bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structural and Mechanical Properties of Nanostructured TiAlCrN Thin Films Deposited by Cathodic Arc Deposition
Authors: Vattanaprateep N. , Panich N. , Surinphong S. , Tungasmita S. , Wangyao P. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThis work has aims to study and develop the novel nanostructural quaternary thin film material for cutting tools and other applications with both high hardness value and good thermal stability at high temperature. The quaternary compound of TiAlCrN superhard coating material was deposited on tungsten carbide (WC-Co) substrates using cathodic arc deposition techniques at the deposition temperature of 623 K. The structures of the coatings were fundamentally examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The coating hardness and elastic modulus tests were performed and investigated by nanoindentation testing method. The maximum hardness and elastic modulus values as measured by nanoindentation tests are at 53 GPa and 887 GPa, respectively. Scratch tests were performed on thin films deposited in various conditions. The critical loads to the coating failure of the resultant coatings are above 75 N.
Effect of Surfactant on the Preparation of Nano-powder for Yb Doping Laser Transparent YAG Ceramic
Authors: Cao Xiao Guo , Wang Jia , Wu Qi Bai , Zhang Hai Yan 
Published: April 2013

AbstractYb:YAG transparent ceramic nano-powder was prepared by chemical co-precipitation method, with ammonium bicarbonate as the precipitant and polyethylene glycol as surfactant. The addition of polyethylene glycol can reduce the agglomeration and particle size of the prepared Yb:YAG powder. The morphology, thermal stability and phase structure of Yb:YAG nano-powder were charactered by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results show that well-crystallized nano-powder was obtained by calcining the precursors at 900 °C for 3 h. The average particle size of Yb:YAG powder is about 100–200 nm. When the volume amount of polyethylene glycol is 2.0%, well-dispersed Yb:YAG powder with spherical particles of 100 nm diameter was obtained.
The career aspirations of adolescents with eating disorders: an exploratory study and suggested links to adolescent self-concept development
Authors: Tsitsika Artemis K. , Tzavela Eleni C. , Apostolidou Eftychia , Antonogeorgos George , Sakou Irine-Ikbale , Bakoula Chryssa 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
The health effects of eating disorders (EDs) in adolescence have been widely studied, but their impact on present adolescent psychosocial adjustment and development have been overseen. This study aimed to investigate the association between EDs and career aspirations in middle adolescence. The participants were 147 adolescents diagnosed with EDs. Participants reported on their future career aspirations, and these were coded according to the International Standard Classification of Education of 1997. Of the participants, 83 adolescents were followed up longitudinally, and their aspirations were reassessed and compared for stability across the two assessments. Moreover, participants’ career aspirations were compared to those of healthy (non-ED) best-friend controls. Health-related and social-behavioral science careers were chosen significantly more by adolescents with an ED as compared to their non-ED counterparts. For adolescents with an ED, career choices were consistent across reassessments. These findings suggest that adolescents with an ED gravitate toward careers associated with their pathology, namely, both facets of their mind-body pathology. This finding may indicate restricted identity development for adolescents with an ED. Suggestions for treatments protocols to include identity exploration are discussed.
A Decentralized Multivariable Robust Adaptive Voltage and Speed Regulator for Large-Scale Power Systems
Authors: A. Okou Francis , Akhrif Ouassima , A. Dessaint Louis , Bouchard Derrick 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
This papter introduces a decentralized multivariable robust adaptive voltage and frequency regulator to ensure the stability of large-scale interconnnected generators. Interconnection parameters (i.e. load, line and transormer parameters) are assumed to be unknown. The proposed design approach requires the reformulation of conventiaonal power system models into a multivariable model with generator terminal voltages as state variables, and excitation and turbine valve inputs as control signals. This model, while suitable for the application of modern control methods, introduces problems with regards to current design techniques for large-scale systems. Interconnection terms, which are treated as perturbations, do not meet the common matching condition assumption. A new adaptive method for a certain class of large-scale systems is therefore introduces that does not require the matching condition. The proposed controller consists of nonlinear inputs that cancel some nonlinearities of the model. Auxiliary controls with linear and nonlinear components are used to stabilize the system. They compensate unknown parametes of the model by updating both the nonlinear component gains and excitation parameters. The adaptation algorithms involve the sigma-modification approach for auxiliary control gains, and the projection approach for excitation parameters to prevent estimation drift. The computation of the matrix-gain of the controller linear component requires the resolution of an algebraic Riccati equation and helps to solve the perturbation-mismatching problem. A realistic power system is used to assess the proposed controller performance. The results show that both stability and transient performance are considerably improved following a severe contingency.
Synchrophasor-Assisted Prediction of Stability/Instability of a Power System
Authors: Saha Roy Biman Kumar , Sinha Avinash Kumar , Pradhan Ashok Kumar 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
This paper presents a technique for real-time prediction of stability/instability of a power system based on synchrophasor measurements obtained from phasor measurement units (PMUs) at generator buses. For stability assessment the technique makes use of system severity indices developed using bus voltage magnitude obtained from PMUs and generator electrical power. Generator power is computed using system information and PMU information like voltage and current phasors obtained from PMU. System stability/instability is predicted when the indices exceeds a threshold value. A case study is carried out on New England 10-generator, 39-bus system to validate the performance of the technique.
Group–Proxy Signature Scheme: A Novel Solution to Electronic Cash
Authors: Bao Haiyong , Cao Zhenfu 
Published: April 2013

AbstractProxy signature and group signature are two basic cryptographic primitives. Due to their valuable characteristics, many schemes have been put forward independently and they have been applied in many practical scenarios up to the present. However, with the development of electronic commerce, many special requirements come into being. In this article, we put forward the concept of group–proxy signature, which integrates the merits of proxy signature and group signature for the first time. We also demonstrate how to apply our scheme to construct an electronic cash system. The space, time, and communication complexities of the relevant parameters and processing procedures are independent of group size. Our demonstration of the concrete group–proxy signature scheme shows that the concepts brought forward by us are sure to elicit much consideration in the future.
Acupuncture and/or sweeping of the fetal membranes before induction of labor: a prospective, randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Andersen Bodil Birgitte , Knudsen Birthe , Lyndrup Jens , Fælling Anni E. , Illum Dinni , Johansen Marianne , Borgen Alice , Jager Helle , Bjerre Charlotte , Secher Niels J. 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Aims: To evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture, and sweeping of the fetal membranes, as methods for induction of labor.

Methods: Four hundred and seven pregnant women with normal singleton pregnancies and cephalic presentations were randomized at three delivery wards in Denmark at day 290 of gestation into groups of acupuncture, sweeping, acupuncture and sweeping and controls. The primary objective was to compare the proportion of women going into labor before induction of labor at 294 days in the four groups. The secondary objective was to compare the combined groups: with and without acupuncture, and with and without sweeping of the fetal membranes. The midwives, completing the forms for the trial at labor or induction, were blinded to group assessments.

Results: Four hundred and seventeen women were randomized. Ten were excluded after randomization. One hundred and four women were randomized to acupuncture, 103 to sweeping of the membranes, 100 to both acupuncture and sweeping, and 100 were randomized to the control group. Comparison of the four groups demonstrated no significant difference in the number of women achieving spontaneous labor before planned induction. No difference was demonstrated by comparing the combined groups treated with acupuncture with the groups not treated with acupuncture (P=0.76). However, significantly more women went into labor before planned induction (P=0.02) in the combined groups receiving sweeping, compared with the groups not treated with sweeping.

Conclusions: Acupuncture at 41+ weeks of gestation did not reduce the need for induction. The study was of a sufficient size to demonstrate, in parallel, that sweeping of the fetal membranes significantly reduced the need of induction, sparing about 15% for formal induction of labor.
Magnetic nanoparticles for cancer therapy
Authors: Dürr Stephan , Janko Christina , Lyer Stefan , Tripal Philipp , Schwarz Marc , Zaloga Jan , Tietze Rainer , Alexiou Christoph 
Published: April 2013

AbstractCancer is one of the biggest challenges facing the medical research in our time. The goals are to improve not only the therapeutic outcome, even in the cases of advanced and metastatic cancer, but also the methods of treatment, which often have considerable adverse effects. In addition, the current developments, such as demographic change, population growth, and increasing healthcare costs, have to be taken into consideration. In all likelihood, nanotechnology and, in particular, the use of magnetic nanoparticles consisting of the elements nickel, cobalt, and iron can make a significant contribution. The greatest potential can be ascribed to the drug delivery systems: magnetic nanoparticles are functionalized by binding them to various substances, including chemotherapeutic agents, radionuclides, nucleic acids, and antibodies. They can then be guided and accumulated using a magnetic field. Hyperthermia can be induced with an alternating magnetic field, providing another therapeutic option. Magnetic nanoparticles may be useful in overcoming cancer drug resistance. They also contribute to realizing a combination of diagnostic investigation and therapy in the field of “theranostics”. The multifaceted and promising results of research in the recent years offer the prospect of a real advance in cancer therapy in the near future.
The effect of fiber-reinforced interleaves on the interlaminar shear strength of continuous glass fiber-reinforced polypropylene laminates
Authors: Fang Li , Li Xuwu , Zhou Xiaodong 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
In this article, polypropylene (PP), short glass fiber-reinforced polypropylene (SFT-PP), and direct long glass fiber-reinforced polypropylene (DLFT-PP) interleaves were added as interleaves between fabrics during laminated molding to improve the interlaminar shear strength (ILSS). The test results showed that the ILSS was obviously improved. Furthermore, DLFT-PP interleaves were preheated to melt the PP before laminated molding and were then immediately placed between two fabrics to make the melted PP enter the gaps of the fabric and more fibers were used to further improve the ILSS. As expected, the ILSS increased.
Benefits of Universal Gloving on Hospital-Acquired Infections in Acute Care Pediatric Units
Authors: Yin Jun , Schweizer Marin L. , Herwaldt Loreen A. , Pottinger Jean M. , Perencevich Eli N. 
Published: April 2013

BACKGROUND:To prevent transmission, some pediatric units require clinicians to wear gloves for all patient contacts during RSV season. We sought to assess whether a mandatory gloving policy reduced the risk of other health care–acquired infections (HAIs).METHODS:This retrospective cohort study included all patients admitted to pediatric units of a tertiary care center between 2002 and 2010. Poisson regression models were used to measure the association between mandatory gloving and HAI incidence. Autoregressive models were used to adjust for time correlation.RESULTS:During the study period, 686 HAIs occurred during 363 782 patient-days. The risk of any HAI was 25% lower during mandatory gloving periods compared with during nongloving periods (relative risk [RR]: 0.75; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.69–0.93; P = .01), after adjusting for long-term trends and seasonal effect. Mandatory gloving was associated with lower risks of bloodstream infections (RR: 0.63; 95% CI: 0.49–0.81; P &lt; .001), central line–associated bloodstream infections (RR: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.44–0.84; P = 0.003), and hospital-acquired pneumonia (RR: 0.20; 95% CI: 0.03–1.25; P= 0.09). The reduction was significant in the PICU (RR: 0.63; 95% CI: 0.42–0.93; P = .02), the NICU (RR: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.39–0.98; P = .04), and the Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant Unit (RR: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.29–0.91, P = .02).CONCLUSIONS:Universal gloving during RSV season was associated with significantly lower rates of bacteremia and central line–associated bloodstream infections, particularly in the ICUs and the Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant Unit.
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Centre – A Model for Rare Disease Management / Centrum pre pľúcnu artériovú hypertenziu – model v manažmente zriedkavých chorôb
Authors: Goncalvesová E. 
Published: April 2013

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare disease with average median survival rate about 3 years from the establishment of the diagnosis, except for PAH associated with congenital heart diseases. Diagnosis and management of PAH concentrate in the dedicated centres (reference centres, centres of expertise). The purpose of a reference centre is to undertake assessment and investigation of all causes of pulmonary hypertension, PAH-specific drug therapy, cooperation with other healthcare specialist, and to undertake research and education. In general, high volume centres achieve best outcomes, because of effective concentration of the specific experience and skills needed for rare disease management.
The paper brings brief characteristic of the reference centre for PAH according the guideline of European Society of Cardiology as well as own experience in this field.
Orphan Dugs in EU / Lieky na zriedkavé choroby v EÚ
Authors: Foltánová T. , Mazág M. 
Published: April 2013

Medical and scientific knowledge about rare diseases is minimal or lacking, thus making research difficulties for pharmaceutical industry. Orphan drugs in EU are under supervision of European Commission, European medical agency (EMA) and Committee for orphan medicinal products (COMP).
The presentation provides a brief review of all supportive incentives in the field of orphan medicinal products as: the European orphan medicinal product (OMP) regulation, Guideline on Clinical Trials in Small Populations and Commission Regulation (EC) No 2049/2005 / support of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). It also introduces the concept of Clinical added value of orphan medicinal products, as one of the key instruments to increase the availability of orphan medicinal products in the member states. Separately it stresses the necessity of Health technology assessment implementation in whole process of orphan medicinal product development as well as the implementation of the Europlan indicators into the Slovak National plan
An Extension of 3D Zernike Moments for Shape
Description and Retrieval of Maps Defined in
Rectangular Solids
Authors: Sit Atilla , Mitchell Julie C , Phillips George N , Wright Stephen J 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
Zernike polynomials have been widely used in the description
and shape retrieval of 3D objects. These orthonormal
polynomials allow for efficient description and reconstruction
of objects that can be scaled to fit within the unit ball. However,
maps defined within box-shaped regions ¶ for example,
rectangular prisms or cubes ¶ are not well suited to representation
by Zernike polynomials, because these functions
are not orthogonal over such regions. In particular, the representations
require many expansion terms to describe object
features along the edges and corners of the region. We overcome
this problem by applying a Gram-Schmidt process to
re-orthogonalize the Zernike polynomials so that they recover
the orthonormality property over a specified box-shaped domain.
We compare the shape retrieval performance of these
new polynomial bases to that of the classical Zernike unit-ball
polynomials.
Modern Hybrid Joints in Aerospace: Modelling and Testing / Nowoczesne Połaczenia Hybrydowe W Lotnictwie: Modelowanie I Badania Eskperymentalne
Authors: Sadowski T. , Balawender T. , Sliwa R. , Golewski P. , Knec M. 
Published: April 2013

The aim of the paper is to review different types of modern hybrid joints applied in aerospace. We focused on three particular cases: 1) spot welding - adhesive, 2) rivet-bonded and 3) clinch-bonded joints. The numerical models presented in the paper for these joints describe their complex behaviour under mechanical loading. The numerical calculations performed using ABAQUS code were compared to experimental results obtained by application of the Digital Image Correlation system (DIC) ARAMIS.
The results investigated within the paper lead to the following major conclusions:
- the strengthening of joints by application of adhesive significantly improve static strength,
- the final failure of the joined structural system significantly depends on the surface adhesive area,
- the stiffening effects of the hybrid joint lead to higher reliability and durability of the structural joints.
Comments on the genus Neoclides UVAROV, 1940 with the description of a new species (Phasmatodea: Diapheromerinae: Necrosciinae)
Authors: Bresseel Joachim 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
A new species of Neoclides UVAROV, 1940; Neoclides heitzmanni sp. n. is described and illustrated from the adult female and egg. It is the first time that an egg of the genus is described and illustrated. Lectotypes are designated for Neoclides simyra (WESTWOOD, 1859), and Neoclides rivalis (REDTENBACHER, 1908) stat. rev. comb. n., which is hereby removed from the synonymy with Neoclides simyra (WESTWOOD, 1859). Both lectotypes are illustrated. The distribution range of the genus is extended to southern Vietnam. The record of Neoclides magistralis from Peninsular Malaysia is clearly an error and represents an undescribed species.
Fiinancial Stability and Reform of the Financial System
Authors: Sipko Juraj 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
The paper describes the main features of financial stability and the preparation of the reform of the global financial system. The mortgage crisis in the USA brought about the global financial crisis. This crisis was the result of the failure of financial regulation, including supervision, and the failure of the management of the banking industry. Therefore, the international community, including Group 20, urged the appropriate institutions to introduce a comprehensive reform of the financial sector.
To avoid a potential financial crisis, the creation of the framework for financial stability would be needed. In line with this, the paper examines the interaction between both monetary and fiscal policies, including micro-and macroprudential policies and their instruments. Although still is going on discussion on definition of macroprudential policy, there is a generally accepted opinion that macroprudential policy should limit systemic risk. In addition, this policy should focus on interaction between the financial system and the real economy. Furthermore, micro- andmacroprudential policy should use appropriate instruments in dealing with the systemic risk. In this regard, the article undescores that put in a place the frameworkfor financial stability will create favorable conditions for decision-makers how they should to respond to financial imbalances.
The paper also pointed out some potential economic costs related to the implementation of the overall international reform of the financial sector. Based on comprehensive literature study, the author came to the conclusion that despite the fact that there will be some economic costs related to implementing the overall regulatory reform of the financial sector, the main benefit from the long-term perspective will be avoiding the potential financial crisis in the future. To fulfill all the requirements for global financial reform, international cooperation will be needed.
Quantitative Ultrasound of Cancellous Bone. Modeling and Experiment
Authors: Pakuła Michał 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
The paper present theoretical and experimental issues related to application of Quantitative Ultrasound (QUS) for assessment of cancellous bone quality and prediction of bone fractures. Commonly used for modeling of ultrasonic wave propagation in cancellous bone, the macroscopic Biot’s theory is discussed in context of its potential applicability for theoretical prediction of wave parameters: phase velocity and attenuation coefficient as functions of frequency. The analysis of the model is focused on the absorption mechanisms responsible for attenuation of ultrasonic waves in cancellous bone, which based on the ultrasonic experiments presumably play a predominant role in the total attenuation. The suitability of the model is discussed and verified by comparison of results of sensitivity analysis of the model with ex vivo experimental ultrasonic data obtained for cancellous bones filled with different fluids.
Enhancement of Temperature Feature as a Result of Double Source Image Fusion
Authors: Jachowicz Rafał , Duch Piotr , Łaski Maciej , Błaszczyk Sylwester , Wulkiewicz Adam , Sankowski Dominik 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
In this paper a double source images fusion algorithm is presented. Its task is to enhance temperature feature of objects located on the scene. Presented solution is design to be executed in real-time environment. It consists of three stages: in the first part the differences between acquired double source images are examined in order to determine their intersection. Then for each analysed image the contours of all objects located on the scene are determined. This operation is essential to solve disparition issue. In the last stage, based on determined contours and their match coefficient the images are fused. The enhanced temperature feature is displayed on one image acquired from day-light camera.
The Concept of the Modularized Subsystem Performing Mobile Platform Navigation Tasks
Authors: Wulkiewicz Adam , Łaski Maciej , Błaszczyk Sylwester , Duch Piotr , Jachowicz Rafał , Sankowski Dominik 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
Robotic vehicles autonomy is the subject of many researches performed by various institutions. There is growing tendency to conduct research in the field of autonomous mobile units, unmanned vehicles and robots moving without operator supervision. Authors of this article presents the concept of the modularized subsystem implementing the functionality of the mobile platform navigation in an unknown environment. The concept has been implemented in the real mobile robot.