bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Representation of British Gendered Imperial Politics in Fiction for Children
Authors: Ayyıldız Nilay Erdem
Published: June 2019

The chapter explores the gendered imperial politics in short fiction for children through analyzing “The Mowgli Stories” and “Rikki-Tikki-Tavi,” selected from nineteenth-century colonialist author Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book (1894). The reason for the selection of the stories is that they have not attracted the interest they deserve as products and perpetuators of the gendered imperial ideology. The chapter asserts that they both reflect the British concerns about the future potential Indian rebellions after the Mutiny of 1857 and applaud the faithful colonizing Indians' struggle against the rebellious ones through masculinist power of body and language. The stories narrate the masculinized bodily actions of the double outsider animalized characters involved in violence after the rebellion of one of them in colonial India. Thus, the chapter indicates the author's response to the mutiny through the techniques empowering masculinized imperialism in allegorical fiction for children.
Uprootedness, Resentment, and the Will to Power in Emily Brontë
Authors: Theodosiadis Michail
Published: June 2019

The chapter reflects on Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights and brings into the discussion the works of Friedrich Nietzsche, Carl Jung, Simone Weil, and Hannah Arendt. It emphasizes Heathcliff's personality as an expression of the will to power, a theme that has been developed both by Arendt and Nietzsche. It will be argued that the will to power is the outcome of uproodetness, a notion developed and thoroughly examined by Simone Weil. Finally, the present study elaborates on Christopher Lasch and Carl Jung simultaneously and seeks solution to a problem that also characterizes the contemporary Western societies, the liquidation of norms and values (cultural updootedness, in other words), the destruction of the past, of a world within which human beings develop their own sense of personality and identity, a world that, simultaneously, functions as a positive simulator in order to avoid resentment and destruction.
Emotional Intelligence and Online Healthcare
Authors: Rouzbehani Khadijeh Roya
Published: June 2019

As the North American healthcare system moves to online value-based care, the importance of engaging patients and families continues to intensify. However, simply engaging patients and families to improve their subjective satisfaction will not be enough for providers who want to maximize value. True optimization entails developing deep and long-term relationships with patients through understanding their needs. This article discusses the result of a research conducted in Canada. Out of 1100 questionnaires which were distributed, 850 valid returns were obtained. The collected data were analyzed using a SPSS 20.0 statistical. The findings indicate that IT healthcare is rapidly growing. However, despite a significant number of initiatives in Canada related to online health information, lack of interoperability remains one of the major challenges in implementing successful health IT systems at this time.
Exploring Big Data Footprints and Ethics
Authors: Miori Virginia M. , Herschel Richard T.
Published: June 2019

Big Data is collected via engagement in online activity and undergraduate students tend to be particularly heavy users of digital media. This article explores their online activity to assess their participation and usage patterns as well as their ethical perspectives. The research finds that these students have a somewhat substantial Big Data footprint since they actively engage in social media, use smart devices, shop online, use streaming services, and employ digital tools. Social connectedness necessitates the potential for their privacy being compromised and the findings suggest that introverts are more concerned about this issue then extroverts are. However, people of both types are concerned about conveying a positive image online. The majority of those surveyed primarily identified with the values expressed by the Utilitarian and Kantian ethical perspectives and less so with those expressed by Social Contract Theory and Virtue Ethics. However, study participants did not consistently ground their moral values in any one of these ethical theories.
Water Quality Prediction Using Statistical Tool and Machine Learning Algorithm
Authors: Beerala Arun Kumar , Gobinath R.  , Shyamala G.  , Manvitha Siribommala
Published: June 2019

Water is the most valuable natural resource for all living things and the ecosystem. The quality of groundwater is changed due to change in ecosystem, industrialisation, and urbanisation, etc. In the study, 60 samples were taken and analysed for various physio-chemical parameters. The sampling locations were located using global positioning system (GPS) and were taken for two consecutive years for two different seasons, monsoon (Nov-Dec) and post-monsoon (Jan-Mar). In 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 pH, EC, and TDS were obtained in the field. Hardness and Chloride are determined using titration method. Nitrate and Sulphate were determined using Spectrophotometer. Machine learning techniques were used to train the data set and to predict the unknown values. The dominant elements of groundwater are as follows: Ca2, Mg2 for cation and Cl-, SO42, NO3− for anions. The regression value for the training data set was found to be 0.90596, and for the entire network, it was found to be 0.81729. The best performance was observed as 0.0022605 at epoch 223.
Spatial Organization and Semantic Modelling of Historical Data
Authors: Gkadolou Eleni
Published: June 2019

This article presents the methodological framework and the first results of the research towards the spatial organization and semantic modelling of the work of the French Scientific Mission (1828-1829), the first systematic mapping of the Hellenic State. Ultimate goal of this research is to create an integrated spatial database that incorporates the geographic information from the historical maps enriched with multimedia and texts from the published work of the Mission. For this, the technological approaches suggested by the Semantic Web have been followed introducing the concepts of semantic interoperability and geographic data models in the management of historical data. Eventually, the historical map becomes the medium on which the historical data are organized as well as the narrative medium that conveys the historical knowledge to the wider public illuminating the status of the Hellenic State at the time of its establishment, from a spatial point of view.
Serious Games Classification for Digital Heritage
Authors: Paliokas Ioannis
Published: June 2019

Gamification mechanics have been introduced in the philosophy of many modern user experience (UE) systems, including those used in museums, cultural sites and various other kinds of digital heritage (DH) applications. Gamified user experiences include on-site navigation, playful interaction with museum artefacts, virtual tours in ancient or modern times using virtual reality (VR) applications and more. Although the gamification principles have been well adopted in the DH domain, a common language used to describe and classify serious games (SG) and gamified applications in DH is still under development. The current work aims to discuss first the complementarity of existing classification approaches along their possible limitations and finally to propose a classification schema for SGs and game-like environments used in museum, galleries and other organizations of cultural and touristic interest. The proposed classification system is being presented with respect to the entertaining, informational and educational characteristics of the SGs under study.
Understanding Collaborative Interaction for Varying Product Complexity
Authors: Kumar Bijendra , Sarkar Prabir
Published: June 2019

Small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) often develop products collaboratively. Significant interaction among designers is critical to the success of any collaborative design session. There exist various tools for remotely located interactions, such as textual, video, audio, screen share modes with varied level of cost; however, often, SMEs are unable to afford them. This work aims to identify the most appropriate mode that are required for a successful collaborative design for a given product complexity. The authors made three categories of collaborative design activity (i.e., designing an existing product, designing an existing assembly of the component, and designing a new product). The authors identified and categorized the appropriate modes of interaction for a particular level of product complexity. They conducted a number of experiments with products of increasing number of feature complexities to identify the minimum facility that a company should have to enable remotely located interactions during product design. Based on the requirement, a company can select the appropriate tool.
A Hybrid Approach for Facial Expression Recognition Using Extended Local Binary Patterns and Principal Component Analysis
Authors: Prajapat Gopal Krishan , Kumar Rakesh
Published: June 2019

Facial feature extraction and recognition plays a prominent role in human non-verbal interaction and it is one of the crucial factors among pose, speech, facial expression, behaviour and actions which are used in conveying information about the intentions and emotions of a human being. In this article an extended local binary pattern is used for the feature extraction process and a principal component analysis (PCA) is used for dimensionality reduction. The projections of the sample and model images are calculated and compared by Euclidean distance method. The combination of extended local binary pattern and PCA (ELBP+PCA) improves the accuracy of the recognition rate and also diminishes the evaluation complexity. The evaluation of proposed facial expression recognition approach will focus on the performance of the recognition rate. A series of tests are performed for the validation of algorithms and to compare the accuracy of the methods on the JAFFE, Extended Cohn-Kanade images database.
BER Performance Comparison of DCO-OFDM and Convolutional Coded DCO-OFDM in IM/DD Systems
Authors: Koti Jayasudha , Mishra Braj Kishore
Published: June 2019

Optical wireless communication (OWC) is an alternative technology to meet the demands of the exponentially-growing high data rate applications run by broadband users. The implementation of single carrier modulation techniques in OWC is an age old technology, but for the last few years research is focused towards the multicarrier modulation techniques in OWC. In OWC, information is carried using intensity modulation and retrieved using direct detection. To perform intensity modulation, the baseband signal should be a unipolar signal. To obtain a unipolar signal, various techniques such as DC-biased orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (DCO-OFDM), Asymmetrically clipped orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (ACO-OFDM), Flip orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (Flip-OFDM) and Unipolar orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (U-OFDM) techniques are reported in the literature. Though the DCO-OFDM is spectrally efficient compared to other techniques it requires more power to achieve the targeted BER. In this article, a convolutional Coded DCO-OFDM (CDCO-OFDM) has been introduced by applying channel coding. A convolutional encoder and a hard-decision Viterbi decoder are considered in CDCO-OFDM. It has been observed that CDCO-OFDM requires less transmitted power than DCO-OFDM to attain the targeted BER. The performance of DCO-OFDM and CDCO-OFDM is evaluated for 4, 16, 64 QAM- 7dB and 13dB bias, in the presence of the additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channel. It is observed that CDCO requires less power to transmit than DCO-OFDM for the BER 10-4.
Delay Incurred in Wireless Sensor Networks Using N-Policy M/M/1 Queuing Model and its Mitigation
Authors: Ghosh Sanjeev , Unnikrishnan Srija
Published: June 2019

Technological advancements in low power integrated circuits and wireless communications have led to the feasibility of using a network of sensors to be used for the collection, processing, analysis, and distribution of important information, collected in a wide variety of environments. Sensor nodes in a wireless sensor network face the issue of scarcity of power and therefore, optimal use of available power is of prime importance. The authors study and analyze a technique that aims to reduce the consumption of power. In this technique the radio of the sensor node is switched on only when the number of packets in a queue exceeds a certain threshold; this however introduces delay in the processing of the packets. The authors analyze the performance of this system with respect to the power consumption and mean waiting time and suggest a way to mitigate the delay. The simulations performed show that the simulation results are close to the theoretical results thus indicating the validity of the technique studied.
The Impact of Dual-Fairness Concerns Under Different Power
Authors: Yang Tianjian , Liu Guangdong , Wei Yao , Zhang Xuemei , Dong Xinglin
Published: June 2019

By analyzing the impact of different fairness concerns on a green supply chain, this study determines the optimal decisions under different power structures and conducts a comparative analysis of them. The findings of this study are summarized as follows: 1) under the manufacturer-dominated structure, retail price, wholesale price, product greenness, the manufacturer's profit, the total profit of the supply chain, the manufacturer's utility, and the retailer's utility are all negatively correlated with fairness concerns, but positively correlated with the retailer's profit; 2) under the retailer-dominated structure, fairness concerns have no impact on retail price, product greenness, or the total profit of the supply chain, are positively correlated with wholesale price and the manufacturer's profit and utility, and are negatively correlated with the retailer's profit and utility; 3) under the Nash equilibrium structure, fairness concerns have no impact on the green supply chain.
Application Programming Interface (API) Research
Authors: Ofoeda Joshua , Boateng Richard , Effah John
Published: June 2019

The purpose of this study is to perform a synthesis of API research. The study took stock of literature from academic journals on APIs with their associated themes, frameworks, methodologies, publication outlets and level of analysis. The authors draw on a total of 104 articles from academic journals and conferences published from 2010 to 2018. A systematic literature review was conducted on the selected articles. The findings suggest that API research is primarily atheoretical and largely focuses on the technological dimensions such as design and usage; thus, neglecting most of the social issues such as the business and managerial applications of APIs, which are equally important. Future research directions are provided concerning the gaps identified.
Empirical Evaluation of Map Reduce Based Hybrid Approach for Problem of Imbalanced Classification in Big Data
Authors: Ahlawat Khyati , Chug Anuradha , Singh Amit Prakash
Published: June 2019

Imbalanced datasets are the ones with uneven distribution of classes that deteriorates classifier's performance. In this paper, SVM classifier is combined with K-Means clustering approach and a hybrid approach, Hy_SVM_KM is introduced. The performance of proposed method is also empirically evaluated using Accuracy and FN Rate measure and compared with existing methods like SMOTE. The results have shown that the proposed hybrid technique has outperformed traditional machine learning classifier SVM in mostly datasets and have performed better than known pre-processing technique SMOTE for all datasets. The goal of this article is to extend capabilities of popular machine learning algorithms and adapt it to meet the challenges of imbalanced big data classification. This article can provide a baseline study for future research on imbalanced big datasets classification and provides an efficient mechanism to deal with imbalanced nature big dataset with modified SVM classifier and improves the overall performance of the model.
Semaphore Based Data Aggregation and Similarity Findings for Underwater Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Ruby D  , Jeyachidra J
Published: June 2019

A critical factor of underwater sensor networks (UWSN) is to maintain energy consumption at minimum, as immediate battery replacement is difficult. This is achieved by reducing duplication of data with similarity functions. The construction of optimal clustering is to avoid data loss. In this article, similarity function-based data aggregation with a Semaphore process is applied to UWSN to retain the energy level at an advantage. Sensor nodes (SNs) are clustered in a Date Palm Tree approach. The Minkowski Distance model is used in Data Aggregation Nodes (DANs) to check similar measures of readings collected from cluster members. The Semaphore concept is executed in all DANs and cluster heads (CHs) to enhance network life and regulate excessive exploitation of energy levels of the SN, DANs, and CHs. The message queue (MQ) can be used to allow the packets transferred from the DANs to the cluster heads (CHs). The proposed algorithm SBDA with similarity measures would result in better link quality, reduction in redundancy, data delay, and would control the consumption of energy.
Impact of Online Teamwork Self-Efficacy on Attitudes Toward Teamwork
Authors: Konak Abdullah , Kulturel-Konak Sadan
Published: June 2019

The lack of professional skills in project teams is one of the most important factors contributing to the high failure rate of Information Technology (IT) projects. Therefore, preparing students for increasingly complex IT projects has been an important learning objective in information sciences and technology programs. This article investigates the relationships between face-to-face students' self-efficacy of managing project tasks through online processes and their attitudes toward teamwork. The relationships among student engagement in learning experiences related to teamwork, self-efficacy of technology-mediated teamwork, and attitudes towards teamwork are investigated using confirmatory factor analysis on a data set with 344 participants. The analysis shows that self-efficacy of technology-mediated teamwork mediates the effect of learning engagement on attitudes toward teamwork. Therefore, the article postulates that mastering technology-mediated teamwork skills helps face-to-face students develop positive attitudes toward teamwork, which can be transferred to the workplace.
A No-Reference Image Quality Model for Object Detection on Embedded Cameras
Authors: Kong Lingchao , Ikusan Ademola , Dai Rui , Zhu Jingyi , Ros Dara
Published: June 2019

Automatic video analysis tools are an indispensable component in imaging applications. Object detection, the first and the most important step for automatic video analysis, is implemented in many embedded cameras. The accuracy of object detection relies on the quality of images that are processed. This paper proposes a new image quality model for predicting the performance of object detection on embedded cameras. A video data set is constructed that considers different factors for quality degradation in the imaging process, such as reduced resolution, noise, and blur. The performances of commonly used low-complexity object detection algorithms are obtained for the data set. A no-reference regression model based on a bagging ensemble of regression trees is built to predict the accuracy of object detection using observable features in an image. Experimental results show that the proposed model provides more accurate predictions of image quality for object detection than commonly known image quality measures.
Political Risk and Foreign Direct Investment in Tunisia
Authors: BenGhoul Marwa
Published: June 2019

Political risk factors have been considered as important factors which impact the foreign direct investment (FDI). But, the relationship between the political risk and FDI still not highly covered as expected. In this context, it is crucial to measure the political risk factors impact on the FDI especially for the Arab Spring countries which embraced radical political change after the revolution in 2011. This article aims to investigate the relationship between political risk and the FDI in Tunisia for the case of service sectors. The research is based on aggregate variables that represent six pillars of Governance Indicators. The data was extracted from the Worldwide Governance and the Tunisian Central Bank websites, the data frequency is yearly from 2004 to 2016. The research confirms that the political factors notably the government effectiveness and voice and accountability have significant impact on the FDI and on the FDI in the services sector.
Modeling the Success of Windows Domain Network (WDN) Using the DeLone and McLean Information System (IS) Success Model
Authors: Himang Melanie Mamites , Mendoza Jr. Eduardo , Manalastas Rebecca , Ocampo Lanndon , Himang Celbert Mirasol
Published: June 2019

This work attempts to evaluate the success of the Windows Domain Network (WDN) using the DeLone and McLean information system (IS) success model. With a case in a University in the Philippines, this study utilized a total of 290 valid responses from 424 participants. Results using structural equation modeling (SEM) indicate that information, service, and system quality demonstrate a moderately positive relationship with system usage and have a significant relationship with user satisfaction. On the other hand, system usage exhibits a significant relationship both to user satisfaction and net benefits, while user satisfaction demonstrates a positive relationship with net benefits. Findings also suggest that information quality, system quality, and service quality have a positive influence on system usage while only service quality yields no significant influence on user satisfaction. Implications of these findings are discussed in this work.
Intermediality, Quo Vadis?
Authors: Mueller Juergen E
Published: June 2019

Some 30 years after its coining, the notion and concept of intermediality still proves to be of great relevance for many disciplines, ranging from semiotics to communication, media, literary, and social studies. However, in the digital era, intermediality as a work in progress has to meet the challenges of the so-called new media and develop innovative and adequate axes of research. This article presents some basics of the latest state of affairs of intermedia studies and proposes six central axes of future intermedia research. It focuses on the perspectives of an intermedia network history, which will tackle the reconstruction of historical functions of intermedia processes; the blurring of genre patterns; new interactivities; the interplays among medial, technological, economic, and social vectors; and the making of meaning in current media networks. Thus, some (interwinding?) paths of future intermedia studies will be indicated.
From the “Mutual Illumination of the Arts” to “Studies of Intermediality”
Authors: Clüver Claus
Published: June 2019

This article offers an overview of the development of the interdisciplinary study of the interrelations of the arts and media during the past one-hundred years. From a focus on the binary relations of literature and the visual arts, music, and film these investigations turned into what came to be called “Interarts Studies” with a new tendency to include the interrelations of non-verbal arts and also to study configurations of a decidedly non-artistic nature. In the 1990s this would lead to the reconception of the arts as well as the applied arts and some non-artistic genres as media and their interrelations as intermediality. Simultaneously there began full-fledged attempts to construct a theoretical foundation for the study of intermediality (and transmediality) as a humanistic field, emphasizing media combination, intermedial reference, and intermedial transposition, especially adaptation. This article highlights developments in the German- and English-language discourse on these matters.
Interpretation of X-Ray Images to Investigate the Viability of Incorporating Poly(Ethylene-co-Vinyl Acetate) (EVA) Waste in Portland Cement
Authors: Marques Márcio Alexandre , Antunes Maria Lúcia Pereira , Mancini Sandro Donnini , Oliveira Paulo Silas
Published: June 2019

EVA (poly (ethylene-co-vinyl acetate)) is a copolymer widely used in the Brazilian footwear industry, where approximately 18% of the EVA remains as waste, principally after the cutting out of insoles. EVA wastes cannot be recycled or reused for the original purpose, but it may be possible to add them to Portland cement to produce concrete for non-structural applications in constructions. This work presents an analytical technique based on the interpretation of X-ray images to assess the spatial distributions of these wastes within concrete test specimens. Evaluation was made of the feasibility of using this technique to study the incorporation of the wastes. Test specimens of concrete were produced according to Brazilian technical standard ABNT-NBR 5738, using a sand/gravel/cement ratio of 3:2:1, where EVA replaced part of the gravel content (10, 20, 50, and 70% of the total gravel volume). Analysis of front projection X-ray images of the specimens showed that the waste was homogeneously incorporated throughout the entire material, as required for concrete. The results of compressive strength tests showed that for samples containing up to 20% of EVA waste, the compression resistance remained almost unchanged, while incorporation of 50 or 70% of waste led to decreases of up to 64% in the resistance.
X-Ray Diffraction Evaluation of the Average Number of Layers in Thermal Reduced Graphene Powder for Supercapacitor Nanomaterial
Authors: Cardoso Quezia de Aguiar , Casini Julio César Serafim , Barbosa Luzinete Pereira , Serna Marilene Morelli , Galego Eguiberto , Sobrinho Luiza Ferreira , Sakata Solange Kazumi , de Faria Jr. Rubens Nunes
Published: June 2019

Graphene oxide (GO) can be partially reduced to graphene-like sheets by removing the oxygen-containing groups and recovering the conjugated structure. In this work, the thermal reduction of GO powder has been carried out using back pumping vacuum pressures and investigated employing X-ray diffraction analysis. The experimental results of estimating the number of graphene layers on the reduced powder at various temperatures (200 – 1000 °C) have been reported. Electrical changes have been produced in a graphene oxide with the vacuum reduction process. This study has shown that the ideal processing temperature for reducing graphene oxide nanomaterial was about 400 °C. It has also been shown that at 600 °C the number of layers in the reduced nanomaterial increased. The internal series equivalent resistance (ESR) has been improved substantially with the vacuum thermal treatment even at temperatures above 400 °C. ESR was reduced from 95.0 to about 13.8 Ω cm2 with this processing. These results showed that the process can be applied to the reduction of graphene oxide to produce supercapacitor nanomaterials. The advantage of employing this method is that the processing is a straightforward and low cost thermal treatment that might be used for large amount of nanocomposite material.
Characterization of Ornamental Stones Wastes for Use in Ceramic Materials
Authors: Gadioli Monica Castoldi Borlini , Ponciano Victor Moza , da Hora Rocha Bessa Bárbara , Camargo Jefferson Luiz , Pizeta Pedro Porto
Published: June 2019

Ornamental stones processing produces large amounts of wastes, which without treatment, are disposed in deposits, constituting the major environmental problem in this sector in Brazil. There is a great variety of rocks and different technologies in the ornamental stones processing. Rock block sawing can be performed using multi-blade gangsaw, the conventional technology, or multiwire gangsaw, latest technology which uses only diamond wire and water to cut blocks. In recent years there has been a great change in the use of ornamental stones sawing technologies, where currently almost 50% of the sawed materials are processed by the multi wire technology. The ornamental stones wastes have compounds that can collaborate in the processing of the ceramic. Due to the great variety of Brazilian ornamental stones and technologies in addition to the growth of de sector in recent years, there is a need for new studies regard to the characterization and environmental classification of waste, for a better management and application. Therefore, the objective of this work was the characterization and environmental classification of ornamental stones wastes aiming their use in red ceramics. The wastes were characterized with the determination of its chemical composition and mineralogical analysis, particle size, morphological analysis and environmental, the latter by means of the leaching and solubilization tests, for subsequent classification. The wastes are composed mainly of SiO2, Al2O3, alkaline oxides, earth alkaline oxides and iron, and those which were submitted to the leaching and solubilization tests are classified as non-inert.
Comparative Study between ABNT/NBR 15270/2005 and a New Hollow Ceramic Block for Non-Load-Bearing Masonry Manufactured in Santarém - Pará (Brazil)
Authors: Esmanhotto Fernanda C.M. , Mota Matheus C. , da Silva Hugo R.A.S. , Moutinho Victor H.P. , Zaccaron Alexandre , Frasson Bruno B. , Vieira Cyd M.
Published: June 2019

The study aims to evaluate the technical properties of the application of filler element for slab as a hollow ceramic blocks for non-load-bearing masonry. This ceramic product has dimensions of approximately 6.5x25x81.5 cm, and because it presents different geometries of the conventional ceramic block and characteristics different from those required by the norm, this product was submitted to the norms of non-load-bearing masonry and being carried out tests of geometry, water absorption and compressive strength, besides the visual characteristics according to the standard ABNT NBR 15270/2005. Thirteen samples were used for the geometry and compressive strength test, and six for the water absorption test. Some samples presented a great deviation from the square, besides not being within the established limits of the planes and septa. The water absorption is within the established limits and compressive strength is lower than that required by the standard.
Determination Compressive and Bending Strength of Porous Bodies from Plaster Reinforced with Polyacetate of Vinila (PVAc)
Authors: da Silva Aoliabe Pedro , Ferreira Neto Laudir de Castro , Olivier Nelson Cárdenas , Pereira Alessandra Félix da Costa , Dantas Alan Christie da Silva
Published: June 2019

Calcium sulfate dehydrate β (CaSO4. 0,5H2O) is a material obtained from the calcination of gypsite (CaSO4.2H2O). This is a low cost ceramic material very used in building industry. The improvement of their applications is of fundamental technological interest. Polymers are an interesting alternative of reinforcement. Polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) is an addition polymer obtained by the polymerization of vinyl acetate. This polymer is well known to achieve good adhesion to cellulosic surfaces. The aim of this work was to evaluate the mechanical properties of porous plaster bodies reinforced with PVAc. Mechanical behavior was characterized by compression and bending strength. Three water / gypsum ratios: 0.5 0.6 and 0.7 were used on this work. An amount of 5% and 10% PVAc promoted increase on the mechanical properties of gypsum. Higher amounts polymer promoted further decrease of the mechanical properties.
Evaluation of Static and Dynamic Hardness Tests of Dental Structures and Resin Restorative Composite
Authors: Teixeira Ágatha Borges , de Gouvêa Jayme Pereira , Carvalho E.C. , Melo-Silva T.C.F. , Melo-Silva C.L. , Lins Jefferson Fabrício Cardoso
Published: June 2019

The goal of this study was to characterize the mechanical behavior of dentin, dental enamel and a nanoparticulate composite resin, used in dental restorations. This characterization was performed through the static and dynamic Vickers hardness test. As for the biological tissue assays, third included human molars were used. The nanoparticulate resinous composite was condensed into a matrix, measuring approximately 10x10x2mm. The obtained HV values were represented by hardness maps. The distribution of hardness values along the enamel and dentin structures occurred unevenly in the two hardness analyzes. For dental enamel, there were differences in hardness values when compared dynamic to static tests. This difference did not occur in dentin. It was observed that the mechanical behavior of the resinous composite resembled more the behavior of the dentin than the enamel.
Quantifying Lygus (Hemiptera: Miridae) damage in faba bean (Fabaceae) seeds using shortwave-infrared imaging
Authors: Smith A.M. , Rivard B. , Feng J. , Carcamo H.A.
Published: June 2019

Lygus Hahn (Hemiptera: Miridae) feeding in faba beans (Vicia faba Linnaeus (Fabaceae)) often results in a reduction in seed quality and economic losses. Traditionally, seed damage is assessed subjectively through visual examination by a trained individual, but the use of non-destructive imaging to evaluate seed quality is gaining momentum. The focus of this study was to determine the ability to quantify Lygus species damage in faba bean using shortwave-infrared imaging and two analysis techniques: (1) spectral angle mapper and (2) simple reflectance indices. Seed samples were visually assessed for damage before imaging in 242 wavebands between 980 and 2500 nm. Four spectral intervals, involving 102 wavebands, were identified as optimal for the detection of seed damage using spectral angle mapper. A strong relationship was obtained between the area of seed damage derived using spectral angle mapper and visually (R2 = 0.95). Seed damage derived by thresholding of two normalised faba bean damage indices involving reflectance at 1086 and 1313 nm and 2218 and 2342 nm also showed a strong relationship with the visual assessment (R2 = 0.92). The two image analysis techniques provided similar results. The study suggests that imaging in the shortwave-infrared wavelengths and the derivation of simple indices can effectively quantify faba bean damage by Lygus feeding.
Patient Compliance with Deep Vein Thrombosis Prophylaxis after Total Hip and Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Wiznia Daniel H. , Swami Nishwant , Nguyen Jenny , Musonza Eric , Lynch Chris , Gibson David , Pelker Richard
Published: June 2019

Even though the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is penalizing hospitals for readmissions, and postoperative prophylaxis has demonstrated reduced complications associated with deep vein thrombosis (DVT), few studies have examined patient compliance with (DVT) prophylaxis at home. A survey querying DVT prophylaxis management and adherence was administered to patients who were within the one to three-month postoperative period after a total knee or total hip replacement. A total of 103 patients completed the survey. A considerable number of patients (17.0%) were non-adherent to DVT prophylaxis. Patients had a lower understanding of the side effects of their DVT prophylaxis, with 30% responding that they had a poor to simple understanding. There is a high rate of non-compliance and there is a poor understanding of complications related to venous thromboembolism prophylaxis. As the population undergoing arthroplasties grows, this study demonstrates the importance of investigating the role of medication adherence in the rate of postoperative DVT.
Swallowing dysfunctions in Parkinson’s disease patients: a novel challenge for the internist
Authors: Barbagelata Elena , Nicolini Antonello , Tognetti Paola
Published: June 2019

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder with a typical movement pattern, as well as different, less studied non-motor symptoms such as dysphagia. Disease-related disorders in efficacy or safety in the process of swallowing usually lead to malnutrition, dehydration or pneumonia. Dysphagia and subsequent aspiration pneumonia are common causes of morbidity and mortality in those with PD. The aim of this review is to identify and evaluate the existing literature on swallowing disorders in PD and providing recommendations for clinical practice routine.
Wegener’s granulomatosis and retroperitoneal fibrosis: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Salvati Lia , Ludovici Valeria , Properzi Giuliana , Natali Laura , Viscido Angelo , Ferri Claudio
Published: June 2019

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), also known as Wegener’s granulomatosis (WG), is a rare systemic auto-inflammatory disease characterized by necrotizing granulomatous inflammation and antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies-associated small vessel vasculitis. Retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF) is an uncommon collagen vascular disease of unclear etiology, characterized by a chronic non-specific inflammation of the retroperitoneum, which can entrap and obstruct retroperitoneal structures, notably abdominal aorta, iliac arteries and ureters. RPF is mostly idiopathic, but an association with vasculitis has been shown. However, only few cases of retroperitoneal fibrosis with ureterohydronephrosis secondary to GPA have been described in literature. The outcome seems to be better when compared to the idiopathic form, and immunosuppressive treatment demonstrated to be effective, with low need in surgery. We provide the case report of a 57-year-old patient, affected by GPA, referred to our Division for massive vein thrombosis and ureteral stenosis secondary to retroperitoneal fibrosis. We also provide a review of the literature currently available on this topic.
Cardiac amyloidosis: a review of the literature and a practical approach for the clinicians
Authors: Angelini Annalisa , Zanco Francesca , Castellani Chiara , Di Francesco Andrea , Della Barbera Mila , Vescovo Giovanni Maria , Berno Tamara , Fedrigo Marny
Published: June 2019

Amyloidosis is a group of progressive and devastating disorders resulting from misfolded proteins extracellular deposition into tissues. When deposition of fibrils occurs in cardiac tissues, this systemic disease can lead to a very poor prognosis. In this review, we focused on the most common types of cardiac amyloidosis and their treatments. Early diagnosis remains critically important, and here we reviewed the diagnostic methods adopted starting from the non-invasive imaging techniques to more invasive approaches, and the typing of precursor proteins. Typing the different misfolding proteins is mandatory since therapy differs accordingly and thus guiding therapy. We highlighted the most updated and recent treatment strategies to cure amyloidosis.
MET Receptor Amplification Drives Resistance to Anti-EGFR Therapies
Authors: Romano Patricia Martin , Castanon Eduardo , Hollebecque Antoine , Lacroix Ludovic , Auger Nathalie , Angevin Eric , Tselikas Lambros , Ammari Sami , Soria Jean-Charles , Massard Christophe
Published: June 2019

Mesenchymal–epithelial transition factor (MET) amplification has been suggested either as a de novo or acquired mechanism of resistance to anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (anti-EGFR) therapy. However, even if MET amplification has been widely described in the preclinical setting, only a few clinical data have confirmed the role of MET in the resistance to anti-EGFR treatment. A 60-year-old man presenting cholangiocarcinoma with EGFR amplification had a tumor response to anti-EGFR therapy. A new on-purpose tumor biopsy performed during tumor progression confirmed the known EGFR amplification as well as a new MET amplification. This clinical observation highlights the role of MET amplification as a mechanism of resistance to EGFR inhibitors.
A Combination of Itraconazole and Amiodarone Is Highly Effective against Trypanosoma cruzi Infection of Human Stem Cell–Derived Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Sass Gabriele , Madigan Roy T. , Joubert Lydia-Marie , Bozzi Adriana , Sayed Nazish , Wu Joseph C. , Stevens David A.
Published: June 2019

Trypanosoma cruzi is the etiologic agent of Chagas disease (CD), which can result in severe cardiomyopathy. Trypanosoma cruzi is endemic to the Americas, and of particular importance in Latin America. In the United States and other non-endemic countries, rising case numbers have also been observed. The currently used drugs are benznidazole (BNZ) and nifurtimox, which have limited efficacy during chronic infection. We repurposed itraconazole (ICZ), originally an antifungal, in combination with amiodarone (AMD), an antiarrhythmic, with the goal of interfering with T. cruzi infection. Human pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) were differentiated into cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs). Vero cells or hiPSC-CMs were infected with T. cruzi trypomastigotes of the II or I strain in the presence of ICZ and/or AMD. After 48 hours, cells were Giemsa stained, and infection and multiplication were evaluated microscopically. Trypanosoma cruzi infection and multiplication were evalutated also by electron microscopy. BNZ was used as a reference compound. Cell metabolism in the presence of test substances was assessed. Itraconazole and AMD showed strain- and dose-dependent interference with T. cruzi infection and multiplication in Vero cells or hiPSC-CMs. Combinations of ICZ and AMD were more effective against T. cruzi than the single substances, or BNZ, without affecting host cell metabolism, and better preserving host cell integrity during infection. Our in vitro data in hiPSC-CMs suggest that a combination of ICZ and AMD might serve as a treatment option for CD in patients, but that different responses due to T. cruzi strain differences have to be taken into account.
Lateral Flow Dipstick Test for Serodiagnosis of Strongyloidiasis
Authors: Yunus Muhammad Hafiznur , Arifin Norsyahida , Balachandra Dinesh , Anuar Nor Suhada , Noordin Rahmah
Published: June 2019

The conventional method of detecting Strongyloides stercoralis in fecal samples has poor diagnostic sensitivity. Detection of Strongyloides-specific antibodies increases the sensitivity; however, most tests are ELISAs that use parasite extract which may cross-react with the sera of other helminth infections. To improve the serological diagnosis of strongyloidiasis, this study aimed at developing a sensitive and specific lateral flow rapid dipstick test. Two recombinant proteins, recombinant NIE (rNIE) and recombinant Ss1a (rSs1a), were used in preparing the dipstick, with gold-conjugated antihuman IgG4 as detector reagent. In parallel, the corresponding ELISA was performed. Both assays demonstrated diagnostic sensitivity of 91.3% (21/23) when tested with serum samples of patients with Strongyloides infection, and 100% specificity with 82 sera of asymptomatic (healthy) and those with other parasitic infections. The ELISA and dipstick test results were positively correlated to each other (r = 0.6114, P = 0.0019). The developed lateral flow dipstick test may improve the serodiagnosis of strongyloidiasis and merit further validation studies.
Impact of Multiplicity of Plasmodium falciparum Infection on Clinical Disease in Malawi
Authors: Earland Dominique , Buchwald Andrea G. , Sixpence Alick , Chimenya Mabvuto , Damson Milius , Seydel Karl B. , Mathanga Don P. , Taylor Terrie E. , Laufer Miriam K.
Published: June 2019

Multiplicity of infection (MOI), the number of unique Plasmodium falciparum parasite genotypes found in one infected individual, may contribute to the development of clinical malaria disease. However, the independent contribution of MOI and parasite density to clinical disease has not been well characterized. We conducted a two-year longitudinal cohort study of adults and children in a high-transmission setting in Malawi to test the hypothesis that increased MOI was independently associated with clinical disease, after accounting for parasite density. Of 1,062 episodes of infection, 477 (44.9%) were associated with symptoms. After controlling for repeated measures within an individual, key demographic factors, and parasite density, there was no association between MOI and clinical disease (OR = 1.02, 95% CI: 0.70–1.51). Although the limited ability to discern MOI in low-density asymptomatic infections may have impacted our results, we conclude that MOI is not an independent risk factor for clinical disease.
Exploring aerosol–cloud interaction using VOCALS-REx aircraft measurements
Authors: Jia Hailing , Ma Xiaoyan , Liu Yangang
Published: June 2019

Abstract. In situ aircraft measurements obtained during the VAMOS (Variability of the American Monsoons)
Ocean-Cloud-Atmosphere-Land Study Regional Experiment (VOCALS-REx) field
campaign are analyzed to study the aerosol–cloud interactions in the
stratocumulus clouds over the southeastern Pacific Ocean (SEP), with a focus on three
understudied topics (separation of aerosol effects from dynamic effects,
dispersion effects, and turbulent entrainment-mixing processes). Our
analysis suggests that an increase in aerosol concentration tends to
simultaneously increase both cloud droplet number concentration
(Nd) and relative dispersion (ε), while an increase in vertical velocity
(w) often increases Nd but decreases ε. After constraining the differences
of cloud dynamics, the positive correlation between ε and Nd becomes
stronger, implying that perturbations of w could weaken the aerosol influence
on ε and hence result in an underestimation of dispersion effect. A
comparative analysis of the difference of cloud microphysical properties
between the entrainment and non-entrainment zones suggests that the
entrainment-mixing mechanism is predominantly extremely inhomogeneous in the
stratocumulus that capped by a sharp inversion, whereby the variation in
liquid water content (25 %) is similar to that of Nd (29 %) and
the droplet size remains approximately constant. In entrainment zone, drier
air entrained from the top induces fewer cloud droplets with respect to total
in-cloud particles (0.56±0.22) than the case in the non-entrainment zone
(0.73±0.13) by promoting cloud droplet evaporation. This study is
helpful in reducing uncertainties in dispersion effects and entrainment
mixing for stratocumulus, and the results of this study may benefit cloud
parameterizations in global climate models to more accurately assess aerosol
indirect effects.
Skewed logistic distribution for statistical temperature post-processing in mountainous areas
Authors: Gebetsberger Manuel , Stauffer Reto , Mayr Georg J. , Zeileis Achim
Published: June 2019

Abstract. Nonhomogeneous post-processing is often used to improve the predictive
performance of probabilistic ensemble forecasts. A common quantity used to develop,
test, and demonstrate new methods is the near-surface air temperature, which is
frequently assumed to follow a Gaussian response distribution. However,
Gaussian regression models with only a few covariates are often not able to
account for site-specific local features leading to uncalibrated forecasts and skewed residuals. This residual skewness remains even if many covariates are incorporated.
Therefore, a simple refinement of the classical nonhomogeneous Gaussian
regression model is proposed to overcome this problem by assuming a skewed
response distribution to account for possible skewness.
This study shows a comprehensive analysis of the performance of nonhomogeneous
post-processing for the 2 m temperature for three different site types, comparing
Gaussian, logistic, and skewed logistic response distributions.
The logistic and skewed logistic distributions show satisfying results, in particular for sharpness, but also in terms of the calibration of the probabilistic
predictions.