bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationships of Dietary Histidine and Obesity in Northern Chinese Adults, an Internet-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Li Yan-Chuan , Li Chun-Long , Qi Jia-Yue , Huang Li-Na , Shi Dan , Du Shan-Shan , Liu Li-Yan , Feng Ren-Nan , Sun Chang-Hao
Published: July 2016

Our previous studies have demonstrated that histidine supplementation significantly ameliorates inflammation and oxidative stress in obese women and high-fat diet-induced obese rats. However, the effects of dietary histidine on general population are not known. The objective of this Internet-based cross-sectional study was to evaluate the associations between dietary histidine and prevalence of overweight/obesity and abdominal obesity in northern Chinese population. A total of 2376 participants were randomly recruited and asked to finish our Internet-based dietary questionnaire for the Chinese (IDQC). Afterwards, 88 overweight/obese participants were randomly selected to explore the possible mechanism. Compared with healthy controls, dietary histidine was significantly lower in overweight (p < 0.05) and obese (p < 0.01) participants of both sexes. Dietary histidine was inversely associated with body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and blood pressure in overall population and stronger associations were observed in women and overweight/obese participants. Higher dietary histidine was associated with lower prevalence of overweight/obesity and abdominal obesity, especially in women. Further studies indicated that higher dietary histidine was associated with lower fasting blood glucose (FBG), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), 2-h postprandial glucose (2 h-PG), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), malonaldehyde (MDA) and vaspin and higher glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and adiponectin of overweight/obese individuals of both sexes. In conclusion, higher dietary histidine is inversely associated with energy intake, status of insulin resistance, inflammation and oxidative stress in overweight/obese participants and lower prevalence of overweight/obesity in northern Chinese adults.
Avenanthramides Prevent Osteoblast and Osteocyte Apoptosis and Induce Osteoclast Apoptosis in Vitro in an Nrf2-Independent Manner
Authors: Pellegrini Gretel , Morales Cynthya , Wallace Taylor , Plotkin Lilian , Bellido Teresita
Published: July 2016

Oats contain unique bioactive compounds known as avenanthramides (AVAs) with antioxidant properties. AVAs might enhance the endogenous antioxidant cellular response by activation of the transcription factor Nrf2. Accumulation of reactive oxygen species plays a critical role in many chronic and degenerative diseases, including osteoporosis. In this disease, there is an imbalance between bone formation by osteoblasts and bone resorption by osteoclasts, which is accompanied by increased osteoblast/osteocyte apoptosis and decreased osteoclast apoptosis. We investigated the ability of the synthethic AVAs 2c, 2f and 2p, to 1-regulate gene expression in bone cells, 2-affect the viability of osteoblasts, osteocytes and osteoclasts, and the generation of osteoclasts from their precursors, and 3-examine the potential involvement of the transcription factor Nrf2 in these actions. All doses of AVA 2c and 1 and 5 µM dose of 2p up-regulated collagen 1A expression. Lower doses of AVAs up-regulated OPG (osteoprotegerin) in OB-6 osteoblastic cells, whereas 100 μM dose of 2f and all concentrations of 2c down-regulated RANKL gene expression in MLO-Y4 osteocytic cells. AVAs did not affect apoptosis of OB-6 osteoblastic cells or MLO-Y4 osteocytic cells; however, they prevented apoptosis induced by the DNA topoisomerase inhibitor etoposide, the glucocorticoid dexamethasone, and hydrogen peroxide. AVAs prevented apoptosis of both wild type (WT) and Nrf2 Knockout (KO) osteoblasts, demonstrating that AVAs-induced survival does not require Nrf2 expression. Further, KO osteoclast precursors produced more mature osteoclasts than WT; and KO cultures exhibited less apoptotic osteoclasts than WT cultures. Although AVAs did not affect WT osteoclasts, AVA 2p reversed the low apoptosis of KO osteoclasts. These in vitro results demonstrate that AVAs regulate, in part, the function of osteoblasts and osteocytes and prevent osteoblast/osteocyte apoptosis and increase osteoclast apoptosis; further, these regulatory actions are independent of Nrf2.
Distribution of Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining in the Tapajós River Basin (Brazilian Amazon) over the Past 40 Years and Relationship with Water Siltation
Authors: Lobo Felipe , Costa Maycira , Novo Evlyn , Telmer Kevin
Published: July 2016

An innovative remote sensing approach that combines land-use change and water quality information is proposed in order to investigate if Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining (ASGM) area extension is associated with water siltation in the Tapajós River Basin (Brazil), containing the largest small-scale gold mining district in the world. Taking advantage of a 40-year period of the multi-satellite imagery archive, the objective of this paper is to build a normalized time-series in order to evaluate the influence of temporal mining expansion on the water siltation data (TSS, Total Suspended Solids concentration) derived from previous research. The methodological approach was set to deliver a full characterization of the ASGM expansion from its initial stages in the early 1970s to the present. First, based on IRS/LISSIII images acquired in 2012, the historical Landsat image database (1973–2001) was corrected for radiometric and atmospheric effects using dark vegetation as reference to create a normalized time-series. Next, a complete update of the mining areas distribution in 2012 derived from the TerraClass Project (an official land-use classification for the Brazilian Amazon) was conducted having IRS/LISSIII as the base map with the support of auxiliary data and vector editing. Once the ASGM in 2012 was quantified (261.7 km2) and validated with photos, a reverse classification of ASGM in 2001 (171.7 km2), 1993 (166.3 km2), 1984 (47.5 km2), and 1973 (15.4 km2) with the use of Landsat archives was applied. This procedure relies on the assumption that ASGM changes in the land cover are severe and remain detectable from satellite sensors for decades. The mining expansion area over time was then combined with the (TSS) data retrieved from the same atmospherically corrected satellite imagery based on the literature. In terms of gold mining expansion and water siltation effects, four main periods of ASGM activities were identified in the study area: (i) 1958–1977, first occurrence of mining activities and low water impacts; (ii) 1978–1993, introduction of low-budget mechanization associated with very high gold prices resulting in large mining area expansion and high water siltation levels; (iii) 1994–2003, general recession of ASGM activities and exhaustion of easy-access gold deposits, resulting in decreased TSS; (iv) 2004 to present, intensification of ASGM encouraged by high gold prices, resulting in an increase of TSS.
Stair-Walking Performance in Adolescents with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Shieh Wann-Yun , Ju Yan-Ying , Yu Yu-Chun , Lin Che-Kuan , Lin Yen-Tzu , Cheng Hsin-Yi
Published: July 2016

Most individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) demonstrate problems in learning and movement coordination. Consequently, they usually have difficulties in activities such as standing, walking, and stair climbing. To monitor the physical impairments of these children, regular gross motor evaluation is crucial. Straight-line level walking is the most frequently used test of their mobility. However, numerous studies have found that unless the children have multiple disabilities, no significant differences can be found between the children with ID and typically-developed children in this test. Stair climbing presents more challenges than level walking because it is associated with numerous physical factors, including lower extremity strength, cardiopulmonary endurance, vision, balance, and fear of falling. Limited ability in those factors is one of the most vital markers for children with ID. In this paper, we propose a sensor-based approach for measuring stair-walking performance, both upstairs and downstairs, for adolescents with ID. Particularly, we address the problem of sensor calibration to ensure measurement accuracy. In total, 62 participants aged 15 to 21 years, namely 32 typically-developed (TD) adolescents, 20 adolescents with ID, and 10 adolescents with multiple disabilities (MD), participated. The experimental results showed that stair-walking is more sensitive than straight-line level walking in capturing gait characteristics for adolescents with ID.
A Novel Wearable Device for Food Intake and Physical Activity Recognition
Authors: Farooq Muhammad , Sazonov Edward
Published: July 2016

Presence of speech and motion artifacts has been shown to impact the performance of wearable sensor systems used for automatic detection of food intake. This work presents a novel wearable device which can detect food intake even when the user is physically active and/or talking. The device consists of a piezoelectric strain sensor placed on the temporalis muscle, an accelerometer, and a data acquisition module connected to the temple of eyeglasses. Data from 10 participants was collected while they performed activities including quiet sitting, talking, eating while sitting, eating while walking, and walking. Piezoelectric strain sensor and accelerometer signals were divided into non-overlapping epochs of 3 s; four features were computed for each signal. To differentiate between eating and not eating, as well as between sedentary postures and physical activity, two multiclass classification approaches are presented. The first approach used a single classifier with sensor fusion and the second approach used two-stage classification. The best results were achieved when two separate linear support vector machine (SVM) classifiers were trained for food intake and activity detection, and their results were combined using a decision tree (two-stage classification) to determine the final class. This approach resulted in an average F1-score of 99.85% and area under the curve (AUC) of 0.99 for multiclass classification. With its ability to differentiate between food intake and activity level, this device may potentially be used for tracking both energy intake and energy expenditure.
Internet of Things: A Review of Surveys Based on Context Aware Intelligent Services
Authors: Gil David , Ferrández Antonio , Mora-Mora Higinio , Peral Jesús
Published: July 2016

The Internet of Things (IoT) has made it possible for devices around the world to acquire information and store it, in order to be able to use it at a later stage. However, this potential opportunity is often not exploited because of the excessively big interval between the data collection and the capability to process and analyse it. In this paper, we review the current IoT technologies, approaches and models in order to discover what challenges need to be met to make more sense of data. The main goal of this paper is to review the surveys related to IoT in order to provide well integrated and context aware intelligent services for IoT. Moreover, we present a state-of-the-art of IoT from the context aware perspective that allows the integration of IoT and social networks in the emerging Social Internet of Things (SIoT) term.
An Assessment of the Effectiveness of Tree-Based Models for Multi-Variate Flood Damage Assessment in Australia
Authors: Hasanzadeh Nafari Roozbeh , Ngo Tuan , Mendis Priyan
Published: July 2016

Flood is a frequent natural hazard that has significant financial consequences for Australia. In Australia, physical losses caused by floods are commonly estimated by stage-damage functions. These methods usually consider only the depth of the water and the type of buildings at risk. However, flood damage is a complicated process, and it is dependent on a variety of factors which are rarely taken into account. This study explores the interaction, importance, and influence of water depth, flow velocity, water contamination, precautionary measures, emergency measures, flood experience, floor area, building value, building quality, and socioeconomic status. The study uses tree-based models (regression trees and bagging decision trees) and a dataset collected from 2012 to 2013 flood events in Queensland, which includes information on structural damages, impact parameters, and resistance variables. The tree-based approaches show water depth, floor area, precautionary measures, building value, and building quality to be important damage-influencing parameters. Furthermore, the performance of the tree-based models is validated and contrasted with the outcomes of a multi-parameter loss function (FLFArs) from Australia. The tree-based models are shown to be more accurate than the stage-damage function. Consequently, considering more parameters and taking advantage of tree-based models is recommended. The outcome is important for improving established Australian flood loss models and assisting decision-makers and insurance companies dealing with flood risk assessment.
Sleep Disturbances and Substance Use Disorders: A Bi-Directional Relationship
Authors: Ara Anjum , Jacobs William , Bhat Ishrat Ali , McCall W. Vaughn
Published: July 2016

A complex bi-directional relationship exists between substance use and sleep that encompasses several sleep disturbances including insomnia, hypersomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, and excessive daytime sleepiness. Substances of abuse produce their effect by acting on various receptor and neurotransmitter systems, some of which are involved in normal sleep regulation. Disruption of these neurotransmitter systems can lead to changes in the normal sleep architecture, causing sleep disturbances. Sleep disturbances can persist even after abstinence, a fact that is often not well recognized by substance use disorder treatment programs, and can lead to relapses. Incorporating strategies to counter sleep disturbances can help in relapse prevention. Pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic strategies exist that can be used to treat sleep disturbances in substance use disorders. The potential scope of these strategies is large, but currently there are limited data regarding which pharmacologic options are effective in treating sleep disturbances in patients with substance use disorders. Further advancement in the development of pharmacologic agents could lead to new strategies to help in relapse prevention and successful completion of substance use disorder treatment programs. This review explores the complex bi-directional relationship between substance use and sleep disturbances.

[
Psychiatr Ann
. 2016;46(7):408–412.]
Clinical Outcomes After Cataract Surgery With a New Transitional Toric Intraocular Lens
Authors: Ferreira Tiago B. , Berendschot Tos T.J.M. , Ribeiro Filomena J.
Published: July 2016

PURPOSE:

To evaluate the visual outcomes of patients who underwent cataract surgery with implantation of a transitional toric monofocal intraocular lens (IOL) (Precizon Toric IOL, model 565; Ophtec BV, Groningen, The Netherlands).

METHODS:

In this prospective case series, 51 eyes of 39 patients with cataract and regular keratometric astigmatism between 1.00 and 4.50 diopters (D) that had phacoemulsification with implantation of a Precizon Toric IOL were included. Over a 4-month follow-up period, the main outcome measures were uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuities (UDVA and CDVA, respectively), spherical equivalent (SE) refraction, astigmatism outcomes evaluated according to the Alpins method, the IOL's rotational stability, and higher order aberrations.

RESULTS:

At the 4-month follow-up visit, mean UDVA was 0.06 ± 0.1 logMAR (range: 0.4 to −0.18 logMAR) (
P
< .001) and mean CDVA was −0.00 ± 0.07 logMAR (range: 0.15 to −0.18 logMAR) (
P
< .001). UDVA was 0.3 logMAR or better in 50 (98%) eyes and 0.1 logMAR or better in 42 (82%) eyes. Mean SE refraction was −0.19 ± 0.38 D (range: −1.13 to +0.50 D), with 44 (86%) eyes within ±0.50 D of the attempted correction. Mean target induced astigmatism was 1.96 ± 0.94 D (range: 0.70 to 4.50 D) and mean surgically induced astigmatism was 1.85 ± 1.01 D (range: 0.07 to 4.64 D). Mean correction index was 0.87 (range: 0.07 to 2.29 D). Mean toric IOL axis rotation was 1.98° ± 1.78° (range: 0° to 7°). Ocular aberrometry was within normal values.

CONCLUSIONS:

The implantation of the Precizon Toric IOL in patients with cataract and corneal astigmatism provided excellent visual outcomes, predictability of refractive results, rotational stability, and good optical performance.

[
J Refract Surg.
2016;32(7):452–458.]
Bilateral Ectasia After Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE)
Authors: Mattila Jaakko S. , Holopainen Juha M.
Published: July 2016

PURPOSE:

To describe a case of bilateral ectasia after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) in a patient with early keratoconus.

METHODS:

Case report.

RESULTS:

Bilateral SMILE was performed on a patient even though preoperative topographies showed changes indicating early keratoconus. The right eye underwent further photorefractive keratectomy enhancement 18 months later. The patient developed a bilateral corneal ectasia.

CONCLUSIONS:

This case underlines the importance of thorough preoperative assessment for possible keratoconus suspect changes with corneal topography to avoid postoperative ectasia.

[
J Refract Surg.
2016;32(7):497–500.]
Modelos femeninos de actuación en la familia regia asturleonesa, 700-1000
Authors: Isla Frez Amancio
Published: July 2016

Los miembros femeninos de la familia regia actuaron en unos espacios de poder limitados. Se exploran las conductas que desarrollaron en el período 700- 1000. Se analizan las alianzas que generaron, actuando como mediadoras entre las familias. Las reinas padecieron repudios en virtud del cambio de esas alianzas. Estudiamos los rasgos exigidos a esas reinas merced al epitalamio de Leodegundia. La aproximación de viudas regias o infantas a la vida religiosa cobró distintos grados, pero en buena medida todas siguieron manteniendo su status y desarrollaron niveles de poder relevantes. En cualquier caso, esta entrada en religión generó una cierta protección sobre estos personajes y no les impidió gestionar un notable patrimonio, sino al contrario.
Felipa de Lancáster, la dama inglesa que fue modelo de reginalidad en Portugal (1387-1415)
Authors: Santos Silva Manuela
Published: July 2016

Hasta hace algunas décadas, el interés mostrado por los historiadores en evaluar el poder ejercido por las reinas portuguesas como consortes o progenitoras de los reyes era casi inexistente. Se conservan, sin embargo, suficientes datos como para poder afirmar que, en la Edad Media portuguesa, algunas reinas ejercieron funciones de naturaleza política y diplomática, y participaron junto a sus maridos en la administración de los bienes de la corona, además de cumplir con los deberes que se les atribuían como esposas y madres. Uno de los casos mejor documentados es el de Felipa de Lancáster, esposa de Juan I de Portugal, a quien llamaremos João I para evitar confusiones causadas por homonimias.
Felipa y Catalina de Láncaster: religiosidad y relato historiográfico
Authors: Olivera Serrano César
Published: July 2016

Este artículo analiza la religiosidad de Felipa y Catalina de Láncaster, reinas de Portugal y Castilla, en el marco de las respectivas familias reales. Las crónicas de la época, la poesía cortesana, las fundaciones monásticas y la iconografía transmiten imágenes de virtud que deben ser valoradas desde un triple punto de vista: piedad personal, religiosidad cortesana y discurso historiográfico. Los mensajes que se elaboran sobre la función que deben desempeñar las reinas contribuyen a fortalecer la legitimidad dinástica, algo imprescindible para los Avís y los Trastámara. Felipa aparece descrita en la época del rey Duarte I como un modelo perfecto de religiosidad imitable. Catalina no goza de la misma consideración debido a su labor de gobierno durante la regencia de Juan II.
Los enemigos del ladrillo conferencia pronunciada en la tercera reunión del ciclo de coloquios técnicos
Authors: Arredondo Francisco
Published: July 2016

Not avaliable
Últimos trabajos sobre ladrillos huecos y perforados
Authors: Editorial Equipo
Published: July 2016

Not available
Effect of Thermal Aging on the Interfacial of Sn-Zn and Sn-Zn-Bi Solders Joint on Cu Substrate
Authors: Ervina Efzan Mohd Noor , Al Bakri Abdullah Mohd Mustafa
Published: July 2016

In this paper, the effect of thermal aging to the Sn-Zn and Sn-Zn-Bi solders on Cu substrate was studied. Sn-Zn was chosen and the effect of addition of Bi was investigated in this work. In this research, Sn-9Zn and Sn-6Zn-4Bi were subjected to thermal aging for 24h, 72h, 120h at 75°C and 100°C respectively. Both solder shown increased of thickness intermetallic layer with increasing time. However, Sn-9Zn recorded higher increment of intermetallic layer compared to Sn-6Zn-4Bi. The hardness of solder joint on Cu substrate was decreased for both solders with increasing aging time.
The Analysis of Physical-Structural Properties for AISI 321 Steel
Authors: Băitanu Doru Dumitru , Găluşcă Dan Gelu , Achiţei Dragoş Cristian , Minciună Mirabela Georgiana
Published: July 2016

The applications of stainless steels may be meeting in chemical industry, food industry, civil building, but present an increased interest also in machine constructions or household.This paper highlight the structural modifications obtained after temperature variations for AISI 321 stainless steel. The modifications of structure and proprieties can be induced by heat treatments applied to semi-products before or after the obtaining of final parts, but also by heating at regimes which respect the exploitation conditions of part. In the experiments, it is applied quenching to put into solution, with modification of final treatment temperature and maintaining time, aiming the dissolution of complex carbides and in this mode an easy processing. The treatment parameters were chosen, after the determination of alloying elements by AISI 321 samples, by optic spectrometry. The dilatometric analysis aimed to highlight the structural modifications, specific to thermal fatigue phenomenon, due to temperatures variations.
The Analysis of Metallic Materials Subjected to Cycles of Thermal and Mechanical Fatigue
Authors: Achiţei Dragoş Cristian , Vizureanu Petrică , Minciună Mirabela Georgiana , Al Bakri Abdullah Mohd Mustafa , Sandu Andrei Victor
Published: July 2016

The paper present theoretical and practical aspects concerning to the phenomena of thermal / mechanical fatigue specific to metallic materials, which are found in the structure of industrial parts, subjected to thermal and mechanical requests, also in combination with the corrosion phenomenon, pressure different etc. The analyzed alloys subjected to thermal and mechanical fatigue requests, on a prototype testing installation, using samples from Cu-Zn-Al alloys, which have been processed at standard dimensions by machining. Function of chemical composition of alloy, after a variable number of cycles it was found the micro-cracks appearance that generates crack and finally the break of samples. The SEM realized at different magnifications, highlight the character of samples break.
Influence of Second Reflow on the Intermetallic Compound Growth with Different Surface Finish
Authors: Kahar Hardinnawirda , Abd Malek Zetty Akhtar , Idris Siti Rabiatull Aisha , Ishak Mahadzir
Published: July 2016

The formation and growth of the intermetallic were frequently discussed since lead free solder took place replacing the lead solder. However, the effect of multiple reflow process on the intermetallic morphology that was subjected to aging still needs further investigation. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effect of second reflow towards the intermetallic compound formation and growth. Two types of surface finishes were used such as Immersion Tin (ImSn) and Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold (ENIG). Both test boards were reflowed once with Sn-3Ag-0.5Cu at the temperature of 225 °C and soaking for 8 seconds. Then, they were reflowed again at the same temperature for 25 minutes prior to an isothermal aging process for 250, 500, 1000 and 2000 hours at the temperature of 150 °C. The ProgRes C3 IM7200 Optical Microscope and ImageJ were used for the microstructural study, which includes morphology and thickness. Results indicated that IMC thickness formed between solder and ImSn surface finish increased significantly with 1.28 µm incremental when exposed to the second reflow. Whereas the IMC thickness of ENIG surface finish was increased for up to 0.15 µm. In addition, ENIG showed higher activation energy as compared to ImSn.
Thermal Conductivity Enhancement of Graphene Epoxy Nanocomposite
Authors: Izzati Ismadi Amal , Ku Ahmad Ku Zarina , Norazrina Norazrina , Leong Kin Yuen , Othman Raja Nor Izawati Raja
Published: July 2016

Graphene was introduced in the epoxy matrix for the enhancement of thermal conductivity properties. Dispersion is a crucial step in nanocomposite processing. Therefore, it is important to tackle the issues and homogenously dispersed the graphene in the epoxy matrix. In this paper, we varied the stirring speed in order to understand its effects on enhancing the thermal conductivity values of the composites. Results show that the thermal conductivity increases up to 17.5% with the 1.5% weight loading of graphene that was stirred at 1500 rpm stirring speed. The experiment results are then compared to theoretical calculation by Maxwell model. Study implied that Maxwell model can predict the thermal conductivity of composites because it applies only for small volume fraction of filler. As the filler loading used in this study only up to 1.5 wt. %, Maxwell model was suitable to be used.
An Assessment of Chemical Vapor Deposition Synthesis of SnO2 Nanowires by Statistical Design
Authors: Akhir Maisara Azad Mat , Mohamed Khairudin , Rezan Sheikh Abdul , Lee Hooi Ling , Izah Siti Suhaila M.
Published: July 2016

This paper studies the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) synthesis conditions for tin oxide (SnO2) nanowires (NWs) by using statistical design of experiment (DOE). The influences of synthesis parameters (growth temperature, deposition time and flow rate of argon) on SnO2 NWs diameter were studied. From perturbation analysis with DOE, it was found that temperature gave the most significant effect to the diameter of SnO2 NWs via CVD method followed by flowrate of argon and deposition time. Furthermore, based on the cube graph, the smallest SnO2 NWs (~18 nm) can be obtained at temperature of 850 °C with argon flow rate of 100 sccm using a deposition time of 60 min. On the other hand, the largest SnO2 NWs (~248 nm) can be produced at 900 °C.
Modelling and Simulation of Rectangular Bundle of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes for Antenna Applications
Authors: Jurn Yaseen Naser , Malek Fareq , Mahmood Sawsen Abdulahadi , Liu Wei Wen , Fakhri Makram A. , Salih Muataz Hameed
Published: July 2016

This paper aims to present an effective electromagnetic (EM) modelling approach for rectangular bundle of single-walled carbon nanotubes (RB-SWCNTs), based on the electrical conductivity, relative complex permittivity and linear distribution impedance by applying General Ohm’s law for this bundle. The equivalent single conductor material (ESCM) model for personification the RB-SWCNTs is present in this paper. The main target of this modeling approach is to estimate and investigate the EM properties of RB-SWCNTs using common EM engineering tool solver CST (MWS). For this purpose, the RB-SWCNTs and ESCM dipole antennas will be designed and implemented using CST (MWS). The equivalent conductivity model, relative complex permittivity and other parameters of the RB-SWCNTs will be derived in this paper and considered as an equivalent material parameters for the ESCM. This modeling technique is expected to provide new avenues for designing different antenna structures.
Students’ perceptions of the instructional quality of district hospital-based training
Authors: Memon Shehla Jabbar , Louw Jakobus Murray , Bac Martin , Hugo Jannie , Rauf Waqar-un Nisa , Sandars John Edward
Published: July 2016

Background: An innovative, three-year training programme, the Bachelor of Clinical Medical Practice (BCMP), for mid-level medical healthcare workers was started in 2009 by the Department of Family Medicine, University of Pretoria.Aim: To measure the students’ perceptions of the instructional quality of district hospitalbased training. Setting: Training of students took place at clinical learning centres in rural district hospitals in the Mpumalanga and Gauteng provinces.Methods: A survey using the MedEd IQ questionnaire was performed in 2010 and 2011 to measure BCMP second- and third-year students’ perceptions of instructional quality of district hospital-based training. The MedEd IQ questionnaire is composed of four subscales: preceptor activities, learning opportunities, learner involvement and the learning environment. Composite scores of instructional quality were used to present results.Results: The preceptor activities, learning opportunities and the learning environment were considered by second- and third-year BCMP students to be of consistently high instructional quality. In the area of learner involvement, instructional quality increased significantly from second to third year.Conclusion: Overall, instructional quality of district hospital-based training was high for both second- and third-year BCMP students, and the instructional quality of learner involvement being significantly higher in third year students. The MedEd IQ tool was a useful tool for measuring instructional quality and to inform programme quality improvement.Keywords: clinical associates, evaluation of medical education, mid-level healthcare workers, rural learning centres, rural medical education, student satisfaction.
A Performance Management Initiative for Local Health Department Vector Control Programs
Authors: Gerding Justin , Kirshy Micaela , Moran John W. , Bialek Ron , Lamers Vanessa , Sarisky John
Published: July 2016

Local health department (LHD) vector control programs have experienced reductions in funding and capacity. Acknowledging this situation and its potential effect on the ability to respond to vector-borne diseases, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Public Health Foundation partnered on a performance management initiative for LHD vector control programs. The initiative involved 14 programs that conducted a performance assessment using the Environmental Public Health Performance Standards. The programs, assisted by quality improvement (QI) experts, used the assessment results to prioritize improvement areas that were addressed with QI projects intended to increase effectiveness and efficiency in the delivery of services such as responding to mosquito complaints and educating the public about vector-borne disease prevention. This article describes the initiative as a process LHD vector control programs may adapt to meet their performance management needs. This study also reviews aggregate performance assessment results and QI projects, which may reveal common aspects of LHD vector control program performance and priority improvement areas. LHD vector control programs interested in performance assessment and improvement may benefit from engaging in an approach similar to this performance management initiative.
Predicting abundance and variability of ice nucleating particles in
precipitation at the high-altitude observatory Jungfraujoch
Authors: Stopelli Emiliano , Conen Franz , Morris Cindy E. , Herrmann Erik , Henne Stephan , Steinbacher Martin , Alewell Christine
Published: July 2016

Abstract. Nucleation of ice affects the properties of clouds and the formation of precipitation. Quantitative data on how ice nucleating particles (INPs) determine the distribution, occurrence and intensity of precipitation are still scarce. INPs active at −8 °C (INPs−8) were observed for 2 years in precipitation samples at the High-Altitude Research Station Jungfraujoch (Switzerland) at 3580 m a.s.l. Several environmental parameters were scanned for their capability to predict the observed abundance and variability of INPs−8. Those singularly presenting the best correlations with observed number of INPs−8 (residual fraction of water vapour, wind speed, air temperature, number of particles with diameter larger than 0.5 µm, season, and source region of particles) were implemented as potential predictor variables in statistical multiple linear regression models. These models were calibrated with 84 precipitation samples collected during the first year of observations; their predictive power was successively validated on the set of 15 precipitation samples collected during the second year. The model performing best in calibration and validation explains more than 75 % of the whole variability of INPs−8 in precipitation and indicates that a high abundance of INPs−8 is to be expected whenever high wind speed coincides with air masses having experienced little or no precipitation prior to sampling. Such conditions occur during frontal passages, often accompanied by precipitation. Therefore, the circumstances when INPs−8 could be sufficiently abundant to initiate the ice phase in clouds may frequently coincide with meteorological conditions favourable to the onset of precipitation events.
DAS-2D: a concept design tool for compliant mechanisms
Authors: Turkkan Omer Anil , Su Hai-Jun
Published: July 2016

Abstract. Compliant mechanisms utilize the deformation of the elastic members to achieve the desired motion. Currently, design and analysis of compliant mechanisms rely on several commercial dynamics and finite element simulation tools. However, these tools do not implement the most recently developed theories in compliant mechanism research. In this article, we present DAS-2D (Design, Analysis and Synthesis), a conceptual design tool which integrates the recently developed pseudo-rigid-body models and kinetostatic analysis/synthesis theories for compliant mechanisms. Coded in Matlab, the software features a kinematic solver for general rigid-body mechanisms, a kinetostatic solver for compliant mechanisms and a fully interactive graphical user interface. The implementation details of all modules of the program are presented and demonstrated with four different case studies. This tool can be beneficial to classroom teaching as well as engineering practices in design of compliant mechanisms.
“Yo acojo, tú agrupas, ella compensa”: Análisis comparado de la política de integración del alumnado inmigrante en tres Comunidades Autónomas
Authors: Martínez Usarralde María Jesús , Fernández García Carmen María , Ayala de la Peña Amalia
Published: July 2016

Con la Ley Orgánica de Mejora de la Calidad Educativa vuelve a emerger uno de los temas educativos más oportunos: la toma de decisiones en torno a las políticas educativas de atención al alumnado inmigrante. El momento supone una excelente excusa para, desde el prisma que nos ofrece la Educación Comparada, revisar cómo el colectivo de infancia inmigrante ha sido educado desde tres modelos de gestión educativa representados por tres Comunidades Autónomas: Comunidad Valenciana, Cataluña y Andalucía. El artículo se sitúa en el análisis de las medidas que se han articulado en los tres casos como respuesta a su recepción, acogida y escolarización, utilizando una metodología cualitativa basada en el método comparado: en el estudio descriptivo (fase analítica), se realiza una exploración explicativa de las medidas articuladas en torno a las políticas de gestión del alumnado inmigrante, mediante el análisis de contenido de fuentes primarias y secundarias. Con respecto a los resultados, en la fase sintética, tras haber yuxtapuesto los principales criterios que asemejan y también dirimen a los tres modelos, se reconoce cómo las tres Comunidades Autónomas presentan particularidades, fruto de trayectos históricos propios, coyunturas económicas y políticas e intenciones educativas y sociales, influidas por contextos en los que algunos factores han tenido un peso específico importante. Además del protagonismo institucional, se detectan diferencias notables en las medidas concretas adoptadas, pero también coincidencias, como las políticas que apoyan económicamente la lengua de la comunidad autónoma. Finalmente, en la fase de conclusiones comparadas, se plantean una serie de elementos de los que se deberían dotar las Comunidades Autónomas y que se hallan presentes en algunos modelos analizados. La atención a la lengua que porta el alumnado o el cuidado por incluir una educación intercultural en los planes de los centros educativos son dos de las acciones más significativas.
¿Qué hacen los directores de centros escolares? Las prácticas de dirección en España a partir de los estudios internacionales PISA y TALIS
Authors: Izquierdo Gómez David
Published: July 2016

El papel del director es clave en los centros escolares. Sus acciones repercuten en la eficacia de los centros, y de manera indirecta en los resultados académicos de los alumnos. Numerosos estudios describen las diferentes actividades que desempeñan los directores en su práctica diaria, agrupándolas en dimensiones, no existiendo unanimidad en torno a las prácticas realizadas ni en las dimensiones en las que se agrupan. En España, la nueva ley educativa, LOMCE, hace hincapié en la importancia de mirar a lo que dice la investigación internacional en el ámbito de la educación para sustentar la necesidad de cambios y justificar los que se realicen, y desarrolla una lista extendida de las competencias propias del director. Este estudio es una síntesis de investigación narrativa cuya unidad de análisis son los resultados de los informes internacionales PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) y TALIS (Teaching and Learning International Study) y los datos que aportan sobre la dirección y sus prácticas, a partir de los que se infieren unas conclusiones que se comparan con las competencias de dirección enunciadas en la LOMCE. El análisis comparativo de las prácticas de dirección presentadas describe un panorama aún heterogéneo y desigual, no existiendo coincidencia en la delimitación de las dimensiones de dirección, ni en el número de prácticas que las componen. Dicho panorama apunta a la necesidad de seguir investigando empíricamente para obtener con precisión un catálogo homogéneo de acciones desempeñadas por los directores que abra la puerta al desarrollo de la función directiva, y a la mejora de la efectividad y el rendimiento de los centros, tal y como se plantea a nivel internacional, y es objetivo en la nueva ley educativa.
Prática da profilaxia antimicrobiana cirúrgica como fator de segurança do paciente
Authors: Tostes Maria Fernanda do Prado , Maran Edilaine , Raimundo Larissa Sorrilha , Mai Lilian Denise
Published: July 2016

Objetivo: Identificar a prática da profilaxia antimicrobiana cirúrgica adotada pelos profissionais atuantes em centro cirúrgico. Método: Estudo descritivo com abordagem quantitativa. Participaram 30 profissionais de centro cirúrgico localizado na região Noroeste do Paraná, Brasil. A coleta de dados ocorreu em 2012 por observação direta. Para análise, utilizou-se a estatística descritiva. Resultados: Constatou-se que em 81 (81%) das cirurgias, limpas, potencialmente contaminadas e contaminadas, a profilaxia antimicrobiana cirúrgica foi realizada. Entretanto, na maioria delas (54/66,6%), o antimicrobiano não foi administrado dentro de uma hora antes da incisão cirúrgica. Adicionalmente, em seis (18,1%) cirurgias potencialmente contaminadas e em uma (33%) contaminada, em que seu uso é indispensável, o antimicrobiano não foi utilizado. Conclusão: Evidenciou-se que esta prática descumpre as recomendações vigentes, o que afeta a sua eficácia em prevenir infecção de sítio cirúrgico e compromete a segurança do paciente. Palavras-chave: Segurança do paciente. Antibioticoprofilaxia. Enfermagem perioperatória.
“Our Color Won’t Wash Off”: The Desegregation of Swimming in Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Authors: Kibler M. Alison , Davidowitz Shanni
Published: July 2016

In Lancaster, Pennsylvania, as in other northern cities, the campaign to desegregate swimming was a protracted drama of victories in court, pool owners’ evasion of state civil rights law, and white flight from integrated facilities. In 1960, Lancaster progressives filed lawsuits against three privately owned pools that were open to the public on a daily basis but did not allow African Americans. Such exclusion was a violation of Pennsylvania’s Equal Rights Act of 1939, which forbade discrimination in public accommodations (or facilities open to the public) based on race, creed, or color. In Lancaster, when the courts sided with African American patrons, the pools quickly shifted from open-access to members-only policies to evade state civil rights law. The city and county responded to the privatization of the three pools by building publically funded pools in 1966 and 1967. Lancaster’s new, high-quality pools, located in parks, were different from most of the other pools built during this “municipal pool renaissance” in which cities built pools—usually shallow and small—in blighted neighborhoods as a strategy for calming urban violence in the second half of the 1960s. The Lancaster case confirms northern ambivalence about civil rights and uncovers one community’s struggle to build and define public swimming pools.
The Diagnostic Concordance of Whole Slide Imaging and Light Microscopy: A Systematic Review
Authors: Goacher Edward , Randell Rebecca , Williams Bethany , Treanor Darren
Published: July 2016

Context.—Light microscopy (LM) is considered the reference standard for diagnosis in pathology. Whole slide imaging (WSI) generates digital images of cellular and tissue samples and offers multiple advantages compared with LM. Currently, WSI is not widely used for primary diagnosis. The lack of evidence regarding concordance between diagnoses rendered by WSI and LM is a significant barrier to both regulatory approval and uptake.

Objective.—To examine the published literature on the concordance of pathologic diagnoses rendered by WSI compared with those rendered by LM.

Data Sources.—We conducted a systematic review of studies assessing the concordance of pathologic diagnoses rendered by WSI and LM. Studies were identified following a systematic search of Medline (Medline Industries, Mundelein, Illinois), Medline in progress (Medline Industries), EMBASE (Elsevier, Amsterdam, the Netherlands), and the Cochrane Library (Wiley, London, England), between 1999 and March 2015.

Conclusions.—Thirty-eight studies were included in the review. The mean diagnostic concordance of WSI and LM, weighted by the number of cases per study, was 92.4%. The weighted mean κ coefficient between WSI and LM was 0.75, signifying substantial agreement. Of the 30 studies quoting percentage concordance, 18 (60%) showed a concordance of 90% or greater, of which 10 (33%) showed a concordance of 95% or greater. This review found evidence to support a high level of diagnostic concordance. However, there were few studies, many were small, and they varied in quality, suggesting that further validation studies are still needed.
Queue length for the E
k/G/1 queue by finite waiting room
Authors: Truslove A. L.
Published: July 2016

For the E

k
/G/1 queue with finite waiting room the phase technique is used to analyse the Markov chain imbedded in the queueing process at successive instants at which customers complete service, and the distribution of queue length is obtained. The limit as the size of the waiting room becomes infinite is found.
Embedding colloidal nanoparticles inside mesoporous silica using gas expanded liquids for high loading recyclable catalysts
Authors: Collins Gillian , Rahme Kamil , O'Connell John , Holmes Justin. D.
Published: July 2016

Size and composition controlled alloy nanoparticles can be easily incorporated into porous SiO2supports using carbon dioxide expanded hexane. Embedding NPs into porous networks increase catalyst stability and recyclability compared to immobilisation on non-porous SiO2supports.
Correction: The anti-inflammatory effect of a glycosylation product derived from the high hydrostatic pressure enzymatic hydrolysate of a flatfish byproduct
Authors: Choe In-Hu , Jeon Hyeon Jin , Eom Sung-Hwan , Han Young-Ki , Kim Yoon Sook , Lee Sang-Hoon
Published: July 2016

Correction for ‘The anti-inflammatory effect of a glycosylation product derived from the high hydrostatic pressure enzymatic hydrolysate of a flatfish byproduct’ by In-Hu Choe, et al., Food Funct., 2016, 7, 2557–2565.
Tuning the structure and habit of iron oxide mesocrystals
Authors: Wetterskog Erik , Klapper Alice , Disch Sabrina , Josten Elisabeth , Hermann Raphaël P. , Rücker Ulrich , Brückel Thomas , Bergström Lennart , Salazar-Alvarez German
Published: July 2016

A precise control over the meso- and microstructure of ordered and aligned nanoparticle assemblies, i.e., mesocrystals, is essential in the quest for exploiting the collective material properties for potential applications.
Aggregation and stabilization of multiwalled carbon nanotubes in aqueous suspensions: influences of carboxymethyl cellulose, starch and humic acid
Authors: Liu Wen , Zhao Xiao , Cai Zhengqing , Han Bing , Zhao Dongye
Published: July 2016

Aggregation and stability of multiwalled carbon nanotubes in aqueous solutions were investigated with two polysaccharide stabilizers (carboxymethyl cellulose and a water soluble starch) and a natural organic matter (leonardite humic acid).
Tailorable pseudocapacitors for energy storage clothes
Authors: Shen Liuxue , Sun Peng , Zhao Chuanxi , Tan Shaozao , Mai Wenjie
Published: July 2016

All-solid-state tailorable supercapacitors based on flexible carbon nanotube (CNT)–polymer and CNT–metal oxide hybrid electrodes are successfully demonstrated.
Fabrication of a high-performance nano-structured Ln1−xSrxMO3−δ (Ln = La, Sm; M = Mn, Co, Fe) SOC electrode through infiltration
Authors: Wu Tong , Yu Bo , Zhang Wenqiang , Chen Jing , Zhao Suoqi
Published: July 2016

In order to solve the problem of degradation and enhance electrochemical activity of oxygen electrode, an effective method is that utilizing the electrode/electrolyte material as a scaffold and then infiltrating oxygen electrode materials into it.
Ru(ii)-p-cymene complexes containing esters of chiral d/l-phenylalanine derived aroylthiourea ligands for enantioselective reduction of pro-chiral ketones
Authors: Sheeba Mani Mary , Tamizh Manoharan Muthu , Babu Sundaram Ganesh , Bhuvanesh Nattamai S. P. , Karvembu Ramasamy
Published: July 2016

The chiral Ru(ii)-p-cymene complexes are efficient catalysts for the enantioselective reduction of ketones to chiral alcohols.
Using different natural origin carriers for development of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) solid formulations with improved antioxidant activity by PGSS-drying
Authors: Gonçalves V. S. S. , Poejo J. , Matias A. A. , Rodríguez-Rojo S. , Cocero M. J. , Duarte C. M. M.
Published: July 2016

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the catechin with the highest antioxidant activity present in green tea.
Glucosamine-induced growth of highly distributed TiO2 nanoparticles on graphene nanosheets as high-performance photocatalysts
Authors: Gu Lanbing , Zhang Haijiao , Jiao Zheng , Li Minjie , Wu Minghong , Lei Yong
Published: July 2016

Ultrasmall TiO2 nanoparticles@graphene composites with superior photocatalytic activity have been designed by a facile glucosamine-assisted hydrothermal strategy.
Design principles of spectroscopic probes for biological applications
Authors: Zhou Jin , Ma Huimin
Published: July 2016

Design strategies, response modes and bioapplications of spectroscopic probes are briefly reviewed, which may have important guiding significance for readers.