bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Learning Word Embeddings with Chi-Square Weights for Healthcare Tweet Classification
Authors: Kuang Sicong , Davison Brian
Published: August 2017

Twitter is a popular source for the monitoring of healthcare information and public disease. However, there exists much noise in the tweets. Even though appropriate keywords appear in the tweets, they do not guarantee the identification of a truly health-related tweet. Thus, the traditional keyword-based classification task is largely ineffective. Algorithms for word embeddings have proved to be useful in many natural language processing (NLP) tasks. We introduce two algorithms based on an existing word embedding learning algorithm: the continuous bag-of-words model (CBOW). We apply the proposed algorithms to the task of recognizing healthcare-related tweets. In the CBOW model, the vector representation of words is learned from their contexts. To simplify the computation, the context is represented by an average of all words inside the context window. However, not all words in the context window contribute equally to the prediction of the target word. Greedily incorporating all the words in the context window will largely limit the contribution of the useful semantic words and bring noisy or irrelevant words into the learning process, while existing word embedding algorithms also try to learn a weighted CBOW model. Their weights are based on existing pre-defined syntactic rules while ignoring the task of the learned embedding. We propose learning weights based on the words’ relative importance in the classification task. Our intuition is that such learned weights place more emphasis on words that have comparatively more to contribute to the later task. We evaluate the embeddings learned from our algorithms on two healthcare-related datasets. The experimental results demonstrate that embeddings learned from the proposed algorithms outperform existing techniques by a relative accuracy improvement of over 9%.
Thermo-Responsive Shape-Memory Effect and Surface Features in Polycarbonate (PC)
Authors: Wu Xuelian , Wang Taoxi , Huang Weimin , Zhao Yong
Published: August 2017

The influence of programming strain and temperature on the shape memory effect and surface morphology in programmed polycarbonate (PC) samples via uni-axial stretching is investigated. It is found that the samples programmed at around the glass transition start temperature not only have micro-cracks on their surface, but also show a necking phenomenon. Furthermore, the surface of the necked area is concave, but the surface of the non-necked area is convex. On the other hand, despite the samples programmed at high temperatures being able to deform in a uniform manner at macroscopic scale, their surfaces are still uneven, either concave or convex. While the samples programmed at low temperatures are able to achieve full shape recovery, stretching at higher temperatures over the glass transition range to a higher strain may result in non-recoverable deformation.
An Efficient Retrieval Technique for Trademarks Based on the Fuzzy Inference System
Authors: Chen Chin-Sheng , Weng Chi-Min
Published: August 2017

The existing trademark image retrieval (TIR) approaches mostly use complex image features, the integration of multi features, a tree structure, etc. to enable highly accurate retrieval. However, there is the heavy computational burden for complex image features and maximum similarity subtree isomorphism (MSSI) measurement. This paper aims to provide an efficient solution for TIR in real-time applications, especially in measuring the similarity between multi-object trademark images. In particular, we propose a novel algorithm for tree similarity measurement based on the fuzzy inference system (FIS) to improve retrieval efficiency. Furthermore, the integration of global and local geometric descriptors is used to enable accurate retrieval. The global descriptor is computed by employing the Hu moments, while the local descriptors are generated by using a tree structure based on the five geometric features: convexity, eccentricity, compactness, circle variance, and elliptic variance. During the retrieval process, the similarity coefficient between the query and the database image is obtained from the similarity of the global and local descriptors. The proposed technique is evaluated using 1800 trademark images, including 12 different classes and 416 trademark images. Additionally, the three common indices, the precision/recall rate, the Bull’s eye score, and the average normalized modified retrieval rank (ANMRR) are used as the performance indices. The experimental results show that the proposed technique is superior to the other two competitive approaches. It shows 19.43% and 26.78% precision/recall improvement, 19.56% and 30.58% improvement in the average Bull’s eye score, and 0.167 and 0.236 improvement in the ANMRR score, respectively, for the 416 query images. It can be concluded from the experimental analysis that the proposed technique not only provides reliable retrieval results but also improves the retrieval efficiency by 151 times in the retrieval process.
Development and Application of Sub-Cycle Mid-Infrared Source Based on Laser Filamentation
Authors: Fuji Takao , Shirai Hideto , Nomura Yutaka
Published: August 2017

This paper is a perspective article which summarizes the development and application of sub-cycle mid-infrared (MIR) pulses generated through a laser filament. The generation scheme was published in Applied Sciences in 2013. The spectrum of the MIR pulse spreads from 2 to 50 μ m, corresponding to multiple octaves, and the pulse duration is 6.9 fs, namely, 0.63 times the period of the carrier wavelength, 3.3 μ m. The extremely broadband and highly coherent light source has potential for various applications. The light source has been applied for advanced ultrafast pump–probe spectroscopy by several research groups. As another application example, single-shot detection of absorption spectra in the entire MIR range by the use of chirped-pulse upconversion with a gas medium has been demonstrated. Although the measurement of the field oscillation of the sub-cycle MIR pulse was not trivial, the waveform of the sub-cycle pulse has been completely characterized with a newly developed method, frequency-resolved optical gating capable of carrier-envelope phase determination. A particular behavior of the spectral phase of the sub-cycle pulse has been revealed through the waveform characterization.
Image Analysis of Dynamic Brain Activity Based on Gray Distance Compensation
Authors: Wang Ying , Gau Yung-Tian A. , Le Hanh N. D. , Bergles Dwight E. , Kang Jin U.
Published: August 2017

Assessing time-dependent changes in brain activity is of crucial importance in neuroscience. Here, we propose a novel image processing method to automatically identify active regions and assess time-dependent changes in fluorescence arising from genetically encoded indicators of activity. First, potential active regions and the corresponding active centers were extracted based on gray distance compensation. Then potential active regions were aligned through frames and, if meeting pre-determined intensity criteria, were accepted as active regions and the fluorescence changes were quantified. We validated this method with independent in vivo imaging datasets collected from transgenic mice that express the genetically encoded calcium indicator GCaMP3. Our studies indicate that the incorporation of this gray distance compensation-based algorithm substantially improves the accuracy and efficiency of detecting and quantifying cellular activity in the intact brain.
Influences of Doping and Crystal Orientation on Surface Roughening upon Alcohol Grafting onto Silicon Hydride
Authors: Tung Joline , Khung Yit
Published: August 2017

An alcohol bearing alkyne was thermally grafted to both p-type and n-type silicon (111) and (100) substrate of comparable doping levels and surface flatness. The surface topography as well as the surface chemistry was examined via atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and water contact angle measurements. P-type silicon (111) was observed to experience roughening on the surface upon functionalization while n-type silicon (111) surfaces remained relatively unchanged. When the alcohol was grafted onto silicon (100) surface, the roughening effect was found to be even more profound for the p-type while the effects were marginal for the n-type surfaces. Both roughening effects were attributed to the differential weakening of the Si–Si backbond induced by majority carriers in p- and n-type silicon while (111) was observed to be able to resist the roughening effect better and this was explained by the notion of its denser adatom surface packing as well as the presence of surface defects.
Global Analysis for an HIV Infection Model with CTL Immune Response and Infected Cells in Eclipse Phase
Authors: Allali Karam , Danane Jaouad , Kuang Yang
Published: August 2017

A modified mathematical model describing the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pathogenesis with cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTL) and infected cells in eclipse phase is presented and studied in this paper. The model under consideration also includes a saturated rate describing viral infection. First, the positivity and boundedness of solutions for nonnegative initial data are proved. Next, the global stability of the disease free steady state and the endemic steady states are established depending on the basic reproduction number R 0 and the CTL immune response reproduction number R C T L . Moreover, numerical simulations are performed in order to show the numerical stability for each steady state and to support our theoretical findings. Our model based findings suggest that system immunity represented by CTL may control viral replication and reduce the infection.
Sustainable Features of Vernacular Architecture: Housing of Eastern Black Sea Region as a Case Study
Authors: Salgın Burcu , Bayram Ömer , Akgün Atacan , Agyekum Kofi
Published: August 2017

The contributions of sustainability to architectural designs are steadily increasing in parallel with developments in technology. Although sustainability seems to be a new concept in today’s architecture, in reality, it is not. This is because, much of sustainable architectural design principles depend on references to vernacular architecture, and there are many examples found in different parts of the world to which architects can refer. When the world seeks for more sustainable buildings, it is acceptable to revisit the past in order to understand sustainable features of vernacular architecture. It is clear that vernacular architecture has a knowledge that matters to be studied and classified from a sustainability point of view. This work aims to demonstrate that vernacular architecture can contribute to improving sustainability in construction. In this sense, the paper evaluates specific vernacular housing in Eastern Black Sea Region in Turkey and their response to nature and ecology. In order to explain this response, field work was carried out and the vernacular architectural accumulation of the region was examined on site. The features of the examples have been identified and debated in today’s sustainable architectural concept. This work holistically evaluates this architectural manifestation, in the light of current knowledge, in order to find scientific justification for its knowledge to verify and promote its application in the future.
Indian Summer Monsoon and El Niño Southern Oscillation in CMIP5 Models: A Few Areas of Agreement and Disagreement
Authors: Roy Indrani
Published: August 2017

Using the CMIP5 model outputs, a few characteristics of Indian Summer Monsoon (ISM) rainfall and Niño 3.4 temperature are analysed during June–July–August–September (JJAS). Focusing on specified regions around central-northeast India, some general characteristic features of ISM precipitation are studied, which are shown to be varying among models. The trend of decreasing rainfall in that region as noticed in observations suggests an inconsistency among models. The ENSO also shows variation, and its phasing indicates disagreement. Unlike other models, FGOALS-g2 is identified as not suggesting any trend in Niño 3.4 temperature and needs attention for model evaluation purposes. ISM and ENSO correlation in either historical or the RCP 8.5 scenario confirm a negative signature, agreeing with the usual ISM, ENSO connection. Precipitation over the globe shows a rising trend in an ensemble of CMIP5 model outputs for the RCP 8.5 scenario, though no consensus is reached for the Indian region. Precipitation time series around the Indian subcontinent vary widely among models. Analyses with various future scenarios indicate that the Indian subcontinent shows much larger uncertainty, in terms of precipitation, compared to that from the whole world. This study identifies a few areas where CMIP 5 models are in agreement or disagreement with each other. Such an analysis could be useful for understanding various processes in CMIP 5 models that involve ISM precipitation and can lead to improving the representation of processes in models.
Validation and Accuracy Analysis of Global MODIS Aerosol Products over Land
Authors: Wang Qingxin , Sun Lin , Wei Jing , Yang Yikun , Li Ruibo , Liu Qinhuo , Chen Liangfu
Published: August 2017

Land surface reflectance (LSR) and aerosol types are the two main factors that affect aerosol inversions over land. According to LSR determination methods, Moderate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) aerosol products are produced using the Deep Blue (DB) and Dark Target (DT) algorithms. Five aerosol types that are determined from Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) ground measurements are used to describe the global distribution of aerosol types in each algorithm. To assess the influence of LSR and the method used to determine aerosol type from aerosol retrievals, 10-km global aerosol products that cover 2013 are selected for validation using Level 2.0 aerosol observations from 175 AERONET sites. The variations in the retrieval accuracy of the DB and DT algorithms for different LSR values are analyzed by combining them with a global 10-km LSR database. Meanwhile, the adaptability of the MODIS products over areas covered with different aerosols is also explored. The results are as follows. (1) Compared with DT retrievals, the DB algorithm yields lower root mean squared error (RMSE) and mean absolut error (MAE) values, and a greater number of appropriate sample points fall within the expected error (EE). The DB algorithm shows higher overall reliability; (2) The aerosol retrieval accuracy of the DB and DT algorithms decline irregularly as the surface reflectance increases; the DB algorithm displays relatively high accuracy; (3) Both algorithms have a high retrieval accuracy over areas covered by weak absorbing aerosols, whereas dust aerosols and continental aerosols produce a low retrieval accuracy. The DB algorithm shows good retrieval results for most aerosols, but a lower accuracy for strong absorbing aerosols.
Oenology in the Kitchen: The Sensory Experience Offered by Culinary Dishes Cooked with Alcoholic Drinks, Grapes and Grape Leaves
Authors: Cosme Fernanda , Pinto Teresa , Vilela Alice
Published: August 2017

A good pairing is based on the complementary role of wine on the four important factors of food: components, textures, flavors and colors. Common wine and food examples of food preparation with wine or vine products, such as grapes or vine leaves, exemplify numerous similarities and contrasting characteristics in those four parameters, which we can find in an enjoyable meal. The knowledge of the internal anatomy and composition of both grape berries, which includes the skin, the mesocarp and the endocarp, and vine leaf, which includes the vascular system, parenchymatous mesophyll and epidermis, is essential to know how to develop new, tastier and healthier dishes. An understanding of these ideas is important when defining gastronomic tourism strategies and even local restaurant concepts and ideas. The aim of this review is to provide some insights about the sensory experiences offered by culinary dishes cooked with grapes, vine leaves and wines and other alcoholic beverages like distilled spirits and liqueurs, bearing in mind that wine will be the drink of elation for accompanying such dishes.
Bloch Surface Waves Biosensors for High Sensitivity Detection of Soluble ERBB2 in a Complex Biological Environment
Authors: Sinibaldi Alberto , Sampaoli Camilla , Danz Norbert , Munzert Peter , Sonntag Frank , Centola Fabio , Occhicone Agostino , Tremante Elisa , Giacomini Patrizio , Michelotti Francesco
Published: August 2017

We report on the use of one-dimensional photonic crystals to detect clinically relevant concentrations of the cancer biomarker ERBB2 in cell lysates. Overexpression of the ERBB2 protein is associated with aggressive breast cancer subtypes. To detect soluble ERBB2, we developed an optical set-up which operates in both label-free and fluorescence modes. The detection approach makes use of a sandwich assay, in which the one-dimensional photonic crystals sustaining Bloch surface waves are modified with monoclonal antibodies, in order to guarantee high specificity during the biological recognition. We present the results of exemplary protein G based label-free assays in complex biological matrices, reaching an estimated limit of detection of 0.5 ng/mL. On-chip and chip-to-chip variability of the results is addressed too, providing repeatability rates. Moreover, results on fluorescence operation demonstrate the capability to perform high sensitive cancer biomarker assays reaching a resolution of 0.6 ng/mL, without protein G assistance. The resolution obtained in both modes meets international guidelines and recommendations (15 ng/mL) for ERBB2 quantification assays, providing an alternative tool to phenotype and diagnose molecular cancer subtypes.
Evaluation and Treatment of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: The Role of Neuropsychology
Authors: Prince Carolyn , Bruhns Maya
Published: August 2017

Awareness of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and persisting post-concussive syndrome (PCS) has increased substantially in the past few decades, with a corresponding increase in research on diagnosis, management, and treatment of patients with mTBI. The purpose of this article is to provide a narrative review of the current literature on behavioral assessment and management of patients presenting with mTBI/PCS, and to detail the potential role of neuropsychologists and rehabilitation psychologists in interdisciplinary care for this population during the acute, subacute, and chronic phases of recovery.
A Review of the Neuropsychological Dimensions of Tourette Syndrome
Authors: Morand-Beaulieu Simon , Leclerc Julie , Valois Philippe , Lavoie Marc , O’Connor Kieron , Gauthier Bruno
Published: August 2017

Neurocognitive functioning in Tourette syndrome (TS) has been the subject of intensive research in the past 30 years. A variety of impairments, presumably related to frontal and frontostriatal dysfunctions, have been observed. These impairments were found in various domains, such as attention, memory, executive functions, language, motor and visuomotor functions, among others. In line with contemporary research, other neurocognitive domains have recently been explored in TS, bringing evidence of altered social reasoning, for instance. Therefore, the aims of this review are to give an overview of the neuropsychological dimensions of TS, to report how neuropsychological functions evolve from childhood to adulthood, and to explain how various confounding factors can affect TS patients’ performance in neuropsychological tasks. Finally, an important contribution of this review is to show how recent research has confirmed or changed our beliefs about neuropsychological functioning in TS.
Propofol’s Effects on the Fetal Brain for Non-Obstetric Surgery
Authors: Malhotra Ajay , Yosh Emily , Xiong Ming
Published: August 2017

While the use of Propofol has been increasing in usage for general surgical procedures since its release to market, there has been little work done on its potential link to neurotoxicity in humans. Only recently, following the release of a warning label from the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) regarding a potential link to “neurotoxicity” in the neonate, did the surgical and anesthesiology communities become more aware of its potential for harm. Given the widespread use of this drug in clinical practice, the warning label naturally raised controversy regarding intrapartum Propofol usage. While intended to generate further studies, the lack of a viable anesthetic alternative raises issues regarding its current usage for surgical procedures in pregnant women. To answer the question whether current evidence is supportive of Propofol usage at its current levels in pregnant women, this review summarizes available evidence of fetal Propofol exposure in animal studies.
Computational Colour Matching of Laminated Photovoltaic Modules for Building Envelopes
Authors: Schregle Roland , Krehel Marek , Wittkopf Stephen
Published: August 2017

The widespread adoption of photovoltaics (PV) in architecture as a source of renewable energy is often limited due to poor visual acceptance. We propose the use of coloured frontglass manufactured by digital ceramic printing to cover the PV cells, thus concealing the latter while admitting sufficient light to produce electricity. The apparent colour of the PV laminate is a combination of the transparent colour on glass and the colour of the PV cells, which is difficult to predict. In this paper we compare 1400 unknown PV laminate colours with 320 known façade colours from the NCS Exterior Set to find potential matches. We use an image-based approach in which photographs are compared computationally by CIE ΔE colour difference. For a barely discernible ΔE < 3.5, this yielded 20 unique matches between the candidate and target sample sets, increasing to 74 matches for an obvious difference of ΔE ≤ 10. A subset of these computed matches was then visually confirmed by untrained volunteer observers, with average deviations of ΔE ≈ 5 between computed and visual matches, and a similar tolerance for the visual matches based on standard deviation. We conclude that our image-based computational approach enables a rapid and comprehensive matching of large sets of printed glass colours, which would be impractical with human subjects, yet delivers matches consistent with the latter’s observations.
Simplified Design of FRP-Confined Square RC Columns under Bi-Axial Bending
Authors: Manie Salar , Jami Ehsan , Azarian Zana
Published: August 2017

Available guidelines do not provide design procedures for the general case of retrofitting reinforced concrete (RC) columns using fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) sheets subjected to simultaneous bi-axial flexural and axial loads. In many practical cases, columns essentially undergo simultaneous axial force and bi-axial bending moments, especially in in-situ construction. This paper suggests a simplified design method based on the equivalent uni-axial moment concept to calculate the required number of layers FRP sheets for retrofitting RC square columns. The proposed procedure is then verified against available bi-axial moment and axial force test data found in the literature. Results demonstrate that the proposed procedure is appropriate for practical applications with acceptable accuracy. It also appears that retrofitting RC square columns by longitudinal fiber arrangement is only effective for columns with tension-controlled behavior, while transverse and combined longitudinal-transverse arrangements are more effective in enhancing the load bearing capacity of both the compression- and tension-controlled columns. A design example will also be presented.
Clash Detection or Clash Avoidance? An Investigation into Coordination Problems in 3D BIM
Authors: Akponeware Anderson , Adamu Zulfikar
Published: August 2017

Early collaboration is crucial if the final design is to be clash-free, and automation processes through Building Information Modelling (BIM) have the capacity to reduce clashes through 3D design coordination. Yet, current design practices are still dependent on clash detection and contemporary literature presents several reasons for this. This paper investigates the root causes of clashes with respect to achieving “clash avoidance” as proposed in PAS 1192-2 design phase specifications for BIM in the UK. Empirical data from BIM coordinators around the world was collected and analyzed using explanatory sequential mixed-methods. It was found that: (i) isolated working was the prime cause of high occurrences of clashes linked to mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) 3D BIM systems; (ii) there is a link between non-BIM specific training (or the professional qualifications) of design practitioners with the high incidence of clashes; and (iii) the current structure of cloud-based common data environments (CDEs) does not facilitate clash avoidance and in fact, encourages isolated working in the early design stage by creating “digital information silos”. A conceptual framework for an open work in progress (OWIP) has been proposed to address this problem. These findings point to the need for more transparency during collaboration through CDE where designers from multidisciplinary backgrounds can engage in concurrent co-creation. This transparent and inclusive process could have consequences on how future architectural, engineering and construction (AEC) professionals are trained.
National and Subnational Population-Based Incidence of Cancer in Thailand: Assessing Cancers with the Highest Burdens
Authors: Virani Shama , Bilheem Surichai , Chansaard Wasan , Chitapanarux Imjai , Daoprasert Karnchana , Khuanchana Somsak , Leklob Atit , Pongnikorn Donsuk , Rozek Laura , Siriarechakul Surattaya , Suwanrungruang Krittika , Tassanasunthornwong Sukit , Vatanasapt Patravoot , Sriplung Hutcha
Published: August 2017

In Thailand, five cancer types—breast, cervical, colorectal, liver and lung cancer—contribute to over half of the cancer burden. The magnitude of these cancers must be quantified over time to assess previous health policies and highlight future trajectories for targeted prevention efforts. We provide a comprehensive assessment of these five cancers nationally and subnationally, with trend analysis, projections, and number of cases expected for the year 2025 using cancer registry data. We found that breast (average annual percent change (AAPC): 3.1%) and colorectal cancer (female AAPC: 3.3%, male AAPC: 4.1%) are increasing while cervical cancer (AAPC: −4.4%) is decreasing nationwide. However, liver and lung cancers exhibit disproportionately higher burdens in the northeast and north regions, respectively. Lung cancer increased significantly in northeastern and southern women, despite low smoking rates. Liver cancers are expected to increase in the northern males and females. Liver cancer increased in the south, despite the absence of the liver fluke, a known factor, in this region. Our findings are presented in the context of health policy, population dynamics and serve to provide evidence for future prevention strategies. Our subnational estimates provide a basis for understanding variations in region-specific risk factor profiles that contribute to incidence trends over time.
The Differentiating Polarization Curve Technique for the Tafel Parameter Estimation
Authors: Seri Osami , Siree Burapornpong
Published: August 2017

An experimentally obtained polarization curve for the hydrogen evolution reaction on silver in a 0.5 mol dm−3 solution was investigated using an electrochemical curve technique named the differential polarization method (DPM). The exchange current density estimated by the Tafel extrapolation method (TEM) and the DPM were compared and assessed from points of simple and more accurate handling. It is shown that the DPM has two advantages: (1) proper reading of the Tafel slope region and (2) elimination of the undesirable physical factors such as oxide film and solution resistance.
Precision of a Streamlined Life Cycle Assessment Approach Used in Eco-Rating of Mobile Phones
Authors: Andrae Anders S. G. , Vaija Mikko Samuli
Published: August 2017

There is a lack of prescribed databases and approaches in place for performing comparable Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) of smartphones and other electronic devices in a coherent manner. Hence there is a need within certain eco-rating initiatives for simplified, yet still precise enough, approaches that are expert independent. Here, five independently published Full LCAs (FLCA) of smartphones—and a metal content declaration of a tablet—are analyzed and compared with the simplified LCA method (Open Eco Rating LCA, OLCA) used by the open eco rating (OER) sustainability assessment. OLCA is described in detail. The comparisons use the same characterization factors that are used for climate change and abiotic resource depletion (ARD) midpoint impact categories. The tablet is only analyzed for the ARD indicator (ARDI). The results show that the difference between the FLCAs and the OLCA is up to 20% for the Global Warming Potential indicator (GWPI). The difference is explained by significantly different emission intensities used in FLCAs and OLCA, especially for integrated circuit and screen production. The life cycle use of metals relevant for ARDI is identified in one of the FLCAs of mobile phones, and used in OLCA and compared with the corresponding FLCA ARDI score. The total FLCA ARDI score is 67% (2.0 vs. 1.2 grams Sb—eq.) and 32% (4.98 vs. 3.76 grams Sb—eq.) higher than OLCA ARDI for the mobile phone and the tablet, respectively. The reason is that OLCA only captures a few of the most relevant metals (gold, silver, tin, indium, and tantalum) for the ARDI. However, cobalt—and to some degree copper and lithium—are significant gaps in the OLCA. The conclusion is that OLCA is an efficient and fair approach for LCAs that are focused on the GWPI of smartphones as the divergence to FLCA can easily be explained. However, the circular footprint formulae, renewable electricity options, and ARD characterization indices for cobalt, copper and lithium should be added to OLCA for further precision. The next step is to compare the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) FLCA method with OLCA for GWPI and ARDI evaluations of new smartphones. Moreover, the effect of adding more midpoint or single score indicators could be tested in OLCA.
The Challenge of the ‘Art and Science’ of Health Promotion
Authors: Laverack Glenn
Published: August 2017

Health promotion has a key role to play in preventing disease and promoting healthy lifestyles. Health promotion work is part science and part art. The science emerges from research and theory and the art emerges from our professional intuition and experience. The goal is to apply the science to achieve the best health promotion outcomes. However, an application of the theory, models and even the evidence, does not guarantee a desired outcome. To achieve this is an art and something that is often missing in practice. An understanding of how best to apply the ‘art and science’ of health promotion requires an appreciation that it is not only about being scientifically right but also about being real. The challenge for health promoters is to understand how they can use their judgement to best apply the available science to deliver successful approaches.
Uncertainty of the X-ray Diffraction (XRD) sin2 ψ Technique in Measuring Residual Stresses of Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) Hard Coatings
Authors: Luo Quanshun , Yang Shicai
Published: August 2017

Residual stresses of physical vapor deposition (PVD) hard coatings can be measured using X-ray diffraction (XRD) methods under either conventional d-sin2 ψ mode or glancing incident (GIXRD) mode, in which substantial uncertainties exist depending on the applied diffraction parameters. This paper reports systematic research on the effect of the two analytical modes, as well as the anisotropic elastic modulus, on the measured residual stress values. A magnetron sputtered TiN grown on hardened tool steel was employed as the sample coating, to measure its residual stress using various diffraction peaks from {111} to {422} acquired at a range of incident glancing angles from 2° to 35°. The results were interpreted in terms of the effective X-ray penetration depth, which has been found to be determined predominantly by the incident glancing angle. In the d-sin2 ψ mode, the results present an approximate residual stress over a depth of effective X-ray penetration, and it is recommended to use a diffraction peak of high-index lattice plane from {311} to {422}. The GIXRD mode helps determine a depth profile of residual stress, since the measured residual stress depends strongly on the X-ray penetration. In addition, the anisotropy of elastic modulus shows limited influence on the calculated residual stress value.
The Use of Triboemission Imaging and Charge Measurements to Study DLC Coating Failure
Authors: Ciniero Alessandra , Le Rouzic Julian , Reddyhoff Tom
Published: August 2017

We present a study on the simultaneous evolution of the electron emission and surface charge accumulation that occurs during scratching tests in order to monitor coating failure. Steel discs coated with a diamond-like-carbon (DLC) film were scratched in both vacuum (~10−5 Torr) and atmospheric conditions, with electron emission and surface charge being measured by a system of microchannel plates and an electrometer, respectively. The results highlight a positive correlation between emission intensity values, surface charge measurements and surface damage topography, suggesting the effective use of these techniques to monitor coating wear in real time.
Influence of Grit-Blasting and Hydrofluoric Acid Etching Treatment on Surface Characteristics and Biofilm Formation on Zirconia
Authors: Han Aifang , Tsoi James , Matinlinna Jukka , Chen Zhuofan
Published: August 2017

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of hydrofluoric acid etching treatment on the surface characteristics of zirconia and Streptococcus sanguinis (S. sanguinis) and Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) biofilm formation on zirconia. Zirconia specimens were prepared with different treatments, including being polished with 1000-grit SiC abrasive paper as the control group (Group C), grit-blasted with 110 μm silica-coated alumina particles (Group GB), etched with 40% hydrofluoric acid for 25 min at 100 °C (Group HF), and grit-blasted with 110 μm silica-coated alumina particles and then etched with 40% hydrofluoric acid for 25 min at 100 °C (Group GBHF). The highest surface roughness values and hydrophilicity were shown in Group HF and Group GBHF. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that hydrofluoric acid can create a crater-like appearance on the zirconia surface. An energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis demonstrated similar element concentration (wt %) in Group C, Group HF, and Group GBHF, but not for Group GB with higher concentrations of Al and Si element. Colony forming unit (CFU) counts showed that a similar amount of S. sanguinis biofilm and significantly lower P. gingivalis biofilm were formed on zirconia surfaces in Group HF and Group GBHF compared to that in Group C after three days of bacteria culture (p < 0.05). These results indicate that hydrofluoric acid etching on zirconia may not increase S. sanguinis and P. gingivalis mature biofilm formation on zirconia.
Transparent, Auditable, and Stepwise Verifiable Online E-Voting Enabling an Open and Fair Election
Authors: Zou Xukai , Li Huian , Li Feng , Peng Wei , Sui Yan
Published: August 2017

Many e-voting techniques have been proposed but not widely used in reality. One of the problems associated with most existing e-voting techniques is the lack of transparency, leading to a failure to deliver voter assurance. In this work, we p verifiable, viewable, and mutual restraining e-voting protocol that exploits the existing multi-party political dynamics such as in the US. The new e-voting protocol consists of three original technical contributions—universal verifiable voting vector, forward and backward mutual lock voting, and in-process check and enforcement—that, along with a public real time bulletin board, resolves the apparent conflicts in voting such as anonymity vs. accountability and privacy vs. verifiability. Especially, the trust is split equally among tallying authorities who have conflicting interests and will technically restrain each other. The voting and tallying processes are transparent/viewable to anyone, which allow any voter to visually verify that his vote is indeed counted and also allow any third party to audit the tally, thus, enabling open and fair election. Depending on the voting environment, our interactive protocol is suitable for small groups where interaction is encouraged, while the non-interactive protocol allows large groups to vote without interaction.
Mechanical Anisotropy in Austenitic NiMnGa Alloy: Nanoindentation Studies
Authors: Jayaraman Ashwin , Kiran M. S. R. N. , Ramamurty Upadrasta
Published: August 2017

Abstract: Mechanical anisotropy in an austenitic ferromagnetic shape memory alloy (SMA), Ni50Mn26.25Ga23.75, is investigated along (010), (120), (121), (231) and (232) using nanoindentation. While (010) exhibits the highest reduced modulus, Er, and hardness, H, (232) shows the lowest amongst the grain orientations examined in this study. The significant elastic anisotropy measured is attributed to differences in planar packing density and number of in-plane Ni–Mn and Ni–Ga bonds, whereas the plastic anisotropy is due to the differences in the onset of slip, which is rationalized by recourse to Schmid factor calculations. This would help determine the grain orientations in austenitic NiMnGa which exhibit better mechanical properties for SMA applications such as improving vibration damping characteristics of the alloy.
Feasibility Study of an Optical Caustic Plasmonic Light Scattering Sensor for Human Serum Anti-Dengue Protein E Antibody Detection
Authors: García Antonio , Franco Lina , Pirez-Gomez Miguel , Pech-Pacheco José , Mendez-Galvan Jorge , Machain-Williams Carlos , Talavera-Aguilar Lourdes , Espinosa-Carrillo José , Duarte-Villaseñor Miriam , Be-Ortiz Christian , Espinosa-de los Monteros Luz , Castillo-Pacheco Ariel , Garcia-Rejon Julian E.
Published: August 2017

Antibody detection and accurate diagnosis of tropical diseases is essential to help prevent the spread of disease. However, most detection methods lack cost-effectiveness and field portability, which are essential features for achieving diagnosis in a timely manner. To address this, 3D-printed oblate spheroid sample chambers were fabricated to measure green light scattering of gold nanoparticles using an optical caustic focus to detect antibodies. Scattering signals of 20–200 nm gold nanoparticles using a green laser were compared to green light emitting diode (LED) light source signals and to Mie theory. The change in signal from 60 to 120 nm decreased in the order of Mie Theory > optical caustic scattering > 90° scattering. These results suggested that conjugating 60 nm gold nanoparticles and using an optical caustic system to detect plasmonic light scattering, would result in a sensitive test for detecting human antibodies in serum. Therefore, we studied the light scattering response of conjugated gold nanoparticles exposed to different concentrations of anti-protein E antibody, and a feasibility study of 10 human serum samples using dot blot and a handheld optical caustic-based sensor device. The overall agreement between detection methods suggests that the new sensor concept shows promise to detect gold nanoparticle aggregation in a homogeneous assay. Further testing and protocol optimization is needed to draw conclusions on the positive and negative predictive values for this new testing system.
Quality Systems. A Thermodynamics-Related Interpretive Model
Authors: Lollai Stefano A.
Published: August 2017

In the present paper, a Quality Systems Theory is presented. Certifiable Quality Systems are treated and interpreted in accordance with a Thermodynamics-based approach. Analysis is also conducted on the relationship between Quality Management Systems (QMSs) and systems theories. A measure of entropy is proposed for QMSs, including a virtual document entropy and an entropy linked to processes and organisation. QMSs are also interpreted in light of Cybernetics, and interrelations between Information Theory and quality are also highlighted. A measure for the information content of quality documents is proposed. Such parameters can be used as adequacy indices for QMSs. From the discussed approach, suggestions for organising QMSs are also derived. Further interpretive thermodynamic-based criteria for QMSs are also proposed. The work represents the first attempt to treat quality organisational systems according to a thermodynamics-related approach. At this stage, no data are available to compare statements in the paper.
Incipient Fault Diagnosis of Rolling Bearings Based on Impulse-Step Impact Dictionary and Re-Weighted Minimizing Nonconvex Penalty Lq Regular Technique
Authors: Li Qing , Liang Steven
Published: August 2017

The periodical transient impulses caused by localized faults are sensitive and important characteristic information for rotating machinery fault diagnosis. However, it is very difficult to accurately extract transient impulses at the incipient fault stage because the fault impulse features are rather weak and always corrupted by heavy background noise. In this paper, a new transient impulse extraction methodology is proposed based on impulse-step dictionary and re-weighted minimizing nonconvex penalty Lq regular (R-WMNPLq, q = 0.5) for the incipient fault diagnosis of rolling bearings. Prior to the sparse representation, the original vibration signal is preprocessed by the variational mode decomposition (VMD) technique. Due to the physical mechanism of periodic double impacts, including step-like and impulse-like impacts, an impulse-step impact dictionary atom could be designed to match the natural waveform structure of vibration signals. On the other hand, the traditional sparse reconstruction approaches such as orthogonal matching pursuit (OMP), L1-norm regularization treat all vibration signal values equally and thus ignore the fact that the vibration peak value may have more useful information about periodical transient impulses and should be preserved at a larger weight value. Therefore, penalty and smoothing parameters are introduced on the reconstructed model to guarantee the reasonable distribution consistence of peak vibration values. Lastly, the proposed technique is applied to accelerated lifetime testing of rolling bearings, where it achieves a more noticeable and higher diagnostic accuracy compared with OMP, L1-norm regularization and traditional spectral Kurtogram (SK) method.
Iterative QR-Based SFSIC Detection and Decoder Algorithm for a Reed–Muller Space-Time Turbo System
Authors: Ni Liang-Fang , Wang Yi , Li Wei-Xia , Wang Pei-Zhen , Zhang Jia-Yan
Published: August 2017

An iterative QR-based soft feedback segment interference cancellation (QRSFSIC) detection and decoder algorithm for a Reed–Muller (RM) space-time turbo system is proposed in this paper. It forms the sufficient statistic for the minimum-mean-square error (MMSE) estimate according to QR decomposition-based soft feedback successive interference cancellation, stemmed from the a priori log-likelihood ratio (LLR) of encoded bits. Then, the signal originating from the symbols of the reliable segment, the symbol reliability metric, in terms of an a posteriori LLR of encoded bits which is larger than a certain threshold, is iteratively cancelled with the QRSFSIC in order to further obtain the residual signal for evaluating the symbols in the unreliable segment. This is done until the unreliable segment is empty, resulting in the extrinsic information for a RM turbo-coded bit with the greatest likelihood. Bridged by de-multiplexing and multiplexing, an iterative QRSFSIC detection is concatenated with an iterative trellis-based maximum a posteriori probability RM turbo decoder as if a principal Turbo detection and decoder is embedded with an iterative subordinate QRSFSIC detection and a RM turbo decoder, exchanging each other’s detection and decoding soft-decision information iteratively. These three stages let the proposed algorithm approach the upper bound of the diversity. The simulation results also show that the proposed scheme outperforms the other suboptimum detectors considered in this paper.
Building News Measures from Textual Data and an Application to Volatility Forecasting
Authors: Caporin Massimiliano , Poli Francesco
Published: August 2017

We retrieve news stories and earnings announcements of the S&P 100 constituents from two professional news providers, along with ten macroeconomic indicators. We also gather data from Google Trends about these firms’ assets as an index of retail investors’ attention. Thus, we create an extensive and innovative database that contains precise information with which to analyze the link between news and asset price dynamics. We detect the sentiment of news stories using a dictionary of sentiment-related words and negations and propose a set of more than five thousand information-based variables that provide natural proxies for the information used by heterogeneous market players. We first shed light on the impact of information measures on daily realized volatility and select them by penalized regression. Then, we perform a forecasting exercise and show that the model augmented with news-related variables provides superior forecasts.
A Brief Overview of International Migration Motives and Impacts, with Specific Reference to FDI
Authors: Gheasi Masood , Nijkamp Peter
Published: August 2017

International migration has become one of the most debated topics in many developed and developing countries. Host countries are concerned about the socioeconomic consequences of international migration, while sending countries—from a developing country’s perspective—are concerned about the brain drain and loss of their younger population. This paper presents a concise literature review on existing theories of international migration, and long-run effects of international migration on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). The empirical studies reviewed in this paper indicate a positive and statistically significant relationship between international migration and FDI.
Valuation of Real Options in Crude Oil Production
Authors: Abadie Luis Mª , Chamorro José M.
Published: August 2017

Oil producers are going through a hard period. They have a number of real options at their disposal. This paper addresses the valuation of two of them: the option to delay investment and the option to abandon a producing field. A prerequisite for this is to determine the value of a producing well. For this purpose we draw on a stochastic model of oil price with three risk factors: spot price, long-term price, and spot price volatility. This model is estimated with spot and futures West Texas Intermediate (WTI) oil prices. The numerical estimates of the underlying parameters allow calculate the value of a producing well over a fixed time horizon. We delineate the optimal boundary that separates the investment region from the wait region in the spot price/unit cost space. We similarly draw the boundary governing the optimal exercise of the option to abandon and the one governing the active/inactive production decision when there is no such option.