bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reconstructing Large- and Mesoscale Dynamics in the Black Sea Region from Satellite Imagery and Altimetry Data—A Comparison of Two Methods
Authors: Kubryakov Arseny , Plotnikov Evgeny , Stanichny Sergey
Published: February 2018

Two remote sensing methods, satellite altimetry and 4D-Var assimilation of satellite imagery, are used to compute surface velocity fields in the Black Sea region. Surface currents derived from the two methods are compared for several cases with intense mesoscale and large-scale dynamics during low wind conditions. Comparison shows that the obtained results coincide well quantitatively and qualitatively. However, satellite imagery provides more reasonable results on the spatial variability of coastal dynamics than altimetry data. In particular, this is related to the reconstruction of eddy coastal dynamics, such as Black Sea near-shore anticyclones. Current streamlines in these eddies are not closed near the coast in altimetry data, which we relate to the extrapolation during mapping procedure in the absence of coastal along-track measurements. On the other hand, in offshore areas, imagery-derived currents can be underestimated due to the absence of thermal contrasts and smoothing during the procedure of the 4D-Var assimilation. Wind drift currents are another source of inconsistency, as their impact is directly observed in satellite imagery but absent in altimetry data. The advantage of the 4D-Var method for reconstructing coastal dynamics is used to compute surface currents in the Marmara Sea on the base of 250 m resolution Modis optical data. The results reveal the very complex dynamics of the basin, with a large number of mesoscale and sub-mesoscale eddies. 4D-Var assimilation of Modis imagery is used to obtain information about dynamic characteristics of these small eddies with radiuses of 4–10 km.
Electrochemical Immunoassay Using Open Circuit Potential Detection Labeled by Platinum Nanoparticles
Authors: Charoenkitamorn Kanokwan , Tue Phan , Kawai Keiko , Chailapakul Orawon , Takamura Yuzuru
Published: February 2018

In this work, a simple electrochemical immunoassay based on platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) using open circuit potential (OCP) detection was developed. The detection of human chorionic gonadotropin hormone (hCG) as a model analyte, was demonstrated by direct electrical detection of PtNPs in hydrazine solution using OCP measurement without any application of either potential or current to the system. Disposable screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCEs) were utilized for the development of our immunosensor, which required a sample volume as small as 2 μL. After preparation of a sandwich-type immunosystem, hydrazine solution was dropped on the electrode’s surface, which was followed immediately by electrical detection using OCP. The change of the OCP signal originated from electrocatalytic oxidation of the hydrazine on PtNPs. Under the optimal conditions of a pH of 6.0 and a hydrazine concentration of 1 mM, a detection limit of 0.28 ng mL−1 and a linearity of 0–10 ng mL−1 were obtained. The PtNP-based OCP method is a simpler electrochemical detection procedure than those obtained from other electrochemical methods and has an acceptable sensitivity and reproducibility. The simplicity of the detection procedure and the cost-effectiveness of the disposable SPCE illustrate the attractive benefits of this sensor. Moreover, it could be applied to a simplified and miniaturized diagnostic system with minimal user manipulation.
Integrated Change Detection and Classification in Urban Areas Based on Airborne Laser Scanning Point Clouds
Authors: Tran Thi , Ressl Camillo , Pfeifer Norbert
Published: February 2018

This paper suggests a new approach for change detection (CD) in 3D point clouds. It combines classification and CD in one step using machine learning. The point cloud data of both epochs are merged for computing features of four types: features describing the point distribution, a feature relating to relative terrain elevation, features specific for the multi-target capability of laser scanning, and features combining the point clouds of both epochs to identify the change. All these features are merged in the points and then training samples are acquired to create the model for supervised classification, which is then applied to the whole study area. The final results reach an overall accuracy of over 90% for both epochs of eight classes: lost tree, new tree, lost building, new building, changed ground, unchanged building, unchanged tree, and unchanged ground.
A Hybrid Readout Solution for GaN-Based Detectors Using CMOS Technology
Authors: Padmanabhan Preethi , Hancock Bruce , Nikzad Shouleh , Bell L. , Kroep Kees , Charbon Edoardo
Published: February 2018

Gallium nitride (GaN) and its alloys are becoming preferred materials for ultraviolet (UV) detectors due to their wide bandgap and tailorable out-of-band cutoff from 3.4 eV to 6.2 eV. GaN based avalanche photodiodes (APDs) are particularly suitable for their high photon sensitivity and quantum efficiency in the UV region and for their inherent insensitivity to visible wavelengths. Challenges exist however for practical utilization. With growing interests in such photodetectors, hybrid readout solutions are becoming prevalent with CMOS technology being adopted for its maturity, scalability, and reliability. In this paper, we describe our approach to combine GaN APDs with a CMOS readout circuit, comprising of a linear array of 1 × 8 capacitive transimpedance amplifiers (CTIAs), implemented in a 0.35 µm high voltage CMOS technology. Further, we present a simple, yet sustainable circuit technique to allow operation of APDs under high reverse biases, up to ≈80 V with verified measurement results. The readout offers a conversion gain of 0.43 µV/e−, obtaining avalanche gains up to 103. Several parameters of the CTIA are discussed followed by a perspective on possible hybridization, exploiting the advantages of a 3D-stacked technology.
Polymeric Flexible Immunosensor Based on Piezoresistive Micro-Cantilever with PEDOT/PSS Conductive Layer
Authors: Zhao Rui , Sun Ying
Published: February 2018

In this paper, a fully polymeric micro-cantilever with the surface passivation layer of parylene-C and the strain resistor of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/poly (styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT/PSS) was proposed and demonstrated for immunoassays. By optimizing the design and fabrication of the polymeric micro-cantilever, a square resistance of 220 Ω/□ for PEDOT/PSS conductive layer have been obtained. The experimental spring constant and the deflection sensitivity were measured to be 0.017 N/m and 8.59 × 10−7 nm−1, respectively. The biological sensing performances of polymeric micro-cantilever were investigated by the immunoassay for human immunoglobulin G (IgG). The immunosensor was experimentally demonstrated to have a linear behavior for the detection of IgG within the concentrations of 10~100 ng/mL with a limit of detection (LOD) of 10 ng/mL. The experimental results indicate that the proposed polymeric flexible conductive layer-based sensors are capable of detecting trace biological substances.
Two Solutions of Soil Moisture Sensing with RFID for Landslide Monitoring
Authors: Pichorim Sérgio , Gomes Nathan , Batchelor John
Published: February 2018

Two solutions for UHF RFID tags for soil moisture sensing were designed and are described in this paper. In the first, two conventional tags (standard transponders) are employed: one, placed close to the soil surface, is the sensor tag, while the other, separated from the soil, is the reference for system calibration. By transmission power ramps, the tag’s turn-on power levels are measured and correlated with soil condition (dry or wet). In the second solution, the SL900A chip, which supports up to two external sensors and an internal temperature sensor, is used. An interdigital capacitive sensor was connected to the transponder chip and used for soil moisture measurement. In a novel design for an UHF RFID tag the sensor is placed below the soil surface, while the transponder and antenna are above the soil to improve communication. Both solutions are evaluated practically and results show the presence of water in soil can be remotely detected allowing for their application in landslide monitoring.
The Taste of Commercially Available Clarithromycin Oral Pharmaceutical Suspensions in the Palestinian Market: Electronic Tongue and In Vivo Evaluation
Authors: Abu-Khalaf Nawaf , Zaid Abdel , Jaradat Nidal , AlKilany Alaaldin , Abu Rumaila Basima , Al Ramahi Rowa , Shweiki Shrouq , Nidal Safaa , Surakhi Nibal
Published: February 2018

Background: The taste of oral liquid dosage forms is a crucial factor that impacts paediatric patient compliance. The electronic tongue (ET) is an emerging tool that could be useful in taste assessment in order to minimize the involvement of humans in such evaluations. Purpose: The aim of this study is to evaluate the taste of commercially available clarithromycin (CM) oral pharmaceutical suspensions in the Palestinian market. Method: Commercially available CM suspensions (the brand Klacid® and two generic K1 and K2) were assayed using the high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. Then, the taste of these products was assessed using alpha-astree ET. In addition, an in vivo taste assessment was conducted on paediatric patients by a hedonic panel test. Moreover, volunteering community pharmacists were asked to rank the taste of these three products according to their experience from the best to the worst. Results: All suspension products had a CM concentration not less than 98% of the label amount. The ET results coupled with the principal component analysis (PCA) showed a very clear discrimination of the samples with different distances between groups (p-values < 0.001). Suspensions were in the following order in terms of taste: Klacid® > K1 > K2. Moreover, The pattern discrimination index between (K1 and Klacid®), (K1 and K2) and (Klacid® and K2) were 8.81%, 65.75%, and71.94%, respectively which suggests that K1 and Klacid® are the most similar preparations in terms of taste. Interestingly, these results were in excellent agreement with the pharmacist ranking and patient acceptance test. Conclusions: The evaluated preparations showed significantly different taste within the order of Klacid® > K1 > K2, as suggested by both the ET and in vivo results. Moreover, our results confirm the capability of alpha-astree ET in the taste assessment of oral suspensions and in predicting volunteer responses, which highlights its beneficial use as an in vitro taste assessment tool and as an alternative to human-based taste evaluations.
Research on Synthetic Aperture Radar Processing for the Spaceborne Sliding Spotlight Mode
Authors: Shen Shijian , Nie Xin , Zhang Xinggan
Published: February 2018

Gaofen-3 (GF-3) is China’ first C-band multi-polarization synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite, which also provides the sliding spotlight mode for the first time. Sliding-spotlight mode is a novel mode to realize imaging with not only high resolution, but also wide swath. Several key technologies for sliding spotlight mode in spaceborne SAR with high resolution are investigated in this paper, mainly including the imaging parameters, the methods of velocity estimation and ambiguity elimination, and the imaging algorithms. Based on the chosen Convolution BackProjection (CBP) and PFA (Polar Format Algorithm) imaging algorithms, a fast implementation method of CBP and a modified PFA method suitable for sliding spotlight mode are proposed, and the processing flows are derived in detail. Finally, the algorithms are validated by simulations and measured data.
Deep Learning-Based Gaze Detection System for Automobile Drivers Using a NIR Camera Sensor
Authors: Naqvi Rizwan , Arsalan Muhammad , Batchuluun Ganbayar , Yoon Hyo , Park Kang
Published: February 2018

A paradigm shift is required to prevent the increasing automobile accident deaths that are mostly due to the inattentive behavior of drivers. Knowledge of gaze region can provide valuable information regarding a driver’s point of attention. Accurate and inexpensive gaze classification systems in cars can improve safe driving. However, monitoring real-time driving behaviors and conditions presents some challenges: dizziness due to long drives, extreme lighting variations, glasses reflections, and occlusions. Past studies on gaze detection in cars have been chiefly based on head movements. The margin of error in gaze detection increases when drivers gaze at objects by moving their eyes without moving their heads. To solve this problem, a pupil center corneal reflection (PCCR)-based method has been considered. However, the error of accurately detecting the pupil center and corneal reflection center is increased in a car environment due to various environment light changes, reflections on glasses surface, and motion and optical blurring of captured eye image. In addition, existing PCCR-based methods require initial user calibration, which is difficult to perform in a car environment. To address this issue, we propose a deep learning-based gaze detection method using a near-infrared (NIR) camera sensor considering driver head and eye movement that does not require any initial user calibration. The proposed system is evaluated on our self-constructed database as well as on open Columbia gaze dataset (CAVE-DB). The proposed method demonstrated greater accuracy than the previous gaze classification methods.
Effective Peroxidase-Like Activity of Co-Aminoclay [CoAC] and Its Application for Glucose Detection
Authors: Song Han , Lee Yongil , Bui Vu , Oh You-Kwon , Park Hyun , Kim Moon , Lee Young-Chul
Published: February 2018

In this study, we describe a novel peroxidase-like activity of Co-aminoclay [CoAC] present at pH ~5.0 and its application to fluorescent biosensor for the determination of H2O2 and glucose. It is synthesized with aminoclays (ACs) entrapping cationic metals such as Fe, Cu, Al, Co., Ce, Ni, Mn, and Zn to find enzyme mimicking ACs by sol–gel ambient conditions. Through the screening of catalytic activities by the typical colorimetric reaction employing 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzo-thiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)diammonium salt (ABTS) as a substrate with or without H2O2, Fe, Cu, and CoACs are found to exhibit peroxidase-like activity, as well as oxidase-like activity was observed from Ce and MnACs. Among them, CoAC shows exceptionally high peroxidase-like activity, presumably due to its ability to induce electron transfer between substrates and H2O2. CoAC is then used to catalyze the oxidation of Amplex® UltraRed (AUR) into a fluorescent end product, which enables a sensitive fluorescent detection of H2O2. Moreover, a highly sensitive and selective glucose biosensing strategy is developed, based on enzyme cascade reaction between glucose oxidase (GOx) and CoAC. Using this strategy, a highly linear fluorescence enhancement is verified when the concentration of glucose is increased in a wide range from 10 μM to 1 mM with a lower detection limit of 5 μM. The practical diagnostic capability of the assay system is also verified by its use to detect glucose in human blood serum. Based on these results, it is anticipated that CoAC can serve as potent peroxidase mimetics for the detection of clinically important target molecules.
Modeling Electronic Skin Response to Normal Distributed Force
Authors: Seminara Lucia
Published: February 2018

The reference electronic skin is a sensor array based on PVDF (Polyvinylidene fluoride) piezoelectric polymers, coupled to a rigid substrate and covered by an elastomer layer. It is first evaluated how a distributed normal force (Hertzian distribution) is transmitted to an extended PVDF sensor through the elastomer layer. A simplified approach based on Boussinesq’s half-space assumption is used to get a qualitative picture and extensive FEM simulations allow determination of the quantitative response for the actual finite elastomer layer. The ultimate use of the present model is to estimate the electrical sensor output from a measure of a basic mechanical action at the skin surface. However this requires that the PVDF piezoelectric coefficient be known a-priori. This was not the case in the present investigation. However, the numerical model has been used to fit experimental data from a real skin prototype and to estimate the sensor piezoelectric coefficient. It turned out that this value depends on the preload and decreases as a result of PVDF aging and fatigue. This framework contains all the fundamental ingredients of a fully predictive model, suggesting a number of future developments potentially useful for skin design and validation of the fabrication technology.
Intracranial Pressure Monitoring—Review and Avenues for Development
Authors: Harary Maya , Dolmans Rianne G. F. , Gormley William B.
Published: February 2018

Intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring is a staple of neurocritical care. The most commonly used current methods of monitoring in the acute setting include fluid-based systems, implantable transducers and Doppler ultrasonography. It is well established that management of elevated ICP is critical for clinical outcomes. However, numerous studies show that current methods of ICP monitoring cannot reliably define the limit of the brain’s intrinsic compensatory capacity to manage increases in pressure, which would allow for proactive ICP management. Current work in the field hopes to address this gap by harnessing live-streaming ICP pressure-wave data and a multimodal integration with other physiologic measures. Additionally, there is continued development of non-invasive ICP monitoring methods for use in specific clinical scenarios.
Secure Indoor Localization Based on Extracting Trusted Fingerprint
Authors: Luo Juan , Yin Xixi , Zheng Yanliu , Wang Chun
Published: February 2018

Indoor localization based on WiFi has attracted a lot of research effort because of the widespread application of WiFi. Fingerprinting techniques have received much attention due to their simplicity and compatibility with existing hardware. However, existing fingerprinting localization algorithms may not resist abnormal received signal strength indication (RSSI), such as unexpected environmental changes, impaired access points (APs) or the introduction of new APs. Traditional fingerprinting algorithms do not consider the problem of new APs and impaired APs in the environment when using RSSI. In this paper, we propose a secure fingerprinting localization (SFL) method that is robust to variable environments, impaired APs and the introduction of new APs. In the offline phase, a voting mechanism and a fingerprint database update method are proposed. We use the mutual cooperation between reference anchor nodes to update the fingerprint database, which can reduce the interference caused by the user measurement data. We analyze the standard deviation of RSSI, mobilize the reference points in the database to vote on APs and then calculate the trust factors of APs based on the voting results. In the online phase, we first make a judgment about the new APs and the broken APs, then extract the secure fingerprints according to the trusted factors of APs and obtain the localization results by using the trusted fingerprints. In the experiment section, we demonstrate the proposed method and find that the proposed strategy can resist abnormal RSSI and can improve the localization accuracy effectively compared with the existing fingerprinting localization algorithms.
State-of-the-Art Adult Chronic Rhinosinusitis Microbiome: Perspective for Future Studies in Pediatrics
Authors: Pasha M. Asghar
Published: February 2018

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a prevalent disease that causes persistent mucosal inflammation and is associated with bacterial infection, which is thought to play a role in the inflammatory process. Microbiome analysis provides insight to host–microbial interactions. Disturbances in the host and commensal bacteria interaction may lead to CRS. Culture-based methods are useful to isolate some microorganisms but are unable to grow a majority of the bacteria. A review of the literature shows that several recent studies attempted to overcome this issue by using molecular techniques, such as microbial RNA sequencing, to describe the CRS microbiome. All of these studies were performed in adults, with no comparative studies reported in the pediatric population. Similar studies, utilizing molecular techniques, are needed to better understand the mechanism of CRS in children. Because valuable data from these adult studies may help to bridge the gap in our knowledge of the microbiome in pediatric CRS, we present an overview of the methodology and results behind the current microbiomic approach to adult CRS to set the stage for its use in the study of CRS in children.
Exclusive Particle Production in pp and pPb Collisions at CMS
Authors: Suranyi Oliver
Published: February 2018

Exclusive processes provide a useful method to study a broad range of high energy physics fields from gluon density evolutions to searches for new physics. Three measurements from the Compact Muon Solenoid experiment are reviewed. Exclusive π π production is studied in proton–proton collisions. Low-mass meson resonances are observed in the invariant mass distribution of pion pairs. The total exclusive π + π − cross-section is also measured in the p T ( π ) > 0 . 2 GeV, | y | < 2 region, yielding 26.5 ± 0.3 ( stat ) ± 5.0 ( syst ) ± 1.1 ( lumi ) μ b. The photoproduction of Y ( n S ) mesons is observed in ultraperipheral pPb collisions. The differential cross-sections are measured as a function of | t | and y. The comparison with previous measurements and theoretical models provides a better understanding of the gluon density evolution at low x values. Evidence for the γ γ → W + W − process is shown with a 3.7 σ observed significance. According to the results, limits on anomalous quartic gauge couplings can be provided.
Engineering of oriented carbon nanotubes in composite materials
Authors: Beigmoradi Razieh , Samimi Abdolreza , Mohebbi-Kalhori Davod
Published: February 2018

The orientation and arrangement engineering of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in composite structures is considered a challenging issue. In this regard, two groups of in situ and ex situ techniques have been developed. In the first, the arrangement is achieved during CNT growth, while in the latter, the CNTs are initially grown in random orientation and the arrangement is then achieved during the device integration process. As the ex situ techniques are free from growth restrictions and more flexible in terms of controlling the alignment and sorting of the CNTs, they are considered by some as the preferred technique for engineering of oriented CNTs. This review focuses on recent progress in the improvement of the orientation and alignment of CNTs in composite materials. Moreover, the advantages and disadvantages of the processes are discussed as well as their future outlook.
Beta Dips in the Gaia Era: Simulation Predictions of the Galactic Velocity Anisotropy Parameter (β) for Stellar Halos
Authors: Loebman Sarah R. , Valluri Monica , Hattori Kohei , Debattista Victor P. , Bell Eric F. , Stinson Greg , Christensen Charlotte R. , Brooks Alyson , Quinn Thomas R. , Governato Fabio
Published: February 2018

The velocity anisotropy parameter, β, is a measure of the kinematic state of orbits in the stellar halo, which holds promise for constraining the merger history of the Milky Way (MW). We determine global trends for β as a function of radius from three suites of simulations, including accretion-only and cosmological hydrodynamic simulations. We find that the two types of simulations are consistent and predict strong radial anisotropy (

) for Galactocentric radii greater than 10 kpc. Previous observations of β for the MW’s stellar halo claim a detection of an isotropic or tangential “dip” at r ∼ 20 kpc. Using the N-body+SPH simulations, we investigate the temporal persistence, population origin, and severity of “dips” in β. We find that dips in the in situ stellar halo are long-lived, while dips in the accreted stellar halo are short-lived and tied to the recent accretion of satellite material. We also find that a major merger as early as z ∼ 1 can result in a present-day low (isotropic to tangential) value of β over a broad range of radii and angles. While all of these mechanisms are plausible drivers for the β dip observed in the MW, each mechanism in the simulations has a unique metallicity signature associated with it, implying that future spectroscopic surveys could distinguish between them. Since an accurate knowledge of β(r) is required for measuring the mass of the MW halo, we note that significant transient dips in β could cause an overestimate of the halo’s mass when using spherical Jeans equation modeling.
A Self-consistent Model of the Coronal Heating and Solar Wind Acceleration Including Compressible and Incompressible Heating Processes
Authors: Shoda Munehito , Yokoyama Takaaki , Suzuki Takeru K.
Published: February 2018

We propose a novel one-dimensional model that includes both shock and turbulence heating and qualify how these processes contribute to heating the corona and driving the solar wind. Compressible MHD simulations allow us to automatically consider shock formation and dissipation, while turbulent dissipation is modeled via a one-point closure based on Alfvén wave turbulence. Numerical simulations were conducted with different photospheric perpendicular correlation lengths

λ

0

, which is a critical parameter of Alfvén wave turbulence, and different root-mean-square photospheric transverse-wave amplitudes

δ

v

0

. For the various

λ

0

, we obtain a low-temperature chromosphere, high-temperature corona, and supersonic solar wind. Our analysis shows that turbulence heating is always dominant when

λ

0

≲
1

Mm

. This result does not mean that we can ignore the compressibility because the analysis indicates that the compressible waves and their associated density fluctuations enhance the Alfvén wave reflection and therefore the turbulence heating. The density fluctuation and the cross-helicity are strongly affected by

λ

0

, while the coronal temperature and mass-loss rate depend weakly on

λ

0

.
Global 21 cm Signal Extraction from Foreground and Instrumental Effects. I. Pattern Recognition Framework for Separation Using Training Sets
Authors: Tauscher Keith , Rapetti David , Burns Jack O. , Switzer Eric
Published: February 2018

The sky-averaged (global) highly redshifted 21 cm spectrum from neutral hydrogen is expected to appear in the VHF range of ∼20–200 MHz and its spectral shape and strength are determined by the heating properties of the first stars and black holes, by the nature and duration of reionization, and by the presence or absence of exotic physics. Measurements of the global signal would therefore provide us with a wealth of astrophysical and cosmological knowledge. However, the signal has not yet been detected because it must be seen through strong foregrounds weighted by a large beam, instrumental calibration errors, and ionospheric, ground, and radio-frequency-interference effects, which we collectively refer to as “systematics.” Here, we present a signal extraction method for global signal experiments which uses Singular Value Decomposition of “training sets” to produce systematics basis functions specifically suited to each observation. Instead of requiring precise absolute knowledge of the systematics, our method effectively requires precise knowledge of how the systematics can vary. After calculating eigenmodes for the signal and systematics, we perform a weighted least square fit of the corresponding coefficients and select the number of modes to include by minimizing an information criterion. We compare the performance of the signal extraction when minimizing various information criteria and find that minimizing the Deviance Information Criterion most consistently yields unbiased fits. The methods used here are built into our widely applicable, publicly available Python package, pylinex, which analytically calculates constraints on signals and systematics from given data, errors, and training sets.
Canvas Basics
Authors: Lindsay W. Keith
Published: February 2018

This article reports on usability testing of the Canvas learning management system (LMS) by ninety-seven kindergarten through post-secondary, public and private educators across North Carolina. The article will reference research by Rosenzweig and others to understand the impact of user experience (UX) on teachers' ability to learn features and to create content in the Canvas learning management system (LMS). The author co-facilitated a Canvas Basics course sixteen times for educators new to the software. This article explores the implications of the information gleaned as these educators built content and interacted with the Canvas e-learning software. The training was offered through a state-wide initiative by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI), an entity charged with (among other roles) supporting the professional learning of educators, specifically focusing on digital learning competencies for classroom teachers, a professional growth requirement for renewing teacher licenses in 2019 and beyond.
Implementing Barcode Medication Administration Systems in Public Sector Medical Units
Authors: Al Mustafa Safa Azaat , Khan Mehmood , Hussain Matloub
Published: February 2018

Medication errors in healthcare have a high cost since it is one of the main causes of harming a patient; it leads to inefficient utilization of healthcare organization resources. The barcode medication administration system helps in improving the patients' safety. The purpose of this article is to determine preparatory needs for introducing a Barcoding Medication Administration System (BCMA) in the medical units in one of the largest tertiary hospital in Abu Dhabi City, United Arab Emirates. Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP) has been employed to describe systematic decision-making by prioritizing different factors that affect the implementation of BCMA and how technology plays a role in helping to reduce or prevent human errors by promoting safety in the health care sectors. Five major domains are identified: leadership, technology, process, education, quality and safety. Leadership was found to be the most important factor oppositely of technology was the least important.
Optimal Location of Sub-Station Using Q-GIS and Multi-Criteria Decision Making Approach
Authors: Uddin Shabbir , Chakravorty Sandeep , Ray Amitava , Sherpa Karma Sonam
Published: February 2018

In this article, methodologies have been proposed for site selection of sub-station considering technical and non-technical constraints. Firstly, a systematic frame has been developed considering various factors that influence the optimal location of the sub-station. Various factors considered are evaluated using DEMATEL-QFD. An evaluation has been done between the outcome of the TOPSIS (Technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution) method and the COPRAS (Compressed Proportional Assessment) method. Finally, Spearman rank co-relation co-efficients indicates the strength of association of both the methodologies. A case study is done using GIS to prove the justification of the methodologies to the applied area. The application of the methodologies will help the decision maker improve the plan, location and grid renovation of the distribution sub-stations.
A Study on the Environmental Campaigns in Traditional and Social Media
Authors: Kuppuswamy Sunitha
Published: February 2018

This article describes how the environment is a significant part of today's world. The media has the responsibility of educating the audience about the prevailing environmental issues such as pollution, global warming, and climate change as they threaten the humankind and sustainable development. Environmental campaigns play a major role in creating awareness about environmental issues and its adverse effects on people. This article examines the content of environmental campaigns in traditional and social media. It also intends to find out the impact of those campaigns on the environmental awareness of different cross-cultural sections of people. The article is designed based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour according to which human action is guided by a number of factors. A few centralized social media campaigns together with selected campaigns on radio, print and television were taken for the study. To determine the effectiveness and impact of these campaigns, content analysis and surveys were conducted. The findings revealed that the campaigns had many positive benefits and a number of factors were influencing the promotion of environmental awareness. The study tested a few factors based on communication theories and discussions were drawn.
The Triple Helix in Indonesian Sustainable Crab Industry
Authors: Prabawani Bulan
Published: February 2018

This article describes how the United States is often accused as a country that applies non-quantitative trading barriers by rejecting export from other countries. Indonesia is one such country which the products are often refused entry, with the reason that they do not meet quality standards, security and safety issues. This also happens in the fishing and marine industries. Using a case study of the crab industry in Betahwalang, Mid Java, this article explains how trading barriers on fishery and marine industry, can be overcome with triple helix between government, industry, and university, thereby creating a sustainable crab industry. This triple helix benefits not limited to the customers, but also the industry that the majority are small businesses. A model of sustainability practices based triple helix is developed that can be applied to other industries and or areas, particularly in small businesses for Indonesian Fishery Industry.
ILDR2 Is a Novel B7-like Protein That Negatively Regulates T Cell Responses
Authors: Hecht Iris , Toporik Amir , Podojil Joseph R. , Vaknin Ilan , Cojocaru Gady , Oren Anat , Aizman Elizabeta , Liang Spencer C. , Leung Ling , Dicken Yosef , Novik Amit , Marbach-Bar Nadav , Elmesmari Aziza , Tange Clare , Gilmour Ashley , McIntyre Donna , Kurowska-Stolarska Mariola , McNamee Kay , Leitner Judith , Greenwald Shirley , Dassa Liat , Levine Zurit , Steinberger Peter , Williams Richard O. , Miller Stephen D. , McInnes Iain B. , Neria Eyal , Rotman Galit
Published: February 2018

The B7-like protein family members play critical immunomodulatory roles and constitute attractive targets for the development of novel therapies for human diseases. We identified Ig-like domain–containing receptor (ILDR)2 as a novel B7-like protein with robust T cell inhibitory activity, expressed in immune cells and in immune-privileged and inflamed tissues. A fusion protein, consisting of ILDR2 extracellular domain with an Fc fragment, that binds to a putative counterpart on activated T cells showed a beneficial effect in the collagen-induced arthritis model and abrogated the production of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines in autologous synovial-like cocultures of macrophages and cytokine-stimulated T cells. Collectively, these findings point to ILDR2 as a novel negative regulator for T cells, with potential roles in the development of immune-related diseases, including autoimmunity and cancer.
Dysregulated Th1 Immune and Vascular Responses in Scrub Typhus Pathogenesis
Authors: Soong Lynn
Published: February 2018

Scrub typhus is an emerging, insect-transmitted disease caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi, a Gram- and LPS-negative bacterium that replicates freely within professional phagocytes and endothelial cells. Scrub typhus is prevalent with high mortality rates, but information regarding its molecular pathogenesis, microbial virulence determinants, and key immune responses is limited. Improved animal models have recently been developed that respectively resemble the pathological features of self-limiting or severe scrub typhus in humans. Strong activation of Th1 and CD8, but not Th2 and regulatory T, immune responses, accompanied by altered angiopoietin/Tie2-related regulation, are hallmarks of lethal infection in murine models. This review, based primarily on recent advances from clinical and experimental studies, highlights tissue- and endothelial cell–specific biomarkers that are indicative of immune dysregulation. The potential roles of neutrophils and damage-associated molecular pattern molecules at late stages of disease are discussed in the context of vascular leakage, pulmonary and renal injury, and scrub typhus pathogenesis.
Development of Asthma in Inner-City Children: Possible Roles of MAIT Cells and Variation in the Home Environment
Authors: Chandra Shilpi , Wingender Gerhard , Greenbaum Jason A. , Khurana Archana , Gholami Amin M. , Ganesan Anusha-Preethi , Rosenbach Michael , Jaffee Katy , Gern James E. , Wood Robert , O’Connor George , Sandel Megan , Kattan Meyer , Bacharier Leonard , Togias Alkis , Horner Anthony A. , Kronenberg Mitchell
Published: February 2018

Humans have populations of innate-like T lymphocytes with an invariant TCR α-chain that recognize nonpeptide Ags, including invariant NKT (iNKT) cells and mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells. iNKT cell involvement in human asthma is controversial, whereas there has been little analysis of MAIT cells. Using peripheral blood cells from 110 participants from the Urban Environment and Childhood Asthma (URECA) birth cohort study, these cells were analyzed for number and function. We determined whether iNKT cell or MAIT cell frequency at 1 y is correlated with the cytokine polarization of mainstream CD4+ T cells and/or the development of asthma by age 7 y. Dust samples from 300 houses were tested for iNKT cell antigenic activity. Our results show that a higher MAIT cell frequency at 1 y of age was associated with a decreased risk of asthma by age 7 y. The frequency of MAIT cells was associated with increased production of IFN-γ by activated CD4+ T cells from the URECA cohort. iNKT cell antigenic activity in bedroom dust samples was associated with higher endotoxin concentration and also with reduced risk of asthma. In conclusion, MAIT cell frequency at 1 y may reflect the tendency of the immune system toward Th1 responses and is associated with protection from asthma. Additionally, iNKT cell antigenic activity may be a marker of houses with increased microbial exposures and therefore also with protection from asthma.
Are the Ukwuanis Benin or Igbo? a study of origin and migration
Authors: Opone Paul O.
Published: February 2018

The identity of Ukwuani people has for some time now generated debate among their leaders, ethnic historians, and other scholars of Ukwuani extraction. Such debates have produced a dominant perspective that the Ukwuanis are Benin people in diaspora without going to the field to confirm such a claim. This paper, therefore, participated in the on-going debate. The historical method of descriptive analysis was deployed. This method is most appropriate for this work because it offered the opportunity to interrogate the traditions of origins of the different Ukwuani clans. The findings indicate that Ukwuani people are Igbo in origin, and the claim of origin from Benin which textbook generalizations tended to portray is a recent contraption made possible by feedback in oral tradition.
Educational digital resource for data analysis of Civil Engineering laboratory tests
Authors: Nalon Gustavo Henrique , Barbosa Paulo Sergio de Almeida , Nascimento Walcyr Duarte
Published: February 2018

El presente trabajo pretende implementar y evaluar un software educativo interactivo que ayuda a los estudiantes de ingeniería civil a realizar y analizar los cálculos relacionados con los diferentes ensayos de laboratorio de Mecánica de Suelos. Esta experiencia tiene como objetivo incorporar las Tecnologías de Información y Comunicación (TICs) en el proceso de enseñanza y aprendizaje de la ingeniería. El contenido del programa se distribuye en tres módulos diferentes: “Ensayo de compactación”, “Ensayo de consolidación” y “Ensayo de corte directo”. Usando gráficos vectoriales, tablas, figuras ilustrativas, animaciones, ecuaciones, botones de ayuda y corrección inmediata de errores, el software aclara la relación entre conceptos teóricos y resultados prácticos de laboratorio, instruye a los estudiantes en los momentos de duda, atrae su interés y motiva ellos para lograr la interpretación completa de datos. Con base en los resultados de un cuestionario de evaluación, se observó que la mayoría de los estudiantes quedaron satisfechos con los contenidos y las funcionalidades del programa. La herramienta desarrollada puede ser una inspiración para la creación de nuevos programas educativos que mejoren la calidad de la educación en diferentes áreas de la ingeniería.
Exploring the Applicability and Limitations of Selected Optical Scattering Instruments for PM Mass Measurement
Authors: Zhang Jie , Marto Joseph P. , Schwab James J.
Published: February 2018

Abstract. Two optical scattering instruments for particle mass measurement – the Thermo Personal Data RAM (PDR-1500), the TSI Environmental DustTrak DRX (Model 8543) were evaluated by 1) using poly- and mono-disperse test aerosol in the laboratory, and 2) sampling ambient aerosol. The responses of these optical scattering instruments to different particle characteristics (size, composition, concentration) were compared with responses from reference instruments. A Mie scattering calculation was used to explain the dependence of the optical instruments’ response to aerosol size and composition. Concurrently, the detection efficiency of one Alphasense Optical Particle Counter (OPC-N2) was evaluated in the laboratory as well. For ambient aerosol, a moderate coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.64) with positive slope was found between aerosol mass median diameter and the ratio of PDR reported mass to that measured by an Aerosol Mass Spectrometer (AMS). Aerosol size was verified to be the primary factor affecting optical response in this study, but aerosol chemical composition and refractive index were also evaluated for their influence. These observations and calculations help evaluate the applicability and limitations of these optical scattering instruments, and provide guidance to designing suitable applications for each instrument by considering aerosol sources and aerosol size.
Signal detection in global mean temperatures after “Paris”: an uncertainty and sensitivity analysis
Authors: Visser Hans , Dangendorf Sönke , van Vuuren Detlef P. , Bregman Bram , Petersen Arthur C.
Published: February 2018

Abstract. In December 2015, 195 countries agreed in Paris to “hold the increase in
global mean surface temperature (GMST) well below 2.0 ∘C
above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature
increase to 1.5 ∘C”. Since large financial flows will be
needed to keep GMSTs below these targets, it is important to know how GMST
has progressed since pre-industrial times. However, the Paris Agreement is
not conclusive as regards methods to calculate it. Should trend progression
be deduced from GCM simulations or from instrumental records by (statistical)
trend methods? Which simulations or GMST datasets should be chosen, and which
trend models? What is “pre-industrial” and, finally, are the Paris targets
formulated for total warming, originating from both natural and anthropogenic
forcing, or do they refer to anthropogenic warming only? To find answers to
these questions we performed an uncertainty and sensitivity analysis where
datasets and model choices have been varied. For all cases we evaluated trend
progression along with uncertainty information. To do so, we analysed four
trend approaches and applied these to the five leading observational GMST
products. We find GMST progression to be largely independent of various trend
model approaches. However, GMST progression is significantly influenced by
the choice of GMST datasets. Uncertainties due to natural variability are
largest in size. As a parallel path, we calculated GMST progression from an
ensemble of 42 GCM simulations. Mean progression derived from GCM-based GMSTs
appears to lie in the range of trend–dataset combinations. A difference
between both approaches appears to be the width of uncertainty bands: GCM
simulations show a much wider spread. Finally, we discuss various choices for
pre-industrial baselines and the role of warming definitions. Based on these
findings we propose an estimate for signal progression in GMSTs since
pre-industrial.
Towards a cyber-physical era: soft computing framework based multi-sensor array for water quality monitoring
Authors: Bhardwaj Jyotirmoy , Gupta Karunesh K. , Gupta Rajiv
Published: February 2018

Abstract. New concepts and techniques are replacing traditional methods of water
quality parameter measurement systems. This paper introduces a cyber-physical
system (CPS) approach for water quality assessment in a distribution network.
Cyber-physical systems with embedded sensors, processors and actuators
can be designed to sense and interact with the water environment. The
proposed CPS is comprised of sensing framework integrated with five different
water quality parameter sensor nodes and soft computing framework for
computational modelling. Soft computing framework utilizes the applications
of Python for user interface and fuzzy sciences for decision making.
Introduction of multiple sensors in a water distribution network generates a huge
number of data matrices, which are sometimes highly complex, difficult to
understand and convoluted for effective decision making. Therefore, the
proposed system framework also intends to simplify the complexity of obtained
sensor data matrices and to support decision making for water engineers through
a soft computing framework. The target of this proposed research is to provide
a simple and efficient method to identify and detect presence of contamination
in a water distribution network using applications of CPS.
Estimating the thickness of unconsolidated coastal aquifers along the
global coastline
Authors: Zamrsky Daniel , Oude Essink Gualbert H. P. , Bierkens Marc F. P.
Published: February 2018

Abstract. Knowledge of the thickness of aquifers is crucial for setting up numerical groundwater flow models in support of the management and control of groundwater resources. Fresh groundwater reserves in coastal aquifers are particularly under threat of salinization and depletion as a result of climate change, sea-level rise, and excessive groundwater withdrawal under urbanization. To correctly assess the possible impacts of these pressures we must have better information about subsurface conditions in coastal zones. Here, we propose a method that combines available global datasets to estimate, along the global coastline, the thickness of aquifers formed by unconsolidated sediments. To validate our final estimation results, we collected both borehole and literature data. Additionally, we performed a numerical modelling study of the effects of varying aquifer thickness and geological complexity on simulated saltwater intrusion. The results show that our aquifer thickness estimates can indeed be used for regional scale groundwater flow modelling but that for local assessments additional geological information should be included. The final dataset can be downloaded via https://doi.pangaea.de/10.1594/PANGAEA.880771.