaserian section
Authors: Makhdoomi Mahmood A. , Haraga Abdelhamid , Joseph Moly , Habeeb Yasser Al
Published: October 2018

Necrotising fasciitis is a rapidly progressive inflammatory infection of the fascia with secondary necrosis of the subcutaneous tissue. The speed of spread is directly proportional to the thickness of the subcutaneous layer. It moves along the fascial plane. We are presenting a case report of 27 years old Saudi female with status post Lower segment caesarian section of 10 days’ duration presented with bluish discoloration of the lower anterior abdominal wall around the surgical scar with necrotic patches and surrounding induration with foul smelling discharge from the one pocket within this area. She underwent successful simultaneous incision and wide debridement of gross necrotic tissues; together with evacuation of the pus followed by secondary closure. Both general and plastic surgical teams were involved. Patient made uneventful recovery and discharged home in good condition.
Primary malignant melanoma of the duodenum: a rare case report
Authors: Ramasamy Villalan , Lakshmanan Anand , Raman Senthilkumaran Govindaraj , Devigounder Kannan
Published: October 2018

Malignant melanoma especially primary melanoma is uncommon in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. GI melanomas are usually metastatic from skin melanoma. Anorectal region and small bowel are the most common sites of primary and metastatic GI melanoma respectively. Various theories have been put forward to explain the origin of Primary Melanoma of Small intestine. Melanomas of the GI tract can produce range of symptoms based on their location and size. Surgery is the main stay of treatment for localized disease. We reported a case of primary duodenal melanoma which was managed by surgically.
If tumor changes the tune, we change the music
Authors: Mehta Divyesh G. , Vaishnav Radhika A.
Published: October 2018

Last decade saw arrival of Immunotherapies and dramatic advances with PD inhibitor and CLTA4 manipulators. Now come dramatic reports of Adaptive Cell Technology, a treatment using patients own lymphocytes with anti tumor activity, expanded in vitro and reinfused. Recently, in a new clinical trial by Zakaris et al, a 49 year old patient with ER positive and ERBB2 tyrosine kinase 2 negative metastatic breast cancer that was no longer responsive to other treatments was reported to show complete regression of the cancer using Adaptive Cell Technology. 
What do you think are the biggest hurdles in personalized medicine in India?
Authors: Srivastava Siddharth
Published: October 2018

Personalized medicine is highly interdisciplinary and requires people with varied skill sets to come together to deliver clinical decisions. While cost is most discussed, there are more fundamental issues that need to be resolved for successful implementation of personalized medicine in India. Following discussion focuses on personalized medicine with respect to cancer.
Molecular triage of lung cancer for targeted therapy
Authors: Mukherjee Tanushree
Published: October 2018

The type of lung cancer as per histology is small cell and non-small cell carcinoma which includes adenocarcinoma with variants, squamous carcinoma. Biomolecular testing[1-3] includes tests of genes or proteins required to analyze which can be targeted with therapy to treat the patients. Molecular diagnostics-guided targeted therapies have become a standard treatment for patients with lung cancer. Driver genetic alterations such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangements are currently used as predictive biomarkers for EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors and ALK inhibitors, respectively.
The Sovereign Confessions: International Relations and the Iranian Post-Elections Show-Trials
Authors: Shohadaei Setareh
Published: October 2018

Following the controversial 2009 presidential elections in Iran, a series of mass trials were conducted publicizing the confessions of key reformist figures as well as other dissidents. The confessions were widely criticized as theatrical, based on reports of human rights abuses, torture, and judicial procedural offences. This critique, however, often labelled the trials as either barbaric acts of terror, or at best as unintelligent failures of the Iranian government. In this paper, I engage with the most serious of such analyses, arguing that the show-trials are not mere strategic errors on the part of the regime; rather, a more in-depth structural analysis of the concept of sovereignty is required to understand the enabling condition of the trials.
Nano-sized Droplets of Self-Emulsifying System for Enhancing Oral Bioavailability of Chemotherapeutic Agent VP-16 in Rats: A Nano Lipid Carrier for BCS Class IV Drugs
Authors: Khalid Nayab , Sarfraz Muhammad , Arafat Mosab , Akhtar Muhammad , Löbenberg Raimar , Ur Rehman Nisar
Published: October 2018

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the ability of a self-nano-emulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) to enhance the oral bioavailability of a BCS class IV drug, etoposide (VP-16). METHOD: A series of SNEDDS formulations with VP-16 were prepared consisting of medium chain triglycerides, polysorbate 80, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether and propylene glycol monolaurate type-1.  Based on an obtained ternary phase diagram, an optimum formulation was selected and characterized in terms of size, zeta potential, loading, morphology and in vitro drug release. The pharmacokinetic parameters and oral bioavailability of VP-16 suspension and VP-16 in SNEDDS was assessed using 30 Male Sprague–Dawley rats and compared with the commercial product (VePesid®). RESULTS: Pharmacokinetic data showed that the mean values for AUC0-t of VP-16 in SNEDDS was 6.4 fold higher compared to a drug suspension and 2.4-folds higher than VePesid®. Similarly, the mean value for Cmax of VP-16 in SNEDDS (1.13± 0.07 µg/ml µg.h/mL) was higher than VePesid® (0.62± 0.09 µg/mL) and drug suspension (0.13± 0.07 µg/mL). CONCLUSION: The SNEDDS formulation was able to enhance the oral bioavailability of the BCS Class IV chemotherapeutic agent VP-16 by increasing the dissolution and absorption of the drug. A good in vitro in vivo correlation was found between the in vitro dissolution and in vivo absorption data of VP-16 SNEDDS preparation. Therefore, SNEDDS formulations might be a very promising approach for BCS Class IV drugs.
Application of Artificial Neural Network (Ann) in Modeling Foreign Currency Exchange Rates
Authors: Kipruto George Kiplagat , Mung’atu Dr. Joseph Kyalo , Otieno Orwa Prof. George , Gathimba Nancy Wairimu
Published: October 2018

Investors, Policy makers, Governments etc. are all consumers of exchange rates data and thus exchange rate volatility is of great interest to them. Modeling foreign exchange (FOREX) rates is one of the most challenging research areas in modern time series prediction. Neural Network (NNs) are an alternative powerful data modeling  tool that has ability to capture and represent complex input/output relationships.

This study describes application of neural networks in modeling of the Kenyan currency (KES) exchange rates volatility against four foreign currencies namely; USA dollar (USD), European currency (EUR), Great Britain Pound (GBP) and Japanese Yen (JPY) foreign currencies. The general objective of the proposed study is to model the Kenyan exchange rate volatility and confirm applicability of neural network model in the forecasting of foreign exchange rates volatility. In our case the Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) neural networks with back-propagation learning algorithm will be employed. The specific objectives of the study is to build the neural network for the Kenyan exchange rate volatility and examine the properties of the network, finally to forecast the volatility against four other major currencies. The proposed study will use secondary data of the mean daily exchange rates between the major currencies quoted against the Kenyan shilling. The data will be acquired from the central bank of Kenya's (CBK) website collected for ten years of trading period between the years 2005 to 2017. The data will be analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics, with the aid of R's neuralnet package. A number of performance metrics will be employed to evaluate the model. Conclusion and recommendations will be made at the end of the study.
Um protótipo brasileiro de trem de levitação magnética
Authors: Stephan Richard Magdalena , Ferreira Antônio Carlos , De Andrade Jr. Rubens , Barbosa Rolim Luis Guilherme , Neves Marcelo de Azevedo , Cruz Moreira Marcos Antônio , Pereira do Rosário Marco Antônio , Machado Ocione José , Nicolsky Roberto
Published: October 2018

Neste trabalho, descreve-se o estado atual do protótipo de trem de levitação da UFRJ. O projeto tem duas partes principais: a levitação e a tração. Os resultados e desenvolvimentos de ambas as partes são descritos. Simulações e testes experimentais são apresentados. A integração das duas partes é feita em laboratório com um protótipo de escala reduzida. Estes resultados são necessários como convencimento para investimentos maiores, fundamentais para a construção de um protótipo em escala real, próximo passo deste projeto.
Efficiency Optimization of a Solar Boat IM Drive Employing Variable DC Link Voltage and Fuzzy Control
Authors: Sousa Gilberto C. D. , Simonetti Domingos S. L. , Norena Ever E. C. , Rey Joost Pieter
Published: October 2018

This paper describes a fuzzy logic based on-line efficiency optimization control of a solar boat drive that uses an indirect vector controlled induction motor for either speed or torque control. Besides acting on the flux level to reach optimum balance between the core and copper losses, this controller also acts upon the DC link voltage, in order to reduce the inverter losses as well. Due to its quadratic characteristics, the load torque is quite small at low to medium speeds, and the potential for energy saving is great. An experimental drive system with the proposed controller implemented on a TMS320C25 DSP based control board was constructed and tested in laboratory to validate the proposed technique.
Motores de Indução Acionados por Inversores PWM-VSI: Estratégia para Atenuação de Sobretensões
Authors: Vendrusculo Edson Adriano , Pomilio José Antenor
Published: October 2018

Motores de indução conectados a inversores de tensão, através de cabos longos são susceptíveis à ocorrência de sobretensões e sobrecorrentes. Tais fenômenos estão associados a ressonâncias e são percebidos tanto em plantas industriais quanto em outras aplicações como, por exemplo, na exploração de petróleo, especialmente a submarina. Neste artigo um sistema composto de inversor (PWM) do tipo fonte de tensão, um longo cabo, transformador e motor de indução é analisado com o objetivo de identificar freqüências críticas. Os parâmetros elétricos do cabo são estimados a partir de medições automatizadas permitindo obter a resposta em freqüência do sistema. A partir de tais dados a freqüência de comutação do inversor pode ser criteriosamente alterada para evitar a coincidência com as freqüências de ressonância do sistema. Por conseguinte, os fenômenos de sobretensão e sobrecorrente são evitados sem a necessidade de adicionar filtros e/ou alterar a topologia do inversor. O procedimento para escolha e alteração da freqüência de comutação pode ser realizado “on-line”, permitindo o ajuste mesmo no caso em que os parâmetros elétricos do sistema estejam sujeitos a variações.
Reator Eletrônico para Iluminação Fluorescente Boost Push-Pull com Alto Fator de Potência Empregando um Único Interruptor
Authors: Bisogno F. E. , Seidel A. R. , Marchesan T. B. , Prado R. N. do
Published: October 2018

Este artigo descreve um reator eletrônico que opera com um único estágio de conversão de potência empregando apenas um interruptor ativo, com alto fator de potência para duas lâmpadas fluorescentes T1240W. A topologia emprega um conversor boost no modo de condução descontínuo para a correção do fator de potência. O estágio inversor utiliza o conversor push-pull que faz a alimentação em alta freqüência do filtro LCC ressonante e das lâmpadas. Os princípios de operação, equações de projeto e os resultados experimentais são obtidos para uma freqüência de operação de 50 kHz e tensão de alimentação de 110V RMS, 60Hz.
Retificador de 6kW, Fator de Potência Unitário, Trifásico, Comutação Não Dissipativa na Conversão CC-CC e Controle Sincronizado em Freqüência
Authors: Treviso Carlos H. G. , Barbosa Lúcio R , Pereira Adriano A. , Jr João B. Vieira , Freitas Luiz C.
Published: October 2018

Este artigo apresenta o funcionamento de um retificador trifásico, fator de potência unitário, comutação não dissipativa na conversão CC-CC e controle sincronizado em freqüência, funcionando com 89% de rendimento global com baixo nível de RFI. A estrutura proposta permite o funcionamento com alta freqüência de chaveamento. A tensão de saída é controlada por “Modulação por Largura de Pulso (PWM)” com uma freqüência constante. O princípio de funcionamento, análise teórica da conversão CC, equações relevantes, técnica de controle para o balanceamento de corrente, resultados experimentais são mostrados neste artigo.
Reator Eletrônico Auto-Oscilante com Variação Automática de Luminosidade e Detecção de Presença Empregando Microcontrolador
Authors: Campos Alexandre , Michel Alexandre L. , Pappis Douglas , Prado Ricardo N.
Published: October 2018

Este artigo descreve um reator eletrônico com capacidade de variação automática de luminosidade e controle de presença aplicado a lâmpadas fluorescentes. Emprega-se comando auto-oscilante e microcontrolador de baixo custo. A proposta é de um reator que una a eficiência e simplicidade do comando auto-oscilante com a flexibilidade proporcionada por um microcontrolador, obtendo o máximo aproveitamento da luminosidade natural. O controle automático da potência na lâmpada é realizado através da variação da freqüência de comutação de um conversor half-bridge com comando auto-oscilante, utilizando o microcontrolador para o monitoramento e controle. O conversor alimenta uma lâmpada fluorescente de 40 W a partir de uma tensão de alimentação de 110 V, 60 Hz. O artigo inclui análise e descrição do sistema proposto, bem como resultados experimentais para a demonstração de seu desempenho.
Reator Eletrônico Microcontrolado para Lâmpadas de Vapor de Sódio a Alta Pressão e Comparações com um Reator Convencional
Authors: Có Márcio A. , Brumatti Márcio , Simonetti Domingos S. L. , Vieira José L. F.
Published: October 2018

Este artigo apresenta um reator eletrônico com um único estagio de processamento de potência para lâmpadas de vapor de sódio a alta pressão (SAP). Um conversor CC-CC buck que controla a corrente e a potência na lâmpada, um pré-regulador de fator de potência baseado no conversor boost, operando no modo de condução descontínua, e um inversor são combinados formando um conversor BIBRED com dupla alimentação em ponte completa. A lâmpada é alimentada com forma de onda retangular de corrente em baixa freqüência. Todos os sinais de comando são gerados por um microcontrolador dedicado. Um protótipo de 70W operando livre de ressonância acústica foi implementado e os resultados do reator eletrônico proposto são comparados com os resultados de um reator convencional.
Sistema de Acionamento para Motores de Indução Monofásicos – Uma Avaliação
Authors: Corrêa M.B. de R. , Jacobina C. B. , Lima A. M. N. , Silva E. R. C. da
Published: October 2018

Este artigo investiga o desempenho de sistemas de acionamento destinados a motores monofásicos com capacitor de partida ou capacitor permanente. Neste estudo, é demonstrado como a operação no modo bifásico aumenta o valor médio do conjugado, reduz a componente pulsante e suaviza a corrente de partida, em função do tipo do motor monofásico em questão. Também apresenta uma estratégia de controle de alto desempenho baseada na orientação pelo campo rotórico. Resultados de simulações e experimentais são apresentados como forma de demonstrar a viabilidade das configurações.
Introdução às Técnicas de Síntese e Aplicações de Indutâncias Negativas
Authors: Nuñez-Zuñiga Teresa Esther , Pomilio José Antenor
Published: October 2018

Este trabalho apresenta métodos para a síntese de indutâncias negativas, bem como algumas aplicações e estudos de estabilidade. Este comportamento não-natural é analisado com base em modelagem matemática, simulações e resultados experimentais. São apresentados métodos já descritos na literatura, como o VAPAR e o BVI, bem como uma nova metodologia, a SDR, que apresenta vantagens em aplicações em que a indutância negativa é inserida em série em um circuito elétrico. Todos os três métodos utilizam conversores CCCA para realizar a síntese da tensão exigida. As aplicações estudadas são a correção do fator de potência, a regulação de tensão e a compensação de linhas de transmissão.
Repetitive-Based Control for Selective Active Filters Using Discrete Cosine Transform
Authors: Marafão Fernando P. , Mattavelli Paolo , Buso Simone , Deckmann Sigmar M.
Published: October 2018

This paper proposes selective harmonic current compensation using a closed-loop repetitive controller. The controller is based on measuring the line currents. It performs the compensation of specific harmonics selected by a DCT (Discrete Cosine Transform) digital filter, which is self-adjusted to track utility frequency deviations by means of a Phase Locked Loop (PLL) system. Compared to conventional solutions, this approach allows full compensation of selected harmonics, even if the active filter has limited bandwidth. This method also requires a simpler algorithm than, e.g., the synchronous frame harmonic regulators and its complexity is independent of the number of compensated harmonics. Moreover, it is more appropriate for DSP implementation and less sensitive to rounding and quantization errors when finite word length or fixed-point implementation is required. Simulations and experimental results confirm the theoretical expectations.
Implementação de um Medidor do Conjugado para Motores de Indução com DSP
Authors: Carvalho Fabiano Valias de , Silva Luiz Eduardo Borges da , Torres Germano Lambert , Pinto João Onofre Pereira , Bose Bimal K.
Published: October 2018

Este trabalho descreve a construção de um medidor do conjugado eletromagnético de motores de indução trifásicos a partir das amostras de correntes e de tensões trifásicas. A estratégia para o cálculo do conjugado é a síntese do Fluxo do Estator através de Filtros Passa-Baixas em Cascata Programáveis (PCLPF - Programmable Cascaded Low-Pass Filters). A implementação é feita através de Microprocessador tipo Digital Signal Processor (DSP). O uso deste tipo de filtro contorna o problema da integração numérica necessária ao cálculo do fluxo a partir das amostras de tensão e de corrente. Na implementação do Filtro Passa-Baixas em Cascata Programável é utilizada uma Rede Neural Recorrente (RNN - Recurrent Neural Network) treinada com um algoritmo baseado em filtro de Kalman. O resultado desta implementação é um equipamento com precisão compatível com os medidores de conjugado baseados em eixos metálicos, com constante elástica conhecida e strain gauges.
A Novel High-Power-Factor Single-Switch Electronic Ballast for Compact Fluorescent Lamps
Authors: Ponce Mario , Arau Jaime E. , Osorio Rene , Juarez Mario A. , Alonso J. Marcos
Published: October 2018

In this paper a high-power-factor electronic ballast for compact fluorescent lamps based on the class E amplifier and featuring low voltage stress across the switch is presented. The proposed ballast is obtained by integrating a buck-boost converter, used as power factor correction stage, and a class E amplifier with a parallel resonant tank, used as resonant inverter. The buck-boost converter is op-erated at constant frequency and constant duty cycle in discontinuous conduction mode (DCM) to obtain a high input power factor.
Excitação De Etapas De Potência Classe Ab: Uma Nova Abordagem
Authors: Janssen Francisco
Published: October 2018

Os amplificadores de potência de áudio ocupam uma posição limítrofe entre a ciência e a arte, devido à sua aplicação e ao perfil muito exigente do usuário desses equipamentos. O objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar deficiências de projeto que reconhecidamente afetam a qualidade do sinal, especificamente na etapa excitadora, e apresentar uma nova abordagem para o projeto desta etapa. Ao final é apresentado um projeto como exemplo.
A Soft-switched Pwm Interleaved Boost-flyback Converter With Power Factor Correction
Authors: Gallo Carlos A. , Pinto João A. Corrêa , Freitas Luiz Carlos de , Farias Valdeir J. , Coelho Ernane A. A. , Jr. João Batista Vieira
Published: October 2018

This paper proposes a soft switching interleaved Boost-Flyback converter employed as a preregulator stage providing power factor correction. The use of a soft commutation cell allows the main switches to be turned on and off under null current and null voltage conditions, respectively. Interleaving techniques imply the overall reduction of the Boost inductor size and also the minimization of the switching losses without increasing voltage and current stresses. This topology has the advantages of the Flyback converter, as auxiliary power supplies are not necessary. A theoretical analysis, including the description of the operating stages and relevant expressions is developed. Additionally, simulation and experimental results are presented.
Novo Inversor Zvs Pwm Com Grampeamento Ativo Utilizando Um Único Interruptor Auxiliar
Authors: Mezaroba Marcello , Martins Denizar Cruz , Barbi Ivo
Published: October 2018

Este artigo apresenta um Inversor ZVS PWM com grampeamento ativo de tensão que utiliza um único interruptor auxiliar. A estrutura é particularmente simples e robusta. Ela é muito atrativa para aplicações monofásicas de alta potência. As perdas por comutação e condução são reduzidas com a implementação de um circuito “snubber” simples e regenerativo que provém comutação ZVS para todos os interruptores. Suas principais vantagens são: Estratégia de comando simples, robustez, baixo peso e volume, baixo conteúdo de distorção harmônica da corrente de saída e alta eficiência. Principio de operação em regime permanente, análise matemática, procedimento de projeto e resultados experimentais de um protótipo de laboratório são apresentados.
Proposal for a Hybrid Cycloconverter with Three-phase Input and Single-phase Output with Low Output Voltage Harmonic Distortion
Authors: Guimarães Érico C. , Freitas Pedro A. R. , Melo Fernando C. , Lima Gustavo B. , Freitas Luiz C. , Freitas Luiz C. G.
Published: October 2018

This paper presents a proposal for a Hybrid Cycloconverter with Three-phase Input and Single-phase Output with Low Output Voltage Harmonic Distortion (THDV). The proposed topology is based on the series association of Thyristor-based Cycloconverter with a non-isolated two DC-DC converters. The DC-DC converters are designed to process the minimum amount of energy necessary to mitigate harmonic distortion of the output voltage and, hence, to increase power density and efficiency. Theoretical analysis is presented and corroborated by experimental results obtained with a small-scale laboratory prototype. Different operating modes are analyzed and confirm the functionality of the proposed converter.
Estudo e Implementação de Controle Secundário em Microrredes CC
Authors: Neves Juliana C. , Silveira Rafaela D. , Da Silva Sérgio A. Oliveira , Sampaio Leonardo P.
Published: October 2018

Este trabalho visa no estudo de microrredes CC, devido à crescente utilização de fontes alternativas e renováveis de energia capazes de gerar eletricidade em CC. As microrredes podem ser gerenciadas por uma estrutura hierárquica de controle com ênfase no controle secundário, integrando sistemas de geração distribuída e de armazenamento de energia, bem como cargas genéricas. O controle secundário desempenha funções cruciais de compartilhamento de potência/corrente e regulação da tensão CC no barramento da microrrede. Uma questão essencial abordada neste trabalho é a implementação de uma rede de comunicação entre os conversores que compõem a microrrede CC. Desta forma, este estudo propõe uma abordagem distribuída para o compartilhamento de potência/corrente, melhorando a eficiência de distribuição de alocação de potência e operação da microrrede. O estudo também avalia duas topologias, em anel e linha, de redes de comunicação. Como consequência, os resultados obtidos validaram a estratégia de controle secundário proposta para microrredes CC, bem como concluiu-se que a configuração de comunicação em anel demonstrou maior robustez em comparação à topologia em linha. Tais resultados foram obtidos através de simulações computacionais e testes experimentais, os quais incluíram variações de carga, distúrbios e falhas de comunicação.
Impact of Optimization Algorithm Choice on Nonlinear Global Model for Photovoltaic Energy Generation Forecasting
Authors: Cavalcante Junior Valdemar M. , Fernandes Tiago A. , Freitas Renato Andrade , Amâncio Nayara A. de M. S. , Bradaschia Fabricio , Cavalcanti Marcelo Cabral
Published: October 2018

The article explores the relevance of choosing the optimization algorithm to obtain accurate parameter estimates in photovoltaic (PV) systems, with the aim of improving the energy efficiency of solar energy. Advances in photovoltaic module analysis models have resulted in the development of global non-linear models (GNLM), which offer a more accurate representation of the I-V characteristics under various environmental conditions. Metaheuristic algorithms have stood out for their ability to handle the complexity of these nonlinear models. Therefore, the careful choice of the optimization algorithm is fundamental to guarantee consistent and reliable results in the estimation of the model parameters, contributing to maximizing energy efficiency. The study seeks to investigate whether different optimization tools can improve the accuracy and efficiency of parameter estimation, resulting in improved modeling and performance prediction of PV systems in different conditions.
The Influence of Service Quality on Aircraft’s Brand Image in Bandung, Indonesia
Authors: Foster Bob
Published: October 2018

This study aims to measure the effect of service quality on domestic aircraft companies in accordance with the improvement of the corporate’s image. The population in this study is domestic passengers. In collecting data from 250 respondents, this study uses the Non-Random Sampling technique. The analysis method of this study is regression analysis. The result shows that there is the influence of service quality on the brand image of domestic aircraft. The implications of this study indicate that the improvement of service quality provides a positive image for local aircraft companies.
Sultan II. Mustafa Döneminde Osmanlı’daki Eşkiyalık Faaliyetleri
Authors: ÖZGÜL İbrahim
Published: October 2018

Eşkiyalık,
silahla veya çeşitli yöntemlerle zor kullanarak halkın can ve mal güvenliğini
tehdit eden, kamu düzenini bozan bazı şahıs ve grupların organizeolmaları sonucu
asayişi bozan faaliyetler olarak ortaya çıkmaktadır. Bu tür faaliyetlerin bazen
zaman ve mekan bakımından geniş döneme yayılan ve  devleti uğraştıran olaylarda bu çalışmada
belgeleriyle ortaya konulmuştur. Bu faaliyetlere zaman zaman taşradaki devlet
görevlilerininde eşkıya grupları oluşturarak veya onlarla birleşerek teşebbüs
ettikleri de olmuştur.

            Bu tür faaliyetlerin daha çok sarp
geçitlerin bulunduğu, ıssız ve güvenlik zafiyetinin olduğu yerlerde meydana
geldiğinden devlet çeşitli devamlı tedbirler almaya çalışmıştır. Devlet bu tür
olayları önlemek için çeşitli tedbirler alırken suçun isbatı ve yargılama
usullerini hukuk kuralları doğrultusunda kesin, açık ve objektif delillerin
kullanılmasına dikkat ederek araştırma sonuca cezalandırma yoluna gittiği
kullanılan arşiv belglerinde açıkça görülmektedir.
Bihke’ye Balon, Yüreğimize Kıyamet Korkusu Düştü
Authors: İNCE Yunus
Published: October 2018

Her düşünceden ve inançtan insanın tartışmasız fikir birliğine
varabileceği tek gerçektir ölüm. İnsanın hayat denilen yolculuğu bir gün
mutlaka son bulacaktır. Bu nedenle her insan geleceğini ya da ne zaman ve nasıl
öleceğini merak eder. Aynı şekilde insanlığın yaşamını sona erdirecek ve tek
tanrılı dinlerde adına kıyamet denilen hadisenin nasıl meydana geleceği de bir
merak konusudur. Kıyamet tüm insanlığın ve canlıların ölümü anlamına gelir.
Musevilik, Hıristiyanlık ve İslamiyet gibi tek tanrılı dinlere göre; kıyamet
kopacağında evrenin döngüsü ve işleyişi bozulacak, normal dışı hadiseler ortaya
çıkacaktır. Bu ön kabul nedeniyle tarihin farklı dönemlerinde insanlar
anlamlandıramadıkları hadiseler ya da durumlar karşında kıyametin kopmasının
yakın olduğu hissine kapılmışlardır. Bazen şiddetli bir deprem, düşman
istilası, salgın hastalık, gökte görülen garip ve anlamlandırılamayan bir nesne
kıyametin habercisi olarak kabul edilmiştir. Bu anlamda hayatın rutinini
değiştiren, bozan ve kitleleri korkutan uyarıcılar kıyamet habercisi olarak
kabul edilmiştir. Bu çalışmada Osmanlı Devletinde Bosna Eyaleti’nin Bihke
Kalesi’ne düşen bir balonun yarattığı korku ve şaşkınlığın nedenleri
tartışılacaktır. Hayatları boyunca gökyüzünde kuşlar, yarasalar ve böcekler
dışında bir şey görmemiş insanlar için gökten düşen bu garip nesne hayatın
normal rutinin dışında bir gelişmedir ve dolayısıyla bir kıyamet alameti olarak
kabul edilmiştir.
Time-Variant Watermarking of MPEG-Compressed Digital Videos
Authors: Leiss Ernst L.
Published: October 2018

Watermarks allow one to embed information into digital videos in a way that is imperceptible to the viewer. This information can be used to establish ownership, trace origin of copies, and verify the integrity of the video. Watermarking may be compared to injecting additional energy; to ensure that this injection remains unnoticeable, it should be as small as possible. We outline an approach that permits a significant increase of the amount of information that can be accommodated in a watermark without any increase in the complexity of the process, namely time- variant watermarks. Since data compression is an important aspect in storing and distributing digital videos, we formulate our approach assuming the video is represented in an MPEG format. We discuss implementation issues of time-variant watermarks, with special emphasis on their advantages over the usual time- invariant watermarks. We comment on defeating attacks using filtering, cropping, resizing, and other standard methods used to defeat watermarks, such as changing existing frames, as well as new attacks, such as removing, repeating or permuting frames.
Facilitating the Verification of Diffusing Computations and Their Applications
Authors: E.J. Vos Tanja , Swierstra S. D.
Published: October 2018

We study a class of distributed algorithms, generally known by the name of diffusing computa- tions, that play an important role in all kinds distributed and/or database applications to perform tasks like termination detection, leader election, or propagation of information with feedback. We construct a highly parameterized abstract algorithm and shown that many existing algorithms and their applications can be obtained from this abstract algorithm by instantiating the parameters appropriately and/or refining some of its actions. Subsequently, we show that this use of param- eterization and re-usability of notation and proof leads to a reduction of the effort and cost of developing and verifying distributed diffusing computations. More specific, we show that proving the correctness of any application now boils down to verifying an application-specific safety prop- erty and reusing the termination and safety proofs of the underlying abstract algorithm.
Omicron ACO. A New Ant Colony Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Baran Benjamın , Gomez Osvaldo
Published: October 2018

Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) is a metaheuristic inspired by the foraging behavior of ant colonies that has been successful in the resolution of hard combinatorial optimization problems like the Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP). This paper proposes the Omicron ACO (OA), a novel population-based ACO alternative originally designed as an analytical tool. To experimentally prove OA advantages, this work compares the behavior between the OA and the MMAS as a function of time in two well-known TSP problems. A simple study of the behavior of OA as a function of its parameters shows its robustness.
Architecture of Component-based Information Systems over the J2EE Platform
Authors: Perovich Daniel , Rodrıguez Leonardo Rodrıguez , Vignaga Andres
Published: October 2018

Component-based development can be addressed from two different fronts, or more precisely, from two different levels. One of them regards the technology used for system implementation, and the other is a previous and more abstract level, where the focus is set to the logical structure of the solution and where technological issues are not considered. Model Driven Architecture promotes such separation by distinguishing platform independent models from platform specific models. In alignment with this approach, this article proposes a mapping from the tiered and platform independent architecture for information systems resulting from the application of a widely known methodological approach, to the available constructs in the J2EE platform. This mapping allows the definition of transformations between platform independent models, resulting from the referred methodology where it is possible to abstractly reason about the solution, and platform specific models which are aligned with technological constructs and are directly implemented.
A ISO 9001:2000 Certification Model in SMEs
Authors: Neto e Azevedo Raimundo Sales , Dias Belchior Arnaldo , Simão Filho Marum , Lenz César Flávio Lenz César
Published: October 2018

This work describes a model for certification ISO 9001:2000 process of a software company. The Quality Management System (QMS) implementation in the company guided the fundamental processes of the software development, the organizational processes and the support processes, structuring all the practices in the company and extending its vision in relation to their own products, processes, collaborators and clients. The certification process was conducted through a set of structured activities based upon ISO/IEC 12207, in contrast to the logical sequence of implementation items in ISO 9001. As a result, this work provided greater agility in the implementation process of the QMS in the software company.
Örgüt Temelli Öz Saygı İle Duygusal Örgütsel Bağlılığa İlişkin Öğretmen Görüşleri
Authors: Yüner Berna
Published: October 2018

Bu araştırmanın amacı örgüt temelli öz saygı (ÖTÖS) ile duygusal
örgütsel bağlılık (DÖB) arasındaki ilişkiyi görme engelli ve engeli olmayan
öğretmen görüşlerine göre belirlemektir. Ayrıca, öğretmenlerin görme engel
durumunun ve demografik değişkenlerin ÖTÖS ve DÖB düzeyleri üzerindeki etkisi
incelenmiştir. Çalışma ilişkisel tarama modelinde olup 119 görme engeli bulunan
ve 156 engeli bulunmayan toplam 275 öğretmenle yürütülmüştür. Araştırmada
“Örgüt Temelli Öz Saygı Ölçeği” (ÖTÖSÖ) ve “Duygusal Örgütsel Bağlılık Ölçeği”
(DÖBÖ) kullanılmıştır. Veriler, betimsel istatistikler, doğrulayıcı faktör
analizi (DFA) ve regresyon teknikleri ile analiz edilmiştir. Araştırma
sonucunda ÖTÖS ve DÖB düzeyinde cinsiyet değişkeninin erkek öğretmenler lehine
anlamlı fark oluşturduğu, medeni durum, görme engeli durumu, kıdem ve
öğretmenlik uzmanlık alanı ise anlamlı fark oluşturmadığı gözlemlenmiştir.
Ayrıca, ÖTÖS ile DÖB arasında pozitif yönlü ve anlamlı ilişki bulunduğu ve
örgüt temelli öz saygının, duygusal örgütsel bağlılığın anlamlı bir yordayıcısı
olduğu saptamıştır.
Post Necrotizing Enterocolitis Colonic Strictures: Report of 5 Cases
Authors: Rahul Sandip Kumar , Kumar Vijayendra , Thakur Vinit Kumar , Yadav Ramdhani , Hasan Zaheer , Kumar Pankaj , Chaubey Digamber
Published: October 2018

Background: With increasing survival of patients suffering from necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) colonic strictures, as its late sequelae, is increasingly being seen and most of these patients present with chronic constipation.

Case Series: Five patients of acquired colonic stricture presenting with abdominal distension and constipation are being reported here. All five patients varied in clinical features, age at presentation and surgical manage-ment. Three of them had abdominal distension and constipation with poor nutritional status. Primary resection with anastomosis could be done in only one while stoma was made initially in other patients. One patient pre-sented with sealed perforation and fistula between jejunum and colon. All, except one patient, had stricture at splenic flexure. Histopathology of colon reported normal ganglion cells in all patients.

Conclusion: All survivors of necrotizing enterocolitis, should be followed for the development of colonic stricture; It should be kept as important differential diagnoses of chronic constipation in children.
Acute Presentation of Eventration of Diaphragm with Gastrothorax in an Infant
Authors: Basheer Faisal , Khan Qamar uz Zaman , Jalil Jawad , Safdar Chaudhary Aqeel
Published: October 2018

Please see fulltext
Antenatally Diagnosed Suprarenal Mature Cystic Teratoma with Down Syndrome
Authors: Singh Aditya Pratap , Tanger Ramesh , Ansari Maryem , Gupta Arun Kumar , Barolia Dinesh Kumar
Published: October 2018

Background: Teratoma is a germ cell tumor (GCT) arising from totipotent stem cells that differentiate into the tissues that are foreign to the anatomic site. Teratoma at the suprarenal location is extremely rare. The associa-tion with the Down syndrome also makes it unusual.

Case Report: We are presenting here a case of one-year-old female infant with Down syndrome who had an antenatal diagnosis of right suprarenal mass. Laparotomy revealed a large cystic mass in the right suprarenal location which was completely excised. Right adrenal gland could not be seen separately from the mass. The histological diagnosis was a mature cystic teratoma.

Conclusion: Adrenal teratoma is rare and may be considered in the differential diagnosis of antenatally diag-nosed suprarenal lesion. Its association with Down syndrome is rare finding.
Congenital Umbilical Appendix Misdiagnosed as Umbilical Granuloma: Report of 2 Cases
Authors: Ghoroubi Javad , Mohajerzadeh Leily , Lotfollahzadeh Saran , Atqiaee Khashayar
Published: October 2018

Background: Umbilical cord hernia is an uncommon umbilical anomaly which develops during 10th to 12th weeks of gestational age owing to failure of complete bowel return into coelomic cavity. In extremely rare cases appendix is the only trapped organ in hernia sac which may erode the overlying membrane and simulate umbili-cal granuloma.
Case Report: Two infants presented with delayed umbilical cord separation with a reddish mass at umbilicus which was initially diagnosed as umbilical granuloma. Surgical exploration on failure of conservative measures revealed it as vermiform appendix. Appendectomy was done in both cases.
Conclusion: Vermiform appendix at umbilicus is a rare congenital anomaly and may simulate other pathologies at umbilicus.
What I Would Like to be Remembered for!
Authors: Safdar Chaudhry Aqeel
Published: October 2018

Please see fulltext
The Association Among Social Support, Self-Efficacy, Use of Mobile Apps, and Physical Activity: Structural Equation Models With Mediating Effects (Preprint)
Authors: Wang Taotao , Ren Mengyuan , Shen Ying , Zhu Xiaorou , Zhang Xing , Gao Min , Chen Xueying , Zhao Ai , Shi Yuhui , Chai Weizhong , Liu Xinchuan , Sun Xinying
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND

Physical inactivity is a risk factor for chronic noncommunicable diseases. Insufficient physical activity has become an important public health problem worldwide. As mobile apps have rapidly developed, physical activity apps have the potential to improve the level of physical activity among populations.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of physical activity apps on levels of physical activity among college students.

METHODS

A Web-based questionnaire was used to survey college students in Beijing from December 27, 2017, to January 5, 2018. According to a previous survey, 43% of college students using physical activity apps and 36% of those who never used such apps achieved the physical activity recommendations. In this study, the sample size was calculated to be 500. The questionnaire consisted of 5 parts: the use of physical activity apps, sports habits, social support, self-efficacy, and social demographic information. Structural equation modeling was used to test the relationships between the use of physical activity apps, self-efficacy, social support, and level of physical activity.

RESULTS

Of the 1245 participants, 384 college students (30.8%) used physical activity apps (in the past month). Of these 384 students, 191 (49.7%) gained new friends via the app. College students who were using physical activity apps had a higher level of physical activity and higher scores for social support and self-efficacy (P<.001) than those who did not use such apps. The use of physical activity apps significantly affected the mediating effect of physical activity level through social support (beta=.126; P<.001) and self-efficacy (beta=.294; P<.001). Gender played an important role in app use, self-efficacy, and physical activity in the mediation model: male users spent more time on physical activity and had higher self-efficacy scores (P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study focused on college students in Beijing and found that the use of physical activity apps is associated with higher physical activity levels among these students. This effect is mainly through the mediation effect of social support and self-efficacy, rather than the direct effect of physical activity apps. The use of physical activity apps is associated with a higher social support level and higher self-efficacy score. Furthermore, a high social support level and high self-efficacy score are associated with higher physical activity levels.
A Rapid, Mobile Neurocognitive Screening Test to Aid in Identifying Cognitive Impairment and Dementia (BrainCheck): Cohort Study (Preprint)
Authors: Groppell Samantha , Soto-Ruiz Karina M , Flores Benjamin , Dawkins William , Smith Isabella , Eagleman David M , Katz Yael
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND

The US population over the age of 65 is expected to double by the year 2050. Concordantly, the incidence of dementia is projected to increase. The subclinical stage of dementia begins years before signs and symptoms appear. Early detection of cognitive impairment and/or cognitive decline may allow for interventions to slow its progression. Furthermore, early detection may allow for implementation of care plans that may affect the quality of life of those affected and their caregivers.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to determine the accuracy and validity of BrainCheck Memory as a diagnostic aid for age-related cognitive impairment, as compared against physician diagnosis and other commonly used neurocognitive screening tests, including the Saint Louis University Mental Status (SLUMS) exam, the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA).

METHODS

We tested 583 volunteers over the age of 49 from various community centers and living facilities in Houston, Texas. The volunteers were divided into five cohorts: a normative population and four comparison groups for the SLUMS exam, the MMSE, the MoCA, and physician diagnosis. Each comparison group completed their respective assessment and BrainCheck Memory.

RESULTS

A total of 398 subjects were included in the normative population. A total of 84 participants were in the SLUMS exam cohort, 51 in the MMSE cohort, 35 in the MoCA cohort, and 18 in the physician cohort. BrainCheck Memory assessments were significantly correlated to the SLUMS exam, with coefficients ranging from .5 to .7. Correlation coefficients for the MMSE and BrainCheck and the MoCA and BrainCheck were also significant. Of the 18 subjects evaluated by a physician, 9 (50%) were healthy, 6 (33%) were moderately impaired, and 3 (17%) were severely impaired. A significant difference was found between the severely and moderately impaired subjects and the healthy subjects (P=.02). We derived a BrainCheck Memory composite score that showed stronger correlations with the standard assessments as compared to the individual BrainCheck assessments. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis of this composite score found a sensitivity of 81% and a specificity of 94%.

CONCLUSIONS

BrainCheck Memory provides a sensitive and specific metric for age-related cognitive impairment in older adults, with the advantages of a mobile, digital, and easy-to-use test.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03608722; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03608722 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/76JLoYUGf)
Pengaruh Penyaluran Dana ZIS dan Tingkat Inflasi terhadap Pertumbuhan Ekonomi Indonesia Periode 2011-2015
Authors: Anggraini Rachmasari , Ababil Ryval , Widiastuti Tika
Published: October 2018

This study aims to analyze the influence of ZIS fund's and inflation towards the economic growth in Indonesia during 2011-2015. The research method is quantitative method with multiple linear regression technique. The data used is the collected secondary data of remittances of ZIS from BAZNAS (national amil zakat agency) and inflation rate of BI (Bank of Indonesia) in Indonesia during 2011-2015 that includes monthly data all over Indonesia. The results of the research indicates that the funds of ZIS (X1) affects positively and significantly towards Indonesia's economic growth and inflation (X2) do not affect significantly to economic growth in Indonesia as well as ZIS fund and the inflation simultaneously affected the economic growth significantly during 2011-2015 in Indonesia.