bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization of fuel consumption in natural gas city gate station based on gas hydrate temperature (Case study: Abbas Abad station)
Authors: Deymi-Dashtebayaz Mahdi , Khorsand Morteza , Rahbari Hamid Reza
Published: September 2018

A new approach has been presented for optimization of fuel consumption in the natural gas city gate station. In the city gate station, the temperature drops because of pressure drop has been occurred. In this case, the gas temperature may be reached to natural gas hydrates’ temperature and therefore natural gas pipelines are blocked. To avoid this condition, natural gas is preheated. Heating of natural gas should be in the range to avoid the gas hydrated temperature as well as, if possible, lower fuel consumption. For this purpose, the minimum possible temperature regulator output has been defined. The minimum temperature is based on gas hydrate temperature and has been calculated by applying fundamental thermodynamic equations and the equation of state. For validation of proposed method, the results have been compared to the measured temperature of Abbas Abad CGS. The validation shows that the proposed method has reduced fuel consumption by about 35%. The results show the price of reduced fuel consumption and carbon tax has been dropped in a year, also producing carbon dioxide because of incomplete combustion is significantly reduced.
Seventeen-Year Changes in Body Mass Index, Waist Circumference, Elevated Blood Pressure, and Diabetes Phenotypes in a Cohort of Filipino Women
Authors: Adair Linda S. , Kuzawa Christopher , McDade Thomas , Carba Delia B. , Borja Judith B.
Published: September 2018

Obesity, hypertension, and diabetes have risen dramatically in Asia, but few cohort studies track age and secular trends in these conditions. We use Cebu (The Philippines) Longitudinal Health and Nutrition survey data to document 1998 to 2015 prevalence and co-occurrence of body mass index (BMI; >25 kg/m2), high waist circumference (WC; >80 cm), elevated blood pressure (EBP; systolic ⩾130 or diastolic ⩾85 mm Hg), and type 2 diabetes among ~2000 women aged 29 to 62 years in 1998; and identify their relationship to community, household, and individual factors using longitudinal logistic regression. Prevalence (1998-2015) rates were 35% to 49%, BMI >25 kg/m2; 32% to 58% high WC; 21% to 59% EBP; and 2% to 14% diabetes. Only 20% of women had none of these conditions in 2015. Diabetes was strongly driven by age and secular trends in high WC related to higher socioeconomic status and urbanization. Hypertension increased with age in lower socioeconomic status rural and more affluent urban women. Results underscore the continuing need for public health measures to prevent obesity and to identify and treat hypertension and diabetes.
The Emergence of a Regional Education Hub: Rationales of International Students’ Choice of China as the Study Destination
Authors: Wen Wen , Hu Die
Published: September 2018

Although Mainland China is commonly perceived as a major sending country of international students, it is often overlooked as an important receiving country of international students. In order to address this gap in the literature, this study seeks to explain why international students from the city of Beijing chose China as their study abroad destination. An updated push-pull model is proposed to explain their rationale to study in China. Findings reveal that the quality reputation of China’s higher education (HE) is the major pulling force of international mobility to China, while the booming economy escalates its HE reputation and has become the driver of China’s emerging regional hub appearance. However, China’s contemporary culture does not function as a pulling force due to its vagueness and ambiguity. This research also deepens our understanding of the dynamic and complex relationship between the state, international relations, HE, and individuals in the context of globalization.
Use of e-government services in a deeply divided society: A test and an extension of the social inequality hypotheses
Authors: Rosenberg Dennis
Published: September 2018

The issue of e-government use is critical in deeply divided societies where the access to social capital is restricted for minorities. E-government use in these societies may differ by ethnic background, size of locality or both. Israel was chosen as a case since it is an example of a deeply divided society. Using data from the Israel’s Social Survey 2015, it was found that the disadvantaged minority has a lower probability of using e-government as compared to other groups. However, when segmenting this population by size of its localities, the stratification structure differs between large and small localities. The conclusion is that the inequality approaches should consider not only the ethnicity but also the size of locality as a factor differentiating between ethnic groups in terms of the specific Internet use.
Carcinoembryonic antigen levels correlated with advanced disease in medullary thyroid cancer
Authors: Turkdogan Sena , Forest Véronique-Isabelle , Hier Michael P. , Tamilia Michael , Florea Anca , Payne Richard J.
Published: September 2018

Background

Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) cells are capable of secreting various tumor markers including calcitonin and carcinoembyronic antigen (CEA). The purpose of this study is to determine whether abnormal CEA levels may be used as a tumor marker to predict the severity of disease in MTC.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was completed for 33 patients with MTC who had preoperative serum CEA levels. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to quantify the relationship between serum CEA levels and tumor stage and prognosis.

Results

On multivariate analysis, elevated preoperative CEA levels were significantly associated with the size and stage of tumor, distant metastasis, decreased biochemical cure, and mortality. There was a significant association between tumor size greater than 37 mm and elevated CEA levels (> 271 ng/ml). There was also a positive correlation with increased cancer stage (> 377 ng/ml), distant metastasis (> 405 ng/ml), and contralateral compartment location of lymph node metastasis (> 162 ng/ml). When pre-operative CEA levels are > 500 ng/ml, patient mortality was 67%.

Conclusion

In this study, both pre-operative calcitonin and CEA levels were significantly correlated with the extent of disease in MTC. While calcitonin has a linear relationship with disease progression, abnormal CEA levels were a better indicator of advanced disease. CEA levels > 271 ng/ml are significant for advanced tumor size and staging, metastasis to the central compartment, and decreased chance of biochemical cure. CEA levels greater than 500 ng/ml are associated with significant patient mortality.
Improving vaccination uptake in pediatric Cochlear implant recipients
Authors: Jin Lisa , Téllez Paula , Chia Ruth , Lu Daphne , Chadha Neil K. , Pauwels Julie , Dobson Simon , Al Eid Hazim , Kozak Frederick K.
Published: September 2018

Background

An Infectious Disease vaccine specialist joined our institution's Cochlear Implant Team in 2010 in order to address the high percentage of non-compliance to immunization prior to surgery identified previously from an internal review. The purpose of this study was to (1) review the immunization status of cochlear implant recipients in 2010–2014, (2) assess if introducing a vaccine specialist made a significant change in vaccination compliance and (3) elucidate any barriers to vaccination compliance.

Methods

Retrospective chart review and a telephone survey. Medical records of 116 cochlear implant recipients between 2010 and 2014 were reviewed. A telephone survey was conducted to obtain the current vaccination status in children who required post-operative vaccinations with incomplete records on chart review and, if applicable, the reason for non-compliance.

Results

Between 2010 and 2014, 98% of children were up-to-date at the time of surgery, compared to 67% up-to-date at the time of surgery between 2002 and 2007. 27 children were included in our post-operative immunization analysis. 29.6% (8/27) failed to receive necessary vaccinations post-surgery. Pneumovax-23, a vaccine for high-risk patients (such as cochlear implant candidates) was missed in all cases.

Conclusion

Pre-operative vaccination for cochlear implant recipients improved dramatically with the addition of a vaccine specialist. However, a significant proportion of patients requiring vaccinations post-surgery did not receive them. The main reason for non-compliance was due to parents being unaware that their children required this vaccine postoperatively by being “high-risk”. Although improvement was demonstrated, a communication gap continued to impede the adequacy of vaccination uptake in pediatric cochlear implant recipients following surgery at age 2 when the high-risk vaccine was due.
Dietary canthaxanthin reduces xanthophyll uptake and red coloration in adult red-legged partridges
Authors: Alonso-Alvarez C. , García-de Blas E. , Mateo R.
Published: September 2018

Carotenoids give color to conspicuous animal signals that are often the product of sexual selection. To know the mechanisms involved in carotenoid-based signaling is critical to understand how these traits evolve. However, these mechanisms remain partially understood. Carotenoids are usually viewed as scarce dietary antioxidants whose allocation to ornaments may trade against health. This trade-off would assure its reliability as individual quality signals. In the case of red (keto)carotenoids, the literature suggests that some species may show constraints in their uptake. Canthaxanthin is one of the most common ketocarotenoids in red ornaments of animals. It is often commercially used as a dietary supplement to obtain redder birds (e.g. poultry). We increased the dietary canthaxanthin levels in captive red-legged partridges (Alectoris rufa). This species shows red bare parts mostly pigmented by another common ketocarotenoid: astaxanthin. We studied the impact on the uptake of carotenoids, vitamins and, finally, on coloration. We also tested the potential protecting effect of canthaxanthin when exposing birds to a free radical generator (diquat). Canthaxanthin did not apparently protect birds from oxidative stress, but interfered with the absorption of yellow carotenoids (lutein and zeaxanthin). Zeaxanthin is a precursor of astaxanthin in enzymatic pathways, and their values in tissues and eggs were lower in canthaxanthin-supplied birds. This led to lower astaxanthin levels in ornaments and paler colorations. As far as we know, this is the first report of a carotenoid supplementation decreasing animal coloration. The results have implications for understanding carotenoid-based signaling evolution, but also for improving husbandry/experimental procedures.
Dream theory from the perspective of Islam
Authors: Asadzandi Minoo , Asadzandi Minoo , Asadzandi Minoo , Asadzandi Minoo
Published: September 2018

Background and Objective: Sleep as a sign of the God wisdom and power, is the agent of stability and tranquility. Sleep has a spiritual dimension. Sincere dreams are the continuation of prophecy and guidance of the God. This study aimed to explain the dream theory from the perspective of Islam.

Materials and Methods: This evolutionary study has focused on these questions: “what is the process of dreaming in Islam? Can people control their dreams”? Islamic evidences were taken from the verses and narrations related to the words “soul, sleep, dream and death”, using al-Mu’ayyim, authentic Shi’a commentary books, Bihar al-Anwar, Kofi principles, the Book of Resurrection and life after death. The religious and scientific evidences were analyzed based on the Walker and Event content analysis method. Dream theory was extracted from religious evidence.

Results: Based on "revelation epistemology" during sleep, the ‘template of a higher universe’ travels to the unseen world and divine guidance can be provided. People with spiritual health) (owners of the Sound heart) can control the type of their dream, and solve problems by the guidance of God. In the perspective of Islam, there are three types of dreams: sometimes is divine guidance and glory from God, sometimes is sorrow from the devil, and sometimes are conflicts of daily living or past events.

Conclusion: Regarding the spiritual aspect of sleep and its deep impact on physical and mental health, it is essential for medical staff to become familiar with dream theory from the perspective of Islam. They should explain to patients and family members the importance and impact of sleep on the acceleration of tissue repair and the treatment of anxiety and depression. To those who are willing to enjoy the divine guidance through the dream, they can teach the Islamic method of dream control.
Hyaluronic acid preparations in the treatment of osteoarthritis: is it clear to us?
Authors: Karateev A. E. , Pogozheva Е. Yu. , Amirdzhanova V. N. , Filatova Е. S.
Published: September 2018

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive joint disease that causes persistent pain, limited joint function, disability, and loss of social activity. One of the most popular OA treatment options is intra-articular (I/A) hyaluronic acid (HA) injections. This procedure was introduced into clinical practice in the early 1980s and is used universally. To date, there is no consensus on the therapeutic value of HA. Many investigations confirm that HA is effective as not only a symptomatic agent, but also a structure-modifying one. Some works also show that the effect of HA is equal or only slightly superior to that of placebo (I/A saline injection). The review describes the mechanism of action and comparative efficacy of various (lowand high-molecular weight) HA preparations, as well as the safety of their use in real clinical practice.
Reverse shoulder joint replacement in rheumatoid arthritis: medium-term results in 37 patients
Authors: Makarov M. A. , Roskidailo A. A. , Panteleev M. V.
Published: September 2018

Objective:to assess functional results and quality of life in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) after reverse shoulder joint replacement.

Patients and methods.Examinations were made in 37 patients with RA involving the shoulder joint, who underwent shoulder joint replacement using a reverse DeltaX-tend DePuy prosthesis in 2006–2017. The investigators studied the volume of movements, the level of pain using the visual analogue scale, the function of the shoulder joint using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) Shoulder Score and the upper limb as a whole by the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, a patient's functional status by the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), quality of life (QL) by EQ-5D (Euro Quolish instrument) and analyzed shoulder X-ray films before and in the late periods after surgery.

Results.The volume of shoulder joint movements was found to increase. At 28.7 months postsurgery, the mean volume of flexion, abduction, and external rotation was 107.4Ѓ}15.2, 128.3Ѓ}8.5, and 46.4Ѓ}5.5°; respectively (p≤0.05). The patients experienced no pain in the late periods following surgery. Prior to surgery and at control examination, the mean ASES scores were 25.0Ѓ}4.7 and 79.4Ѓ}6.4, respectively (p≤0.05). Before surgery, the mean DASH score was 63.8Ѓ}4.2; in the late periods it decreased to 18.2Ѓ}8.6 (p ≤ 0.05). The mean preoperative HAQ score was 2.81; following surgery, it also decreased to 1.39 (p≤0.05). The postoperative EQ-5D QOL index score increased from 0.41 to 0.72. The rate of complications reached 10.8%.

Conclusion.Reverse endoprosthetic replacement for end-stage shoulder joint damage (Larsen 4–5) with rotator cuff defect makes it possible to increase the volume of movements, to reduce pain, and to improve upper limb function, functional status, and quality of life in patients with RA.
Methotrexate in the combination therapy of juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Zholobova E. S. , Nikolaeva М. N. , Chebysheva S. N. , Meleshkina A. V. , Loskutova O. Yu. , Galstyan L. A. , Afonina E. Yu.
Published: September 2018

The paper discusses whether biological agents (BAs) may be used as monotherapy. The combination of different BAs and methotrexate (MTX) allows a good result in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis refractory to standard antirheumatic therapy. The efficiency of this therapy meets the ACRpedi50 criteria in 80–90% of patients; one third of patients can achieve the inactive stage of the disease. When BAs are administered, the frequency of use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and glucocorticoids is reduced. In only 15% of patients, MTX can be discontinued during the first year of therapy with BA, significantly more frequently with tocilizumab.
El problema de la traducción de la política TIC: Aportes para superar una racionalidad técnica
Authors: Cifuentes Gary Alberto , Valbuena Osorio María Camila
Published: September 2018

Las políticas educativas para el uso y apropiación de TIC (tecnologías de información y comunicación) en toda Latinoamérica pasan por su mejor momento. A todo lo largo de la región se proponen sistemas de innovación educativa que pretenden garantizar el acceso a una educación de calidad cerrando brechas de desigualdad. Más allá del análisis discursivo sobre estos programas nacionales y sus promesas de desarrollo y productividad, resulta necesario entender lo que ocurre localmente cuando se realizan traducciones, esto es, movilizaciones de actores, artefactos y prácticas heterogéneas. Utilizando como marco analítico la teoría del policy enactment, y a través de un estudio de caso comparado, se pretende mostrar que más allá de la racionalidad técnica de la implementación de una política TIC o de su interpretación por parte de diferentes actores, el problema de la traducción de estas políticas merece un análisis crítico desde un enfoque sociomaterial. Para soportar este trabajo empíricamente, se analiza un conjunto de programas nacionales para la incorporación de TIC en Colombia que llegan a tres contextos educativos municipales en los que su traducción deviene en formas heterogéneas pero efectivas para poner en práctica (enact) los discursos sobre innovación y calidad educativa. Este artículo contribuye además con una metodología que permite mapear traducciones de política educativa, útil para otros investigadores en este campo.
Análise de dados e previsão de séries temporais do homicídio doloso no Estado do Rio de Janeiro entre 2001 e 2016
Authors: Provenza Marcello Montillo , Da Serra Costa José Fabiano , Silva Leonardo De Carvalho
Published: September 2018

A criminalidade vem sendo objeto de estudo há algum tempo por parte de pesquisadores de diversas áreas do conhecimento. O tema violência é sempre muito complexo, pois a sensação de insegurança abrange a sociedade como um todo e, diversas são suas causas e consequências. O objetivo desse artigo foi estudar o homicídio doloso no estado do Rio de Janeiro no período de 2001 a 2016. Foi apresentado o perfil das vítimas e, a análise e previsão da série temporal através dos modelos: Alisamento Exponencial Simples, Alisamento Exponencial Linear de Brown, Alisamento Exponencial de Holt e Alisamento Exponencial Sazonal de Holt-Winters. A eficácia dos modelos foi testada por duas medidas: o Erro Quadrático Médio e o Erro Percentual Médio Absoluto. Os resultados apontaram que o modelo de Alisamento Exponencial Sazonal de Holt-Winters obteve melhores resultados nas duas medidas.
Application of Quality Tools in Solving Problems in the Production Process of an ABC - Case Study Company
Authors: Venanzi Délvio , Gali João Vitor Augusto , Hasegawa Haroldo Lhou , Faustino Diogo Luis , Da Silva Orlando Roque
Published: September 2018

Companies are increasingly focused on the market and its trends, forcing them to seek competitive advantage through continuous improvement in process and product manufacturing methods or generation services. Faced with this, the article discusses the importance of an adapted proposal Analysis and Problem Solving Method (MASP) as an effective tool in solving problems in the production process. This article aims to improve processes through the use of quality tools, by focusing on the reduction of equipment downtime and their probable causes, in addition to financial loss resulting from these charts. The article intends to expose, clearly, a study of the applicability of quality chosen for research tools (Diagram Ishikawa and Pareto Diagram) plus Matrix GUT, Stratification, Linear Regression and FMEA. The article shows that it is possible to obtain gains in processes that may be analyzed in enterprises, whichever is the suggested method. The adopted survey strategy is a case study in the ABC Company at cellulose business. A descriptive and exploratory qualitative study was performed. The content a questionnaire responded by managers and workers for data collection was analyzed.
Estudo de caso de implementação de curva ABC para organização de estoque de loja de ferragens
Authors: Suski Cássio Aurélio , Kurth Daniel Ivan
Published: September 2018

O termo estoque é utilizado desde a antiguidade e são vários os eventos que contribuíram para a evolução da sua gestão. Percebe-se a sua importância para a administração, podendo ser um fator de relevância na geração dos lucros. No entanto, seu controle deve ser planejado, pois o alto nível de estoque pode representar desperdício. A administração eficaz dos estoques é um grande diferencial na obtenção de competitividade sobre os concorrentes e este artigo apresenta um estudo de caso de classificação ABC em linha de produtos de uma loja de ferragens, obtendo-se dados relevantes para aumentar a lucratividade da empresa. A organização e o controle de estoque podem ocorrer de várias formas, onde cada empresa possui seu método. O método de controle de estoques utilizado neste artigo é a curva ABC. A classificação das classes da curva ABC se dá por A: o grupo que abrange os itens de maior quantidade; B: é o grupo intermediário e C: o grupo dos itens de menor quantidade. Por meio da classificação ABC a empresa obteve como base os produtos de principal faturamento, ou seja, aqueles que não poderão faltar no estoque. Em suma, o método utilizado para controle do estoque, implantado na empresa, mostra que seu estoque pode ser mais bem organizado e se apresenta como de extrema importância para a redução dos custos. O artigo desmistifica a aplicação de técnicas e conceitos da administração para pequenas empresas, proporcionando o encorajamento dos pequenos empresários para a utilização das mesmas.
Proposta de um modelo para a gestão das facções de costura
Authors: Bezerra Elen Carla , Batiz Eduardo Concepción
Published: September 2018

A indústria do vestuário vem utilizando como estratégia a terceirização da costura, em facções de costura, como forma de diminuir os custos e flexibilizar a produção. Entretanto, a carência de modelos para a gestão dessas facções de costura, pode abrir portas para infrações trabalhistas devido às condições precárias e informais de trabalho. A pesquisa que discute este artigo, teve por objetivo propor um modelo para a gestão das facções de costura terceirizadas pela indústria do vestuário. Trata-se de um estudo de caso, tendo como público alvo as indústrias do vestuário catarinense, que não possuem certificação da Associação Brasileira do Varejo Têxtil (ABVTex). O levantamento das práticas gerenciais foi realizado nas entrevistas semiestruturadas com um grupo de dez gestores, das indústrias de grande porte do vestuário catarinense. A hierarquização dessas práticas gerenciais, foi realizada com o uso do diagrama de Mudge, por meio do qual foram traduzidas, em números, as opiniões de um segundo grupo de vinte e um gestores. As práticas gerenciais consideradas relevantes, foram utilizadas no modelo proposto, que resultou em um fluxograma de procedimentos, em um contrato particular de facção de costura e numa guia de monitoramento e avaliação para as facções de costuras. O modelo construído foi aplicado em uma indústria de grande porte catarinense. O fluxograma de procedimentos para a seleção das facções de costura, tornou o processo de seleção mais sólido, quanto as decisões de aceitar ou recusar as facções de costura. O contrato particular de facção de costura, foi explicado e todas as facções de costura passaram a colaborar com os objetivos da indústria contratante. Com auxílio da guia de monitoramento e avaliação, conseguiu-se classificar as facções de costura dentro da prática gerencial desejada
ANALISA PENGARUH CENTERBULBS TERHADAP HAMBATAN DAN VERTICAL MOTION PADA KAPAL CATAMARAN
Authors: Aprijal Rahmat Prio , Samuel Samuel , Iqbal Muhammad
Published: September 2018

Hambatan yang kompleks pada kapal multihull catamaran timbul akibat efek interaksi komponen hambatan dan gelombang pada lambung kapal. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengurangi hambatan yang terjadi pada lambung kapal catamaran yang disebabkan interaksi komponen hambatan dan gelombang dengan penambahan centerbulb. Analisa hambatan total kapal catamaran dihitung menggunakan software berbasis Computational Fluid Dynamics. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa kapal catamaran S/L 0.2 dengan penambahan centerbulb adalah kapal yang paling efektif karena dapat mengurangi hambatan sebesar 8-14% dan memiliki respon gerakan vertikal minimum pada kecepatan Fn 0.28.
Analisis Jaringan Perpipaan Distribusi Air Bersih Menggunakan EPANET 2.0 (Studi Kasus di Kelurahan Harapan Baru, Kota Samarinda)
Authors: Nugroho Searphin , Meicahayanti Ika , Nurdiana Juli
Published: September 2018

Distribusi air di Kota Samarinda masih belum optimal dikarenakan factor tekanan air di dalam pipa yang rendah pada waktu tertentu dan kehilangan air fisik karena kebocoran. Artikel ini memuat analisis jaringan perpipaan distribusi air bersih di Kelurahan Harapan Baru, Kota Samarinda menggunakan perangkat lunak EPANET 2.0. Hasil simulasi dibandingkan dengan hasil pengukuran tekanan air di lapangan pada kran pelanggan menggunakan manometer. Dari hasil penelitian, diketahui terdapat sebanyak 7 junction yang nilai tekanan airnya di bawah batas minimum kriteria pipa distribusi dari Peraturan Menteri Pekerjaan Umum No.18/PRT/M/2007 sebesar 0,5 atm, serta sebanyak 11 pipa yang nilai kecepatan aliran airnya di bawah batas minimum kriteria yang sama sebesar 0,3 m/s. Rekomendasi perbaikan jaringan perpipaan distribusi air bersih berupa tekanan minimum sebesar 0,5 bar pada pelanggan dan kontinuitas, yakni perubahan pengaturan tekanan pada valve existing, dan penambahan pompa booster pada beberapa titik. Terdapat perbedaan nilai tekanan air yang cukup signifikan antara hasil simulasi model EPANET dengan pengukuran langsung pada kran pelanggan.
Pemodelan Sistem Penentu Base Transceiver Station (BTS) Menggunakan Metode Weighted Product (WP) (Studi Kasus : PT. Grahamedia Informasi)
Authors: Wibowo Gracia Sonia Lestari , Sulistyo Wiwin
Published: September 2018

Kebutuhan tersedianya internet yang semakin meningkat mendesak Internet Service Provider (ISP) untuk membangun banyak menara Base Transceiver Station (BTS) pada lokasi yang akurat. Permasalahan timbul ketika terdapat banyak pilihan BTS yang dapat digunakan client untuk terhubung ke jaringan ISP. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan akurasi sistem penentu BTS menggunakan kombinasi metode Weighted Products dan analisa regresi linear berganda. Model yang dibangun berhasil meningkatkan akurasi sampai 73% pada 30 titik client PT. Grahamedia Informasi
Deep CNN Combined With Relevance Feedback for Trademark Image Retrieval
Authors: Pinjarkar Latika , Sharma Manisha , Selot Smita
Published: September 2018

Trademark recognition and retrieval is a vital appliance component of content-based image retrieval (CBIR). Reduction in the semantic gap, attaining more accuracy, reduction in computation complexity, and hence in execution time, are the major challenges in designing and developing a trademark retrieval system. The direction of the proposed work takes into account these challenges by implementing trademark image retrieval through deep convolutional neural networks (DCNNs) integrated with a relevant feedback mechanism. The dataset features are optimized through particle swarm optimization (PSO), reducing the search space. These best/optimized features are given to the self-organizing map (SOM) for clustering at the preprocessing stage. The CNN model is trained on feature representations of relevant and irrelevant images, using the feedback information from the user bringing the marked relevant images closer to the query. Experimentation proved a significant performance when evaluated using FlickrLogos-27, FlickrLogos-32, and FlickrLogos-32 PLUS datasets, as illustrated in the performance results section.
Ipragliflozin ameliorates liver damage in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Miyake Teruki , Yoshida Sakiko , Furukawa Shinya , Sakai Takenori , Tada Fujimasa , Senba Hidenori , Yamamoto Shin , Koizumi Yohei , Yoshida Osamu , Hirooka Masashi , Kumagi Teru , Niiya Tetsuju , Miyaoka Hiroaki , Masanori Abe , Matsuura Bunzo , Hiasa Yoichi
Published: September 2018

Background

There are few effective medications for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). We investigated the efficacy of ipragliflozin (selective sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor [SGLT2I]) for the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) complicated by non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Methods

We prospectively enrolled patients with T2DM complicated by NAFLD treated at our institutions from January 2015 to December 2016. Patients received oral ipragliflozin (50 mg/day) once daily for 24 weeks. Body composition was evaluated using an InBody720 analyzer. We used transient elastography to measure liver stiffness and the controlled attenuation parameter for the quantification of liver steatosis in patients with NASH.

Results

Forty-three patients with T2DM and NAFLD were enrolled (12 with biopsy-proven NASH and 31 with NAFLD diagnosed by ultrasonography). After 24 weeks, body weight, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, body fat mass, and steatosis were significantly decreased compared to baseline measurements in patients with NASH. However, muscle mass was not reduced, and liver stiffness showed a statistically insignificant tendency to decrease. NAFLD patients also showed a significant reduction in body weight, HbA1c, AST, and ALT compared to baseline measurements.

Conclusion

Ipragliflozin may be effective in patients with T2DM complicated by NAFLD.
An introductory course in green chemistry: Progress and lessons learned
Authors: Kovacs Dalila G. , Krikke James , Mack Kristina
Published: September 2018

This work provides a description of our experience with designing and implementing green chemistry elements in higher education. It addresses the problem of content and methodology in green chemistry education and provides models of innovative approaches in design and teaching practices.

An introductory course, Pollution Prevention, Green Chemistry and Green Engineering, supported by a grant from Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, was designed at Grand Valley State University (GVSU), in Michigan, in 2008 and run for the first time in 2009, with 12 students. The positive response from the students who took the class coupled with increasing visibility of green chemistry initiative at the state level (MI Governor’s Green Chemistry directive and Green Chemistry Round Table) led the GVSU administration to recognize the need of such a course and, after revision, to its inclusion into the Chemistry Department curriculum, under the designation “Introduction to green chemistry”, CHM 111. This remains to be a sought-after course for freshmen and upper-level undergraduates interested in the issues of green chemistry who have no chemistry background in their education. Since 2011, the course ran twice a year with a total of 302 students to date (December 2017). From semester to semester, it underwent several modifications, in order to accommodate the most recent, up-to-date developments in green chemistry and green engineering. The repository of teaching materials created is growing continuously. The progress and lessons learned throughout the years in running this course are summarized here.
Actividades de imagen de rol, de autocortesía y de (des)cortesía en reseñas de publicaciones científicas
Authors: Kaul de Marlangeon Silvia
Published: September 2018

La reseña, situada en la sección final de revistas especializadas, es un género textual típico del discurso científico, que ofrece información crítica acerca del contenido de una publicación reciente. El propósito del presente trabajo es enfocar el aspecto evaluativo del género reseña, ámbito propicio para la ocurrencia de diversas actividades de imagen de rol, de autocortesía, de cortesía y de descortesía. Este trabajo adopta el punto de vista discursivo-sociocultural para abordar los fenómenos de (des)cortesía: Bravo (2002, 2005 y 2010) y Kaul de Marlangeon (2008 y 2010). Asimismo emplea la perspectiva de la teoría de la evaluación en el discurso, principalmente: Martin (2000) y Martin y White (2005). El corpus ha sido extraído de reseñas de obras de autores
hispanohablantes publicadas durante la última década en una selección de revistas internacionales de lingüística escritas en español: RILI (Revista Internacional de Lingüística Iberoamericana), Signos (Estudios de Lingüística), Discurso & Sociedad y Linred (Lingüística en la red), donde se constata tanto el uso de los recursos evaluativos interconectados en el texto, como las diferentes actividades de imagen que desarrolla el reseñador.
The Financial Crisis, Fiscal Federalism, and the Creditworthiness of US State Governments
Authors: McBrayer Markie , Shea Patrick E. , Kirkland Justin H.
Published: September 2018

This study examines why credit rating agencies offered optimistic assessments of some US states during the 2008–2009 financial crisis. Focusing on the creditworthiness of state governments, we argue that because states are procyclic spenders, growth in a state’s economy is actually harmful to that state’s ability to maintain its fiscal promises. As the federal government spends more heavily in a state, however, the procyclic tendencies of that state matter less to credit raters, and the negative effects of growth in a state’s economy diminish. We test our theory in two ways. We first model the Great Recession as an intervention, finding that states receiving less money from the federal government are more likely to experience increases in their credit scores following the crisis. We then test whether this pattern holds outside of the financial crisis for the years 1990–2006. We observe that increases in gross state product are negatively correlated with credit ratings when there are little to no changes in federal dollars flowing into a state.
Crystal structures and Hirshfeld surface analysis of four 1,4-bis(methoxyphenyl)-2,3-diazabuta-1,3-dienes: comparisons of the intermolecular interactions in related compounds
Authors: Gomes Ligia R. , Low John N. , Correira Nathasha R. de L. , Noguiera Thais C.M. , Pinheiro Alessandra C. , de Souza Marcus V.N. , Wardell James L. , Wardell Solange M.S.V.
Published: September 2018

The crystal structures of four azines, namely 1-3-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)-2,3-diaza-1,4-butadiene, 1, 1,3-bis(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-2,3-diaza-1,4-butadiene, 2, 1,3-bis(2-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-2,3-diaza-1,4-butadiene, 3, and 1,3-bis(2-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-2,3-diaza-1,4-butadiene, 4, are reported. Molecules of 3 and 4, and both independent molecules of 2, Mol A and Mol B, possess inversion centers. The central C=N–N=C units in each molecule is planar with an (E,E) conformation. The intermolecular interactions found in the four compounds are C–H···O, C–H–N, C–H---π and π---π interactions. However, there is no consistent set of intermolecular interactions for the four compounds. Compound, 1, has a two-dimensional undulating sheet structure, generated from C–H···O and C–H···N intermolecular hydrogen bonds. The only recognized intermolecular interaction in 2 is a C–H···O hydrogen bond, which results in a zig-zag chain of alternating molecules, Mol A and Mol B. While 3 forms a puckered sheet of molecules, solely via C–H···π interactions, its isomeric compound, 4, has a more elaborate three-dimensional structure generated from a combination of C–H···O hydrogen bonds, C–H···π and π···π interactions.

The findings in this study, based on both PLATON and Hirshfeld approaches, for the four representative compounds match well the reported structural findings in the literature of related compounds, which are based solely on geometric parameters.
Space and Time as a Consequence of Ghirardi-Rimini-Weber Quantum Jumps
Authors: Singh Tejinder P.
Published: September 2018

The Ghirardi-Rimini-Weber theory of spontaneous collapse offers a possible resolution of the quantum measurement problem. In this theory, the wave function of a particle spontaneously and repeatedly localises to one or the other random position in space, as a consequence of the hypothesised quantum jumps. In between jumps, the wave function undergoes the usual Schrödinger evolution. In the present paper, we suggest that these jumps take place in Hilbert space, with no reference to physical space and a physical three-dimensional space arises as a consequence of localisation of macroscopic objects in the universe. That is, collapse of the wave-function is responsible for the origin of space. We then suggest that similar jumps take place for a hypothetical time operator in Hilbert space and classical time, as we know it emerges from localisation of this time operator, for macroscopic objects. More generally, the jumps are suggested to take place in an operator space-time in Hilbert space, leading to an emergent classical space-time.
Experimental Study on Manufactured Sand Shape Detection by Image Method
Authors: Liu Fu-lin , Fang Huai-ying , Chen Si-jia , Zhou Liang , Yang Jian-hong
Published: September 2018

Manufactured sand often has granules with uneven shapes, which affects the quality of concrete. Hence, the detection of the shape of manufactured sand is important to ensure the quality of concrete. In this article, an image analysis system is used to detect the particle shapes, and the flow time aggregate angularity test is used as a reference to study the correlation between several particle shape characterization parameters and the flow time method. The result shows that the equivalent ellipse axial ratio Ae is the best index for evaluating the uniformity of manufactured sand shape. Repeatability tests with single-grade and graded materials showed that the maximum repeatability errors for three types of single-grade material are 0.5 %, 2.52 %, and 2.97 %, respectively, and the maximum repeatability error for the graded material is 0.85 %. When the particle shape is closer to a sphere, the repeatability of the measurements is high. Therefore, the image method particle shape detection system can meet the requirements for manufactured sand shape detection and effectively monitor the quality of manufactured sand for use as aggregate in concrete.
Experimental Analysis of Dry Sliding Friction and Wear Behavior of OMMT Nanoclay Added EVA/HDPE/MA-g-PE Compatibilized Polymer Blends with Parametric Study of Influencing Factors
Authors: Namdeo Rajeev , Tiwari Sudhir , Manepatil Smita , Chand Navin
Published: September 2018

In this study, an attempt has been made to find out the possibility of extending the conventional engineering applications of Maleic Anhydride–grafted Polyethylene (MA-g-PE), compatibilized Ethylene-co-Vinyl Acetate (EVA), and High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) polymer blends with the addition of Organo-Modified Montmorillonite (OMMT) nanoclay to sliding wear–resistant parts in the automobile, aerospace, and other similar industries. An experimental analysis of dry sliding friction and wear has been investigated for MA-g-PE (2 parts per hundred, i.e., phr) grafted EVA/HDPE (70/30 by weight %) blend with the addition of 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 phr of OMMT nanoclay. According to ASTM G99, Standard Test Method for Wear Testing with a Pin-on-Disk Apparatus, specimens slid against an EN31 steel disk of 60 HRC using a wear and friction tribometer at different forces, sliding distances, and sliding velocities. Effects of forces and sliding distances on sliding friction coefficients and specific wear rates of polymer nanocomposites were evaluated. It was observed that the coefficient of friction decreased with the increase in forces and slightly varied with increments in sliding distance. On the other hand, the specific wear rate increased by increment in forces and decreased with the increase in sliding distance. Wear mechanisms and worn surfaces were analyzed using scanning electron microscopic images. Parametric study of influencing factors (polymer compositions, forces, sliding distances, and sliding velocities) was conducted using the Taguchi design of experiment and ANalysis Of VAriance (ANOVA). Taguchi was used to rank and optimize four influencing factors, viz., composition, force, sliding distance, and sliding velocity. ANOVA determined the statistical significance and percentage contribution of control factors.
Microwave Drying of Black Olive Slices : Effects on Total Phenolic Contents and Colour
Authors: İçier Filiz , Baysal Taner , Taştan Özge , Özkan Gülay
Published: September 2018

In this study, the drying behaviour of black olive slices using microwave was investigated and the effects of microwave power on total phenolic content and colour were determined. Black olive slices were dried at different power levels (180, 360, and 540 W) using a microwave cabin. The results showed that the drying time of the olive slices decreased considerably as the microwave power increased. The total phenolic content of the product dried at 540 W was found to be significantly lower than those dried at 180 or 360 W. For the microwave power range studied, the use of an irreversible first-order model adequately described the decrease in the total phenolic content. The effects of microwave power level on changes of the surface temperatures and weight loss of the olive slices were also determined. The temperature increase and the weight loss were the highest at 540 W during drying. Changes in the colour values (L*, a*, and b*) of the black olive slices during drying were statistically different (P<0.05) for each microwave power level and the maximum change in brightness occurred drying at 360 W. It is thought that results obtained in this study will provide valuable data for the design of microwave drying systems used for drying of olive slices in pilot or industrial scales.
Transition Planning Among US Youth With and Without Special Health Care Needs
Authors: Lebrun-Harris Lydie A. , McManus Margaret A. , Ilango Samhita M. , Cyr Mallory , McLellan Sarah Beth , Mann Marie Y. , White Patience H.
Published: September 2018

BACKGROUND:

Researchers have shown that most youth with special health care needs (YSHCN) are not receiving guidance on planning for health care transition. This study examines current transition planning among US youth with and without special health care needs (SHCN).

METHODS:

The 2016 National Survey of Children’s Health is nationally representative and includes 20 708 youth (12–17 years old). Parents and/or caregivers were asked if transition planning occurred, based on the following elements: (1) doctor or other health care provider (HCP) discussed the eventual shift to an HCP who cares for adults, (2) an HCP actively worked with youth to gain self-care skills or understand changes in health care at age 18, and (3) youth had time alone with an HCP during the last preventive visit. Sociodemographic and health system characteristics were assessed for associations with transition planning.

RESULTS:

Nationally, 17% of YSHCN and 14% of youth without SHCN met the overall transition measure. Older age (15–17 years) was the only sociodemographic factor associated with meeting the overall transition measure and individual elements for YSHCN and youth without SHCN. Other sociodemographic characteristics associated with transition planning differed among the 2 populations. Receipt of care coordination and a written plan was associated with transition planning for YSHCN.

CONCLUSIONS:

This study reveals that few youth with and without SHCN receive transition planning support. It underscores the need for HCPs to work with youth independently and in collaboration with parents and/or caregivers throughout adolescence to gain self-care skills and prepare for adult-focused care.
A delimitação do urbano e do rural no Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
Authors: Talaska Alcione , Arantes Almir , Assumpção Farias José Antonio
Published: September 2018

La problemática de identificar lo urbano y lo rural en Brasil radica en la utilización de conceptos y metodologías que resultan inadecuados, porque brindan una visión deformadora de la realidad de los municipios estudiados. En Brasil, los criterios actualmente empleados para tal delimitación se consideran atrasados, puesto que datan del Decreto-Ley 311 de 1938 y están pendientes de actualizaciones. Por ello, el objetivo es analizar el territorio de Río Grande del Sur (Brasil), buscando delimitar lo urbano y lo rural a partir de una propuesta metodológica alternativa. Se analizan tres metodologías de delimitación de lo urbano y lo rural (la oficial, la de la OCDE y la de José Eli da Veiga), para estudiar sus diferencias y similitudes y, así, proponer criterios metodológicos acordes con las dinámicas espaciales de los municipios. Se busca contribuir, en alguna medida, a las discusiones sobre la emergencia de un nuevo paradigma y de diferentes y nuevas tipologías para tal clasificación.
La reconstrucción del territorio en la ciudad: un estudio de la música de gaita de la Costa Caribe colombiana en Bogotá
Authors: Villamil Ruiz Jéssica Rosalba
Published: September 2018

Los músicos migrantes provenientes de San Jacinto y Cartagena (departamento de Bolívar) asentados en Bogotá (Colombia) han generado unas formas particulares de adaptación a las dinámicas urbanas, reivindicando una identidad colectiva y generando estrategias de apropiación del nuevo contexto urbano. Estos procesos definen lo que se considera la reconstrucción de territorio, que se expresa en las relaciones que los individuos recrean entre su lugar de origen y el lugar de destino. El objetivo de esta investigación es identificar dichos procesos, a través de la caracterización y el estudio de las prácticas musicales de la población migrante mencionada. Para el desarrollo de esta investigación se utilizó una metodología cualitativa, enfocada en la descripción del origen y conformación de los grupos de gaitas específicamente, el grupo Gaitas y Tambores—, su historia y el contexto actual en el que se desarrolla esta música. Se espera dejar sentado un estado del arte que permita un mayor y mejor acercamiento a la geografía musical de Colombia.
El rururbano: espacio de contrastes, significados y pertenencia, ciudad de Bahía Blanca, Argentina
Authors: Sereno Claudia , Santamaría Mariana , Santarelli de Serer Silvia Alicia
Published: September 2018

Las áreas rururbanas, por su condición de borde, están sometidas a transformaciones provocadas por el crecimiento urbano y sufren los impactos asociados al proceso de globalización. Ambos factores imponen formas de apropiación y utilización de los recursos que obligan a los residentes a cambiar sus rutinas cotidianas y adoptar nuevas estrategias. En este artículo se caracterizan las funciones, el uso del suelo y las prácticas socioespaciales de los residentes del rururbano de Bahía Blanca, así como la incidencia de las presiones globales-urbanas y del sentido de pertenencia en la predisposición a cambiar de modo de vida y destino de las tierras.