bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Integrated Instrumentation System for Velocity, Concentration and Mass Flow Rate Measurement of Solid Particles Based on Electrostatic and Capacitance Sensors
Authors: Li Jian , Kong Ming , Xu Chuanlong , Wang Shimin , Fan Ying
Published: December 2015

The online and continuous measurement of velocity, concentration and mass flow rate of pneumatically conveyed solid particles for the high-efficiency utilization of energy and raw materials has become increasingly significant. In this paper, an integrated instrumentation system for the velocity, concentration and mass flow rate measurement of dense phase pneumatically conveyed solid particles based on electrostatic and capacitance sensorsis developed. The electrostatic sensors are used for particle mean velocity measurement in combination with the cross-correlation technique, while the capacitance sensor with helical surface-plate electrodes, which has relatively homogeneous sensitivity distribution, is employed for the measurement of particle concentration and its capacitance is measured by an electrostatic-immune AC-based circuit. The solid mass flow rate can be further calculated from the measured velocity and concentration. The developed instrumentation system for velocity and concentration measurement is verified and calibrated on a pulley rig and through static experiments, respectively. Finally the system is evaluated with glass beads on a gravity-fed rig. The experimental results demonstrate that the system is capable of the accurate solid mass flow rate measurement, and the relative error is within −3%–8% for glass bead mass flow rates ranging from 0.13 kg/s to 0.9 kg/s.
Adaptive Environmental Source Localization and Tracking with Unknown Permittivity and Path Loss Coefficients
Authors: Fidan Barış , Umay Ilknur
Published: December 2015

Accurate signal-source and signal-reflector target localization tasks via mobile sensory units and wireless sensor networks (WSNs), including those for environmental monitoring via sensory UAVs, require precise knowledge of specific signal propagation properties of the environment, which are permittivity and path loss coefficients for the electromagnetic signal case. Thus, accurate estimation of these coefficients has significant importance for the accuracy of location estimates. In this paper, we propose a geometric cooperative technique to instantaneously estimate such coefficients, with details provided for received signal strength (RSS) and time-of-flight (TOF)-based range sensors. The proposed technique is integrated to a recursive least squares (RLS)-based adaptive localization scheme and an adaptive motion control law, to construct adaptive target localization and adaptive target tracking algorithms, respectively, that are robust to uncertainties in aforementioned environmental signal propagation coefficients. The efficiency of the proposed adaptive localization and tracking techniques are both mathematically analysed and verified via simulation experiments.
Joint Temperature-Lasing Mode Compensation for Time-of-Flight LiDAR Sensors
Authors: Alhashimi Anas , Varagnolo Damiano , Gustafsson Thomas
Published: December 2015

We propose an expectation maximization (EM) strategy for improving the precision of time of flight (ToF) light detection and ranging (LiDAR) scanners. The novel algorithm statistically accounts not only for the bias induced by temperature changes in the laser diode, but also for the multi-modality of the measurement noises that is induced by mode-hopping effects. Instrumental to the proposed EM algorithm, we also describe a general thermal dynamics model that can be learned either from just input-output data or from a combination of simple temperature experiments and information from the laser’s datasheet. We test the strategy on a SICK LMS 200 device and improve its average absolute error by a factor of three.
Bimodal Biometric Verification Using the Fusion of Palmprint and Infrared Palm-Dorsum Vein Images
Authors: Lin Chih-Lung , Wang Shih-Hung , Cheng Hsu-Yung , Fan Kuo-Chin , Hsu Wei-Lieh , Lai Chin-Rong
Published: December 2015

In this paper, we present a reliable and robust biometric verification method based on bimodal physiological characteristics of palms, including the palmprint and palm-dorsum vein patterns. The proposed method consists of five steps: (1) automatically aligning and cropping the same region of interest from different palm or palm-dorsum images; (2) applying the digital wavelet transform and inverse wavelet transform to fuse palmprint and vein pattern images; (3) extracting the line-like features (LLFs) from the fused image; (4) obtaining multiresolution representations of the LLFs by using a multiresolution filter; and (5) using a support vector machine to verify the multiresolution representations of the LLFs. The proposed method possesses four advantages: first, both modal images are captured in peg-free scenarios to improve the user-friendliness of the verification device. Second, palmprint and vein pattern images are captured using a low-resolution digital scanner and infrared (IR) camera. The use of low-resolution images results in a smaller database. In addition, the vein pattern images are captured through the invisible IR spectrum, which improves antispoofing. Third, since the physiological characteristics of palmprint and vein pattern images are different, a hybrid fusing rule can be introduced to fuse the decomposition coefficients of different bands. The proposed method fuses decomposition coefficients at different decomposed levels, with different image sizes, captured from different sensor devices. Finally, the proposed method operates automatically and hence no parameters need to be set manually. Three thousand palmprint images and 3000 vein pattern images were collected from 100 volunteers to verify the validity of the proposed method. The results show a false rejection rate of 1.20% and a false acceptance rate of 1.56%. It demonstrates the validity and excellent performance of our proposed method comparing to other methods.
Design and Calibration of a New 6 DOF Haptic Device
Authors: Qin Huanhuan , Song Aiguo , Liu Yuqing , Jiang Guohua , Zhou Bohe
Published: December 2015

For many applications such as tele-operational robots and interactions with virtual environments, it is better to have performance with force feedback than without. Haptic devices are force reflecting interfaces. They can also track human hand positions simultaneously. A new 6 DOF (degree-of-freedom) haptic device was designed and calibrated in this study. It mainly contains a double parallel linkage, a rhombus linkage, a rotating mechanical structure and a grasping interface. Benefited from the unique design, it is a hybrid structure device with a large workspace and high output capability. Therefore, it is capable of multi-finger interactions. Moreover, with an adjustable base, operators can change different postures without interrupting haptic tasks. To investigate the performance regarding position tracking accuracy and static output forces, we conducted experiments on a three-dimensional electric sliding platform and a digital force gauge, respectively. Displacement errors and force errors are calculated and analyzed. To identify the capability and potential of the device, four application examples were programmed.
Towards an Autonomous Vision-Based Unmanned Aerial System against Wildlife Poachers
Authors: Olivares-Mendez Miguel , Fu Changhong , Ludivig Philippe , Bissyandé Tegawendé , Kannan Somasundar , Zurad Maciej , Annaiyan Arun , Voos Holger , Campoy Pascual
Published: December 2015

Poaching is an illegal activity that remains out of control in many countries. Based on the 2014 report of the United Nations and Interpol, the illegal trade of global wildlife and natural resources amounts to nearly $ 213 billion every year, which is even helping to fund armed conflicts. Poaching activities around the world are further pushing many animal species on the brink of extinction. Unfortunately, the traditional methods to fight against poachers are not enough, hence the new demands for more efficient approaches. In this context, the use of new technologies on sensors and algorithms, as well as aerial platforms is crucial to face the high increase of poaching activities in the last few years. Our work is focused on the use of vision sensors on UAVs for the detection and tracking of animals and poachers, as well as the use of such sensors to control quadrotors during autonomous vehicle following and autonomous landing.
Safety Effects of Protected Left-Turn Phasing at Signalized Intersections: An Empirical Analysis
Authors: De Pauw Ellen , Daniels Stijn , Van Herck Stijn , Wets Geert
Published: December 2015

Left-turn crashes occur frequently at signalized intersections and often lead to severe injuries. This problem can be addressed through the implementation of protected left-turn signals. This gives left-turning vehicles the right to enter the intersection free from conflict with opposing drivers and pedestrians. The present study analyses the effect of this measure on crash occurrence. The study included 103 signalized intersections with left-turn signals in highways in Flanders, Belgium, of which 33 received only changes in the signal control and 70 also received additional changes. The effect on traffic safety is analyzed through an Empirical Bayesian before-and-after study on crashes, in which general trend effects and regression-to-the-mean are controlled. On the 33 intersections that received only changes in the signal control, the number of injury crashes decreased significantly (−46%, 95% CI (−36%; −55%)) during the after-period. This was mainly attributable to a decrease in left-turn crashes: −60%, 95% CI (−39%; −74%). The number of rear-end injury crashes did not change significantly after the implementation of a protected left-turn signal. A larger effect was identified for more severe crashes (involving serious injuries and fatalities) as compared with crashes resulting in lighter injuries: −66%, 95% CI (43%; −80%). Furthermore, the effect of left-turn phasing on the number of injured car occupants, cyclists, moped riders and motor cyclists was examined, and favorable effects were found for each of these groups.
Analysis of Income Inequality Based on Income Mobility for Poverty Alleviation in Rural China
Authors: Li Tingting , Long Hualou , Tu Shuangshuang , Wang Yanfei
Published: December 2015

Since the reform and opening up, the Chinese economy has achieved sustained high-speed growth. However, the widening gaps in income, especially for rural China, seem to be a dark lining to these extraordinary achievements. Taking the duration of poverty into the consideration, this article analyzes the income inequality of rural per capita net income (RPCNI) based on income mobility in rural China. Analysis results showed that Gini coefficient of RPCNI declined, but that income mobility was mainly limited in the interior for low- and high-income groups. Income inequalities rose sharply within eastern and western China from 1990 to 2010. Benefiting from the developed economy, the upward mobility was universal in eastern China. The spillover effect on neighboring poor counties was feeble in western China, which directly caused long-term rich and poor. The Gini coefficient of RPCNI in central China was always at a low level, corresponding to the phenomenon of short-term rich and long-term poor. In northeastern China, the Gini coefficient sharply decreased and the large body of income mobility between non-neighboring groups was quite remarkable. The spatial pattern of intra-provincial Gini coefficient and income mobility of RPCNI has been divided by the “HU line”, which is a “geo-demographic demarcation line” discovered by Chinese population geographer HU Huanyong in 1935. In southeastern China, the characteristics of income mobility of each county depended on the distance between the county and the capital city. The spatial pattern of income mobility of RPCNI in agricultural provinces was different from that in non-agricultural provinces. According to the income inequality and income mobility, appropriate welfare and development policies was proposed to combat rural poverty at both regional and provincial scales.
Modelling and Enhancement of Organizational Resilience Potential in Process Industry SMEs
Authors: Arsovski Slavko , Putnik Goran , Arsovski Zora , Tadic Danijela , Aleksic Aleksandar , Djordjevic Aleksandar , Moljevic Slavisa
Published: December 2015

The business environment is rapidly changing and puts pressure on enterprises to find effective ways to survive and develop. Since it is almost impossible to identify the multitude of complex conditions and business risks, an organization has to build its resilience in order to be able to overcome issues and achieve long term sustainability. This paper contributes by establishing a two-step model for assessment and enhancement of organizational resilience potential oriented towards Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the process industry. Using a dynamic modelling technique and statistical tools, a sample of 120 SMEs in Serbia has been developed as a testing base, and one randomly selected enterprise was used for model testing and verification. Uncertainties regarding the relative importance of organizational resilience potential factors (ORPFs) and their value at each level of business are described by pre-defined linguistic expressions. The calculation of the relative importance of ORPFs for each business level is stated as a fuzzy group decision making problem. First, the weighted ORPFs’ values and resilience potential at each business level are determined. In the second step, near optimal enhancement of ORPFs’ values is achieved by applying a genetic algorithm (GA).
Highly Sensitive Colorimetric Detection of Ochratoxin A by a Label-Free Aptamer and Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Luan Yunxia , Chen Jiayi , Li Cheng , Xie Gang , Fu Hailong , Ma Zhihong , Lu Anxiang
Published: December 2015

A label-free aptamer-based assay for the highly sensitive and specific detection of Ochratoxin A (OTA) was developed using a cationic polymer and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The OTA aptamer was used as a recognition element for the colorimetric detection of OTA based on the aggregation of AuNPs by the cationic polymer. By spectroscopic quantitative analysis, the colorimetric assay could detect OTA down to 0.009 ng/mL with high selectivity in the presence of other interfering toxins. This study offers a new alternative in visual detection methods that is rapid and sensitive for OTA detection.
Does Bacillus anthracis Lethal Toxin Directly Depress Myocardial Function? A Review of Clinical Cases and Preclinical Studies
Authors: Suffredini Dante , Sampath-Kumar Hanish , Li Yan , Ohanjanian Lernik , Remy Kenneth , Cui Xizhong , Eichacker Peter
Published: December 2015

The US outbreak of B.anthracis infection in 2001 and subsequent cases in the US and Europe demonstrate that anthrax is a continuing risk for the developed world. While several bacterial components contribute to the pathogenesis of B. anthracis, production of lethal toxin (LT) is strongly associated with the development of hypotension and lethality. However, the mechanisms underlying the cardiovascular instability LT produces are unclear. Some evidence suggests that LT causes shock by impairing the peripheral vasculature, effects consistent with the substantial extravasation of fluid in patients dying with B. anthracis. Other data suggests that LT directly depresses myocardial function. However a clinical correlate for this latter possibility is less evident since functional studies and post-mortem examination in patients demonstrate absent or minimal cardiac changes. The purposes of this review were to first present clinical studies of cardiac functional and histologic pathology with B. anthracis infection and to then examine in vivo, in vitro, and ex vivo preclinical studies of LT’s myocardial effects. Together, these data suggest that it is unclear whether that LT directly depresses cardiac function. This question is important for the clinical management and development of new therapies for anthrax and efforts should continue to be made to answer it.
Role of gga-miR-221 and gga-miR-222 during Tumour Formation in Chickens Infected by Subgroup J Avian Leukosis Virus
Authors: Dai Zhenkai , Ji Jun , Yan Yiming , Lin Wencheng , Li Hongxin , Chen Feng , Liu Yang , Chen Weiguo , Bi Yingzuo , Xie Qingmei
Published: December 2015

Subgroup J avian leukosis virus (ALV-J) causes a neoplastic disease in infected chickens. Differential expression patterns of microRNAs (miRNAs) are closely related to the formation and growth of tumors. (1) Background: This study was undertaken to understand how miRNAs might be related to tumor growth during ALV-J infection. We chose to characterize the effects of miR-221 and miR-222 on cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis based on previous microarray data. (2) Methods: In vivo, the expression levels of miR-221 and miR-222 were significantly increased in the liver of ALV-J infected chickens (p < 0.01). Over-expression of gga-miR-221 and gga-miR-222 promoted the proliferation, migration, and growth of DF-1 cells, and decreased the expression of BCL-2 modifying factor (BMF) making cells more resistant to apoptosis. (3) Results: Our results suggest that gga-miR-221 and gga-miR-222 may be tumour formation relevant gene in chicken that promote proliferation, migration, and growth of cancer cells, and inhibit apoptosis. BMF expression was significantly reduced in vivo 70 days after ALV-J infection. They may also play a pivotal role in tumorigenesis during ALV-J infection.
Herpesvirus gB: A Finely Tuned Fusion Machine
Authors: Cooper Rebecca , Heldwein Ekaterina
Published: December 2015

Enveloped viruses employ a class of proteins known as fusogens to orchestrate the merger of their surrounding envelope and a target cell membrane. Most fusogens accomplish this task alone, by binding cellular receptors and subsequently catalyzing the membrane fusion process. Surprisingly, in herpesviruses, these functions are distributed among multiple proteins: the conserved fusogen gB, the conserved gH/gL heterodimer of poorly defined function, and various non-conserved receptor-binding proteins. We summarize what is currently known about gB from two closely related herpesviruses, HSV-1 and HSV-2, with emphasis on the structure of the largely uncharted membrane interacting regions of this fusogen. We propose that the unusual mechanism of herpesvirus fusion could be linked to the unique architecture of gB.
HIV-1-Induced Small T Cell Syncytia Can Transfer Virus Particles to Target Cells through Transient Contacts
Authors: Symeonides Menelaos , Murooka Thomas , Bellfy Lauren , Roy Nathan , Mempel Thorsten , Thali Markus
Published: December 2015

HIV-1 Env mediates fusion of viral and target cell membranes, but it can also mediate fusion of infected (producer) and target cells, thus triggering the formation of multinucleated cells, so-called syncytia. Large, round, immobile syncytia are readily observable in cultures of HIV-1-infected T cells, but these fast growing “fusion sinks” are largely regarded as cell culture artifacts. In contrast, small HIV-1-induced syncytia were seen in the paracortex of peripheral lymph nodes and other secondary lymphoid tissue of HIV-1-positive individuals. Further, recent intravital imaging of lymph nodes in humanized mice early after their infection with HIV-1 demonstrated that a significant fraction of infected cells were highly mobile, small syncytia, suggesting that these entities contribute to virus dissemination. Here, we report that the formation of small, migratory syncytia, for which we provide further quantification in humanized mice, can be recapitulated in vitro if HIV-1-infected T cells are placed into 3D extracellular matrix (ECM) hydrogels rather than being kept in traditional suspension culture systems. Intriguingly, live-cell imaging in hydrogels revealed that these syncytia, similar to individual infected cells, can transiently interact with uninfected cells, leading to rapid virus transfer without cell-cell fusion. Infected cells were also observed to deposit large amounts of viral particles into the extracellular space. Altogether, these observations suggest the need to further evaluate the biological significance of small, T cell-based syncytia and to consider the possibility that these entities do indeed contribute to virus spread and pathogenesis.
Recent Advances in Therapeutic Approaches for Adult T-cell Leukemia/Lymphoma
Authors: Kato Koji , Akashi Koichi
Published: December 2015

Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) is a peripheral T-cell lymphoma caused by human T-cell leukemia/lymphoma virus type 1 (HTLV-1). ATLL occurs in approximately 3%–5% of HTLV-1 carriers during their lifetime and follows a heterogeneous clinical course. The Shimoyama classification has been frequently used for treatment decisions in ATLL patients, and antiviral therapy has been reportedly promising, particularly in patients with indolent type ATLL; however, the prognosis continues to be dismal for patients with aggressive-type ATLL. Recent efforts to improve treatment outcomes have been focused on the development of prognostic stratification and improved dosage, timing, and combination of therapeutic modalities, such as antiviral therapy, chemotherapy, allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and molecular targeted therapy.
Dendritic Cell-Based Adjuvant Vaccination Targeting Wilms’ Tumor 1 in Patients with Advanced Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Shimodaira Shigetaka , Sano Kenji , Hirabayashi Koichi , Koya Terutsugu , Higuchi Yumiko , Mizuno Yumiko , Yamaoka Naoko , Yuzawa Miki , Kobayashi Takashi , Ito Kenichi , Koizumi Tomonobu
Published: December 2015

Despite significant recent advances in the development of immune checkpoint inhibitors, the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer involving metastasis to distant organs remains challenging. We conducted a phase I study to investigate the safety and immunogenicity of Wilms’ tumor (WT1) class I/II peptides-pulsed dendritic cell DC vaccination for patients with advanced colorectal cancer. Standard treatment comprising surgical resection and chemotherapy was followed by one course of seven biweekly administrations of 1–2 × 107 DCs with 1–2 KE of OK-432 (streptococcal preparation) in three patients. Clinical efficacy was confirmed based on WT1 expression using immunohistochemistry on paraffin-embedded tissues and immune monitoring using tetramer analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot (ELISPOT) assays. WT1 expression with human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-class I molecules was detected in surgical resected tissues. Adverse reactions to DC vaccinations were tolerable under an adjuvant setting. WT1-specific cytotoxic T cells were detected by both modified WT1-peptide/HLA-A*24:02 tetramer analysis and/or interferon-γ-producing cells through the use of ELISPOT assays after the first DC vaccination. Immunity acquired from DC vaccination persisted for two years with prolonged disease-free and overall survival. The present study indicated that DC vaccination targeting WT1 demonstrated the safety and immunogenicity as an adjuvant therapy in patients with resectable advanced colorectal cancer.
Development of microsatellite markers for the endangered Pedicularis ishidoyana (Orobanchaceae) using next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Cho Won‐Bum , Choi In‐Su , Choi Byoung‐Hee
Published: December 2015

Premise of the study:

Microsatellite primers were developed for Pedicularis ishidoyana (Orobanchaceae), an endangered and hemiparasitic plant that is narrowly endemic to Korea. Because its populations are threatened by loss of suitable habitat, conservation efforts are required.

Methods and Results:

We developed polymorphic microsatellite loci through reference mapping of 300‐bp paired‐end reads obtained from Illumina MiSeq data. In all, 74 primer pairs were designed and 32 were amplified. Of these, 18 pairs were polymorphic, with two to six alleles each occurring in 26 individual plants. Expected and observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.142 to 0.703 and from 0.077 to 0.615, respectively.

Conclusions:

These microsatellite markers are expected to be useful for studies of the population genetics of P. ishidoyana.
Rhodium, iridium and nickel complexes with a 1,3,5-triphenylbenzene tris-MIC ligand. Study of the electronic properties and catalytic activities
Authors: Mejuto Carmen , Royo Beatriz , Guisado-Barrios Gregorio , Peris Eduardo
Published: December 2015

The coordination versatility of a 1,3,5-triphenylbenzene-tris-mesoionic carbene ligand is illustrated by the preparation of complexes with three different metals: rhodium, iridium and nickel. The rhodium and iridium complexes contained the [MCl(COD)] fragments, while the nickel compound contained [NiCpCl]. The preparation of the tris-MIC (MIC = mesoionic carbene) complex with three [IrCl(CO)2] fragments, allowed the estimation of the Tolman electronic parameter (TEP) for the ligand, which was compared with the TEP value for a related 1,3,5-triphenylbenzene-tris-NHC ligand. The electronic properties of the tris-MIC ligand were studied by cyclic voltammetry measurements. In all cases, the tris-MIC ligand showed a stronger electron-donating character than the corresponding NHC-based ligands. The catalytic activity of the tri-rhodium complex was tested in the addition reaction of arylboronic acids to α,β-unsaturated ketones.
ASSESSMENT OF TRAFFIC LOAD EVENTS AND STRUCTURAL EFFECTS ON ROAD BRIDGES BASED ON STRAIN MEASUREMENTS
Authors: SOUSA Helder , COSTA Bruno J. A. , HENRIQUES António Abel , BENTO João , FIGUEIRAS Joaquim A.
Published: December 2015

Several technical and scientific publications have been made available focussing on Bridge Weight-in-Motion (BWIM) concerning railway bridges. On the contrary, BWIM analysis on road bridges are more scarce and therefore, this work intends to provide a contribution by presenting the BWIM analysis performed on two major road bridges in Portugal – Lezíria Bridge and Pinhão Bridge. These bridges are equipped with electric and optical strain gauges, acquisi­tion systems with features that allow high sampling rates. Based on the collected data and focussing on the bridges’ life­time, a probabilistic approach to quantify extreme traffic loads was implemented using extreme distribution functions. The bridges’ behaviour to these extreme traffic loads is numerically evaluated and a comparison with the alarm levels established by the bridge designers is performed. Although the bridge’s safety is not compromised, it was concluded that the representativeness of the observation period is a critical issue and the analysis of this kind of results must be care­fully considered. A comprehensive discussion about this matter is carried out at the end of this work.
The Total Force Policy and Some Issues of Building-Up of the Militia-Like Units in the Czech National Security System
Authors: Pernica Bohuslav
Published: December 2015

The essay deals with the concept of total force policy concept and its implementation. Some facts related to the history, implementation and development of this construct are presented in context of the Czech White Paper on Defence released in 2011. In order to improve capabilities of the national armed forces system, and as well as to diminish risks related to lack of human and financial sources in face of impeding population ageing, the author suggests a return to total force concept in the Czech Republic. He admits that the experiences with this policy before 1990 will be inoperative, as there is no chance of reintroducing of compulsory military service or the re-establishing of such paramilitary institutions such as e.g. the SVAZARM used to be.
Up-to-date Trends and Shifts in Global Security Environment
Authors: Balabán Miloš
Published: December 2015

The beginning of the second decade of 21st century is tied with distinctive dynamics and changes in global security environment. Among those changes belong security re-orientations of the United States from Transatlantic area to that of Pacific, East and Southeast Asia resulting from a new American military strategy proclaimed in January 2012. The US drew down from Iraq and Afghanistan, political and security movement in Arab world, after decades of "status quo" were awaking. The author concludes that the EU should be prepared for negative scenarios in the development of security situation, or to have at its disposal effective police and military forces with proper humanitarian background to counter possible instability, e.g. massive migration influxes, economy disorders.
A Brief Insight into the History of Operational Art and its Contemporary Aspects (Part 1)
Authors: Spišák Ján
Published: December 2015

Understanding the importance and role of present-day operational art is not always a matter of knowledge of relevant doctrinal publications or the use of experiences from military operations. Number of aspects of operational art had their roots deep in the history of warfare. Many of them are unknown or forgotten. This article aims to give the reader some basic information about the context that led to the awareness of the need of operational art and finally to real fulfilling the imaginary gap between strategy and tactics, which was the place for operational art. The article briefly describes the background of the emergence of operational art and the approach of two basic schools of military theory: Soviet and German that were crucial to its development.
Military Bias Crimes
Authors: Mareš Miroslav
Published: December 2015

This article analyses a new element in the Czech criminal law-Military Bias Crimes. They are included in the new Criminal Code 40/2009 Coll., Sect. XII. The bias motive is characterized by a prejudice against race, ethnicity, nationality, political belief, religious belief or atheism, but not against the so-called sexual orientation, in contrast to the situation in the US. Perpetrators of some military bias crimes, § 378, § 379, § 380, can be not only soldiers, prisoners of war, but also members of security corps (Police, Security Intelligence Service etc.). Up to now, the use of these new norms of the Czech penal law has been limited.
Nuclear Deterrence and Cooperation? (Russian Security and Foreign Policy 2008-2012)
Authors: Tichý Lukáš
Published: December 2015

The objective of this article is to analyse the security and foreign policy of the Russian Federation in 2008-2012, in terms of security culture. The article is based on the assumption that the Russian security and foreign policy during Medvedev's presidency was characterized by four features: promoting multilateralism, exaggeration Russian national security threats, emphasizing the possibility of the use of nuclear deterrence, and using energy as a political tool. The article is based on three Russian strategic documents, i.e. Foreign Policy Concept of the Russian Federation, National Security Strategy of the Russian Federation to 2020 and the Military Doctrine of the Russian Federation. It also examines some events of Russian internal and external policy, especially Russian-Georgian conflict, Medvedev's proposal to create new security architecture in Europe, or the security relations between Russia and the EU, NATO and the U.S.
Cerebrospinal Fluid and Plasma Lopinavir Concentrations and Viral Response in Virologically Suppressed Patients Switching to Lopinavir/Ritonavir Monotherapy Once Daily
Authors: Tiraboschi Juan M , Knobel Hernando , Imaz Arkaitz , Villar Judith , Ferrer Elena , Saumoy Maria , González Alicia , Rozas Nerea , Vila Antonia , Niubó Jordi , Curto Jordi , Podzamczer Daniel
Published: December 2015

Background

Lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r) monotherapy is used in selected virologically suppressed HIV-infected patients. Some would prefer a once-daily (OD) dose instead of the usual twice-daily dose to favour adherence. However, trough concentrations of the drug in blood and particularly in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) may not be adequate to maintain viral suppression.

Methods

Prospective, open-label pilot study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of LPV/r monotherapy OD. HIV-1-infected patients, virologically suppressed for at least 6 months were enrolled. HIV viral load (VL) was determined at baseline and at weeks 4, 8, 12, 16, 24, 36 and 48. Lumbar puncture was performed in a subgroup of patients to evaluate CSF VL and CSF LPV concentrations.

Results

A total of 21 patients were included. At week 48, 85.7% ( n=18) showed viral suppression (VL<40 copies/ml). Two patients had viral failure (9.5%) and a third was withdrawn from the study because of gastrointestinal symptoms. Nine patients were enrolled in the substudy. CSF VL was <40 copies/ml in all cases. Median (range) LPV concentration was 9.78 ng/ml (1.93–78.3) in CSF and 1,970 (154–16,700) ng/ml in plasma; the CSF/plasma ratio was 0.004 (0.001–0.186).

Conclusions

In this small pilot study, LPV/r monotherapy OD maintained plasma HIV RNA suppression at 48 weeks in most patients, with no cases of CSF viral escape. However, CSF LPV concentrations were close to the 50% inhibitory concentration threshold in several patients; hence, this intervention should be avoided in patients with advanced immune suppression and/or those individuals presenting with significant comorbidities such as hepatitis C coinfection.
Empathy, Special Education and ICTs
Authors: Drigas Athanasios , Papoutsi Chara
Published: December 2015

During the past decades there have been considerable innovations with the use of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) in many fields and sectors. In many settings ICTs have become an important element of the learning and teaching process. All social groups have been helped including children and adults with special educational needs. In this paper we provide a brief overview of the most representative articles for applications used for assessment, intervention and development of empathy which is an important skill that researches indicate that people with special educational needs lack of it. Empathy is a complex form of psychological inference in which observation, memory, knowledge, and reasoning are combined to yield insights into the thoughts and feelings of others.
Research on the Performance Evaluation Model of Higher Education Teachers Based on the Improved Grey Clustering Analysis Method
Authors: Li Wenlu , Wang Yinghui
Published: December 2015

Effective performance evaluation of university teachers is supposed to guide teaching behaviors and teaching modes as well as improve teaching quality of higher education. In response to the complexity of performance evaluation of university teachers, this thesis proposes a performance evaluation model based on the improved grey clustering analysis method. Firstly, an index model for evaluating performance of university teachers is established with confirmed layers and index sets. Secondly, performance evaluation grades are given out and whitenization weight functions of grey clustering under different performance grades are established. Based on the standardization of index model, and taking weight into consideration, this thesis provides an improved grey clustering analysis method for performance evaluation of university teachers. Last but not the least, the model is verified through case study to prove its efficacy and availability, which lays a sound support for improving higher education.
Help Seeking Behaviors of International Students
Authors: Boafo-Arthur Susan , Boafo-Arthur Ama
Published: December 2015

International students' pursuit of education in the United States (US) is mutually beneficial to both international students and the economy of the United States. Students often experience culture shock or transitional stress upon arrival. Despite these challenges, research indicates that international students are not likely to seek professional counseling to manage or resolve their issues. In the event that they seek help they are known to prefer medical instead of psychological help. Authors in this chapter review the influence of stigma and acculturational variables on help seeking behaviors of international students. The authors also discuss implications for international students and institutions of higher education, and conclude with recommendations that may be beneficial to international students, student counseling services, and institutions of higher education in the United States.
Mind the Gap
Authors: Ferreira Eduarda , Ponte Cristina , Silva Maria João , Azevedo Celiana
Published: December 2015

Digital practices are pervasive in the everyday lives of young people. However, to be emerged in digital networked practices does not inherently provide competences to critically examine media and online content. Formal learning could profit from young people's interests and enthusiasm in informal learning contexts, bridging the gap between formal learning and everyday digital practices. The school has an urgent and decisive role to promote digital literacies and to prepare young people to adapt to a changing world. This paper presents results from the project Net Children Go Mobile in Portugal to analyze the gap between digital practices and school. The digital gap between the culture of the school and the culture of children's lives outside school is not just about having more access to technology or more ICT training, it is essentially about having the competence of using critical thinking and a diverse set of skills in digital practices.
Efficient Wireless Communication in Grid Networks
Authors: Mihnea Amalya , Cardei Mihaela
Published: December 2015

The authors give lower and upper bounds for capacity in grid networks when using one channel and one radio per node. We also analyze the capacity for multiple channels and make connections to channel assignment algorithms that we introduced previously, which are robust to the presence of primary users. The bounds obtained depend on the range of communication, the distance between nodes and the size of the grid network. Using our communication pattern, node communication can be scheduled to ensure end-to-end communication between any two nodes in a grid network while maximizing capacity.
Review of Climate Change Adaptation and Social Protection Policies of Ghana
Authors: Frimpong Kwasi , Van Etten Eddie , Oosthuzien Jacques , Fannam Victor Nufam
Published: December 2015

Smallholder farming has become a significant livelihood coping strategy of the population in Ghana. However, in the last decade the upsurge of climate change and the effect of heat stress vulnerability on smallholder farmers in Northern Ghana are alarming. This article investigates the chances of using social protection and climate change adaptation policies towards the management of risks associated with heat stress emanating from climate change. It reviews salient literature on heat stress, social protection, and climate change policies and develops a model upon which both domestic and international interest in climate and social protection policies of Ghana and Sub-Sahara Africa can reduce or aggravate heat stress impacts on smallholder farmers both at their working environment and at household level. It exemplifies the efficacy of the strength of social protection and climate change adaptation policies in Ghana and its impacts on vulnerable rural smallholder farmers and how such situation is replicated in many parts of Africa. It outlines further measures that can be undertaken by governments and international donor agencies to revamp the destitution of smallholder farmers to climate change and heat stress in African region.
Engagement in Campus Environmental Activities and Green Initiatives in Malaysia
Authors: Suki Norazah Mohd
Published: December 2015

This study examines the structural relationship between attitudes towards environmental activities, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control, and students' intention to engage in environmental activities and green initiatives on campus and the moderating effects of actual engagement with environmental activities such as using recycle bins in the campus. Results of the covariance structural equation modelling based (CB-SEM) approach divulged that perceived behavioural control positively affects students' intention to engage in environmental activities and green initiatives on campus was significantly proven. Next, results also found significant differences between light and heavy categories of actual engagement with environmental activities such as using recycle bins which successfully moderated these links. The research makes a significant contribution to a solid understanding of the students' intention to engage in environmental and green initiatives on campus, which is marginally touched on in the literature in the Asia context. Direction for future research is also provided.
Intramural aortic hematoma: no flap no warning?
Authors: Citro Rodolfo , Panza Antonello , Masiello Paolo , Ravera Amelia , Tedesco Lucia , Leone Rocco , Mirra Marco , Giudice Roberta , Iesu Severino , Silvestri Francesco , Di Benedetto Giuseppe , Bossone Eduardo
Published: December 2015

We report a case of type A intramural aortic hematoma (IMH) occurred in a 78 years old female. The clinical scenario (medical history of hypertension, severe substernal chest pain, early diastolic decrescendo murmur as for aortic insufficiency), the laboratory results (no significant troponin level), ECG and transthoracic echocardiography findings (no signs of myocardial ischemia) shifted the initial diagnostic suspicion from acute coronary syndrome to the acute aortic syndrome (AAS) and triggered further imaging tests. Computed tomography revealed an aneurismatic dilatation with thickening of the wall of the ascending aorta without intimal flap. No particular “warning message” for evidence of AAS was sent to the clinician on call. Subsequently, due to the persisting high clinical suspicion transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) was performed. TEE confirmed the aneurysm of the ascending aorta and highlighted an extended and marked aortic wall thickness, consisting with the diagnosis of type A IMH. Patient underwent urgent cardiac surgery that confirmed the diagnosis.
Hyaluronic acid levels are increased in complicated parapneumonic pleural effusions
Authors: Zaga T. , Makris D. , Tsilioni I. , Kiropoulos T. , Oikonomidi S. , Damianos A. , Gourgoulianis K.I.
Published: December 2015

Background and Aim. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a component of extracellular matrix and may play a role in the pleural inflammation which is implicated in parapneumonic effusions.The aim of the current study was to investigate HA levels in serum and pleura in patients with parapneumonic effusions. Methods. We prospectively studied pleural and serum levels of HA in 58 patients with pleural effusions due to infection (complicated and uncomplicated parapneumonic effusions), malignant effusions and transudative effusions due to congestive heart failure. In addition to HA, TNF-α and IL-1β levels were determined in pleural fluid and serum by ELISA. Results. The median±SD HA levels (pg/ml) in pleural fluid of patients with complicated effusions (39.058±11.208) were significantly increased (p<0.005), compared to those with uncomplicated parapneumonic effusions (11.230±1.969), malignant effusions (10.837±4.803) or congestive heart failure (5.392±3.133). There was no correlation between pleural fluid and serum HA values. Pleural fluid TNF-α levels (146±127 pg/mL) and IL-1β levels (133.4±156 pg/mL) were significantly higher in patients with complicated parapneumonic effusions compared to patients with other types of effusion (p<0.05). No significant association between HA and TNF-α or IL-1β was found. Conclusions. HA may play a significant role in the inflammatory process which characterises exudative infectious pleuritis. Further investigation might reveal whether HA is a useful marker in the management of parapneumonic effusions.
Association of ET-1 gene polymorphisms with COPD phenotypes in a Caucasian population
Authors: Kaparianos A. , Sampsonas F. , Lykouras D. , Efremidis G. , Drakatos P. , Karkoulias K. , Gogos C. , Spiropoulos K.
Published: December 2015

Background and Aim. The phenotypic expression of COPD consists of pulmonary emphysema and chronic bronchitis. An imprecise phenotypic definition may result in inconsistencies among genetic studies regarding COPD pathogenesis. Endothelin-1 gene polymorphisms have been linked to increased susceptibility of COPD development. The present study examined the involvement of +138 insA/delA and G198T ET-1 polymorphisms with emphysematous and bronchitic COPD phenotypes. Methods. In order to narrow down the phenotypic choices to either COPD-associated pulmonary emphysema or chronic bronchitis, a DLCO<60% predicted threshold was chosen as an indicator of severe emphysema.116 COPD smokers and 74 non-related, non-COPD smokers were evaluated. Results. Statistical analysis showed that the 4A allele of the +138insA/delA SNP and the 4A:T haplotype were associated predominantly with a chronic bronchitis phenotype, whereas the TT genotype of the G198T SNP was found to be protective from emphysema development. Conclusions. The presence of both the 4A and T allele seems to modify the final expression of COPD towards a chronic bronchitis phenotype, since the G:3A haplotype was associated with a predominantly emphysematous phenotype in our study.
Sea drowning: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Estella A. , Pérez Bello Fontaiña L.
Published: December 2015

400,000 incidents of sea drowning take place every year. We report the case of a woman, 34 years old, attended on the beach by external hospital emergency services after suffering immersion in seawater resulting in drowning due to acute respiratory failure. She was admitted to the critical care unit and an emergency fiberoptic bronchoscopy was performed, extracting a large quantity of sand and algae. The respiratory function improved and FiO2 requirements were gradually reduced following the procedure. After 8 days of mechanical ventilation the patient was extubated, with good clinical tolerance and was transferred to a ward.
Images of Chest Diseases: a new format for Case Reports in Monaldi
Authors: Board Editorial
Published: December 2015

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Sweet’s syndrome associated with myelogenous leukemia and pulmonary involvement
Authors: Ravaglia Claudia , Poletti Giovanni , Gurioli Carlo , Casoni Gian Luca , Dubini Alessandra , Re Giuseppe , Poletti Venerino
Published: December 2015

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