bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Simulation of transient ultrasonic wave propagation in fluid-loaded heterogeneous cortical bone
Authors: Nguyen Vu Hieu , Naili Salah 
Published: September 2014

This work deals with the ultrasonic wave propagation in the cortical layer of long bones which is known as being a functionally-graded anisotropic material coupled with fluids. The motivation arises from mechanical modeling of the ultrasound axial transmission technique in vivo for cortical long bone which is known as being a functionally-graded anisotropic material. The proposed method is based on a combined Laplace-Fourier transform which substitutes a problem defined by partial differential equations into a system of differential equations established in the frequency-wavenumber domain. In the spectral domain, as radiation conditions may be exactly introduced in the infinite fluid half-spaces, only the heterogeneous solid layer needs to be analyzed using finite element method. Several numerical tests are presented showing very good performance of the proposed approach.
Nonlinear analysis of buckling and postbuckling for axially compressed functionally graded cylindrical panels with the Poisson's ratio varying smoothly along the thickness
Authors: Dung Dao Van , Hoa Le Kha 
Published: September 2014

In this paper an approximate analytical solution to analyze the nonlinear buckling and postbuckling behavior of imperfect functionally graded panels with the Poisson's ratio also varying smoothly along the thickness is investigated. Based on the classical shell theory and von Karman's assumption of kinematic nonlinearity and applying Galerkin procedure, the equations for finding critical loads and load-deflection curves of cylindrical panel subjected to axial compressive load with two types boundary conditions, are given. Especially, the stiffness coefficients are analyzed in explicit form. Numerical results show various effects of the inhomogeneous parameter, dimensional parameter, boundary conditions on nonlinear stability of panel. An accuracy of present theoretical results is verified by the previous well-known results.
A realization model to develop the autopilot system of ships by specializing MDA
Authors: Hien Ngo Van , Quang Vu Duy 
Published: September 2014

This paper presents a method which is based on the Model-Driven Architecture (MDA) and functional blocks to realize effectively the autopilot systems of ships. It brings out an executable MDA process to cover completely the requirement analysis, design and deployment phases of these systems. This process also allows the determined design elements to be customizable and re-usable in the new applications of controlled ship steering systems. The paper indicates straightforwardly the ship dynamic model-to-be used, the Computation Independent Model (CIM) of a ship autopilot system, the Platform Independent Model (PIM) of this system by using the Real-Time Unified Modeling Language (UML), and its Platform Specific Model (PSM) implemented by the functional blocks. Furthermore, the important transformation rules are also brought out and applied to convert the identified PIM into PSM for implementing quickly this system with different industrial frameworks such as the IEC61499 in a programmable controller. Then, its deployment model completely is tested on a model ship with the predetermined program and control performance.
On the inverse kinematics of an underwater vehicle-manipulator system
Authors: Hoang Nguyen Quang 
Published: September 2014

The inverse kinematics plays an important role in the trajectory planning and the control of underwater vehicle-manipulator system. The solutions of this problem have an important influence on the motion quality of end-effectors. This paper presents an improved method based on the Jacobian matrix and the error feedback. By using this method, the accuracy of the solution of inverse kinematics for the vehicle-manipulator system is improved. In addition, one of the advantages of a redundant system is exploited to avoid impact on joint limitations. Numerical simulations in software Matlab are carried out to verify the efficiencies of the proposed method.
Evaluation of interfacial toughness function in mixed mode loading
Authors: Truong Do Van , Thanh Vuong Van 
Published: September 2014

Interfacial strength is one of important factors to affect working stability of structures and devices. In order to avoid interfacial cracking, an improved method based on the conventional one is proposed to establish the interfacial toughness function (or the set of the interfacial fracture criteria in mixed-mode loading). By preliminarily analyzing the Brazil nut specimen, the placements of applied load, where pure modes I and II occurred, were determined. Experiment was then conducted on the specimens at the pre-determined placements of applied load. The interfacial toughness function was finally established by an empirical function based on only the critical energy release rates at pure modes I and II. The results showed that the interfacial toughness function was close to that obtained by experimental data and other researches.
An explicit secular equation of Rayleigh waves propagating along an obliquely cut surface in a directional fiber-reinforced composite
Authors: Vinh Pham Chi , Khanh Linh Nguyen Thi 
Published: September 2014

The propagation of Rayleigh waves along an obliquely cut surface in a directional fiber-reinforced composite was studied recently by Ohyoshi [Ohyoshi T. Compos Sci Technol 2000; 60; 2191-6]. The author derived the secular equation of the wave, however, it is still implicit. In this paper, a fully explicit secular equation of the wave is obtained by using the method of first integrals. From it we immediately arrive at the secular equation of the wave for the case when the cut surface is parallel to the fiber direction. This secular equation is much more simple than the ones obtained recently by Cerv [Cerv J. Int Rev Mech Eng (IREME) 2008; 2; 762-72] and Cerv et al. [Cerv J et al. Composite Structures 2010; 92; 568-77]. Based on the obtained secular equations some approximate formulas for the velocity of Rayleigh waves are established and it is shown that they are good approximations. The explicit secular equations and the approximate formulas for the velocity derived in this paper are useful for analyzing the effect of the material properties and the orientation of the fiber direction on the Rayleigh wave velocity, especially they are powerful tools for solving the inverse problem: determining the material parameters from the measured values of the velocity.
Heterogeneous integration approach based on flip-chip bonding and misalignment self-correction elements for electronics-optics integration applications
Authors: Tung Bui Thanh , Suzuki Motohiro , Kato Fumiki , Nemoto Shunsuke , Aoyagi Masahiro 
Published: September 2014

This paper presents a high precision bonding approach, capable of submicron alignment accuracy, based on the thermosonic flip-chip bonding technique and misalignment self-correction elements. The precision of the bonding technique is guaranteed by using of misalignment self-correction bump (convex) and hollow (concave) elements. Metal cone bump and conductive sloped hollow bonding pad elements are created using micro-machining techniques, on a chip specimen and substrate, respectively. The chip and substrate are bonded face-to-face using of an ultrasonic-enhanced flip-chip bonder. By introducing of misalignment self-correction elements, repeatable bonding accuracies of less than 500 nm were confirmed through experimental investigation. Bond properties, including electrical and mechanical properties, are also characterized to confirm the success of the bonding approach. With the obtained results, the proposed bonding approach is capable of being use in electronics-optics heterogeneous integration applications.
The performance improvement of a lowcost INS/GPS integration system using the street return algorithm
Authors: Thang Nguyen Van , Thang Pham Manh , Tan Tran Duc 
Published: September 2014

During the last decades, MEMS technology has undergone rapidly development, leading to the successful fabrication of miniaturized mechanical structures integrated with microelectronic components. Accelerometers and gyroscopes are in great demand for specific applications ranging from guidance and stabilization of spacecraft to research on vibrations of Parkinson patient’s fingers. The demand of navigation and guidance has been urgent for many years. In fact, INS is used daily in flight dynamics control. Nowadays, with the strong growth of Microelectromechanical system (MEMS) technology, the Inertial Navigation Systems are applied widely. However, there are existing errors in the accelerometer and gyroscope signals that cause unacceptable drifts. Even when the Inertial Navigation System (INS) was supported by the Global Positioning System (GPS), the position error is still large, especially in the case of GPS signal lost. In this paper, we will present a simple algorithm called Street Return Algorithm(SRA) to reduce this kind of error. Experimental result showed that this algorithm could be applied in the real-time operation.
Fuzzy analysis of laterally-loaded pile in layered soil
Authors: Anh Pham Hoang 
Published: September 2014

A fuzzy finite-element method for analysis of laterally loaded pile in multi-layer soil with uncertain properties is presented. The finite-element formulation is established using a beam-on-two-parameter foundation model. Uncertainty propagation of the soil parameters to the pile response is evaluated by a perturbation technique. This approach requires a few number of classical finite-element equations to be solved and provides reasonable results. A comparison with vertex method is made in a numerical example.
Ferritin in Joint Arthroplasty: Can It Be a Possible Biochemical Indicator of Articular Pain?
Authors: Paparella Paolo , Caruso Enzo , Barbieri Massimo , Bellini Martina 
Published: September 2014

Summary
Background: A retrospective study was undertaken to investigate the biochemistry data of a restricted cohort of patients. The aim of our study was to evaluate laboratory data behavior and the VAS pain scale before and after joint replacement.
Methods: We produced an elaboration of the biochemical data of 90 orthopedic patients, collected from 2011 to 2013. These 90 patients were divided into 2 groups: one group of 45 patients who claimed severe postoperative pain and one group of 45 patients who showed no or mild postoperative pain. A student's t-test was applied, considering a P value less than 0.05 as statistically significant. Pearson correlation was applied. The pain visual analog scale [VAS] was employed.
Results: Significant and relevant unexpected biochemical differences were found between the two groups of patients. The serum level of ferritin was significantly higher in men who claimed postoperative pain. We excluded the possibility that the ferritin difference between the two groups was due to different iron storage or to an inflammatory profile.
Conclusions: The correct use of a biochemical database could permit identification of significant values which must be correlated with clinical data: these results confirmed what has been found in a dialysis cohort.
Dosimetric comparison for volumetric modulated arc therapy and intensitymodulated radiotherapy on the left-sided chest wall and internal mammary nodes irradiation in treating post-mastectomy breast cancer
Authors: Zhang Qian , Yu Xiao Li , Hu Wei Gang , Chen Jia Yi , Wang Jia Zhou , Ye Jin Song , Guo Xiao Mao 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Background. The aim of the study was to evaluate the dosimetric benefit of applying volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) on the post-mastectomy left-sided breast cancer patients, with the involvement of internal mammary nodes (IMN).
Patients and methods. The prescription dose was 50 Gy delivered in 25 fractions, and the clinical target volume included the left chest wall (CW) and IMN. VMAT plans were created and compared with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) plans on Pinnacle treatment planning system. Comparative endpoints were dose homogeneity within planning target volume (PTV), target dose coverage, doses to the critical structures including heart, lungs and the contralateral breast, number of monitor units and treatment delivery time.
Results. VMAT and IMRT plans showed similar PTV dose homogeneity, but, VMAT provided a better dose coverage for IMN than IMRT (p = 0.017). The mean dose (Gy), V30 (%) and V10 (%) for the heart were 13.5 ± 5.0 Gy, 9.9% ± 5.9% and 50.2% ± 29.0% by VMAT, and 14.0 ± 5.4 Gy, 10.6% ± 5.8% and 55.7% ± 29.6% by IMRT, respectively. The left lung mean dose (Gy), V20 (%), V10 (%) and the right lung V5 (%) were significantly reduced from 14.1 ± 2.3 Gy, 24.2% ± 5.9%, 42.4% ± 11.9% and 41.2% ± 12.3% with IMRT to 12.8 ± 1.9 Gy, 21.0% ± 3.8%, 37.1% ± 8.4% and 32.1% ± 18.2% with VMAT, respectively. The mean dose to the contralateral breast was 1.7 ± 1.2 Gy with VMAT and 2.3 ± 1.6 Gy with IMRT. Finally, VMAT reduced the number of monitor units by 24% and the treatment time by 53%, as compared to IMRT.
Conclusions. Compared to 5-be am step-and-shot IMRT, VMAT achieves similar or superior target coverage and a better normal tissue sparing, with fewer monitor units and shorter delivery time.
Not by Human Hands: Five Technological Tenets for Environmental History in the Anthropocene
Authors: Jørgensen Dolly 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Technologies in the hands of humans have turned humans into a force of nature. Environmental historians have increasingly recognised the value of history of technology to explain many environmental changes. Scholarship at the environment-technology junction, deploying ideas developed with the framework of Science and Technology Studies (STS), has revealed the usefulness of seeing the whole constellation of science, technology, and environment as simultaneously human-made. Based on recent work at the intersection of history of technology and environment, I propose five technological tenets about human interaction with nonhuman living beings that should be adopted as central elements of environmental history. The tenets demand that historians break down conceptual barriers between artefacts and animals: animals and plants are themselves technologies; technologies provide means of controlling other living beings; technologies mediate our knowledge of animals; technologies affect our valuation of other living creatures; and technology is part of the ecosystem.
Borderland, No-Man's Land, Nature's Wonderland: Troubled Humanity and Untroubled Earth
Authors: Coates Peter 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Building on an interest in the presence of biodiversity where we do not expect to find it, this essay ponders the irony that human strife can be beneficial for the rest of nature by investigating the coexistence of troubled humanity and untroubled nature at various places around the world. It also looks at efforts to formalise the protection inadvertently provided in conflict and no-go zones after human tensions have abated. Focusing on borderlands, militarised landscapes, shatter zones, forbidden zones and other sites of upheaval and trauma, mostly in post-1945 Korea, Germany, Eastern Europe and Cyprus (but beginning with the nineteenth-century American West), I investigate the notion of the serendipitous survival of other-than-human nature and the 'threat' of demilitarisation and normalisation in places such as the Iron Curtain zone, where civilian activities may be more invasive and disruptive than military practices and other forms of restricted access. A related subject is the more recent, post-Cold War tale of nature's preservation, de facto and formal, in former environments of strife that also functioned involuntarily as shelter zones. This involves engagement with a particular manifestation of the deep-seated belief in nature's therapeutic value. The theme of the natural world's reconciliatory properties is pursued with reference to peace parks and other forms of transboundary conservation. I conclude with a discussion of the relationship between the narrative of nature and the narrative of history, specifically the belief that they are mutually exclusive and that the new emphasis on the 'return to nature' involves an act of erasure.
Coastal Cities and Environmental Change
Authors: Mosley Stephen 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
This paper explores the complex environmental relationships of coastal cities with their shorelines and the sea. Cities developed in coastal locations because they offered easy access to fisheries, trade and commerce, transport, attractive scenery and recreational opportunities. However, coastal cities have also been vulnerable to the natural hazards of hurricane-force winds, tsunamis and tidal flooding; and climate change will exacerbate flood risks in the future. Many of the world's largest cities are situated by the sea, and today in every continent except North America the highest share of urban dwellers live in coastal zones. These issues, together with growing concerns over the state of the world's oceans - declining fish stocks, aquatic ecosystem degradation, and marine acidification - have attracted growing historical interest in coastal cities and their role in environmental change. Using examples of different types of coastal cities, I survey how growing urbanisation, trade, industrialisation and tourism impacted on shorelines and the sea over time. I also examine how communities have adapted to the challenges and risks of living in coastal cities. The paper concludes by offering some suggestions for further inquiry.
Rethinking the British Empire through Eco-Cultural Networks: Materialist-Cultural Environmental History, Relational Connections and Agency
Authors: Beattie James , Melillo Edward , O'Gorman Emily 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
In this short discussion, we use examples from the British Empire to introduce the concept of eco-cultural networks as a lens for examining interconnected, wide-ranging social and environmental processes. We present three conceptual advances that this framework offers to environmental historians: 1) a rethinking of the divisions between cultural and material approaches to environmental history; 2) an emphasis on relational connections in the making of networks; and, 3) a renewed focus on questions of agency. Each of these developments opens up new questions within environmental history and promotes engagement with work outside the field, especially with the ecological sciences and the environmental humanities.
Improving the Adoption of Evidence-Based Practice Through RN-to-BSN Education
Authors: Phillips Janet M. , Cullen Deborah 
Published: September 2014

Background:
Although enrollment in RN-to-BSN degree completion programs has grown profoundly, a dearth of literature exists regarding the impact of RN-to-BSN education and the adoption of evidence-based practice (EBP). This study examined the elements of RN-to-BSN education that improve the awareness and adoption for EBP.

Method:
A mixed methods meta-synthesis was conducted using qualitative, textual-narrative, and descriptive research studies. Data from six articles were analyzed, using standardized critical appraisal instruments.

Results:
Two findings were identified. First, EBP skills for RN-to-BSN students are influenced by exposure to educational partnerships, contextual teaching and learning, and practice experiences. Second, barriers to adoption exist for RN-to-BSN students, which limit advances in nursing practice.

Conclusion:
A variety of contextual teaching and learning strategies can provide empowerment for RN-to-BSN students to adopt EBP in their practice. Forming partnerships in creating EBP experiences may set the stage for RN-to-BSN leadership opportunities in today’s health care system.

J Contin Educ Nurs.
2014;45(10):467–472.
Effect of Education of Primary Health Care Workers on HIV-Related Oral Lesions in Nairobi East District
Authors: Koyio Lucina N. , van der Sanden Wil J.M. , van der Ven Andre , Creugers Nico , Merkx Matthias A.W. , Frencken Jo E. 
Published: September 2014

Background An estimated 90% of HIV-infected people are likely to develop oral lesions in the course of HIV infection. Oro-pharyngeal candidiasis (OPC), an early marker for HIV-infection, can be diagnosed during an oral examination (OE). Primary healthcare (PHC) providers in Kenya are neither trained nor sufficiently equipped to perform this simple, cheap and non-invasive examination. The PHC system in Kenya offers an opportunity to integrate early recognition and management of oral lesions into general health care. This study aims to estimate the effect of a multifaceted intervention for PHC providers in training them to perform an OE. Specifically, our primary objective is to establish whether the intervention is effective in increasing: i) the frequency of early detection of HIV-related oral lesions; and ii) referral rates for HIV-testing. Design and methods The study has been designed in two parts: a retrospective clinical data record study and a prospective cohort study with pre-post control group design, carried out in 2 administrative divisions in Nairobi East district. The intervention group will receive one day of training on recognition of HIV-related oral lesions and other common oral conditions. Reminder sessions will be held at individual health facilities. Routine tally sheets will be used to record all patients with HIV-related oral lesions, dental caries and periodontal disease. A convenience sample of all the PHC in a division will be used. It will not be possible to blind investigators or assessors. Expected impact of the study for Public Health. Early recognition and treatment of HIV infection influences long-term survival rates and will reduce healthcare expenditure.
The Ecology of Medical Care in Norway: Wide use of General Practitioners may not Necessarily Keep Patients out of Hospitals
Authors: Hansen Anne Helen , Halvorsen Peder A. , Forde Olav Helge 
Published: September 2014

Background Our aim was to investigate the pattern of self reported symptoms and utilisation of health care services in Norway. Design and Methods With data from the cross-sectional Tromsø Study (2007-8), we estimated population proportions reporting symptoms and use of seven different health services. By logistic regression we estimated differences according to age and gender. Results In this study 12,982 persons aged 30-87 years participated, constituting 65.7% of those invited. More than 900/1000 reported symptoms or health problems in a year as well as in a month, and 214/1000 and 816/1000 visited a general practitioner once or more in a month and a year, respectively. The corresponding figures were 91/1000 and 421/1000 for specialist outpatient visits, and 14/1000 and 116/1000 for hospitalisations. Physiotherapists were visited by 210/1000, chiropractors by 76/1000, complementary and alternative medical providers by 127/1000, and dentists by 692/1000 in a year. Women used most health care services more than men, but genders used hospitalisations and chiropractors equally. Utilisation of all services increased with age, except chiropractors, dentists and complementary and alternative medical providers. Conclusions Almost the entire population reported health related problems during the previous year, and most residents visited a general practitioner. Yet there were high rates of inpatient and outpatient specialist utilisation. We suggest that wide use of general practitioners may not necessarily keep patients out of specialist care and hospitals.