bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determining the Complex Permittivity of Building Dielectric Materials using a Propagation Constant Measurement
Authors: Bendaoued Mohammed , Terhzaz Jaouad , Mandry Rachid 
Published: October 2017

<p>This paper presents a technique to determine the Dielectric constant and dielectric loss of the building dielectric materials using propagation constant measurements. The material sample is loaded in an X-band (8.5GHz-12.5GHz) rectangular waveguide and its two port S-parameters are measured as a function of frequency using a Vector Network Analyzer without TRL Calibration. The results obtained from samples of dielectric materials (Air, Cellular concrete and Wood) on the X-band frequencies show the validity of the proposed technique to determine the complex permittivity of the building dielectric materials on the X-band frequencies<em>.</em></p>
One-dimensional Lumped-Circuit for Transient Thermal Study of an Induction Electric Motor
Authors: Jebahi Radhia , Aloui Helmi , Ayadi Moez 
Published: October 2017

<span lang="EN-US">Electrical machines lifetime and performances could be improved when along the design process both electromagnetic and thermal behaviors are taken into account. Moreover, real time information about the device thermal state is necessary to an appropriate control with minimized losses. Models based on lumped parameter thermal circuits are: generic, rapid, accurate and qualified as a convenient solution for power systems. The purpose of the present paper is to validate a simulation platform intended for the prediction of the thermal state of an induction motor covering all operation regimes. To do so, in steady state, the proposed model is validated using finite element calculation and experimental records. Then, in an overload situation, obtained temperatures are compared to finite element’s ones. It has been found that, in both regimes, simulation results are with closed proximity to finite element’s ones and experimental records.</span>
dSPACE Implementation for a Fuzzy Logic Voltage Control using a Self-Excited Induction Generator and a Voltage Source Inverter
Authors: El Akhrif Rachid , Abbou Ahmed , Barara Mohamed , Akherraz Mohamed , Majdoub Youssef 
Published: October 2017

The present work describes the analysis of a control scheme for keeping the RMS voltage output constant, the system is supplying by a self-excited induction generator with variable speed and load. A comparison is examined between simulation and experimental results using dSPACE board. the results are provided to verify the effectiveness of this approach and gives very high performance.
A New Design of a Wideband Miniature Antenna Array
Authors: Otman Oulhaj , A. Touhami Naima , Aghoutane Mohamed , Belbachir Kchairi Abdelmounaim 
Published: October 2017

In this work, we present a new configuration of a new miniature microstrip antenna array having a wide frequency band and with a circular polarization. The bandwidth is about 2GHz for a reflection coefficient under -10dB and centered on the ISM ‘Industrial Scientific Medical’ band at 5.8 GHz. To design such array, we have started the design by validating one antenna element at 10 GHz and after that by using the technique of defected ground, we have validated the antenna array in the frequency band [4 GHz -6 GHz] which will permit to miniature the dimensions. The final fabricated antenna array is mounted on an FR4 substrate, the whole area is 102.48 X 31.39 mm<sup>2</sup> with a gain of 5dBi at 4GHz.
A New Planar Multiband Antenna for GPS, ISM and WiMAX Applications
Authors: Zahraoui I. , Errkik A. , Abounaima M. C. , Tajmouati A. , Abdellaoui L. E. , Latrach M. 
Published: October 2017

In this paper a design of a new antenna with modified ground plane is validated for multiband applications. The proposed modified ground structure is incorporated with a patch antenna to boost the performance. The antenna’s entire area is 59.5x47mm<sup>2</sup> and is printed on an FR-4 substrate and fed by a 50 Ohm microstrip line. This structure is validated in the GPS (1.56-1.58 GHz) band at 1.57 GHz, in the ISM (2.43-2.49 GHz) band at 2.45GHz and in the WiMAX (3.50-3.56 GHz) band at 3.53 GHz. These three frequency bands have good matching input impedance for, S11≤-10 dB. The antenna presents a good performance in terms of radiation pattern, and it is designed, optimized, and miniaturized by using CST-MW whose results are compared with other solvers HFSS and ADS. The results obtained by the use of the three EM solvers are in good agreement. After realization, we have tested and validated this antenna. The measurement results of the antenna present a good agreement with the numerical results.
Concurrent Quad-band Low Noise Amplifier (QB-LNA) using Multisection Impedance Transformer
Authors: Firmansyah Teguh , Pramudyo Anggoro Suryo , Wardoyo Siswo , Wiryadinata Romi , Alimuddin Alimuddin 
Published: October 2017

<span>A quad-band low noise amplifier (QB-LNA) based on multisection impedance transformer designed and evaluated in this research. As a novelty, a multisection impedance transformer was used to produce QB-LNA. A multisection impedance transformer is used as input and output impedance matching because it has higher stability, large Q factor, and low noise than lumpedcomponent.The QB-LNA was designed on FR4 microstrip substrate with </span><span>e</span><span>r= 4.4, thickness h=0.8 mm, and tan </span><span>d</span><span>= 0.026. The proposed QB-LNA was designed and analyzed by Advanced Design System (ADS).The simulation has shown that QB-LNA achieves gain (S<sub>21</sub>) of 22.91 dB, 16.5 dB, 11.18 dB, and 7.25 dB at 0.92 GHz, 1.84 GHz, 2.61 GHz, and 3.54 GHz, respectively.The QB-LNA obtainreturn loss (S<sub>11</sub>) of -21.28 dB, -31.87 dB, -28.08 dB, and -30.85 dB at 0.92 GHz, 1.84 GHz, 2.61 GHz, and 3.54 GHz, respectively. It also achieves a noise figure (nf) of 2.35 dB, 2.13 dB, 2.56 dB, and 3.55 dB at 0.92 GHz, 1.84 GHz, 2.61 GHz, and 3.54 GHz, respectively. This research also has shown that the figure of merit (FoM) of the proposed QB-LNA is higher than that of another multiband LNA.</span>
PWM Dimming for High Brightness LED Based Automotive Lighting Applications
Authors: Umar Muhammad Wasif , Yahaya Norzaihar , Baharuddin Zuhairi 
Published: October 2017

In recent years, the use of high brightness LEDs has become increasingly accepted as light sources in mainstream vehicles. However, they are semiconductor devices and their electrical characteristics are completely different to the traditional lamps. The output luminous flux of an LED is determined by the forward current running through it. Hence they cannot be powered directly from the automotive battery using the conventional driving techniques. They require specialised driving circuits which can respond to the changing needs of the LEDs as their electrical properties change, while maintaining the uniform brightness.<strong> </strong> This paper discusses the importance of dimming for LED based automotive lighting applications. A boost type DC-DC switching converter with pulse width modulated (PWM) dimming control has been proposed. MATLAB/Simulink simulation package has been used to verify the theoretical predictions hence to provide a useful guide for design engineers and researchers.
Black Box Model based Self Healing Solution for Stuck at Faults in Digital Circuits
Authors: Meyyappan S. , Alamelumangai V. 
Published: October 2017

<p>The paper proposes a design strategy to retain the true nature of the output in the event of occurrence of stuck at faults at the interconnect levels of digital circuits. The procedure endeavours to design a combinational architecture which includes attributes to identify stuck at faults present in the intermediate lines and involves a healing mechanism to redress the same. The simulated fault injection procedure introduces both single as well as multiple stuck-at faults at the interconnect levels of a two level combinational circuit in accordance with the directives of a control signal. The inherent heal facility attached to the formulation enables to reach out the fault free output even in the presence of faults. The Modelsim based simulation results obtained for the Circuit Under Test [CUT] implemented using a Read Only Memory [ROM], proclaim the ability of the system to survive itself from the influence of faults. The comparison made with the traditional Triple Modular Redundancy [TMR] exhibits the superiority of the scheme in terms of fault coverage and area overhead. </p>
Indian Classical Dance Mudra Classification Using HOG Features and SVM Classifier
Authors: Kumar K.V.V. , Kishore P.V.V. 
Published: October 2017

Digital understanding of Indian classical dance is least studied work, though it has been a part of Indian Culture from around 200BC. This work explores the possibilities of recognizing classical dance mudras in various dance forms in India. The images of hand mudras of various classical dances are collected form the internet and a database is created for this job. Histogram of oriented (HOG) features of hand mudras input the classifier. Support vector machine (SVM) classifies the HOG features into mudras as text messages. The mudra recognition frequency (MRF) is calculated for each mudra using graphical user interface (GUI) developed from the model. Popular feature vectors such as SIFT, SURF, LBP and HAAR are tested against HOG for precision and swiftness. This work helps new learners and dance enthusiastic people to learn and understand dance forms and related information on their mobile devices.
Comparative Analysis of common Edge Detection Algorithms using Pre-processing Technique
Authors: Kumar Reddy R. Vijaya , Raju K. Prudvi , Kumar M. Jogendra , Kumar L. Ravi , Prakash P Ravi , Kumar S. Sai 
Published: October 2017

<p>Edge detection is the process of segmenting an image by detecting discontinuities in brightness. So far, several standard segmentation methods have been widely used for edge detection. However, due to inherent quality of images, these methods prove ineffective if they are applied without any preprocessing. In this paper, an image preprocessing approach has been adopted in order to get certain parameters that are useful to perform better edge detection with the standard edge detection methods. The proposed preprocessing approach involves median filtering to reduce the noise in image and then Edge Detection technique is carried out. And atlast Standard edge detection methods can be applied to the resultant preprocessing image and its Simulation results are show that our preprocessed approach when used with a standard edge detection method enhances its performance.</p>
A Unique Test Bench for Various System-on-a-Chip
Authors: Chitti Sridevi , Chandrasekhar P. , Asharani M. 
Published: October 2017

This paper discusses a standard flow on how an automated test bench environment which is randomized with constraints can verify a SOC efficiently for its functionality and coverage. Today, in the time of multimillion gate ASICs, reusable intellectual property (IP), and system-on-a-chip (SoC) designs, verification consumes about 70 % of the design effort. Automation means a machine completes a task autonomously, quicker and with predictable results. Automation requires standard processes with well-defined inputs and outputs. By using this efficient methodology it is possible to provide a general purpose automation solution for verification, given today’s technology. Tools automating various portions of the verification process are being introduced. Here, we have Communication based SOC The content of the paper discusses about the methodology used to verify such a SOC-based environment. Cadence Efficient Verification Methodology libraries are explored for the solution of this problem. We can take this as a state of art approach in verifying SOC environments. The goal of this paper is to emphasize the unique testbench for different SOC using Efficient Verification Constructs implemented in system verilog for SOC verification.
VHDL Based Maximum Power Point Tracking of Photovoltaic Using Fuzzy Logic Control
Authors: Atia Doaa M. , T. El-madany Hanaa 
Published: October 2017

It is important to have an efficient maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technique to increase the<em> </em>photovoltaic (PV) generation system output efficiency. This paper presents a design of MPPT techniques for<em> </em>PV module to increase its efficiency. Perturb and Observe method (P&amp;O), incremental conductance method (IC), and Fuzzy logic controller (FLC) techniques are designed to be used for MPPT. Also FLC is built using<em> </em>MATLAB/ SIMULINK and compared with the FLC toolbox existed in the MATLAB library. FLC does not<em> </em>need knowledge of the exact model of the system so it is easy to implement. A comparison between different<em> </em>techniques shows the effectiveness of the fuzzy logic controller techniques. Finally, the proposed FLC is<em> </em>built in very high speed integrated circuit description language (VHDL). The simulation results obtained with<em> </em>ISE Design Suite 14.6 software show a satisfactory performance with a good agreement compared to obtained values from MATLAB/SIMULINK. The good tracking efficiency and rapid response to environmental parameters changes are adopted by the simulation results.
Decision Making Analysis of Video Streaming Algorithm for Private Cloud Computing Infrastructure
Authors: Syamsuddin Irfan , Nur Rini , Nirwana Hafsah , Abduh Ibrahim , Al-Dabass David 
Published: October 2017

The issue on how to effectively deliver video streaming contents over cloud computing infrastructures is tackled in this study. Basically, quality of service of video streaming is strongly influenced by bandwidth, jitter and data loss problems. A number of intelligent video streaming algorithms are proposed by using different techniques to deal with such issues. This study aims to propose and demonstrate a novel decision making analysis which combines ISO 9126 (international standard for software engineering) and Analytic Hierarchy Process to help experts selecting the best video streaming algorithm for the case of private cloud computing infrastructure. The given case study concluded that Scalable Streaming algorithm is the best algorithm to be implemented for delivering high quality of service of video streaming over the private cloud computing infrastructure.
Phenotypic Consequences of a Genetic Predisposition to Enhanced Nitric Oxide Signaling
Authors: Emdin Connor A. , Khera Amit V. , Klarin Derek , Natarajan Pradeep , Zekavat Seyedeh M. , Nomura Akihiro , Haas Mary , Aragam Krishna , Ardissino Diego , Wilson James G. , Schunkert Heribert , McPherson Ruth , Watkins Hugh , Elosua Roberto , Bown Matthew J. , Samani Nilesh J. , Baber Usman , Erdmann Jeanette , Gormley Padhraig , Palotie Aarno , Stitziel Nathan O. , Gupta Namrata , Danesh John , Saleheen Danish , Gabriel Stacey , Kathiresan Sekar 
Published: October 2017

Background:
Nitric oxide signaling plays a key role in the regulation of vascular tone and platelet activation. Here, we seek to understand the impact of a genetic predisposition to enhanced nitric oxide signaling on risk for cardiovascular diseases, thus informing the potential utility of pharmacological stimulation of the nitric oxide pathway as a therapeutic strategy.

Methods:

We analyzed the association of common and rare genetic variants in 2 genes that mediate nitric oxide signaling (Nitric Oxide Synthase 3 [
NOS3
] and Guanylate Cyclase 1, Soluble, Alpha 3 [
GUCY1A3
]) with a range of human phenotypes. We selected 2 common variants (rs3918226 in
NOS3
and rs7692387 in
GUCY1A3
) known to associate with increased
NOS3
and
GUCY1A3
expression and reduced mean arterial pressure, combined them into a genetic score, and standardized this exposure to a 5 mm Hg reduction in mean arterial pressure. Using individual-level data from 335 464 participants in the UK Biobank and summary association results from 7 large-scale genome-wide association studies, we examined the effect of this nitric oxide signaling score on cardiometabolic and other diseases. We also examined whether rare loss-of-function mutations in
NOS3
and
GUCY1A3
were associated with coronary heart disease using gene sequencing data from the Myocardial Infarction Genetics Consortium (n=27 815).

Results:

A genetic predisposition to enhanced nitric oxide signaling was associated with reduced risks of coronary heart disease (odds ratio, 0.37; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.31-0.45;
P
=5.5*10
–26
], peripheral arterial disease (odds ratio 0.42; 95% CI, 0.26-0.68;
P
=0.0005), and stroke (odds ratio, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.37-0.76;
P
=0.0006). In a mediation analysis, the effect of the genetic score on decreased coronary heart disease risk extended beyond its effect on blood pressure. Conversely, rare variants that inactivate the
NOS3
or
GUCY1A3
genes were associated with a 23 mm Hg higher systolic blood pressure (95% CI, 12-34;
P
=5.6*10
–5
) and a 3-fold higher risk of coronary heart disease (odds ratio, 3.03; 95% CI, 1.29-7.12;
P
=0.01).

Conclusions:
A genetic predisposition to enhanced nitric oxide signaling is associated with reduced risks of coronary heart disease, peripheral arterial disease, and stroke. Pharmacological stimulation of nitric oxide signaling may prove useful in the prevention or treatment of cardiovascular disease.
Effect of Tai Chi Chuan on degeneration of lumbar vertebrae and lumbar discs in middle-aged and aged people: a cross-sectional study based on magnetic resonance images
Authors: Deng Chenghu , Xia Wei 
Published: October 2017

Objective Exercise has a positive effect on physical fitness. Tai Chi Chuan is a traditional Chinese aerobic exercise. We assessed the effect of Tai Chi on the degeneration of lumbar vertebrae and lumbar discs with magnetic resonance images. Methods This retrospective cohort study involved 2 groups of participants: 27 Tai Chi practitioners with more than 4 years of experience with regular Tai Chi exercise and 24 sex- and age-matched participants without Tai Chi experience. The lumbar magnetic resonance images of all participants were collected. The numbers of degenerated lumbar vertebrae and lumbar discs were evaluated by the same radiologist, who was blind to the grouping. Results The Tai Chi practitioners had significantly fewer degenerated lumbar vertebrae (1.9) and lumbar discs (2.3) than the control group (2.6 and 2.9, respectively). The most severely affected lumbar vertebrae and discs were L5 and L4/L5, respectively. Conclusion Regular performance of the simplified Tai Chi 24 form could possibly retard the degeneration of lumbar vertebrae and lumbar discs in middle-aged and aged people.
Medical Students’ Perceptions on the Role of Pharmacists
Authors: Wolfe Macey E. , Moeller Karen E. , Woods Barbara 
Published: October 2017

Background: Over the last decade, the pharmacists’ role in health-care services has evolved and expanded to include more direct patient care and disease management services. Objective: To evaluate medical students’ perceptions on pharmacists, their role in health care, and demographic or experiential factors that influenced the medical students’ opinions. Methods: Medical students, at a Midwest, academic medical center, were solicited to complete a cross-sectional, web-based survey consisting of 3 domains: basic demographics, knowledge of the pharmacy profession, and opinions of pharmacists. Results: Participants supported pharmacists’ role in recommending and monitoring drug therapy. However, participants did not support pharmacists’ role in performing physical examinations, health screenings, or managing patients with chronic diseases. The main factors that influenced perceptions of pharmacists were female gender and frequent (weekly or more) interaction with a pharmacist or pharmacy student. Neither year in medical school nor participation in intercollaborative practice significantly influenced perceptions of pharmacists. Conclusion: This survey highlights the need to improve the education medical students receive about pharmacists’ contribution to the health-care team and the importance of increasing the interaction between medical students and pharmacists or pharmacy students to enhance interprofessional collaboration.
Optimal Intensity of Warfarin Therapy in Patients With Mechanical Aortic Valves
Authors: Kido Kazuhiko , Ball Jennifer 
Published: October 2017

Objective: To review the current guidelines and published literature in order to identify the evidence-based international normalized ratio (INR) goal in patients with a mechanical aortic valve. Data Sources: Medline/PubMed, Cochrane and Google Scholar database searches for relevant articles from 1946 through March 2017 were executed using the key words “mechanical aortic valve” and “antithrombotic therapy or anticoagulation therapy or warfarin.” Study Selection and Data Extraction: All English-language observational and interventional studies assessing INR goals in patients with a mechanical aortic valve were evaluated. Results: After low thrombogenic valves became standard in the practice, the INR goal decreased to 2 to 3 in low-risk recipients with most of bileaflet mechanical aortic valves. There is a paucity of data to justify the INR goal of 2 to 3 in high-risk patients. Until further higher evidence is available, it is reasonable to target an INR range of 2.5 to 3.5 in patients with risk factors for thromboembolism with low thrombogenic valves, except for On-X valve. The INR goal in high-risk On-X aortic valve recipients can be managed at 1.5 to 2.5 with low-dose aspirin 3 months after valve implantation. Conclusion: The INR goals of 2 to 3 for low risk and 2.5 to 3.5 for high risk should be considered for bileaflet mechanical aortic valve recipients. Additionally, a lower INR goal of 2 to 3 for the first 3 months after valve replacement followed by an INR goal of 1.5 to 2.5 in both low- and high-risk aortic On-X valve recipients may be considered.
Efficacy of Intra-articular Injection of a Newly Developed Plasma Rich in Growth Factor (PRGF) Versus Hyaluronic Acid on Pain and Function of Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Single-Blinded Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Raeissadat Seyed Ahmad , Rayegani Seyed Mansoor , Ahangar Azadeh Gharooee , Abadi Porya Hassan , Mojgani Parviz , Ahangar Omid Gharooi 
Published: October 2017

Background and objectives:Knee osteoarthritis is the most common joint disease. We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of intra-articular injection of a newly developed plasma rich in growth factor (PRGF) versus hyaluronic acid (HA) on pain and function of patients with knee osteoarthritis.Methods:In this single-blinded randomized clinical trial, patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis of knee were assigned to receive 2 intra-articular injections of our newly developed PRGF in 3 weeks or 3 weekly injections of HA. Our primary outcome was the mean change from baseline until 2 and 6 months post intervention in scores of visual analog scale, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and Lequesne index. We used analysis of variance for repeated-measures statistical test.Results:A total of 69 patients entered final analysis. The mean age of patients was 58.2 ± 7.41 years and 81.2% were women. In particular, total WOMAC index decreased from 42.9 ± 13.51 to 26.8 ± 13.45 and 24.4 ± 16.54 at 2 and 6 months in the newly developed PRGF group (within subjects P = .001), and from 38.8 ± 12.62 to 27.8 ± 11.01 and 27.4 ± 11.38 at 2 and 6 months in the HA group (within subjects P = .001), respectively (between subjects P = .631). There was no significant difference between PRGF and HA groups in patients’ satisfaction and minor complications of injection, whereas patients in HA group reported significantly lower injection-induced pain.Conclusions:In 6 months follow up, our newly developed PRGF and HA, both are effective options to decrease pain and improvement of function in patients with symptomatic mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis.