bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fashion and Social Media
Authors: Kontu Hanna , Vecchi Alessandra
Published: May 2016

Although it is clear that social media is powerful, many luxury fashion brands have been reluctant or unable to develop strategies and allocate resources to effectively engage with the new media. Adopting an exploratory approach, this chapter studies the use of social media in the luxury fashion industry through three case studies from the Italian market. The aim is to understand the role of social media as a strategic marketing tool and its broader implications to the overall marketing strategy. The findings arising from this research can help practitioners and managers to make sense of the social media environment and better understand how to design social media activities to engage with the luxury fashion consumer.
Benetton's Response to the Increasing Global Competition
Authors: Vallisi Valentina , Vecchi Alessandra
Published: May 2016

The chapter is focused on the initiatives Benetton has implemented in order to keep up with competitors in the context of the apparel industry from 1990s until nowadays. The most remarkable transformations in Benetton's strategy are the shift from an Italian network of suppliers to a global one and the series of initiatives put into practice to align with fast fashion principles, such as the implementation of a dual supply chain and the transition from a franchising strategy to directly owned megastores. With regards to fast fashion, a comparison with Zara is presented. The aim of the chapter is to provide a complete view of Benetton's evolution, showing its responses to the changes in the apparel industry, in particular in the context of fast fashion.
Scoring Functions in Docking Experiments
Authors: Ambure Pravin , Roy Kunal
Published: May 2016

Molecular docking is a computational technique used to predict the binding orientation of a molecule while interacting with other molecule and finally quantify the inter-molecular interactions in terms of a binding score or binding affinity. In general, every docking algorithm comprises one or more “scoring function(s)” which is/are responsible for finding a precise binding pose as well as for predicting the binding affinity. In the last two decades, a significant development has been found in the field of scoring functions. In this chapter, the authors will discuss in detail about various types of scoring functions used in the docking experiments. This chapter will get the readers acquainted with different types of scoring functions available, their theoretical background, essential components, desired properties, and the important task performed by the scoring functions. The authors will also discuss the challenges faced by the scoring functions and their recent progress.
Protein-Ligand Docking Methodologies and Its Application in Drug Discovery
Authors: Rajkhowa Sanchaita , Deka Ramesh C.
Published: May 2016

Molecular docking is a key tool in structural biology and computer-assisted drug design. Molecular docking is a method which predicts the preferred orientation of a ligand when bound in an active site to form a stable complex. It is the most common method used as a structure-based drug design. Here, the authors intend to discuss the various types of docking methods and their development and applications in modern drug discovery. The important basic theories such as sampling algorithm and scoring functions have been discussed briefly. The performances of the different available docking software have also been discussed. This chapter also includes some application examples of docking studies in modern drug discovery such as targeted drug delivery using carbon nanotubes, docking of nucleic acids to find the binding modes and a comparative study between high-throughput screening and structure-based virtual screening.
Molecular Docking Technique to Understand Enzyme-Ligand Interactions
Authors: Sonawane Kailas Dashrath , Dhanavade Maruti Jayram
Published: May 2016

Molecular docking has advanced to such an extent that one can rapidly and accurately identify pharmaceutically useful lead compounds. It is being used routinely to understand molecular interactions between enzyme and ligand molecules. Several computational approaches are combined with experimental work to investigate molecular mechanisms in detail at the atomic level. Molecular docking method is also useful to investigate proper orientation and interactions between receptor and ligand. In this chapter we have discussed protein-protein approach to understand interactions between enzyme and amyloid beta (Aß) peptide. The Aß peptide is a causative agent of Alzheimer's disease. The Aß peptides can be cleaved specifically by several enzymes. Their interactions with Aß peptide and specific enzyme can be investigated using molecular docking. Thus, the molecular information obtained from docking studies might be useful to design new therapeutic approaches in treatment of Alzheimer's as well as several other diseases.
Current Trends in Docking Methodologies
Authors: Tripathi Shubhandra , Kumar Akhil , Kahlon Amandeep Kaur , Sharma Ashok
Published: May 2016

Molecular docking was earlier considered to predict the binding affinity of the receptor and ligand molecules. With the progress in computational power and developing approaches, new horizons are now opening for accurate prediction of molecular binding affinity. In the current book chapter, recent strategies for Computer-Aided Drug Designing (CADD) including virtual screening and molecular docking, encompassing molecular dynamics simulations, and binding free energy calculation methods are discussed. Brief overview of different binding free energy methods MMPBSA, MMGBSA, LIE and TI have also been given along with the recent Relaxed Complex Scheme protocol.
Logistics Geostrategy as a Decision Factor to Locate a Multimodal Logistics Platform
Authors: Rojas Adriana Rodríguez , Flores Jose Luis Martínez
Published: May 2016

The objective of this chapter is to study some geographical aspects that in one way or another influence decisions, such as finding the best place to locate a Multimodal Logistics Platform (MLP), without neglecting the consideration of other factors affecting decisions of locating infrastructure, such as economics, politics and environment. The first step, is studying all the geographical aspects: physical space, weather, topography and other factors that indirectly affect the reliable operation of this kind of logistics infrastructure. This study investigates the use of the quantitative method of “Weighting factors” to evaluate every one of the mentioned factors; the method will be evaluated by a group of experts in the field, who will define the geographic aspects that really influence the decision to locate an MLP. To check the result, a nonparametric statistics test named U of Mann-Whitney will be used. The case will be first applied to compare two countries: Mexico and Panama. It is the first of a series of logistical studies to decide on the best country to locate an MLP.
Macroergonomic Work Systems' Design Factors and Elements
Authors: Realyvásquez Arturo , Maldonado-Macías Aidé Aracely , Romero-González Jaime
Published: May 2016

Currently there is no a literature survey which evaluates and classifies the papers according to the macroergonomic factors and elements that authors consider needed to work systems' design. For that reason, this chapter offers a review to identify the most frequent macroergonomic work systems' design factors and elements enounced in literature and propose a classification for them. A manual search was performed in seven databases by using keywords such as sociotechnical systems, macroergonomics, and work systems design. Bibliographical sources were classified into five main groups, corresponding to the factors of work systems' design, named Peron factor, Organization factor, factor of Tools and Technology, Tasks factor, and Environment factor, and their corresponding subgroups (elements). The macroergonomic Organization factor presented the highest frequency, while the macroergonomic factor of Tools and Technology presented the lowest frequency. Regarding the elements, Teamwork was the most frequent, while Advanced Manufacturing technology and Work Schedules were the less frequent.
Factorial Design for Reduction of Variation on Plastic Parts Weight
Authors: Becerra María B. , Hernández Arturo , Franco Ángel A. , Zea José M. , Zitzumbo Roberto
Published: May 2016

This research aims to find the causes of weight variation of plastic products that cause a high cost and rework. The importance of using statistical control on the weight of plastic parts is presented; describing the type of machinery used to manufacture, considering the properties and applications of material as Acetal and conditions for injection molding operation, where a 24 factorial experimental design was used to find the variables which influence the weight of the product to maintain a stable process. An efficient solution was developed considering the variables of pressure and injection time to be highly significant in the weight of the plastic parts. Finally an optimal arrangement is generated for the plastic injection process which ensures a stable production process and ensures the quality of the product, which implies a reduction of costs and compliance with design specifications.
The Six Sigma Strategy
Authors: Limon-Romero Jorge , Baez-Lopez Yolanda , Tlapa Diego , Moreno-Jiménez José María , Rodriguez-Borbon Manuel I.
Published: May 2016

This chapter studies Critical Success Tools and Techniques (T&Ts) of Six Sigma (SS) strategy reported by researchers and practitioners. The main objectives of this research are to describe the current situation of SS and collaborate in the understanding of its successful implementation. This study was carried out through an extended literature review. Moreover, two periods of time were analyzed in order to emphasize on the evolution of SS. Such analysis relied on odds-ratio and hypothesis testing for proportions to study the most important T&Ts reported in almost two hundred of successful works related to SS projects. Afterwards, such T&Ts were identified and described. From this perspective, this chapter can be a useful guideline for training in companies, since it highlights the T&Ts most frequently used in successful projects, which have managed to improve the processes, reduce costs, and increase customer satisfaction in companies.
Managing Emergency Units Applying Queueing Theory
Authors: Hernández-González Salvador , Hernández-Ripalda Manuel Dario , González-Pérez Anakaren , Tapia-Esquivias Moises , Luna-González Alicia
Published: May 2016

Today managers of health systems must manage the resources at their disposal to ensure that service quality is adequate, this leads at the same time making decisions to ensure that these resources are managed efficiently and effectively. The decision process in healthcare systems is not trivial given the complexity of these systems. The application of tools (like queueing theory) for decision making in hospital systems is an area of opportunity because of the increasing financial pressure and the growing demand for care. This document shows how queueing theory can be applied for analyzing the performance of an Emergency Unit under different capacity scenarios. The analysis shows that increasing the number of servers required to maintain constant congestion(emphasis on efficiency)is more expensive than adding servers to maintain constant the probability that a patient has to wait (emphasis on quality and efficiency). The paper ends with recommendations for future research.
Optimizing the Reconfiguration of Machining Desktop Micro-Factory Based on Scheduling Simulation
Authors: Pérez Roberto , Márquez José Eduardo , Molina Arturo , Ramírez-Cadena Miguel , Del Risco Ricardo , Vento Oropesa Midiala , Vento Midiala Oropesa
Published: May 2016

Today, the micro-factory concept of downsizing production systems is essential to manufacturing small products in sustainable growth. Concerning this, this paper presents the developments accomplished during the recent years at Tecnológico de Monterrey (Mexico) and Holguin University (Cuba) introducing new findings related to the design of reconfigurable micro-factories based-on micro-machine tools. The chapter discusses the proposed framework for the optimizing the development of micro-factories in the context of micro-reconfigurable manufacturing systems based-on micro-reconfigurable machine tools. The novel methodology for optimizing the scheduling of reconfigurable micro-factories were exposed and a scheduling optimization of a reconfigurable micro-factory prototype was designed and tested.
The Knowledge Transfer Process on the Development of Dynamic Capabilities through Industrial Networks
Authors: Gil Alfonso J. , Mataveli Mara
Published: May 2016

The overall objective of this study is to analyze the processes of knowledge transfer generated in networks in the industry to produce dynamic capabilities, specifically the development of innovation. To achieve the proposed aims, the relationship between network, innovation, learning and knowledge is analysed. Interactions between companies allow combining existing ideas to give new perspectives and also to create new ideas that are sources of innovation. To generate and transmit knowledge companies develop effective learning processes. The key points for the development of learning are: the creation of learning environments and the development of a collaborative culture of learning, based on trust, allowing interaction between companies for the mutual benefit of collaboration.
Investigating the Daily Use of Mobile Phones as Tools to Enhance mLearning for Local Cultural Subjects in the Context of Malaysian Universities
Authors: Ariffin Shamsul Arrieya
Published: May 2016

With the advent of mobile technology, students and academics are using mobile devices, such as mobile phones, for personal daily activities. Due to the heavy overseas ‘Mat Salleh' content from English speaking countries, such as the U.S.A. and the United Kingdom this contributes to the lack of content. In fact, there is a lack of local content for local cultural subjects. Furthermore, there are limited qualitative studies that take into consideration the potential of students in the Malaysian universities to make use of mobile phones as tools to enhance mobile learning or mLearning, particularly for studying local cultural subjects. Interviews and focus group discussions were conducted for this largely qualitative study. Thematic analysis was then conducted on the data collected. The main themes that emerged from this study comprise multimedia usage and software for daily use. Thus, this study contributes to understanding by revealing future potential, including suggestions for the use of the multimedia functions of the mobile phones for better learning outcomes.
Journalism and Law 2.0
Authors: Cochrane Thomas , Sissons Helen , Mulrennan Danielle L. , Rive Vernon
Published: May 2016

This chapter extends the authors' 2013 IJMBL article that covered the establishment of a lecturer Community Of Practice (COP) leading to two journalism 2.0 project iterations in 2011 and 2012. Since 2012 the project has had an increasingly wide impact across the journalism degree curriculum, including the establishment of a specific third year mobile journalism course in 2013, and the integration of mobile social media into over six journalism courses within the degree. In 2014 the journalism COP was also broadened to include two law lecturers from the business faculty of the university to support the integration of new pedagogies within the law degree curriculum. This led to the exploration of new pedagogies within two law degree courses in 2014, including international environment law, and law and media studies. This illustrates the potential of a COP model for supporting the brokering of pedagogical transformation across the boundaries of different (but associated) learning contexts.
Samba-enredo e sua inscrição social: uma análise linguístico-discursiva da situação de enunciação
Authors: Facin Débora , Freitas Ernani Cesar de
Published: May 2016

O objetivo deste estudo consiste em analisar a letra do samba-enredo intitulado Extra! Extra! A Vale Samba apresenta. ‘Evolução, revolução... O fantástico mundo da comunicação’, referente ao carnaval de 2012 da escola de samba Vale Samba, agremiação pertencente ao município de Joaçaba, localizado no Meio-Oeste de Santa Catarina, sob o enfoque enunciativo, especificamente mediante os conceitos de cenografia e ethos discursivo pensados por Dominique Maingueneau (1997, 2006, 2008a, 2008b, 2008c, 2010, 2011a, 2011b). Metodologicamente, esta pesquisa caracteriza-se como exploratório-descritiva. A leitura e a análise do corpus, pelo viés enunciativo, revelam que o samba-enredo, além de apresentar uma estrutura composicional específica, caracteriza-se pela ambivalência em razão de comportar, em sua sintagmatização, semas específicos da cena carnavalesca.
A invenção do lumbersexual: memórias de uma virilidade perdida?
Authors: Silva Francisco Vieira da , Leite Francisco De Freitas
Published: May 2016

Neste texto, interessa-nos discutir a ideia de virilidade, cotejando com modos atuais de ressignificar determinadas posturas, práticas e comportamentos historicamente atrelados a uma cultura viril. Assim, tomamos como objeto de análise os discursos em torno da aparição do lumbersexual na mídia, com vistas a problematizar essa irrupção discursiva como sintoma de uma reconfiguração na concepção de virilidade, engendrada na/pela história e, portanto, suscetível a transformações e reordenamentos.
Editorial v.33, n.3 (2015)
Authors: Geografia - UEM Boletim De
Published: May 2016

Editorial do volume 33, número 3, do ano de 2015.
Identification of Vaccine-Altered Circulating B Cell Phenotypes Using Mass Cytometry and a Two-Step Clustering Analysis
Authors: Pejoski David , Tchitchek Nicolas , Rodriguez Pozo André , Elhmouzi-Younes Jamila , Yousfi-Bogniaho Rahima , Rogez-Kreuz Christine , Clayette Pascal , Dereuddre-Bosquet Nathalie , Lévy Yves , Cosma Antonio , Le Grand Roger , Beignon Anne-Sophie
Published: May 2016

Broadening our understanding of the abundance and phenotype of B cell subsets that are induced or perturbed by exogenous Ags will improve the vaccine evaluation process. Mass cytometry (CyTOF) is being used to increase the number of markers that can be investigated in single cells, and therefore characterize cell phenotype at an unprecedented level. We designed a panel of CyTOF Abs to compare the B cell response in cynomolgus macaques at baseline, and 8 and 28 d after the second homologous immunization with modified vaccinia virus Ankara. The spanning-tree progression analysis of density-normalized events (SPADE) algorithm was used to identify clusters of CD20+ B cells. Our data revealed the phenotypic complexity and diversity of circulating B cells at steady-state and significant vaccine-induced changes in the proportions of some B cell clusters. All SPADE clusters, including those altered quantitatively by vaccination, were characterized phenotypically and compared using double hierarchical clustering. Vaccine-altered clusters composed of previously described subsets including CD27hiCD21lo activated memory and CD27+CD21+ resting memory B cells, and subphenotypes with novel patterns of marker coexpression. The expansion, followed by the contraction, of a single memory B cell SPADE cluster was positively correlated with serum anti-vaccine Ab titers. Similar results were generated by a different algorithm, automatic classification of cellular expression by nonlinear stochastic embedding. In conclusion, we present an in-depth characterization of B cell subphenotypes and proportions, before and after vaccination, using a two-step clustering analysis of CyTOF data, which is suitable for longitudinal studies and B cell subsets and biomarkers discovery.
RF Sensor Modules – Needs for Multifunctional Architectures
Authors: Oppermann Martin , Thurow Felix , Rieger Ralf
Published: May 2016

Next generation of RF sensor modules, mainly for airborne applications, will cover a variety of multifunction in terms of different operating modes, e.g. Radar, EW and Communications / Datalinks. The operating frequencies will cover a bandwidth of > 10 GHz and for realisation of modern Active Electronically Steered Antennas (AESA) the Transmit/Receive (T/R) modules have to match with challenging geometry demands, and RF requirements, like switching and filtering between different operational frequencies in transmit and receive mode. New GaN technology based MMICs, e.g. LNA, HPA are in development and multifunctional components (MFC MMICs) cover more than one RF function in one chip.

Different front end demonstrators will be presented, based on multilayer ceramic (LTCC) and RF-PCB and associated assembly technologies, like chip&wire and SMD reflow soldering. These TRM front ends include a Low Noise Amplifier with an integrated Switch (LNA/SW) and for characterisation the measured Noise Figure (NF), a key characteristic for receive performance, will be compared. The need for high integration on module level is obvious and therefore specific demands for low loss ceramic and PCB based modules, packages and housings exist.
Fabrication, response and stability of miniature piezoresistive force-sensing thick-film cantilevers
Authors: Maeder Thomas , Jacq Caroline , Caseiro Stefane , Ryser Peter
Published: May 2016

Miniature ceramic cantilevers have been successfully applied to the fabrication of simple and low-cost piezoresistive thick-film force-sensing cells, using different thick-film and LTCC (low-temperature co-fired ceramic) substrates. The availability of thin substrates for some materials allows much improved sensitivity compared to classical thick-film technology, with LTCC also featuring rather low substrate elastic modulus and fine structurability. However, practical applicability may be hindered by processing difficulties, such as printing and handling very thin fired substrates, or, in the case of co-fired tapes, warpage during firing. Also, signal drift is observed with some devices. In this work, we show that most of the previously-observed signal drift in some LTCC sensors is not due to self-heating, and therefore stems from defects such as micro-cracks within the ceramic cantilevers or plastic deformations in internal conductors. In a second step, we explore manufacturability of thick-film cantilevers on very thin substrates, and show that it is possible to print a single-sided design on substrates with thickness as low as 45 μm, although a lower limit of ~100 μm, depending on substrate material, is more practical.
Design and Fabrication of Ceramic Microsystem Utilizing Glow Discharge for Analysis of Liquid Mixtures
Authors: Macioszczyk Jan , Lenartowicz Monika , Malecha Karol , Golonka Leszek J.
Published: May 2016

We present the results of our work on design and fabrication of Low Temperature Co-fired Ceramics (LTCC) Electrolyte as a Cathode Discharge (ELCAD) chip. It consists of plasma chamber filled with working gas (for instance helium). The fluidic channel with sample is placed below the chamber. Discharge ignites between anode and electrolyte cathode through aperture between microfluidic channel and plasma chamber. To avoid filling the chamber with fluid, channel and waste outlet should have proper geometry. We have checked our design and fabricated prototypes in DuPont system. External electrodes have been screen-printed using solderable PdAg paste. Inner electrodes, responsible for plasma creation, were made of platinum. To avoid sagging of structures we have used Sacrificial Volume Materials (SVM) and conducted multistep lamination with modified parameters. Finally, we tested if our device works properly. Firstly, we created discharge using high voltage alternating current source in air and observed discharge. Then, we ran measurements in ECLAD configuration. It was possible to create and sustain discharge with flowing liquid and gas. Also discharge spectra were recorded and analyzed. Zinc and cadmium were detected with limits of 0.14 mg/dm3 and 0.20 mg/dm3, respectively.
Novel Glass-free LTCC Material co-fired with Cupper-Electrodes
Authors: Sugimoto Yasutaka , Katsube Tsuyoshi , Motoya Machiko , Takemori Yuki , Moriya Yoichi , Kishida Kazuo , Takada Takahiro , Tanaka Nobuhiko
Published: May 2016

Low Temperature Co-fired Ceramics (LTCC) have excellent high-frequency characteristics and have widely been used for microwave electronic components. By lowering the sintering temperature of the ceramics used as insulating layers, LTCC was co-fired with a high-conductivity wiring conductor, such as Cu or Ag.

LTCC substrate has been expected as one of the most promising technologies to realize miniaturization of RF circuits in the field of wireless communications. There is no limitation to demand for further downsizing of RF circuits, suppression of electric loss and high mechanical strength of the substrate. However, conventional LTCC materials for substrates contain glass frit which causes defects, such as pores or cracks, and low mechanical strength.

In this work, we have developed a novel LTCC material system BaO-Al2O3-SiO2-MnO-TiO2, without any glass frits. The material was co-fired with cupper electrodes, which have low resistivity and show less diffusion than silver in LTCC, under a low-oxygen partial pressure atmosphere (mixture of N2 and H2) at 980°C. Thin layers (8μm) of the material showed high insulating resistivity and reliability due to few defects, such as pores, in LTCC. Its dielectric and mechanical properties were measured as 6.8 (low-εr), 350 at 3GHz (high-Q-value) and 341MPa (high mechanical strength) respectively.

This LTCC material will contribute to further miniaturizing of microwave applications and integration of passive elements.
Flexible Thin Film Coating by Photo-assisted Chemical Solution Process
Authors: Tsuchiya Tetsuo , Nakajima T. , Yamaguchi I. , Matusi H. , Nakamura T.
Published: May 2016

Printed electronics is creating many new products given the benefits of the technology compared to conventional electronics, such as thinness, flexibility, cost, ease of manufacture, fast production turn around, “green” technology, power efficiency and more. For this purpose, we have developed the photo reaction of nano-particle method (PRNP) for the preparation of the patterned metal oxide thin film on organic and glass substrates. In this paper, we demonstrate the preparation of transparent conducting thin film or resister film by the PRNP process, and their properties of the obtained films. By using the combination of the two procedures, the resistivity of the film was 5.94×10−4 Ωcm. The resulting ITO film showed mobility as high as 9.99 cm2 V−1 s−1at the carrier density of 1.05 ×1021 cm−3.Also, flexible resistor thin film(RuO2) on PI substrate was prepared by ELAMOD.
When and how? Freshwater mussel recolonization in Lake Orta
Authors: Riccardi Nicoletta , Froufe Elsa , Lopes-Lima Manuel , Mazzoli Claudio
Published: May 2016

Thanks to a video posted on a social network, live mussels of Unio elongatulus, have been recorded from Lake Orta (Italy) over one century after the last (and only) report. With its long and well documented history of pollution, Lake Orta offers the opportunity to document the post-extirpation recovery of freshwater unionid mussels. This case evidences that recovery/recolonization is possible despite a high devastation in the past, and permits to evaluate how fast recolonization may occur, in which way, and in what conditions.  The answer to the 'how fast' was sought by estimating the age of the larger and seemingly older individuals of the population. To address the 'in which way' we compared the haplotypes of Lake Orta specimens of Unio elongatulus (the only species present) with those of surrounding populations. We concluded that, since Lake Orta lacks a direct connection with the putative source populations, colonizing mussels were almost certainly transported by fish carrying glochidia that were used for lake restocking after liming. Data from the long-term monitoring of water chemistry and sediments have allowed defining what conditions proved to be suitable for survival making possible the start of mussels recovery. But not only water and sediment quality matters for mussels recovery, which was delayed by nearly ten years after the reappearance of fish. This delay reflects the need of the whole trophic chain to be reestablished to allow the survival of the suitable and healthy host-fish populations necessary for mussels reproduction.
Unexpected increases in rotifer resting egg abundances during the period of contamination of Lake Orta
Authors: Piscia Roberta , Tabozzi Simone , Bettinetti Roberta , Nevalainen Liisa , Manca Marina M.
Published: May 2016

Despite their ecological importance and rapid response to environmental changes, rotifers are rarely included in palaeolimnological studies. Here, we describe changes in abundance (ABD) and morphotype (MTs) diversity of rotifer resting eggs in the sediments of deep subalpine Lake Orta, Italy, covering a period prior to (pre-) 1926, during long-term ammonia and metal pollution from a rayon factory, and subsequent recovery of water quality. Following the pollution and bacterial oxidation of the ammonia, Lake Orta became the largest and deepest acid lake in Europe. Recovery of water quality followed both a ban on the discharge of industrial wastes, and a liming intervention in 1989 and 1990. We sectioned a sediment core collected from the deepest part of the lake (ORTA 07/2A) to provide a high  time resolution, given the ca. 3-4 y cm-1 of sediment accumulation. Rotifer resting egg (RRE) abundance and morphotypes were examined from the sediments and compared to limnological variables indicating the pollution. Rotifer resting egg abundance significantly increased with lake contamination (r=0.609 and -0.624 for copper and pH, respectively; P<0.001; n=27). A lake-water copper concentration threshold of ca. 40 µg L-1discriminated among pre-, during-, and post- pollution compositions of the rotifer morphotype assemblages. Diversity and morphotype richness increased during the recovery from copper pollution and with complete restoration from acidity, while abundance increased during pollution. The persistence of presumably viable Brachionus resting eggs and of hatched egg cases during the heavy pollution phase suggests that, unlike most other organisms, which were extirpated by the pollution of the lake, rotifers survived producing resting eggs, which secured future generations.
Lake Orta chemical status 25 years after liming: problems solved and emerging critical issues
Authors: Rogora Michela , Kamburska Lyudmila , Mosello Rosario , Tartari Gabriele
Published: May 2016

Lake Orta, located in Piedmont, northwestern Italy, has been severely affected by industrial pollution since the 1930s. A successful liming intervention, performed in 1988-1990, returned pH levels in the lake to neutrality, and accelerated the reduction of aqueous trace metal concentrations. In this paper, we present an update knowledge of the chemical status of Lake Orta, focusing on the data collected from 1990 to 2014. In this period we sampled the lake at its deepest point (Qualba station), on a monthly (1990-2000) or seasonal (since 2001) basis. Samples were collected at nine depths through the water column, and analyzed for pH, conductivity, alkalinity, major ions, nutrients, and trace metals. Collectively, these data allowed us to evaluate the long-term response of the lake to the restoration treatment, with particular regard to its acid-base status; they also provided insights into emerging or potential critical issues, including eutrophication and re-suspension of trace metals that still linger in the lake. Furthermore, the evaluation of the present chemical condition of the lake is a precondition for any successive restoration measure, such as fish introduction. The recent data confirmed the lake’s water quality has recovered, i.e. returned to a pre-pollution chemical state. Lake water values of pH and concentrations of ammonium, sulphate and base cations have stabilized. Alkalinity and nitrate concentrations are also expected to reach stable level in the next few years. Levels of nitrate, reactive silica, and phosphorus compounds are now regulated by algal uptake, providing indirect evidence of a partial biological recovery. For instance, both the inter-annual average decline and the reappearance of a seasonal signal in silica confirmed the presence of a stable diatom community. The lake is presently oligotrophic, and concentrations of both N and P compounds are steady and low throughout the year. However, a monthly check of nutrient levels of the lake and inflowing waters is recommended. The monitoring of base chemical variables, major ions and trace metals should be maintained to assess the overall status of the ecosystem in response to various drivers, including climate change.
The diet of introduced brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis; Mitchill, 1814) in an alpine area and a literature review on its feeding ecology
Authors: Tiberti Rocco , Brighenti Stefano , Canedoli Claudia , Iacobuzio Rocco , Rolla Matteo
Published: May 2016

Introduced fish are a major threat for high altitude aquatic habitats and Salvelinus fontinalis have been widely used throughout the Alps for stocking lakes and rivers. Understanding its feeding ecology is a basic, but essential tool for interpreting its impact. To assess which factors determine the diet of S. fontinalis we analyzed more than 500 stomachs from several introduced populations from the Gran Paradiso National Park (GPNP, Western Italian Alps) and we measured the availability of several prey groups (zooplankton, aquatic invertebrates, terrestrial invertebrates). We complemented the study with a short, but exhaustive literature review on the S. fontinalis feeding ecology. In general the food composition reflected the availability of prey -confirming that S. fontinalis is an opportunistic predator- and was influenced by habitat type (stream vs lake), fish size, and seasonality. The obtained results were discussed in the light of the existing literature on the feeding ecology and ecological impact of S. fontinalis. Large benthonic insects account for a substantial part of  the diet of stream dwelling brook trout, while they are almost absent both in the diet and in the prey species pool of lake-dwelling brook trout, probably reflecting a stronger ecological impact in the lakes.
Hydrodynamic modelling and characterisation of a shallow fluvial lake: a study on the Superior Lake of Mantua
Authors: Fenocchi Andrea , Sibilla Stefano
Published: May 2016

This paper presents a numerical modelling framework developed to simulate circulations and to generally characterise the hydrodynamics of the Superior Lake of Mantua, a shallow fluvial lake in Northern Italy. Such eutrophied basin is characterised by low winds, reduced discharges during the summer and by the presence of large lotus flower (Nelumbo nucifera) meadows, all contributing to water stagnation. A hydrodynamic numerical model was built to understand how physical drivers shape basic circulation dynamics, selecting appropriate methodologies for the lake. These include a 3D code to reproduce the interaction between wind and through-flowing current, a fetch-dependent wind stress model, a porous media approach for canopy flow resistance and the consideration of wave-current interaction. The model allowed to estimate the circulation modes and water residence time distributions under identified typical ordinary, storm and drought conditions, the hydrodynamic influence of the newly-opened secondary outlet of the lake, the surface wave parameters, their influence on circulations and the bottom stress they originate, and the adaptation time scales of circulations to storm events. Some probable effects of the obtained hydrodynamic characteristics of the Superior Lake of Mantua on its biochemical processes are also introduced.
Phosphorus decreases in Lake Geneva but climate warming hampers the recovery of pristine oligochaete communities whereas chironomids are less affected
Authors: Lang Claude
Published: May 2016

In response to the decrease of phosphorus concentrations in Lake Geneva (France and Switzerland), the mean percentage of individuals belonging to oligochaete species sensitive to low oxygen concentrations has increased in the profundal from 8% in 1983 to 31% in 2003. But these species decreased anew from 17% in 1999 to 2% in 2009 in the western basin of Lake Geneva (the Small Lake). This shallow basin is more exposed to the effects of warming observed since 1989 than the rest of the lake. To demonstrate these effects, the response of the main species to the increase of organic sedimentation was analysed in the gradient of fine sediment accumulation (FSA), observed in 1999 in the Small Lake. As expected, the abundance of four species classified as sensitive to low oxygen concentrations - Stylodrilus lemani, Embolocephalus velutinus, Bichaeta sanguinea, Paracladopelma nigritula gr. - decreased with the increase of FSA whereas the inverse relationship was observed for four species classified as tolerant Potamothrix vejdovskyi or very tolerant P. hammoniensis, P. heuscheri, and Tubifex tubifex. In contrast, the abundance of three species was not correlated with FSA: Stylodrilus heringianus and Micropsectra contracta both classified as sensitive, Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri as tolerant. The first component of a principal component analysis, based on the mean abundance per transect of the above species, was correlated with FSA. The second component could reflect the long-term increase of water temperature which has been advantageous for Limnodrilus and Micropsectra but disadvantageous for the sensitive oligochaete species less adapted to warm water lakes. Indeed, the abundance of the sensitive oligochaete species and of P. vejdovskyi has decreased from 1994 to 2009 in the Small Lake whereas the abundance of Limnodrilus has increased. Micropsectra and Paracladopelma became more abundant than sensitive oligochaete species. In addition to the effects of temperature, the recovery of the pristine oligochaete community was perhaps impeded in 2009 because the transfer of organic matter to the sediment was increased by the impact of fish (mostly Coregonus) feeding selectively on zooplankton. Finally, many micro pollutants (pesticides, drugs, and other substances) which are present in the lake could have negatively affected sensitive oligochaete species.  

 
Parameterization of chlorophyll-specific phytoplankton absorption coefficients for productive lake waters
Authors: Paavel Birgot , Kangro Kersti , Arst Helgi , Reinart Anu , Kutser Tiit , Nõges Tiina
Published: May 2016

We examined and parameterized chlorophyll-specific phytoplankton absorption coefficients (a*ph(λ)) for three turbid productive Estonian lakes on the basis of bio-optical measurements in 2005-2013. A new model parameterization was created that enables to reconstruct the spectra of a*ph(λ) for turbid productive waters with the higher reliability than previous parameterizations for ocean and coastal waters. The coefficients A(λ) and B(λ) of our model differ from those found in seas, coastal waters and other types of lakes. For any water type separately the increase of total chlorophyll concentration accompanied with the decrease of a*ph. Our results showed significant seasonal differences between the model parameters due to diversity of the phytoplankton assemblages. This suggests that season-specific models should be developed and validated. Improving the modelling of chlorophyll-specific phytoplankton absorption spectra for hypertrophic lakes is still pending on the availability of a larger dataset, which includes simultaneous measurements of chlorophyll concentrations, phytoplankton absorption coefficients and phytoplankton species composition. Our results implied that total chlorophyll concentration is not a universal predictor of the magnitude of chlorophyll-specific phytoplankton absorption coefficient. The aph(λ) models are also likely site and season dependent. Further research is needed for quantifying the role of accessory pigments and other optical constituents as well as the cell size of dominant algal species for considering their influence on the modelling outputs.
Development of immunohistochemistry services for cancer care in western Kenya: Implications for low- and middle-income countries
Authors: Patel Kirtika , Strother R. Matthew , Ndiangui Francis , Chumba David , Jacobson William , Dodson Cecelia , Resnic Murray B. , Strate Randall W. , Smith James W.
Published: May 2016

Background: Cancer is becoming a major cause of mortality in low- and middle-income countries. Unlike infectious disease, malignancy and other chronic conditions require significant supportive infrastructure for diagnostics, staging and treatment. In addition to morphologic diagnosis, diagnostic pathways in oncology frequently require immunohistochemistry (IHC) for confirmation. We present the experience of a tertiary-care hospital serving rural western Kenya, which developed and validated an IHC laboratory in support of a growing cancer care service.Objectives, methods and outcomes: Over the past decade, in an academic North-South collaboration, cancer services were developed for the catchment area of Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in western Kenya. A major hurdle to treatment of cancer in a resource-limited setting has been the lack of adequate diagnostic services. Building upon the foundations of a histology laboratory, strategic investment and training were used to develop IHC services. Key elements of success in this endeavour included: translation of resource-rich practices to are source-limited setting, such as using manual, small-batch IHC instead of disposable- and maintenance-intensive automated machinery, engagement of outside expertise to develop reagent-efficient protocols and supporting all levels of staff to meet the requirements of an external quality assurance programme.Conclusion: Development of low- and middle-income country models of services, such as the IHC laboratory presented in this paper, is critical for the infrastructure in resource-limited settings to address the growing cancer burden. We provide a low-cost model that effectively develops these necessary services in a challenging laboratory environment.
An audit of the results of a triplet metronomic chemotherapy regimen incorporating a tyrosine kinase inhibitor in recurrent/metastatic head and neck cancers patients
Authors: Patil Vijay M. , Chakraborty Santam , Jithin T. K. , Sajith Babu T. P. , Babu Satheesh , Kumar Shiva , Biji M. S. , Bhattacharjee Atanu , Balasubramanian Satheesan
Published: May 2016

Background: Addition of erlotinib to metronomic chemotherapy (MCT) may lead to further improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival in head and neck cancers. The aim of this study was to study the PFS with MCT + erlotinib combination in our setting. Methods: A single-arm prospective observational study conducted at Malabar Cancer Center. Patients warranting palliative chemotherapy for head and neck cancers, having adequate organ function, not-affording cetuximab and not willing for intravenous chemotherapy were included in this study. Oral methotrexate (15 mg/m 2 /week), oral celecoxib (200 mg twice daily), and erlotinib (150 mg once daily) were administered till the progression of the disease or till intolerable side-effects. Patients underwent toxicity (CTCAE version 4.02) and response (RECIST version 1.1) assessment every 30 days. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 16 (IBM, New York, USA). Descriptive statistics and Kaplan-Meier analysis have been performed. Results: A total of 15 patients received MCT. The median age of these patients was 65 years (range: 48-80). The Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status was 0-1 in seven patients (46.7%), while it was 2 in eight patients (53.3%). The primary sites of tumor were predominantly oral cavity, 11 (73.4%). Prior to MCT, treatment with palliative radiation therapy was given in 11 patients and curative treatment in two patients. The best response post-MCT was complete remission in two patients, partial remission in seven patients, stable disease in four patients, and progressive disease in two patients. The median estimated PFS was 148 days (95% confidence interval 95.47-200.52 days). For a median follow-up of 181 days, there were only three deaths. Grade 3-4 toxicity was seen in six patients (40%). Dose reduction was required in four patients (26.7%). Conclusion: The addition of erlotinib to an MCT schedule of methotrexate and celecoxib resulted in a promising PFS and should be tested in future studies.
Metronomic therapy with oral 6-mercaptopurine in elderly acute myeloid leukemia: A prospective pilot study
Authors: Kapoor Akhil , Beniwal Surender Kumar , Kalwar Ashok , Singhal Mukesh Kumar , Nirban Raj Kumar , Kumar Harvindra Singh
Published: May 2016

Introduction: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in elderly patients differs biologically from that in younger patients and is known to have unfavorable chromosomal rearrangements, higher resistance, and lower tolerance to chemotherapy. In such circumstances, instead of giving full-blown chemotherapy, palliative metronomic chemotherapy (MCT) could be a treatment option. Patients and Methods: We performed a prospective pilot study of old AML patients (age >60 years) not amenable to curative treatment. Thirty-two patients were enrolled into the study and were treated with daily oral 6-mercaptopurine 75 mg/m 2 . The following inclusion criteria were used: age >60 years, nonpromyelocytic AML, the absence of uncontrolled comorbidities, and patient not amenable to curative treatment. Overall survival (OS) was calculated using Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression analysis were used to calculate the hazards ratio of significant factors. Results: The median age of the patients was 69 years (range: 61-86 years) with male: female ratio of 2.5:1. About 59.4% of patients had Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 2 while rest had the status of 3. The median OS was 6 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.4-7.6). Males had median OS of 7 months (95% CI: 5.4-8.6) versus females with OS of 3 months (95% CI: 1.5-4.4; P = 0.008). There was no survival difference on the basis of baseline hemoglobin or French-American-British class. There were no Grade 4 toxicities and no episode of febrile neutropenia. Conclusions: MCT with oral 6-mercaptopurine is an attractive treatment option in elderly AML patients who are not amenable to curative therapy with minimal toxicities.
Evaluation of p16 hypermethylation in oral submucous fibrosis: A quantitative and comparative analysis in buccal cells and saliva using real-time methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Kaliyaperumal Subadra , Sankarapandian Sathasivasubramanian
Published: May 2016

Aims: The aim of this study was to quantitatively investigate the hypermethylation of p16 gene in buccal cells and saliva of oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) patients using real-time quantitative methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and to compare the values of two methods. Subjects and Methods: A total of 120 samples were taken from 60 subjects selected for this study, of which 30 were controls and 30 patients were clinically and histopathologically diagnosed with OSMF. In both groups, two sets of samples were collected, one directly from the buccal cells through cytobrush technique and the other through salivary rinse. We analyzed the samples for the presence of p16 hypermethylation using quantitative real-time PCR. Results: In OSMF, the hypermethylation status of p16 in buccal cells was very high (93.3%) and in salivary samples, it was partially methylated (50%). However, no hypermethylation was found in controls suggesting that significant quantity of p16 hypermethylation was present in buccal cells and saliva in OSMF. Conclusions: This study indicates that buccal cell sampling may be a better method for evaluation than the salivary samples. It signifies that hypermethylation of p16 is an important factor to be considered in epigenetic alterations of normal cells to oral precancer, i.e. OSMF.