bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nanostructured Polypyrrole-Based Ammonia and Volatile Organic Compound Sensors
Authors: Šetka Milena , Drbohlavová Jana , Hubálek Jaromír
Published: March 2017

The aim of this review is to summarize the recent progress in the fabrication of efficient nanostructured polymer-based sensors with special focus on polypyrrole. The correlation between physico-chemical parameters, mainly morphology of various polypyrrole nanostructures, and their sensitivity towards selected gas and volatile organic compounds (VOC) is provided. The different approaches of polypyrrole modification with other functional materials are also discussed. With respect to possible sensors application in medicine, namely in the diagnosis of diseases via the detection of volatile biomarkers from human breath, the sensor interaction with humidity is described as well. The major attention is paid to analytes such as ammonia and various alcohols.
Sensor-Based Assistive Devices for Visually-Impaired People: Current Status, Challenges, and Future Directions
Authors: Elmannai Wafa , Elleithy Khaled
Published: March 2017

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that there are 285 million visuallyimpaired people worldwide. Among these individuals, there are 39 million who are totally blind. There have been several systems designed to support visually-impaired people and to improve the quality of their lives. Unfortunately, most of these systems are limited in their capabilities. In this paper, we present a comparative survey of the wearable and portable assistive devices for visuallyimpaired people in order to show the progress in assistive technology for this group of people. Thus, the contribution of this literature survey is to discuss in detail the most significant devices that are presented in the literature to assist this population and highlight the improvements, advantages, disadvantages, and accuracy. Our aim is to address and present most of the issues of these systems to pave the way for other researchers to design devices that ensure safety and independent mobility to visually-impaired people.
Analysis of Potential Rockfalls on a Highway at High Slopes in Cold-Arid Areas (Northwest Xinjiang, China)
Authors: Yang Peng , Shang Yanjun , Li Yanyan , Wang Huilun , Li Kun
Published: March 2017

In the steep mountainous areas in northwest Xinjiang, where rock mass is broken seriously due to intense freeze thaw weathering, rockfall is one of the most common geological hazards on highway high slopes. Engineering geological investigations on geological hazards along a segment of the G219 highway was conducted, indicating that rockfalls on the high slopes threaten the safety of vehicles on the highway seriously. In this study, a combination of field investigations, laboratory experiments and numerical simulation methods was performed to identify unstable high slopes, simulate the rockfall trajectories and assess the rockfall hazard in the study area. The results show that there are five high slopes (i.e., W01, W02, …, W05) where rockfall hazard is extremely serious. Considering both the total kinetic energy and the accumulation rate of blocks, rockfall influence area zonation was performed, leading to the conclusions that the sections of highway on W01 to W05 are located at the medium-intensity low-accumulation zone, high-intensity medium-accumulation zone, high-intensity low-accumulation zone, high-intensity low-accumulation zone and medium-intensity high-accumulation zone, respectively. Based on the analysis, a zonation map was accomplished, which could help engineers select effective mitigation measures against rockfalls to avoid casualty and property losses.
Current Trends of Durability Design and Government Support in South Korea: Chloride Attack
Authors: Kwon Seung-Jun
Published: March 2017

Concrete is considered to be a construction material with high durability and excellent fire resistance. However, degradation occurs, leading to structural safety problems and expensive maintenance costs. Currently, durability design and its concepts are provided in the concrete specifications and structural design codes in many countries, but they vary in terms of the design methodologies and users’ demands. Reinforced concrete (RC) structures based on a reasonable durability design with a quantitative procedure can prevent unnecessary maintenance expenses and reduce environmental loads. This paper presents the current trends of durability design in South Korea and government support for infrastructure. In this work, the two representative durability design philosophies (deterministic and probabilistic approaches) are briefly summarized, and the current guidelines and related requirements for durability design in several countries are investigated. Durability design is now changing from simple material requirement control to performance-based design with quantitative parameters considering various exposure classifications and evaluation processes. RC structures based on reasonable durability design can make a great contribution to reducing maintenance costs and environmental effects like CO2 emissions.
Matching Visual and Acoustic Mirror Forms
Authors: Bianchi Ivana , Burro Roberto , Pezzola Roberta , Savardi Ugo
Published: March 2017

This paper presents a comparative analysis of the ability to recognize three mirror forms in visual and acoustic tasks: inversion (reflection on a horizontal axis), retrograde (reflection on a vertical axis) and retrograde inversion (reflection on both horizontal and vertical axes). Dynamic patterns consisting of five tones in succession in the acoustic condition and five square dots in succession in the visual condition were presented to 180 non‐musically expert participants. In a yes/no task, they were asked to ascertain whether a comparison stimulus represented the “target” transformation (i.e., inversion, retrograde or retrograde inversion). Three main results emerged. Firstly, the fact that symmetry pertaining to a vertical axis is the most easily perceived does not only apply to static visual configurations (as found in previous literature) but also applies to dynamic visual configurations and acoustic stimuli where it is in fact even more marked. Secondly, however, differences emerged between the facility with which the three mirror forms were recognized in the acoustic and visual tasks. Thirdly, when the five elements in the stimulus were not of the same duration and therefore a rhythmic structure emerged, performance improved not only in the acoustic but also (even more significantly) in the visual task.
The Influence of Low Doses of Zearalenone and T-2 Toxin on Calcitonin Gene Related Peptide-Like Immunoreactive (CGRP-LI) Neurons in the ENS of the Porcine Descending Colon
Authors: Makowska Krystyna , Obremski Kazimierz , Zielonka Lukasz , Gonkowski Slawomir
Published: March 2017

The enteric nervous system (ENS) can undergo adaptive and reparative changes in response to physiological and pathological stimuli. These manifest primarily as alterations in the levels of active substances expressed by the enteric neuron. While it is known that mycotoxins can affect the function of the central and peripheral nervous systems, knowledge about their influence on the ENS is limited. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of low doses of zearalenone (ZEN) and T-2 toxin on calcitonin gene related peptide-like immunoreactive (CGRP-LI) neurons in the ENS of the porcine descending colon using a double immunofluorescence technique. Both mycotoxins led to an increase in the percentage of CGRP-LI neurons in all types of enteric plexuses and changed the degree of co-localization of CGRP with other neuronal active substances, such as substance P, galanin, nitric oxide synthase, and cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript peptide. The obtained results demonstrate that even low doses of ZEN and T-2 can affect living organisms and cause changes in the neurochemical profile of enteric neurons.
Spatiotemporal Distribution of Eutrophication in Lake Tai as Affected by Wind
Authors: Zhang Wenhui , Xu Qiujin , Wang Xixi , Hu Xiaozhen , Wang Cheng , Pang Yan , Hu Yanbin , Zhao Yang , Zhao Xiao
Published: March 2017

One common hypothesis is that wind can affect concentrations of nutrients (i.e., nitrogen and phosphorus) and chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) in shallow lakes. However, the tests of this hypothesis have yet to be conclusive in existing literature. The objective of this study was to use long-term data to examine how wind direction and wind speed affect the spatiotemporal variations of total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP) and Chl-a in Lake Tai, a typical shallow lake located in east China. The results indicated that the concentrations of nutrients and Chl-a tended to decrease from the northwest to the southeast of Lake Tai, with the highest concentrations in the two leeward bays (namely Meiliang Bay and Zhushan Bay) in the northwestern part of the lake. In addition to possible artificial reasons (e.g., wastewater discharge), the prevalent southeastward winds in warm seasons (i.e., spring and summer) and northwestward winds in cool seasons (i.e., fall and winter) might be the major natural factor for such a northwest-southeast decreasing spatial pattern. For the lake as a whole, the concentrations of TN, TP and Chl-a were highest for a wind speed between 2.1 and 3.2 m·s−1, which can be attributed to the idea that the wind-induced drifting and mixing effects might be dominant in the bays while the wind-induced drifting and resuspension effects could be more important in the other parts of the lake. Given that the water depth of the bays was relatively larger than that of the other parts, the drifting and mixing effects were likely dominant in the bays, as indicated by the negative relationships between the ratios of wind speed to lake depth, which can be a surrogate for the vertical distribution of wind-induced shear stress and the TN, TP and Chl-a concentration. Moreover, the decreasing temporal trend of wind speed in combination with the ongoing anthropogenic activities will likely increase the challenge for dealing with the eutrophication problem of Lake Tai.
An Approach to Predict Debris Flow Average Velocity
Authors: Cao Chen , Song Shengyuan , Chen Jianping , Zheng Lianjing , Kong Yuanyuan
Published: March 2017

Debris flow is one of the major threats for the sustainability of environmental and social development. The velocity directly determines the impact on the vulnerability. This study focuses on an approach using radial basis function (RBF) neural network and gravitational search algorithm (GSA) for predicting debris flow velocity. A total of 50 debris flow events were investigated in the Jiangjia gully. These data were used for building the GSA-based RBF approach (GSA-RBF). Eighty percent (40 groups) of the measured data were selected randomly as the training database. The other 20% (10 groups) of data were used as testing data. Finally, the approach was applied to predict six debris flow gullies velocities in the Wudongde Dam site area, where environmental conditions were similar to the Jiangjia gully. The modified Dongchuan empirical equation and the pulled particle analysis of debris flow (PPA) approach were used for comparison and validation. The results showed that: (i) the GSA-RBF predicted debris flow velocity values are very close to the measured values, which performs better than those using RBF neural network alone; (ii) the GSA-RBF results and the MDEE results are similar in the Jiangjia gully debris flow velocities prediction, and GSA-RBF performs better; (iii) in the study area, the GSA-RBF results are validated reliable; and (iv) we could consider more variables in predicting the debris flow velocity by using GSA-RBF on the basis of measured data in other areas, which is more applicable. Because the GSA-RBF approach was more accurate, both the numerical simulation and the empirical equation can be taken into consideration for constructing debris flow mitigation works. They could be complementary and verified for each other.
ABCB5‐ZEB1 Axis Promotes Invasion and Metastasis in Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Yao Juntao , Yao Xuan , Tian Tao , Fu Xiao , Wang Wenjuan , Li Suoni , Shi Tingting , Suo Aili , Ruan Zhiping , Guo Hui , Nan Kejun , Huo Xiongwei
Published: March 2017

ABCB5 belongs to the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) superfamily, which is recognized for playing a role in the failure of chemotherapy. ABCB5 has also been found to be overexpressed at the transcriptional level in a number of cancer subtypes, including breast cancer. However, the exact
mechanism ABCB5 uses on cancer cell metastasis is still unclear. In the present study, we demonstrate that ABCB5 expression was increased in metastatic tissues when compared with nonmetastatic tissues. ABCB5 can significantly enhance metastasis and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition
(EMT), while knockdown of ABCB5 inhibited these processes. Microarray analysis indicated that ZEB1 may function as a downstream factor of ABCB5. Furthermore, the expression of ZEB1 in tissues is positively relevant to ABCB5 in breast cancer. Knocking down ZEB1 inhibits ABCB5 ectopic expression-induced
migration and invasion, as well as EMT. Taken together, these results helped to realize the oncogene functions of ABCB5 in breast cancer cells and provided a new direction in treating breast cancer.
A Microcluster Approach Applied to the Case of the Nautical Tourism Sector of the Algarve Region (Portugal)
Authors: Monteiro Pedro Valadas , Salvador Regina , Soares C. Guedes
Published: March 2017

The article characterizes and evaluates the strategic role played by nautical tourism, in general, and by marinas, in particular, in terms of increasing Algarve's competitiveness, reducing tourism seasonality, and generating multiplier effects in connected industries. Central to the
analysis is the notion that a marina is an economic unit that provides concentrated services (as opposed to producing a physical product), working as an "anchor" for the surrounding firms and, as such, naturally giving rise to a local cluster. The adequacy to transfer the cluster concept from
manufacture to tourism is also discussed. The methodology chosen is an application of the Porter cluster model to the nautical tourism sector in the Algarve, where each component of the diamond model (factor conditions, demand conditions, related and supporting industries, firms' strategy,
structure, and rivalry)—besides its two external factors (historical factors/chance and public policies)—is analyzed. The adopted Porter model is tested on each and every one of the above "diamond" dimensions based on statistical data, a literature review (which includes an international
benchmarking analysis), and in primary data collected through a survey launched in 2014 to the totality of the Algarve companies in the sectors of nautical tourism and recreational boating, and interviews involving the Algarve marinas' Chief Executive Officers (CEOs). Recommendations to strengthen
the aspects identified as more problematic are also included as well as future research guidelines. In particular, the issue of coopetition, identified as a major weakness, is discussed both theoretically and empirically.
Constraining the Giant Planets’ Initial Configuration from Their Evolution: Implications for the Timing of the Planetary Instability
Authors: Deienno Rogerio , Morbidelli Alessandro , Gomes Rodney S. , Nesvorný David
Published: March 2017

Recent works on planetary migration show that the orbital structure of the Kuiper Belt can be very well reproduced if, before the onset of planetary instability, Neptune underwent a long-range planetesimal-driven migration up to ∼28 au. However, considering that all giant planets should have been captured in mean motion resonances among themselves during the gas-disk phase, it is not clear whether such a very specific evolution for Neptune is possible, or whether the instability could have happened at late times. Here, we first investigate which initial resonant configuration of the giant planets can be compatible with Neptune being extracted from the resonant chain and migrating to ∼28 au before planetary instability. We address the late instability issue by investigating the conditions where the planets can stay in resonance for about 400 Myr. Our results indicate that this can happen only in the case where the planetesimal disk is beyond a specific minimum distance δ
stab from Neptune. Then, if there is a sufficient amount of dust produced in the planetesimal disk, which drifts inwards, Neptune can enter a slow dust-driven migration phase for hundreds of Myr until it reaches a critical distance

from the disk. From that point, faster planetesimal-driven migration takes over and Neptune continues migrating outward until the instability happens. We conclude that although an early instability more easily reproduces the evolution of Neptune required to explain the structure of the Kuiper Belt, such evolution is also compatible with a late instability.
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Emission in Spitzer/IRS Maps. II. A Direct Link between Band Profiles and the Radiation Field Strength
Authors: Stock D. J. , Peeters E.
Published: March 2017

We decompose the observed 7.7 μm polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) emission complexes in a large sample of over 7000 mid-infrared spectra of the interstellar medium using spectral cubes observed with the Spitzer/IRS-SL instrument. In order to fit the 7.7 μm PAH emission complex we invoke four Gaussian components, which are found to be very stable in terms of their peak positions and widths across all of our spectra, and subsequently define a decomposition with fixed parameters, which gives an acceptable fit for all the spectra. We see a strong environmental dependence on the interrelationships between our band fluxes—in the H ii regions all four components are intercorrelated, while in the reflection nebulae (RNs) the inner and outer pairs of bands correlate in the same manner as previously seen for NGC 2023. We show that this effect arises because the maps of RNs are dominated by emission from strongly irradiated photodissociation regions, while the much larger maps of H ii regions are dominated by emission from regions much more distant from the exciting stars, leading to subtly different spectral behavior. Further investigation of this dichotomy reveals that the ratio of two of these components (centered at 7.6 and 7.8 μm) is linearly related to the UV-field intensity (log G
0). We find that this relationship does not hold for sources consisting of circumstellar material, which are known to have variable 7.7 μm spectral profiles.
Evidence for Magnetar Formation in Broad-lined Type Ic Supernovae1998bw and 2002ap
Authors: Wang L. J. , Yu H. , Liu L. D. , Wang S. Q. , Han Y. H. , Xu D. , Dai Z. G. , Qiu Y. L. , Wei J. Y.
Published: March 2017

Broad-lined type Ic supernovae (SNe Ic-BL) are peculiar stellar explosions that are distinct from ordinary SNe. Some SNe Ic-BL are associated with long-duration (

) gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). Black holes and magnetars are two types of compact objects that are hypothesized to be central engines of GRBs. In spite of decades of investigations, no direct evidence for the formation of black holes or magnetars has yet been found for GRBs. Here we report the finding that the early peak (

) and late-time (

) slow decay displayed in the light curves of SNe 1998bw (associated with GRB 980425) and 2002ap (not GRB-associated) can be attributed to magnetar spin-down with an initial rotation period

, while the intermediate-time (

) exponential decline is caused by the radioactive decay of 56Ni. The connection between the early peak and late-time slow decline in the light curves is unexpected in alternative models. We thus suggest that GRB 980425 and SN 2002ap were powered by magnetars.
Multiwavelength Variability Study of the Classical BL Lac Object PKS 0735+178 on Timescales Ranging from Decades to Minutes
Authors: Goyal Arti , Stawarz Łukasz , Ostrowski Michał , Larionov Valeri , Gopal-Krishna  , Wiita Paul J. , Joshi Santosh , Soida Marian , Agudo Iván
Published: March 2017

We present the results of our power spectral analysis for the BL Lac object PKS 0735+178, utilizing the Fermi-LAT survey at high-energy γ-rays, several ground-based optical telescopes, and single-dish radio telescopes operating at GHz frequencies. The novelty of our approach is that, by combining long-term and densely sampled intra-night light curves in the optical regime, we were able to construct for the first time the optical power spectrum of the blazar for a time domain extending from 23 years down to minutes. Our analysis reveals that: (1) the optical variability is consistent with a pure red noise, for which the power spectral density can be well approximated by a single power law throughout the entire time domain probed; (2) the slope of power spectral density at high-energy γ-rays (∼1) is significantly flatter than that found at radio and optical frequencies (∼2) within the corresponding time variability range; (3) for the derived power spectra, we did not detect any low-frequency flattening, nor do we see any evidence for cutoffs at the highest frequencies down to the noise floor levels due to measurement uncertainties. We interpret our findings in terms of a model where the blazar variability is generated by the underlying single stochastic process (at radio and optical frequencies), or a linear superposition of such processes (in the γ-ray regime). Along with the detailed PSD analysis, we also present the results of our extended (1998–2015) intra-night optical monitoring program and newly acquired optical photo-polarimetric data for the source.
Public opinion in the EU institutions’ discourses on EU legitimacy from the beginnings of integration to today
Authors: Sternberg Claudia
Published: March 2017

Cet article développe une perspective historique de longue durée sur les références, changeantes et concurrentes, à l’opinion publique et à “ce que veut le peuple” dans les discours de légitimation de l’UE et des institutions communautaires, des années 1950 à nos jours. Il rend compte du passage d’une première séquence, où le consensus permissif de l’opinion publique à l’égard de l’intégration européenne est tenu pour acquis, tout en insistant de plus en plus sur la nécessité d’agir sur cette opinion publique et de la façonner, à une deuxième séquence, suite à un tournant important à partir du milieu des années 1970 et surtout des années 1980, durant laquelle toutes les revendications relatives à la légitimité communautaire se fondent sur les attentes des citoyens. Le chapitre suivant dans l’histoire des discours sur l’opinion publique a été marqué par une politisation et une polarisation croissante et incontestable de cette opinion publique. Cette tendance est apparue flagrante dans le contexte des diverses crises – constitutionnelle, de l’Euro, des réfugiés, et plus récemment du Brexit – qui traversent l’UE même si elle commençait à être visible dès le traité de Maastricht et le traité constitutionnel. Désormais, l’équilibre discursif penche irrévocablement en faveur des discours reconnaissant la nature profondément politique des enjeux de la politique de l’UE, plutôt que de ceux visant à les dépolitiser. Le défi consiste alors à développer des mécanismes permettant de canaliser et de concilier des préférences, des intérêts et des identités contradictoires, en reconnaissant ces différences, sans pour autant prétendre les harmoniser.
La réactivité démocratique de l’Union européenne
Authors: Dehousse Renaud , Monceau Nicolas
Published: March 2017

Si de nombreuses études ont été consacrées au lien entre opinion et politiques publiques sur le plan national, notamment aux États-Unis, très peu semblent en revanche s’être penchées sur la question de la réactivité de l’Union européenne. Dans quelle mesure les politiques européennes prennent-elles en compte l’opinion des citoyens ? Les rares études consacrées à ce thème ont mis en évidence un lien entre le volume général de la production législative et l’évolution du soutien à l’intégration. Nous plaidons pour une approche différenciée par secteur, qui nous paraît plus susceptible de mettre en évidence une éventuelle sensibilité aux fluctuations de l’opinion, et mettons en lumière un relatif manque de réactivité dans les secteurs que nous étudions.
Hier presque inépuisable et demain presque insaisissable
Authors: Abraham Georges
Published: March 2017

Réfléchir sur ce choix à bien des égards décisif : conserver le plus longtemps possible un état de départ dans la vie nanti d’une énergie existentielle anonyme et communautaire, ou acquérir sa propre personnalité par une sélection énergétique rigoureuse. Essayer donc de se conformer à un modèle standard ou s’efforcer de découvrir en vieillissant son propre modèle.
Psychopathologie de la mort et de la survivance en Haïti
Authors: Cénat Jude Mary , Derivois Daniel , Karray Amira
Published: March 2017

Le séisme du 12 janvier 2010 en Haïti a tué environ 2,5 % de la population haïtienne. L’une des questions posées à la population, à l’État et à la communauté internationale au lendemain de ce désastre fut celle de la gestion des dépouilles mortelles éparpillées dans les rues des villes touchées en général et de manière spécifique à Port-au-Prince. Face à l’incapacité des autorités et décideurs de gérer ces dépouilles mortelles, la population a dû trouver des moyens qui défient les rites et les rituels culturels haïtiens concernant la mort et les funérailles. Se profilent alors les conditions d’émergence d’une psychopathologie de la mort et de la survivance en Haïti. À travers des données cliniques et de recherche, cet article traite des différentes formes de gestion qui ont été faites des dépouilles mortelles, analyse comment elles défient les us et coutumes accompagnant la mort en Haïti et montre comment elles peuvent être à l’origine de traumatismes psychiques collectifs et individuels complexes au sein des communautés.
Fonctions du groupe thérapeutique dans la clinique des adolescents auteurs de violences sexuelles
Authors: Fuhrmann Charlotte , Gerber Angélique , Roy Marine , Roman Pascal
Published: March 2017

Dans le cadre de la recherche internationale EvAdoGroupe (Université de Lausanne, Suisse), nous nous questionnons autour de la mise en place d’un soin thérapeutique groupal pour les adolescents auteurs de violences sexuelles. Le groupe thérapeutique d’adolescents, dont le dispositif rappelle à la fois le groupe de pairs et le groupe familial, fait écho aux processus à l’œuvre à l’adolescence tels que le détachement progressif des figures parentales et l’identification aux pairs. Il réactualise ainsi les problématiques propres à cette période. Le groupe thérapeutique permet aux adolescents auteurs de violences sexuelles de remettre en jeu un cadre familial précaire et de construire des limites mieux définies. Il participe aux processus de subjectivation et de mentalisation (Cahn, 2004) et permet aux adolescents de mettre en perspective et de penser les actes commis. Nous relevons ainsi plusieurs fonctions du groupe thérapeutique, telles que le soutien au processus de différenciation et l’actualisation de la fonction contenante. La mise en place d’un espace contenant qui soigne et offre de nouvelles possibilités identificatoires se révèle bénéfique pour ces adolescents.
Du ventre du donneur à celui du receveur , greffon et fantasmes de maternité au sein du roman de la greffe
Authors: Jean-Dit-Pannel Romuald
Published: March 2017

Distinguer la transplantation de la greffe, l’acte chirurgical et ses traitements médicaux du travail psychique inhérent à cette suppléance permet, selon nous, de questionner différemment les sens donnés à l’objet greffon, ce morceau de corporéité si particulier, et à la greffe, du travail psychique de la greffe au roman de la greffe. Ce sont tout particulièrement des fantasmes de maternité que nous avons retrouvés au sein de notre clinique, par lesquels l’organe-rein-greffon devient ombilic, placenta, embryon, fœtus, bébé et/ou enfant.
GA_SVM
Authors: Choubey Dilip Kumar , Paul Sanchita
Published: March 2017

The modern society is prone to many life-threatening diseases which if diagnosis early can be easily controlled. The implementation of a disease diagnostic system has gained popularity over the years. The main aim of this research is to provide a better diagnosis of diabetes. There are already several existing methods, which have been implemented for the diagnosis of diabetes. In this manuscript, firstly, Polynomial Kernel, RBF Kernel, Sigmoid Function Kernel, Linear Kernel SVM used for the classification of PIDD. Secondly GA used as an Attribute selection method and then used Polynomial Kernel, RBF Kernel, Sigmoid Function Kernel, Linear Kernel SVM on that selected attributes of PIDD for classification. So, here compared the results with and without GA in PIDD, and Linear Kernel proved better among all of the noted above classification methods. It directly seems in the paper that GA is removing insignificant features, reducing the cost and computation time and improving the accuracy, ROC of classification. The proposed method can be also used for other kinds of medical diseases.
The Insects of Nature-Inspired Computational Intelligence
Authors: Srivastava Sweta , Sahana Sudip Kumar
Published: March 2017

The desirable merits of the intelligent computational algorithms and the initial success in many domains have encouraged researchers to work towards the advancement of these techniques. A major plunge in algorithmic development to solve the increasingly complex problems turned out as breakthrough towards the development of computational intelligence (CI) techniques. Nature proved to be one of the greatest sources of inspiration for these intelligent algorithms. In this chapter, computational intelligence techniques inspired by insects are discussed. These techniques make use of the skills of intelligent agent by mimicking insect behavior suitable for the required problem. The diversities in the behavior of the insect families and similarities among them that are used by researchers for generating intelligent techniques are also discussed in this chapter.
Quantum-Inspired Computational Intelligence for Economic Emission Dispatch Problem
Authors: Mahdi Fahad Parvez , Vasant Pandian , Kallimani Vish , Abdullah-Al-Wadud M. , Watada Junzo
Published: March 2017

Economic emission dispatch (EED) problems are one of the most crucial problems in power systems. Growing energy demand, limited reserves of fossil fuel and global warming make this topic into the center of discussion and research. In this chapter, we will discuss the use and scope of different quantum inspired computational intelligence (QCI) methods for solving EED problems. We will evaluate each previously used QCI methods for EED problem and discuss their superiority and credibility against other methods. We will also discuss the potentiality of using other quantum inspired CI methods like quantum bat algorithm (QBA), quantum cuckoo search (QCS), and quantum teaching and learning based optimization (QTLBO) technique for further development in this area.
Out-of-Autoclave (OOA) Manufacturing Technologies for Composite Sandwich Structures
Authors: Khan Laraib Alam , Khan Wajid Ali , Ahmed S.
Published: March 2017

This chapter gives an overview of cost effective processing techniques, employed for manufacturing of sandwich structures, primarily for high performance applications. The scope of this chapter is to review the processes which may produce the autoclave cured quality parts, without the use of autoclave. The chapter starts with an overview of autoclave processing, highlighting the different features, which depicts the capacity of technique to produce highly repeatable parts. Studies related to manufacturing of sandwich structures in autoclave, with and without adhesive film, are reviewed and discussed. Process briefs and recent developments of different out of autoclave (OOA) techniques for manufacturing of sandwich structures are then discussed which includes, OOA prepregs systems, Quickstep processing, Vacuum Infusion Process, compression molding, double belt press and filament winding. A brief overview of manufacturing processes for thermoplastic based sandwich structures is also provided at the end.
Development of Hybrid Cellulose Bio Nanocomposite From Banana and Jute Fiber
Authors: Rathore Ayush , Pradhan Mohan Kumar
Published: March 2017

In the era of globalization and industrialization the concern is limited only in development, without taking the environment into consideration this leads to global warming and big ecological changes in recent year. The material like Synthetic materials used in many applications due to ease of fabrication and higher strength, but the major disadvantage with it is, its neither recyclable nor bio-degradable. Therefore, the researchers develop a new material and technique for the sustainable development. A lot of researches were carried out in the reinforcing potential in the polymer matrix composite, reinforcing can be of two kinds synthetic and natural fiber. Natural fiber is gaining importance in the last decade due to its ecofriendly nature and does not leave carbon foot print, for better utilization of banana and jute fiber for making value added products. Hence, in this work the objective is to develop a new class of hybrid nano-materials from natural fiber such as banana and jute fiber. This chapter sees an opportunity of enhancement of interface property.
Level of Computer Appreciation Skills Acquired for Sustainable Development by Secondary School Students in Nsukka LGA of Enugu State, Nigeria
Authors: Olelewe Chijioke Jonathan , Nwafor Igboamalu Peter
Published: March 2017

This study aimed at determining the level of computer skills acquired by secondary school students in Nsukka Local Government of Enugu State, Nigeria. Specifically the study sought to ascertain the level of word processing skills, graphic application skills and Internet skills acquired by secondary school students in Nsukka Local Government of Enugu State. Three research questions and three null hypotheses were formulated in line with the objectives to guide the study. The study employed a descriptive survey research design using a sample of 272 respondents drawn from three secondary schools selected for the study. The instrument used for data collection was a 41-item structured questionnaire with a reliability index of .72, .83, and .80 using split half method. Data collected was analyzed using mean and standard deviation for research questions while t-test statistic was used to test the null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The study revealed that word processing skills and Internet skills are highly acquired by students' whereas graphic skills were moderately acquired by the students. It was therefore recommended that all education stakeholders should evolve supporting strategies like donating one dollar laptops to schools, retraining programmes and counterpart funding that will enhance computer literacy in Nigerian secondary schools.
Nitrate, Total Ammonia, and Total Suspended Sediments Modeling for the Mobile River Watershed
Authors: Alarcon Vladimir J. , Sassenrath Gretchen F.
Published: March 2017

This paper presents details of a water quality model of the Mobile River watershed that estimates total suspended sediments at the outlet of the watershed. The model is capable of simulating Nitrate (NO3), Total Ammonia (TAM), and Total Suspended Sediments (TSS) for extended periods of time at a daily temporal resolution (1970-1995). The Hydrological Simulation Program Fortran is used for modeling the hydrological, nitrogenous constituents, and sediment processes. Based on the nutrient simulation and exploration of the effects of two management practices (filter strips and stream bank stabilization and fencing) on nutrient removal, the resulting sediment model is used to implement the most efficient nutrient management practice and explore its effects on TSS concentrations in the Mobile River. Results show that the implementation of the management practice “stream bank stabilization and fencing” to agricultural lands in sub-watersheds that had intense agricultural activities produced the highest reductions of NO3 concentration (up to 14.06%) and TAM concentrations (8.01%). Based on the nutrient simulation and identification of “stream bank stabilization and fencing” as the most efficient BMP for nutrient concentration reduction, the sediment model was used to explore its effects on TSS concentrations in the Mobile River. Implementing “stream bank stabilization and fencing” produced monthly median TSS concentration reductions ranging from 3.6% to 10.6% in the Mobile River.
Hedonic Analysis of Housing Sales Prices with Semiparametric Methods
Authors: Del Giudice Vincenzo , Manganelli Benedetto , De Paola Pierfrancesco
Published: March 2017

This study estimates a hedonic price function using a semiparametric regression based on Penalized Spline Smoothing, and compares the price prediction performance with conventional parametric models. The excellent results obtained show that the semiparametric models allow to obtain a significant improvement in the prediction of housing sales prices.
Smartphone Habits Among Youth
Authors: Ahad Annie Dayani , Anshari Muhammad
Published: March 2017

Rapid technological advancements have led to Smartphone revolution of becoming multifunctional personal devices. These smart phones are equipped with new features, including Internet access, cameras (pictures and videos) and MP3 players. The study examines the complex forces that influence and challenge the socio-cultural values among youth. It investigates the extent to which smart phones were used and their implications for youth in a society that is bounded within the Malay Islamic Monarchy concept. The research questions were explored through the use of qualitative research method, specifically, focus groups and in-depth interviews. The framework utilized to examine the data is the Uses & Gratifications theory. A number of significant findings signify firstly, the tendency for owning smart phone is influenced by the family. Parents gave smart phones to their children either as birthday gifts or after having performed well or passed their final Junior School Examination. Secondly, almost all of the respondents perceived smart phone as the most useful communication device as a mean to contact their friends and families. Thirdly, two important factors for smart phone ownership among youth include safety and emergency purposes. Finally, they also perceived smart phones as a status symbol.
Learning with Mobiles in Developing Countries
Authors: Traxler John M.
Published: March 2017

In the countries of the global South, the challenges of fixed infrastructure and environment, the apparent universality of mobile hardware, software and network technologies and the rhetoric of the global knowledge economy have slowed or impoverished the development of appropriate theoretical discourses to underpin learning with mobiles. This paper addresses one specific and fundamental component of such discourses, namely the role of language and literacy as they interact with mobile technology. The paper makes three points, that mobile technology is culturally and linguistically specific, not universal or culturally-neutral; that mobile technology does not merely store and transmit language(s) and literacy within communities, it disturbs and transforms them, and that the digital literacy agenda that might underpin learning with mobiles has not yet been developed in relation to mobile technology or in relation to the global South. These are the foundations of understanding learning with mobiles in the global South.
Mobile Learning and Indigenous Education in Canada
Authors: Pulla Siomonn
Published: March 2017

M-Learning holds great potential for supporting the positive educational outcomes of underserved Indigenous communities in the Candian North, and even in urban centers, that are at risk of exclusion from affordable, high-quality learning experiences. The technical advantages of having mobile technology to deliver educational curricula and assess outcomes, however, must not overshadow the continuing need for culturally relevant teaching modalities that work for Indigenous learners. When used innovatively, mobile learning can be integrated successfully into a context of existing practices, beliefs, experiences, and values related to Indigenous epistemologies and pedagogies. These mobile technologies are not only helping Indigenous learners to develop new media aptitudes, they are providing an opportunity for learners and instructors to develop stronger links between formal and informal learning opportunities, building on the inherently mobile and contextual traditions of Indigenous peoples.
Crisis Management Using Centrality Measurement in Social Networks
Authors: Verma Ruchi , Sehgal Vivek Kumar , Nitin
Published: March 2017

Increasing use of IP enabled smart gadgets, rapidly increasing the formation of cyber centric social networks. Any human discussion reflects its emotions and ego centric thoughts among the masses which results the formation of pro and anti-groups. Identification of various categories of groups and communities in social network is very important to eliminate the chances of human created crisis. This paper predicts the migration of individuals from one community to other community and the person who bridges the two communities. The prediction of social networks is carried out by mapping various epidemic models on human created social network. The centrality measurement detects the bridging element between two communities.
Natural Shell
Authors: Liu Xiao , Jiang Yufei , Wu Lawrence , Wu Dinghao
Published: March 2017

Scripting is a widely-used way to automate the execution of tasks. Despite the popularity of scripting, it remains difficult to use for both beginners and experts: because of the cryptic commands for the first group, and incompatible syntaxes across different systems, for the latter group. The authors introduce Natural Shell, an assistant for enabling end-users to generate commands and scripts for various purposes. Natural Shell automatically synthesizes scripts for different shell systems based on natural language descriptions. By interacting with Natural Shell, new users can learn the basics of scripting languages without the obstacles from the incomprehensible syntaxes. On the other hand, the authors' tool frees more advanced users from manuals when they switch shell systems. The authors have developed a prototype system and demonstrate its effectiveness with a benchmark of 50 examples of popular shell commands collected from online forums. In addition, the authors analyzed the usage of Natural Shell in a lab study that involves 10 participants with different scripting skill levels. Natural Shell effectively assists the users to generate commands in assigned syntaxes and greatly streamlines their learning and using experience.
Hasselt
Authors: Cuenca Fredy , Van den Bergh Jan , Luyten Kris , Coninx Karin
Published: March 2017

Implementing multimodal interactions with event-driven languages results in a ‘callback soup', a source code littered with a multitude of flags that have to be maintained in a self-consistent manner and across different event handlers. Prototyping multimodal interactions adds to the complexity and error sensitivity, since the program code has to be refined iteratively as developers explore different possibilities and solutions. The authors present a declarative language for rapid prototyping multimodal interactions: Hasselt permits declaring composite events, sets of events that are logically related because of the interaction they support, that can be easily bound to dedicated event handlers for separate interactions. The authors' approach allows the description of multimodal interactions at a higher level of abstraction than event languages, which saves developers from dealing with the typical ‘callback soup' thereby resulting in a gain in programming efficiency and a reduction in errors when writing event handling code. They compared Hasselt with using a traditional programming language with strong support for events in a study with 12 participants each having a solid background in software development. When performing equivalent modifications to a multimodal interaction, the use of Hasselt leads to higher completion rates, lower completion times, and less code testing than when using a mainstream event-driven language.
Situating the Place of Youths' between African Union and Africa Diaspora
Authors: Omotosho Babatunde Joshua
Published: March 2017

One of the developments in the African Union (AU) is the recognition and reconnection of Africans in the Diasporas through policy formulations and other affirmative programmes. The aim is to ensure that Africans wherever they are located can reconnect with their roots and have a true sense of identity as Africans. This is a laudable achievement on the part of AU and the entire Africans in the Diaspora. While programmes and activities aimed at bridging this gap are being fashioned out by both parties, one of the major issues that must not be ignored is the inclusion of youth in these activities. Consequently, the questions are: what is the place of youth in AU- Diaspora relations? What are the structures put in place whether at the institutional or at the Diaspora levels in ensuring that youth have a voice in the ongoing bonding process between the two parties? Providing answer to these questions in this article become pertinent at this early stage in order to carry the young ones, the future of tomorrow along in the scheme of things regarding AU and Africans in the Diaspora.
A Stochastic Frontier Analysis of Exporting Small and Medium Sized Enterprises in India
Authors: Kumar Manoj
Published: March 2017

This study employs a stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) and technical inefficiency effects model to predict the technical efficiency of 3,168 Indian manufacturing and exporting SMEs, analyze their returns to scale and key factors impacting on their technical efficiency. Indian manufacturing and exporting SMEs extensively rely on labor rather than capital to increase their output, including almost all exporting SME groups, except those exporting to North & South America. The production of Indian manufacturing SMEs exporting to Oceania, however, has increasing returns to scale (1.1965). The inefficiency effects model reveals that firm size, firm age, foreign ownership, location and government assistance are firm-specific factors that significantly affect the technical inefficiency of production. Finally, evidence-based policies are also provided to facilitate improvement in the technical efficiency performance of Indian manufacturing and exporting SMEs.
Information and Communication Technology for SMEs' Competitiveness
Authors: Baporikar Neeta
Published: March 2017

Competitiveness of a firm is its capacity to achieve its targets. These targets are likely to be expressed in a variety of terms depending on the context (Barney 2002). Within a macroeconomic perspective, a competitive firm develops and sustains a level of performance that contributes to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), employment opportunities, and the wealth of the people. From an entrepreneurial perspective, a competitive firm needs to survive in the market and to achieve market share and profitability. This paper deliberates regarding the theory of competitive advantage and discusses the role of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) for augmenting SMEs' competitiveness.