bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Web 2.0: An Evaluation of Social Media Networking Sites
Authors:   Assistant Professor, Department of Commerce, Guru Nanak College (Autonomous), Chennai – 600 042, Tamil Nadu, India, Balaji P. , Murthy Dr. S. Sreenivasa ,   Professor and Dean, Institute of Public Enterprise, Hyderabad, Telangana India.
Published: August 2019

Purpose of This Paper: This research was conducted to understand the socio-economic conditions of the peoples in the Chennai city. To examine the preference of employed youth with respect to social media networking sites and to categorise the selected social media networking sites based on the Importance cum Performance perception analysis of customers in Chennai city of Tamil Nadu. The empirical and exploratory research design was adopted by employing survey method to collect responses from target population through convenient non-probability sampling method. The primary data collected were subjected to analysis using SPSS version 23.0 and the statistical tools such as, percentage analysis, descriptive statistics, reversed weighed average mean ranking and Multi-Dimensional Scale Approach was adopted to draw meaningful answers to research objectives. The employed youth were classified into two categories based on the social media usage namely, highest users and high users. The Elucidean scaling map reveals the relative positions of the different social media networking sites in different quadrants and it was categorised namely, Excellent Performance / Extremely Important, Excellent Performance/Slightly Important, Extremely Important/Fair Performance and Slightly Important/Fair Performance. This study concluded that digital marketers are advised to market their products and services in the Whatsapp, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram social media networking sites. Since, these sites are highly preferred by the employed youth in the study area for the purpose devising the effective social media marketing strategies. Snapchat and Pinterest are the two least preferred social media networking sites among the employed youth. Finally, the employed youth are suggested to use the social media networking sites actively, intelligently and efficiently rather, burning their valuable time of routine life. This research paper aimed to explore the usage and preference of employed youth towards selected social media networking sites. The Multi-Dimensional Scaling (MDS) approach was adopted to find the relative positions of the different social media networking sites in different quadrants.
Mathematical Analysis and Mechanical Modeling of an Inoculation System on Feeder Control for Pouring Unit in a Foundry Station
Authors:   Assistant Professor, Department of Mathematics, SNS College of Technology, Coimbatore, India, Gomathi P. , Gowri S. ,   Assistant Professor, Department of Mathematics, SNS College of Technology, Coimbatore, India, Viswanathan Dr. A. ,   Professor and Dean, Department of Mathematics, SNS College of Technology, Coimbatore, India, Selvan Dr. T. A. ,   Professor and Head, Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Sri Krishna College of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore, India, Madhankumar S. ,   Assistant Professor, Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Sri Krishna College of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore, India
Published: August 2019

This paper presents on feeder control; the inoculation device has been designed to automatically add inoculating powder to metal stream working with an automatic pouring unit. This system applies a constant dosage of inoculant easily modified by the control unit, with precise repeatability of the process. It incorporates a system of the instant direction of faults at all times, to ensure proper operation. In this project, the human effort is reduced by automating the inoculant feeding mechanism performed in a foundry. By doing pouring in manual manner, it ends up in reducing the rejection of production 2% owing to poor inoculation which disturbs the company's production. This system is used to feed the inoculant to the molten metal in a highly precise amount as per the requirements. After researching various feeding mechanisms, concluded with feeding machine with the help of screw which is more adoptable for desirable number of inoculants to be transferred. The mathematical analysis has been done and it is proven that satisfies the design criterions for modeling of the proposed system. The mechanical modeling is designed in such a way that inoculant occupies in two class of separate hoppers.
Deep Recurrent Network Based Feature Selection using Single Matrix Normalization and Eigen Vectors for Analyzing Sentiments
Authors:   Department of CSE, NMAM Institute of Technology, Nitte, India., Hegde Rajalaxmi , Hegde Sandeepkumar ,   Department of CSE, NMAM Institute of Technology, Nitte, India.
Published: August 2019

Sentiment analysis plays a major role in e-commerce and social media these days. Due to the increasing growth of social media, a huge number of peoples and users send their reviews through the Internet and several other sources. Analyzing this data is challenging in today's life. In this paper new normalization based feature selection method is proposed and the topic of interest here is to select the relevant features and perform the classification of the data and find the accuracy. Stability of the data is considered as the most important challenge in analyzing the sentiments. In this paper investigating the sentiments and selecting the relevant features from the data set places a major role. The aim is to work with the vector-based feature selection and check the classification performance using recurrent networks. In this paper, text mining depends on feature retrieval methods to improve accuracy and propose a single matrix normalization method to reduce the dimensions. The proposed method performs data preprocessing or sentiment classification and features reduction to improve accuracy. The proposed method achieves better accuracy than the N-gram feature selection method. The experimental results show that the proposed method has better accuracy than other traditional feature selection approaches and that the proposed method can decrease the implementation time.
Effect of Various Coarse Aggregate Sizes and Different Marble Chips Proportions on Properties of Pervious Concrete
Authors:   Dept. of Civil Engineering, GLA University, Mathura (India)., Jadon Rahul Kumar , Gupta Dr. Nakul ,   Dept. of Civil Engineering, GLA University, Mathura (India).
Published: August 2019

With the increase in modernization. It has been found that their no more uncovered area left for serving the purpose of infiltration and further there is huge amount of depletion been noticed in the underground reservoirs as well. This problem could be resolved my using pervious concrete or environment friendly concrete or we can call it green concrete as well. So the experimental tests were performed on cube specimens of size 150*150*150 mm the cylinders of size 150mm diameter and 300mm height and .This paper shows the effect of various kinds of aggregates & marble chips on the pervious concrete. And study of 7, 28 days is conducted to determine the compressive strength and the split tensile strength of the specimen. The experiments are performed with a constant water cement ratio of (.40) & Aggregate ratio. And result resembles that strength of the concrete is proportional to its permeability but which could be further modified by introducing the different proportions or marble chips.
Ensure Data Protection in Cloud Computing using ASCII Based Encryption Technique
Authors:   Research Scholar, VTU, Belagavi and Asst. Professor, Dept. of CSE, GMIT, Davanagere, India., K Shivanna , S Dr. Prabhudeva ,   Information Science and Engineering, J N N College of Engineering, Shimoga, India.
Published: August 2019

Cloud computing is an engineering discipline which is concerned with all aspect of storing and sharing useful data. Today, millions of users are able to upload and download useful information on cloud environment from anywhere at any time. Recently, many security issues are encountered in real time applications with a great loss of data and information. Subsequently, many research works have been done to highjack the security issues of cloud computing. Still, all feasible solutions may not applicable at all time and some practical situations. In this paper, we designed and implemented an ASCII based encryption technique that securely uploads, sharing the data on cloud framework with a minimum computational overhead and entropy. The proposed technique will increase the throughput of the system and it can be deployed on a cloud environment for sharing and securing useful data information.
Mapping Provenance Model to e-learning Ontology
Authors:   Research scholar, AIIT, Amity University, UP, India., Bajpai Amit Kumar , Pandey Dr. Rajiv ,   AIIT, Amity University, UP, India., Tripathi Dr. S P ,   Professor, IET, AKTU, UP, India
Published: August 2019

The Semantic Web (SW) may be represented as it is advancement of the web; it is specifically conspired to describe information in a specific manner, which machine can understand easily. In this context the ‘object’ or “resource” derived from web must be a unique as Uniform Resource Identifier (URI). Ontologies are used to establish the relationships between objects. Trust or provenance plays important role in the semantic web. Trust defines the merit by which a user considers authenticity of the documents. Semantic web refers the credibility, reliability and tustability of the data in the given context. It is necessary to observe and differentiate trusted data points from entrusted ones. [8]. User has to take decision regarding selection of the documents based on considering all the parameters of trust, whether given information is reliable or not. The documents available in the web in which users put a new set of problems every time and need to obtain the solution exactly trustworthy.
Data Deduplication Techniques for Big Data Storage Systems
Authors:   IT Department, Anurag Group of Institutions, Ghatkesar, India., Sharma Niteesha , Prasad Dr. A. V. Krishna ,   CSE Department, MVSR Engineering College, Hyderabad, India., Kakulapati Dr. V. ,   IT Department, Sreenidhi Institute of Science and Technology, Ghatkesar, India.
Published: August 2019

The enormous growth of digital data, especially the data in unstructured format has brought a tremendous challenge on data analysis as well as the data storage systems which are essentially increasing the cost and performance of the backup systems. The traditional systems do not provide any optimization techniques to keep the duplicated data from being backed up. Deduplication of data has become an essential and financial way of the capacity optimization technique which replaces the redundant data. The following paper reviews the deduplication process, types of deduplication and techniques available for data deduplication. Also, many approaches proposed by various researchers on deduplication in Big data storage systems are studied and compared.
Mitigation of Harmonics in a Grid Connected Photovoltaic Inverter
Authors:   completed their UG degree in Electrical & Electronics Engineering at SSN College of Engineering, Kalavakkam., Saradhadevi K. , Mrudhulaa P.V. ,   completed their UG degree in Electrical & Electronics Engineering at SSN College of Engineering, Kalavakkam., Priyadharshini K. ,   completed their UG degree in Electrical & Electronics Engineering at SSN College of Engineering, Kalavakkam., Seyezhai Dr.R. ,   Associate Professor at the Department of EEE
Published: August 2019

Photovoltaic energy generation is one of the potential sources of renewable green energy because it is dirt free, unlimited source and requires less maintenance. Implementation of solar PV has been increasingly preferred for both commercial and residential purposes. The power quality issues are very common during the developing and integrating stages of solar PV. Inverters are considered as the main medium which enables the integration of solar PV into the grid. Due to the widespread use of inverters, harmonics are introduced into the system. These harmonics result in the degradation of power quality at the output. This research work is concerned with power quality when grid-connected systems are used. This paper proposes a new passive filter topology for a unipolar pulse width modulated single-phase inverter interfaced with the PV source and the grid. As a source for the system, a 25W photovoltaic panel is chosen. The panel is integrated with the proposed inverter and filter design. A hardware prototype was developed and suitable results were obtained and verified.
Web Application Penetration Testing
Authors:   Assistant professor, Department of IT, Sri Krishna College of Engineering and Technology., K Nagendran , A Adithyan ,   lectures at various worshops and Universities including Defcon Trivandrum and IITM Research Park., ravichandran Chethana ,   pursuing third year in the branch of information technology., Varshini K B Bala Sri ,   pursuing Third year B.Tech. Information Technology at Sri Krishna College Of Engineering and Technology, P Camillus ,   pursuing B.tech information technology at Sri Krishna College of engineering and technology
Published: August 2019

This paper describes the in-depth technical approach to perform manual penetration test in web applications for testing the integrity and security of the application and also serves as a guide to test OWASP top 10 security vulnerabilities. The paper is more focused on providing detailed knowledge about manual web application penetration testing methodologies in order to secure them from malicious black hat hackers.
A Spatial Correlation Based Power Aware Event Driven Image Stitching In Wireless Multimedia Sensor Network
Authors:   Assistant Professor, Dept. of CSE, PESITM Shivamogga, S Chethan L , P Manjunatha ,   Assistant Professor, Dept. of CSE, PESITM Shivamogga
Published: August 2019

Wireless multimedia sensor network(WMSN) is an image sensor which is attached to sensor node to capture information within the field of view (FOV). Due random deployment of multimedia sensor nodes there exist overlapped FOV between multimedia sensor nodes. Overlapped FOV causes redundant data transmission which leads to increased power consumption and reduced life time of a node. Another factor which may reduce the energy consumption is to capture image continuously. To escalate these issues we have designed event driven spatial correlation based image stitching algorithm. There are two modules in this scheme, first event detection module capture the image only when event is detected and second module perform image stitching when the cameras capture information. Experimental results shows there is a considerable improvements in terms of reduction in data processed.
Testing the Sensitivity and Specificity of ICU Patients and Diagnose Statistics Hypothetical Errors
Authors:   Department of Mathematics, School of Advanced Sciences, VIT, Vellore, India., Kavitha K. , Rexy D. Catherine ,   Department of Mathematics, School of Advanced Sciences, VIT, Vellore, India., Anuradha D. ,   Department of Mathematics, School of Advanced Sciences, VIT, Vellore, India.
Published: August 2019

Statistical performance especially for certain information based on data analyse and incorporate clinical trial incomplete observation. The handling statistical hypothesis measure to regulate, type one error and type two errors is related to the assessment of sensitivity and specificity in clinical trial test and experimental data. A theoretical concept is considered two types of errors has been made and measure to find out of False positive, False Negative, True Positive and True Negative. The study presumed to analyse the ICU patient’s condition based on who have admitted in elective or emergency. We are conclude that there is association between types of admission and patient’s status.
Kerangka Advokasi Koalisi dalam Kebijakan Penataan Pemukiman Bantaran Sungai Winongo di Kota Yogyakarta
Authors: Harirah Zulfa
Published: August 2019

The basic idea of this article is to examine the policy advocacy process on Winongo settlement arrangement riverbanks in Yogyakarta. Problems settlements along the river Winongo become increasingly critical as more densely populated to cause the symptoms of poverty and slums. This condition is then ignited the presence Arkom and FKWA to show arrangement ideas through policy advocacy process. Therefore, this article will focus on answering two things, there are how the coalition framework was formed and how the coalition manage their belief system, resources and strategies. To answer that questions above, this research was escorted by theory Advocacy Coalition Framework (ACF) of Sabatier and Jenkins Smith. Through the case study method, this research will explore the case of advocacy of policies Winongo settlement on the riverbanks. The results of the research shows that there are two coalitions in structuring settlements along the river Winongo, they are River coalitions and “Right to the city” coalition. Both are proven to stand on two legs, as a member of the coalition and as a policy broker. This shows that the policy is not just a stage of systemic and technocratic, but the policy is a political process that allows each actor to act politically.
THE COMPACTNESS INDICATORS OF SOLIDS APPLIED TO ANALYSIS OF GEOMETRIC EFFICIENCY OF BUILDINGS
Authors: Koźniewski Edwin , Żaba Antonina , Dudzik Piotr
Published: August 2019

The authors redefine and generalize the so-called relative ratio of compactness of solid with respect to sphere and cube introduced by Mahdavi and Gurtekin. The authors propose such new indicators as a relative ratio of solid compactness in the shape of a prism-shaped solid related to a cuboid with a square base and a given height (e.g. the height of the analyzed storey), a solid compactness indicator defined for the basis of the prism relative to the square. They introduce also other indicators: a relative defect of the perimeter and area. The test of indicators formulated and described in the paper was carried out in two groups of buildings: existing (spotted locally) and those whose designs can be found in the selected catalog available on the website. In addition to the compactness ratios calculated for existing and designed buildings, an analysis of the size of the indicators for the adopted building research models was made. Proposed indicators allow for a description of the compactness of the building model with an indication of the deviation from the real ideal solid. The introduced geometric determinants of solids may be useful in the initial phase of searching for satisfactory design solutions.
System Parameters for the Eclipsing B-star Binary BD+11°3569
Authors: Williams Stephen J. , Ryle Wesley T. , Matson Rachel A. , O’Bryan Sierra R. , Perrino Terri A. , Farwick Cristi A. , Gies Douglas R.
Published: August 2019

We present the results from a combined spectroscopic and photometric in-depth study of the binary system BD+11o3569 (B4 V + B5 V). Fits to Johnson V, Cousins R

C
and I

C
photometry, and radial velocities yield an orbital period of 1.49712598 ± 0.00000020 days and an inclination of 82.°93 ± 0.°17. The combined light curves and radial velocity solution give masses and radii of M
1 = 5.259 ± 0.064 M
⊙ with M
2 = 4.325 ± 0.040 M
⊙ and R
1 = 3.509 ± 0.018 R
⊙ with R
2 = 2.570 ± 0.023 R
⊙. We find that the system does not match a single age isochrone when derived astrophysical quantities for the components are compared with theoretical stellar models, but are bounded by 32 and 40 Myr isochrones. We estimate a distance to the system of 1130 ± 150 pc, which agrees reasonably with the published Gaia distance.
Le retour de l’éducation morale en Corée du Sud : un exemple d’éducationalisation ?
Authors: Kim Yougsil , Dutercq Yves
Published: August 2019

Cette étude analyse le processus de retour de l’éducation morale en Corée du Sud à travers la grammaire des discours pédagogiques (Bernstein). En Corée, il existe deux points de vue sur la question de l’éducation à la citoyenneté, si l’un se positionne en faveur de l’éducation morale, l’autre souligne la participation citoyenne. Cependant, en 2014, à la suite du naufrage d’un paquebot, le Sewol, et du fait que les politiciens rejettent la responsabilité de la faute morale sur l’équipage, une loi sur l’éducation du caractère a été promulguée, qui encourage l’éducation morale. En l’absence de définition précise de l’éducation du caractère dans cette loi, chaque école organise les curricula en fonction du sens empirique donné à cette notion. Certaines activités fondées sur cette éducation interviennent donc dans le domaine privé, usent d’une pédagogie reposant sur l’autorité et s’attachent aux valeurs traditionnelles.
Socialisation des élèves ingénieurs et rapport à l’éthique
Authors: Villette Michel
Published: August 2019

Les grandes écoles d’ingénieurs affichent l’intention de former des citoyens et mettent l’accent sur leurs responsabilités sociales et environnementales. L’étude ethnographique d’un programme d’enseignement, bâti autour des premières expériences de travail en entreprise, montre pourtant que les interrogations éthiques sont censurées ou tenues pour non professionnelles lorsqu’elles sont formulées à propos de situations vécues par les élèves en stage. L’attitude stratégique qu’impose l’entrée dans la carrière l’emporte alors sur la prise au sérieux des questions morales que pose le travail effectué. Ainsi, à côté d’enseignements explicitement moralisateurs, un travail de socialisation des élèves s’effectue à l’insu de tous. Il est le produit d’une division du travail entre différents enseignants, en divers lieux, à différents moments. Ce processus pédagogique diffus, invisible, routinier contribue à former des ingénieurs entraînés à mettre, autant que nécessaire, la morale en suspens dans l’exercice de leurs fonctions.
Multi-Band Rectangular Zig-Zag-Shaped Microstrip Patch Antenna for Wireless Applications
Authors: Yadav Pranay , Khare Bharat Bhushan , Gupta Sudesh , Kshirsagar Yash Kumar , Jain Swati
Published: August 2019

In the era of fifth generation communication system, multi-band patch antenna is the key element of this system. Most of the wireless communication devices work in the range of 1 to 6 GHz such as wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), Wi-Max, and wireless local area network. In this research work, a modified zig-zag-shaped multiband patch antenna with cross-cut set that covers 1 to 6 GHz range is designed. Proposed patch antenna shows five different bands at different resonant frequencies 1.4, 2.3, 2.5, 3.42, and 4.16 all in GHz. The proposed zig-zag-shaped patch antenna also calculates the radiation pattern and specific absorption rate (SAR).
Toward Culturally-Inclusive Educational Technology in a Globalized World
Authors: Akinrinola Ademola Alabi , Adebayo Seun Bunmi , Onakpoya Lulu Uriri. , Nwaozuru Ucheoma C.
Published: August 2019

In this chapter, the authors introduce and define the concept of culturally-inclusive educational technology (CIET) and explore its role in improving teaching and learning outcomes in Nigeria's higher education system. Using Critical Discourse Analysis as an analytical framework, they systematically interrogate existing research outputs on the use of educational technology. They argue that even with the increasing use of educational technologies in Nigeria, challenges such as lack of awareness and resources in adopting educational technologies and poor reflection of students' cultural and cognitive differences limit quality teaching and learning. The findings in this chapter significantly contribute to knowledge by detailing the potential impact of CIET on improving teaching and learning. They provide insights for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners on interactions across culture, technology, and education in a global context.
What Pulls Consumers in and What Pushes Consumers Out
Authors: Saksanian Christina , Martínez-Fiestas Myriam , Timana Juan S.
Published: August 2019

The recent proliferation of collaborative models of consumption has called attention of organizations, governments, and the academy to understand the impact of these new forms of consumption on the economic scenario. However, specific efforts to understand the changes in consumer behavior are so far scarce. This chapter compiles the available knowledge on how consumers are coping with these new forms of consumption exploring the motivators and obstacles affecting their behavior. Additionally, some relevant information on the current status of the adoption of different forms of collaborative consumption, the collaborative consumer profile, as well as some perspectives for the future are also explored.
Simulations in Business Education
Authors: Aguilera-Castillo Andres , Guerrero-Cabarcas Mauricio , Fúquene Camila Andrea , Rios William Fernando
Published: August 2019

This chapter examines the experimental use of Cesim™ Global Challenge, a computer-based business simulation, in an undergraduate international business program in Bogota, Colombia. The authors analyzed the data from the simulation through the application of a nonparametric statistical analysis, in addition to the application of an ex-post survey instrument, in order to assess the relevance of using simulations in the acquisition of managerial skills among undergraduate students. Key findings include the observation of positive effects of computer simulations in learning environments, as they occur in the literature. The authors accepted the hypothesis that stated that more time spent in the simulation leads to better results in the default winning criteria. Finally, the survey instrument confirmed that the use of the simulation helped the students develop managerial soft skills.
Data Mining-Based Evaluating the Customer Satisfaction for the Mobile Applications
Authors: Dinçer Hasan , Yüksel Serhat , Canbolat Zehra Nur , Pınarbaşı Fatih
Published: August 2019

The aim of this study is to evaluate the customer satisfaction for mobile applications in the Turkish banking industry. For this purpose, the last 500 customer comments of 24 different Turkish deposit banks' mobile applications are analyzed with data mining approach. In this process, the most frequent one keyword, two keywords and three keywords are identified, and the most important dimensions are classified into four different categories. Secondly, IT2 fuzzy DEMATEL methodology is considered to weight these dimensions. The findings show that operational and usability are the most important dimensions regarding the customer satisfaction in mobile applications. This situation explains that customers give importance to the quality and variability of the services given by the mobile applications. Hence, it is recommended that different services, such as credit card payment and money transferring should be provided in these applications by the banks. Another important point is that these applications should be designed effectively so that the customer can easily make their operations.
The Promise of Gamification in Addressing Health Challenges of the Modern World
Authors: Nishihara Taiki , Parwak Yagana , Edogun Eghosa , Park Gia , Lee Scott
Published: August 2019

This chapter explores gamification and its potential to address leading health and healthcare issues, to promote healthy behaviors and empower patients to take charge of their own health. It discusses some of the key advantages of gamification over past iterations of technology-based behavioral health interventions, including personal informatics and serious games. The advantages discussed in this chapter include: 1) a greater emphasis on the promotion of intrinsic motivation through quality, intentional game design; 2) broader accessibility to patients through mobile technology and advancing sensor systems; and 3) broader applicability to tackle a variety of health challenges. This chapter is useful for those hoping to gain a deeper understanding of the promise that drives the excitement in gamification as a method for addressing the health challenges of the modern world, as well as the work that is still required to fulfill that promise.
Catalytic Activity of Silver Metal Supported on Doped Graphene in Alkaline Medium for Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Karim Nabila A. , Shamsul Nor Shahirah , Kamarudin Siti Kartom
Published: August 2019

The platinum (Pt) degradation, poisoning and carbon corrosion in acidic fuel cell has led to explore the research in alkaline fuel cell. However, the high cost of Pt has brought a lot of studies to find replacement for Pt catalyst. Due to that, silver metal is selected as non-Pt catalyst and supported by the nitrogen and phosphorus-doped on graphene for oxygen reduction reaction in alkaline medium. The adsorption energy and mechanism of the oxygen reduction reaction is studied by using density functional theory (DFT) calculation. The support catalyst of graphene is doped with three atom nitrogen and phosphorus namely as N3 and P3, respectively. The Ag supported on N3 and P3 are tested on O2, OOH, O and OH species. There are two types adsorption of O2 on N3 and P3 which is side and end-on adsorption configuration. The N3-Ag has similar adsorption energy for both configurations, but P3-Ag has low adsorption energy by end-on adsorption configuration. The effect of doped atoms on graphene also have been tested on O2, OOH, O and OH species. The result shows that increasing nitrogen doping atom has decreased the adsorption energy of O2 and vice versa on phosphorus atoms. A single phosphorus doping atom on graphene has shown the lowest adsorption energy, but the end-on configuration of P3-Ag has shown most stable adsorption. The schematic free energy profile shows that both N3-Ag and P3-Ag have high possibilities to be followed in oxygen reduction reaction mechanism but P3-Ag has advantage due to stable adsorption as non-Pt catalyst. The Ag metal supported on nitrogen and phosphorus-doped graphene show promising result to be a catalyst in alkaline fuel cell.
EBV Latency III–Transformed B Cells Are Inducers of Conventional and Unconventional Regulatory T Cells in a PD-L1–Dependent Manner
Authors: Auclair Héloïse , Ouk-Martin Catherine , Roland Lilian , Santa Pauline , Al Mohamad Hazar , Faumont Nathalie , Feuillard Jean , Jayat-Vignoles Chantal
Published: August 2019

EBV infects and immortalizes B cells in vitro and in vivo. It is the causative agent of most immune deficiency–related lymphoproliferative disorders and is associated with various lymphomas. EBV latency III–transformed B cells are known to express two immunosuppressive molecules, IL-10 and PD-L1, two characteristics of regulatory B cells (Bregs). In this study, we show that, in addition to secretion of the Breg immunosuppressive cytokines IL-10, IL-35, and TGF-β1, EBV latency III–transformed B cells were able to repress proliferation of their autologous T cells preactivated by CD2, CD3, and CD28. This inhibitory effect was likely caused by CD4+ T cells because EBV latency III–transformed B cells induced a strong proliferation of isolated autologous CD8 T cells. Indeed, EBV was able to promote expansion of autologous FOXP3+ CD39high CTLA4+, Helios+, GITR+, LAG3+ CD4 T cells (i.e., regulatory T cells [Tregs]). Two types of Tregs were induced: unconventional CD25neg and conventional CD25pos Tregs. These Tregs expressed both the latency-associated peptide (LAP) and the PD-1 receptor, two markers of functional Tregs. Expansion of both Treg subtypes depended on PD-L1, whose expression was under the control of LMP1, the main EBV oncogene. These results demonstrate that, like Bregs, EBV latency III–transformed B cells exhibit strong immunoregulatory properties. These data provide clues to the understanding of how after EBV primo-infection, EBV-proliferating B cells can survive in an aggressive immunological environment and later emerge to give rise to EBV-associated B cell lymphomas such as in elderly patients.
The correct identity of Lasiosiphon microphyllus (Meisn.) Meisn. (Thymelaeaceae) and the new combination Lasiosiphon kuntzei (Gilg.) R.Kolokoto & Magee
Authors: Kolokoto Refilwe , Boatwright James S. , Manning John C. , Von Staden Lize , Magee Anthony R.
Published: August 2019

Background: While working towards a taxonomic revision of the genus Lasiosiphon (Thymelaeaceae), it became clear that the current application of the name Lasiosiphon microphyllus did not correspond to the identity of the type material.Objectives: To effect the requisite nomenclatural changes.Method: Herbarium specimens from NBG and PRE as well as the type collections of L. microphyllus and Lasiosiphon suavissimus were studied.Results: Nomenclatural corrections are required for the taxa currently treated as L. microphyllus and L. suavissimus.Conclusions: Lasiosiphon microphyllus is recognised as the earliest name for the tetramerous species currently known as L. suavissimus. Gnidia kuntzei is the earliest available name for the pentamerous taxon currently treated as L. microphyllus and the new combination Lasiosiphon kuntzei (Gilg.) R.Kolokoto Magee is provided.
Implementation of a project-based comprehensive monitoring and evaluation strategy in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire: Key lessons
Authors: Chachu Daniel O.
Published: August 2019

Background: The quest for an appropriate monitoring and evaluation (M&E) design that delivers accountability, supports management and facilitates learning is one that many organisations grapple with. Over the years, experiences in project and/or programme development and delivery led the International Programme for the Elimination of Child Labour of the International Labour Organization (ILO-IPEC) to consolidate M&E efforts towards the development of a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation strategy.Objectives: The aim of this article is to present lessons from the design and implementation of a theory of change-driven comprehensive monitoring and evaluation strategy in a child labour project rolled out in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire. The 5-year project was implemented during 2011–2015 by ILO-IPEC with support from the United States Department of Labour (USDOL).Methods: This article critically analyses project documents (including evaluations) and captures the reflections and experiences of key project staff involved in the project.Results: Timeless lessons are distilled, along with key phases of the project cycle. Critical markers include the importance of stakeholders’ involvement in the design and development of a M&E strategy as a pre-requisite for buy-in and uptake. We find capacity building not just as a box to be ticked but an iterative process to improve knowledge, transfer skills and support learning. In addition to paying attention to technical elements, the soft issues of patience, flexibility and simplicity are discussed as invaluable ingredients for realising M&E goals.Conclusion: While not exhaustive, it is hoped that these lessons would contribute to a minimum set of guidelines for improving M&E practice within projects and programmes.
Different gene expression profiles in subcutaneous & visceral adipose tissues from Mexican patients with obesity
Authors: Ronquillo María D. , Mellnyk Alla , Cárdenas-Rodríguez Noemí , Martínez Emmanuel , Comoto David A. , Carmona-Aparicio Liliana , Herrera Norma E. , Lara Eleazar , Pereyra Armando , Floriano-Sánchez Esaú
Published: August 2019

Background & objectives:

Obesity is a health problem that requires substantial efforts to understand the physiopathology of its various types and to determine therapeutic strategies for its treatment. The objective of this study was to characterize differences in the global gene expression profiles of subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) between control patients (normal weight) and patients with obesity (IMC≥30) using microarrays.

Methods:

Employing RNA isolated from SAT and VAT samples obtained from eight control and eight class I, II and III patients with obesity, the gene expression profiles were compared between SAT and VAT using microarrays and the findings were validated via real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Results:

A total of 327 and 488 genes were found to be differentially expressed in SAT and VAT, respectively (P≤0.05). Upregulation of PPAP2C, CYP4A11 and CYP17A1 genes was seen in the VAT of obese individuals.

Interpretation & conclusions:

SAT and VAT exhibited significant differences in terms of the expression of specific genes. These genes might be related to obesity. These findings may be used to improve the clinical diagnosis of obesity and could be a tool leading to the proposal of new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of obesity.
Distribution of Chlamydia trachomatis ompA genotypes in patients attending a sexually transmitted disease outpatient clinic in New Delhi, India
Authors: Rawre Jyoti , Dhawan Benu , Khanna Neena , Sreenivas Vishnubhatla , Broor Shobha , Chaudhry Rama
Published: August 2019

Background & objectives:

Limited data are available on the typing of Chlamydia trachomatis in India. Serovars D to K of C. trachomatis are chiefly responsible for urogenital infections. Thus, this study was conducted to determine the distribution of C. trachomatis serovars in patients with urogenital infections and to characterize ompA gene of the detected C. trachomatis isolates by sequence analysis. Presence of other co-infections was also evaluated.

Methods:

Endocervical swabs were collected from 324 women and urethral swabs/urine were collected from 193 men attending the sexually transmitted diseases outpatient clinic. The samples were screened for C. trachomatis by cryptic plasmid PCR and ompA gene PCR. Genotyping was performed by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and sequencing of the ompA gene. Samples were screened for genital mycoplasmas, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Treponema pallidum and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Results:

C. trachomatis was found in 15.0 per cent men and 10.8 per cent women. Serovar D was the most prevalent followed by serovars E, F, I and G. Twenty two C. trachomatis isolates were selected for ompA gene sequencing. No mixed infection was found. Variability in ompA sequences was seen in 31.8 per cent cases. Both PCR-RFLP and ompA gene sequencing showed concordant results. The presence of Ureaplasma spp. and Mycoplasma hominis was observed in 18.7 and 9.5 per cent patients, respectively. Co-infection of C. trachomatis was significantly associated with Ureaplasma urealyticum and HIV.

Interpretation & conclusions:

The high occurence of C. trachomatis infections warrants its screening in addition to other sexually transmitted infections namely U. urealyticum and HIV. Genotyping of the ompA gene may provide additional information for vaccine development.
Similar regeneration of articular cartilage defects with autologous & allogenic chondrocytes in a rabbit model
Authors: Boopalan P.R.J.V.C. , Varghese Viju Daniel , Sathishkumar Solomon , Arumugam Sabareeswaran , Amarnath Vijayaraghavan
Published: August 2019

Background & objectives:

Articular cartilage defects in the knee have a very poor capacity for repair due to avascularity. Autologous chondrocyte transplantation (ACT) is an established treatment for articular cartilage defects. Animal studies have shown promising results with allogenic chondrocyte transplantation since articular cartilage is non-immunogenic. In addition to being economical, allogenic transplantation has less morbidity compared to ACT. This study was undertaken to compare ACT with allogenic chondrocyte transplantation in the treatment of experimentally created articular cartilage defects in rabbit knee joints.

Methods:

Cartilage was harvested from the left knee joints of six New Zealand white rabbits (R1-R6). The harvested chondrocytes were cultured to confluence and transplanted onto a 3.5 mm chondral defect in the right knees of 12 rabbits [autologous in 6 rabbits (R1-R6) and allogenic in 6 rabbits (R7-R12)]. After 12 wk, the rabbits were euthanized and histological evaluation of the right knee joints were done with hematoxylin and eosin and safranin O staining. Quality of the repair tissue was assessed by the modified Wakitani histological grading scale.

Results:

Both autologous and allogenic chondrocyte transplantation resulted in the regeneration of hyaline/mixed hyaline cartilage. The total histological scores between the two groups showed no significant difference.

Interpretation & conclusions:

Allogenic chondrocyte transplantation seems to be as effective as ACT in cartilage regeneration, with the added advantages of increased cell availability and reduced morbidity of a single surgery.
Effect of cell density on formation of three-dimensional cartilaginous constructs using fibrin & human osteoarthritic chondrocytes
Authors: Shamsul B.S. , Chowdhury Shiplu Roy , Hamdan M.Y. , Ruszymah B.H.I.
Published: August 2019

Background & objectives:

Seeding density is one of the major parameters affecting the quality of tissue-engineered cartilage. The objective of this study was to evaluate different seeding densities of osteoarthritis chondrocytes (OACs) to obtain the highest quality cartilage.

Methods:

The OACs were expanded from passage 0 (P0) to P3, and cells in each passage were analyzed for gross morphology, growth rate, RNA expression and immunochemistry (IHC). The harvested OACs were assigned into two groups: low (1×107 cells/ml) and high (3×107 cells/ml) cell density. Three-dimensional (3D) constructs for each group were created using polymerised fibrin and cultured for 7, 14 and 21 days in vitro using chondrocyte growth medium. OAC constructs were analyzed with gross assessments and microscopic evaluation using standard histology, IHC and immunofluorescence staining, in addition to gene expression and biochemical analyses to evaluate tissue development.

Results:

Constructs with a high seeding density of 3×107 cells/ml were associated with better quality cartilage-like tissue than those seeded with 1×107 cells/ml based on overall tissue formation, cell association and extracellular matrix distribution. The chondrogenic properties of the constructs were further confirmed by the expression of genes encoding aggrecan core protein and collagen type II.

Interpretation & conclusions:

Our results confirmed that cell density was a significant factor affecting cell behaviour and aggregate production, and this was important for establishing good quality cartilage.
Atmospheric Stress Corrosion Cracking of Stainless Steel Rock Climbing Anchors, Part 1
Authors: Lieberzeit Jiří , Prošek Tomáš , Jarvis Alan , Kiener Lionel
Published: August 2019

Austenitic stainless steels Cr-Ni (Types 304, 304L, 321, and similar) and Cr-Ni-Mo (Types 316, 316L, 316 Ti, and similar) are susceptible to atmospherically-induced stress corrosion cracking (AISCC) at ambient temperatures if hygroscopic salts such as MgCl2or CaCl2are present on the surface and the air relative humidity (RH) is in a critical range. This phenomenon has been responsible for incidents of rock climbing anchors breaking under minimal load in seaside areas, putting climbers lives at stake. A systematic failure analysis of anchors collected from various seaside locations throughout the world, namely from Portugal, Azores, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Africa, and Australia, has been performed. Transgranular AISCC was proven the reason for failures in the majority of investigated anchors made of Type 304L stainless steel. Intergranular cracking due to sensitization by improper welding or heat treatment was also identified as a critical safety issue for both Types 304 and 316 stainless steel types. Comparison of literature data and climatic data from the failure locations suggests that limited washing of deposits in confined zones together with elevated temperature and low RH generated locally by direct sunshine are the key factors of AISCC initiation and ultimately of anchor failure.
Corrosion Evaluation of Ferritic Stainless Steels for Automotive Exhaust Applications
Authors: Emun Y. , Zurob H.S. , Kish J.R.
Published: August 2019

This study compares the localized (exterior) corrosion susceptibility of chromized steel to bench-mark ferritic stainless steels for automotive exhaust applications. Continuous near-neutral salt fog exposure (ASTM B117) was used for this purpose. Corrosion susceptibility was determined using mass loss measurements coupled with a post exposure metallographic examination. Complementary potentiodynamic polarization measurements were made in the bulk salt solution to help interpret the relative performance. The elevated Cr content provided by the chromizing surface treatment provides comparable corrosion resistance to the more highly alloyed ferritic stainless steels studied. The major factor affecting localized corrosion susceptibility is the formation of rust deposits, which act as effective pit-like corrosion initiation sites.
Making Public Investment More Efficient
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: August 2019

Public investment supports the delivery of key public services, connects citizens and firms to economic opportunities, and can serve as an important catalyst for economic growth. After three decades of decline, public investment has begun to recover as a share of GDP in emerging markets (EMs) and low income developing countries (LIDCs), but remains at historic lows in advanced economies (AEs). The increase in public investment in EMs and LIDCs has led to some convergence between richer and poorer countries in the quality of and access to social infrastructure (e.g., schools and hospitals), and, to a lesser extent, economic infrastructure (e.g., roads and electricity).

However, the economic and social impact of public investment critically depends on its efficiency. Comparing the value of public capital (input) and measures of infrastructure coverage and quality (output) across countries reveals average inefficiencies in public investment processes of around 30 percent. The economic dividends from closing this efficiency gap are substantial: the most efficient public investors get twice the growth “bang” for their public investment “buck” than the least efficient.
A simple method for retrieval of dust aerosol optical depth with polarized reflectance over oceans
Authors: Sun Wenbo , Hu Yongxiang , Baize Rosemary R. , Videen Gorden , Kim Sungsoo S. , Choi Young-Jun , Kang Kyungin , Sim Chae Kyung , Jeong Minsup , Omar Ali , Stamnes Snorre A. , Zubko Evgenij
Published: August 2019

Abstract. Our previous study shows that the angle of linear polarization (AOLP) of solar radiation that is scattered from clouds at near-backscatter angles can be used to detect super-thin cirrus clouds over oceans. Such clouds are too thin to be sensed using any current passive satellite instruments that only measure light's total intensity, because of the uncertainty in surface reflection. In this report, we show that with a method similar to the super-thin clouds detection algorithm, dust aerosols may also be detected and differentiated from clouds. We also show that the degree of polarization of reflected light can be used for retrieving the optical depth of dust aerosols in the neighborhood of the backscatter angle, regardless of the reflecting surface conditions. This is a simple and robust algorithm, which could be used to survey dust aerosols over midlatitude and tropical oceans.