bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Turning Weakness into Strength
Authors: Burkhead Randy L.
Published: September 2018

In today's culture organizations have come to expect that information security incidents and breaches are no longer a matter of if but when. This shifting paradigm has brought increased attention, not to the defenses in place to prevent an incident but, to how companies manage the aftermath. Using a phenomenological model, organizations can reconstruct events focused on the human aspects of security with forensic technology providing supporting information. This can be achieved by conducting an after action review for incidents using a phenomenological model. Through this approach the researcher can discover the common incident management cycle attributes and how these attributes have been applied in the organization. An interview guide and six steps are presented to accomplish this type of review. By understanding what happened, how it happened, and why it happened during incident response, organizations can turn their moment of weakness into a pillar of strength.
New Swarm Intelligence Technique of Artificial Social Cockroaches for Suspicious Person Detection Using N-Gram Pixel With Visual Result Mining
Authors: Bouarara Hadj Ahmed , Hamou Reda Mohamed , Amine Abdelmalek
Published: September 2018

In the last decade, surveillance camera technology has become widely practiced in public and private places to ensure the safety of individuals. Merely, face to limits of violation the private life of people and the inability to identify malicious persons that hid their faces, finding a new policy of surveillance video has become compulsory. The authors' work deals on the development of a suspicious person detection system using a new insect behaviour algorithm called artificial social cockroaches ASC based on a new image representation method (n-gram pixel). It has as input a set of artificial cockroaches (human images) to classify them (hide) into shelters (classes) suspicious or normal depending on a set of aggregation rules (shelter darkness, congener's attraction and security quality). Their experiments were performed on a modified MuHAVi dataset and using the validation measures (recall, precision, f-measure, entropy and accuracy), in order to show the benefit derived from using such approach compared to the result of classical algorithms (KNN and C4.5). Finally, a visualisation step was achieved to see the results in graphical form with more realism for the purpose to help policeman, security associations and justice in their investigation.
Digital Democracy in Authoritarian Russia
Authors: Baarda Rachel
Published: September 2018

Digital media is expected to promote political participation in government. Around the world, from the United States to Europe, governments have been implementing e-government (use of of the Internet to make bureaucracy more efficient) and promising e-democracy (increased political participation by citizens). Does digital media enable citizens to participate more easily in government, or can authoritarian governments interfere with citizens' ability to speak freely and obtain information? This study of digital media in Russia will show that while digital media can be used by Russian citizens to gain information and express opinions, Kremlin ownership of print media, along with censorship laws and Internet surveillance, can stifle the growth of digital democracy. Though digital media appears to hold promise for increasing citizen participation, this study will show that greater consideration needs to be given to the power of authoritarian governments to suppress civic discourse on the Internet.
A Study of User Continuance Behavioral Intentions Toward Privacy-Protection Practices
Authors: Han Ye , Ellis T. Selwyn
Published: September 2018

Prior research on privacy protective behaviors has found that online users irrationally trade protection for convenience, and so act against their own privacy preferences. The present article uses expectancy-confirmation theory (ECT) models to explain the continuance behavioral intentions of online users toward privacy-protection practices. It redefines convenience to highlight human behaviors involved in various stages of implementing privacy practices processes. The results show that earlier privacy practice experiences impact the present as well as the future protective behaviors of users, and that convenience-orientation is an important aspect of human nature that should not be inhibited by complex privacy practices. Therefore, to serve online users better, both researchers and practitioners should consider the personal perceptions of convenience of online users when constructing their privacy practices.
The Dark Side of Multi-Platform Advertising in an Emerging Economy Context
Authors: Yeboah-Banin Abena Animwaa , Amoakohene Margaret Ivy
Published: September 2018

Consumers' complex media consumption habits mean that advertising must, of necessity, be multi-platform to boost reach and engagement levels. Several benefits of multi-platform advertising have been highlighted in the literature. However, it is unclear whether there are any inherent challenges. Particularly in developing African economies such as Ghana where firms face resource constraints, advertisers cannot afford to miss the mark with the advertising spend. As such, practitioners must carefully off-set any dangers of multi-platform advertising. Given the subject's absence in the literature, there is little scholarly guideline with which to do this. This chapter contributes insights into the issue by asking the questions: (1) are there negative consequences to multi-platform advertising and (2) how may practitioners counter such? Then, using Ghana as empirical setting and exploratory interviews as primary method, the chapter engages the experiences of advertisers, advertising practitioners and audiences to gain a holistic view of the challenges of multi-platform advertising.
‘Cool', Brands and ‘Cool' Brands
Authors: Verma Harsh V.
Published: September 2018

The term ‘cool' is widely used expression in popular culture. This word is prefixed liberally with anything including people, behavior, place and brands. Notwithstanding ambiguity about what it stands there is complete clarity that it certainly adds value. ‘Cool' in this perspective is precious resource which can be used in brand building. The authors' exploration into its genesis and meaning revealed interesting insights. The concept of ‘cool' finds mention in theological discourses of religions including Buddhism, Hinduism and Stoicism. However the modern ‘cool' originated during the time of slavery a coping mechanism of slaves which later drifted into popular mainstream as counter-culture with shades of rebellion. This study found four perspectives of ‘cool' as composure, paradox, good, and cheeky. These use these strands of ‘cool' are evident branding efforts of various companies that target the youth market.
Branding and Communication Strategies in Healthcare Organizations
Authors: Joshi Sonopant Ganpatrao
Published: September 2018

The Indian healthcare industry is third largest economy in the world. India's competitive advantage also lies in the increased success rate of Indian healthcare sectors. All organizations benefit from great branding, but it is more important in healthcare than any other industry. Creating brand is an important object in marketing in order to reach to maximum customers. Organizations across the world and in India are constantly striving to achieve excellent branding to attain top recall value of healthcare. Physicians, dentists, physiotherapist, nurses, nursing home owners, hospital administrators have many challenges regarding branding and communications of healthcare. It is an ideal for energizing their healthcare organization and sustain financially and operationally. This chapter explains what is brand, its strategies, how to develop branding of healthcare organization and how to manage brands. Many illustrations and case studies are described in this chapter.
Branding and Mobile
Authors: An Yulia , Harvey Kenneth E.
Published: September 2018

An overview of mobile's impact on branding strategy expands from discussion of chronological ages of branding to mobile's effects on the brand management function. The latter are structured around four steps of the brand management process, including planning and brand positioning, implementing branding strategies, measuring and analyzing performance of a brand, and sustaining brand equity over time and across geographic markets. With a focus on cross-platform branding and establishment of seamless mobile experience, the chapter explores various aspects of mobile's influence on branding. A strategic view on the mobile-first approach that permeates all aspects of the branding process from logo design to brand equity measurement is accompanied with real-life applications. Best practices illustrate changing perspectives in branding and include examples of how new technologies like iBeacon and augmented reality are used by leading brands. Examples are drawn from recent academic and industry studies in business and management with links to classic brand management literature.
The Role of Marketing Intelligence in Brand Positioning
Authors: Kanwal Supreet , Samalia Harsh Vardhan , Singh Gurparkash
Published: September 2018

The presented study explains the role of Marketing Intelligence (MI) in the brand positioning of select consumer durable goods. This involves examining the usage and application of Marketing Information System (MkIS) by the various marketing professionals for formulating brand positioning strategies related to various consumer durable goods offered by their respective organizations. One of the aims of this study is to design a scale that examines the impact of MI on the identified brand positioning factors derived from the extensive review of literature and exploratory factor analysis. Survey method has been used to collect the responses of marketing professionals working in the select consumer durable companies. The principles of reliability, validity, and sensitivity in the design of scale have been applied to enhance the rigor of the scale thus developed. The study tries to advance the understanding of MkIS and MI research by investigating relationship among marketing intelligence and factors of brand positioning.
Narrative 3.0
Authors: Erdem M. Nur
Published: September 2018

Advertisements can be divided into two main groups as analytical and narrative advertisements. Analytical content of an advertisement includes features of products and it addresses to consumers' rationality. On the other hand narrative advertisements focus on to create a story around a brand and addresses to consumers' emotions. This study focuses on the type of narrative advertisement, its development and practices in recent years. The study begins with a general frame of advertising history, a discussion of the distinctions between narrative and analytic modes of processing and transformation of narrative advertising. Narrative advertisements will be inspecting with the terms of narrative 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0. The term of narrative 3.0 is the main focus point of this study and it will be explained with the concepts of prosuming, user integration, viral, etc. At the end of the study, as a narrative 3.0 practice, Tru Blood: Revelation will be inspected.
Impact of Digital Communication on Consumer Behaviour Processes in Luxury Branding Segment
Authors: Gupta Harsha
Published: September 2018

With a boom in digital marketing and the luxury sector in India, research in both the segments have become crucial for mining insights that guide consumer buying behaviour. However, both these constructs are comparatively new and have not been researched much. Hence, research in this field will help marketers across the corporate and academic sectors to understand deeper insights about consumer decision making process. This research will help in understanding how different vehicles of digital communication impact consumer behavior processes in the luxury brand apparel segment. The data for this research has been collected using an online questionnaire from respondents across India. Hence, this chapter will enable the readers in identifying which digital vehicles are most suitable for the different stages of the consumer behaviour process when marketing to luxury consumers; identifying the ranking of digital vehicles during consumer buying behaviour process; and analyzing the impact of various digital communications at different stages of the consumer behaviour process.
A Study on Customer Loyalty as a Determinant for Harnessing Power Brands
Authors: Panda Rajshree , Kapoor Deepa
Published: September 2018

Power brand is a new topic in the field of branding that has started to attract researcher's attentions yet; it is still mostly discussed in the non-academic field. Consumer loyalty has always been the central topic in marketing. These two concepts are the focuses of this research. The main subject of this research is to explore the drivers of power brand its effect and influence on customer loyalty. Even though there are few articles related to power brand, so far no quantitative research has been conducted. This study aims at identifying the factors which contribute strong brand positioning which impact customer loyalty and drivers of power brand. This study starts with examining the relevant literatures of branding, consumer behavior. Then, the hypotheses and research model are proposed based on theories. The study suggests respondents consider Power brands setting a differentiating approach to beat the competition and respondents normally have a positive past experience with the brand associated.
Turning PAGES With Health Coaching and Family Involvement
Authors: Bird Jennifer Lynne , Wanner Eric T.
Published: September 2018

This narrative provides a foundation for the PAGES family coaching program. PAGES is an acronym for practice patience, accept the present, gather information, encourage, and self-care. Each part of the acronym represents advice that family members of patients in hospitals can implement into their lives. When patients attend group physical therapy classes in a hospital after surgery, it helps to have family members present to offer support during the healing process. However, sometimes when coaching loved ones, family members can get emotionally involved and lose their objectivity. A health coach can provide the missing link of “teaching the teachers” by demonstrating effective coaching practices. The goal of the chapter is to introduce you as the reader to the PAGES program so you will simultaneously learn about a new initiative as well as reflect on ways to apply the information to your own life.
Health Guidance Provision Infrastructure for Personalized Diabetes Management
Authors: Giokas Kostas , Iliopoulou Dimitra , Koutsouri Georgia , Koutsouris Dimitris
Published: September 2018

Over the last 30 years, diabetes mellitus has changed from being seen as a relatively mild ailment associated with ageing and the elderly (‘just a touch of sugar') to one of the major contemporary causes of premature mortality and morbidity in most countries. HealthDiab aims at proposing the development of an innovative personal health management system overcoming the current limitations patients and their physicians find at managing the disease. The central element for such system will be patient's own daily health records, as base for the provision of personalised and real-time guidance in the treatment of diabetes. The proposed solution could easily be adopted as a commercial product by a company willing to bring an innovative and effective Personal Health Management technology platform into market. Such a platform could help reduce the risks for the patient by getting new comorbidities associated to their disease while helping decrease the billionaire public costs linked with health assistance in our European welfare states
Medical Management of Trigeminal Neuralgia
Authors: Zhang Niushen
Published: September 2018

The first-line treatment of trigeminal neuralgia can be very effective, but side effects are often difficult for patients to tolerate. This chapter is a guide to the broad selection of medical therapies currently available for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia which includes oral therapies and other non-surgical methods of treatment such as IV medications, nasal sprays, topical ointments, and injections. The discussion of each treatment includes discussion of its evidence in current literature, its proposed mechanism of action, its dosing and appropriate setting for clinical use, and its side effect profile.
V2 Rhizotomy
Authors: Campos Lucas W. , Telischak Nicholas , Do Huy M. , Qian Xiang
Published: September 2018

Trigeminal neuralgia is a facial pain syndrome characterized by excruciating, paroxysmal, electric shock-like pain attacks in the sensory distribution of the trigeminal nerve. Medical management remains the first line of treatment. When this fails, surgical management needs to be considered. Percutaneous interventional procedures such as glycerol rhizotomy, radiofrequency (RF) thermocoagulation, and balloon compression of the trigeminal ganglion and its branches are some of the most commonly used procedures as they avoid exposure to general anesthesia, provide successful short-term results, and are available to people with significant co-morbidities. Of these, RF is the most often used. The V2 and V3 branches of the trigeminal nerve are most commonly affected, and are thus the most frequent targets for RF interventions. These procedures may be performed using conventional fluoroscopic, ultrasound, or CT-guided imaging, including combined flat-panel CT and fluoroscopy. This chapter summarizes these common ablation techniques targeting the V2 branch of the trigeminal nerve.
Effecting Superior Pain Management Strategies by Combining Technology With Tradition
Authors: Foo CK
Published: September 2018

Today we are witnessing a significant rise in chronic diseases and chronic pain. Modern medicine appears not to be sufficient to relieve symptoms and reduce or eliminate discomfort. The following proffers the need to look at alternate strategies. In particular, it suggests that a solution might lie if we combine modern technology with ancient wisdom and traditional approaches. This chapter serves to highlight strategies for prudent pain management. “Pain is not just from physical disorders but also from combinations of physiological, pathological, emotional, psychological, cognitive, environmental, and social factors. The keys to successful pain control are the mechanisms that initiate and maintain pain.” “Now, the public and health professionals expect to control pain by using preventive and active strategies, including drugs and physical and psychosocial interventions.” (Holdcroft & Power, 2003).
Expressive Avatars in Psychological Intervention and Therapy
Authors: Cláudio Ana Paula , Carmo Maria Beatriz , Gaspar Augusta , Teixeira Renato
Published: September 2018

A wide range of applications for virtual humans can be envisaged for the needs of both research and intervention in Psychology. This chapter describes the development and preliminary testing of an interactive virtual reality application “Virtual Spectators” – whereby virtual humans with expressive behaviour modelled on the basis of field research in human facial expression in real emotion contexts can be configured to interact with people in an interview or jury. We discuss the possibilities of this application in cognitive behavioural therapy using virtual reality and in nonverbal behaviour.
Augmented Reality in Informal Learning Environments
Authors: Gomes José Duarte Cardoso , Figueiredo Mauro Jorge Guerreiro , Amante Lúcia da Graça Cruz Domingues , Gomes Cristina Maria Cardoso
Published: September 2018

Augmented reality (AR) allows computer-generated imagery information overlays onto a live real-world environment in real time. Technological advances in mobile computing devices (MCD) such as smartphones and tablets (internet access, built-in cameras and GPS) made a greater number of AR applications available. This chapter presents the Augmented Reality Musical Gallery (ARMG) exhibition, enhanced by AR. ARMG, focused on twentieth century music history, and aimed at the students from the 2nd Cycle of basic education in Portuguese public schools. In this chapter, the authors introduce AR technology and address topics like constructivism, art education, student motivation, and informal learning environments. They conclude by presenting the first two parts of the ongoing research conducted among a sample group of students contemplating the experiment in an educational context.
Access to Evidence-Based Services for Individuals With Borderline Personality Disorder
Authors: King Peter , Martin Jennifer M.
Published: September 2018

This chapter outlines the key features of the diagnosis of borderline personality disorder. This is a diagnosis that has attracted significant levels of stigma and has generally been viewed as difficult to treat. This has resulted in often inadequate service responses for people experiencing high levels of distress. Increased understanding is facilitated by exploring precipitating factors leading to this diagnosis, including invalidating and often traumatizing environments. Available evidence from Australian and international literature is considered, with main treatments identified to inform improved treatment outcomes. The need for attention to biological, psychological factors is highlighted and in particular acknowledgment of the high prevalence of trauma, particularly childhood sexual assault, amongst the mostly women who are given this diagnosis.
RNA Interference Therapeutics and Human Diseases
Authors: Sharma Dolly , Singh Shailendra , Chand Trilok
Published: September 2018

Defective protein synthesis leads to diseases. If protein synthesis can be controlled, disease causing molecules can be tailored in some way. This is the perception behind RNA interference. RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics is branch of medicine which deals with the treatment of diseases while controlling the gene expression at RNA level. The motive of this chapter is to discover the state-of-the-art of RNAi therapeutics, to explore various techniques used by RNAi therapeutics to fight from diseases, and discuss the future prospects of it.
Trends in Health Care Information Technology and Informatics
Authors: Ruffin T. Ray , Hawkins Donna Patterson
Published: September 2018

It was not until 1994 that the United States healthcare industry established information systems capable of handling a universal delivery system. The healthcare industry has been one of the unhurried organizations to embrace the computer revolution in regards to patient care. Healthcare comprises of the use and management of a profusion of information that must be collected, managed, reviewed, processed, and mined. Technology changes rapidly and maintaining the status quo in healthcare actually means falling behind, and health organizations cannot afford to do that in a technology-driven world. This chapter investigates the trends in healthcare information technology and informatics. The chapter will consist of the following sections: background; issues, controversies, and problems; solutions and recommendations; future research directions; and finally the conclusion. This will enhance the field of health information and technology and its influences on all aspects of health organizations and society in general.
Interactivity in Distance Education and Computer-Aided Learning, With Medical Education Examples
Authors: Doyle D. John , Fahy Patrick J.
Published: September 2018

Medical educators commonly place considerable importance on the notion of “interactivity” in the educational process. Interactivity may be defined as a reciprocally active situation whereby a two-way flow of information or opinion exists between a source and a user, and where the source responds to the user's input. Advocates of interactivity maintain that well-designed interactivity in educational systems helps capture the learner's interest, has the potential to speed the learning process, and even allows for continuous assessment of the degree to which the material is mastered. Medical educators also point out that technology can allow for high-quality interactivity by providing for frequent and relevant user feedback, by recognizing when students misunderstand a concept, and by providing learning aids such as animations or graphs that vary depending on user input. However, badly designed interactivity can also impede student progress.
Knowledge-Based Forensic Patterns and Engineering System
Authors: Tiwari Vivek , Thakur R. S.
Published: September 2018

This chapter outlines a devoted framework that can store forensic digital data patterns permanently. The issues, challenges, conceptual multilayer framework for developing forensic pattern warehouse for betterment of forensic prediction and forecasting has been discussed. A sequence of phases is involved during the design processes of forensic pattern warehouse, and initially, conceptual modeling is one of the significant and the initial phase of forensic pattern warehouse design, because it constructs the solid framework for the next level of phases. In view of high semantic nature, there is a need to take a different approach for forensic pattern warehouse design to accommodate flexibility, isolation, extensibility, and robustness. In this way, the context-oriented forensic pattern warehouse design is one of the possible ways to manage patterns in a better way. The context of underlying pattern also helps to guide the queries to give a more satisfactory result.
Ethical Computing Continues From Problem to Solution
Authors: Lee Wanbil William
Published: September 2018

Ethical computing is instrumental in identifying and reaching a near-ideal solution to the problems arising from an environment that is technology-driven and information-intensive. Many of these problems that could have been avoided occur because we are either insensitive to or ignorant of their ethical implications. As a result, we could reach only a partial, compromised solution at best. An ideal solution is expected to be technically efficient, financially viable, legally admissible, ethically acceptable, socially desirable, and in many situations environmentally friendly (the so-called hexa-dimension criteria), and balanced in terms the six criteria or five criteria (in case the problem does not involve ecological concerns). An exposition of an ideal solution in terms of the requisite competence and the additive is presented.
New Perspectives of Pattern Recognition for Automatic Credit Card Fraud Detection
Authors: Salazar Addisson , Safont Gonzalo , Rodriguez Alberto , Vergara Luis
Published: September 2018

Automatic credit card fraud detection (ACCFD) is a challenge issue that has been increasingly studied considering the expanded potential of new technologies to emulate legitimate operations. Solution has to handle changing fraud behavior, detection in data with very small fraud/legitimate operations ratio, and accomplish operation requirements of very low false alarm in real-time processing. In this chapter, main issues related with the problem of ACCFD and proposed solutions are discussed from theoretical and practical standpoints. The perspective of detection analyses from receiving operating characteristic curves and business key performance indicators are jointly analyzed. A new conceptual framework for ACCFD considering decision fusion and surrogate data is outlined including a case of study with different proportions of real and surrogate data. In addition, the sensitivity of the methods to different proportions of fraud/legitimate ratios is tested. Finally, theoretical and practical conclusions are provided, and several open lines of research are proposed.
Privacy, Algorithmic Discrimination, and the Internet of Things
Authors: Winter Jenifer Sunrise
Published: September 2018

The internet of things (IoT) is a paradigm encompassing a wide range of developments that enable everyday objects to be tagged and uniquely identified over the internet. The IoT ecosystem is comprised of networks of physical objects embedded with the ability to sense, and sometimes act upon, their environment, as well as related communication, applications, and data analytics. This chapter introduces the internet of things, addresses its definition and related concepts, outlines anticipated application areas, and highlights challenges for its development. Concerns about privacy, surveillance, and unjust algorithmic discrimination are discussed.
Usable Security
Authors: Atzeni Andrea , Faily Shamal , Galloni Ruggero
Published: September 2018

The increased availability of information and services has led to the affirmation of the internet involvement for a large segment of the population. This implies a paradigm shift for computer security: users become less skilled and security aware, requiring easier interface to communicate with “the machine” and more specific and comprehensible security measures. These two aspects, which are complex and challenging, have significant reciprocal influence. In practice, it has proven very intriguing to study and propose effective trade-offs among them. This chapter focus on these aspects by analyzing the goals and state of the art of usability and security to understand where and how they might be effectively “aligned.”
O papel da ética na formação do químico licenciado: um olhar na formação inicial da região Oeste do Paraná
Authors: Lazzarin Iara Lucia , Malacarne Vilmar
Published: September 2018

O objetivo central deste artigo é fazer uma análise da compreensão dos coordenadores de curso, dos docentes e dos discentes dos Cursos de Química/Licenciatura Plena na região oeste do Paraná, quanto ao estudo de princípios éticos durante a formação inicial. O estudo está escrito numa perspectiva de pesquisa qualitativa e quantitativa, sendo o percurso metodológico realizado por pesquisa bibliográfica, documental e de campo. Os resultados indicam a necessidade de implementação de novas estruturações nesses cursos de modo que a inserção de conteúdos de Ética estejam contemplados nas disciplinas, devido à diminuta carga horária atual a ela destinados e às poucas referências encontradas nos conteúdos durante a pesquisa.
Polos teórico e epistemológico presentes em pesquisas brasileiras sobre identidade profissional de professores que ensinam Matemática
Authors: De Paula Enio Freire , Cyrino Márcia Cristina de Costa Trindade
Published: September 2018

Este artigo tem o propósito de analisar os polos teórico e epistemológico presentes em Este artigo tem o propósito de analisar os polos teórico e epistemológico presentes em pesquisas que se propuseram a investigar a identidade profissional (IP) de professores que ensinam matemática (PEM). O corpus é constituído por 24 dissertações e teses brasileiras, oriundas de Programas de Pós-Graduação stricto sensu das áreas de Educação e Ensino defendidas no período 2006-2016. Para tanto, foram descritos e sistematizados os procedimentos metodológicos assumidos nesse corpus e seus respectivos referenciais teóricos relacionados à IP de PEM. Foi possível identificar quatro perspectivas epistemológicas: a sociológica, a cultural, a psicológica/psicanalítica e a generalista. Os resultados revelam que, na maioria dos trabalhos, os referenciais teóricos tratam de identidade em um contexto mais amplo, não se relacionando especificamente com a IP de PEM. Embora haja uma multiplicidade de autores referenciados, são poucos aqueles presentes em um número significativo de estudos. A nacionalidade da maioria dos autores não é brasileira e muitos deles não são investigadores da área de inquérito da Educação Matemática.
Effect of the Proportion of Tungsten Element on the Mechanical and Structural Properties of (Fe3C-W-Ni) Sintered Alloy
Authors: Mebarki Lahcene , Zidani Mosbah , Boukhobza Abdelyamine , Mechachti Said , Fedaoui Kamel
Published: September 2018

The objective of this work is the development of a Fe-W-Ni sintered steel obtained by the powder metallurgy technique. The latter is widely used today for the design of new alloys based on powders (iron) to meet industrial requirements in strength and wear characteristics. The proposed alloy is based on iron mixed with 5% nickel and various percentages (5, 10, 15 and 20%) of tungsten. The effect of the tungsten W content on mechanical and structural properties is presented.
A Laser Scribed Graphene Oxide and Polyimide Hybrid Strain Sensor
Authors: Naveed Shayan , Malik Tayyaba , Muneer Muhammad , Ali Mohammad Mohammad
Published: September 2018

Strain sensors are devices used in applications such as electronic skin, prosthetic limbs, and e-textile applications, etc., for the purpose of measuring the physical elongation of a desired structure under a given or applied force. An artificial throat, using a strain sensor, was recently developed as an aid for speech impaired individuals. Strain sensors have been developed using graphene and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), with a reported gauge factor ranging from (5~120). We have developed a strain sensor through laser scribing. Using laser scribing is a recent and facile technology, used for printed electronics. Complex geometries and patterns can be drawn very easily using this method. The laser scribing method relies on the property of certain materials to form a graphene-like conductive material upon irradiation by lasers. Polyimide and graphene oxide (GO) are two such materials.In these experiments, 2×2 cm sheet of polyimide were taken and printed 1×1 cm box on the sheet using a laser patterning setup of 450 nm wavelength. Graphene oxide solution was drop-casted on the reduced polyimide sheet of 1×1cm, to increase its sensitivity, and then the drop-casted graphene oxide was reduced using the same laser. The strain sensor was characterized by a micro-strain testing machine. The normalized resistance was plotted against strain and the gauge factor was calculated. The effect of the laser intensity was investigated and different gauge factors were calculated by varying the intensity of the laser. The gauge factors were found to be in the range of 49-54 and was compared with the polyimide reduced strain sensor (without drop-casting the GO).
Investigation of Hot Section (Nozzle Guiding Vane) Distress due to Interaction of Thermal Barrier Coatings with CMAS
Authors: Ahmed Qadeer , Qureshi Imran Nazir , Salam Iftichar Us
Published: September 2018

An investigation of distress of hot section nozzle guiding vane (NGV) was carried out. Thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) were applied to the components of gas turbine engines to operate at higher temperatures i.e. up to 1200°C. The cause of failure was hot corrosion of TBCs by chemical entities from atmosphere like oxides of Al, Ca, Si and Mg (CMAS). Source of CMAS was dust, which was ingested to airfoil engine components. Different techniques like scanning electron microscope, boroscopy, optical microscopy, X-ray Diffraction and optical emission spectroscopy were utilized to investigate the failure of nozzle guiding vanes.
Ni-Cr-Mo Alloy for Dental Prostheses with Low Melting Temperature
Authors: Haider Ali , Azam Omar Farooq , Talha Muhammad , Akhtar Saleem
Published: September 2018

Ni-Cr alloys are popular for dental prostheses for the reason of economy and few better characteristics in comparison to expensive gold based alloys. However, Ni-Cr alloy developed locally has higher melting point around 1400°C as compared to that of proprietary alloys. The Ni-Cr alloys contain major alloying elements in following range: 50-80 % Ni, 10-30 % Cr, 3-10 % Mo. Minor addition is made to have requisite properties suitable for dental prostheses. In this work investigation was carried out to find out optimum chemistry to have melting point of the alloy in the range of 1100-1200°C without compromising the requisite mechanical properties. Developed alloy was characterized using Scanning Electron Microscope, Inductive Coupled Spark Plasma, Hardness Tester and Differential Scanning Calorimetry. Results were analyzed and acceptable samples tested at dental labs for trial use and suitability for dental prostheses.
Bacterial Disinfection Using Polymer Based Hybrids
Authors: Safri Anam Anwar , Ur Rehman Junaid , Shabbir Saima , Hussain Wilayat
Published: September 2018

Sol-gel chemistry was adeptly exploited to fabricate polymer based hybrids for solar disinfection to render clean drinking water. The present research study was carried out by inclusion of different proportions of titania (2.5 and 7.5 wt %) that covalently cross-linked with the polymer matrix. In addition to morphological studies, the optical band gap and wavelength absorbed was investigated through UV-Vis absorption spectra. Moreover, the efficacy of photocatalytic antimicrobial activity of polymer based hybrids was evaluated using source water with controlled amount of total coliform that causes waterborne diseases. This research provided a green synthesis approach for water disinfection along with no disinfection byproduct formation, thus, rendering energy efficient and cost-effective water disinfection.
Superplastic Behavior of Al-Mg-Mn Alloy: An Experimental & Numerical Investigation
Authors: Zaman Tayyaba , Qayyume Rehan , Ali Amjad , Khan Shaheed , Maa Chaoli
Published: September 2018

Deformation response of Al-4.46Mg-0.48Mn alloy under uniaxial tensile loading was investigated at temperatures ranging from 400°C - 525°C and at strain rates of 3x10-3 s-1, 1x 10-3 s-1 & 10-4 s-1. The alloy exhibited a maximum elongation >480% at a strain rate of 10-3s-1 and 525°C. At all conditions, the dominant deformation mechanism governing the superplastic deformation was investigated as a function of strain rate and temperature. The contributions of strain-rate sensitivity and strain hardening were analyzed in relation to the observed tensile ductility. The strain rate sensitivity index (m) and average activation energy (Q) values revealed that the dominant deformation mechanism is grain boundary sliding (GBS). The GBS phenomenon was further confirmed through high magnification examination of deformed surface. Optical microscopy (OM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) showed that dynamic re-crystallization occurs during hot deformation of the alloy which causes reasonable enhancement of plasticity.
Bronchial Allergen Challenge of Patients with Atopic Asthma Triggers an Alarmin (IL-33, TSLP, and IL-25) Response in the Airways Epithelium and Submucosa
Authors: Wang Wei , Li Yan , Lv Zhe , Chen Yan , Li Yun , Huang Kewu , Corrigan Chris J. , Ying Sun
Published: September 2018

The alarmin cytokines IL-25, IL-33, and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) play a critical role in asthma pathogenesis by inducing mucosal Th2-type cytokine production. Although environmental exposure to aeroallergens has been proposed as an alarmin trigger in asthma, there has been no systematic parallel study of the effects of allergen exposure on the expression of these cytokines in the airways of human asthmatics. Using single and sequential double immunohistochemistry, we evaluated the numbers and phenotypes of IL-25–, IL-33–, and TSLP-immunoreactive cells in sections of bronchial biopsies from mild atopic asthmatics (n = 16) before and 24 h after allergen inhalational challenge. Allergen challenge highly increased expression of baseline immunoreactivity for IL-25, IL-33, and TSLP, both in the bronchial epithelium and submucosa (p < 0.001), to a degree that correlated with the extent of the late phase of airway obstruction. Aside from epithelial cells, the principal source of immunoreactivity for all three alarmins, TSLP, and IL-33 immunoreactivity colocalized principally with endothelial cells and mast cells, neutrophils, and fibroblasts, whereas IL-25 immunoreactivity colocalized principally with eosinophils as well as endothelial cells, mast cells, and fibroblasts. The data implicate that allergen challenge directly increases airway alarmin expression in atopic asthmatics to a degree correlating with increase late-phase airway obstruction, affirming these molecules as potential molecular targets for the inhibition of allergen-induced airway inflammation and obstruction.
A praxis-based approach to theological training in Cape Town
Authors: Headley Selena D.
Published: September 2018

A training programme that employs the use of the pastoral cycle, leading practitioners into a praxis-based approach towards urban transformation, may be shifting the focus of some faith-based practitioners, sparking change in communities. In 2016, a diverse group of individuals engaged in a 10-month leadership training programme centred around the pedagogical framework of the praxis cycle as a method of engagement in their diverse contexts across the city. This article will consider the ways in which the introduction of a praxis-based approach led participants on a journey of self-reflection, social analysis, prophetic imagination and planning for social transformation. Consideration will be given to the ways in which the shared journey through the praxis cycle influenced the practical knowledge and actions of the participants. This article will explore the employment of a praxis-based approach to theological training among a group of faith-based practitioners in Cape Town.
Challenges to belief systems in the context of climate change adaptation
Authors: Jooste Brechtje S. , Dokken Jon-Vegard , Van Niekerk Dewald , Loubser Ruth A.
Published: September 2018

This article focuses on the social aspects of climate change and explores the interrelationship between belief systems and adaptation. The links and interaction between external and internal realities are examined from the perspective of contextual vulnerability, with a focus on the multifaceted structure of belief systems. The aim was to determine those challenges regarding climate change adaptation that are caused by a community’s belief system and to make recommendations to overcome them. Diverse perceptions of climate change and beliefs from three townships in the North-West Province of South Africa were collected and analysed using Q-methodology, finding five distinct worldview narratives. These narratives were named naturalist collectivist, religious, religious determinist, activist collectivist and structural thinker. It is recommended that policymakers aim to address diverse views and should be informed by factors that increase resistance to belief revision. Information should be framed in ways that foster the perception of internal control, are clearly evidence based and encourage a desire to learn more.
Baseline measures of primary health care team functioning and overall primary health care performance at Du Noon Community Health Centre
Authors: Mukiapini Shapi , Bresick Graham , Sayed Abdul-Rauf , Le grange Cynthia
Published: September 2018

Background: Research consistently demonstrates the importance of effective team work for improving the quality of health care. We conducted a baseline measure of primary health care (PHC) team effectiveness and overall PHC performance at a primary care facility.Aim: To improve PHC team effectiveness and ultimately the quality and user experience of primary care at a community health centre (CHC).Setting: Du Noon CHC in the southern and western substructure of the Cape Town Metro district services (MDHS).Methods: A cross-sectional study using a combination of the Nominal Group Technique (NGT) consensus method and the South African Primary Care Assessment Tool (ZA PCAT) to assess PHC team effectiveness and PHC organisation and performance.Results: The ZA PCAT was administered to 110 CHC users (patients) and 12 providers (doctors and clinical nurse practitioners). Data from 20 PHC team members showed they perceived their team as well functioning (70% agreement on a 7-item PHC team assessment tool incorporated into the ZA PCAT). The NGT method achieved participant (20) consensus on communication and leadership as the main challenges to effective team functioning and on ideas to overcome the challenges. The ZA PCAT user data showed 18.2% of users rated first contact access as acceptable to good; 47.3% of users rated ongoing care as acceptable to good. Provider data showed that 33% of providers rated first contact access as acceptable to good; 25% of providers rated ongoing care as acceptable to good. First contact access received the lowest acceptable to good score (18.2%) and comprehensiveness (services available) the highest score (88.2%) from users. For the providers, the lowest acceptable to good score was for ongoing care (25%) and the highest acceptable to good score was for primary health care team availability (100%). The ZA PCAT total primary scores were good (above 60%) for both users and providers but moderately higher for the providers.Conclusion: Knowledge of how teams perceive their effectiveness can motivate them to generate ideas for improving performance. There were discrepancies between providers’ assessment of team functioning using the ZA PCAT measure and the NGT method results. The ZA PCAT also showed differences between providers’ and users’ perceptions of PHC performance – consistent with the findings of the multi-CHC Western Cape ZA PCAT study. These findings should encourage and support CHC and district level staff in their efforts to improve the quality and user experience of primary care, as well as PHC team performance.
A method of achieving carryover of relaxation into life situations
Authors: Shavell Audrey
Published: September 2018

No abstract available.
Altered Systemic Adipokine Levels in Pulmonary Tuberculosis and Changes following Treatment
Authors: Moideen Kadar , Kumar Nathella Pavan , Nair Dina , Banurekha Vaithilingam V. , Babu Subash
Published: September 2018

Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) is associated with modulation of levels of adipokines, specifically adiponectin and leptin, but the effect of standard antituberculosis treatment (ATT) on the systemic levels of adiponectin, resistin, and leptin has not been well explored. To identify the association of adipokines with PTB and their relationship with disease severity and bacterial burden, we measured the levels of adiponectin, resistin, and leptin in PTB individuals and compared them with latent tuberculosis (LTB) and healthy control (HC) individuals. Pulmonary tuberculosis was characterized by diminished circulating levels of adiponectin and leptin and heightened circulating levels of resistin in comparison to that in LTB and HC individuals. However, PTB with bilateral or cavitary disease did not exhibit any increased systemic levels of these adipokines in comparison with those with unilateral or non-cavitary disease, respectively. In addition, none of the adipokines exhibited a positive correlation with bacterial burdens, but adiponectin alone exhibited a negative correlation with body mass index in PTB individuals. Finally, on successful completion of ATT, PTB individuals exhibited significantly increased levels of adiponectin and leptin and significantly decreased levels of resistin. Therefore, our data identify an important association of systemic adipokine levels with PTB disease and its alteration following ATT.