bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Detection and separation of generic‐shaped objects by fuzzy clustering
Authors: Ameer Ali M. , Karmakar Gour C. , Dooley Laurence S. 
Published: August 2010

PurposeExisting shape‐based fuzzy clustering algorithms are all designed to explicitly segment regular geometrically shaped objects in an image, with the consequence that this restricts their capability to separate arbitrarily shaped objects. The purpose of this paper is to introduce a new detection and separation of generic‐shaped object algorithm.Design/methodology/approachWith the aim of separating arbitrary‐shaped objects in an image, this paper presents a new detection and separation of generic‐shaped objects (FKG) algorithm that analytically integrates arbitrary shape information into a fuzzy clustering framework, by introducing a shape constraint that preserves the original object shape during iterative scaling.FindingsBoth qualitative and numerical empirical results analysis corroborate the improved object segmentation performance achieved by the FKG strategy upon different image types and disparately shaped objects.Originality/valueThe proposed FKG algorithm can be highly used in applications where object segmentation is necessary. Likewise, this algorithm can be applied in Moving Picture Experts Group‐4 for real object segmentation that is already applied in synthetic object segmentation.
A neural network approach to digital data hiding based on the perceptual masking model of the human vision system
Authors: Najafi Hossein L. 
Published: August 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a novel approach for digital watermarking and steganography technique that uses neural networks. The performance of the proposed solution in terms of its capacity, transparency, and robustness is investigated.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed technique trains a neural network to learn the perceptual masking model of the human vision system. Once trained, the neural network identifies pixels whose most significant alteration will be least perceptible to the human eye. The image is then altered based on the network recommendation to include the watermark or the covert data.FindingsExperimental results demonstrate that the proposed technique offers excellent transparency and good capacity. In addition, since neural networks store their learned knowledge in a distributed fashion, steganalysis of the image without access to the network is very difficult, if not impossible. Results demonstrate good performance of the proposed solution in terms of its capacity, transparency, and robustness.Originality/valueUse of neural networks in extracting and representing perceptual masking model of human vision system is interesting. Value added by the proposed approach is in its use of artificial neural networks to model the perceptual masking model of human vision system for injecting imperceptible data into most perceptually significant pits of an image. The proposed approach may be used in combination with most current and popular methods with little impact on perceptual quality of the resulting image.
Genetically‐bacterial swarm optimization
Authors: Jain Tushar , Alavandar Srinivasan , Vivekkumar Radhamohan Singh , Nigam M.J. 
Published: August 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose a novel algorithm which hybridizes the best features of three basic algorithms, i.e. genetic algorithm, bacterial foraging, and particle swarm optimization (PSO) as genetically bacterial swarm optimization (GBSO). The implementation of GBSO is illustrated by designing the fuzzy pre‐compensated PD (FPPD) control for two‐link rigid‐flexible manipulator.Design/methodology/approachThe hybridization is carried out in two phases; first, the diversity in searching the optimal solution is increased using selection, crossover, and mutation operators. Second, the search direction vector is optimized using PSO to enhance the convergence rate of the fitness function in achieving the optimality. The FPPD controller design objective was to tune the PD controller constants, normalization, and denormalization factors for both the joints so that integral square error, overshoots, and undershoots are minimized.FindingsThe proposed algorithm is tested on a set of mathematical functions which are then compared with the basic algorithms. The results showed that the GBSO had a convergence rate better than the other algorithms, reaching to the optimal solution. Also, an approach of using fuzzy pre‐compensator in reducing the overshoots and undershoots for loading‐unloading and circular trajectories had been successfully achieved over simple PD controller. The results presented emphasize that a satisfactory tracking precision could be achieved using hybrid FPPD controller with GBSO.Originality/valueSimulation results were reported and the proposed algorithm indeed has established superiority over the basic algorithms with respect to set of functions considered and it can easily be extended for other global optimization problems. The proposed FPPD controller tuning approach is interesting for the design of controllers for inherently unstable high‐order systems.
Neural network adaptive control scheme for nonlinear systems with Lyapunov approach and sliding mode
Authors: Frikha Slim , Djemel Mohamed , Derbel Nabil 
Published: August 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present an adaptive neuro‐sliding mode control scheme for uncertain nonlinear systems with Lyapunov approach.Design/methodology/approachThe paper focuses on neural network (NN) adaptive control for nonlinear systems in the presence of parametric uncertainties. The plant model structure is represented by a NNs system. The essential idea of the online parametric estimation of the plant model is based on a comparison of the measured state with the estimated one. The proposed adaptive neural controller takes advantages of both the sliding mode control and proportional integral (PI) control. The chattering phenomenon is attenuated and robust performances are ensured. Based on Lyapunov stability theorem, the proposed adaptive neural control system can guarantee the stability of the whole closed‐loop system and obtain good‐tracking performances. Adaptive laws are proposed to adjust the free parameters of the neural models.FindingsSimulation results show that the adaptive neuro‐sliding mode control approach works satisfactorily for nonlinear systems in the presence of parametric uncertainties.Originality/valueThe proposed adaptive neuro‐sliding mode control approach is a mixture of classical neural controller with a supervisory controller. The PI controller is used to attenuate the chattering phenomena. Based on the Lyapunov stability theorem, it is rigorously proved that the stability of the whole closed‐loop system is ensured and the tracking performance is achieved.
Approximate reasoning on a DNA‐chip
Authors: Ray Kumar S. , Chatterjee Piyali 
Published: August 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose an alternative approach to approximate reasoning by DNA computing, thereby adding a new dimension to the existing approximate reasoning method by bringing it down to nanoscale computing. The logical aspect of approximate reasoning is replaced by DNA chemistry.Design/methodology/approachTo achieve this goal, first the synthetic DNA sequence fuzzified by quantum dot, which is a recent advancement of nanotechnology. Thus with the help of fuzzy DNA, which holds the vague concept of human reasoning, the basic method of approximate reasoning on a DNA chip is realized. This approach avoids the tedious choice of a suitable implication operator (for a particular application) necessary for existing approximate reasoning based on fuzzy logic. The inferred consequences obtained from DNA computing‐based approximate reasoning is ultimately hybridized with appropriate complementary sequence probed on a DNA‐chip to confirm the result of inference.FindingsThe present approach is suitable for reasoning under vague and uncertain environment and does not require any subject choice of any individual expert, which is essential for existing approximate reasoning method.Originality/valueThis new tool for approximate reasoning based on DNA computing is applicable to several problems of science and engineering; namely pattern classification, control theory, weather forecasting, atmospheric science, etc.
China and the World Trade Organization
Authors: Wong John 
Published: August 2010

For nine long years China made determined but unsuccessful efforts to rejoin GATT, having gone through 21 rounds of protracted negotiations. China failed to become a founding member of WTO when it superseded GATT in January 1995. In 1989 GATT was about to work out the final terms of protocol for China's entry as a reforming socialist economy. But the Tiananmen event made the developed country members, led by the US, politicize the issue of China's membership. They also wanted to prise open the vast China market as a condition for China's entry; i.e. China to be admitted as a developed economy. China for its part regarded the price of its WTO membership as too exorbitant without being allowed a reasonable timetable for adjustment. Minister Wu Yi considered the US demands ‘absolutely unacceptable’. Hence the impasse over China's WTO membership continued.Apart from the imperative of trade diplomacy, however, the perceived benefits of WTO membership to China are difficult to capture. They are mainly general and long‐term in nature, e.g. facilitating China's further economic reform and integrating China into the global economy. However, the costs and risks to China could be considerable, much depending on the exact protocol terms of China's membership. In general many state‐owned enterprises and township‐village enterprises would suffer from stiffer foreign competition. The effect of WTO on Chinese agriculture would be minimal, while the impact on the manufacturing sector could be quite disruptive. The service sector could fare even worse if no protective measures were to be taken. That explains why China needs to insist on developing‐country terms of entry.Without doubt, China will eventually accede to WTO. It is a gross anomaly for this global multilateral trade body to continue excluding China, the world's 11th largest trading nation, on which also hinge the two other great trading entities of Hong Kong and Taiwan. There is increasing awareness of this point in the EU; and it will sooner or later also prevail in Washington.
Pro‐poor Growth
Authors: Warr Peter 
Published: August 2010

Poverty is not natural. It is man‐made.And it can be eradicated by human action.Nelson Mandela, July 20051[There] are two paradigms for Human Development:one that believes in the overwhelming power of economic growth,another that emphasises the design of pro‐poor policies. Jan Vandemoortele (2005)
Pro‐poor growth is often advocated but seldom defined. Some proposed definitions and associated measures are reviewed in this paper. Much of this literature stresses the importance of reducing economic inequality. A basic source of confusion is whether inequality reduction is desired as a means for reducing poverty or as an end in itself. This paper argues that if it is the former, as is usually said, the pro‐poor growth literature tends to overstate the importance of reducing inequality, or avoiding an increase. Growth that is most effective at reducing poverty does not necessarily coincide with growth that reduces inequality. This literature is overly pre‐occupied with statistical evaluation of the outcomes of economic events, based on changes in the distribution of household incomes or expenditures. What is most needed is solidly based empirical research on the manner and extent to which alternative growth strategies influence the rate of poverty reduction.
The circulation of precious metals in the Arab Empire: the case of the near and the Middle East*
Authors: Gondonneau A. , Guerra M. F. 
Published: August 2010

The analysis by nuclear activation techniques and by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry combined with an UV laser of a large number of gold coins issued in the Arab Empire from the seventh to the 12th century ad showed that several different supplying sources were used, according to the region and to the period.The aim of this paper is to point out the circulation of gold in the Near and Middle Eastern mints of the Arab Empire and to make a parallel with the mints’ policies running in the other regions of the Empire, such as North Africa, the Iberian Peninsula and the Sicily.The identification of different gold ores by means of characteristic trace elements indicated recycling of the ancient coinage and, after ad 750, the minting in the entire Arab Empire of different new gold ores: Egyptian type, North Eastern type and West African type. The analysis of a small number of silver coins from the same periods and regions also showed a change in the ore supply after ad 750.
The effect of low molecular weight heparin (enoxaparin) on enhanced coagulation induced by crystalloid haemodilution*
Authors: Llewellyn R. L. , James M. F. M. 
Published: August 2010

SummaryThe purpose of this study was to establish whether a low molecular weight heparin (enoxaparin) attenuated or abolished the enhanced coagulation induced by crystalloid fluid therapy. Twenty young, healthy male volunteers were injected subcutaneously with either enoxaparin 40 mg or saline on two separate occasions one week apart, in a randomised, blinded study. Twelve hours later, a blood sample was taken for thrombelastography analysis and haematocrit. Saline 14 ml.kg−1 was then infused over thirty minutes and thrombelastography and haematocrit measurements repeated. There was a significant post‐dilutional difference in the alpha angle (p = 0.002) and k‐time (p = 0.001) between the two groups. There was a trend towards reduced shortening of r‐time in the enoxaparin group compared to the saline control (p = 0.18). The findings suggest that enoxaparin diminished acceleration of clot formation due to haemodilution.
Size‐selective predation and predator‐induced life‐history shifts alter the outcome of competition between planktonic grazers
Authors: Hülsmann Stephan , Rinke Karsten , Mooij Wolf M. 
Published: August 2010

Summary 1. We studied the effect of size‐selective predation on the outcome of competition between two differently sized prey species in a homogenous environment. 2. Using a physiologically structured population model, we calculated equilibrium food concentrations for a range of predation scenarios defined by varying maximum predation intensity and size‐selectivity, the latter being characterized by the neutral selection length (NSL), where negative selection of small prey size‐classes turns into positive selection of larger prey. We parameterized the model according to the well‐studied example of fish predation on two differently sized cladoceran species, Daphnia pulicaria and Daphnia galeata. 3. Although the larger D. pulicaria was principally the better competitor for food, competitive superiority shifted to the smaller D. galeata under certain predation scenarios. The lowest predation intensity needed to induce a shift from D. pulicaria to D. galeata was found at NSL values in between the sizes at maturity of both species. 4. Analysing the per capita mortality rates as a result of the underlying parameters of the mortality model, NSL and maximum predation intensity, revealed that the tolerable mortality rate of daphnids decreased as NSL increases towards values close to the size at maturity. This effect was most pronounced in D. pulicaria, thus explaining a higher vulnerability of the larger species to size‐selective predation. 5. A reduction of the size at maturity in the smaller species (D. galeata) as a phenotypic response to the presence of fish resulted not only in an increased capability to withstand predation, but also in competitive dominance shifts over the larger D. pulicaria at lower predation intensities and a much wider range of NSL as a trait‐mediated indirect effect. 6. Overall, our results demonstrate that shifts in dominance of differently sized herbivores under size‐selective predation regimes may be facilitated by the demonstrated alteration in competitive capacities and thus might not be exclusively caused by direct predation effects.
Women’s experiences of seeking reproductive health care in rural Ghana: challenges for maternal health service utilization
Authors: Yakong Vida Nyagre , Rush Kathy L. , Bassett‐Smith Joan , Bottorff Joan L. , Robinson Carole 
Published: August 2010

yakong v.n., rush k.l., bassett‐smith j., bottorff j.l. & robinson c. (2010) Women’s experiences of seeking reproductive health care in rural Ghana: challenges for maternal health service utilization. Journal of Advanced Nursing 66(11), 2431–2441.AbstractAim.  This paper is a report of part of a larger study exploring rural Ghanaian women’s experiences of seeking reproductive health care. The aim of this part of the study was to describe rural women’s perspectives on their experiences in seeking reproductive care from professional nurses.Background.  Nurses’ relationships with childbearing women have been linked to women’s reproductive healthcare‐seeking behaviour and service utilization. However, few researchers have studied women’s perspectives on their relationships with nurses when seeking health care. In Ghana, the high rates of maternal mortality raise concerns about a number of factors, including nurses’ relational practices.Methods.  Data were collected in 2007 with a convenience sample of 27 Ghanaian women via in‐depth interviews, focus groups and participant observation. Women’s ages ranged from 15 to 49 years. The translated and transcribed data were thematically analyzed.Findings.  Healthcare providers’ relational practice influenced women’s healthcare‐seeking behaviours. Major themes from women’s stories were: (a) experiences of intimidation and being scolded, (b) experiences of limited choices, (c) receiving silent treatment, and experiences of lack of privacy. Women emphasized the importance of their relationships with nurses and the impact of these relationships on their healthcare‐seeking.Conclusion.  Nursing education in Ghana must place emphasis on basic relational practices. Structural changes to health clinics and routine nursing practices are necessary to create conditions for privacy to address women’s health concerns. Women’s perspectives must be considered for service improvement. Further research is needed to examine nurses’ perspectives on relational care.
Final‐year nursing students’ ability to assess, detect and act on clinical cues of deterioration in a simulated environment
Authors: Endacott Ruth , Scholes Julie , Buykx Penny , Cooper Simon , Kinsman Leigh , McConnell‐Henry Tracy 
Published: August 2010

endacott r., scholes j., buykx p., cooper s., kinsman l. & mcconnell‐henry t. (2010) Final‐year nursing students’ ability to assess, detect and act on clinical cues of deterioration in a simulated environment. Journal of Advanced Nursing 66(12), 2722–2731.AbstractAim.  This is a report of a study investigating processes used by final‐year nursing students to recognize and act on clinical cues of deterioration in a simulated environment.Background.  Initial decisions about patients who are deteriorating in medical and surgical wards are often made by newly qualified nurses and doctors, increasing the risk of clinical error. There has been an emphasis on the use of teams in simulation; however, signs of deterioration are missed by individual clinicians.Methods.  During July 2008, final‐year undergraduate nursing students in Australia attended a simulation laboratory for 1·5 hours and completed a knowledge questionnaire and two (mannequin‐based) scenarios simulating deteriorating patients with hypovolaemic and septic shock. Scenarios were video‐recorded and reflective interviews conducted. Additionally, scenarios were stopped around the midpoint to ascertain students’ level of Situation Awareness.Results.  Fifty‐one students participated in the study, providing a total of 102 videoed scenarios and 51 interviews. Thematic analysis of video data and reflective interviews identified considerable differences in processes used by students to identify cues. Four aspects of cue recognition were evident: initial response, differential recognition of cues, accumulation of signs and diversionary activity.Conclusion.  Nursing skills training should emphasize the importance of trends in identifying and acting on deterioration and the need for systematic assessment in stressful situations. Nursing curricula should focus on enhancing the ability to piece information together, including linking pathophysiology with patient assessment, and identify trends, rather than seeing observations as parallel to each other.
Professional autonomy and job satisfaction: survey of critical care nurses in mainland Greece
Authors: Iliopoulou Katerina K. , While Alison E. 
Published: August 2010

iliopoulou k.k. & while a.e. (2010) Professional autonomy and job satisfaction: survey of critical care nurses in mainland Greece. Journal of Advanced Nursing 66(11), 2520–2531.AbstractAim.  This paper is a report of a study conducted to describe Greek critical care nurses’ views on professional autonomy and its relationship with job satisfaction and other work‐related variables.Background.  Professional autonomy is generally considered a highly desirable nursing attribute and a major factor in nurse job satisfaction. In the critical care environment, a high level of accountability, responsibility and autonomy are required to optimize outcomes of critically unstable patients.Method.  A questionnaire survey was conducted with a convenience sample of Greek critical care nurses (n = 431; response rate 70%) in 2007. Data were collected on professional autonomy, job satisfaction, role conflict and role ambiguity.Results.  Overall, nurses reported acting moderately autonomously. Younger nurses reported statistically significant lower levels of autonomy. Higher levels of autonomy were reported by female nurses. Multiple logistic regression revealed that appointment level, type of critical care unit and registration with a professional organization were independently associated with autonomy. A positive moderate association was found between reported autonomy, job satisfaction, role conflict and role ambiguity, but there was no relationship between job satisfaction and reported role conflict and role ambiguity.Conclusion.  Further education, role enhancement and support are required for nurses working in critical care in Greece if they are to achieve the maximum potential of their professional role. Failure to address the perceptions of professional autonomy may have an impact on staff retention, because of job dissatisfaction.