bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of SWAT and GWLF Model Simulation Performance in Humid South and Semi-Arid North of China
Authors: Qi Zuoda , Kang Gelin , Chu Chunli , Qiu Yu , Xu Ze , Wang Yuqiu
Published: August 2017

Watershed models have gradually been adapted to support both decision and policy making for global environmental pollution control. In this study, two watershed models with different complexity, the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) and the Generalized Watershed Loading Function (GWLF), were applied in two catchments in data scarce China, namely the Tunxi and the Hanjiaying basins with contrasting climatic conditions (humid and semi-arid, respectively). The performances of both models were assessed via comparison between simulated and measured monthly streamflow, sediment yield, and total nitrogen. Time series plots as well as four statistical measures (the coefficient of determination (R2), the Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE), percent bias (PBIAS), and RMSE (root mean square error)—observations standard deviation ratio (RSR)) were used to estimate the performance of both models. The results show that both models were generally able to simulate monthly streamflow, sediment, and total nitrogen loadings during the simulation period. However, SWAT performed better for detailed representations, while GWLF could produce much better average values of the observed data. Thus, GWLF offers a user-friendly prospective alternative watershed model that requires little input data and that is applicable for areas where the input data required for SWAT are not always available. SWAT is more suitable for projects that require high accuracy and offers an advantage when measured data are scarce.
Derivation of Flow Duration Curves to Estimate Hydropower Generation Potential in Data-Scarce Regions
Authors: Reichl Fabian , Hack Jochen
Published: August 2017

Small-scale hydropower is a robust and reliable form of sustainable energy supply in remote areas. On the one hand, the potential for hydropower generation depends on the specific climate in a given place, and precipitation above all. On the other hand, such potential also depends on the catchment’s characteristics, e.g., topography, land use, and soils. In the absence of discharge measurements, the available river flow for hydropower production can be estimated in the form of a flow duration curve based on these variables. In this study, the lumped rainfall-runoff method by Crawford and Thurin (1981) was modified to calculate a flow duration curve with a daily time step for an ungauged catchment in Nicaragua. Satisfactory results could be obtained by calibrating the method with the aid of a few discharge measurements. Best results were obtained with a parameter set for groundwater flow and recharge to groundwater from excess soil moisture of 0.014 and 0.6, respectively. Considering the climate and catchment characteristics of the study site, this parameterization can be physically reasoned.
Comparison between treatment effects in a randomised controlled trial and an observational study using propensity scores in primary care
Authors: Stuart Beth L , Grebel Louise EN , Butler Christopher C , Hood Kerenza , Verheij Theo J M , Little Paul
Published: August 2017

Background

Although randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are considered ‘gold standard’ evidence, they are not always feasible or appropriate, and may represent a select population. Observational studies provide a useful alternative to enhance applicability, but results can be biased due to confounding.

Aim

To explore the utility of propensity scores for causal inference in an observational study.

Design and setting

Comparison of the effect of amoxicillin on key outcomes in an international RCT and observational study of lower respiratory tract infections.

Method

Propensity scores were calculated and applied as probability weights in the analyses. The adjusted results were compared with the effects reported in the RCT.

Results

Groups were well balanced in the RCT but significantly imbalanced in the observational study, with evidence of confounding by indication: patients receiving antibiotics tended to be older and more unwell at baseline consultation. In the trial duration of symptoms (hazard ratio 1.06, 95% CI = 0.96 to 1.18) and symptom severity (−0.07, 95% CI = −0.15 to 0.007) did not differ between groups. Weighting by propensity score in the observational study resulted in very similar estimates of effect: duration of symptoms (hazard ratio 1.06, 95% CI = 0.80 to 1.40) and difference for symptom severity (−0.07, 95% CI = −0.34 to 0.20).

Conclusion

The observational study, after conditioning on propensity score, echoed the trial results. Provided that detailed information is available on potential sources of confounding, effects of interventions can probably be assessed reasonably well in observational datasets, allowing them to be more directly compared with the results of RCTs.
Prevalence, treatment and outcome of patellar luxation in dogs in Italy
Authors: Bosio Francesca , Bufalari Antonello , Peirone Bruno , Petazzoni Massimo , Vezzoni Aldo
Published: August 2017

Objective: To determine the prevalence of patellar luxation in dogs in Italy and its relation to signalment, the frequency and the type of postoperative complications and the outcome of treatment, and to compare the findings with those of other studies.

Materials and methods: The medical records from four referral clinics were searched for dogs with orthopaedic disorders referred from 2009 to 2014. From these data, the records of dogs with patellar luxation were identified, and the signalment, age and body weight, grade, side and direction of patellar luxation, treatment, postoperative complications, and outcome were retrieved. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were used to evaluate the data.

Results: Of 8,694 canine orthopaedic cases, fractures not included, patellar luxation was diagnosed in 559 dogs (801 stifles). Mixed breed dogs were most commonly affected (18%), 85% of the luxations were medial, and 52% of the dogs were female. Of the 559 dogs examined, 400 (574 stifles) met the inclusion criteria for treatment evaluation. Minor complications occurred in five percent of the dogs, and major complications in 16%, including recurrence of patellar luxation in seven percent of the dogs. The outcome was good in 88% of stifles, fair in two percent, and poor in 10%.

Clinical significance: Although patellar luxation was more common in small breed dogs, it also was diagnosed in a significant number of large breed dogs, which included medial patellar luxation in 73% and lateral patellar luxation in 27% of stifles. Body weight and grade of luxation were the only variables statistically correlated with surgical complications.

ORCID iD AV: http://orcid.org/0000-0003-2837-7822
Effect of a calcaneo-tibial screw on medial and lateral stability of the canine tarsocrural joint ex vivo
Authors: Bridges Janis , Worth Andrew , Frame Kevin
Published: August 2017

Objective: To evaluate the use of a temporary calcaneo-tibial screw for stabilization of the tarsocrural joint in dogs with surgically treated collateral ligament injury.

Methods: The degree of varus and valgus laxity of the tarsocrural joint in various states of injury and stabilization was measured in paired cadaveric limbs of Greyhound dogs. The angle of varus or valgus laxity was calculated following simulated collateral ligament injury (long collateral ligament only, long and short collateral ligaments, and bilateral long and short collateral ligaments) and stabilization with a calcaneo-tibial screw.

Results: The joint was significantly more stable after placement of a calcaneo-tibial screw compared to limbs with any combination of injured collateral ligaments. There was not a significant difference between stability of the intact limb compared to the injured limb with calcaneo-tibial screw fixation.

Clinical significance: Calcaneo-tibial screw fixation appears to be an adequate method of stabilizing the tarsocrural joint following collateral ligament injury, and warrants clinical evaluation as a less expensive alternative to external skeletal fixation application. It is likely that this method would need to be supplemented with a cranial half cast to prevent screw failure during weight bearing.
Bacterial recovery using sonication versus swabbing of titanium and stainless steel implants inoculated with Staphylococcus pseudintermedius or Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Case J. , Wellehan James , Dujowich Mauricio , Keeshen Thomas
Published: August 2017

Objective: To evaluate the use of sonication to improve recovery of bacteria from metal discs infected with bacteria commonly associated with implant infections in veterinary medicine.

Methods: In vitro study in which sterile titanium (Ti6Al4V) and stainless steel (AIS1316-L) discs were incubated with either Staphylococcus pseudintermedius or Pseudomonas aeruginosa for 24 hours. The following three groups were compared: 1) the sonication group involved immersing the discs in sterile saline and sonicating for five minutes; 2) the sham group was considered a negative control in which the discs were immersed in saline for five minutes without sonication; and 3) the swab group involved systematically swabbing the implant with a sterile culturette. All samples were plated on blood agar and incubated for 24 hours. Colonies were then counted and compared.

Results: For both species of bacteria, there was a significant increase in bacterial colonies isolated using sonication compared to the other two study groups (p = 0.0001). No differences in bacterial growth were found between the two types of metal implants. There was a significant increase in bacterial colony counts for S. pseudintermedius when comparing the swab group versus the sham group, but this was not significant for P. aeruginosa.

Clinical significance: Sonication significantly improves recovery of bacteria commonly associated with veterinary implant-associated surgical site infections compared to swabbing of implants in vitro. A prospective clinical evaluation is indicated to determine the in vivo efficacy of sonication in veterinary patients.
Secondary infections after cytotoxic chemotherapy in patient with hematological malignancies
Authors: Büyüktuna Seyit Ali , Saba Rabin , Gözel Mustafa Gökhan , Turhan Özge , İnan Dilara , Aşık Zahide , Köse Adem
Published: August 2017

Introduction: This study was initiated to investigate the risk factors of secondary infections in febrile neutropenic patients following chemotherapy, and to evaluate the clinical, microbiological, and mortality outcomes of these infections.

Methodology: An evaluation was done on all patients with hematological malignancy who developed a febrile neutropenic episode (FNE) after cytotoxic chemotherapy in the Department of Hematology, Akdeniz University Faculty of Medicine, between January 2007 and December 2008.

Results: A total of 294 primary FNEs that responded to the initial empirical or targeted treatment were included in the study, and secondary infections developed after 72 (24.5%) of 294 primary FNEs. Risk factors for secondary infections were determined as acute leukemia as the underlying disease, salvage chemotherapy for refractory/relapse diseases, prolonged neutropenia (10 days and over), Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASSC) score < 21, and fungal infection during the primary episode. The mortality rate of patients who developed secondary infections was significantly higher compared to patients without secondary infections (27.8% and 5.4%, respectively; p = 0.001).

Conclusions: The development of secondary infections in patients with hematological malignancy was not very rare. Greater concern should be shown for these infections to increase patient survival rates.
G. lamblia and H. pylori infections among mentally challenged individuals in rehabilitation centers in Alexandria, Egypt
Authors: Hassanein Faika I , Shehata Amany I , Abdul-Ghani Rashad
Published: August 2017

Introduction: Concomitant infections with pathogens are common, particularly when there are shared modes of infection or when one pathogen promotes the other. Residence among closed-type care institutions may pose an additional risk of such infections. Mentally challenged patients in rehabilitation centers constitute one of the special needs groups exposed to parasitic infections, including giardiasis. Several studies reported concomitant infection with G. lamblia and H. pylori worldwide and in Egypt; however, the co-existence of these two pathogens among mentally challenged individuals remains unexplored. The present study aimed to study the prevalence and association between G. lamblia and H. pylori among mentally challenged patients in rehabilitation centers in Alexandria, Egypt.

Methodology: 200 individuals admitted to four mental rehabilitation centers in the period from June 2013 to January 2014, who guardians gave informed consent, were recruited. Stool samples were collected and subjected to trichrome stain for G. lamblia and to antigen detection for H. pylori.

Results: The overall prevalence rates of G. lamblia and H. pylori were 8.5% and 24.0%, respectively. Monoinfection rates were 5.5% for G. lamblia and 21.0% for H. pylori, while concomitant infection with both species was detected in only 3.0% of cases. However, individuals who were H. pylori-positive were about two times more likely to be infected with G. lamblia than those who were H. pylori-negative (12.5% vs. 7.2%).

Conclusions: Mentally challenged individuals in Alexandria harbouring H. pylori are about two times more likely to be exposed to G. lamblia. Large-scale studies are recommended to confirm this association.
Developing effective HIV education in Central Asia: a cross-sectional study among Kazakh medical students
Authors: Nugmanova Zhamilya Sakenovna , Akhmetova Gulzhakhan Mazhitovna , Kurmangalieva Gulnara Sayabekovna , Kovtunenko Nataliya Grigorievna , Kalzhanbaeva Gulmira Rakhatovna , Abdumananova Malika Kamalovna , McNutt Louise-Anne
Published: August 2017

Introduction: The HIV epidemic continues to expand in Central Asia, bridging from injecting drug users to the general population, largely through heterosexual transmission. This study describes medical students’ attitudes and behaviours regarding HIV and sexual practices in response to recently introduced HIV curriculum.

Methodology: Medical students in Almaty, Kazakhstan, were invited to participate in a cross-sectional survey between April and November, 2013. The survey assessed participant’s risk behaviours (e.g., injecting drug use, condom use), concerns related to HIV infection risk (e.g., medical care exposures, personal behaviours), and ability to identify HIV-positive individuals without asking their status. Bivariate analyses (Chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test) and multivariate analysis (log-binomial regression) were conducted.

Results: Of 647 medical students, the majority were female (82.2%) and single (92.8%) with a median age of 21-22 years. Sexual activity was reported by 176 (27.2%); males were substantially more likely to report sexual activity (74.8% males vs. 16.9% females, p <.0001). The majority of sexually active medical students (65.6% and 68.3% males and females, respectively) believe they can determine if their partner is HIV-positive without asking or seeking a laboratory test. This proportion is much higher (92.6%) among married or cohabitating women. No association between perceived ability to ascertain HIV status and condom use was identified.

Conclusions: The medical students in our study had a relatively naïve perception of HIV risk, and their knowledge of risk did not translate to appropriate precautionary behaviours. Much work remains if the epidemic in Central Asia is to be contained.
Validating Rheumatoid Arthritis Remission Using the Patients’ Perspective: Results from a Special Interest Group at OMERACT 2016
Authors: Rasch Linda A. , Boers Maarten , Hill Catherine L. , Voshaar Marieke , Hoogland Wijnanda , de Wit Maarten , Flurey Caroline , Davis Bev , Hetland Merete Lund , Brahe Cecilie Heegaard , Gossec Laure , Wells George A. , Tugwell Peter , Kuriya Bindee , Goel Niti , Singh Jasvinder A. , Duarte Cátia , Da Silva José , van Schaardenburg Dirkjan , Proudman Susanna , van Tuyl Lilian H.D.
Published: August 2017

Objective.

The Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) working group on the patients’ perspective on remission in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been working on this topic since 2010. At OMERACT 2016, progress and preliminary data on validity of measurement instruments for pain, fatigue, and independence in remission in RA were presented, and future directions were explored.

Methods.

A special interest group was organized, in which the current data on the patients’ perspective on remission were presented. The ongoing study that aimed to validate measurement instruments for pain, fatigue, and independence in a state of low disease activity or remission was presented, and preliminary data on construct validity and discriminative capacity were evaluated cross-sectionally.

Results.

At OMERACT 2016, the progress of the working group and preliminary data from 142 of the anticipated 300 patients were presented. Selected instruments significantly correlated with the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (construct validity) and all instruments except 1 discriminated between patients in and patients not in remission. The subsequent discussion mainly focused around 3 points: (1) the formulation of patient perceived remission, (2) the duration of remission, and (3) the measurement of the domain independence. An informal vote indicated a slight preference for working toward modifying the current remission criteria by adding patient-reported outcomes (PRO), or by substituting the patient’s global assessment with 1 or more PRO.

Conclusion.

More evidence on measuring patients’ perspective on remission in RA is needed before an informed decision can be made regarding development or modification of remission definitions.
Consultancy and conflicts : Bedaux at Lukens Steel and the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company
Authors: Kipping Matthias
Published: August 2017

Cet article examine le rôle des consultants dans des conflits qui opposent différents groupes de cadres dans des entreprises clientes. Il analyse en détail deux cas : le producteur d’aciers spéciaux américain Lukens et le prédécesseur de la compagnie pétrolière britannique BP, en focalisant l’attention sur l’intervention du cabinet Bedaux dans les deux organisations. Dans le cas Lukens, deux membres opposés de la famille propriétaire embauchent des consultants pour donner plus d’autorité et de légitimité à leurs positions respectives. Chez BP, les cadres supérieurs, basés à Londres, utilisent les consultants pour imposer une politique plus stricte de contrôle de coûts aux cadres de l’usine de raffinage à Abadan en Iran. Ces derniers s’opposent farouchement à l’intervention des consultants et essayent de mettre en doute leur crédibilité - mais sans grand succès. Ensemble, ces études de cas démontrent que les cadres n’embauchent pas uniquement les consultants pour leur expertise et savoir-faire, mais aussi pour donner plus de poids et de légitimité à leurs décisions.
Innovation Labs 2037 : back to the future !
Authors: Lô Amadou , Sacépé Karine
Published: August 2017

Nous proposons ici au lecteur de vivre une prospective régressive dans un univers fictif du monde socio-économique de la France de 2037, où les espaces collaboratifs d’innovation (ECI) représentent le barycentre des écosystèmes d’innovation. Chaque habitation dispose de machines de fabrication additive ultra-performantes, permettant de produire et de consommer la majorité des objets physiques. Nous suivons le périple de deux jeunes adultes qui rencontrent un ancien Lab Manager qui leur raconte l’évolution des ECI au cours des vingt années précédentes. Les trois personnages décident alors d’envoyer un message aux Lab Managers de 2017 pour leur donner des conseils.
Regional Differences in CO2 Emissions from the French Residential Sector: Determinants and Distributional Consequences
Authors: Ahamada Ibrahim , Fodha Mouez , Kirat Djamel
Published: August 2017

Cet article s’intéresse aux déterminants des émissions de CO 2  des secteurs résidentiel et tertiaire en France. Nous estimons empiriquement la relation entre les émissions de CO2, le PIB, la température moyenne, le nombre de jours de gel, la technologie de chauffage et les prix de l’énergie. Les données de panel couvrent les 22 régions administratives sur la période 1995-2009. A l’aide de ces résultats, nous évaluons les conséquences régionales de la mise en œuvre d’une taxe à 22 € par tonne émise de CO 2 . Nous montrons que cette politique entraine des contributions fiscales régionales (mesurées par le ratio des recettes fiscales au PIB) très différentes. Afin de réduire l’impact inégal de cette politique, nous évaluons deux politiques d’accompagnement spécifiques à chaque région : une taxe régionale égalisant la charge fiscale entre les régions, et une redistribution forfaitaire des recettes totales permettant d’égaliser les contributions relatives des régions. Enfin, nous montrons que la prise en compte des effets spécifiques par régions peut aider à rendre la tarification carbone plus acceptable.
L’insertion internationale du syndicalisme allemand après la Seconde Guerre mondiale
Authors: Bibert Alexandre
Published: August 2017

Après la Seconde Guerre mondiale, la réintégration du syndicalisme allemand dans le concert syndical international est un sujet délicat. Aux débats sur le traitement à réserver à l’Allemagne succéda pourtant très vite une phase marquée par la volonté, exprimée par les organisations syndicales rassemblées pour former la Fédération syndicale mondiale (FSM), d’encadrer la reconstruction du syndicalisme en Allemagne. Cet article montre que le caractère tardif de la réinsertion internationale des syndicats allemands, qui n’est complète qu’en 1949, n’a pas été le fruit de préventions du syndicalisme international, mais qu’il est largement dû à celles des Alliés occidentaux contre la FSM et à l’idée d’un mouvement syndical allemand unifié dans le contexte des débuts de la Guerre froide.
Current status of myopathies affecting athletic horses
Authors: McKenzie E.
Published: August 2017

Muscular disorders rank among the most prevalent problems of horses competing in a broad variety of athletic disciplines, including track racing, dressage, endurance racing and Western riding disciplines. As described in this review, active scientific investigation is continuing to elucidate the different mechanisms underlying specific muscular disorders in horses, and is discovering and defining new disorders, and new methods of diagnosis, treatment and management. The flourishing field of equine rehabilitation and regenerative medicine is also driving the progressive application of a variety of modalities to the treatment and management of musculoskeletal conditions in horses. However, it is essential that this be accompanied by appropriate scientific investigation to verify the efficacy of recommended modalities and treatment protocols.
Comparison of Minimally Invasive Strabismus Surgery (MISS) and Conventional Strabismus Surgery Using the Limbal Approach
Authors: Gupta Poonam , Dadeya Subhash , Kamlesh  , Bhambhawani Vishaal
Published: August 2017

Purpose:

To compare minimally invasive strabismus surgery (MISS) with conventional strabismus surgery for horizontal recti in terms of functional outcome and complications.

Methods:

A total of 40 patients requiring surgery for horizontal recti were divided into two groups: those undergoing MISS and those operated on using the conventional limbal technique. In the MISS group, two small keyhole radial cuts were made superior and inferior to the insertion of the muscle margin. Keyhole cut size was almost 1 mm less than the amount of muscle recessed or resected.

Results:

There were significant differences in conjunctival redness and swelling in both groups on postoperative days 1 and 7 and week 3. However, after the third week, both groups had a similar appearance. Visual acuity was decreased at postoperative day 1 in both groups, but the difference was not significant. No significant differences were found for final alignment, binocular single vision, other visual acuities, refractive changes, or complications.

Conclusions:

This study shows that this new, small incision, minimal dissection technique is feasible. The MISS technique seems to be superior in the immediate postoperative period because there were fewer conjunctival and eyelid swelling complications. Long-term results did not differ between the two groups.

[
J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus.
2017;54(4):208–215.]
Design and Application of an Online English Self-learning Platform
Authors: Liu Kun
Published: August 2017

This paper discusses the English learning methods and identifies the problems in English teaching and self-learning in China, and then based on the VB platform, it proposes building a platform to facilitate communication between teachers, learners and other participants. At the same time, it adopts the object-oriented development approach to analyze the construction method for the online English self-learning platform and uses UML language to design this platform. At last, this paper uses general testing methods to test the interfaces, functions, performances and security of the VB-based online English self-learning platform and analyzes the performances and deficiencies of the platform based on test results.
Study on Changes of College English Teaching Method and Redefinition of Teachers’ Roles in the Computer Network Environment
Authors: Wang Bin
Published: August 2017

Through interviews and induction, this paper attempts to discuss the importance of college English teaching methods in the teaching process under the network context and point out issues like teachers’ inadequate awareness and abilities of collecting network resources and information and insufficient background monitoring on students’ study activities. Based on this, this paper proposes that college English teachers should free their minds, change their views and improve their network operation skills to know more about students’ study activities and update their knowledge bases to improve their own quality so as to redefine their roles under the network context.
An Empirical Study on the Effects of Computer-Corpus-based Formulaic Sequences on College Students’ Oral English Learning
Authors: Liang Hui
Published: August 2017

As a kind of stylized language expression, formulaic sequences are widely used in different spoken language contexts, but the study of English formulaic sequences has always been a difficulty in college students’ oral English learning in China. This paper adopts the computer corpus approach and utilizes its massive storage of formulaic sequences and high-speed data retrieval capabilities to help learners with English formulaic sequence learning. On one hand, learners are able to truly and objectively understand the use of formulaic sequences in English-speaking environment through the computer corpus; on the other hand, learners can improve their memories and increase their formulaic sequence learning efficiency with the help of the structured and regularized and massive amount of use cases of formulaic sequences retrieved by the computer corpus. Finally, in the empirical study, through the comparative analysis of the test group and the control group, this paper proves that the computer-corpus-based formulaic sequences have great significance to oral English teaching.
Study on the Effectiveness of Computer-aided Software in Helping College Students Memorize English Words
Authors: Lu Liping
Published: August 2017

In this paper, based on cognitive science and foreign language teaching theories, we construct a web-based hybrid learning model, path and platform to cultivate students’ comprehensive language application ability. Meanwhile, we choose 1000 English words suitable for college students to memorize, group them into 24 units with the help of the Mint English memory software and study the memory results of these students. By horizontal and vertical comparison of the test data, we conclude that the web-based software is very effective in helping college students memorize English words.
Design and Realization of Project-based Computer English Learning System
Authors: Qin Li
Published: August 2017

This paper describes the design principles and realization process of project-based computer English learning system. The subjective initiative of project-based learning is applied to English learning as a starting point, allowing full play to learner’s analytical, problem-solving and self-exploration ability. Combined with the computer database SQL Server and other related procedures, we established an English project-based learning system, investigated its user satisfaction and collected relevant statistics. This system plays a promotive role in providing guidance for English learning and lifting the informatization level of English teaching.
Digital Learning Technologies
Authors: Hunaiti Ziad
Published: August 2017

Embedding Information and Communication Technology (ICT) within education is continually evolving research topic, because of the fast changes in information technology, software applications, and speed of internet. Therefore, many researchers around the globe are working in new projects of Digital Learning Technologies (DLTs). The success of new DLT is linked with the methods used during the evaluation process, which sometimes misunderstood. Hence, this article emphasises the importance of following the correct approach when selecting evaluation methods for DLT research and propose an approach, which can be followed by researchers, developers, students, educators, teaching & teaching specialists and other stakeholders to evaluate the effectiveness of new DLT.
Aggregation Operators of Trapezoidal Intuitionistic Fuzzy Sets to Multicriteria Decision Making
Authors: Ye Jufeng
Published: August 2017

This paper presents the trapezoidal intuitionistic fuzzy weighted averaging (TIFWA) operator, trapezoidal intuitionistic fuzzy ordered weighted averaging (TIFOWA) operator, trapezoidal intuitionistic fuzzy weighted geometric (TIFWG) operator, and trapezoidal intuitionistic fuzzy ordered weighted geometric (TIFOWG) operator to aggregate the trapezoidal intuitionistic fuzzy information and investigates their properties. Furthermore, a multicriteria decision making method based on the TIFOWA and TIFOWG operators and the score function and accuracy function of a trapezoidal intuitionistic fuzzy number is established to deal with the multicriteria decision making problem with trapezoidal intuitionistic fuzzy information. Finally, an illustrative example demonstrates the application of the proposed method.
A Novel Approach for Colorization of a Grayscale Image using Soft Computing Techniques
Authors: Hasnat Abul , Halder Santanu , Bhattacharjee Debotosh , Nasipuri Mita
Published: August 2017

Colorization of grayscale image is a process to convert a grayscale image into a color one. Few research works reported in literature on this but there is hardly any generalized method that successfully colorizes all types of grayscale image. This study proposes a novel grayscale image colorization method using a reference color image. It takes the grayscale image and the type of the query image as input. First, it selects reference image from color image database using histogram index of the query image and histogram index of luminance channel of color images of respective type. Once the reference image is selected, four features are extracted for each pixel of the luminance channel of the reference image. These extracted features as input and chrominance blue(Cb) value as target value forms the training dataset for Cb channel. Similarly training dataset for chrominance red(Cr) channel is also formed. These extracted features of the reference image and associated chrominance values are used to train two artificial neural network(ANN)- one for Cb and one for Cr channel. Then, for each pixel of the of query image, same four features are extracted and used as input to the trained ANN to predict the chrominance values of the query image. Thus predicted chrominance values along with the original luminance values of the query image are used to construct the colorized image. The experiment has been conducted on images collected from different standard image database i.e. FRAV2D, UCID.v2 and images captured using standard digital camera etc. These images are initially converted into grayscale images and then the colorization method was applied. For performance evaluation, PSNR between the original color image and newly colorized image is calculated. PSNR shows that the proposed method better colorizes than the recently reported methods in the literature. Beside this, “Colorization Turing test” was conducted asking human subject to choose the image (closer to the original color image) among the colorized images using proposed algorithm and recently reported methods. In 80% of cases colorized images using the proposed method got selected.
An Evaluative Review and Research Challenges of the Simulation in Cloud Environment
Authors: Fakhfakh Fairouz , Kacem Hatem Hadj , Kacem Ahmed Hadj
Published: August 2017

The first obstacle to the realization of research on cloud computing is the development of an appropriate research platform. Although commercial clouds are realistic as platforms of research, they are not always practical due to the financial cost and time required by experiments. Also, it is difficult to achieve the evaluation of some critical scenarios and failure. In addition, the experiments are not repeatable, because there are several variables that are not under control of the tester which may affect results. Therefore, it is indispensable to use cloud simulators in order to model and evaluate the performance of cloud applications. This work presents a detailed taxonomy which focuses on the different features of cloud simulators. Then, it provides a comprehensive review of the existing simulation tools available to researchers and industry engineers. Also, a comparative study of these tools is presented. Finally, a discussion of the open research challenges concludes the paper.
Mobile Technology to Support the Interactive Classroom
Authors: Fardoun Habib M. , Awada Hachem
Published: August 2017

At the current classrooms, teachers continue using traditional techniques for monitoring the class. However, there are more participation of mobile devices, and concretely, the tablets. In addition, the network access by both students and teachers in daily life is something usual and a routine work. For this reason, the authors propose the introduction at the classes of a system whose target is to facilitate teacher's labour in the common tasks that are done over the class session. Thus, through a mobile application and a centralized platform of students' data, the authors obtain an interactive and modern system that facilitates teacher's labour.
Feedback Conversations
Authors: Funk Mathias , van Diggelen Migchiel
Published: August 2017

In this paper, the authors describe how a study of a large database of written university teacher feedback in the department of Industrial Design led to the development of a new conceptual framework for feedback and the design of a new feedback tool. This paper focuses on the translation of related work in the area of feedback mechanisms for higher education into a tailored framework for feedback in the area of Industrial Design, the translation of the existing corpus of data into indicators of feedback quality and how feedback is received and further on used by students in their learning process. The newly developed tool structures teacher feedback into very targeted and highly focused feedback dialogues between teacher and individual students tailored to their individual learning process. The tool is described in this paper with respect to conversational aspects. In the future, the tool will be used actively in Industrial Design education, also with the purpose of further investigating how the quality of written feedback evolves and redesigning educational processes around feedback tools.
Study of Structural, Optical, Dielectric and Magnetic Properties of Zinc Ferrite Synthesized by Co-Precipitation
Authors: Vinosha P. Annie , Mely L. Ansel , Jeronsia J. Emima , Monica F. Heartlin , Raja K. , Das S. Jerome
Published: August 2017

Spinel zinc ferrite (ZnFe2O4) nanoparticles have engrossed immense attention due to its unusual amalgamation of its properties especially the magnetic properties and these properties are catered as fitting candidates in the field of electronics. Nanostructured spinel zinc ferrite particles were synthesized using scalable co-precipitation technique. The morphology, particle size and reaction pace of the nanoparticles (NPs) were fine tuned by eco-friendly technique. These NPs were characterized by UV-Visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), photoluminescence (PL), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), vibrating sample magnetometer ((VSM) and Dielectric studies. The required profiles were confirmed by XRD and FTIR spectra, UV-Vis, PL spectral studies. Further these measurements divulge the significance of optical properties and the spectral parameters are used to appraise the optical constants required for fabrication. Transmission electron microscopy eventually discloses the morphological analysis of the synthesized ZnFe2O4 nanoparticle as 15 nm within the scaling limitations. Using, VSM, the magnetic behaviour of the material have been determined as a function of magnetic field at ambient temperature; the magnetic measurements well-establishes the magnetic property and disclosed to have weak ferromagnetic behaviour as the crystallite size decreases. The A.C. conductivity measurements and dielectric studies were done as a functional dependence of frequency and temperature on synthesized nanoparticles.
Evaluating the Influence of Biogas Flow Rate and Addition of Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles on the Performance of a Dual Fuel Engine Using Taguchi Method
Authors: Feroskhan M. , Saleel Ismail
Published: August 2017

Biogas is a promising alternative fuel for compression ignition (CI) engines owing to its renewability and carbon neutrality. In this study, biogas was used along with diesel in a CI engine in dual fuel mode, i.e. biogas is inducted along with air and this mixture is ignited by the in-cylinder injection of diesel. The viability of using cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles as an additive to diesel was also explored. The effects of three parameters, viz. biogas flow rate and concentration of CeO2 nanoparticles and applied load on engine performance were investigated under constant speed operation. These parameters were varied in the ranges of 0 - 12 litre/min, 0 - 35 mg/litre and 5 - 22 N.m respectively. The experimental test matrix was reduced to 16 trials using Taguchi’s approach. Performance was quantified in terms of brake thermal efficiency, volumetric efficiency, diesel consumption, exhaust gas temperature and overall equivalence ratio. The criteria for optimum performance were defined as maximum brake thermal and volumetric efficiencies and minimum diesel consumption, exhaust gas temperature and overall equivalence ratio. Optimum operating conditions were identified by evaluating the signal to noise ratio (SNR) for each performance parameter and using the higher-the-better (HTB) or lower-the-better (LTB) condition as applicable. Contributions of individual parameters towards the performance indices were found using ANOVA. Load was found to be the main contributing factor for brake thermal efficiency, exhaust gas temperature and overall equivalence ratio. Biogas flow rate showed significant contribution towards volumetric efficiency. Biogas flow rate and load had comparable influences on diesel consumption. Addition of nanoparticles showed minor contribution towards all the performance parameters.
Role of Nafion in the Electrochemical Characteristics of Zinc Antimonate Nanoparticles for Supercapacitor Application
Authors: Balasubramaniam M. , Balakumar S.
Published: August 2017

Zinc antimonate (ZnSb2O6) nanoparticles were prepared by an inexpensive chemical precipitation method and its structural properties were studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD). Further in electrochemical analysis, Nafion, a per-fluorinated sulfonic acid polymer solution that serves as a binder, wherein the hydrophilic sulfonic acid group provides proton-exchange between electrolyte and active electrode material thereby, it is beneficial in the improvement of the capacitance, chemical and mechanical stability of a material. Considering this key point, the significance of the nafion on the electrochemical characteristics of zinc antimonate nanoparticles were studied through cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis in 1 M H2SO4 electrolyte. The significant changes in the capacitance, electrochemical behavior and electrochemical stability of the nanostructure with and without the binder were investigated.
Electrical Conductivity of NiO-Gadolinia Doped Ceria Anode Material for Intermediate Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Soman Ajith Kumar , Kuppusami P. , Rabel Arul Maximus
Published: August 2017

In this paper, NiO-Gadolinia Doped Ceria (10 mole % Gadolinia) NiO-GDC10 composite with Nickel varying from 50 to 65 wt.% has been prepared by conventional solid state reaction method. The structural and microstructural properties have been evaluated by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. The electrochemical behavior of the composites with varying concentration of Ni has been investigated by AC impedance spectroscopy. Both the grain and grain boundary conductivities have been determined as a function of temperature in the range of 773-973 K. The highest total electrical conductivity (σGi+σGb) have been achieved as 0.28 x10-3 Scm-1 at 973 K with activation energy of 0.40 eV for composition of GDC10 with 65 wt % of NiO (NiO-GDC-65:35 wt.%). The influence of microstructure on electrical properties of the composites has been analyzed and the conductivities have been compared with the conventional NiO-YSZ (50:50) composite in order to fabricate Ni-GDC based anode material of better performance.
Experimental Investigation of Diesel Engine for Various Compression Ratios Using Calophyllum as Blend with Diesel
Authors: Arul Prakash R. , Vijayanandh R. , Raj Kumar G. , Senthil Kumar M.
Published: August 2017

The modern world needs an innovative solution in the non-renewable energy field, because of its excessive usage. Due to rapid reduction of non-renewable energy sources, along with rising demand for energy is a matter of serious concern. This paper provides a better solution for this non-renewable energy problem. It is a hybrid technique in the energy field with good quality by decreasing the pure content and increase the subordinate content which must have the similar property of pure content. Biodiesel generally derived from the biological source and it can be used as an alternative fuel for diesel engines, because it has certain unique property like diesel. Biodiesel can be used as a direct replacement of diesel fuel or it also can be used as a blending element for diesel fuel in a compression ignition engines. In this paper, the biofuel called Calophyllum Inophyllum oil can be effectively blended with diesel through transesterification process. The Calophyllum Inophyllum blended with diesel at various proportions such as 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80% are tested for performance and emissions in a single cylinder variable compression ratio four stroke diesel engine test rig. The experimental results show that for 80% blend with a compression ratio of 18:1 has increased the performance of the engine, particularly the brake thermal efficiency and the CO and smoke emission levels are also found to be reduced considerably when compared to existing diesel fuel.
Beta Backscattering and Gamma Radiation Absorption Characteristics of Carbon Nanoparticles Contained Concrete Composite
Authors: Krishna B. Gopal , Prasad Pooja , Sahu Vibha , Sahu Jyoti Prabha , Agarwal Akansha
Published: August 2017

Concrete is a very important composite for making different building structures to absorb different levels of radiation. Nuclear power plants, nuclear research reactors, particle accelerators and linear accelerator in medical institution use concrete in building construction. Nanoparticles or nanocrystals have different properties than their bulk counterparts. The gamma radiation absorption characteristics and beta back scattering by nanoparticles is also different than their counterparts. In this paper, carbon nanoparticles are mixed in the concrete composite during its preparation. The concrete composite with carbon nanoparticles as admixture were analyzed to provide radiation protection. The gamma radiation absorption characteristics and beta back scattering in ordinary and carbon nanoparticles contained concretes have been studied by GM counter. The results show that using carbon nanoparticles as an admixture in the concrete is one of the solutions for gamma ray shielding and beta back scattering. Therefore, it is good to use carbon nanoparticles as admixtures in concrete composites for beta and gamma radiation scattering and absorption respectively.
Heating and Cooling Mechanisms of Nano Fluids: Experimental Investigation
Authors: Gobinath Natarajan , Karthikeyan C.P.
Published: August 2017

Heat transfer mechanisms and migration characteristics of volatile nanoparticles in a boiling fluid are complex phenomenon to understand. Boiling heat transfer mechanisms of the nanofluid (Al2O3/n-pentane) and migration characteristics of volatile Al2O3 nanoparticle are studied in this paper. Experiments were carried out using a sealed glass beaker partially filled with the nanofluid. Heat flux conditions and mass fractions of nanoparticles were varied to study the heat transfer mechanisms and migration characteristics of particles. Accuracy of experiments was checked using heat transfer correlations and repeated iterations. Also, in the present research, the solidification rate of pure water and water suspended with alumina nanoparticles is investigated to understand the freezing characteristics of nanofluids.
Place Atrium to Water Seal (PAWS): Assessing Wall Suction Versus No Suction for Chest Tubes After Open Heart Surgery
Authors: Kruse Tamara , Wahl Sharon , Guthrie Patricia Finch , Sendelbach Sue
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND

Traditionally chest tubes are set to −20 cm H2O wall suctioning until removal to facilitate drainage of blood, fluid, and air from the pleural or mediastinal space in patients after open heart surgery. However, no clear evidence supports using wall suction in these patients. Some studies in patients after pulmonary surgery indicate that using chest tubes with a water seal is safer, because this practice decreases duration of chest tube placement and eliminates air leaks.

OBJECTIVE

To show that changing chest tubes to a water seal after 12 hours of wall suction (intervention) is a safe alternative to using chest tubes with wall suction until removal of the tubes (usual care) in patients after open heart surgery.

METHODS

A before-and-after quality improvement design was used to evaluate the differences between the 2 chest tube management approaches in chest tube complications, output, and duration of placement.

RESULTS

A total of 48 patients received the intervention; 52 received usual care. The 2 groups (intervention vs usual care) did not differ significantly in complications (0 vs 2 events; P = .23), chest tube output (H1 = 0.001, P = .97), or duration of placement (median, 47 hours for both groups).

CONCLUSION

Changing chest tubes from wall suction to water seal after 12 hours of wall suction is a safe alternative to using wall suctioning until removal of the tubes.