bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Homocysteine Induced Cerebrovascular Dysfunction: A Link to Alzheimer’s Disease Etiology
Authors: Kamat P.K , Vacek J.C , Kalani A , Tyagi N
Published: June 2015

A high serum level of homocysteine, known as hyperhomocystenemia (HHcy) is associated with vascular dysfunction such as altered angiogenesis and increased membrane permeability. Epidemiological studies have found associations between HHcy and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) progression that eventually leads to vascular dementia (VaD). VaD is the second most common cause of dementia in people older than 65, the first being AD. VaD affects the quality of life for those suffering by drastically decreasing their cognitive function. VaD, a cerebrovascular disease, generally occurs due to cerebral ischemic events from either decreased perfusion or hemorrhagic lesions. HHcy is associated with the hallmarks of dementia such as tau phosphorylation, Aβ aggregation, neurofibrillary tangle (NFT) formation, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration. Previous reports also suggest HHcy may promote AD like pathology by more than one mechanism, including cerebral microangiopathy, endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, neurotoxicity and apoptosis. Despite the corelations presented above, the question still exists – does homocysteine have a causal connection to AD? In this review, we highlight the role of HHcy in relation to AD by discussing its neurovascular effects and amelioration with dietary supplements. Moreover, we consider the studies using animal models to unravel the connection of Hcy to AD.
Colistin Induced Neurotoxicity in a Patient with End Stage Kidney Disease and Recovery with Conventional Hemodialysis
Authors: Radhakrishnan Radhika Chemmangattu , Jacob Shibu , Pathak Harish Ratnakarrao , Tamilarasi Veerasami
Published: June 2015

Colistin is widely used in the treatment of multidrug resistant bacterial infections. Nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity are risks associated with colistin use. We report the case of a 50 year old lady with end stage renal disease, treated with colistin for catheter related blood stream infection and developed muscle weakness and parasthesia. Concomitant use of meropenem may have precipitated neurotoxicity of colistin. Conventional hemodialysis was effective in reversing her signs and symptoms. Clinicians should be aware of the risk of neurotoxicity while using colistin, especially after a loading dose in patients with renal impairment. According to our knowledge, this is the first report of conventional hemodialysis reversing the neurotoxic effects of colistin.
Effects of Self-Selected Music on Maximal Bench Press Strength and Strength Endurance
Authors: Bartolomei Sandro , Michele Rocco Di , Merni Franco
Published: June 2015

Listening to music during strength workouts has become a very common practice. The goal of this study was to assess the effect of listening to self-selected music on strength performances. Thirty-one resistance-trained men ( M age = 24.7yr., SD = 5.9; M height = 178.7cm, SD = 4.7; M body mass = 83.54kg, SD = 12.0) were randomly assigned to either a Music group ( n = 19) or to a Control group ( n = 12). Both groups took part in two separate sessions; each session consisted in a maximal strength test (1-RM) and a strength-endurance test (repetitions to failure at 60% 1-RM) using the bench press exercise. The music group listened to music in the second assessment session, while the control group performed both tests without music. Listening to music induced a significant increase of strength endurance performance and no effects on maximal strength. These findings have implications for the use of music during strength workouts.
Examining the Effect of Smile Intensity on Age Perceptions
Authors: Wang Ze , He Xin , Liu Fan
Published: June 2015

Research has demonstrated the positive effects of smiles on interpersonal perceptions of attractiveness, likability, and friendliness. A possible mechanism underlying the effects of smiles is babyfacedness. Four studies were conducted with 1,235 participants. In Study 1, 646 participants were assigned to one of the six levels of smile intensity and responded to the measures of age perception and perceived babyfacedness. Compared to the neutral expression, the maximal smile reduced age estimations and this effect was mediated by perceived babyfacedness. In Study 2, 59 respondents' responses indicated that a maximal smile reduced the perception of age. In Study 3, 318 respondents estimated the age of models in different sex and levels of smile intensity. Maximal smiles reduced age estimations. In Study 4, 125 students and 87 non-students were randomly assigned to one of the three levels of smile intensity and provided age estimations. Replicating previous findings, maximal smiles reduced age estimations. Consistent results emerged from the various contexts, models, and samples, as well as in a pooled analysis.
Diagnostic Accuracy of the Slump Test for Identifying Neuropathic Pain in the Lower Limb
Authors: Urban Lawrence M. , MacNeil Brian J.
Published: June 2015

Study Design

Diagnostic accuracy study with nonconsecutive enrollment.

Objectives

To assess the diagnostic accuracy of the slump test for neuropathic pain (NeP) in those with low to moderate levels of chronic low back pain (LBP), and to determine whether accuracy of the slump test improves by adding anatomical or qualitative pain descriptors.

Background

Neuropathic pain has been linked with poor outcomes, likely due to inadequate diagnosis, which precludes treatment specific for NeP. Current diagnostic approaches are time consuming or lack accuracy.

Methods

A convenience sample of 21 individuals with LBP, with or without radiating leg pain, was recruited. A standardized neurosensory examination was used to determine the reference diagnosis for NeP. Afterward, the slump test was administered to all participants. Reports of pain location and quality produced during the slump test were recorded.

Results

The neurosensory examination designated 11 of the 21 participants with LBP/sciatica as having NeP. The slump test displayed high sensitivity (0.91), moderate specificity (0.70), a positive likelihood ratio of 3.03, and a negative likelihood ratio of 0.13. Adding the criterion of pain below the knee significantly increased specificity to 1.00 (positive likelihood ratio = 11.9). Pain-quality descriptors did not improve diagnostic accuracy.

Conclusion

The slump test was highly sensitive in identifying NeP within the study sample. Adding a pain-location criterion improved specificity. Combining the diagnostic outcomes was very effective in identifying all those without NeP and half of those with NeP. Limitations arising from the small and narrow spectrum of participants with LBP/sciatica sampled within the study prevent application of the findings to a wider population.

Level of Evidence

Diagnosis, level 4-. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2015;45(8):596–603. Epub 24 Jun 2015. doi:10.2519/jospt.2015.5414
Impact of Varying the Parameters of Stimulation of 2 Commonly Used Waveforms on Muscle Force Production and Fatigue
Authors: Lein Donald H. , Myers Christina , Bickel C. Scott
Published: June 2015

Study Design

Laboratory-based experimental study using a repeated-measures design.

Objectives

To determine the effect of varying stimulation parameters of burst-modulated alternating current (BMAC) and pulsed current (PC) on quadriceps femoris muscle force output and fatigue.

Background

The impact of altering stimulation parameters on muscle force and fatigue using PC has been well described; however, less is known regarding BMAC.

Methods

Quadriceps femoris muscle force was measured during a series of neuromuscular electrical stimulation-induced muscle contractions, with varying combinations of pulse duration and frequency, using PC or varying duty cycles and burst frequencies using BMAC. Additionally, muscle fatigue tests were conducted bilaterally with different stimulation waveforms and parameters.

Results

For PC, the product of pulse duration and frequency was strongly predictive of muscle force output (R2 = 0.85, P<.05). When using BMAC, the duty cycle was a strong predictor of force output (R2 = 0.91, P<.05). Altering the frequency during BMAC had no effect on muscle force production, as opposed to the classic force-frequency relationship consistently observed with PC. Waveform type significantly impacts muscle fatigue, the BMAC resulted in a more rapid rate of fatigue irrespective of stimulation frequency, and it was confirmed again that lower frequencies of PC result in less fatigue during repeated muscle contractions.

Conclusion

In this study, altering the burst frequency of BMAC did not influence muscle force or fatigue, whereas the duty cycle significantly impacted muscle force production. Frequency of PC impacted both force and fatigue as expected, demonstrating increased muscle force and fatigue with increased frequency. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2015;45(8):634–641. Epub 24 Jun 2015. doi:10.2519/jospt.2015.5574
Dynamic Balance Deficits 6 Months Following First-Time Acute Lateral Ankle Sprain: A Laboratory Analysis
Authors: Doherty Cailbhe , Bleakley Chris , Hertel Jay , Caulfield Brian , Ryan John , Delahunt Eamonn
Published: June 2015

Study Design

Controlled laboratory study.

Objective

To utilize kinematic and stabilometric measures to compare dynamic balance during performance of the Star Excursion Balance Test between persons 6 months following first-time lateral ankle sprain (LAS) and a noninjured control group.

Background

Biomechanical evaluation of dynamic balance in persons following first-time LAS during performance of the Star Excursion Balance Test could provide insight into the mechanisms by which individuals proceed to recover fully or develop chronic ankle instability.

Methods

Sagittal plane kinematics of the lower extremity and the center-of-pressure path during the performance of the anterior, posterolateral, and posteromedial reach directions of the Star Excursion Balance Test were obtained from 69 participants 6 months following first-time acute LAS and from a control group of 20 noninjured participants.

Results

Compared to the control group, the LAS group displayed lower normalized reach distances in all 3 reach directions on the injured and noninjured limbs, with the largest observed effect size in the posterolateral direction (P = .001, ηp2 = 0.07). The performance impairment was associated with less hip and knee flexion and ankle dorsiflexion at the point of maximum reach (P<.02), and coincided with less complexity of the center-of-pressure path (P<.05).

Conclusion

Participants with a 6-month history of LAS exhibit a persistence of deficits previously established in the acute phase of injury. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2015;45(8):626–633. Epub 24 Jun 2015. doi:10.2519/jospt.2015.5653
Ethylenediamine in alkaline cooking of jute stick for producing dissolving pulp
Authors: Jahan M Sarwar , Rahman Halima , Samaddar Purabi Rani , Rahman Mostafizur
Published: June 2015

Jute stick is the woody portion of jute plant. It remains as the leftover after extracting the fibre. The ratio of the stick to fibre is about 2.5:1. For producing dissolving pulp, prehydrolysis is carried out prior to pulping to remove hemicelluloses from the lignocelluloses. In this investigation ethylenediamine (EDA) was used with the cooking liquor to remove hemicelluloses from the jute stick. Increasing EDA charge in soda and kraft liquor decreased pentosans content in the pulp. EDA in kraft liquor showed lower kappa number and pentosans content than in the soda-liquor. Prehydrolysis further improved cellulose content and kappa number of jute stick pulp with the sacrifice of pulp yield. The bleachability of soda-EDA pulp was inferoior to the kraft-EDA and prehydrolysed soda-EDA in ECF bleaching sequences. The final brightness of soda-EDA pulp was 85.1% and kraft-EDA pulp 89.7%. Degraded cellulose (R18-R10) in soda-EDA and kraft-EDA pulps was lower than prehydrolysed pulps. Dissolving pulp can be produced to 93% purity without prehydrolysis by reinforcing EDA in kraft liquor.Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 50(1), 7-14, 2015
Mechanical properties of Gelatin Hydroxyapatite composite for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Hossan MJ , Gafur MA , Karim MM , Rana AA
Published: June 2015

In this study, hydroxyapatite (HAp) and gelatin (GEL) scaffolds were prepared to mimic the mineral and organic component of natural bone. The raw material was first compounded and resulting composite were molded into the petridishes. Using Solvent casting process, it is possible to produce scaffolds with mechanical and structural properties close to natural trabecular bone.The mechanical properties of composites were investigated by Thermo-mechanical analyzer (TMA), Vickers microhardness tester, Universal testing machine. It was observed that the composite has maximum tensile strength of 37.13MPa ( oven drying) and % elongation of 7.68 (Oven drying) and 2.04 (Natural drying) at 15% of Hap respectively. These results demonstrate that the prepared composite scaffold is a potential candidate for bone tissue engineering.Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 50(1), 15-20, 2015
Evaluation of natural gas production optimization in Kailashtila gas field in Bangladesh using decline curve analysis method
Authors: Shah MS , Hossain HMZ
Published: June 2015

Decline curve analysis of well no KTL-04 from the Kailashtila gas field in northeastern Bangladesh has been examined to identify their natural gas production optimization. KTL-04 is one of the major gas producing well of Kailashtila gas field which producing 16.00 mmscfd. Conventional gas production methods depend on enormous computational efforts since production systems from reservoir to a gathering point. The overall performance of a gas production system is determined by flow rate which is involved with system or wellbore components, reservoir pressure, separator pressure and wellhead pressure. Nodal analysis technique is used to performed gas production optimization of the overall performance of the production system. F.A.S.T. Virtu Well analysis suggested that declining reservoir pressure 3346.8, 3299.5, 3285.6 and 3269.3 psi(a) while signifying wellhead pressure with no changing of tubing diameter and skin factor thus daily gas production capacity is optimized to 19.637, 24.198, 25.469, and 26.922 mmscfd, respectively.Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 50(1), 29-38, 2015
Physical separation for upgradation of valuable minerals: a study on sands of the Someswari river
Authors: Rahman MA , Zaman MN , Biswas PK , Sultana S , Nandy PK
Published: June 2015

The study is carried out to develop a physical separation method for upgradation of valuable minerals from sands of the Someswari River. Understanding the morphology and mineralogy of the heavy minerals may allow development of processing methods that produce the higher grade products. For this purpose, grain size analysis, microscopic, spectroscopic study and feasibility of physical separation by shaking table, electrostatic plate separator and induced roll magnetic separator have been done. Considering the huge quantity of sandy materials of the studied river sands and separation of heavy minerals magnetite, ilmenite and garnet from the bulk sands and further treatment of the light mineral quartz to remove iron coating could be use as glass-sands; either the light mineral quartz or heavy minerals will be the main product. From the overall study by physical separation method, the Someswari River is identified as potential resources for mineral processing.Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 50(1), 53-58, 2015
Synthesis and Electrocatalytic Performance of Multi-Component Nanoporous PtRuCuW Alloy for Direct Methanol Fuel Cells
Authors: Chen Xiaoting , Wang Hao , Wang Ying , Bai Qingguo , Gao Yulai , Zhang Zhonghua
Published: June 2015

We have prepared a multi-component nanoporous PtRuCuW (np-PtRuCuW) electrocatalyst via a combined chemical dealloying and mechanical alloying process. The X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and electrochemical measurements have been applied to characterize the microstructure and electrocatalytic activities of the np-PtRuCuW. The np-PtRuCuW catalyst has a unique three-dimensional bi-continuous ligament structure and the length scale is 2.0 ± 0.3 nm. The np-PtRuCuW catalyst shows a relatively high level of activity normalized to mass (467.1 mA mgPt−1) and electrochemically active surface area (1.8 mA cm−2) compared to the state-of-the-art commercial PtC and PtRu catalyst at anode. Although the CO stripping peak of np-PtRuCuW 0.47 V (vs. saturated calomel electrode, SCE) is more positive than PtRu, there is a 200 mV negative shift compared to PtC (0.67 V vs. SCE). In addition, the half-wave potential and specific activity towards oxygen reduction of np-PtRuCuW are 0.877 V (vs. reversible hydrogen electrode, RHE) and 0.26 mA cm−2, indicating a great enhancement towards oxygen reduction than the commercial PtC.
Structure and Principal Components Analyses Reveal an Intervarietal Fusion in Malaysian Mistletoe Fig (Ficus deltoidea Jack) Populations
Authors: Zimisuhara Birifdzi , Valdiani Alireza , Shaharuddin Noor , Qamaruzzaman Faridah , Maziah Mahmood
Published: June 2015

Genetic structure and biodiversity of the medicinal plant Ficus deltoidea have rarely been scrutinized. To fill these lacunae, five varieties, consisting of 30 F. deltoidea accessions were collected across the country and studied on the basis of molecular and morphological data. Molecular analysis of the accessions was performed using nine Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) markers, seven of which were detected as polymorphic markers. ISSR-based clustering generated four clusters supporting the geographical distribution of the accessions to some extent. The Jaccard’s similarity coefficient implied the existence of low diversity (0.50–0.75) in the studied population. STRUCTURE analysis showed a low differentiation among the sampling sites, while a moderate varietal differentiation was unveiled with two main populations of F. deltoidea. Our observations confirmed the occurrence of gene flow among the accessions; however, the highest degree of this genetic interference was related to the three accessions of FDDJ10, FDTT16 and FDKT25. These three accessions may be the genetic intervarietal fusion points of the plant’s population. Principal Components Analysis (PCA) relying on quantitative morphological characteristics resulted in two principal components with Eigenvalue >1 which made up 89.96% of the total variation. The cluster analysis performed by the eight quantitative characteristics led to grouping the accessions into four clusters with a Euclidean distance ranged between 0.06 and 1.10. Similarly, a four-cluster dendrogram was generated using qualitative traits. The qualitative characteristics were found to be more discriminating in the cluster and PCA analyses, while ISSRs were more informative on the evolution and genetic structure of the population.
Robust Sparse Representation for Incomplete and Noisy Data
Authors: Shi Jiarong , Zheng Xiuyun , Yang Wei
Published: June 2015

Owing to the robustness of large sparse corruptions and the discrimination of class labels, sparse signal representation has been one of the most advanced techniques in the fields of pattern classification, computer vision, machine learning and so on. This paper investigates the problem of robust face classification when a test sample has missing values. Firstly, we propose a classification method based on the incomplete sparse representation. This representation is boiled down to an l1 minimization problem and an alternating direction method of multipliers is employed to solve it. Then, we provide a convergent analysis and a model extension on incomplete sparse representation. Finally, we conduct experiments on two real-world face datasets and compare the proposed method with the nearest neighbor classifier and the sparse representation-based classification. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method has the superiority in classification accuracy, completion of the missing entries and recovery of noise.
Probability of Face Contact for a High-Speed Pressurised Liquid Film Bearing Including a Slip Boundary Condition
Authors: Bailey Nicola , Cliffe Andrew , Hibberd Stephen , Power Henry
Published: June 2015

An initial deterministic mathematical model for the dynamic motion of a simple pressurised liquid film bearing is derived and utilised to evaluate the possibility of bearing contact for thin film operation. For a very thin film bearing the flow incorporates a Navier slip boundary condition as parametrised by a slip length that in general is subject to significant variability and is difficult to determine with precision. This work considers the formulation of a modified Reynolds equation for the pressurised liquid flow in a highly rotating coned bearing. Coupling of the axial motion of the stator is induced by prescribed axial oscillations of the rotor through the liquid film. The bearing gap is obtained from solving a nonlinear second-order non-autonomous ordinary differential equation, via a mapping solver. Variability in the value of the slip length parameter is addressed by considering it as a random variable with prescribed mean and standard deviation. The method of derived distributions is used to exactly quantify the impact of variability in the slip length with a parametric study investigating the effect of both the deterministic and distribution parameters on the probability of contact. Additionally, as the axial rotor oscillations also have a random aspect due to possible varying excitations of the system, the probability of contact is investigated for both random amplitude of the periodic rotor oscillations and random slip length, resulting in a two parameter random input problem. The probability of contact is examined to obtain exact solutions and evaluate a range of bearing configurations.
Plasma-Induced Wafer-Scale Self-Assembly of Silver Nanoparticles and Application to Biochemical Sensing
Authors: Shi Yunbo , Guo Hao , Yang Jiangtao , Zhao Miaomiao , Liu Jun , Xue Chenyang , Tang Jun
Published: June 2015

In this work, the wafer-scale silver nanoparticles fabricated by a self-assembly method was demonstrated based on a magnetron sputtering and plasma treatment process. Silver nanoparticles of different sizes and shapes were prepared, and the effects of the plasma treatment time, plasma gas composition, and power were systematically investigated to develop a method for low-cost and large-scale fabrication of silver nanoparticles. Furthermore, the surface-enhanced Raman scattering experiments: crystal violet, as the probe, was absorbed on the silver nanoparticles film of different size and density, and get the phenomena of surface-enhanced Raman scattering and surface-enhanced fluorescence. The results show that the proposed technique provides a rapid method for the fabrication of silver nanomaterial; the method is adaptable to large-scale production and is compatible with the fabrication of other materials and biosensors.
Hibiscus sabdariffa Leaf Extract Inhibits Human Prostate Cancer Cell Invasion via Down-Regulation of Akt/NF-kB/MMP-9 Pathway
Authors: Chiu Chun-Tang , Chen Jing-Hsien , Chou Fen-Pi , Lin Hui-Hsuan
Published: June 2015

Hibiscus sabdariffa leaf has been previously shown to possess hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and antioxidant effects, and induce tumor cell apoptosis. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in the anticancer activity of H. sabdariffa leaf extract (HLE) are poorly understood. The object of the study was to examine the anti-invasive potential of HLE. First, HLE was demonstrated to be rich in polyphenols. The results of wound-healing assay and in vitro transwell assay revealed that HLE dose-dependently inhibited the migration and invasion of human prostate cancer LNCaP (lymph node carcinoma of the prostate) cells under non-cytotoxic concentrations. Our results further showed that HLE exerted an inhibitory effect on the activity and expressions of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). The HLE-inhibited MMP-9 expression appeared to be a consequence of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) inactivation because its DNA-binding activity was suppressed by HLE. Molecular data showed all these influences of HLE might be mediated via inhibition of protein kinase B (PKB, also known as Akt)/NF-kB/MMP-9 cascade pathway, as demonstrated by the transfection of Akt1 overexpression vector. Finally, the inhibitory effect of HLE was proven by its inhibition on the growth of LNCaP cells and the expressions of metastasis-related molecular proteins in vivo. These findings suggested that the inhibition of MMP-9 expression by HLE may act through the suppression of the Akt/NF-kB signaling pathway, which in turn led to the reduced invasiveness of the cancer cells.
Evidence and Experience of Open Sustainability Innovation Practices in the Food Sector
Authors: Arcese Gabriella , Flammini Serena , Lucchetti Maria , Martucci Olimpia
Published: June 2015

The adoption of an “open sustainability innovation” approach in business could be a strategic advantage to reach both industry objectives and sustainability goals. The food sector is facing a constant increase in competition. In order to address the high competition that involves the food industry, sustainability and innovation practices can be strategically effective, especially with an open sustainability innovation approach. In the literature, we found many examples of open innovation applications and their implications for sustainable strategy. These applications are important for reducing cost and time to market, as well as for a company’s impact on the environment and food security. In this paper, the authors show the evidence of these implications. In particular, starting from the state of the art of the food sector, we highlight the empirical results of ten case studies. By analyzing these cases, we can gain a better awareness on how and why these approaches are currently being applied by food sector companies.
Managing Knowledge to Promote Sustainability in Australian Transport Infrastructure Projects
Authors: Yang Jay , Yuan Mei , Yigitcanlar Tan , Newman Peter , Schultmann Frank
Published: June 2015

To deliver tangible sustainability outcomes, the infrastructure sector of the construction industry needs to build capacities for the creation, application and management of ever increasing knowledge. This paper intends to establish the importance and key issues of promoting sustainability through knowledge management (KM). It presents a new conceptual framework for managing sustainability knowledge to raise the awareness and direct future research in the field of transport infrastructure, one of the fast growing sectors in Australia. A holistic KM approach is adopted in this research to consider the potential to “deliver the right information to the right person at the right time” in the context of sustainable development of infrastructure. A questionnaire survey among practitioners across the nation confirmed the necessity and identified priority issues of managing knowledge for sustainability. During infrastructure development, KM can help build much needed industry consensus, develop capacity, communicate decisions, and promote specific measures for the pursuit of sustainability. Six essential elements of the KM approach and their priority issues informed the establishment of a conceptual KM framework. The transport infrastructure sector has come to realise that development must not come at the expense of environmental and social objectives. In practice however, it is facing extensive challenges to deliver what has been promised in the sustainability agenda. This research demonstrates the importance of managing sustainability knowledge, integration of various stakeholders, facilitation of plans and actions and delivery of tangible benefits in real projects, as a positive step towards meeting these challenges.
Models and Approaches for Integrating Protected Areas with Their Surroundings: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Du Wenwu , Penabaz-Wiley Sofia , Njeru Anthony , Kinoshita Isami
Published: June 2015

Several studies have identified threats that originate in areas surrounding protected areas (PAs). While there have been various efforts to integrate PAs with their surroundings, considerable challenges remain. Here we summarize these efforts to date, discuss their effectiveness, and provide recommendations for future research. Based on a broad literature review of theoretical and applied approaches, we have outlined 68 models for balancing conservation and sustainable development in PAs. We comprehensively analyzed 23 of these models for integrating PAs with their surroundings. They were divided into two categories: area-oriented and process-oriented approaches. This review reveals the absolute necessity of combining these two approaches for future conservation and sustainable development of PAs.
Development of Plate Reader and On-Line Microfluidic Screening to Identify Ligands of the 5-Hydroxytryptamine Binding Protein in Venoms
Authors: Otvos Reka , Iyer Janaki , Van Elk René , Ulens Chris , Niessen Wilfried , Somsen Govert , Kini R. , Smit August , Kool Jeroen
Published: June 2015

The 5-HT3 receptor is a ligand-gated ion channel, which is expressed in the nervous system. Its antagonists are used clinically for treatment of postoperative- and radiotherapy-induced emesis and irritable bowel syndrome. In order to better understand the structure and function of the 5-HT3 receptor, and to allow for compound screening at this receptor, recently a serotonin binding protein (5HTBP) was engineered with the Acetylcholine Binding Protein as template. In this study, a fluorescence enhancement assay for 5HTBP ligands was developed in plate-reader format and subsequently used in an on-line microfluidic format. Both assay types were validated using an existing radioligand binding assay. The on-line microfluidic assay was coupled to HPLC via a post-column split which allowed parallel coupling to a mass spectrometer to collect MS data. This high-resolution screening (HRS) system is well suitable for compound mixture analysis. As a proof of principle, the venoms of Dendroapsis polylepis, Pseudonaja affinis and Pseudonaja inframacula snakes were screened and the accurate masses of the found bioactives were established. To demonstrate the subsequent workflow towards structural identification of bioactive proteins and peptides, the partial amino acid sequence of one of the bioactives from the Pseudonaja affinis venom was determined using a bottom-up proteomics approach.
Genome, Proteome and Structure of a T7-Like Bacteriophage of the Kiwifruit Canker Phytopathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae
Authors: Frampton Rebekah , Acedo Elena , Young Vivienne , Chen Danni , Tong Brian , Taylor Corinda , Easingwood Richard , Pitman Andrew , Kleffmann Torsten , Bostina Mihnea , Fineran Peter
Published: June 2015

Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae is an economically significant pathogen responsible for severe bacterial canker of kiwifruit (Actinidia sp.). Bacteriophages infecting this phytopathogen have potential as biocontrol agents as part of an integrated approach to the management of bacterial canker, and for use as molecular tools to study this bacterium. A variety of bacteriophages were previously isolated that infect P. syringae pv. actinidiae, and their basic properties were characterized to provide a framework for formulation of these phages as biocontrol agents. Here, we have examined in more detail φPsa17, a phage with the capacity to infect a broad range of P. syringae pv. actinidiae strains and the only member of the Podoviridae in this collection. Particle morphology was visualized using cryo-electron microscopy, the genome was sequenced, and its structural proteins were analysed using shotgun proteomics. These studies demonstrated that φPsa17 has a 40,525 bp genome, is a member of the T7likevirus genus and is closely related to the pseudomonad phages φPSA2 and gh-1. Eleven structural proteins (one scaffolding) were detected by proteomics and φPsa17 has a capsid of approximately 60 nm in diameter. No genes indicative of a lysogenic lifecycle were identified, suggesting the phage is obligately lytic. These features indicate that φPsa17 may be suitable for formulation as a biocontrol agent of P. syringae pv. actinidiae.
Plant Translation Factors and Virus Resistance
Authors: Sanfaçon Hélène
Published: June 2015

Plant viruses recruit cellular translation factors not only to translate their viral RNAs but also to regulate their replication and potentiate their local and systemic movement. Because of the virus dependence on cellular translation factors, it is perhaps not surprising that many natural plant recessive resistance genes have been mapped to mutations of translation initiation factors eIF4E and eIF4G or their isoforms, eIFiso4E and eIFiso4G. The partial functional redundancy of these isoforms allows specific mutation or knock-down of one isoform to provide virus resistance without hindering the general health of the plant. New possible targets for antiviral strategies have also been identified following the characterization of other plant translation factors (eIF4A-like helicases, eIF3, eEF1A and eEF1B) that specifically interact with viral RNAs and proteins and regulate various aspects of the infection cycle. Emerging evidence that translation repression operates as an alternative antiviral RNA silencing mechanism is also discussed. Understanding the mechanisms that control the development of natural viral resistance and the emergence of virulent isolates in response to these plant defense responses will provide the basis for the selection of new sources of resistance and for the intelligent design of engineered resistance that is broad-spectrum and durable.
THE INFLUENCE OF THE CETANE NUMBER AND LUBRICITY IMPROVING ADDITIVES ON THE QUALITY PARAMETERS OF AVIATION-TURBINE FUEL
Authors: Vilutienė Valentina , Labeckas Gvidonas , Slavinskas Stasys
Published: June 2015

In order to recommend jet fuel for powering diesel engines the quality parameters of the following fuels were determined: diesel fuel (NATO code F-54) according to standard LST EN 590: 2014, jet fuel (NATO code F-35 and F-34) according to standard ASTM D 1655 and U.S.MIL-DTL-83133E, and jet fuel was treated with additives at the Centre of Quality research laboratory located at “ORLEN Lietuva” Ltd. Basic quality parameters of alternative jet fuels were analysed and compared with the reference parameters of diesel fuel. It was determined that the use of additives in jet fuel improves its parameters up to a level which satisfies the corresponding characteristics of normal diesel fuel: cetane number, lubricating properties, net heating value per unit of mass, sulphur content and, therefore, can be recommended for the use in land-based transport means and power generators.
Metodología para seleccionar oportunidades de mejora continua en promociones de viviendas
Authors: Del Solar P. , Del Río M.
Published: June 2015

La mejora continua debería estar presente siempre en las empresas, dispongan o no de sistemas de gestión conforme a la Norma UNE EN ISO 9001:2008. Sin embargo, su aplicación en el sector de la construcción es especialmente difícil debido a las características particulares del mismo (1). Este articulo describe cómo aplicar cuatro de las siete herramientas estadísticas básicas de la mejora continua (Hoja de recogida de datos, Estratificación, Histograma y Diagrama de Pareto) para seleccionar oportunidades de mejora, dentro de la fase de planificación de un proyecto de mejora continua que tenga como objetivo reducir los defectos de construcción en edificios de viviendas detectados en la fase de pre-entrega. Concluyendo que los tres oficios en los que convendría actuar para reducir de manera significativa los fallos de construcción en la fase de pre-entrega son: Carpintería de Madera, Revestimientos Cerámicos e Instalación de Electricidad.
Mismanagement or Mismeasurement
Authors: Anouze Abdel Latef , Osman Ibrahim H.
Published: June 2015

Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) is a well-known frontier valuation method to assess the performance of set of Decision Making Units (DMUs). It derives an overall performance for each DMU based on its efficiency relative to others. All DMUs use the same production function that transfers multiple-input into multiple-output of qualitative and quantitative values. Such big data necessitates the provision of a general framework to guide both researchers and practitioners in the analytical evaluation process for better insights. This chapter proposes a new roadmap to guide future research to implement rigorous and relevant DEA applications. This roadmap consists of five phases: Understand, Prepare, Analyze, Implement, and Monitor (AIM-UP). This roadmap could be used to evaluate the efficiency of resource utilization and the effectiveness of production by the operating processes. Finally, three case studies are used to illustrate DEA implementation, and an up-to-date review of DEA applications is conducted.
Models and Methods for Decision Making Support in the Negotiation Process
Authors: Krivonozhko V. E. , Piskunov A. A. , Lychev A. V. , Ivasechko M. A.
Published: June 2015

In this chapter, an approach for evaluation of agreements on transnational projects during the negotiation process is proposed. One can show that the negotiation process can be represented as the behavior of decision-making units (countries) in the multidimensional space of economic indicators using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) models. In this case, the goals, which can be achieved by units as a result of accomplishment of a joint project, can be determined as points in the multidimensional space. Optimal directions toward these goals and cones of possible directions can be found with the help of Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). The efficiency measures for countries are calculated as ratios of the values of potential functions at the initial (intermediate) and final points. The increments of efficiencies measures are considered as arguments in the negotiation process. The approach is illustrated by the real-life data set taken from open international sources.
Benchmarking Regulators
Authors: Bruno Clementina , Erbetta Fabrizio
Published: June 2015

In this chapter, Data Envelopment Analysis is employed in a particular perspective, as the authors conduct an evaluation of the efficiency performance of regulatory agencies. The Italian water sector regulation, as it was organized until 2010, with high fragmentation of the regulatory activity (92 regulators over the country), is particularly suitable for benchmarking analysis. The ratio of this approach relies on the fact that regulators, as other public entities, are resource-consuming operators whose cost ultimately burdens the consumers. Therefore, it is relevant to test whether they operate efficiently. The authors run several DEA-based models, including different sets of variables and assuming different orientation. From the empirical analysis, a relevant “pure” technical inefficiency (VRS) emerges. A secondary but not negligible role is also played by the scale effect, with some interesting considerations related to the optimal OTAAs size.
Non-Parametric Estimation of Environmental Efficiency Using Data Envelopment Analysis and Free Disposable Hull
Authors: Mulwa Richard
Published: June 2015

Nitrogen, phosphate, and herbicide use are three main environmental problems caused by agriculture. Modelling these undesirable outputs and other detrimental side effects of production activities has attracted considerable attention and debate among production economists. A common approach is to treat detrimental variables as inputs mainly using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), which has enjoyed a lot of success over the years. On the other hand, Free Disposable Hull (FDH) has not enjoyed as much success as its counterpart, DEA. This chapter demonstrates how environmental efficiency can be modelled using both DEA and FDH under strong and weak disposability assumptions. Results show that weak disposability assumption is more superior in achieving relatively high emission reductions and that FDH tends to allocate efficiency to more DMUs compared to DEA.
A New Framework for Industrial Benchmarking
Authors: Ertek Gürdal , Sevinç Mete , Ulus Firdevs , Köse Özlem , Şahin Güvenç
Published: June 2015

The authors present a benchmarking study on the companies in the Turkish food industry based on their financial data. The aim is to develop a comprehensive benchmarking framework using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and information visualization. Besides DEA, a traditional tool for financial benchmarking based on financial ratios is also incorporated. The consistency/inconsistency between the two methodologies is investigated using information visualization tools. In addition, k-means clustering, a fundamental method from machine learning, is applied. Finally, other relevant data, apart from the financial data, is introduced to the analysis through information visualization to discover new insights into DEA results. The results show that the framework developed is a comprehensive and effective strategy for benchmarking; it can be applied in other industries as well. The study contributes to the literature with a novel methodology that integrates the various benchmarking methods from the fields of operations research, machine learning, and financial analysis.
Causal Modeling to Foster E-Participation in the Policy Decision-Making Life-Cycle
Authors: Piera Miquel Angel , Buil Roman , Ramos Juan José , Moise Maria
Published: June 2015

Digital simulation techniques could contribute increasing citizen participation in urban policy design by transforming their opinions into valuable knowledge by means of evaluating certain decisions in a digital urban scenario that would facilitate the understanding of the impact of different choices not only in the urban scenario under study but also in different, hidden indicators (i.e. dynamics not considered by a citizen due to limited cognitive horizons). Furthermore, the trial and error experimental approach inherent in simulation models could act as an enabler of open deliberations between citizens to foster a mutual learning process of the complex urban dynamics. The aim of this chapter is to illustrate the benefits of causal modeling with respect to other commercialized approaches to develop simulation models that could fulfill the transparency and acceptability requirements to foster e-participation, taking into consideration the demands and skills of the multiple and heterogeneous users of urban policy models.
Zagreb Case
Authors: Tomic Rotim Silvana , Knorr Elizabeta
Published: June 2015

This chapter explains the manner of implementing FUPOL policy model and FUPOL platform in the process of creating the actual policies in the City of Zagreb. For that purpose, two pilot initiatives have been chosen, and based on them, the whole policy lifecycle has been covered. The background of these pilots is explained, as well as the challenges that the City of Zagreb has faced. In addition, the results of concrete actions and possible solutions are presented. All of them use a new integrated approach to policy design and implementation that consists of an advanced policy lifecycle and an IT-solution (FUPOL) with features supporting all phases of the proposed lifecycle.
Is Political Participation Online Effective?
Authors: Rossini Patrícia G. C. , Maia Rousiley C. M.
Published: June 2015

The Brazilian Chamber of Deputies (Câmara dos Deputados) conducts an e-democracy initiative that enables people to participate in political decisions regarding legislation. “Portal E-Democracia” is the name of this website in which people can participate in several different ways to speak their minds regarding legislative activities. This chapter analyses the effectiveness of citizens' engagement in the e-democracy initiative through the case study of the discussion of the Internet Civilian Landmark – a bill to regulate Internet use in Brazil. The authors analyse two types of participation: comments to the draft bill and suggestions. To measure the effectiveness of user-participation in such a case of collaborative lawmaking, the authors compare the content of the first draft, the final draft, and the suggestions made through the wikilegis in order to assess whether the discussions maintained within the e-democracy platform were or were not taken into account. This procedure also reveals to what extent online discussion was able to reach political decision-makers and effectively change the Internet's Bill of Rights.
Social Media Development and Implication on eGovernance in China
Authors: Boyong Wang , Shaoyu Wang
Published: June 2015

The rapid development of social media in China brings both challenges and opportunities for China's eGovernance construction. This chapter seeks to research the information society construction in China during the 12th 5-year plan period (2011-2015), especially the efforts of involving citizens in participating in the decision-making process, whilst also exploring the interlinks between the fast development of social media and the ever-changing government services. The chapter summarizes the strengths and weaknesses in the practice of public participation and finds that rapid development of information technology cannot guarantee that eParticipation will be fully effective, and measures and policy should be taken to change the situation. China has made considerable progress in social media development, but more efforts are needed from the government to further engage its citizens in the decision-making process.
E-Participation for Equity in Low-Income Neighborhoods
Authors: Padrós Albert
Published: June 2015

New Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs), in particular mobile phones, have proved effective in increasing participation of some sectors of the population in public affairs. ICT are helping to take government closer to the people, making it more transparent and responsive. However, little has been done to help citizens participate online throughout the policy cycle and even less to engage the most vulnerable communities in such processes in order to increase equity. This chapter presents the conceptual framework for e-participation in low- and middle-income neighborhoods, reviewing first the main features of traditional participation and later the strengths and weaknesses of e-participation. As with traditional participation mechanisms, e-participation can be effective if it increases political equality and therefore needs to help engage all social groups including the most vulnerable. However, ICTs can also be limiting and even backfire as they cannot replace a broader participatory process and an institutional design that needs to enhance political equality, avoid elite capture, count on expert opinion, and build on traditional methods of participation. This chapter ends by applying this framework to a slum-upgrading project in Mtwapa, Kenya. The Mtwapa e-participation platform is presented as a proposed institutional design in a low-income context that aims to facilitate an effective process through comprehensive and inexpensive ICT-enabled citizen participation.
A Classification of Branded Entertainment Based on Psychological Levels of Processing
Authors: Bermejo-Berros Jesús
Published: June 2015

Advertising is changing the way to communicate with consumers. New forms of advertising that are diversifying the types of Branded Entertainment are appearing. This type of advertising has been analyzed in terms of its content but not from the point of view of the psychological processes that induce on the consumer. The aim of this chapter is to present a classification of the different manifestations of Branded Entertainment based on the manner in which they elicit on the consumer psychological processes, activating their cognitive and emotional resources to experience entertainment, create brand value, and make a positive mental imprint in the consumer's mind. As a result of the analysis of current advertising campaigns from this perspective, this classification distinguishes four levels of processing that allows understanding of the whole of the current manifestations of Branded Entertainment and opening new ways to study their advertising effectiveness.