Ordering Control of Self-Assembled Colloidal Crystals

Colloidal crystals are 3D nanostructures formed by self assembly of nanoparticles in suspension. The interaction forces between the colloid particles are expected to affect the ordering and the defect density in the resultant crystal. Based on this insight, the effect of ionic strength on the quality of the colloidal crystal is examined. It is found that at intermediate ionic strength, it is possible to get the best ordering of the colloidal crystal. The reason for this is explained based on previous work on the structural changes in an assembling colloidal crystal. A method for reducing the defect density in colloidal crystal will also be proposed.Singapore-MIT Alliance (SMA

Successful laparoscopic management of paraesophageal hiatal hernia with upside-down intrathoracic stomach: A case report

Introduction: Paraesophageal hernia with intrathoracic mesentericoaxial type of gastric volvulus is a rare clinical entity. The rotation occurs because of the idiopathic relaxation of the gastric ligaments and ascent of the stomach adjacent to the oesophagus through the hiatus defect, while the gastroesophageal junction remains in the abdomen. The open approach remains the gold standard therapy for most patients. Here we report the case of a patient with such a condition who underwent a successful laparoscopic surgery. A literature search revealed that this is the first case report from Southeast Asia. Case presentation: A 55-year-old Chinese woman presented to us with symptoms suggestive of gastric outlet obstruction for one year. A chest radiograph showed an air bubble with air-fluid level in her left thoracic cavity, where a diaphragmatic hernia was initially suspected. A computed tomography scan and barium swallow study demonstrated the presence of a type III paraesophageal hernia with intrathoracic upside-down stomach. A laparoscopy was performed and the herniated stomach was successfully reduced into the abdomen. The mediastinal part of the hernial sac was excised. Adequate intraabdominal length of oesophagus was achieved after resection of the sac and circumferential oesophageal dissection. A lateral releasing incision was made adjacent to the right crus to facilitate crural closure. The diaphragmatic defect and the hiatal closure were covered with a composite mesh. A Toupet fundoplication was performed to recreate the antireflux valve. She had an uneventful recovery. She had no relapse of previous symptoms at her six-month follow-up assessment. Conclusions: Laparoscopic repair of such a condition can be accomplished successfully and safely when it is performed with meticulous attention to the details of the surgical technique

The Implementation of Green Marketing Tools in Rural Tourism: The Readiness of Tourists?

Environmental sustainability is the key factor for the future development of the tourism industry, particularly in sensitive rural tourism destinations. Green tourism and green marketing are alternative practices that ensure the environmental sustainability of tourism destinations. However, green marketing has received little attention in the context of rural destinations. This is the first known study undertaken with the purpose of understanding the relationship between green marketing tools (eco-brand, eco-label, and environmental advertisement) and green purchasing behavior in rural tourism destinations from the perception of tourists. A sample of 252 respondents was selected to complete the questionnaires. To assess the developed model, SmartPLS (version 3.2.6) was applied based on path modeling, followed by bootstrapping. The results revealed that the three-dimensional constructs of green marketing tools were significantly and positively correlated with green purchasing behavior of rural tourism destinations from tourists’ perspectives. Several implications, limitations, and directions for future research were further discussed. © 2017 Taylor & Francis Group, LL

The Implementation of Green Marketing Tools in Rural Tourism: The Readiness of Tourists?

Environmental sustainability is the key factor for the future development of the tourism industry, particularly in sensitive rural tourism destinations. Green tourism and green marketing are alternative practices that ensure the environmental sustainability of tourism destinations. However, green marketing has received little attention in the context of rural destinations. This is the first known study undertaken with the purpose of understanding the relationship between green marketing tools (eco-brand, eco-label, and environmental advertisement) and green purchasing behavior in rural tourism destinations from the perception of tourists. A sample of 252 respondents was selected to complete the questionnaires. To assess the developed model, SmartPLS (version 3.2.6) was applied based on path modeling, followed by bootstrapping. The results revealed that the three-dimensional constructs of green marketing tools were significantly and positively correlated with green purchasing behavior of rural tourism destinations from tourists’ perspectives. Several implications, limitations, and directions for future research were further discussed. © 2017 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC

Using big data to make better decisions in the digital economy

The question this special issue would like to address is how to harvest big data to help decision-makers to deliver better fact-based decisions aimed at improving performance or to create better strategy? This special issue focuses on the big data applications in supporting operations decisions, including advanced research on decision models and tools for the digital economy. Responds to this special issue was great and we have included many high-quality papers. We are pleased to present 13 of the best papers. The techniques presented include data mining, simulation and expert system with applications span across online reviews, food retail chain to e-health

Successful laparoscopic management of combined traumatic diaphragmatic rupture and abdominal wall hernia: a case report

Background: Traumatic diaphragmatic rupture and traumatic abdominal wall hernia are two well-described but rare clinical entities associated with blunt thoracoabdominal injuries. To the best of our knowledge, the combination of these two clinical entities as a result of a motor vehicle accident has not been previously reported. Case presentation: A 32-year-old Indian man was brought to our emergency department after being involved in a road traffic accident. He described a temporary loss of consciousness and had multiple tender bruises at his right upper anterior abdominal wall and left lumbar region. An initial examination revealed blood pressure of 99/63 mmHg, heart rate of 107 beats/minute, and oxygen saturation of 93 % on room air. His clinical parameters stabilized after initial resuscitation. A computed tomographic scan revealed a rupture of the left diaphragm as well as extensive disruptions of the left upper anterior abdominal wall. We performed exploratory laparoscopic surgery with the intention of primary repair. The diaphragmatic and abdominal wall defect was primarily closed, followed by reinforcement with PROLENE onlay mesh. The patient’s postoperative recovery was complicated by infected hematomas over both flanks that were managed with ultrasound-guided percutaneous drainage. He was discharged well despite a prolonged hospital stay. Conclusions: We present a complex form of injuries managed successfully via a laparoscopic approach. Meticulous attention to potential complications in both the acute and convalescent phases is important for achieving a successful outcome following surgery

Smart remotely access distributed system

This paper presents the data distribution called smart remotely access distributed system (SRA-DS). One of the stated purposes of the SRA-DS is to provide a standard to users in order to provide constantly available system that satisfy trust requirement for network applications. The trend in today's technology is no longer used in stand-alone units. One of the major criticisms of this feature is not constant availability. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the various aspects of monitoring and fault tolerant required for distributed system, and to describe the requirements needed in criteria from which can provide a low cost Web applications with distributed system