bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the Effects of Dialysis Methods (Haemodialysis vs Peritoneal Dialysis) on Diastolic Left Ventricular Function Dialysis Methods and Diastolic Function
Authors: Ellouali Fedoua , Berkchi Fatimazahra , Bayahia Rabia , Benamar Loubna , Cherti Mohammed
Published: August 2016

Introduction:

In patients undergoing chronic dialysis, several factors appear to influence the occurrence of cardiac abnormalities. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of two different methods of renal replacement therapy (chronic haemodialysis (HD) and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD)) on left ventricular (LV) diastolic function.

Patients and Methods:

We enrolled 63 patients: 21 patients on CAPD, and 42 age- and gender-matched patients on HD; 35 patients were men (55.6%). Median of age was 46.4 (35-57) years. The median duration of renal replacement therapy was 3(2-5) years.

Results:

The two groups (HDvsPD) were similar concerning body mass index, dialysis duration and cardiovascular risk factors. The comparison of echocardiographic parameters showed statistically significant differences between two groups, regarding the presence of calcification, cardiac effusion, severely abnormal left ventricular hypertrophy(LVH) and the ratio of mitral velocity to early diastolic velocity of the mitral annulus (E/e’) >13 (p= 0.001, p= 0.003, p= 0.02, p= 0.004, respectively). In multivariate analysis, an E/e’>13 was higher in PD group ( OR= 5.8, CI [1.3-25.5], p=0.002).

Conclusion:

The method of dialysis seems to influence LV diastolic function. We observed a higher prevalence of diastolic LV dysfunction in the PD group. Echocardiographic follow up is essential as this could improve the management of cardiovascular complications in dialysis patients.
Play Preference and Pretend Play Skills between Typically Developed Children and Autism
Authors: Vetrayan Jayachandran , Mohamed Nazir Sharif Umar Haiyuddin , Victor Paulraj Smily Jesu Priya
Published: August 2016

Pretend play emerged at the age of 18 months in children. The imagination of children creates new play ideas it has incorporated into their play. But Autism children find difficulty in play. Hence, this study aimed to find the different types of pretend and preference play among autistic and typical children. The total sample of 40 is divided into 20 each group respectively. Data analyzed by using Chi-Square result in the significant difference between the pretend play and play preference X² = 42.81 (p=0.05 and p=0.01). Future study needs to examine with larger samples.© 2016. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creative commons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/).Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.Keywords: Pretend Play; Play Preferences; Autism; Typically Developed children.
The Modernization of Malay Food Ingredients: A qualitative investigation
Authors: Md. Sharif Mohd. Shazali , Md. Nor Norazmir , Abdul Rahman Ahmad Esa , Mohamad Abdullah Khairunnisa
Published: August 2016

This paper attempts to provide and insight into the modernization of Malay food ingredients within Malay communities. Its approach is sociological, using qualitative method of interview and observation, inquiring into the usage of modern food ingredients in the preparation of Malay dishes. Focusing on a small group of consumers in Puncak Alam, Selangor, the findings indicate that the motivation behind choosing modern food ingredients is to save cooking preparation time while improving nutrient intakes.
Reflecting Leadership Effectiveness via Food-hygiene Practices
Authors: Saad Mazni , Foong Abdullah Mohamad Faiz , Jeinie Mohammad Halim , Husain Rosita
Published: August 2016

Good leadership may implicate and reflect positive actions and effective hygiene practices. This study aims to encourage and disseminate the importance of the use of technological tools in detecting risks in Food-hygiene Practices in six government-controlled training centers. The survey and scientific swab method elicited data on leadership effectiveness (LE) prevalent in these organizations, focusing mainly on their impact on human health and the environment. The regression analysis shows that LE significantly affects perception and actual Food-hygiene Practices. The large effect sizes of significance difference for both practices were also detected. Accordingly, recommendations and limitations are highlighted in this study.
RBSD Vol. 1, No. 1
Authors: Completa Revista
Published: August 2016

Exemplar integral
Quem policia a polícia? Breves considerações sobre a atuação policial no Brasil
Authors: Pereira Larissa Urruth
Published: August 2016

De acordo com o Anuário Brasileiro de Segurança Pública, ao menos cinco pessoas morrem vítimas da intervenção policial no Brasil, todos os dias. Violenta, letal e corrupta: assim se apresenta a polícia brasileira no imaginário público, ocupando o posto de terceira instituição menos confiável do Brasil. Dessa forma, é imperioso debater tal temática. Assim, o que aqui se pretende é, ao menos, fazer-nos pensar nas possíveis causas dessa violência e da ineficiência das polícias. Valendo-nos dos estudos sociais já realizados no âmbito de delegacias em diversas regiões do Brasil e com base nas teorias interacionistas e nos conceitos de rotulação, etiquetamento, estigma e sujeição criminal, far-se-á uma análise sobre os resquícios autoritários presentes na nossa polícia, bem como sobre um agir seletivo antidemocrático com que esta opera.
A jurisdição e a judicialização enfocadas a partir da "sociologia política do direito" de Jacques Commaille
Authors: Villas Bôas Filho Orlando
Published: August 2016

O presente artigo pretende analisar os processos de juridicização e de judiciarização tal como ambos são tratados na “sociologia política do direito” proposta por Jacques Commaille. Para tanto, examina, em primeiro lugar, a especificidade da abordagem sociológica como “ponto de vista externo” de enfoque do direito. Em seguida, realiza uma apresentação geral, sem pretensão de distanciamento crítico, da “sociologia política do direito”. Por fim, analisa os processos de juridicização e de judiciarização do campo político, da forma como ambos se delineiam no horizonte de tal proposta teórica.
Entre políticos, bacharéis, coronéis e juízes da República Velha: as préticas jurídicas e a tradição patrimonialista na formação do estado brasileiro
Authors: Da Silveira Daniel Barile
Published: August 2016

O período da formação do Estado brasileiro, marcado pela fundação das nossas bases republicanas durante a República Velha, mostrou-se densamente rico para esclarecer como os magistrados foram fundamentais para a estruturação da vida social da época. Neste artigo, busca-se demonstrar a prática empírica da magistratura deste período, no sentido de elucidar suas relações mais intestinas com o mundo da política e das oligarquias existentes.
Acesso à justiça e direito à moradia: uma crítica à atuação do Judiciário nos processos de reintegração de posse no centro da cidade de São Paulo
Authors: Piovan Ana Carolina Cinoca
Published: August 2016

No ano de 2014, os veículos de comunicação de massa apresentaram uma série de notícias sobre o cumprimento de mandados de reintegração de posse no centro da cidade de São Paulo. Essas notícias se justificam pelo forte impacto que a execução de uma ordem judicial pode promover no cotidiano da população local: fechamento de vias de tráfego intenso, utilização de bombas de gás e balas de borracha, ocupantes detidos, uma série de violações a direitos humanos, entre outras situações. Selecionamos 24 processos patrocinados pelo Centro Gaspar Garcia de Direitos Humanos a fim de analisar alguns aspectos do procedimento aplicado nas ações de reintegra- ção de posse. A pesquisa constata que o Poder Judiciário não tem tratado o conflito de forma equitativa e, ademais, não aborda a complexidade dos interesses envolvidos, deixando de considerar a natureza distributiva dos conflitos. Dessa forma, entende-se que o tratamento dirigido às ações de reintegração de posse acaba por retroalimentar os conflitos fundiários urbanos, uma vez que não traz soluções para a falta de moradia dos réus, tampouco impõe sanções aos possuidores de imóveis que não cumprem sua função social.
RBSD v. 2, n. 2
Authors: Completa Revista
Published: August 2016

Exemplar integral
Use of Examination Wrappers to Direct Student Self-Assessment of Examination Preparation: A Pilot Study
Authors: Root Kustritz Margaret V. , Clarkson Christina E.
Published: August 2016

Metacognition is the act of thinking about one's own thought processes. There are long-term gains in learning among students who are trained to understand how the brain works and how they can control their own learning. Wrappers are short questionnaires provided at or near the time of completion of a lecture, assignment, or assessment to coach the student in thinking through the steps of metacognition (planning, monitoring, and adapting). As students completed the second and third of four examinations in a first-year veterinary anatomy course, they were invited to fill out an examination wrapper that asked them questions about examination preparation, where they felt they had had the most trouble with the examination, and what they might do differently before the next examination. Neither percentage change in scores from the second to the third and from the third to the fourth lecture or laboratory examination nor final grade for the course varied between the group of students who completed an examination wrapper and the group that did not. Students did not appear to change their behavior from one examination to the next. This was most likely because students lacked formal training in metacognition and therefore did not understand the value of completing the examination wrapper or the potential benefits of using their reflections. Future work will describe outcomes when learning objectives specific to metacognition are included in coursework in the veterinary curriculum.
Forecasting Tools for Analyzing Urban Land Use Patterns and Truck Movement: Case Study and Discussion of Results
Authors: Wygonik Erica , Bassok Alon , McCormack Edward , Goodchild Anne , Carlson Daniel
Published: August 2016

Many urban planning efforts have supported development in dense, mixed-use areas, but tools are not widely available to help understand the relationship between urban form and goods movement. A review is presented on the status of urban goods movement forecasting models to account for the impacts of density and mixed land use. A description is given of a series of forecasting model runs conducted with state-of-the-practice tools available at the Puget Sound Regional Council. By comparing dense, mixed-use scenarios with different baseline and transportation network alternatives, the ability of the model to capture the relationship between goods movement and density is evaluated. The paper concludes with a discussion of the implications of the results for truck forecasting and freight planning.
Implementing Freight Fluidity in the State of Maryland
Authors: Eisele William L. , Juster Reuben M. , Sadabadi Kaveh Farokhi , Jacobs Tom , Mahapatra Subrat
Published: August 2016

Efficient freight movement is inextricably linked to the economic vitality of a local area, the state, and beyond. In light of performance-based programs at the national level, there is increased interest in freight performance monitoring and methods for gaining a better understanding of the freight system for investment decisions. Public agencies in the State of Maryland are leaders in investigating freight traffic and trends for improved public investment. Implementing freight fluidity is a natural next step to understanding better the state’s freight investment needs. This paper describes the freight fluidity concept and how this concept will be implemented in Maryland. The paper documents work sponsored by the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration and performed by the Texas A&M Transportation Institute through the University of Maryland Center for Advanced Transportation Technology. This paper presents a definition of freight fluidity for the State of Maryland, provides a framework for implementing freight fluidity, describes multimodal data sources, and presents calculation procedures for the highway (truck mode). The application described here was successful in demonstrating freight fluidity use in Maryland. Researchers demonstrated the value of the freight fluidity methods for freight investments and decision making in Maryland. Given increased interest in implementing freight fluidity in the United States, the framework and methods described here would be valuable to transportation professionals investigating ways to implement freight fluidity in their local area, state, or region, or even globally.
Use of Nationwide Automatic Identification System Data to Quantify Resiliency of Marine Transportation Systems
Authors: Farhadi Nafiseh , Parr Scott A. , Mitchell Kenneth N. , Wolshon Brian
Published: August 2016

This paper describes the approach and the results of an ongoing research effort to assess the resilience of port operations following major disasters and other disruptive events. The work presented in this paper used archival data from the U.S. Coast Guard’s nationwide automatic identification system to quantify the state of resiliency of coastal navigation systems. Illustrating the experimental methodology are case study examples that assess the disruptions that resulted from a collision in March 2014 in the Houston Ship Channel, Texas, and from Superstorm Sandy in 2012 on the greater Port of New York and New Jersey. The methods and results can be adapted and implemented for quantitatively evaluating levels of port activity following disruptive events and for a better understanding of the factors that lead to more resilient maritime systems.
Verification of Route Choice Model and Operational Model of Vessel Traffic
Authors: Shu Yaqing , Daamen Winnie , Ligteringen Han , Hoogendoorn Serge
Published: August 2016

Because of ever-increasing economic globalization, it is necessary to simulate vessel behavior for investigating safety and capacity in ports and inland waterways. A new maritime traffic model was developed; it comprises two parts: the route choice model and the operational model. This paper presents the operational model, which describes vessel sailing behavior by optimal control. In the operational model, the main behavioral assumption is that all actions of the bridge team, such as accelerating and turning, are executed to force the vessel to sail with the desired speed and course. In the proposed theory, deviating from the desired speed and course, accelerating, decelerating, and turning will provide disutility (cost) to the vessel. Through prediction and minimization of this disutility, the longitudinal and angular acceleration can be optimized and predict individual vessel sailing behavior. To verify the route choice model and the operational model, a case study was carried out; it applied the models to predict individual vessel behavior (path, speed, and course) in the entrance channel to Maasvlakte I at the Port of Rotterdam, Netherlands. The simulation results show a good prediction of the vessel path and vessel course. As no other model has been built specifically to predict vessel behavior in the port area, the current methods provide a fundamental basis for investigating vessel behavior in restricted waterways. In addition, this research showed the potential of the model to increase the safety and capacity of ports and inland waterways.
Hot Spots for Vessel-to-Vessel and Vessel-to-Fixed-Object Accidents Along the Great Lakes Seaway
Authors: Arslannur Bircan , Saccomanno Frank F.
Published: August 2016

In the past decade, an average of 20.5 vessel accidents per year have been reported along the Great Lakes Seaway (GLS) in Canada and the United States, with the vast majority clustered at specific unsafe locations or sites along the route. Sites with an unacceptably high potential for accidents are referred to as hot spots, and these hot spots are prime candidates for safety intervention. Because of the random nature of accidents, the identification of hot spots must be based on robust site-specific prediction models of accident expectation. This paper presents an empirical Bayes prediction model developed for the GLS that considers four types of accident scenarios: vessel to vessel and vessel to fixed objects, for river and for canal or lock sections. Hot spot sites are determined with two risk tolerance thresholds: 95th percentile exceedance (high-risk sites) and 85th percentile exceedance (moderate-risk and high-risk sites). For the 95th percentile threshold and vessel-to-vessel accidents, five hot spots were identified on the 1,600-km length of the GLS studied (excluding lake or port areas). Of the designated hot spot sections, 10 km (60.6%) were located along natural river courses and the rest at canals or locks. For vessel-to-fixed-objects accidents, all high-risk hot spots were at canal or lock sections (15.5 km). Reducing the threshold to the 85th percentile resulted in a 7.8% increase in seaway length that was designated as a hot spot. The locations of these hot spot sections along the GLS were consistent for both thresholds.
Data Tools to Identify Safety and Environmental Risks to the Marine Transportation System
Authors: Edwards Matt , Kauffman Meridena
Published: August 2016

The U.S. Coast Guard and the Puget Sound Harbor Safety Committee of Washington State have developed a comprehensive, analytical approach to identify trends in vessel traffic, vessel deficiencies, accidents, and navigation incidents to avoid marine casualties and improve the safety of the marine transportation system. This paper describes a method that allows stakeholders and organizations to use data to improve decision making. First, vessel deficiencies based on more than 20 years of marine inspection data are examined to identify the vessels and systems that have the highest noncompliance rate. Inspection data are then compared with marine casualty data to examine trends and note vulnerabilities. Finally, marine casualties and navigation incidents are plotted with geographic information system software and compared with vessel traffic density. Figures are included to illustrate how data are compared and presented. Using a holistic and layered process to understand and analyze the data, stakeholders can reduce inefficiency in resource allocation, create a risk profile, and develop targeted measures to reduce the probability of an accident. In this paper, this approach is validated at the port level and offers significant potential to be applied nationally and internationally.
Brewing Technique of Mbege, a Banana Beer Produced in Northeastern Tanzania
Authors: Kubo Ryosuke , Kilasara Method
Published: August 2016

Mbege is a beer made of banana (Musa spp.) and finger millet (Eleusine coracana). It is the most popular indigenous alcoholic beverage in northeastern Tanzania, and plays an important role in the economy of the region. In this study, we observed and recorded a detailed traditional technique for brewing mbege. We observed that mbege production was divided into three major steps: nyalu preparation, mso preparation, and mixing. Fermented porridge made of ripened banana, called nyalu, was used as a source of yeasts. As a source of fermentable sugars, a sweet porridge made of germinated finger millet called mso was used. In mso preparation, a brewing technique to enhance the effectiveness of saccharification was used. After the preparation, these two types of porridge were mixed. The ethanol concentration of the mixture increased when it was fermented for 6 h, and it then became mbege. It was supposed that yeasts in the nyalu converted fermentable sugars in the mso into ethanol. We found that the brewing technique used in the production of mbege in northeast Tanzania was similar to that used in southern Tanzania. We also demonstrated that the stem bark of Rauvolfia caffra, which was called msesewe and used as an additive in mbege production, accelerated the fermentation of nyalu and therefore increased the rate of ethanol production in the brewing of mbege. This result was consistent with the traditional knowledge in the field about the effect of msesewe on mbege production.
From Benchtop to Bedside: A Review of Oncolytic Virotherapy
Authors: Choi Audrey , O’Leary Michael , Fong Yuman , Chen Nanhai
Published: August 2016

Oncolytic viruses (OVs) demonstrate the ability to replicate selectively in cancer cells, resulting in antitumor effects by a variety of mechanisms, including direct cell lysis and indirect cell death through immune-mediate host responses. Although the mechanisms of action of OVs are still not fully understood, major advances have been made in our understanding of how OVs function and interact with the host immune system, resulting in the recent FDA approval of the first OV for cancer therapy in the USA. This review provides an overview of the history of OVs, their selectivity for cancer cells, and their multifaceted mechanism of antitumor action, as well as strategies employed to augment selectivity and efficacy of OVs. OVs in combination with standard cancer therapies are also discussed, as well as a review of ongoing human clinical trials.
Cold Atoms in U(3) Gauge Potentials
Authors: Mandal Ipsita , Bhattacharya Atri
Published: August 2016

We explore the effects of artificial U ( 3 ) gauge potentials on ultracold atoms. We study background gauge fields with both non-constant and constant Wilson loops around plaquettes, obtaining the energy spectra in each case. The scenario of metal–insulator transition for irrational fluxes is also examined. Finally, we discuss the effect of such a gauge potential on the superfluid–insulator transition for bosonic ultracold atoms.
Forest Stand Inventory Based on Combined Aerial and Terrestrial Close-Range Photogrammetry
Authors: Mikita Tomáš , Janata Přemysl , Surový Peter
Published: August 2016

In this article we introduce a new method for forest management inventories especially suitable for highly-valued timber where the precise estimation of stem parameters (diameter, form, and tapper) plays the key role for market purposes. The unmanned aerial system (UAS)-based photogrammetry is combined with terrestrial photogrammetry executed by walking inside the stand and the individual tree parameters are estimated. We compare two automatic methods for processing of the point clouds and the delineation of stem circumference at breast height. The error of the diameter estimation was observed to be under 1 cm root mean square error (RMSE) and the height estimation error was 1 m. Apart from the mentioned accuracy, the main advantage of the proposed work is shorter time demand for field measurement; we could complete both inventories of 1 hectare forest stand in less than 2 h of field work.
Ontology-Based Representation and Reasoning in Building Construction Cost Estimation in China
Authors: Liu Xin , Li Zhongfu , Jiang Shaohua
Published: August 2016

Cost estimation is one of the most critical tasks for building construction project management. The existing building construction cost estimation methods of many countries, including China, require information from several sources, including material, labor, and equipment, and tend to be manual, time-consuming, and error-prone. To solve these problems, a building construction cost estimation model based on ontology representation and reasoning is established, which includes three major components, i.e., concept model ontology, work item ontology, and construction condition ontology. Using this model, the cost estimation information is modeled into OWL axioms and SWRL rules that leverage the semantically rich ontology representation to reason about cost estimation. Based on OWL axioms and SWRL rules, the cost estimation information can be translated into a set of concept models, work items, and construction conditions associated with the specific construction conditions. The proposed method is demonstrated in Protégé 3.4.8 through case studies based on the Measurement Specifications of Building Construction and Decoration Engineering taken from GB 50500-2013 (the Chinese national mandatory specifications). Finally, this research discusses the limitations of the proposed method and future research directions. The proposed method can help a building construction cost estimator extract information more easily and quickly.
Of Pomo Academicus, Reconsidered
Authors: Scapp Ron
Published: August 2016

This article considers the relationship between what would generally be viewed as a postmodern perspective and the rise and multiple use of the prefix “post” by those arguing that we are finally beyond certain oppressive political, cultural and social issues, and dynamics, such as the racist and sexist ideologies that have historically permeated and plagued our nation’s institutions, including higher education. Many of those who champion the prefix “post” assert that they offer us a narrative, description and framework of a post-racial and post-feminist era that they want us to acknowledge and embrace. I, however, claim that such a utilization and imposition (as opposed to the more generous sounding “offer”) of the various “posts” that we have been presented with are, more often than not, precisely little more than reactionary moves to reestablish and reaffirm the very type of thinking and structure that we have allegedly moved beyond.
Illustrating the Multi-Faceted Dimensions of Group Therapy and Support for Cancer Patients
Authors: Giese-Davis Janine , Brandelli Yvonne , Kronenwetter Carol , Golant Mitch , Cordova Matthew , Twirbutt Suzanne , Chang Vickie , Kraemer Helena , Spiegel David
Published: August 2016

In cancer support groups, choice of therapy model, leadership style, and format can impact patients’ experiences and outcomes. Methodologies that illustrate the complexity of patients’ group experiences might aid in choosing group style, or testing therapeutic mechanisms. We used this naturalistic study as a beginning step to explore methods for comparing cancer group contexts by first modifying a group-experience survey to be cancer-specific (Group Experience Questionnaire (GEQ)). Hypothesizing that therapist-led (TL) would differ from non-therapist-led (NTL), we explored the GEQ’s multiple dimensions. A total of 292 patients attending three types of groups completed it: 2 TL groups differing in therapy style ((1) Supportive-Expressive (SET); (2) The Wellness Community (TWC/CSC)); (3) a NTL group. Participants rated the importance of “Expressing True Feelings” and “Discussing Sexual Concerns” higher in TL than NTL groups and “Discussing Sexual Concerns” higher in SET than other groups. They rated “Developing a New Attitude” higher in TWC/CSC compared to NTL. In addition, we depict the constellation of group qualities using radar-charts to assist visualization. These charts facilitate a quick look at a therapy model’s strengths and weaknesses. Using a measure like the GEQ and this visualization technique could enable health-service decision making about choice of therapy model to offer.
Structure-Borne Wave Radiation by Impact and Vibratory Piling in Offshore Installations: From Sound Prediction to Auditory Damage
Authors: Tsouvalas Apostolos , Metrikine Andrei
Published: August 2016

Anthropogenic noise emission in the marine environment is a key issue nowadays and has drawn the attention of regulatory bodies in various nations. In particular, the noise generated during the installation of foundation piles for the offshore wind industry is considered to be harmful for aquatic species. A reliable prediction of the underwater noise during the installation of a foundation pile is thus essential for the proper assessment of the ecological impact. In this paper, the structure-borne wave radiation is investigated with the help of a semi-analytical model for two cases. The first case considers a pile that is installed with the help of an impact hammer, whereas the second one deals with a pile that is driven into the seabed with the help of a vibratory device. The spatial distribution and the frequency content of the radiated sound are analyzed, and the differences are highlighted between the two cases. The model is validated with data available in the literature that were collected during several measurement campaigns. Subsequently, the predicted noise levels are converted into an equivalent index that reflects the auditory damage to certain marine species, and a method is presented for the derivation of zones of impact around the pile that are based on the noise predictions by the models and the chosen method of installation. This approach can be used to define critical zones within which a predefined level of auditory damage is to be expected based on a specific installation scenario.
A Comparison of Information Criteria in Clustering Based on Mixture of Multivariate Normal Distributions
Authors: Akogul Serkan , Erisoglu Murat
Published: August 2016

Clustering analysis based on a mixture of multivariate normal distributions is commonly used in the clustering of multidimensional data sets. Model selection is one of the most important problems in mixture cluster analysis based on the mixture of multivariate normal distributions. Model selection involves the determination of the number of components (clusters) and the selection of an appropriate covariance structure in the mixture cluster analysis. In this study, the efficiency of information criteria that are commonly used in model selection is examined. The effectiveness of information criteria has been determined according to the success in the selection of the number of components and in the selection of an appropriate covariance matrix.
Microstructural Control on Perlite Expansibility and Geochemical Balance with a Novel Application of Isocon Analysis: An Example from Milos Island Perlite (Greece)
Authors: Tsikouras Basilios , Passa Kalliopi-Sofia , Iliopoulos Ioannis , Katagas Christos
Published: August 2016

Representative perlite bulk rock samples from two areas of Milos Island, Greece were collected and the expansion properties of their industrial product were investigated. Coarse crude perlite from Tsigrado exhibits better expansibility, which is assigned to the presence of coarser crystallites in its bulk parent rock. During thermal treatment, the finer crystallites of the coarse crude perlite from Trachilas are entrapped in the groundmass and lead to overheating, which inhibits expansion and eventually results in shrinkage. Geochemical modification of the expanded perlites relative to their crude precursors were investigated, using the isocon method. Volatilisation of crystalline water is the main factor controlling mass reduction of the expanded perlites. Other elements, during the adequate expansion of the Tsigrado perlite, can be classified into three categories. The elements that participate preferentially in crystals decrease in the expanded material at amounts higher than the total mass loss of the rock, due to their escape controlled mainly by the removal of the crystalline phases. The elements equally participating in crystals and the groundmass show losses equivalent to the total mass loss of the rocks, as they escaped in the crystalline phases and airborne particles from the groundmass during thermal treatment. Decrease of highly incompatible elements, which mostly participate in the groundmass, in the expanded products is less than the total mass loss, as they escaped mainly in the airborne particles. The inadequate expansion and burst of the Trachilas perlite did not allow for a similar categorisation, due to random and unpredictable escape of the elements. We propose the application of this method to an artificial system to predict unexpandable mineral phases in bulk perlite, as well as elements that are most likely to participate in the amorphous perlite phase, which cannot be determined from a regular industrial production line. This graphical method may also predict environmental pollution of the atmosphere from the release of volatile compounds and airborne particles during thermal treatment of perlite or other processes of mineral treatment.
Agavins Increase Neurotrophic Factors and Decrease Oxidative Stress in the Brains of High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice
Authors: Franco-Robles Elena , López Mercedes
Published: August 2016

Background: Fructans obtained from agave, called agavins, have recently shown significant benefits for human health including obesity. Therefore, we evaluated the potential of agavins as neuroprotectors and antioxidants by determining their effect on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) as well as oxidative brain damage in of obese mice. Methods: Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) and treated daily with 5% (HFD/A5) or 10% (HFD/A10) of agavins or a standard diet (SD) for 10 weeks. The levels of BDNF and GDNF were evaluated by ELISA. The oxidative stress was evaluated by lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and carbonyls. SCFAs were also measured with GC-FID. Differences between groups were assessed using ANOVA and by Tukey’s test considering p < 0.05. Results: The body weight gain and food intake of mice HFD/A10 group were significantly lower than those in the HFD group. Agavins restored BDNF levels in HFD/A5 group and GDNF levels of HFD/A5 and HFD/A10 groups in cerebellum. Interestingly, agavins decreased TBARS levels in HFD/A5 and HFD/A10 groups in the hippocampus, frontal cortex and cerebellum. Carbonyl levels were also lower in HFD/A5 and HFD/A10 for only the hippocampus and cerebellum. It was also found that agavins enhanced SCFAs production in feces. Conclusion: Agavins may act as bioactive ingredients with antioxidant and protective roles in the brain.
Galactosylated Liposomes for Targeted Co-Delivery of Doxorubicin/Vimentin siRNA to Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Oh Hea , Jo Hyun-Young , Park James , Kim Dong-Eun , Cho Je-Yoel , Kim Pyung-Hwan , Kim Keun-Sik
Published: August 2016

The combination of therapeutic nucleic acids and chemotherapeutic drugs has shown great promise for cancer therapy. In this study, asialoglycoprotein receptors (ASGPR) targeting-ligand-based liposomes were tested to determine whether they can co-deliver vimentin siRNA and doxorubicin to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) selectively. To achieve this goal, we developed an ASGPR receptor targeted co-delivery system called gal-doxorubicin/vimentin siRNA liposome (Gal-DOX/siRNA-L). The Gal-DOX/siRNA-L was created via electrostatic interaction of galactose linked-cationic liposomal doxorubicin (Gal-DOX-L) on vimentin siRNA. Previous studies have shown that Gal-DOX/siRNA-L inhibited tumor growth by combined effect of DOX and vimentin siRNA than single delivery of either DOX or vimentin siRNA. These Gal-DOX/siRNA-Ls showed stronger affinity to human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (Huh7) than other cells (lung epithelial carcinoma, A549). These liposomes also have demonstrated that novel hepatic drug/gene delivery systems composed of cationic lipid (DMKE: O,O’-dimyristyl-N-lysyl glutamate), cholesterol, galactosylated ceramide, POPC (1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine), and PEG2000-DSPE (distearoyl phosphatidyl ethanolamine) at 2:1:1:1:0.2 (moral ratios) can be used as an effective drug/gene carrier specifically targeting the liver in vivo. These results suggest that Gal-DOX-siRNA-L could effectively target tumor cells, enhance transfection efficacy and subsequently achieve the co-delivery of DOX and siRNA, demonstrating great potential for synergistic anti-tumor therapy.
Distribution of Iron Oxide Core-Titanium Dioxide Shell Nanoparticles in VX2 Tumor Bearing Rabbits Introduced by Two Different Delivery Modalities
Authors: Refaat Tamer , West Derek , El Achy Samar , Parimi Vamsi , May Jasmine , Xin Lun , Harris Kathleen , Liu William , Wanzer Michael , Finney Lydia , Maxey Evan , Vogt Stefan , Omary Reed , Procissi Daniele , Larson Andrew , Paunesku Tatjana , Woloschak Gayle
Published: August 2016

This work compares intravenous (IV) versus fluoroscopy-guided transarterial intra-catheter (IC) delivery of iron oxide core-titanium dioxide shell nanoparticles (NPs) in vivo in VX2 model of liver cancer in rabbits. NPs coated with glucose and decorated with a peptide sequence from cortactin were administered to animals with developed VX2 liver cancer. Two hours after NPs delivery tumors, normal liver, kidney, lung and spleen tissues were harvested and used for a series on histological and elemental analysis tests. Quantification of NPs in tissues was done both by bulk inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) analysis and by hard X-ray fluorescence microscopy. Both IV and IC NPs injection are feasible modalities for delivering NPs to VX2 liver tumors with comparable tumor accumulation. It is possible that this is an outcome of the fact that VX2 tumors are highly vascularized and hemorrhagic, and therefore enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) plays the most significant role in accumulation of nanoparticles in tumor tissue. It is, however, interesting to note that IV delivery led to increased sequestration of NPs by spleen and normal liver tissue, while IC delivery lead to more NP positive Kupffer cells. This difference is most likely a direct outcome of blood flow dynamics. Armed with this knowledge about nanoparticle delivery, we plan to test them as radiosensitizers in the future.
Between Socialism and Feminism: Charlotte Glas (1873–1944)
Authors: Mattl Siegfried
Published: August 2016

This article explores how Charlotte Glas, a founding member of the Austrian Social Democratic Party and a leading figure in the public sphere during the late imperial period, attempted to advance the cause of workers’ rights and women’s emancipation. Charged with lèse-majesté following a public rally in 1893, and tried before a Viennese court, Glas was forced to confront both the repressive policies of the Habsburg state and the patriarchal practices of her society and her party. Ultimately, Glas chose to subordinate the fight for women’s suffrage to the broader socialist campaign for universal male suffrage. Her dilemmas as a woman, Jew and socialist were captured in the character of Therese Golowski in Arthur Schnitzler’s Der Weg ins Freie.
Preprocessing the Nintendo Wii Board Signal to Derive More Accurate Descriptors of Statokinesigrams
Authors: Audiffren Julien , Contal Emile
Published: August 2016

During the past few years, the Nintendo Wii Balance Board (WBB) has been used in postural control research as an affordable but less reliable replacement for laboratory grade force platforms. However, the WBB suffers some limitations, such as a lower accuracy and an inconsistent sampling rate. In this study, we focus on the latter, namely the non uniform acquisition frequency. We show that this problem, combined with the poor signal to noise ratio of the WBB, can drastically decrease the quality of the obtained information if not handled properly. We propose a new resampling method, Sliding Window Average with Relevance Interval Interpolation (SWARII), specifically designed with the WBB in mind, for which we provide an open source implementation. We compare it with several existing methods commonly used in postural control, both on synthetic and experimental data. The results show that some methods, such as linear and piecewise constant interpolations should definitely be avoided, particularly when the resulting signal is differentiated, which is necessary to estimate speed, an important feature in postural control. Other methods, such as averaging on sliding windows or SWARII, perform significantly better on synthetic dataset, and produce results more similar to the laboratory-grade AMTI force plate (AFP) during experiments. Those methods should be preferred when resampling data collected from a WBB.
INS/GNSS Tightly-Coupled Integration Using Quaternion-Based AUPF for USV
Authors: Xia Guoqing , Wang Guoqing
Published: August 2016

This paper addresses the problem of integration of Inertial Navigation System (INS) and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) for the purpose of developing a low-cost, robust and highly accurate navigation system for unmanned surface vehicles (USVs). A tightly-coupled integration approach is one of the most promising architectures to fuse the GNSS data with INS measurements. However, the resulting system and measurement models turn out to be nonlinear, and the sensor stochastic measurement errors are non-Gaussian and distributed in a practical system. Particle filter (PF), one of the most theoretical attractive non-linear/non-Gaussian estimation methods, is becoming more and more attractive in navigation applications. However, the large computation burden limits its practical usage. For the purpose of reducing the computational burden without degrading the system estimation accuracy, a quaternion-based adaptive unscented particle filter (AUPF), which combines the adaptive unscented Kalman filter (AUKF) with PF, has been proposed in this paper. The unscented Kalman filter (UKF) is used in the algorithm to improve the proposal distribution and generate a posterior estimates, which specify the PF importance density function for generating particles more intelligently. In addition, the computational complexity of the filter is reduced with the avoidance of the re-sampling step. Furthermore, a residual-based covariance matching technique is used to adapt the measurement error covariance. A trajectory simulator based on a dynamic model of USV is used to test the proposed algorithm. Results show that quaternion-based AUPF can significantly improve the overall navigation accuracy and reliability.
Domestic Violence against Albanian Immigrant Women in Greece: Facing Patriarchy
Authors: Poteyeva Margarita , Wasileski Gabriela
Published: August 2016

Immigration is becoming an increasingly important policy concern in Europe and in many other nations. Importantly, there is an ever-growing number of women who migrate, many of whom are undocumented. Violence against immigrant women is nearly impossible to estimate. However, immigrant women who are abused face multiple barriers to seeking legal protection from the abuse as a result of their migration status, their positions within family and the host country. This paper examines the issues related to intimate partner violence within the Albanian immigrant community in Greece. It explores how the situation in Greek society and the labor market (such as social policies, xenophobic attitudes, job segregation and the prevailing economic crisis) changed the traditional gender roles and distribution of the power within Albanian families and increased intimate partner violence (IPV). The study found evidence of an increase in IPV in the aftermath of the economic crisis, which could be explained by the ideology of familial patriarchy. Battered immigrant women also face challenges in the Greek criminal justice system, which is also influenced by patriarchal values, when they are seeking relief and assistance in cases of interpersonal violence.
Promotion Potentiality and Optimal Strategies Analysis of Provincial Energy Efficiency in China
Authors: Liu Jinpeng , Wang Li , Qiu Mohan , Zhu Jiang
Published: August 2016

In order to meet the dual requirements of economic development and energy consumption, the Chinese government has adopted a series of measures and policies to improve energy efficiency. However, the developing characteristics are not the same in different regions. Thus, it is necessary to analyze the actual energy efficiency levels in a more targeted manner. In this paper, 30 provinces in China will be adopted to study energy efficiency based on the statistical data from National Energy Administration and National Bureau of Statistics. With the trends of Chinese energy consumption and economy development, the Lorenz curve between Chinese energy consumption and GDP is fitted firstly. The Lorenz coefficient (0.1562) shows that the energy allocation in China is neither reasonable nor balanced. Then, by cluster analysis, the regions of different provinces are newly divided into five divisions from the dimensions of economy and energy, i.e., (high development level and high consumption level, HH), (moderate development level and moderate consumption level, MM), (moderate development level and low consumption level, ML), (low development level and low consumption level, LL), and (low development level and moderate consumption level, LM). Based on the division results, the provincial promotion potentialities are estimated quantitatively according to the absolute convergence feature of energy efficiency promotion. The provinces that have more promotion potentialities of energy efficiency are located, such as Hebei (56.29%) in division (HH), Liaoning (38.15%) in division (MM), Anhui (44.17%) in division (ML), Ningxia (71.63%) in division (LL), and Xinjiang (35.26%) in division (LM), According to the different provincial potentialities, energy efficiency in China needs to improve more, but the improvement approaches should be specific and differential. Driven by technology, policy and mechanism, and industrial restructuring, the Chinese economy and energy resources should be integrated afresh to promote the energy efficiency level. Some optimal strategies on energy efficiency promotion are discussed, finally, aiming to provide effective references for the Chinese government to make relative policies. The study proposes a new perspective for provincial energy efficiency research which can also provide a reference for other countries.
L’influence des CHSCT sur le bien-être des salariés et sur les accidents du travail. Une étude exploratoire
Authors: Bouville Gregor
Published: August 2016

La présence d’une instance représentative du personnel en charge de la santé-sécurité au travail a été associée à un bien-être plus élevé des salariés dans la littérature, mais les mécanismes expliquant ce lien éventuel sont peu explorés. Notre cadre théorique s’appuie sur la « politique de production » de Burawoy (1985). Nos analyses mobilisent une méthode mixte de recherche. A partir des enquêtes nationales SUMER 2003 et 2010 qui regroupent, respectivement, 24 486 salariés et 47 982 salariés, nous examinons l’influence d’une instance représentative du personnel en charge de la santé-sécurité, le Comité d’Hygiène, de Sécurité et de Conditions de Travail (CHSCT), sur le bien-être et sur les accidents du travail et testons l’effet médiateur de la mise en œuvre de politiques de prévention des risques professionnels. Toutes choses étant égales par ailleurs, la présence d’un CHSCT est associée de manière significative à une durée plus faible des absences pour accident du travail via la mise en œuvre de politique de prévention des risques professionnels. Toutefois, les résultats montrent que la présence d’un CHSCT est associée à une probabilité plus faible d’être satisfait au travail et à une fréquence plus élevée des accidents du travail. Une enquête qualitative par observation directe complète cette analyse en montrant l’importance du degré de mobilisation des acteurs membres du CHSCT et de leur activisme de la connaissance (Hall et alii , 2006). Nous discutons ces résultats et leurs implications managériales.