bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From magic to African experimental science: Toward a new paradigm
Authors: Emedolu Christian C
Published: January 2016

This paper assumes that there is a distinction between empirical and non-empirical science. It also  assumes that empirical science has two complementary parts, namely, theorization and  experimentation. The paper focuses strictly on the experimental aspect of science. It is a call for  reformation in African experimental science. Following a deep historical understanding of the revolution  that brought about experimental philosophy (as modern empirical science was called up to the time of Newton) this paper admits that magic was the mother, not just the “bastard sister” of empirical science. It uncovers the fact that magic added the dimension of experimentation to science. This paper somewhat maintains that most of the ideas presented by some African scholars contain vestiges of the magical tradition in them. Even though this might not be a flaw by any reasonable standard, the paper still argues that there is a genuine need to separate magic from science, if we ever crave for any form of  material/physical progress in Africa. I insist that the thrust of the call for paradigm shift in this paper is centered basically on experimentation. The issue of theoretical entities was introduced only to the extent such entities enhance experimental realism in the practice of African science. Of course, reformation can equally take place at the level of scientific theorization, but that is strictly beyond the scope of this paper. The fact is that those who are versed on the issues of experimentation should begin to get more focused on that aspect; and those who are given to theorization should settle with the formulation of  well-structured theories. Time has indeed come for us to properly streamline our thoughts and make progress in the direction of African experimental science. In making this clarion call, we adopted a combined approach of hermeneutics and analysis.Keywords: Magic, African science, experimental science, paradigm, African thought
Book Review -The limitations of Bernard Matolino’s “limited communitarianism”: Continuing the conversations on personhood in African philosophy
Authors: Edet Mesembe Ita
Published: January 2016

A review of [Personhood in African Philosophy] 2014. Cluster Publications: Pietermaritzburg. Paperback. Pp 192 Author: Bernard Matolino Discipline: African Philosophy Category: African Philosophy ISBN: 978 1 920620 059 Price: Not stated. Reviewer: Mesembe Ita EDET, PhD Department of Philosophy University of Calabar Calabar – Nigeria
A política de garantia de preços mínimos para o pinhão
Authors: Ribeiro Rodrigo Medeiros , Santos Anadalvo Juazeiro dos , Bittencourt Alexandre
Published: January 2016

O pinhão, semente da espécie Araucaria angustifolia (Bertol.) Kuntze, é muito presente nas mesorregiões Sudeste e Centro Sul do estado do Paraná, sendo considerado um dos principais produtos florestais não madeireiros (PFNM) do estado. O comércio de pinhão ocorre de maneira irregular, pois os produtores não têm dimensão exata das mudanças de preços e de como devem alocar seus recursos. Esse processo ocasiona perda, pela diferença dos custos de produção do pinhão e de venda pelos produtores. A política de garantia de preços mínimos (PGPM) consiste em um sistema de preços antecipados estabelecidos pelo Governo Federal cuja função é reduzir ou transferir para a sociedade a incerteza de preços com que se defrontam os produtores no plantio e na colheita. Este trabalho teve por objetivo analisar a economia do pinhão nas mesorregiões Sudeste e Centro Sul do estado do Paraná, para subsidiar a estruturação da cadeia produtiva, e analisar os preços recebidos pelos produtores comparativamente aos custos de produção, para inclusão do pinhão na lista de produtos beneficiados pela PGPM. A subvenção da produção do pinhão apresentou-se como uma ferramenta importante, uma vez que os preços médios pagos aos produtores e extratores se mostraram abaixo do custo de produção para o período estudado.
Amazonian açai and food dyes for staining arbuscular- micorrhizal fungi
Authors: Silva Aline Lourdes Martins , Santana Marcos Diones Ferreira , Pereira John César De Jesus , Raimam Milena Pupo , Albino Ulisses Brigatto
Published: January 2016

A microscopia de Micorrizas Arbusculares requer coloração diferencial de estruturas típicas. Alguns corantes empregados, como Trypan Blue, oferecem riscos à saúde e ambiente. Corantes alternativos como tintas de caneta e anilina foram propostos, porém, com eficácia de coloração variável. Neste trabalho o descolorante de raízes KOH foi substituído por Soda Cáustica e foram testados os corantes naturais Açaí, Urucum e Açafrão, comparados a Trypan Blue e tintas de caneta. Houve diferença significativa entre os corantes quanto às estruturas micorrízicas coradas e qualidade de imagens fotografadas. Açaí foi considerado o melhor corante alternativo, com resultados similares ao Trypan Blue.
How to increase the Impact Factor of a Scientific Journal?
Authors: Silobrcic Vlatko
Published: January 2016

In this review article, the nature and uncertainties of the impact factor (IF) of scientific journals is discussed. Based on the citations of articles published in a journal during a given number of years, the impact factor has been used for purposes as different as that of evaluating the scientific journal, to helping to evaluate individual scientists, and as a tool for librarians to select journals for their collections. Many factors have been described which can influence the numerical value of the IF. Since the variability of the citation patterns in various scientific disciplines varies very much, caution is advised when using the IF for interdisciplinary comparisons or evaluations. As for the attempts to increase the IF, the opinion of the author is that the increase in quality of a scientific journal is the only true way for increasing the IF.

How to cite this article

Silobrcic V. How to increase the Impact Factor of a Scientific Journal? Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2015;9(4):357-360.
4D Fetal Echocardiography in Clinical Practice
Authors: Araujo Júnior Edward , Darahem Tedesco Giselle , Carvalho Carrilho Milene , Borges Peixoto Alberto , Costa Carvalho Francisco Herlânio
Published: January 2016

Spatiotemporal image correlation (STIC) is a technique that acquires the fetal cardiac volumes, and then analyzes it offline in both multiplanar and rendered modes, using both static and moving images from a four-dimensional (4D) cine sequence simulating a full cardiac cycle. Spatiotemporal image correlation makes it possible to evaluate cardiac structures and their vascular connections, is less operator dependent, and allows cardiac volumes to be sent to specialists in tertiary centers for examination. Spatiotemporal image correlation can be combined with other software techniques, such as virtual organ computer-aided analysis (VOCAL) and automatic volume calculation (SonoAVC), to calculate cardiac function parameters. It can also be used in association with Omniview® in order to obtain standard echocardiographic planes using simple targets arterial rendering (STAR) and four-chamber view and swing technique (FAST). Recently, fetal intelligent navigation echocardiography (FINE), acquired from 3D STIC volumes, has made it possible to automatically obtain nine standard echocardiographic planes. In this article, we review the chief applications of 4D echocardiography using STIC technique in clinical practice.

How to cite this article

Araujo Júnior E, Tedesco GD, Carrilho MC, Peixoto AB, Carvalho FHC. 4D Fetal Echocardiography in Clinical Practice. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2015;9(4): 382-396.
Fetal HDlive Silhouette Mode in Clinical Practice
Authors: Masaoka Hiroshi , Ejiri Akira
Published: January 2016

Many rendering modes and types of software have been introduced as tools to aid in the prenatal detection of fetal anomalies. They aim at facilitating the diagnosis, increasing physicians’ confidence, and achieving a better understanding of these anomalies. The HDlive silhouette mode is a novel technology, which provides vitreous-like clarity of the fetus and placenta. Through using a shadowing effect, the outlines of structures of interest can be delineated clearly with a simultaneous display of the inner core and structure. It is more beneficial for identifying a normal anatomy and diagnosing complex congenital malformations. Moreover, the shadowing effect allows the operator to observe structures present behind the directly visualized structure, making it more advantageous than the recent advanced rendering modes, such as three-/fourdimensional ultrasound and HDlive. The contralateral side of the same structure and contralateral limbs can also be displayed. In this article, we highlight this rendering mode, focusing on its merits for the visualization of normal fetal structures as well as some congenital anomalies.

How to cite this article

AboEllail MAM, Kanenishi K, Marumo G, Masaoka H, Ejiri A, Hata T. Fetal HDlive Silhouette Mode in Clinical Practice. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2015;9(4):413-419.
Revisión sistemática de la producción española sobre rendimiento académico entre 1980 y 2011
Authors: Cabrera Pérez Lidia
Published: January 2016

El bajo rendimiento académico sigue siendo un problema de investigación de gran impacto social. Sin embargo, los resultados científicos no están teniendo repercusión en la mejora, ni en las políticas educativas. En este trabajo nos propusimos identificar, ordenar, analizar y extraer conclusiones sobre la producción española sobre rendimiento académico, con el fin de visualizarla y derivar problemas futuros objeto de investigación. Para ello se llevó a cabo un estudio de revisión en seis etapas, en el que se combinaron procedimientos metodológicos de investigación de síntesis y de investigación bibliométrica. Se identificaron las publicaciones en cuatro bases de datos españolas; posteriormente se analizaron y codificaron los datos extraídos alrededor de nueve indicadores: título, año, tipo de documento, editorial, autor, número autores, institución, comunidad autónoma y tema. Los resultados muestran una producción constante y creciente (1595 referencias), pero dispersa, tanto por el inmenso número de autores que publican, la mayoría con un solo trabajo, como por los lugares donde publican. Las temáticas más tratadas se refieren en primer lugar a modelos explicativos, diagnóstico y tratamiento; en segundo lugar se abordan los factores y variables determinantes del bajo y alto rendimiento académico; en tercer lugar se desarrollan estudios sobre legislación y de otras variables psicológicas y educativas en relación con el rendimiento. Este estudio supone una aproximación sintetizada de la producción sobre rendimiento académico en España, y un primer paso para investigaciones de síntesis posteriores, que nos permitan identificar buenas prácticas para el ejercicio de “prácticas basadas en la evidencia”, y otros problemas de investigación.
El análisis de libros de texto: una estrategia metodológica en la formación de los profesionales de la educación
Authors: Braga Blanco Gloria , Belver Domínguez José Luis
Published: January 2016

A pesar de la progresiva introducción de nuevos recursos en las aulas fruto del desarrollo de las TICs, el libro de texto sigue siendo uno de los materiales más utilizado y cuyo protagonismo en la configuración de la práctica escolar ha sido decisivo, por lo que debe ocupar nuestra atención en la formación inicial de los profesionales de la educación. Durante los cursos académicos 2012-13 y 13-14, hemos realizado en el marco de la asignatura de Análisis y diseño de materiales para la educación y la formación del tercer curso del grado de Pedagogía de la Universidad de Oviedo una práctica formativa de análisis de libros de texto escolares que nos ha permitido analizar contextualizadamente y desde una perspectiva teórico-práctica, cuestiones tales como: papel del profesorado en el desarrollo e innovación del currículum, papel de las editoriales en la interpretación del currículum oficial, análisis de tareas y mensajes en los manuales escolares, criterios para juzgar la calidad didáctica de los materiales, etc. El análisis cualitativo de treinta informes desarrollados por 120 estudiantes sobre diferentes libros de texto nos ha permitido identificar sus principales fortalezas y debilidades en varias dimensiones (aspectos formales, metodología, mensajes, implicaciones para la profesionalidad docente) y nos permite concluir que se trata de una experiencia formativa relevante en la formación inicial de cualquier profesional de la educación.
Instrumentos de evaluación utilizados en la formación inicial del profesorado y su coherencia para el desarrollo de competencias profesionales en los estudiantes: visión del alumnado, egresados y profesorado
Authors: Arribas Estebaranz José Mª , Manrique Arribas Juan Carlos , Tabernero Sánchez Belén
Published: January 2016

El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar la frecuencia con que se utilizan diferentes instrumentos y procedimientos de evaluación desde el punto de vista del profesorado, del alumnado y de los egresados en la formación inicial de maestros y profesores especialistas en Educación Física, así como el grado de coherencia –relación- percibido por cada uno de esos grupos implicados entre dichos instrumentos y procedimientos de evaluación y el desarrollo de las competencias profesionales que se pretende adquieran los estudiantes. La muestra objeto de estudio está compuesta por 199 alumnos, 67 egresados y 53 profesores de las titulaciones de Magisterio (especialidad de Educación Física) y Ciencias de la Actividad Física y el Deporte de las universidades de Valladolid, Salamanca y León. Los resultados muestran una clara discrepancia entre los distintos grupos analizados, tanto en lo referido al tipo de instrumentos de evaluación utilizados, como en la valoración del grado de coherencia entre estos y el desarrollo de las competencias profesionales de los futuros maestros.
El "Practicum" en Psicopedagogía: análisis comparativo entre áreas de conocimiento
Authors: Espiñeira Bellón Eva Mª , Arias Rodríguez Alicia , Rebollo Quintela Nuria
Published: January 2016

En el presente artículo presentamos el proceso y los resultados de una investigación en la que, tras reflexionar sobre el concepto de Practicum y, de manera específica, sobre el Practicum de la titulación de Psicopedagogía impartida en la Universidad de A Coruña, se realiza una evaluación teniendo en cuenta la opinión del alumnado que ha cursado dicha materia, en cuanto a la relevancia que le otorga a los objetivos planificados y la posterior consecución de éstos. Los resultados se diferencian teniendo en cuenta el área a la que pertenece el profesorado que lo ha tutorizado. En lo metodológico, es una investigación descriptiva, tipo encuesta, desde la que se interviene en una muestra significativa del alumnado de último curso de la titulación en el año 2012/13 a través de un cuestionario, cuya validez (didáctica y contenido) y fiabilidad (consistencia interna) han sido debidamente establecidas (juicio de expertos y una experiencia piloto para el cálculo del alfa de Cronbach). Los resultados muestran que el programa de Practicum presenta un buen desarrollo de la mayoría de los objetivos, sobre todo los referidos a habilidades, en donde las medias de los objetivos mejor valorados superan la puntuación de 4. Esto último pone de manifiesto claras líneas de innovación y de mejora en los ámbitos a nivel conceptual y actitudinal.
La competencia sobre planificación de investigaciones en 4º de ESO: un estudio de caso
Authors: Rodríguez Arteche Iñigo , Martínez Aznar María Mercedes , Garitagoitia Cid Mª Aránzazu
Published: January 2016

En los últimos años, las metodologías de tipo “Inquiry-Based Science Education” (IBSE) se vienen recomendando desde las instancias europeas para mejorar los niveles de competencia y las actitudes hacia la ciencia de los estudiantes. Así, el presente estudio pretende comprobar la eficacia de una metodología IBSE, la Metodología de Resolución de Problemas como Investigación (MRPI), para la enseñanza-aprendizaje de la competencia sobre planificación de investigaciones en 4º de ESO. Para ello, a partir de las resoluciones de problemas abiertos de los estudiantes, se analiza el progreso en el aprendizaje de las dimensiones competenciales relativas a la planificación de investigaciones y la influencia de la metodología propuesta en su adquisición. Los resultados indican un dominio de mayor a menor grado en la emisión de hipótesis, diseño de la experimentación, representación cualitativa, identificación de variables y reformulación del problema abierto, así como la influencia positiva de la MRPI en estas dimensiones competenciales sobre la planificación de investigaciones.
A Guerrilha do Araguaia e a Repressão Contra Camponeses: reflexões sobre os fundamentos e as práticas repressivas do estado brasileiro em tempos de ditadura
Authors: Mechi Patrícia
Published: January 2016

O episódio de enfrentamento à ditadura civil-militar conhecido como “guerrilha do Araguaia (1972 a 1974)” foi um dos eventos do período que produziu o maior número de vítimas. Segundo os dados disponíveis hoje, seriam 62 militantes e ao menos 17 camponeses assassinados pelas forças repressivas que atuaram na região, centenas de presos e torturados, além de diversos camponeses que tiveram destruídos os seus meios de subsistência. O artigo busca discutir a natureza, os métodos e os objetivos desta repressão, tendo como eixos sua articulação com a Doutrina de Segurança Nacional e elementos do pensamento conservador, em particular no campo. Assim, na primeira parte do artigo, apresentamos os principais elementos da modificação operada na atuação dos Estados Unidos para a América Latina, no que diz respeito ao papel das forças militares, incluindo a divulgação da Doutrina de Segurança Nacional no continente e apresentamos alguns elementos da Doutrina no Brasil; na sequência, discutimos aspectos das visões sobre o “povo” no pensamento conservador, nos casos de dois outros massacres promovidos em áreas rurais: Canudos e Contestado. Por fim, discutimos a atuação das forças armadas na repressão da guerrilha em si, principalmente no que diz respeito aos camponeses.
Processualidades Do Golpe De Estado De 1964
Authors: De Melo Wanderson Fabio
Published: January 2016

O presente texto analisa o golpe de Estado de 1964 no Brasil que instaurou da ditadura civil-militar no país. Busca-se desvendar o seu sentido histórico. Ademais, localiza-se a produção historiográfica recente sobre o tema. As fontes são os textos produzidos por diversos sujeitos envolvidos diretamente nos acontecimentos, bem como parte da produção historiográfica. O procedimento metodológico é a análise imanente.
Metamorfose híbrida, percepção do tempo-espaço: uma tentativa de compreender a essência da arte, o ato humano de ressignificar compulsivamente diante da arte
Authors: Capellato Igor Alexandre , Borges Fernanda Carlos , Boccara Ernesto Giovanni
Published: January 2016

Este artigo procura dialogar sobre o que é arte, sob a perspectiva semiótica de Peirce, encontrando em artistas como Jan Svankmajer, Marcel Duchamp, Salvador Dalí entre outros possíveis argumentos que levam a uma nova percepção da arte, sua funcionalidade técnica e simbólica e o processo de continuidade a que é colocada a obra na sua função enquanto signo. Para tal análise levamos em consideração o processo criativo da obra até sua condição perante o espectador, considerando os signos construtivos e perceptivos que fazem com que 'algo' se encontre na condição de arte.Palavras-chave: Hibridismo, semiótica, percepção
QoS-aware Routing in Multi-rate Ad hoc Networks Based on Ant Colony Optimization
Authors: Al-Ani Aymen Dawood , Seitz Jochen
Published: January 2016

QoS-aware routing in mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) is a major challenge due to node mobility and scarcity of resources. QoS-aware routing based on ant colony optimization (ACO) algorithms is a promising approach to overcome these problems. However, as compared to MANETs, vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) face additional challenges due to rapid topology change, making the estimation or prediction of QoS parameters difficult or stale. VANETs require time-critical message delivery, as late delivery may result in endangering lives. Currently existing routing protocols usually require the exchange of additional control message between neighbor nodes to compute QoS parameters. This makes the routing protocol too slow to react to fast topology change and also does not consider network congestion when forwarding a data packet. To reduce the overhead introduced to collect information from neighbor nodes and to obtain an accurate estimate of QoS parameters, we use the simple network management protocol to estimate these values locally. This paper describes a new approach for calculating QoS parameter locally and avoiding congestion during data transmission. The simulations are implemented using the network simulator ns-3, and the results show that our approach is scalable and performs well in high mobility.    QoS-aware routing in mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) is a major challenge due to node mobility and scarcity of resources. QoS-aware routing based on ant colony optimization (ACO) algorithms is a promising approach to overcome these problems. However, as compared to MANETs, vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) face additional challenges due to rapid topology change, making the estimation or prediction of QoS parameters difficult or stale. VANETs require time-critical message delivery, as late delivery may result in endangering lives. Currently existing routing protocols usually require the exchange of additional control message between neighbor nodes to compute QoS parameters. This makes the routing protocol too slow to react to fast topology change and also does not consider network congestion when forwarding a data packet. To reduce the overhead introduced to collect information from neighbor nodes and to obtain an accurate estimate of QoS parameters, we use the simple network management protocol to estimate these values locally. This paper describes a new approach for calculating QoS parameter locally and avoiding congestion during data transmission. The simulations are implemented using the network simulator ns-3, and the results show that our approach is scalable and performs well in high mobility.
Review of Mapping the 'I'
Authors: Herbe Sarah
Published: January 2016

The volume Mapping the ‘I’: Research on Self-Narratives in Germany and Switzerland deserves attention in a journal on European Life Writing: it makes results of research projects, book projects, articles originally published in German (and in one case, Italian) as well as MA and PhD theses conducted in Switzerland and Germany accessible to a wider, non-German speaking academic community. The essays, all of them written by historians, cover a wide field of self-narratives written in Germany and Switzerland (though not necessarily in German), with a temporal range from the late Middle Ages to the late nineteenth century. They address such diverse genres as the family book, courtly correspondence or suicide notes. This article was submitted to the European Journal of Life Writing on 2 September 2015 and published on 15 December 2015.
A new technique to prevent curling of guide wire in urinary bladder during J stent insertion with flexible cystoscope
Authors: Mahmood Nasir , Pasha Tahir
Published: January 2016

Insertion of J stent is a very common procedure performed by urologists. This procedure is often performed to relieve ureteral obstruction due to stones, tumours, ureteral kink, or stricture on urgent basis. An increasing number of urologists are using a flexible cystoscope and local anaesthetic for J stent insertion. Occasionally, the guide wire curls in the bladder, making it impossible to insert the J stent. Here, we describe a simple method to overcome this problem using modified ureteral dilator, which is usually available in the cystoscopy suite.
Benefits of mesenchymal stem cells after partial bladder outlet obstruction
Authors: Al-Saikan Bader , Ding Jie , Tredget Edward , Metcalfe Peter
Published: January 2016

Introduction: Partial bladder outlet obstruction (pBOO) results in significant morbidity and mortality in the pediatric and adult populations. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have been widely studied in many organ systems for the treatment and prevention of fibrotic and inflammatory conditions. Therefore, we hypothesize that systemic administration of MSC will demonstrate short-term biochemical, histological, and urodynamic benefits in an animal model for pBOO.Methods: After University ethics approval, 5 x 106 green fluorescent protein GFP-labeled MSC were intravenously injected concurrently with pBOO in adult Sprague-Dawley rats. Five groups (n=3/ group) were analyzed: a) unobstructed controls; b) pBOO for seven days with intravenous MSC (7d+MSC); c) pBOO for seven days without intravenous MSC (7d-MSC); d) pBOO for 14 days with intravenous MSC (14d+MSC), e) pBOO for 14 days without MSC (14d–MSC). Urodynamics were performed at the end of the experimental period and bladders were weighed. Immunohistochemistry was performed for GFP detection and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to detect mRNA of: TGF-B, HIF-1a, RhoA, GRP-78, lumican, and decorin.Results: All animals remained healthy. GFP was detected in all treatment groups. MSC treatment resulted in a significant decrease in bladder capacity (0.91 cc vs. 2.15 cc, p=0.04). Treatment also resulted in significant decreases in mRNA levels of: TGF-B, HIF-1a, Rho-A, and GRP-78.Conclusions: Systemic treatment with MSC was well tolerated and resulted in MSC accumulation after pBOO. Despite our low numbers, we were able to successfully demonstrate short-term urodynamic improvements and widespread, significant decreases in inflammatory mediators. We believe that this decreased inflammatory cascade will help prevent long-term detrusor deterioration.
The role of renal biopsy in small renal masses
Authors: Burruni Rodolfo , Lhermitte Benoit , Cerantola Yannick , Tawadros Thomas , Meuwly Jean-Yves , Berthold Dominik , Jichlinski Patrice , Valerio Massimo
Published: January 2016

Renal biopsy is being increasingly proposed as a diagnostic tool to characterize small renal masses (SRM). Indeed, the wide adoption of imaging in the diagnostic workup of many diseases had led to a substantial increased incidence of SRM (diameter ≤4 cm). While modern ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques have high sensitivity for detecting SRM, none is able to accurately and reliably characterize them in terms of histological features. This is currently of key importance in guiding clinical decision-making in some situations, and in these cases renal biopsy should be considered. In this review, we aim to summarize the technique, diagnostic performance, and predicting factors of nondiagnostic biopsy, as well as the future perspectives.
Risk factors for mortality during antiretroviral therapy in older populations in resource‐limited settings
Authors: O'Brien Daniel , Spelman Tim , Greig Jane , McMahon James , Ssonko Charles , Casas Esther , Mesic Anita , Du Cros Philipp , Ford Nathan
Published: January 2016

Introduction

An increasing proportion of adult patients initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART) in resource‐limited settings are aged >50 years. Older populations on ART appear to have heightened risk of death, but little is known about factors influencing mortality in this population.

Methods

We performed a retrospective observational multisite cohort study including all adult patients (≥15 years) initiating ART between 2003 and 2013 in programmes supported by Médecins Sans Frontières across 12 countries in Asia, Africa and Europe. Patients were stratified into two age groups, >50 years and 15 to 50 years. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to explore factors associated with mortality.

Results

The study included 41,088 patients: 2591 (6.3%) were aged >50 years and 38,497 (93.7%) were aged 15 to 50 years. The mortality rate was significantly higher in the age group >50 years [367 (14.2%) deaths; mortality rate 7.67 deaths per 100 person‐years (95% confidence interval, CI: 6.93 to 8.50)] compared to the age group 15 to 50 years [3788 (9.8%) deaths; mortality rate 4.18 deaths per 100 person‐years (95% CI: 4.05 to 4.31)], p<0.0001. Higher CD4 levels at baseline were associated with significantly reduced mortality rates in the 15 to 50 age group but this association was not seen in the >50 age group. WHO Stage 4 conditions were more strongly associated with increased mortality rates in the 15 to 50 age group compared to populations >50 years. WHO Stage 3 conditions were associated with an increased mortality rate in the 15 to 50 age group but not in the >50 age group. Programme region did not affect mortality rates in the >50 age group; however being in an Asian programme was associated with a 36% reduced mortality rate in populations aged 15 to 50 years compared to being in an African programme. There was a higher overall incidence of Stage 3 WHO conditions in people >50 years (12.8/100 person‐years) compared to those 15 to 50 years (8.1/100 person‐years) (p<0.01). The rate of Stage 4 WHO conditions was similar (5.8/100 versus 6.1/100 respectively, p=0.52). Mortality rates on ART associated with the majority of specific WHO conditions were similar between the 15 to 50 and >50 age groups.

Conclusions

Older patients on ART in resource‐limited settings have increased mortality rates, but compared to younger populations this appears to be less influenced by baseline CD4 count and WHO clinical stage. HIV treatment programmes in resource‐limited settings need to consider risk factors associated with mortality on ART in older populations, which may differ to those related to younger adults.
A Socratic epistemology for verbal emotional intelligence
Authors: Kazemzadeh Abe , Gibson James , Georgiou Panayiotis , Lee Sungbok , Narayanan Shrikanth
Published: January 2016

We describe and experimentally validate a question-asking framework for machine-learned linguistic knowledge about human emotions. Using the Socratic method as a theoretical inspiration, we develop an experimental method and computational model for computers to learn subjective information about emotions by playing emotion twenty questions (EMO20Q), a game of twenty questions limited to words denoting emotions. Using human–human EMO20Q data we bootstrap a sequential Bayesian model that drives a generalized pushdown automaton-based dialog agent that further learns from 300 human–computer dialogs collected on Amazon Mechanical Turk. The human–human EMO20Q dialogs show the capability of humans to use a large, rich, subjective vocabulary of emotion words. Training on successive batches of human–computer EMO20Q dialogs shows that the automated agent is able to learn from subsequent human–computer interactions. Our results show that the training procedure enables the agent to learn a large set of emotion words. The fully trained agent successfully completes EMO20Q at 67% of human performance and 30% better than the bootstrapped agent. Even when the agent fails to guess the human opponent’s emotion word in the EMO20Q game, the agent’s behavior of searching for knowledge makes it appear human-like, which enables the agent to maintain user engagement and learn new, out-of-vocabulary words. These results lead us to conclude that the question-asking methodology and its implementation as a sequential Bayes pushdown automaton are a successful model for the cognitive abilities involved in learning, retrieving, and using emotion words by an automated agent in a dialog setting.
Residual mitochondrial transmembrane potential decreases unsaturated fatty acid level in sake yeast during alcoholic fermentation
Authors: Sawada Kazutaka , Kitagaki Hiroshi
Published: January 2016

Oxygen, a key nutrient in alcoholic fermentation, is rapidly depleted during this process. Several pathways of oxygen utilization have been reported in the yeastSaccharomyces cerevisiaeduring alcoholic fermentation, namely synthesis of unsaturated fatty acid, sterols and heme, and the mitochondrial electron transport chain. However, the interaction between these pathways has not been investigated. In this study, we showed that the major proportion of unsaturated fatty acids of ester-linked lipids in sake fermentation mash is derived from the sake yeast rather than from rice or koji (rice fermented withAspergillus). Additionally, during alcoholic fermentation, inhibition of the residual mitochondrial activity of sake yeast increases the levels of unsaturated fatty acids of ester-linked lipids. These findings indicate that the residual activity of the mitochondrial electron transport chain reduces molecular oxygen levels and decreases the synthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, thereby increasing the synthesis of estery flavors by sake yeast. This is the first report of a novel link between residual mitochondrial transmembrane potential and the synthesis of unsaturated fatty acids by the brewery yeast during alcoholic fermentation.
A prospective randomized trial examining health care utilization in individuals using multiple smartphone-enabled biosensors
Authors: Bloss Cinnamon S. , Wineinger Nathan E. , Peters Melissa , Boeldt Debra L. , Ariniello Lauren , Kim Ju Young , Sheard Judith , Komatireddy Ravi , Barrett Paddy , Topol Eric J.
Published: January 2016

Background.Mobile health and digital medicine technologies are becoming increasingly used by individuals with common, chronic diseases to monitor their health. Numerous devices, sensors, and apps are available to patients and consumers–some of which have been shown to lead to improved health management and health outcomes. However, no randomized controlled trials have been conducted which examine health care costs, and most have failed to provide study participants with a truly comprehensive monitoring system.Methods.We conducted a prospective randomized controlled trial of adults who had submitted a 2012 health insurance claim associated with hypertension, diabetes, and/or cardiac arrhythmia. The intervention involved receipt of one or more mobile devices that corresponded to their condition(s) (hypertension: Withings Blood Pressure Monitor; diabetes: Sanofi iBGStar Blood Glucose Meter; arrhythmia: AliveCor Mobile ECG) and an iPhone with linked tracking applications for a period of 6 months; the control group received a standard disease management program. Moreover, intervention study participants received access to an online health management system which provided participants detailed device tracking information over the course of the study. This was a monitoring system designed by leveraging collaborations with device manufacturers, a connected health leader, health care provider, and employee wellness program–making it both unique and inclusive. We hypothesized that health resource utilization with respect to health insurance claims may be influenced by the monitoring intervention. We also examined health-self management.Results & Conclusions.There was little evidence of differences in health care costs or utilization as a result of the intervention. Furthermore, we found evidence that the control and intervention groups were equivalent with respect to most health care utilization outcomes. This result suggests there are not large short-term increases or decreases in health care costs or utilization associated with monitoring chronic health conditions using mobile health or digital medicine technologies. Among secondary outcomes there was some evidence of improvement in health self-management which was characterized by a decrease in the propensity to view health status as due to chance factors in the intervention group.
Faces in commonly experienced configurations enter awareness faster due to their curvature relative to fixation
Authors: Moors Pieter , Wagemans Johan , de-Wit Lee
Published: January 2016

The extent to which perceptually suppressed face stimuli are still processed has been extensively studied using the continuous flash suppression paradigm (CFS). Studies that rely on breaking CFS (b-CFS), in which the time it takes for an initially suppressed stimulus to become detectable is measured, have provided evidence for relatively complex processing of invisible face stimuli. In contrast, adaptation and neuroimaging studies have shown that perceptually suppressed faces are only processed for a limited set of features, such as its general shape. In this study, we asked whether perceptually suppressed face stimuli presented in their commonly experienced configuration would break suppression faster than when presented in an uncommonly experienced configuration. This study was motivated by a recent neuroimaging study showing that commonly experienced face configurations are more strongly represented in the fusiform face area. Our findings revealed that faces presented in commonly experienced configurations indeed broke suppression faster, yet this effect did not interact with face inversion suggesting that, in a b-CFS context, perceptually suppressed faces are potentially not processed by specialized (high-level) face processing mechanisms. Rather, our pattern of results is consistent with an interpretation based on the processing of more basic visual properties such as convexity.
No More “Us” and “Them”: Integrating Recovery and Well-Being into a Conceptual Model for Mental Health Policy
Authors: Mulvale Gillian , Bartram Mary
Published: January 2016

To set the stage for this special edition on Responses to the Mental Health Strategy for Canada: Canadian and International Perspectives on Mobilizing Change, we discuss the role of ideas in the public policy literature and the influence of key ideas over the history of mental health policy. Drawing on academic and policy literature and feedback from a convenience sample of mental health policy makers, we integrate the concepts of recovery and well-being into a conceptual model that can be used by policy makers as a tool to realize the transformative ideas captured in the Mental Health Strategy for Canada.
The Greenland Ice Sheet as a hot spot of phosphorus weathering and export in the Arctic
Authors: Hawkings Jon , Wadham Jemma , Tranter Martyn , Telling Jon , Bagshaw Elizabeth , Beaton Alexander , Simmons Sarah‐Louise , Chandler David , Tedstone Andrew , Nienow Peter
Published: January 2016

The contribution of ice sheets to the global biogeochemical cycle of phosphorus is largely unknown, due to the lack of field data. Here we present the first comprehensive study of phosphorus export from two Greenland Ice Sheet glaciers. Our results indicate that the ice sheet is a hot spot of phosphorus export in the Arctic. Soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) concentrations, up to 0.35 µM, are similar to those observed in Arctic rivers. Yields of SRP are among the highest in the literature, with denudation rates of 17–27 kg P km−2 yr−1. Particulate phases, as with nonglaciated catchments, dominate phosphorus export (>97% of total phosphorus flux). The labile particulate fraction differs between the two glaciers studied, with significantly higher yields found at the larger glacier (57.3 versus 8.3 kg P km−2 yr−1). Total phosphorus yields are an order of magnitude higher than riverine values reported in the literature. We estimate that the ice sheet contributes ~15% of total bioavailable phosphorus input to the Arctic oceans (~11 Gg yr−1) and dominates total phosphorus input (408 Gg yr−1), which is more than 3 times that estimated from Arctic rivers (126 Gg yr−1). We predict that these fluxes will rise with increasing ice sheet freshwater discharge in the future.
Comment on “Asynchronous variation in the East Asian winter monsoon during the Holocene” by Xiaojian Zhang, Liya Jin, and Na Li
Authors: Rashid Harunur , Marche Brittany , Vermooten Marli , Parry Devon , Webb Michaela , Brockway Brent , Langer Keesha
Published: January 2016

Comparing paleoproxy records throughout China and two climate models simulation results, Zhang et al. (2015) reported asynchronous Holocene spatiotemporal decline of the East Asian winter monsoon. Six sea surface temperature (SST) proxy records from the Atlantic Ocean and northern Indian Ocean and South China Sea were used to validate climate simulations results. However, the referred Mg/Ca SST record from the western Atlantic Ocean is simply nonexistent and the northeast Atlantic Mg/Ca SST data do not reflect winter SST as Zhang et al. (2015) argued to support the driving mechanisms. Furthermore, the western Indian Ocean SSTs data used in Zhang et al. (2015) do not reflect the winter SSTs or regional changes in the Holocene SSTs. Therefore, we question the validity of model simulation results and hence the reliability of conclusions in Zhang et al. (2015).
Liquid Biofuels: Bioalcohols, Biodiesel and Biogasoline and Algal Biofuels
Authors: Skevis George
Published: January 2016

The development of alternative, renewable fuels is of global importance due to concerns regarding global warming, environmental protection and diversity and the security of energy supply. Liquid biofuels in particular, such as bioethanol and biodiesel, provide the potential for superior engine performance coupled with reduced particulate emissions, and are increasingly gaining acceptance and market share, particularly in the transportation sector. This chapter provides a concise review of the current knowledge on biodiesel and bioalcohols combustion science and technology. Liquid biofuels production technologies are reviewed and an overview is provided of current research efforts related to second‐ and third‐generation biofuels production and utilization, including hydrotreated vegetable oils (HVOs) and algal biofuels. An outline of the important physical and chemical properties of biofuels is also presented and discussed. Reliable performance and emissions predictions are very much dependent on the availability of fundamental experimental data and the performance of detailed chemical kinetic mechanisms. The combustion chemistry of ethanol is fairly well established and is reviewed in detail, and recent developments in the kinetic modeling of propanol and butanol isomers and of dimethyl ether are also presented. The combustion chemistry of biodiesel surrogates and actual biodiesel molecules is reviewed, as are the effects of using neat or blended biofuels on internal combustion engine performance and exhaust emissions. The feasibility of biofuels use in aviation is also explored. Finally, a brief review is provided of life cycle analyses that assess the environmental performance of liquid biofuels as compared to conventional fuels.
Self‐excited Combustion Instabilities
Authors: Camporeale Sergio M. , Laera Davide , Campa Giovanni
Published: January 2016

Self‐excited combustion instabilities are dangerous phenomena that may occur in gas turbine combustors, rocket combustion systems, and industrial furnaces. In this chapter, the main mechanisms that cause instabilities are described, with attention focused on the influence of pressure waves on the fluctuations of flame heat release rates. An historical background (with reference to rocket engines) is followed by a description of the phenomenon in gas turbines, considering both cannular and annular combustion chambers. Initially, a description of mathematical models based on a lumped approach is presented; these approaches are useful for a preliminary analysis of the phenomenon. Modern, three‐dimensional codes that can be used as design and analysis tools are then described, together with instructions of how to use such tools in conjunction with experimental analyses capable of identifying linear and nonlinear flame responses to flow perturbation. A mathematical approach capable of modeling the bifurcation process that leads to steady large amplitude fluctuations known as the limit‐cycle is described, and examples are given. Analyses of combustion instabilities offered by computationally intensive simulations, making use of unsteady reactive and fluid dynamic codes, are also discussed. Finally, active and passive control techniques outlined that can be used to avoid, or at least attenuate, instabilities.
Model‐reference impedance and admittance control of linear systems
Authors: Cunha José Paulo V. S. , Costa Ramon R.
Published: January 2016

A variable structure model‐reference adaptive control (VS‐MRAC) of impedances and admittances (driving‐point (DP) functions) is proposed. Only voltage and current measurements are required to implement the controllers. The inclusion of a prefilter in the reference model allows the synthesis of quite general DP functions, even with nonminimum phase zeros and unstable poles. It is shown that the stability of the closed‐loop system depends only on the source DP function and the chosen reference model. The VS‐MRAC guarantees global exponential stability properties, robustness to parameter uncertainties, disturbances, and unmodelled dynamics. Simulation results illustrate the performance and robustness of the VS‐MRAC. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thin Film Growth of nbo MOFs and their Integration with Electroacoustic Devices
Authors: Stavila Vitalie , Schneider Christian , Mowry Curtis , Zeitler Todd R. , Greathouse Jeffery A. , Robinson Alex L. , Denning Julie M. , Volponi Joanne , Leong Kirsty , Quan William , Tu Min , Fischer Roland A. , Allendorf Mark D.
Published: January 2016

Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) with the “nbo” topology constitute a diverse suite of more than 100 nanoporous materials, but their use in applications such as chemical sensing and membranes is inhibited by a lack of methods for growing them as thin films. Here, layer‐by‐layer (LBL) and solvothermal growth of “nbo” films is demonstrated and it is established for the first time that interlinker steric hindrance is a critical factor in determining the effectiveness of the LBL method. Film growth is demonstrated for three “nbo” MOFs: NOTT‐100 and NOTT‐101, which have the R‐3m space group and are deposited by the LBL method, and PCN‐14, with the R‐3c space group, which is deposited by a solvothermal approach. Continuous and dense films of NOTT‐100 and NOTT‐101 are obtained and LBL growth is verified by observing deposition with a quartz crystal microbalance technique, which also yields the temperature dependence. Oxygen plasma treatment is found to be a useful tool for promoting the MOF film growth under solvothermal conditions. Effective mechanical coupling of these films to the substrate is demonstrated by growing them on surface acoustic wave sensors, which respond reversibly to vapors of water, acetone, and n‐hexane.
Green Emitting Cubic GaInN/GaN Quantum Well Stripes on Micropatterned Si(001) and Their Strain Analysis
Authors: Durniak Mark T. , Bross Adam S. , Elsaesser David , Chaudhuri Anabil , Smith Michael L. , Allerman Andrew A. , Lee Seung C. , Brueck Steven R. J. , Wetzel Christian
Published: January 2016

GaInN/GaN heterostructures in the cubic lattice variant have the potential to overcome the limitations of wurtzite structures as commonly used for light emitting and laser diodes. Wurtzite GaInN (0001), suffers from large internal polarization fields, which force design compromises toward ultranarrow quantum wells and reduce recombination volume and efficiency, particularly in the green, yellow, and red visible spectral regions. Cubic GaInN microstripes on micropatterned Si(001), with {111} V‐grooves oriented along Si , offer a system free of internal polarization fields, wider quantum wells, and a smaller bandgap energy. 6 and 9 nm Ga1‐xInxN/GaN single quantum well structures are prepared and their emission spectra found to be dominated by the recombination in the cubic wells. The peak wavelength ranges from 520 to 570 nm with a polarization predominately perpendicular to the grooves. These values are about 26 nm longer in wavelength than the equivalent wurtzite sample portions and 40 nm longer than the wurtzite (0001) oriented portions. An alloy composition range of 0.2 < x < 0.3 has been estimated in those cubic portions and quantum efficiency comparable to planar wurtzite structures. The stripe geometry and photon polarization may be suitable for optical mode confinement and reduced threshold stimulated emission.