bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Les traumatismes crâniens font partie des blessures associées au curling récréatif qui peuvent être évitées en portant des chaussures appropriées
Authors: Ting DK , Brison RJ
Published: April 2017

Introduction

Notre étude s’intéresse à une population de joueurs de curling et vise à décrire la fréquence des blessures, à estimer le risque de se blesser et à évaluer l’opinion des joueurs à l’égard des stratégies de prévention axées sur l’équipement.

Méthodologie

Dans le cadre d’une étude de série de cas rétrospective, nous avons fait des recherches dans le Système canadien hospitalier d’information et de recherche en prévention des traumatismes (SCHIRPT), une base de données nationale pour la surveillance des blessures, en vue d’y repérer les blessures subies au curling répertoriées entre 1993 et 2011. L’Hôpital général de Kingston et l’Hôpital Hôtel-Dieu sont les deux hôpitaux de Kingston (Ontario) qui offrent des services d’urgence et qui font partie du réseau du SCHIRPT. Pour chaque entrée trouvée, nous avons procédé à l’analyse du dossier du patient. Un sondage complémentaire a été envoyé à certaines personnes ayant subi des blessures au curling afin d’en connaître les détails et de savoir ce qu’elles pensent du port d’un équipement comme mesure de prévention. Nous avons utilisé des statistiques descriptives pour les taux et les proportions.

Résultats

Plus de 90 % des blessures graves au curling résultent d’une chute et 31,7 % des cas de blessures graves sont constitués de choc à la tête. Nous avons calculé que le taux de blessures graves qui nécessitent une consultation aux services d’urgence est approximativement de 0,17 pour 1 000 athlètes exposés (intervalle de confiance à 95 % : de 0,12 à 0,22). Le sondage complémentaire a été rempli par 54 % des joueurs blessés ciblés. Parmi eux, 41,3 % attribuent leur chute à l’absence de chaussures appropriées. Concernant les stratégies de prévention, 73,5 % des répondants étaient d’accord avec la suggestion du port obligatoire de chaussures spécialisées, mais seulement 8 % avec celle du port obligatoire du casque.

Conclusion

Bien que les blessures subies au curling qui nécessitent des soins médicaux ne soient pas courantes, les traumatismes crâniens représentent une proportion importante de ces blessures. Le port obligatoire de chaussures appropriées semble constituer la mesure de prévention la plus efficace et la plus acceptable pour les joueurs.
Arsenic exposure and type 2 diabetes: results from the 2007–2009 Canadian Health Measures Survey
Authors: Feseke SK , St-Laurent J , Anassour-Sidi E , Ayotte P , Bouchard M , Levallois P
Published: April 2017

Introduction

Inorganic arsenic and its metabolites are considered dangerous to human
health. Although several studies have reported associations between low-level arsenic
exposure and diabetes mellitus in the United States and Mexico, this association has not
been studied in the Canadian population. We evaluated the association between arsenic
exposure, as measured by total arsenic concentration in urine, and the prevalence of type
2 diabetes (T2D) in 3151 adult participants in Cycle 1 (2007–2009) of the Canadian
Health Measures Survey (CHMS).

Methods

All participants were tested to determine blood glucose and glycated
hemoglobin. Urine analysis was also performed to measure total arsenic. In addition,
participants answered a detailed questionnaire about their lifestyle and medical history.
We assessed the association between urinary arsenic levels and T2D and prediabetes
using multivariate logistic regression while adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

Total urinary arsenic concentration was positively associated with the prevalence
of T2D and prediabetes: adjusted odds ratios were 1.81 (95% CI: 1.12–2.95) and 2.04
(95% CI: 1.03–4.05), respectively, when comparing the highest (fourth) urinary arsenic
concentration quartile with the lowest (first) quartile. Total urinary arsenic was also
associated with glycated hemoglobin levels in people with untreated diabetes.

Conclusion

We found significant associations between arsenic exposure and the
prevalence of T2D and prediabetes in the Canadian population. Causal inference is
limited due to the cross-sectional design of the study and the absence of long-term
exposure assessment.
Radio Internet dalam Perspektif Determinisme Teknologi
Authors: Aprilani Aprilani
Published: April 2017

The growth of internet radio has brought a significant impact on change management and radio audiences. Marriage analog radio with internet technology into a new media (Internet Radio) is seen as an alternative solution to some problems of analog radio. Instrumentalist views on Technology Determinism gives the assumption that the function of technology is very dominant in shaping society. Philosophy of technology against this assumption, because Technology Determinism can not explain the meaning and implications of technology for humans. Internet radio using technology to facilitate community access, however the implications of its use to produce new problems in the realm of economic, cultural, social and political. Understanding awareness of the use of technology is the essence of the basic form of critical consciousness of society.
Dari Desentralisasi Jaringan ke [De]sentralisasi Kuasa: Dinamika, Kekuatan dan Pukulan Balik
Authors: Wadipalapa Rendy Pahrun
Published: April 2017

Power works in a network where each actor in it is always in a position of power to run and run. Power can not be owned, but circulated, disseminated each other, and exchanged in a wide distribution network. Each of these actors want to remain in the circulation of inter-and intra network so as to follow the current is to survive. Decentralization efforts the network has changed the balance of political power. However, forms of social network communication technology today, although it has tremendous value to be used as power and political consolidation, also risk a backlash. Decentralized system that exists today, in some ways has a crack and centralized, in some aspects still looks centralized: they are too vulnerable to state retaliation and control.
Media Massa, Pemerintah dan Pemilik Modal
Authors: Susanto Eko Harry
Published: April 2017

Democratization of communication, is the starting point of mass media in promoting the achievement of a prosperous information society. But the problem, is not easy to build a democratic ideal. Because a number of people within the government still puts power in response to the message - the message conveyed by the media. On the other hand, there are still investors who interpret that identic democracy with freedom of action which is detrimental to the business is run. But democracy barriers associated with reporting transparency could have emerged from people who prefer introversion past due jargon about harmony and alignment.
Hubungan antara Radio Streaming dengan Persepsi dan Kepuasan Audiens di PT MNC Skyvision Jakarta
Authors: Jati Rocky Prasetyo , Herlina Mira
Published: April 2017

This research is motivated by development of radio broadcasting using streaming concept to broadcast to the listeners. Before streaming broadcast radio it need planting perception, resulting satisfaction to listeners. Problem and research objectives is to what extent the relationship between the audience’s perception of streaming radio and streaming radio contact with the extent of audience satisfaction. This research based on the theory of use and gratification and using the quantitative methodology, with quota sampling technique, respondents of PT. MNC Sky Vision Jakarta. The research result shown that there is a relation between the perception of streaming radio and there is a real relationship between the satisfaction of streaming radio.
Kohesivitas Suami Istri Dalam Mewujudkan Keharmonisan Rumah Tangga: Studi Kasus di Gunung Kidul Yogyakarta
Authors: Suciati Suciati
Published: April 2017

Each couple must have longed for harmony in the household, but many of them decide to divorce. The issue is not resolved for the sake of the problems cause conflict.This happens when couples are no longer uphold openness and trust. This study raised the marital cohesion in the area of Gunung Kidul Yogyakarta, considering this region occurred in the case of divorce due to lack of harmony in the marital relationship. Data was collected through in-depth interviews with three pairs of husband and wife. The study concluded that the three couples showed cohesiveness characterized by a relatively high intensity of togetherness, the role of head of the family stay on her husband, satisfaction with the solutions generated and the defense their

family name.
Social and Cultural Identity Pendekatan Face Negotation Theory dan Public Relations Multikulturalism Negara Jerman-China dan Indonesia
Authors: Hidayat Dasrun
Published: April 2017

Research examines the focus of social identity and cultural identity of individuals between states of Germany, China and Indonesia. Building a sense of one's cultural identity is comprised of various identities that are interconnected with face negotiation theory perspective. Research constructive significance intersubjective phenomenology with qualitative constructivist paradigm. The study found that the inter-state identity constructed in a different manner. Germany builds social identity because of the role of government not of the family. Germany does not take into account the family so that the identity of individual awakes more independent. Chinese social identity constructed by social status, stratum or class. China still sees a group of men as dominant and women as a minority. Socially constructed male identity as it is considered more capable than women. Social identity of opposites so that social structures are built are also different. Similarly, Indonesia, social identity is built almost the same as China, only differentiating factor lies in obedience to carry out the norms and values prevailing in the social strata. Indonesia and China still uphold the cultural dimension of collectivity than Germany Individual dimensions. Using multicultural Public Relations function approach finally be able to recognize the cultural identity of each country and each social identity
Strategi Public Relations Hotel dalam Membentuk Citra Objek Wisata
Authors: Ruliana Poppy , Dwiantari Ririh
Published: April 2017

The purpose of this study is to determine the communication strategy of marketing through public relations approach between hotel and community. The model used in this study is a Public Relations strategy planning model of Cutlip, Center & Broom (2009). Method used in this research is descriptive qualitative approach. Data were collected by doing participatory observation, in-depth interviews, documentary studies and triangulation. Data wrere analyzed through the stages of data reduction, data presentation, conclusion and verification. Result shows that the PR strategy planning model proposed by Cutlip, Center & Broom can support this research.
Audit Komunikasi Organisasi Wahana Lingkungan Hidup Indonesia (Walhi) Yogyakarta
Authors: Ramadani Dian , Lestari Puji , Susilo Muhammad Edy
Published: April 2017

The paper aims to analyze process of communication audit in WALHI Yogyakarta organization to increase organization systems to improve organization effectiveness using information of organization theory and qualitative descriptive method. The research found that the process of implementation communication audit of organization in WALHI Yogyakarta works quite well as demonstrated by the five units of analysis: organization, content of information, management of organization, communication processes or activities of communication, and feedback. Of the five unit of analysis it is found that openness factor vertically or horizontally has a big role in improving the performance of an organization’s success. Another factor is the role of communication technology to simplify and accelerate the delivery of information internally. Media written or printed or electronic media is used in support of this organization. Communication audit implemented in every organization will improve the performance of organization.
Gaya Berkomunikasi Dan Adaptasi Budaya Mahasiswa Batak di Yogyakarta
Authors: Simatupang Oktolina , Lubis Lusiana Andriani , Wijaya Haris
Published: April 2017

This research aims to understand communication style and cultural adaptation of Bataknese students from North Sumatera studying at Institut Seni Indonesia Yogyakarta using theories of intercultural communication, communication style and adaptation. This research employs qualitative descriptive method. Data were collected through in-depth interview and observation among ten Bataknese students from North Sumatera studying at Institut Seni Indonesia Yogyakarta. The informants are students who went to primary level to high school in North Sumatera province. Data were analyzed by data processing, categorization and data interpretation. The result shows that most of informants speak directly and explicitly. It means that their communication style tends to be low-context communication. They also experienced culture shock in process of cultural adaptation. Overall, informants are able to adapt well in Yogyakarta’s environment. Their openness and willingness to adapt with a new culture help them to be comfort in new environment.
Aktivitas Media Relations Humas Setda Kota Salatiga dalam Membentuk Berita Positif
Authors: Pratiwi Nugrahaning Esa , Mayopu Richard Gordon , Huwae George Nicholas
Published: April 2017

This research aims to find out the role of media relations in forming positive news on printed media by having a special page for Salatiga news as research focus. This research is a qualitative research by using qualitative descriptive approach. Observation, interview, document collection and photo activities are used to collect data. The result indicates that informal media relations activities are more effective to create positive news about Salatiga government in printed media because it can build good relation between Public Relations practitioners and journalists.
Literasi Informasi tentang Kemasan Produk Obat Bebas
Authors: Dini Cahaya Purnama , Lestari Puji
Published: April 2017

This study aims to determine the motive of the public to read or understand the information contained on the drug packaging OTC, identify the ability of people to understand information on the the drug packaging OTC and the utilization of existing information. This is a qualitative research. Researchers collected data in the Kepuharjo village, Cangkringan, Sleman, Yogyakarta. The result shows that the main reason of people reading the instructions on the drug packaging OTC is to be safe after consuming drugs. However, other clue, such as drug side effects is less noticed. Because of consuming drugs is always safe, it makes people repeat in consuming drugs considered suitable for her. People do this in accordance with rules of consuming drugs because they expect to get speedy recovery. The other reason is to make as information or knowledge when they will consume drugs.
Blood donor screening for West Nile virus (WNV) revealed acute Usutu virus (USUV) infection, Germany, September 2016
Authors: Cadar Daniel , Maier Philipp , Müller Susanne , Kress Julia , Chudy Michael , Bialonski Alexandra , Schlaphof Alexander , Jansen Stephanie , Jöst Hanna , Tannich Egbert , Runkel Stefan , Hitzler Walter E , Hutschenreuter Gabriele , Wessiepe Martina , Schmidt-Chanasit Jonas
Published: April 2017

Between 1 June and 31 December 2016, 13,023 blood donations from the University Hospital Aachen in Germany were routinely screened for West Nile virus (WNV) RNA using the cobas TaqScreen WNV Test. On 28 September 2016, one blood donor was tested positive. Subsequent analysis revealed an acute Usutu virus (USUV) infection. During the ongoing USUV epizootics in Germany, blood transfusion services, public health authorities and clinicians should be aware of increased human USUV infections.
Energy Resolved Residual Stress Analysis with Laboratory X-Ray Sources
Authors: Liehr A. , Zinn W. , Degener S. , Scholtes B. , Niendorf T. , Genzel C.
Published: April 2017

It is well known that existing residual stress fields play an important role for strength and lifetime of components. Consequently there is a great interest in the availability of fast, reliable and possibly nondestructive methods for their determination. In this context, X-ray diffraction methods play an important role in technical practice as well as in scientific research. They are based on the determination of lattice strains from which residual stresses are determined applying Hooke's law with appropriate elastic constants. In this paper – after a short survey of the basic principles – characteristic features of energy resolved methods for laboratory applications compared with angle resolved methods are outlined. A corresponding measuring device is presented and characteristic examples are given to demonstrate the possibilities and limitations of the method.
Einfluss der Wärmebehandlung auf die Korrosionsbeständigkeit von Schneidwaren*
Authors: Rosemann P. , Müller C. , Kauss N. , Halle T.
Published: April 2017

Kurzfassung

Härte und Korrosionsbeständigkeit sind die wichtigsten Qualitätsmerkmale von Schneidwaren. Diese werden nur durch eine optimal durchgeführte Wärmebehandlung des martensitischen nichtrostenden Stahls 1.4116 (X50CrMoV15) erreicht. In der industriellen Fertigung wird die Korrosionsbeständigkeit von Schneidwaren durch Wechseltauchversuche überprüft, die herstellerübergreifend eine große Schwankung der Korrosionsbeständigkeit belegen. In den letzten Jahren wurden neue elektrochemische Untersuchungsmethoden für die Werkstoffgruppe der martensitischen nichtrostenden Stähle entwickelt, welche die geringe Lochkorrosionsbeständigkeit von Schneidwaren auf das Phänomen der Chromverarmung zurückführen. Derzeit wird in der wissenschaftlichen und in der industriellen Gemeinschaft der Schritt des Anlassens als Hauptursache der Chromverarmung angesehen. Bei Schneidwaren sind die Anlasstemperaturen aber zu gering, um die auftretende Chromverarmung zu erklären. Aus diesem Grund wurden drei verschiedene Wärmebehandlungsparameter (Austenitisierungsdauer, Abkühlgeschwindigkeit und Anlasstemperatur) systematisch untersucht, um deren Beitrag zur Chromverarmung darzustellen. Dazu wurde die Untersuchungsmethode der elektrochemisch potentiodynamischen Reaktivierung (EPR) eingesetzt, die sehr sensibel auf Veränderungen im Gefüge reagiert und den Grad an Chromverarmung ermittelt. Außerdem wurden KorroPad-Prüfungen durchgeführt und kritische Lochkorrosionspotentiale ermittelt, um den Zusammenhang zwischen Chromverarmung und Lochkorrosionsbeständigkeit herzustellen. Die Ergebnisse aller Untersuchungen verdeutlichen, wie eng das Prozessfenster ist, in dem Schneidwaren mit hoher Korrosionsbeständigkeit hergestellt werden können.
Catholics and Great War Memorialisation in Scotland
Authors: Tierney Darren
Published: April 2017

This article explores the largely ignored phenomenon of Catholic memorialisation of the Great War in Scotland. Running parallel to the wider process of memorialisation that took place across Scotland both during and after the war, it argues that Catholics used the signs and symbols familiar to their religion to not only remember their dead but also to highlight the disproportionate contribution their community had made to the war effort. In doing so, Catholics sought to demonstrate that they were very much a part of Scottish and wider British society and not, as often argued, locked in a ‘ghetto’, unwilling to engage with wider society. Catholics, indeed, saw themselves as the ‘defenders’ of the nation fighting for the ‘highest ideals of justice and freedom’. To be Catholic was, indeed, to be proudly and loyally Scottish and British, loyal to pope and church as well as to king and country.
Second Law Analysis of a Mobile Air Conditioning System with Internal Heat Exchanger Using Low GWP Refrigerants
Authors: Pérez-García Vicente , Belman-Flores Juan , Rodríguez-Muñoz José , Rangel-Hernández Víctor. , Gallegos-Muñoz Armando
Published: April 2017

This paper investigates the results of a Second Law analysis applied to a mobile air conditioning system (MACs) integrated with an internal heat exchanger (IHX) by considering R152a, R1234yf and R1234ze as low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants and establishing R134a as baseline. System simulation is performed considering the maximum value of entropy generated in the IHX. The maximum entropy production occurs at an effectiveness of 66% for both R152a and R134a, whereas for the cases of R1234yf and R1234ze occurs at 55%. Sub-cooling and superheating effects are evaluated for each one of the cases. It is also found that the sub-cooling effect shows the greatest impact on the cycle efficiency. The results also show the influence of isentropic efficiency on relative exergy destruction, resulting that the most affected components are the compressor and the condenser for all of the refrigerants studied herein. It is also found that the most efficient operation of the system resulted to be when using the R1234ze refrigerant.
The Role of Oil Prices in Exchange Rate Movements: The CIS Oil Exporters
Authors: Hasanov Fakhri , Mikayilov Jeyhun , Bulut Cihan , Suleymanov Elchin , Aliyev Fuzuli
Published: April 2017

Undoubtedly, oil prices play a crucial role in the macroeconomic performances of oil-exporting developing countries. In this regard, the exchange rate is one of the key macroeconomic indicators worthy of investigation. Existing literature shows that world oil prices play an important role in the appreciation of the exchange rates of oil-exporting developing countries. However, only a few studies have examined this issue by considering all three oil-exporting countries of the Commonwealth Independent States, namely Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Russia, together. In order to fill this gap and given the increasing importance of these economies in the world’s energy markets, this paper examines the role of oil prices in the movement of real effective exchange rates of the above-mentioned CIS countries. We applied the autoregressive distributed lag bounds testing method with a small sample bias correction to the data of these countries over the 2004Q1–2013Q4 period. The estimation results indicate that oil prices are certainly a main driver behind real effective exchange rate appreciation in the selected economies. Moreover, estimations show that productivity, to some extent, can also lead to the appreciation. The policy implication of this research is that an appreciation of the real exchange rate is harmful for the exports of non-oil goods and services in these countries. Since oil prices lead to the appreciation mainly through higher domestic prices, which is a result of tremendous public spending, decision-makers should reconsider the prevailing fiscal policy to make it much more counter-cyclical.
Making Mathematics Learning More Engaging for Students in Health Schools through the Use of Apps
Authors: Willacy Helen , Calder Nigel
Published: April 2017

This paper reports on an aspect of a case study of four 11-to-13-year-old students of a Regional Health School (RHS) in New Zealand, using apps on their own mobile devices as part of their mathematics programs. It considers the issue of engaging students in mathematical learning when they are recovering from significant health issues. The paper examines the influence of apps on these students’ engagement with mathematical learning through the facilitation of differentiated learning programs. The research design was a case study with semi-structured interviews, questionnaires and observation used to generate the data. A number of themes arose from the data including both the positive and negative influences of apps on student engagement and the influence of apps on facilitating differentiated learning programs. The results indicated that using apps for mathematics had a positive influence on student engagement for most students. The positive student engagement seemed to be partly due to the apps’ ability to support differentiated learning.
Synchronization of Low-Frequency Oscillation in Power Systems
Authors: Shim Kwan-Shik , Ahn Seon-Ju , Choi Joon-Ho
Published: April 2017

This paper presents the well-documented concept of synchronization of low frequency oscillation occurring in power systems and describes the characteristics of sync occurring in basic electrical circuits. The theory of sync, observed in basic circuits, is extended to analyze the dynamic characteristics of low-frequency oscillation in power systems.
Frequency Control Ancillary Service Provided by Efficient Power Plants Integrated in Queuing-Controlled Domestic Water Heaters
Authors: Qi Yebai , Wang Dan , Wang Xuyang , Jia Hongjie , Pu Tianjiao , Chen Naishi , Liu Kaixin
Published: April 2017

Frequency is an important parameter of a power system. It is of great significance to maintain its stability, especially in the current development scenario of large-scale interconnected power systems. Thermostatically controlled appliances (TCAs) are good controllable resources for demand response owing to their rapid response capabilities and relatively wide controllable ranges. In this study, domestic water heaters, which have wider deadbands compared with other typical TCAs, such as heat pumps, are used as frequency regulation resources. The main contribution of this paper is that it proposes a queuing-controlled strategy with lock-on and off constraints for controlling an efficient power plant consisting of water heaters (EPP-WH). The queuing-controlled strategy enables TCAs to provide frequency regulation ancillary service for the normal operation of the power system. The thermal dynamic process of the water heater and the formation of the EPP-WH are first discussed. Based on the developed model, a series of strategies are proposed, including load shedding calculation, top layer optimization, and improved temperature priority list (TPL) strategy with lock-on and off constraints. Finally, typical case studies are discussed to illustrate the frequency regulation effects and the effects of two characteristic parameters—users’ willingness and lock time limits. Reasonable targets are generated based on various consideration from top layer optimization module. The results indicate that using the model and proposed strategies, the EPP-WH has good frequency regulation performance.
Tacticity-Dependent Interchain Interactions of Poly(N-Isopropylacrylamide) in Water: Toward the Molecular Dynamics Simulation of a Thermoresponsive Microgel
Authors: Paradossi Gaio , Chiessi Ester
Published: April 2017

The discovery that the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of poly(N-Isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) in water is affected by the tacticity opens the perspective to tune the volume phase transition temperature of PNIPAM microgels by changing the content of meso dyads in the polymer network. The increased hydrophobicity of isotactic-rich PNIPAM originates from self-assembly processes in aqueous solutions also below the LCST. The present work aims to detect the characteristics of the pair interaction between polymer chains, occurring in a concentration regime close to the chain overlap concentration, by comparing atactic and isotactic-rich PNIPAM solutions. Using atomistic molecular dynamics simulations, we successfully modelled the increased association ability of the meso-dyad-rich polymer in water below the LCST, and gain information on the features of the interchain junctions as a function of tacticity. Simulations carried out above the LCST display the PNIPAM transition to the insoluble state and do not detect a relevant influence of stereochemistry on the structure of the polymer ensemble. The results obtained at 323 K provide an estimate of the swelling ratio of non-stereocontrolled PNIPAM microgels which is in agreement with experimental findings for microgels prepared with low cross-linker/monomer feed ratios. This study represents the first step toward the atomistic modelling of PNIPAM microgels with a controlled tacticity.
Erratum: Wong, L.P., et al. The Self-Regulation Model of Illness: Comparison between Zika and Dengue and Its Application to Predict Mosquito Prevention Behaviours in Malaysia, a Dengue-Endemic Country Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2016, 13, 1210
Authors: Wong Li , Alias Haridah , Aghamohammadi Nasrin , Sam I-Ching , Abu Bakar Sazaly
Published: April 2017

n/a
A Little Bug with a Big Bite: Impact of Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Infestations on Forest Ecosystems in the Eastern USA and Potential Control Strategies
Authors: Letheren Amanda , Hill Stephanie , Salie Jeanmarie , Parkman James , Chen Jiangang
Published: April 2017

Hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae Annand, HWA) remains the single greatest threat to the health and sustainability of hemlock in the eastern USA. The loss of hemlock trees leads to further negative impacts on the diversity and stability of ecosystems in the eastern part of North America. It is, therefore, urgent to develop effective control measures to reduce HWA populations and promote overall hemlock health. Currently available individual and integrated approaches should continue to be evaluated in the laboratory and in the field along with the development of other new and innovative methods.
Detection of (1,3)-β-d-Glucan for the Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Infection in Liver Transplant Recipients
Authors: Levesque Eric , Rizk Fadi , Noorah Zaid , Aït-Ammar Nawel , Cordonnier-Jourdin Catherine , El Anbassi Sarra , Bonnal Christine , Azoulay Daniel , Merle Jean-Claude , Botterel Françoise
Published: April 2017

Invasive fungal infections (IFI) are complications after liver transplantation involving high morbidity and mortality. (1,3)-β-d-glucan (BG) is a biomarker for IFI, but its utility remains uncertain. This study was designed to evaluate the impact of BG following their diagnosis. Between January 2013 and May 2016, 271 liver transplants were performed in our institution. Serum samples were tested for BG (Fungitell®, Associates Cape Code Inc., Falmouth, MA, USA) at least weekly between liver transplantation and the discharge of patients. Nineteen patients (7%) were diagnosed with IFI, including 13 cases of invasive candidiasis (IC), eight cases of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, and one case of septic arthritis due to Scedosporium apiospernum. Using a single BG sample for the primary analysis of IFI, 95% (21/22) of the subjects had positive BG (>80 pg/mL) at the time of IFI diagnosis. The area under the ROC curves to predict IFI was 0.78 (95% CI: 0.73–0.83). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of BG for IFI were 75% (95% CI: 65–83), 65% (62–68), 17% (13–21), and 96% (94–97), respectively. Based on their high NPV, the BG test appears to constitute a good biomarker to rule out a diagnosis of IFI.
The Effects of a Submerged Entry Nozzle on Flow and Initial Solidification in a Continuous Casting Bloom Mold with Electromagnetic Stirring
Authors: Fang Qing , Ni Hongwei , Zhang Hua , Wang Bao , Lv Zean
Published: April 2017

The melt flow, level fluctuation, temperature field, and solidification behavior coupled with electromagnetic stirring (EMS) effects in the continuous casting mold region of U71Mn steel bloom were numerically analyzed by commercial computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software named ANSYS FLUENT. The effects of submerged entry nozzle (SEN) structures and the installation methods for optimized four-port SEN on the flow pattern, level fluctuation, heat transfer and initial solidification behavior in a bloom mold loaded with EMS were investigated. The aim is to propose a better SEN condition for the big bloom casting of high railway steel. The water simulation experiments were conducted to show the flow characteristics under different SEN conditions and verify the numerical model of flow pattern. The experimental and numerical simulation results showed that the optimized four-port SEN with diagonal installation cannot only improve the flow pattern of the molten steel by alleviating the level fluctuation and reducing the impact pressure to the wall. It is also beneficial for temperature variation at both bloom surface and corner, as well as the local solidified shell thinning phenomena due to the elimination of impingement effect.
Antifungal and Anti-Biofilm Activities of Acetone Lichen Extracts against Candida albicans
Authors: Millot Marion , Girardot Marion , Dutreix Lucile , Mambu Lengo , Imbert Christine
Published: April 2017

Candida albicans is a commensal coloniser of the human gastrointestinal tract and an opportunistic pathogen, especially thanks to its capacity to form biofilms. This lifestyle is frequently involved in infections and increases the yeast resistance to antimicrobials and immune defenses. In this context, 38 lichen acetone extracts have been prepared and evaluated for their activity against C. albicans planktonic and sessile cells. Minimum inhibitory concentrations of extracts (MICs) were determined using the broth microdilution method. Anti-biofilm activity was evaluated using tetrazolium salt (XTT) assay as the ability to inhibit the maturation phase (anti-maturation) or to eradicate a preformed 24 h old biofilm (anti-biofilm). While none of the extracts were active against planktonic cells, biofilm maturation was limited by 11 of the tested extracts. Seven extracts displayed both anti-maturation and anti-biofilm activities (half maximal inhibitory concentrations IC50_mat and IC50_biof ≤ 100 µg/mL); Evernia prunastri and Ramalina fastigiata were the most promising lichens (IC50_mat < 4 µg/mL and IC50_biof < 10 µg/mL). Chemical profiles of the active extracts performed by thin layer chromatography (TLC) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) have been analyzed. Depsides, which were present in large amounts in the most active extracts, could be involved in anti-biofilm activities. This work confirmed that lichens represent a reservoir of compounds with anti-biofilm potential.
Bond and CDS Pricing via the Stochastic Recovery Black-Cox Model
Authors: Cohen Albert , Costanzino Nick
Published: April 2017

Building on recent work incorporating recovery risk into structural models by Cohen & Costanzino (2015), we consider the Black-Cox model with an added recovery risk driver. The recovery risk driver arises naturally in the context of imperfect information implicit in the structural framework. This leads to a two-factor structural model we call the Stochastic Recovery Black-Cox model, whereby the asset risk driver At defines the default trigger and the recovery risk driver Rt defines the amount recovered in the event of default. We then price zero-coupon bonds and credit default swaps under the Stochastic Recovery Black-Cox model. Finally, we compare our results with the classic Black-Cox model, give explicit expressions for the recovery risk premium in the Stochastic Recovery Black-Cox model, and detail how the introduction of separate but correlated risk drivers leads to a decoupling of the default and recovery risk premiums in the credit spread. We conclude this work by computing the effect of adding coupons that are paid continuously until default, and price perpetual (consol bonds) in our two-factor firm value model, extending calculations in the seminal paper by Leland (1994).
The Effect of Particles on Electrolytically Polymerized Thin Natural MCF Rubber for Soft Sensors Installed in Artificial Skin
Authors: Shimada Kunio , Mochizuki Osamu , Kubota Yoshihiro
Published: April 2017

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of particles as filler in soft rubber sensors installed in artificial skin. We examine sensors made of natural rubber (NR-latex) that include magnetic particles of Ni and Fe3O4 using magnetic compound fluid (MCF). The 1-mm thickness of the electrolytically polymerized MCF rubber makes production of comparatively thin rubber sensors feasible. We first investigate the effect of magnetic particles Ni and Fe3O4 on the curing of MCF rubber. Next, in order to adjust the electric properties of the MCF rubber, we adopt Al2O3 dielectric particles. We investigate the effect of Al2O3 particles on changes in electric current, voltage and temperature of electrolytically polymerized MCF rubber liquid, and on the electric properties under the application of normal and shear forces. By adjusting the ratio of Ni, Fe3O4, Al2O3 and water in MCF rubber with Al2O3, it is possible to change the electric properties.
Multisensory System for the Detection and Localization of Peripheral Subcutaneous Veins
Authors: Fernández Roemi , Armada Manuel
Published: April 2017

This paper proposes a multisensory system for the detection and localization of peripheral subcutaneous veins, as a first step for achieving automatic robotic insertion of catheters in the near future. The multisensory system is based on the combination of a SWIR (Short-Wave Infrared) camera, a TOF (Time-Of-Flight) camera and a NIR (Near Infrared) lighting source. The associated algorithm consists of two main parts: one devoted to the features extraction from the SWIR image, and another envisaged for the registration of the range data provided by the TOF camera, with the SWIR image and the results of the peripheral veins detection. In this way, the detected subcutaneous veins are mapped onto the 3D reconstructed surface, providing a full representation of the region of interest for the automatic catheter insertion. Several experimental tests were carried out in order to evaluate the capabilities of the presented approach. Preliminary results demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed design and highlight the potential benefits of the solution.
Molecular Imprinting of Macromolecules for Sensor Applications
Authors: Saylan Yeşeren , Yilmaz Fatma , Özgür Erdoğan , Derazshamshir Ali , Yavuz Handan , Denizli Adil
Published: April 2017

Molecular recognition has an important role in numerous living systems. One of the most important molecular recognition methods is molecular imprinting, which allows host compounds to recognize and detect several molecules rapidly, sensitively and selectively. Compared to natural systems, molecular imprinting methods have some important features such as low cost, robustness, high recognition ability and long term durability which allows molecularly imprinted polymers to be used in various biotechnological applications, such as chromatography, drug delivery, nanotechnology, and sensor technology. Sensors are important tools because of their ability to figure out a potentially large number of analytical difficulties in various areas with different macromolecular targets. Proteins, enzymes, nucleic acids, antibodies, viruses and cells are defined as macromolecules that have wide range of functions are very important. Thus, macromolecules detection has gained great attention in concerning the improvement in most of the studies. The applications of macromolecule imprinted sensors will have a spacious exploration according to the low cost, high specificity and stability. In this review, macromolecules for molecularly imprinted sensor applications are structured according to the definition of molecular imprinting methods, developments in macromolecular imprinting methods, macromolecular imprinted sensors, and conclusions and future perspectives. This chapter follows the latter strategies and focuses on the applications of macromolecular imprinted sensors. This allows discussion on how sensor strategy is brought to solve the macromolecules imprinting.
An Algorithm for Timely Transmission of Solicitation Messages in RPL for Energy-Efficient Node Mobility
Authors: Park Jihong , Kim Ki-Hyung , Kim Kangseok
Published: April 2017

The IPv6 Routing Protocol for Low Power and Lossy Networks (RPL) was proposed for various applications of IPv6 low power wireless networks. While RPL supports various routing metrics and is designed to be suitable for wireless sensor network environments, it does not consider the mobility of nodes. Therefore, there is a need for a method that is energy efficient and that provides stable and reliable data transmission by considering the mobility of nodes in RPL networks. This paper proposes an algorithm to support node mobility in RPL in an energy-efficient manner and describes its operating principle based on different scenarios. The proposed algorithm supports the mobility of nodes by dynamically adjusting the transmission interval of the messages that request the route based on the speed and direction of the motion of mobile nodes, as well as the costs between neighboring nodes. The performance of the proposed algorithm and previous algorithms for supporting node mobility were examined experimentally. From the experiment, it was observed that the proposed algorithm requires fewer messages per unit time for selecting a new parent node following the movement of a mobile node. Since fewer messages are used to select a parent node, the energy consumption is also less than that of previous algorithms.
Cross Layer Design for Optimizing Transmission Reliability, Energy Efficiency, and Lifetime in Body Sensor Networks
Authors: Chen Xi , Xu Yixuan , Liu Anfeng
Published: April 2017

High transmission reliability, energy efficiency, and long lifetime are pivotal issues for wireless body area networks (WBANs. However, these performance metrics are not independent of each other, making it hard to obtain overall improvements through optimizing one single aspect. Therefore, a Cross Layer Design Optimal (CLDO) scheme is proposed to simultaneously optimize transmission reliability, energy efficiency, and lifetime of WBANs from several layers. Firstly, due to the fact that the transmission power of nodes directly influences the reliability of links, the optimized transmission power of different nodes is deduced, which is able to maximize energy efficiency in theory under the premise that requirements on delay and jitter are fulfilled. Secondly, a relay decision algorithm is proposed to choose optimized relay nodes. Using this algorithm, nodes will choose relay nodes that ensure a balance of network energy consumption, provided that all nodes transmit with optimized transmission power and the same packet size. Thirdly, the energy consumption of nodes is still unbalanced even with optimized transmission power because of their different locations in the topology of the network. In addition, packet size also has an impact on final performance metrics. Therefore, a synthesized cross layer method for optimization is proposed. With this method, the transmission power of nodes with more residual energy will be enhanced while suitable packet size is determined for different links in the network, leading to further improvements in the WBAN system. Both our comprehensive theoretical analysis and experimental results indicate that the performance of our proposed scheme is better than reported in previous studies. Relative to the relay selection and power control game (RSPCG) scheme, the CLDO scheme can enhance transmission reliability by more than 44.6% and prolong the lifetime by as much as 33.2%.
Total Factor Energy Efficiency of China’s Industrial Sector: A Stochastic Frontier Analysis
Authors: Shen Xiaobo , Lin Boqiang
Published: April 2017

Based on stochastic frontier analysis and translog input distance function, this paper examines the total factor energy efficiency of China’s industry using input-output data of 30 sub-industries from 2002 to 2014, and decomposes the changes in estimated total factor energy efficiency into the effects of technical change, technical efficiency change, scale efficiency change and input-mix effect. The results show that during this period the total factor energy efficiency in China’s industry grew annually at a rate of 3.63%; technical change, technical efficiency change and input-mix effect contributed positively to the change in total factor energy efficiency; while scale efficiency change contributed negatively to it.
Survey of Current Practice in the Fitting and Fine-Tuning of Common Signal-Processing Features in Hearing Aids for Adults
Authors: Anderson Melinda C. , Arehart Kathryn H. , Souza Pamela E.
Published: April 2017

Background:Current guidelines for adult hearing aid fittings recommend the use of a prescriptive fitting rationale with real-ear verification that considers the audiogram for the determination of frequency-specific gain and ratios for wide dynamic range compression. However,
the guidelines lack recommendations for how other common signal-processing features (e.g., noise reduction, frequency lowering, directional microphones) should be considered during the provision of hearing aid fittings and fine-tunings for adult patients.Purpose:The purpose of this
survey was to identify how audiologists make clinical decisions regarding common signal-processing features for hearing aid provision in adults.Research Design:An online survey was sent to audiologists across the United States. The 22 survey questions addressed four primary topics including
demographics of the responding audiologists, factors affecting selection of hearing aid devices, the approaches used in the fitting of signal-processing features, and the strategies used in the fine-tuning of these features.Study Sample:A total of 251 audiologists who provide hearing
aid fittings to adults completed the electronically distributed survey. The respondents worked in a variety of settings including private practice, physician offices, university clinics, and hospitals/medical centers.Data Collection and Analysis:Data analysis was based on a qualitative
analysis of the question responses. The survey results for each of the four topic areas (demographics, device selection, hearing aid fitting, and hearing aid fine-tuning) are summarized descriptively.Results:Survey responses indicate that audiologists vary in the procedures they use
in fitting and fine-tuning based on the specific feature, such that the approaches used for the fitting of frequency-specific gain differ from other types of features (i.e., compression time constants, frequency lowering parameters, noise reduction strength, directional microphones, feedback
management). Audiologists commonly rely on prescriptive fitting formulas and probe microphone measures for the fitting of frequency-specific gain and rely on manufacturers’ default settings and recommendations for both the initial fitting and the fine-tuning of signal-processing features
other than frequency-specific gain.Conclusions:The survey results are consistent with a lack of published protocols and guidelines for fitting and adjusting signal-processing features beyond frequency-specific gain. To streamline current practice, a transparent evidence-based tool that
enables clinicians to prescribe the setting of other features from individual patient characteristics would be desirable.