bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ocean Navigation Method Based on Multi-System and Multi-Source Data Fusion
Authors: Wang Xiang , Liu Jingxian , Liu Zhao
Published: January 2020

Ship navigation requires accurate positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) data. PNT data from a single source has uncertainties and potential risks. Wrong PNT data has a huge impact on ship maneuvering, and at the same time, it may cause huge losses to national assets and national security. This chapter proposes a data fusion algorithm based on single-frequency global navigation satellite system (GNSS) and inertial navigation system (INS) to obtain PNT data, which can improve the availability, accuracy, reliability, continuity, and robustness. The experimental results show that the data fusion method combining median filtering and Kalman filtering can improve the system's ability to acquire PNT data. When blocking GNSS acquisition of PNT data, relying on INS, you can still obtain PNT data, which can make up for the ability to obtain PNT data from GNSS.
The Layout of Sentiment Lexica in Word Vector Space
Authors: Razova Elena , Kotelnikov Evgeny
Published: January 2020

Sentiment lexicons play an important role in opinion mining systems and cognitive linguistics. Previous work aimed mostly at creating sentiment lexicons, but not thorough research into their fundamental properties. In this chapter, the arrangement of sentiment lexica in the multidimensional space of distributed word representations is studied. A hypothesis on the existence of sentiment lexica concentration areas is introduced, and it is tested on the basis of the joint analysis of the distribution of sentiment words and general lexica. The results of the test allow to confirm the proposed hypothesis for universal and domain-oriented sentiment lexicons. Also, the experiments discover the words which more than 80% of the sentiment lexica is concentrated around.
A Thematic Analysis of the Articles on the Internet of Things in the Web of Science With HAC Approach
Authors: Asemi Asefeh , Ebrahimi Fezzeh
Published: January 2020

This research was carried out using the bibliometric method to thematically analyze the articles on IoT in the Web of Science with Hierarchical Agglomerative Clustering approach. First, the descriptors of the related articles published from 2002 to 2016 were extracted from WoS, by conducting a keyword search using the “Internet of Things” keyword. Data analysis and clustering were carried out in SPSS, UCINET, and PreMap. The analysis results revealed that the scientific literature published on IoT during the period had grown exponentially, with an approximately 48% growth rate in the last two years of the study period (i.e. 2015 and 2016). After analyzing the themes of the documents, the resulting concepts were classified into twelve clusters. The twelve main clusters included: Privacy and Security, Authentication and Identification, Computing, Standards and Protocols, IoT as a component, Big Data, Architecture, Applied New Techniques in IoT, Application, Connection and Communication Tools, Wireless Network Protocols, and Wireless Sensor Networks.
An Efficient Cloud-Based Traffic Signal Manipulation Algorithm for Path Clearance
Authors: Wali Aamir , Tanveer Khansa , Fatima Samreen , Tanveer Ayeza , Sara Iftikhar
Published: January 2020

Beside many challenges that urban cities have to face, one of them is increasing traffic. Unfortunately, in developing countries like, for example, Pakistan, the traffic management infrastructure does not scale accordingly. This leads to two types of problems: congestion and long queues at traffic signals. This makes it difficult for emergency vehicles (EV) such as ambulances to reach their destination on time. Therefore, in this article, the authors have developed an intelligent path clearance system for emergency vehicles. The particular focus is on long queues at traffic signals. Given the GPS coordinates of an EV, a destination, a map, and the traffic light grid system, our system provides a signal free corridor to the priority vehicle by automatically manipulating traffic signals that fall in its path using cloud computing. The idea is to clear the path of the vehicle. The proposed system also makes decision based on the time of the day and current traffic conditions in real time. In case of multiple options, it also calculates the shortest path to the destination.
Image Classification of Crop Diseases and Pests Based on Deep Learning and Fuzzy System
Authors: Fan Tongke , Xu Jing
Published: January 2020

The automatic classification of crop disease images has important value. The classification algorithm based on manual feature extraction has some problems, such as the need for professional knowledge, is time-consuming and laborious, and has difficulty extracting high-quality features. In this article, the theory of the fuzzy system is discussed. The theory of the fuzzy system is applied to the pretreatment of blurred images. A local blurred image deblurring method based on depth learning is proposed. By training convolutional neural network models with different structures, the image of diseases and insect pests is segmented using normalized segmentation algorithms based on spectral graph theory, and the segmentation knot of leaf diseases is obtained. Finally, the optimal network structure is obtained by comparing the segmentation results with the traditional machine learning algorithm. Experiments show that the segmentation results of pests and diseases obtained by this algorithm have better robustness, generalization, and higher accuracy.
Multimedia Content's Brokerage
Authors: Karydis Ioannis , Kanavos Andreas , Sioutas Spyros , Avlonitis Markos , Karacapilidis Nikos
Published: January 2020

Metadata-based similarity measurement is far from obsolete nowadays, despite research's focus on content and context-based information. It allows for aggregating information from textual references, measuring similarity when content is not available, traditional keyword searches in search engines, merging results in meta-search engines, etc. Existing similarity measures do not take into consideration neither the unique nature of multimedia metadata nor the requirements of metadata-based information retrieval of multimedia. This work presents a commonly available author-title multimedia metadata hybrid similarity measure customised that has been shown to be experimentally significantly more effective than baseline measures. In addition, the work presents an architecture and a web-based implementation of an information system for data collection and validation by expert users that allows distributed, binary and scalar result ground-truth definition for a similarity measurement that can be used in digital content's identification and sales.
Automated Analysis and Interrelation of Legal Elements Based on Text Mining
Authors: Lachana Zoi , Loutsaris Michalis Avgerinos , Alexopoulos Charalampos , Charalabidis Yannis
Published: January 2020

One of the most promising developments comes with the use of innovative technologies and thus with the availability of novel services. The combination of text mining with legal elements may contribute to the development of many innovative legal IS. Moreover, in the case of public administrations and governments, the distribution, availability, and access towards legal information are essential and urgent. On the other hand, legal data and law texts are a potential open government data category in order for innovation to be achieved, regarding the development of new, better, and more cost-effective services for citizens. Those data need to be available 24/7 basis and compliant towards a standard. Yet, there exist some severe issues at the moment regarding this access. This, in turn, makes the use of automated crawling and analysis more than difficult. This paper describes the “Peri Nomou” system: an innovative legal information system for Greek laws utilising text mining techniques to indexing legal documents, identifying correlations and dividing legal documents into their articles.
Adaptive Complex Filtering for Narrowband Jamming Mitigation in Resource-Constrained Wireless Networks
Authors: Valkova-Jarvis Zlatka Valkova , Mihaylova Dimitriya Angelova , Mihovska Albena Dimitrova , Iliev Georgi Lubenov
Published: January 2020

Jamming attacks present a major challenge for the physical layer security of wireless communication systems. Among the large number of existing methods for jamming mitigation, filtering is a simple but promisingly effective solution that can be applied in resource-constrained and low-power wireless networks. In this article, a first-order adaptive complex narrowband notch filter is proposed for use against high-power narrowband jamming attacks. The central frequency of the filter is adaptively adjustable to match the interfering frequency. This enables the proposed solution to perform effectively in the presence of a jammer whose frequency varies in fixed or random time periods. The simulation results demonstrate the filter's behavior and the efficiency of the proposed technique.
Social Influence Analysis for Information Diffusion in Complex Commercial Network
Authors: Saggu Amrit Kaur , Sinha Adwitiya
Published: January 2020

Social influence causes ideas to diffuse across the globe and track the rate at which awareness spans through online social communities. The users with better connectivity and higher interactivity bear greater potentials of spreading as well as perceiving the social trend. This concept has been further considered in the research to identify such prospective users in social network with high probability of influencing the opinions of others to whom they are connected. For the experimentation, Twitter profiles of 1900 followers from three major e-commerce portals, including Amazon, Snapdeal, and Flipkart, have been extracted to serve as the social network for conducting research. Acquired data is further narrowed down to yield a set of influential users in terms of central and centrally active, which are parameterized by neighborhood size and frequency of Twitter activity of individuals. Diffusion analysis is further performed on the derived set of key influencers to track the rate at which information propagates in the network.
A Case Study of Student Experiences of Multi-modal Net-based Language Learning
Authors: White Jonathan R.
Published: January 2020

This article presents the results of a case study of student attitudes toward the development of language skills through net-based language learning, and especially through a multi-modal platform, Adobe Connect. Research has demonstrated that language skills can be developed through different net-based set-ups, but that technology can sometimes be a barrier. An online survey was conducted with students on net-based English courses at a Swedish university. Informants reported that they had positive experiences of such learning, but that they felt that speaking skills were difficult to develop, often due to connection problems. Listening was a particular problem during so-called hybrid seminars, where net-based students interacted with campus students. Informants felt that the main pedagogical issues for net-based language learning were the attitudes of the instructors and students. The set-up of courses can help develop spoken language skills, including interaction, but also the willingness of fellow students to interact orally rather than through text chat is important.
Perception of Social Media Use by Distance Learners in Nigeria
Authors: Adetimirin Airen Edale , Ayoola Jide
Published: January 2020

Perceived ease of use (PEOU) and perceived usefulness (PU) of social media by distance learners may affect its acceptance for learning. These constructs were investigated among 341 distance learners in two universities, the University of Ibadan- UI and the National Open University- NOUN in Nigeria using a questionnaire and was analyzed using frequency and percentages. The main purpose and use of social media in UI and NOUN was to share information (100% and 100%) and for group discussion (96.3% and 100%) respectively. WhatsApp was used daily in NOUN (100%) and UI (91.3%). The PEOU by the respondents in NOUN and UI were both high: requiring a lot of mental effort (100%) and promoting distance interactions between learners and lecturers outside the lecture room (96.9%), while PU in NOUN and UI was also high: it decreased travel expenses (100%) and improved academic performance (100%). Therefore, the high perception of social media use (PEOU and PU) by distance learners should be sustained by facilitators through the adoption of social media for all their courses.
Effective eLearning and Transformative Pedagogical Strategies
Authors: Keebler Daniel W , Huffman Jessica
Published: January 2020

This research exposed gaps in the current literature for online learning and transformative pedagogical strategies in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) programs. These voids were explored, and new blended strategies were provided to encourage online educators to develop effective pedagogical designs in STEM programs. Online education is no longer thought of as a passing trend, but as a viable alternative to traditional educational teaching methods. STEM educators need to develop online learning platforms that are flexible and effective, that enrich the student's experience while not diminishing the intellectual growth of the learner. This will help build learner cohesion and a more stable and effective learning environment, one that has the opportunity to develop into a community of learning. Research indicates that the STEM areas of study require a different pedagogical design than those in other curricula such as liberal arts and social science programs, specifically in the area of developing Higher Order Cognitive Skills (HOCS) in learners. This paper focuses on the pedagogical designs that will enable universities to successfully establish STEM online learning programs at their institutions.
Citizens in the Smart City
Authors: Tomor Zsuzsanna
Published: January 2020

While the role of citizens in smart cities is hotly debated, there is a dearth of empirical research on the subject. This in-depth study of a European city, selected for its typical smart city ambitions, explores the roles that citizens actually play in smart city projects. The study examines twelve initiatives in the City of Utrecht (NL) using a framework that differentiates between types of citizen participation. The findings show that technology-enabled citizen participation in Utrecht is highly diverse and embraces all types of participation rather than simply taking the form of either “citizen empowerment” (as the advocates argue) or “citizen subjugation' (as the critics stress). The diversity found in the study highlights the need to conceptualize the role of the smart citizen at the micro (project) level rather than at the level of the city as a whole. The study shows that citizen participation in the smart city should not be understood as a technological utopia or dystopia but as an evolving, technologically mediated practice that is shaped by a variety of factors.
Application of Systems Engineering to Risk Management
Authors: Galli Brian J.
Published: January 2020

System engineering is an interdisciplinary field of engineering and engineering management that focuses on the design and management of the system. The system as a whole is the concern, which is followed by more technical aspects of the system, the design of everything, and the management of a complex system. Inspecting and making the system more efficient is the focus for system engineers. Additionally, risk management is being able to predict, evaluate, and solve risks that are going to happen or may happen in the future. There are three models that help system engineers with making a complex system look simpler and less frightening: the Vee, Spiral, and Waterfall models. While system thinking is a very important part of system engineering, there always has to be a collection of data to study for making decisions. As of now, there is no explanation in literature how these variables, their concepts, and models are beneficial to project management. This has created a research gap, so the study examined the most current variables, their concepts, and models in operations and project management. Furthermore, a design-science-investigate strategy was used to approve a valuable growth reveal for both reasonable and hypothetical application. As a result, an assessment model was generated to fill the research gap and to contribute to the engineering field through improved project success rates and team communication.
Logistics Effectiveness Through Systems Thinking
Authors: Baporikar Neeta
Published: January 2020

Various emerging concepts influence logistics management as scholars are developing the body of knowledge. So also, the progress and the multidisciplinary aspect of knowledge that has been influencing logistics management has changed the way scholars and researchers think about logistics as an arena of application. This, in turn, influences the logistics practices. There has been an incredible shift in organizations towards an inter-disciplinary approach where all functions of an organization interact towards the achievement of organizational objectives. This shift, therefore, calls for logistics to adapt to the emerging concepts in order to contribute meaningfully to the overall goals of the organizations. Hence, adopting a grounded theory approach with in-depth literature review this article endeavors to discuss the application of systems thinking the approach to logistics management.
A Framework to Guide ICT Solution for Language Barrier in South African Healthcare
Authors: Makovhololo Phathutshedzo , Iyamu Tiko
Published: January 2020

In recent years, healthcare service providers have increasingly employed mobile systems in delivering services. However, the nature of the diversities in tribes and languages within many developing countries enhance the difficulty of delivering or receiving the services which are provided by many healthcare organisations. This is so because the English language is the primary medium of communication, although many healthcare recipients are not conversant in English as they cannot speak English fluently or understand it coherently. The objective of the study was to understand the impact which language barrier have on healthcare services. The interpretivist approach was employed. The case study approach was applied. Qualitative data were collected using semi-structured technique. The analysis of the data was guided by two theories, actor network theory and diffusion of innovation. From the findings, a framework was developed, which is intended to guide a solution that can be provided to address the barrier in the South African healthcare environment.
Student Readiness and Perception of Tablet Learning in Higher Education in the Pacific- A Case Study of Fiji and Tuvalu
Authors: Reddy Pritika , Sharma Bibhya , Chandra Shaneel
Published: January 2020

Significant growth and successful integration of mobile devices to the education landscape have garnered the introduction of mobile learning (mLearning) as a new technology-enabled educational tool. Mobile learning has become a new higher educational paradigm which makes learning more flexible and accessible. However, student readiness and their perceptions about educational use of tablet devices are still a concern particularly in the developing countries like the Pacific island countries (PICs). This article investigates these two important attributes of tablet devices in a first year blended course from a higher education institute in the Pacific with a sample of 43 students. The results revealed that the participants perceived that tablet devices were effective and innovative learning tools. The participants supported the idea of using tablet devices and were ready to incorporate them for learning provided there was training in place. This article finally outlines recommendations for the education sectors in the Pacific.
IMPLANTANDO CONTROLES DE SEGURANÇA EM UM SISTEMA DE LOUSA ELETRÔNICA PARA HOSPITAIS
Authors: Teixeira Heloise Manica Paris , Martimiano Luciana Andréia Fondazzi , Freitas Alisson Lopes de Sousa
Published: January 2020

Sistemas de informação em saúde gerenciam dados vitais sobre o tratamento de um paciente, portanto é fundamental planejar ações no sentido de garantir confidencialidade, integridade e disponibilidade das informações. O sistema de lousa eletrônica (omitido blind review) foi desenvolvido para atuar no setor de emergência do Hospital Universitário da cidade de (omitido blind review). O sistema provê o armazenamento e a gestão de informações das atividades desenvolvidas pela equipe de saúde do hospital, permitindo sua apresentação e compartilhamento em uma lousa eletrônica. Nesse contexto, este trabalho teve como objetivo principal o estudo e implantação de controles de segurança para o sistema (omitido blind review), com vistas às recomendações ISO 27799:2008 e PoSIC/MS, que são voltadas para a área da saúde. A implantação dos módulos de segurança no sistema contribuiu no sentido de melhorar a segurança e confiança da informação utilizada para o atendimento de pacientes na unidade de emergência do hospital.
TORÇÃO EM VIGAS DE CONCRETO REFORÇADO COM FIBRAS
Authors: Sartorti Artur Lenz , Barboza Lucas da Silva , Calixto Bruno Storch de Almeida , Mogi Poliana Geizy , Floriano Marcelo de Oliveira , Granjeiro Rafael da Costa
Published: January 2020

Este artigo descreve o comportamento de vigas de concreto reforçado com fibras (CRF) solicitadas à torção. O objetivo da pesquisa foi entender o mecanismo de ruptura e como as fibras curtas ajudam no processo resistente à torção. Para tanto, foram ensaiadas 12 vigas de CRF com fibras de aço e de polipropileno em dosagens de 1% e 3% de fibras em relação à massa de cimento. O concreto também teve suas propriedades avaliadas através de ensaios de compressão simples e tração por compressão na diametral. Verificou-se que as fibras contidas no concreto contribuíram na resistência à torção da viga após o surgimento da primeira fissura, originando uma resistência residual que é maior conforme o aumento da concentração de fibras. Os resultados também mostram que existe apenas uma superfície de ruptura de torção nas vigas retangulares de CRF a qual tem formato helicoidal, diferentemente do que é observado no concreto armado. Há a possibilidade de utilização de fibras para a resistência à torção em peças de concreto podendo reduzir a quantidade das armaduras convencionais.
O PROJETO DE UMA ESTEIRA SEPARADORA DIDÁTICA PARA O ENSINO DE AUTOMAÇÃO A EVENTOS DISCRETOS
Authors: Silva Adrison
Published: January 2020

O projeto de uma esteira separadora didática para o ensino de automação a eventos discretos é um projeto desenvolvido para adquirir conhecimentos nos métodos de projeto de engenharia e tecnologias utilizadas por um engenheiro de controle e automação. Criando uma bancada didática que emula uma esteira seletora industrial, através do levantamento de requisitos, projeto de hardware, software e sugestão de roteiros que serão utilizados no plano de ensino das disciplinas de automação, utilizou-se a estrutura de projeto de engenharia como: entrevistas, projeto conceitual, projeto preliminar e projeto detalhado. Os resultados serão utilizados para implementar projetos que darão suporte ao ensino de automação como: acionamento de motor CC por PWM, detecção de objetos metálicos por sensor indutivo e acionamento de servo motor para seleção, além de ser uma ferramenta que pode ser utilizada em feiras de exposição e para o ensino de técnicas de programação a secundaristas. Durante o desenvolvimento do projeto foram realizadas formas de controle automáticos a partir do arduino. No teste da esteira a mesma obteve êxito em seu funcionamento realizando a lógica de programação elaborada no trabalho com sucesso. Assim, a utilização do arduino é uma aplicação atual na simulação de Sed como os encontrados nas indústrias, sendo capaz de realizar o controle de diversos tipos de processos por meio de programação mais fácil e habitual para quem familiaridade com linguagem C++.
ANÁLISE DA INFLUÊNCIA DA POROSIDADE NA RESISTÊNCIA MECÂNICA DE COMPÓSITOS DE MATRIZ METÁLICA COM REFORÇO
Authors: Pituba José Julio de Cerqueira , Ribeiro Geovana Alves
Published: January 2020

Os materiais compósitos de matriz metálica são aplicados em diversos ramos da indústria devido a suas propriedades mecânicas, como alta resistência e leveza. Tais características se devem a associação de fibras de um material de alta resistência, como o aço, por exemplo, com uma matriz de material mais leve, como o alumínio. A matriz metálica pode ser porosa com o intuito de tornar o metal mais leve ou devido a não-linearidade física decorrente do processo de fabricação. Apesar dessa composição proporcionar um material resistente, a consideração de poros na matriz pode levar à formação de falhas no material. A partir disso, nota-se a importância do estudo de se considerar a porosidade através da modelagem multi-escala que consiste na representação do macrocontínuo por um Elemento de Volume Representativo (EVR) da micro-escala. Por meio de análises numéricas avalia-se a efetividade da inserção de uma inclusão em uma matriz porosa mostrando as potencialidades da modelagem proposta.
ANÁLISE DE DESEMPENHO DA MICROTURBINA CAPSTONE C30 NO PONTO DE PROJETO
Authors: Alves Alexandre , Alonso Pippo Walfrido , Egewarth Rohden Gerhard
Published: January 2020

A crescente demanda energética na Brasil faz surgir a necessidade do uso de tecnologias que possibilitem geração elétrica localizada a partir de biocombustíveis alternativos. Nessa perspectiva, a turbina a gás torna-se ideal por ser capaz de operar com diversos tipos de combustíveis, líquidos ou gasosos, com diferentes poderes caloríficos. Com isso, conhecer o desempenho desse tipo de máquina operando com combustíveis de diferentes poderes caloríficos é imprescindível. Neste trabalho, foi proposto um modelo para simular numericamente o desempenho da microturbina Capstone C30, no ponto de projeto, por meio do software GasTurb®, foram analisados os resultados numéricos obtidos em comparação com os experimentais disponibilizados pelo fabricante. Os resultados apresentaram erros aceitáveis entre os valores numéricos e os experimentais, dentro do intervalo esperado para ensaios de determinação dos parâmetros de desempenho realizados pelos fabricantes de microturbinas a gás. Verificou-se numericamente que a máquina é capaz de operar com biocombustíveis de diferentes poderes caloríficos no ponto de projeto.
TOMMASO NATALE E CESARE BECCARIA
Authors: Pisani Mario
Published: January 2020

Only few people continue to believe in the insular legend, which he himself spread, that Marquis Natale was alleged a foreunner of Cesare Beccaria. Disproved on a historical and textual level, that thesis is anyway secondary as compared to the huge gap between these two authors, both in terms of contents and of values.
IL FINANZIAMENTO DELLE PMI TRAMITE IL MERCATO DEI CAPITALI. IL RUOLO DI BORSA ITALIANA
Authors: Sironi Andrea
Published: January 2020

This paper briefly describes the main fatures of the Italian companies financial structure and highlights the importance of a stronger access to the capital markets in order to rebalance their capital structure and finance their investments and their internationalisation strategies. The main actions adopted by Borsa Italiana to favor this process are also described in the second part of the paper. Finally, a number of measures that could be adopted by the policy makers are also briefly examined.
ESCHINE E IL PROGETTO DI SOLONE SULLâ€™EDUCAZIONE DEI GIOVANI: Lâ€™INTERPRETAZIONE DELLE LEGGI SOLONIANE NELLâ€™ORAZIONE CONTRO TIMARCO
Authors: Loddo Laura
Published: January 2020

This article analyses the role of Solonâ€™s laws in the discourse Against Timarchus with particular reference to the educational project that the speaker attributes to this ancient legislator. After explaining the historical and juridical context of the trial (Â§ 1), firstly, I describe what laws the speaker calls into question (Â§2); then, I discuss the issue of the reliability of the attribution of these laws to Solon (Â§ 3); finally, I present some considerations on Aeschinesâ€™ rhetorical strategy and I argue that not only his laws, but also his poems, his role as political speaker and the very character of Solon form an integral part of this strategy (Â§ 4).
THE EU-JAPAN STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT (SPA) â€“ REALLY MORE POLITICAL AND SECURITY COOPERATION ON THE GROUND?
Authors: Berkofsky Axel
Published: January 2020

In July 2018, Japan and the European Union adopted the bilateral Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA). The SPA is aimed at further institutionalizing EU-Japan cooperation in regional and international politics and security. Based on the political rhetoric accompanying the agreementâ€™s adoption, one could be tempted to conclude that the SPA will be the long-awaited breakthrough of EU-Japan political and security cooperation in the years ahead. But it is not, at least not yet. In the agreement, the EU and Japan envision cooperation in more than 40 areas. You name it, it is all in the agreement: cooperation countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, crisis management, post-conflict reconstruction, collaboration to prevent the proliferation of conventional arms, including small arms and light weapons, joint counter-terrorism policies, joint efforts to reform the UN, development policies, disaster management, climate change and many, many other areas and issues made it onto that very long list of unresolved issues of international politics and security. The good news is that the SPA covers fewer issues and areas than the previous EU-Japan Action (2001-2011), which covered more than 100 areas the EU and Japan were at the time planning to cooperate on, and â€“ with a few notable exceptions â€“ did not. The not so good news is that the new SPA still covers more than 40 areas and there is unfortunately no information publicly available outlining which areas and/or issues have priority over others. Reality (most probably) is that when one does not prioritize anything, then not much will get done unless and until there is agreement between the EU and Japan on what needs to be done first, second and third.
ASCESA E DECLINO DELLâ€™ECONOMIA AMERICANA
Authors: Valli Vittorio
Published: January 2020

The paper illustrates the rapid economic ascent of the United States from 1870 to 1913 and the consolidation of the American economic leadership in the years 1914-50 despite â€œthe lost decadeâ€ succeeded to the 1929 Wall Street crash. The advantages associated to the â€œfrontierâ€ in the first period, and to the great size of the American economy and the â€œFordist Model of developmentâ€ in the years 1908-1929 and 1934-1969, strongly contribute to explain the great success of the American economy. At the beginning of the XXÂ° century the United States is already the major world economy and becomes also the major military, political and financial power in the following decades. At the beginning of the 1950s the leadership of the American economy is undisputed, but militarily and politically the Soviet Union represents a great adversary though having an economic size which is less than half the one of the United States. From the 1950s up to 1989 there are a harsh confrontation between the two super-powers and also the great, though partial, catching -up of Japan and of several Western European economies. Moreover, in 1978 Chinaâ€™s economy begins its phase of very rapid growth and a great catching -up process, and in the latest few years it exceeds the American economy as regards total GDP in purchasing power parities and the value of exports. The US thus begins a period of relative economic decline. The United States remains the richest major economic power in terms of per capita GDP, but China is rapidly diminishing the gap and it might exceed the American giant in the future. Yet, China has deep structural weaknesses, though partially different from those of the United States.
Alveolar proteinosis in Behçet’s disease
Authors: Tetikkurt Cuneyt , Tetikkurt Seza , Ozdemir Imran , Zuhur Cigdem , Bayar Nihal
Published: January 2020

A 51-year-old man with Behçet’s disease complained of fever, dry cough and dyspnea during exertion. Chest CT showed ground glass opacities with interstitial septal thickening in both lungs. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) revealed amorphous and lipoproteinaceous material that was periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) stain positive. Transbronchial biopsy specimen demonstrated PAS positive alveolar eosinophilic material consistent with pulmonary alveolar proteinosis. Serum anti-granulocyte- macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) antibody was negative. Recent studies have reported anti-GMCSF not present in the the serum of patients with secondary pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) but they have not reported so in patients with idiopathic PAP. We report a case of alveolar proteinosis in the setting of Behçet’s disease with spontaneous remission.
To evaluate volume changes on computerized tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging-based delineation during radiotherapy treatment planning in prostate cancer
Authors: Sarolkar Anil , Singh Shashank N. , Bagdare Priyusha , Bhandari Virendra , Lodi Ashar Iqbal , Moharir Sarthak
Published: January 2020

Aim:

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on radiotherapy target volume changes in prostate cancer.

Materials and Methods:

Ten patients with localized prostate cancer receiving radical radiotherapy were included in the study. Computerized tomography (CT) simulation was done with adequate immobilization, and pelvic MRI was also done at the same time. The two were then registered on eclipse planning system and fused. Target delineation (gross tumor volume [GTV] and clinical target volume [CTV]) was done on both the image sets separately and their volumes were compared.

Results:

In the current study, it has been found that the CT image-based contouring overestimated the GTV and CTV with 35.4% and 21.7%, respectively, as compared to that by MRI images. The difference observed was statistically significant in the case of GTV, whereas it was not statistically significant for CTV.

Conclusions:

It can be concluded that MRI is found to be a better modality for GTV delineation, as it gives superior soft-tissue contrast.
Etiology of major limb amputations at a tertiary care centre in Malawi
Authors: Grudziak Joanna
Published: January 2020

IntroductionAmputations in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) represent an important cause of disability and economic hardship. LMIC patients are young and suffer from preventable causes, such as trauma and trauma-related infections. We herein studied the etiology in amputations in a Malawian tertiary care hospital over a 9-year period.Methods Operative and anaesthesia logs at Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH) in Lilongwe, Malawi, were reviewed for 2008–2016. Baseline demographic and clinical variables and type of amputation performed were collected. Only major limb amputations, defined as above or below the knee, above or below the elbow, and above the wrist, were included in this study. Results A total of 610 patients underwent 630 major amputations during the study period. Of these, 170 (27%) patients were female, and the median age of the cohort was 39 (interquartile range [IQR] 25–55). Of these patients, 345 (54.8%) had infection or gangrene recorded among the indications for amputation, 203 (32.2%) had trauma, 94 (14.9%) had cancer and 67 (10.6%) had documented diabetes. Women underwent diabetes-related amputations more often than men (37 out of 67, or 56.1%), and were significantly younger when their amputations were due to diabetes (median age 48 vs 53 years old, P=0.004) or trauma (median age 21 vs 30 years old, P=0.02). The commonest operative procedures were below the knee amputations, at 271 (43%), and above the knee amputations, at 213 (33.8%). ConclusionAmputations in Malawi affect primarily the young, in the most economically productive time of their lives, in contrast to amputees in high-income countries. Preventable causes, such as infection and trauma, lead to the majority of amputations. These etiologies represent an important primary prevention target for public health efforts in LMICs.
The significant gap between international standards and stroke management practices at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (Malawi): An audit report
Authors: Gadama Yohane
Published: January 2020

BackgroundThe Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) is preparing to set up the first stroke unit in Blantyre, Malawi. We conducted this audit to assess current stroke management practices and outcomes at QECH and identify priority areas for intervention.MethodsFrom April to June 2018, we prospectively enrolled patients with acute stroke and collected data on clinical presentation, cardiovascular risk factors, investigations and interventions, in-hospital outcomes, and follow-up plans after discharge. The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA) guidelines were used as the standard of care for comparison.ResultsFifty patients with acute stroke were enrolled (46% women, 54% men). The mean age was 63.1 years (95% CI: 59.7–66.6). The diagnosis of stroke was based on the World Health Organization criteria. The diagnosis was made within 24 hours of admission in 19 patients (38%). Acute revascularisation therapy was not available. Forty-eight patients (96%) had their vital signs checked at baseline and <10% had their vital signs checked more than three times within the first 24 hours. Essential blood tests including random blood sugar (RBS), full blood count (FBC), urea/creatinine, and lipid profiles were performed in 72%, 68%, 48%, and 4%, respectively. An electrocardiogram was performed on 34 patients (68%). Blood pressure on admission was >140/90 mmHg in 34 patients (68%), including 4 with values >220/120 mmHg. Nine patients had an RBS >10 mmol/L and four received insulin. Prophylaxis for deep venous thrombosis was offered to 12 patients (24%). Aspiration pneumonia was reported in 16 patients (32%) and was the most common hospital complication. The mean duration of hospitalisation was 10.4 days (95% CI: 5.6–15.2), and case fatality was 18%. The modified Rankin scale at discharge was ≤2 in 32% of patients. Only four patients (8%) were transferred to a rehabilitation centre. At the time of discharge, only 32% of patients received education on stroke.ConclusionAcute stroke care is less than optimal in this setting. Simple interventions such as reducing the delay in making a stroke diagnosis, early swallow assessments, and closer monitoring of vital signs could make a significant difference in stroke outcome. Furthermore, treating cardiovascular risk factors and setting up health education programmes to improve secondary prevention represent key priorities.
The role of L1 English speakers’ familiarity with Brazilian-accented English (L2) in the intelligibility of Brazilian learners of English (L2): a discussion on intelligibility from a Complex Dynamic Systems perspective
Authors: Salves Déborah , Wanglon Paolla , Kickhöfel Alves Ubiratã
Published: January 2020

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of familiarity with Brazilian-accented English (L2) in the intelligibility of speech samples when judged by native English listeners. Speech samples were collected from five native Brazilian Portuguese individuals from Southern Brazil, with a pre-intermediate level of proficiency in English. Following a Complex Dynamic Systems account (De Bot et al., 2007), this is a longitudinal study in which a group of four British listeners participated in weekly intelligibility transcription tasks, applied over the course of five weeks. This group was comprised of individuals who had recently arrived in Brazil. Results suggest that familiarity with a speaker’s L1 and accented-L2 has an effect on the intelligibility of what is heard. From the perspective of Complex Dynamic Systems, we argue that there is an alteration of a listener’s perception of his/her own language system due to exposure to it as an L2.
Wound healing is promoted by Musa paradisiaca (banana) extract in diabetic rats
Authors: Cheng Yung-Ze , Liu I-Min , Cheng Juei-Tang , Lin Bor-Shyh , Liu Flank
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Impairments in wound healing commonly occur among patients with diabetes. Herbal medicines have a long history of usage in wound care management. Super green (SG) is a newly discovered natural product obtained from Musa paradisiaca. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of the topical application of SG in healing surgical wounds in diabetic rats.

Material and methods

Wistar rats received a one-time intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin to induce type 1 diabetes. Full-thickness excisional skin wounds were created on the backs of the rats. The relevant groups were topically treated with the indicated concentrations of SG or vehicle dressing throughout the study duration. Histological analysis was performed and the mRNA levels of proinflammatory cytokines were measured to evaluate the improvement of wound closure.

Results

The wound area ratio of the SG (1/6000 dilution)-treated group was greatly reduced compared to that of the vehicle-treated group. The histological analysis showed fewer inflammatory cells, accelerated re-epithelialization, and increased collagen deposition in SG 1/6000-treated wounds. The gene expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-6 were decreased and the levels of type I and type III collagen were increased after SG treatment.

Conclusions

These results show that the most therapeutically efficacious concentration of SG (1/6000 dilution) can enhance wound repair in diabetic rats. SG has the potential to be a new treatment strategy for diabetic wounds.
Treatment goal attainment for secondary prevention in coronary patients with or without diabetes mellitus – Polish multicenter study POLASPIRE
Authors: Haberka Maciej , Jankowski Piotr , Kosior Dariusz A. , Szpakowicz Małgorzata , Szóstak-Janiak Karolina , Kozieł Paweł , Krzykwa Agnieszka , Łapińska Magda , Setny Małgorzata , Kamiński Karol , Kubica Aldona , de Bacquer Dirk , de Backer Guy , Kotseva Kornelia , Wood David , Pająk Andrzej , Czarnecka Danuta , Gąsior Zbigniew
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Cardiovascular disease is still a leading cause of death in Poland and across Europe. The aim of this study was to assess the attainment of the main treatment goals for secondary cardiovascular prevention in coronary patients with or without diabetes mellitus (DM) in Poland.

Material and methods

The study group included 1026 patients (65.5 ±9 y.o.; males: 72%) included at least 6 months after the index hospitalisation for myocardial infarction, unstable angina, elective percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass surgery. The target and treatment goals were defined according to the 2016 European Society of Cardiology guidelines on cardiovascular prevention.

Results

Patients with DM (n = 332; 32%) were slightly older compared to non-diabetic (n = 694) individuals (67.2 ±7 vs. 64.6 ±9 years old; p < 0.0001). The DM goal was achieved in 196 patients (60%). The rate of primary (LDL: 51% vs. 35%; p < 0.0001) and secondary (non-HDL: 56% vs. 48%; p < 0.02) goal attainment was higher in DM(+) compared to DM(–) patients. The rate of target blood pressure was lower in DM(+) than in normoglycemic patients (52% vs. 61% at < 140/90 mm Hg, p < 0.01. As expected, goal achievement of normal weight (9.5% vs. 19%; p < 0.0001) and waist circumference (7% vs. 15%; p < 0.001) was lower in diabetic patients and the rate of regular physical activity was similar (DM+ 12% vs. DM– 14%; p = ns). Finally, there was no difference in active smokers (DM+ 23% vs. DM– 22%; p = ns).

Conclusions

Great majority of Polish patients in secondary prevention do not achieve treatment goals. Although lipid goals attainment is better in DM and the rate of smokers is similar, the management of all risk factors needs to be improved.
Immunometabolism in type 2 diabetes mellitus: tissue-specific interactions
Authors: Pinheiro-Machado Erika , Gurgul-Convey Ewa , Marzec Michal
Published: January 2020

The immune system is frequently described in the context of its protective function against infections and its role in the development of autoimmunity. For more than a decade, the interactions between the immune system and metabolic processes have been reported, in effect creating a new research field, termed immunometabolism. Accumulating evidence supports the hypo¬thesis that the development of metabolic diseases may be linked to inflammation, and reflects, in some cases, the activation of immune responses. As such, immunometabolism is defined by 1) inflammation as a driver of disease development and/or 2) metabolic processes stimulating cellular differentiation of the immune components. In this review, the main factors capable of altering the immuno-metabolic communication leading to the development and establishment of obesity and diabetes are comprehensively presented. Tissue-specific immune responses suggested to impair metabolic processes are described, with an emphasis on the adipose tissue, gut, muscle, liver, and pancreas.
Theories and Models in Health Sciences Education – a Literature Review
Authors: Lacasse Miriam , Douville Frederic , Gagnon Johanne , Simard Caroline , Côté Luc
Published: January 2020

Working within a scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL) perspective requires a rigorous approach based on conceptual frameworks in order to build on previous developments. Nevertheless, in health sciences education, the development, implementation, and evaluation of many educational innovations are carried out without an underlying conceptual framework, partly due to a lack of knowledge about any such applicable framework. The objective of this research was to catalogue conceptual frameworks mentioned in recently published health sciences education articles and to classify them according to their use in various SoTL contexts. A literature review in health sciences education from the January, 2011 to March, 2016 period was carried out using the Pubmed, CINAHL, Embase, ERIC, and PsychINFO databases and based on the following terms: (a) theories and models; (b) education; and (c) health professionals. The titles and abstracts of articles were reviewed for purposes of including research articles, innovation reports, and synthesis articles using or discussing theories or models. Data extraction followed the SoTL classification contexts provided by Simpson et al. (2007). A total of 471 articles were selected, retrieving 324 conceptual theories and models, classified according to Simpson’s classification in one or more categories: Teaching (n=294), Curriculum development (n=182), Mentoring (n=12), Leadership/administration (n=16), and Learner assessment (n=78). In conclusion, this literature review identified conceptual theories and models mentioned in articles published in health sciences education from 2011 to 2016. This repertory highlights the importance of conceptual frameworks in health science education. It should encourage faculty members to work from a SoTL perspective by making it easier to identify conceptual frameworks pertaining to the educational innovations they are addressing.
La regla proporcional para problemas de Bancarrota: Dos axiomatizaciones
Authors: Rojas Rojas Jony Alexander , Picados Reyes Roberto Carlos
Published: January 2020

El principio de proporcionalidad es una de las formas de reparto más antiguas en la literatura de problemas de distribución. En este artículo se dan dos caracterizaciones de la regla proporcional: una como la única función que satisface los axiomas de aditividad, invarianza de escala, equidad y convexidad; y la otra caracterización usa los axiomas de tratamiento igualitario a iguales y convexidad.