bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design and implementation of a prototype of the entity Control Element (CE) of the Architecture ForCES
Authors: Ramirez Pedro Luis Gonzalez , Cordero Susan Martínez , Lloret Jaime , Arboleda Luis Carlos Trujillo
Published: February 2018

This paper presents the designed an implementation of a prototype with the Forwarding and Control Element Separation (ForCES) Architecture. That is to say, which allows each of the elements to be improved separately and then interconnected through the ForCES protocol, even in remote locations. The Control Element (CE) is the logical entity that is part of the control plane and is responsible for managing Forwarding Elements (FE) of the data plane. The ForCES architecture allows you to see these two elements (the CE and the FE through the ForCES protocol) as a single Network Element (NE), even if they are located in remote sites each. To demonstrate this principle, a network testbed scenario was implemented, based on two Local Area Networks (LAN). The LAN 1, for the CEs and the LAN 2 for the FEs, once communicated through the ForCES protocol, the different LFBs configurations of the ARP, SNMP, RIP protocols were used to demonstrate their operation.
FlexiTop: a flexible and scalable network monitoring system for Over-The-Top services
Authors: Perdices Daniel , López de Vergara Jorge E , Roquero Paula , Vega Carlos , Aracil Javier
Published: February 2018

Nowadays, the demand of Over-The-Top (OTT) services such as multimedia streaming, web services or social networking is rapidly increasing. Consequently, there is a wide interest in studying the quality of these services so that Internet Service Providers (ISP) can deliver the best experience to their clients.For this purpose, we present FlexiTop, a flexible and scalable system to actively monitor these OTT services, which allows an operator to obtain metrics with a limited resource usage. Due to the continuous evolution of OTT services, this system was designed with different approaches that can be extrapolated to future situations.By looking at the results, the proposal meets all the expectations and requirements and therefore it proves its success. The proposed design was implemented and validated with different alternatives whenever it was possible, both in wired and wireless networks. Moreover, long-time testing was performed to both ensure its stability and analyze the obtained data.
Interactive Videos in IPTV using Hypervideolinks
Authors: Jimenez Jose Miguel , Taha Miran , Sendra Sandra , Lloret Jaime
Published: February 2018

One of the main advantages of IPTV is the full duplex capability communication between the TV provider and the clients. This interactivity allows the TV providers to obtain extra information from the clients. Moreover, the clients could even take profit of this type communication to allow surfing between videos. This feature cannot be used in Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT). In this paper, we will show the development of an interactive video using hypervideolinks for IPTV services. Moreover, we will detail the protocol procedure between the TV provider and the clients. Some real measurements will be provided in order to show the bandwidth consumed and the number of packets needed for this service by each client.
Intelligent Algorithm for Enhancing MPEG-DASH QoE in eMBMS
Authors: Taha Miran , Jimenez Jose Miguel , Canovas Alejandro , Lloret Jaime
Published: February 2018

Multimedia streaming is the most demanding and bandwidth hungry application in today’s world of Internet. MPEG-DASH as a video technology standard is designed for delivering live or on-demand streams in Internet to deliver best quality content with the fewest dropouts and least possible buffering. Hybrid architecture of DASH and eMBMS has attracted a great attention from the telecommunication industry and multimedia services. It is deployed in response to the immense demand in multimedia traffic. However, handover and limited available resources of the system affected on dropping segments of the adaptive video streaming in eMBMS and it creates an adverse impact on Quality of Experience (QoE), which is creating trouble for service providers and network providers towards delivering the service. In this paper, we derive a case study in eMBMS to approach to provide test measures evaluating MPEG-DASH QoE, by defining the metrics are influenced on QoE in eMBMS such as bandwidth and packet loss then we observe the objective metrics like stalling (number, duration and place), buffer length and accumulative video time. Moreover, we build a smart algorithm to predict rate of segments are lost in multicast adaptive video streaming. The algorithm deploys an estimation decision regards how to recover the lost segments. According to the obtained results based on our proposal algorithm, rate of lost segments is highly decreased by comparing to the traditional approach of MPEG-DASH multicast and unicast for high number of users.
The evolving clinical picture of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS): A look at 1310 patients over 16 years
Authors: Doiron R. Christopher , Tripp Dean A. , Tolls Victoria , Nickel J. Curtis
Published: February 2018

Introduction: Two decades of increasing understanding of etiopathogenesis and clinical phenotyping produces an impression the clinical face of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is changing. We sought to retrospectively analyze trends in CP/CPPS patients presenting to our clinic for evaluation over a 16-year period.Methods: Patients with CP/CPPS presenting to a tertiary clinic were evaluated prospectively from 1998–2014 with Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (CPSI) and UPOINT (urinary, psychosocial, organspecific, infection, neurogenic, and tenderness) categorization. Patients were stratified in four cohorts, based on year of presentation, and we retrospectively analyzed variations in symptom scores and patterns, UPOINT categorization, and treatment modalities amongst cohorts.Results: Mean age of the 1310 CP/CPPS patients was 44.7 years, while mean CPSI pain, urination, and total scores were 10.6, 4.8, and 23.3, respectively. The most prevalent UPOINT domain, urinary (U) (71.8%) was associated with a higher CPSI urination score (6.3), more frequent penile tip pain (37%), dysuria (48%), and more treatment with alpha-blockers (70%). Increase in UPOINT domains was associated with higher CPSI pain, quality of life (QoL), and total scores. Trends over time included increased prevalence of psychosocial (P), organ (O), and tenderness (T) domains, as well as increased use of alpha-blockers, neuromodulation, and phytotherapy as treatment modalities. There was little variation in age, CPSI scores, and pain locations over time.Conclusions: The changing clinical face of CP/CPPS reflects the increased recognition of psychosocial (P domain) and pelvic floor pain (T domain), along with the concomitant use of associated therapies. There was little variation of pain/urinary symptom patterns and QoL.
Urinary function following radical cystectomy and orthotopic neobladder urinary reconstruction
Authors: Nayak Ameeta L. , Cagiannos Ilias , Lavallée Luke T. , Morash Chris , Hickling Duane , Mallick Ranjeeta , Breau Rodney H.
Published: February 2018

Introduction: An orthotopic neobladder urinary diversion aims to minimize the physical and psychological effects of radical cystectomy through avoidance of a stoma and maintenance of urethral voiding. Neobladder function reported in the literature ranges widely due to differences in patient selection and method of assessment. The objective of the study was to characterize functional outcomes of consecutive patients treated at a tertiary care hospital.Methods: A historical cohort of patients who underwent radical cystectomy with a neobladder diversion performed at The Ottawa Hospital between January 2006 and December 2014 were reviewed. Outcomes of interest were urinary continence, use of clean intermittent catheterization (CIC), post-void residual volume, and uroflowmetry at three, six, and 12 months following cystectomy.Results: During the study period, 158 neobladder diversions were performed. The mean age of patients was 63.1 years (standard deviation [SD] 8.1), and 81.7% were male. Significant daytime incontinence (>1 pad) three months following surgery was common (65%), but decreased to 8.6% by 12 months. Nighttime incontinence was also common at three months (54%) and improved at 12 months (20%). While no appreciable differences between men and women were observed for continence, more women performed CIC at 12 months post-surgery (59% of women; 9% of men; relative risk [RR] 0.15; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.07‒0.30). Among patients who did not catheterize, uroflowmetry and post-void residual volume parameters were stable between three and 12 months postoperative.Conclusions: Daytime and nighttime incontinence is common in neobladder patients following surgery, but improves considerably with time. Correspondingly, many female neobladder patients at our institution use CIC.
Assessing Gene Expression and Methylation of KMT2D and IGF2 Genes in Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Matin Ahmadi Arash , Ghasemi Hessamodin , Nooshin Sajad , Zayani Zoofa , Zare Karizi Shohreh , Karimipoor Morteza
Published: February 2018

Background: Aberrant promoter methylation of CpG islands is an important mechanism for regulation of gene expression. Recent data suggest that epigenetic abnormalities may occur very early in lung carcinogenesis. Systemic methylation changes may be a diagnostic marker for tumor development or prognosis. In this study, the expression and methylation of KMT2D and IGF2 genes were investigated in the lung cancer tissue compared to the adjacent normal tissue.Methods: The status of methylation of KMT2D and IGF2 genes were investigated in 30 patients with NSCLC after genomic DNA extraction using bisulfite treatment and MS-HRM method and the expression of these genes were checked by Real-Time PCR method in same samples.Results: For KMT2D gene, the expression and methylation level increased in 46.6% and 6.67% (respectively) for tumor samples comparison with normal samples (P>0.05). Also, for IGF2 gene 50% tumor samples overexpressed and 50% tumor samples showed that reduced expression comparison with the normal samples (P>0.05). In addition, 96.66% of tumor tissues did not show any change in methylation level for IGF2 gene promoter (P>0.05).Conclusion: This study showed that expression and methylation level of KMT2D and IGF2 genes did not change in NSCLC tumor samples compared to normal samples. However, this study was designed as a pilot study, and further investigations are required to confirm our findings.
Saudi Parents' Perceptions of the Kind of Help they Offer to their Primary School Kids
Authors: Mahmoud Salameh S.
Published: February 2018

Parents in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia usually help their kids in early school years especially in English language. This help varies according to the parents' level of education, the degree of difficulty of the curriculum and the type of school their kids join. Sometimes they give the right kind of help that matches the teachers' strategies and objectives and most of the time their help is in the wrong direction. This study aims at investigating the Saudi parents’ perceptions of the kind of help they offer to their primary school kids in order to decide which help is constructive and which is misleading. To this end, the researcher designed a 29-item questionnaire divided into three categories under three subtitles and distributed it to one hundred parents. The results of the study showed that the majority of parents agreed that a healthy constructive parents-teachers relationship is very important for a successful kid at school. It also showed that the parents' help whether direct through helping the kid in homework, assignments or projects or indirect through saving a motivating environment or involving him in cocurricular activities is vital for a fruitful academic life for kids. The study recommended that certain kinds of help such as direct translation to L1or the exaggerated help that sometimes reaches to doing assignments on behalf of kids should be avoinded.
Adolescent School-Based Sexual Health Education and Training: A Literature Review on Teaching and Learning Strategies
Authors: Haruna Hussein , Hu Xiao , Wah Chu Samuel Kai
Published: February 2018

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review is to gain an understanding of the teaching approaches used and their effectiveness in imparting sexual health literacy amongst school adolescents. The intention is to design interventions for effective sexual health education in our study setting.METHODS: We reviewed various literature related to adolescent sexual health education studies that have been conducted by prior researchers. We also provide an overview of the teaching and learning methods used.RESULTS: Through this literature review, we learned that GBL and gamification were carried out primarily in developed countries, outside of Africa. It has been observed that both GBL and Gamification are effective and efficient in the transformation of knowledge, as they influence students’ learning processes through engagement, enjoyment, excitement, attractiveness, and participation. They also foster critical thinking skills, improve confidence, increase motivation, and stimulate a habit of self-regulatory learning among students.CONCLUSIONS: Ensuring the impartation of sexual health knowledge can also be achieved by designing and applying effective innovation teaching methods that appeal to today’s youth, such as GBL and Gamification. We will design GBL and Gamification methods and evaluate their effectiveness amongst Africans students, specifically among Tanzanian school adolescents.
Emotional Intelligence and Extended Service Profit Chain in Telecom Industry in Oman – An Empirical Validation
Authors: Ansari Mohammad Sultan Ahmad , Farooqui Jamal A. , Gattoufi Said Mohammed
Published: February 2018

A research study was initiated to investigate the influence and impact of Emotional Intelligence (EI) on extended Service Profit Chain (SPC) model in a telecom service industry in Oman. The operations management literature frequently exhorts that in addition to quality compliance, customer satisfaction, retention some attention to be devoted to attributes like employees satisfaction and loyalty as well. Accordingly, the SPC integrates EI as a pivotal component and has been in wide use for studying mutual linkages between employees and customers. The present study empirically examines the suitability and usefulness of this model in telecommunications industry, by collecting feedback about various attributes associated with from entities in both upstream and downstream paths viz. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM), Service Providers (SP) and Customers. Using a battery of carefully-crafted, inter-linked hypotheses by thorough statistical analysis of the survey data was made to validate the assumptions and the soundness of three-tier architecture of SPC. The proposed research framework demonstrated that Service Quality (SQ) of upstream OEMs increases in proportion to the SQ and employee loyalty of SPs, which in turn generates satisfaction and loyalty among downstream customers. Interestingly, loyalty among downstream customers diffuses or propagates upward, translating into higher sales and performance for upstream OEMs. These findings suggest that EI is a benevolent, binding force and plays an invisible hand, in enhancing internal performance of an organization. By embracing extended SPC model, service industries are bound to gain competitive advantage and unleash firm profitability.
Leverage Effect and Switching of Market Efficiency Post Goods and Services Tax (GST) Imposition
Authors: Lee Yok-Yong , Yahya M. H. , Bany-Ariffin A. M. , Aslam S.
Published: February 2018

This paper investigates the leverage effect and switching of market efficiency after the GST imposition on fee-based financial services in Bursa Malaysia and Australian Securities Exchange (ASX). The sample in this paper comprises of public listed companies for the period of one year before and after the GST imposition. GJR-GARCH is employed to evaluate the asymmetry response that is associated with the negative news shocks. To assess the effect of transactional efficiency on the informational efficiency and the structural change of time-varying volatility, SGARCH is adopted. This research reveals the presence of leverage effect in developing and developed market. The GST imposition on fee-based financial services significantly reduces the informational efficiency in Bursa Malaysia, but not in ASX. To boost the tax revenues generated from the financial sector, the policymakers in the developed markets (similar to ASX) should contemplate imposing GST on the fee-based financial services without affecting the stability of the stock market. The investors in thin markets (such as Bursa Malaysia) could forecast the stock returns of the thin market upon GST imposition on fee-based financial services.
The Risk of Dietary Exposure to Pesticide Residues and Its Association with Pesticide Application Practices among Vegetable Farmers in Arusha, Tanzania
Authors: Kiwango Purificator Andrew , Kassim Neema , Kimanya Martin Epafras
Published: February 2018

This study was conducted to assess dietary exposure to pesticide residues and pesticide application practices leading to the presence of these residues among vegetable farmers in Arusha, Tanzania. Face-to-face interviews using semi-structured questionnaires (including 24-hour recall and food frequency questionnaire techniques) were conducted to collect information on pesticide application practices and vegetable consumption, from 76 farmers. A sample of ready-to-eat vegetables was collected from each farmer's household to determine the level of pesticide residues. Pesticide residues were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopyA deterministic approach was used to assess dietary exposure to pesticide residues. Among the analyzed samples, 31.4% contained detectable levels of organophosphate residues. The detected organophosphates were dimethoate (mean, 8.56 mg kg-1), acephate (mean, 2.9 mg kg-1), profenofos (mean, 8.44 mg kg-1), dichlorvos (mean, 20.8 mg kg-1) and malathion (mean, 5.47 mg kg-1). The mean exposure for dimethoate (0.0021 mg kg-1 body weight (wt) day‑1 was higher than its corresponding acceptable daily intakes of 0.002 mg kg-1bwd‑1 resulting in hazard quotient of 1.044 with a consequent hazard index of 1.19 for organophosphates. Pyrethroid pesticides (permethrin, cypermethrin, and lambda-cyhalothrin) were also detected but at a lower frequency (17.1%) and hazard index (0.029). The exposure to pesticide residues was significantly associated with limited access to expert advice on pesticide application (p=0.031, adjusted odds ratio=6.56) and over-dosage (p=0.038, adjusted odds ratio=3.751).The risk may be minimized by increasing access to support by extension service providing guidance on good practices and ensuring application of appropriate doses for pesticides.
Periodic Properties of Solutions of Certain Second Order Nonlinear Differential Equations
Authors: Olutimo Akinwale
Published: February 2018

Periodic properties of solutions play an important role in characterizing the behavior of solutions of sufficiently complicated nonlinear differential equations. Sufficient conditions are established which ensure the existence of periodic (or almost periodic) solutions of certain second nonlinear differential equations. Using the basic tool Lyapunov function, new result on the subject which improve some well known results in the literature with the particular cases of (1) for the existence of almost periodic or periodic solutions when the forcing term $p$ is almost periodic or periodic in t uniformly in $x$ and $\dot{x}$ are obtained. Our result further extends and improves on those that exist in the literature to the more general case considered.
Política de regulação e interiorização da formação de professores em nível superior: a experiência dos institutos superiores de educação no Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Carneiro Waldeck Carneiro , Araujo Flávia Monteiro de Barros , Paiva Fernando De Souza
Published: February 2018

O artigo discute aspectos da política nacional de formação de professores, em especial a regulação dos Institutos Superiores de Educação, criados pela Lei de Diretrizes e Bases da Educação Nacional em 1996, como subsídio para a análise do processo de interiorização daqueles institutos na rede estadual de educação do Rio de Janeiro. O trabalho revela que o maior problema enfrentado pelo Estado do Rio de Janeiro, no tocante à interiorização da formação de professores da educação básica em nível superior, é a ausência de uma política pública integrada, que seja capaz de articular os atores institucionais envolvidos (Estado, municípios e universidades) para atender, de forma mais racional, as expressivas demandas por formação de professores em nível superior, que se manifestam nas diferentes regiões do Estado
Editorial – Eccos, n٥ 30 – Políticas Educacionais
Authors: Bauer Carlos , Severino Antonio Joaquim
Published: February 2018

Editorial – Eccos, n٥ 30 – Políticas educacionais.
Teatro na formação do educador da infância: experiências e possibilidades
Authors: Cintra Simone Cristiane Silveira , Albano Ana Angélica
Published: February 2018

Apresentamos, neste texto, aspectos de uma prática de formação docente realizada com estudantes do curso de Pedagogia da Universidade Estadual de Campinas – Unicamp, parte de uma pesquisa de doutorado. Esta pesquisa configurou-se como uma investigação-formação, por englobar a realização concomitante de ações formativas e a investigação dessas ações. Os aspectos aqui abordados referem-se às experiências de aproximação das estudantes, futuras educadoras da infância, com elementos da linguagem teatral. As atividades teatrais vivenciadas possibilitaram o encontro destas futuras educadoras com o devaneio e o pensamento criativo próprio da poesia. Todo o processo foi gravado em áudio e vídeo. A partir da observação e análise das atividades teatrais, discutimos a importância da experiência criativa como constitutiva do incessante processo de tornar-se educador. Estudos produzidos sobre linguagem teatral e sobre arte e educação orientaram essas reflexões.
A implementação de um novo currículo nas escolas da rede municipal de petrópolis – reflexões preliminares para a base nacional comum curricular
Authors: Corrêa Cintia Chung Marques
Published: February 2018

O artigo apresenta os resultados de uma pesquisa sobre a implementao de um novo currculo para os anos iniciais do ensino fundamental na rede municipal de ensino de Petrpolis. As reflexes apresentadas acerca da elaborao e da implementao do novo documento curricular e modificaes ocorridas na prtica pedaggica dos professores so elementos fundamentais de estudo para entendimento da Base Nacional Comum Curricular e suas possveis repercusses na rotina escolar. A fundamentao versou sobre os contextos do processo de formulao de uma poltica elaborados por Stephen Ball e Bowe (1992). Segundo os autores, para a sua formulao existe um ciclo contnuo constitudo por cinco contextos: da influncia, da produo de texto, da prtica, dos resultados e da estratgia poltica.
A produção estética da docência: macro e microdimensões
Authors: Vieira Juliana Monteiro , Ferronato Cristiano , Feldens Dinamara Garcia
Published: February 2018

Buscamos refletir acerca das mltiplas dimenses da esttica docente, emmbito macro e microestrutural. Evocamos uma discusso relativa ao estado existencialvivido na contemporaneidade, que atinge inevitavelmente a escola e a profisso docente.Nesse contexto, deparamos com um mal-estar generalizado que habita a macrodimensodessa profisso. Por outro lado, buscou-se tambm evidenciar as produes subjetivasque ilustram o exerccio constante de uma microesttica relativa a uma fabricao dadiferena.
Entre tempos e história da arte: por um processo de apropriação
Authors: Oliveira Marilda Oliveira de , Dahmer Carin Cristina
Published: February 2018

Neste artigo busca-se abordar o tempo, a histria da arte e as imagens do passado que a compem. Apresenta-se como alternativa conceitual o processo de apropriao, que pela diferena nos proporciona meios para problematizar as imagens. Neste sentido dialoga-se com Deleuze e Guattari (2011; 2005), Cherem (2009) e Archer (2012), buscando caminhos ou percursos para a movimentao com os detritos das leituras realizadas e as experincias docentes. Ao abordar a histria da arte no pela sua linearidade ou cronologia, busca-se algumas brechas por entre o passado e o presente, em entre-tempos que se atravessam. Para tanto aproxima-se a cartografia como possibilidade metodolgica para articular a sobreposio destes tempos as trajetrias e experincias educativas com as imagens do passado. Destaca-se como resultado desta pesquisa as imagens que nos cercam como detritos que orbitam o espao-tempo, e que irrompem em fraturas e brechas potencializando outros sentidos ao presente.
Sentido ético da formação: implicações escolares
Authors: Henning Leoni Maria Padilha
Published: February 2018

A presente proposta, j pelo seu ttulo, mostra-se ampla e por que no ambiciosa. Porm, o que pode parecer defeito, carrega e explicita a necessria cautela para que no se estreite o tratamento que um tema dessa natureza, a meu ver, exige.O sentido tico da formao enreda aspectos antropolgicos, polticos, estticos, dentre outros, refletindo no processo educativo como um todo. O texto desenvolve alguns temas envolvidos no assunto central das relaes entre tica e Educao, tentando elucidar sobre a impossibilidade de se pretender realizar uma limpeza do campo experiencial humano, retirando dele as questes axiolgicas. Da a apresentar algumas conexes entre tica, Esttica e Poltica, dentre outras, relacionando-as com a Educao. Nesse mbito de discusso, situamos a escola como um dos lugares especiais da formao das gentes, dai requerer-se uma exigente atuao de professores formados num padro de excelncia filosfico-pedaggica, sobre cujos assuntos pretendemos apresentar na sequncia dessa argumentao.
A expansão da educação superior e a desigualdade regional brasileira: uma análise nos marcos dos planos nacionais de educação
Authors: Brito Cristiane Sousa , Guimarães André Rodrigues
Published: February 2018

Este trabalho tem como objetivo analisar a expanso da educao superior nos marcos dos Planos Nacionais de Educao (PNEs), na perspectiva de enfrentamento desigualdade regional brasileira. Considera as leis e documentos formulados para direcionamento da educao como importantes fontes de investigao, na direo de refletir as polticas elaboradas para reparao das desigualdades regionais. A metodologia utilizada consiste na pesquisa bibliogrfica e documental. Os resultados apontam que os PNEs no apresentaram solues para o problema da desigualdade regional na expanso da educao superior. Conclui que a expanso desse nvel de ensino ocorre de maneira assimtrica e continua a confirmar a excluso social das regies Norte e Nordeste do pas.
Privatización de la educación superior en Chile: consecuencias y lecciones aprendidas
Authors: Espinoza Oscar
Published: February 2018

El artculo discute los efectos que ha generado el proceso de privatizacin del sistema terciario chileno impulsado por la dictadura de Pinochet a contar del ao 1981. A partir de fuentes primarias y secundarias se evala lo acontecido en materia de crecimiento de la plataforma institucional pblica y privada, de la matrcula de pregrado, de la oferta de carreras y de la oferta de profesionales. Junto con ello se analiza lo acontecido con el rgimen de financiamiento. La evidencia permite concluir que la privatizacin ha tenido un efecto nocivo para la sociedad y los actores involucrados, dado que el crecimiento explosivo que experiment el sistema terciario, y que se manifiesta en una creciente apertura de carreras, matrcula y tasa de titulados, ha generado una oferta privada totalmente desregulada que no se condice con las necesidades del pas.
Enhancement of the cerium oxide primer layers deposited on AA2024-T3 aircraft alloy by preliminary Enhancement of the cerium oxide primer layers deposited on AA2024-T3 aircraft alloy by preliminary anodization
Authors: Kozhukharov Stephan V. , Girginov Christian
Published: February 2018

The possibility for combination between Anodized Aluminum Oxide (AAO) and Cerium Oxide Primer Layer (CeOPL) for elaboration of efficient protective coatings for AA2024-T3 aircraft alloy is proposed in the present research. The combined AAO/CeOPL coating characterizations include Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) combined with Linear Voltammetry (LVA), for extended times (until 2520 hours) to a model corrosive medium (3.5% NaCl). Topographical and cross-sectional (SEM and EDX) observations were performed in order to determine the AAO/CeOPL film thickness and composition. The AAO/CeOPL layer durability tests were confirmed by standard Neutral Salt Spray (NSS). The data analysis from all the used measurement methods has undoubtedly shown that the presence of AAO film significantly improves the cerium oxide primer layer (CeOPL) protective properties and performance. 
Aspects of precarity among employees of the Polish healthcare system
Authors: Grajek Z. , Ejsmont A. , Milewska E. , Kleszczewska Ewa
Published: February 2018

Introduction: Authors analyze aspects of social stratification proposed by Guy Standing with respect to key medical professions performing work in Polish publicly funded medical entities. Purpose: The aim of the paper is to assess how health care providers can be assigned to particular classes and if the precarity phenomenon occurs in their work environment. Materials and methods: An overview of statistical data was made on how health care providers performed their work in years 2005- 2014 and the pay rates in 2014. Results: The vast majority of medical staff employed on the basis of civil law contracts were doctors. A smaller number of civil law contracts has been concluded by nurses and midwives. The number of nurses performing work on this kind of contracts has increased considerably since 2005 and in 2014 there were 10.27% of them. A senior nurse earned PLN 2,600.00. It was very small in comparision with average gross remuneration in the national economy in 2014 amounted to PLN 3,783.46. Unemployment existed in population of nurses was 2.3–2.8%. It is called tyhe natural unemployment. Conclusions: It was found that precarity phenomena occur in the Polish healthcare system although none of the professions met all the criteria attributed to the precariat.
Gastrointestinal neuroendocrine cells in various types of hypertension –
a review
Authors: Niezgoda M. , Kasacka I.
Published: February 2018

Recent years have witnessed a progressive increase
in the number of people suffering from
hypertension, which is one of the most serious
health problems in the world. Hypertension results
in changes leading to function disorders, not only of
the organs and tissues, but also changes leading to
the activation of many defense mechanisms in the
cells in order to prevent damage. One of them is the
expression of neuroendocrine (NE) hormones and
biologically active substances, which has been the
focus of extensive research for a number of years.
Active involvement of NE cells and the biological and therapeutic properties of various substances
synthesized by them have been confirmed in
clinical trials and in various experimental models.
Results obtained in many research studies indicate
intense activity of enteroendocrine cells in the
gastrointestinal tract in various pathological
conditions, including hypertension. In the present
review, we discuss the morphological and
functional changes of gastrointestinal
neuroendocrine cells under conditions of different
types of hypertension.
Determining the Value of Cerebrospinal Fluid Lactate Dehydrogenase Level in Differentiating Subarachnoid Hemorrhage From Traumatic Lumbar Puncture
Authors: Saeedi Morteza , Vahidi Elnaz , Asri Shirin , Jahanshir Amirhosein
Published: February 2018

Context

Lumbar puncture (LP) is still an important modality in the diagnosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Rapid and correct fluid analysis can provide patients with a better prognosis by appropriate intervention.

Objective

To determine the value of cerebrospinal fluid lactate dehydrogenase level in differentiation between SAH and traumatic LP.

Design

This was a cross-sectional observational study. Patients with a diagnostic suspicion of SAH who were admitted to the emergency department were enrolled in our study based on the inclusion criteria. All patients underwent head computed tomography scan without contrast. Patients with SAH confirmed on computed tomography scan and those who needed surgical intervention underwent LP by the neurosurgical service in the operation room (group 1). Other patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria but had a traumatic LP in the emergency setting were also enrolled in our study (group 2). The fluid samples of all LPs were sent to the laboratory to be analyzed. Finally, we compared the results of the 2 groups with each other.

Results

Fifty-two patients were enrolled in our study, 26 patients (50%) from each group. The cerebrospinal fluid lactate dehydrogenase level was significantly higher in group 1 than it was in group 2 (P < .001), and based on receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the significant level of cerebrospinal fluid lactate dehydrogenase to differentiate SAH from traumatic LP was estimated to be 185. The red blood cell and white blood cell counts were significantly higher in group 1 than they were in group 2 (P < .001).

Conclusions

Cerebrospinal fluid lactate dehydrogenase can effectively differentiate SAH from traumatic tap in LP samples.
Open access full-text databases in Asian countries
Authors: Seo Tae-Sul
Published: February 2018

Open access promotion methods are generally divided into the ‘gold road’ and the ‘green road.’ Asian countries most commonly focus on the gold road while others focus on the green road. According to data from the Directory of Open Access Journal and the Directory of Open Access Repositories, Indonesia has the largest number of open access journals in the world, while Japan has the third largest number of institutional repositories. In contrast, in Korea, the extensible markup language services of the original text of journal articles are more popular than other Asian countries. In this article, the current status of open access in Asian countries is investigated, and typical open access journal service platforms in Asian countries are reviewed.
Arbitral action and preventive methods against predatory journal practice
Authors: Park Sung Pil , Lee Eric Yong Joong , Suh Ji Hee
Published: February 2018

As open access model of journal publication increases, predatory journals, which deceive scholars to publish journals in fake database websites and exploit them for publishing fee, is also increasing. There are two types of predatory journals. First, journal hijacking and cybersquatting generally create fake database website by mimicking authentic database website, thereby defrauding scholars for publication fee. Second, journal phishing use scam emails to steal scholars’ personal information. If scholars suffered damage from predatory journals, scholars can take either arbitral or judicial actions. Arbitral action follows arbitrational resolution process termed Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy. Scholars can join Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy proceeding with legal entity that has right to authentic database website, which will result in cancellation or transfer of fake database website. In contrast, scholars can take judicial action under Anticybersquatting Consumer Protection Act, which may help scholars to recover an actual monetary damage from predatory journals. Nonetheless, taking precaution to avoid predatory journals is the best course of action, rather than going through arduous cure procedures. Scholars may prevent predatory journals by carefully examining fake database website names or email addresses, or observing unreasonable number of published article issues in predatory journal websites.
234Th‐Based Carbon Export Flux Along the Indian GEOTRACES GI02 Section in the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean
Authors: Subha Anand S. , Rengarajan R. , Sarma V. V. S. S.
Published: February 2018

234Th (t1/2 = 24.1 d), present in seawater, is a naturally occurring particle‐reactive radionuclide formed through the radioactive decay of its parent, 238U (t1/2 = 4.47 × 109 years). The 234Th:238U disequilibrium is exploited to quantify fluxes of elements moving out of the euphotic zone by attaching on to sinking particles. Under the Indian GEOTRACES programme, high‐resolution sampling in the upper 300 m depth was carried out at 11 stations in the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean during April–May 2014 from 17°N to 16°S along 65°E transect to estimate the 234Th‐based particulate organic carbon (POC) export flux from the upper ocean. Average 234Th fluxes integrated to 100 m depth were 2,612 and 1,968 dpm m−2 d−1 for the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean, respectively. The estimated POC export fluxes ranged from negligible to 9.0 mmol m−2 d−1, and the 234Th‐based POC export efficiencies were <2 to 5%. For the same season, the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal showed highly contrasting carbon export trends (mean: 4.0 and 0.8 mmol C m−2 d−1, respectively). The modeled POC export fluxes from in situ and satellite‐derived primary production are higher than the 234Th‐based values for the Laws and Dunne models and are comparable for the Henson model. The modeled POC fluxes that depend on surface temperature and primary production could be further refined for the seasonal cycle in biological productivity and associated differences in trophic structure, grazing intensity, recycling efficiency, high bacterial activity, and associated dissolved organic carbon (DOC) export.
Amplified Spontaneous Emission Based on 2D Ruddlesden–Popper Perovskites
Authors: Li Meili , Gao Qinggang , Liu Peng , Liao Qing , Zhang Haihua , Yao Jiannian , Hu Wenping , Wu Yishi , Fu Hongbing
Published: February 2018

2D Ruddlesden–Popper perovskites (RPPs) are a class of quantum‐well (QW) materials, composed of layered perovskite QWs encapsulated between two hydrophobic organic layers. Different from widely investigated 3D‐perovskites with free carriers at room temperature, 2D‐RPPs exhibit strongly bound electron–hole pairs (excitons) for high‐performance solar cells and light emitting diodes (LEDs). Herein, it is reported that self‐organized multiple QWs in 2D‐RPP thin films naturally form an energy cascade, which enables an ultrafast energy transfer process from higher energy‐bandgap QWs to lower energy‐bandgap QWs. Therefore, photoexcitations are concentrated on lower‐bandgap QWs, facilitating the build‐up of population inversion. Room‐temperature amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) from 2D‐RPP thin films is achieved at dramatically low thresholds, with gain coefficients as high as >300 cm−1, and stoichiometrically tunable ASE wavelengths from visible to near‐infrared spectral range (530–810 nm). In view of the high efficiency reported for LEDs, these solution‐processed 2D‐RPP thin films may hold the key to realize electrically driven lasers.
Conjugate Additions of Amines to Maleimides via Cooperative Catalysis
Authors: Uno Brice E. , Deibler Kristine K. , Villa Carlos , Raghuraman Arjun , Scheidt Karl A.
Published: February 2018

A cooperative system comprising of a lithium Lewis acid and amine base significantly enhances the rate of the conjugate addition of a wide array of amines to maleimides. This operationally simple, scalable method provides mono‐addition products in high yields and purity. This conjugation was successfully applied to the kinase inhibitor crizotinib in a chemoselective ligation to create novel fluorescent probe.

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Fire‐Retardant and Thermally Insulating Phenolic‐Silica Aerogels
Authors: Yu Zhi‐Long , Yang Ning , Apostolopoulou‐Kalkavoura Varvara , Qin Bing , Ma Zhi‐Yuan , Xing Wei‐Yi , Qiao Chan , Bergström Lennart , Antonietti Markus , Yu Shu‐Hong
Published: February 2018

Energy efficient buildings require materials with a low thermal conductivity and a high fire resistance. Traditional organic insulation materials are limited by their poor fire resistance and inorganic insulation materials are either brittle or display a high thermal conductivity. Herein we report a mechanically resilient organic/inorganic composite aerogel with a thermal conductivity significantly lower than expanded polystyrene and excellent fire resistance. Co‐polymerization and nanoscale phase separation of the phenol‐formaldehyde‐resin (PFR) and silica generate a binary network with domain sizes below 20 nm. The PFR/SiO2 aerogel can resist a high‐temperature flame without disintegration and prevents the temperature on the non‐exposed side from increasing above the temperature critical for the collapse of reinforced concrete structures.
Regioselective formation of β‐(E)‐ and α‐alkenylsilane moiety attached to silsesquioxane core via Pt‐ and Ru‐based hydrosilylation
Authors: Brząkalski Dariusz , Rzonsowska Monika , Dudziec Beata
Published: February 2018

The first attempts to use ethynylsiloxysilsesquioxanes as reagents for hydrosilylation in the presence of Pt‐ and Ru‐based catalysts are reported. The results obtained strongly depend on the catalytic system used. The catalysts are proved to promote regioselective introduction of β‐(E)‐ and α‐fragments of the alkenylsilane group to the silsesquioxane core. The favourable features of these catalytic systems are their high selectivity and the requirement for relatively mild conditions. This methodology was also successfully applied to dihydro‐substituted organosilicon compounds to obtain a new class of silsesquioxane‐based compounds.
Synthesis, molecular geometry, spectroscopic studies and thermal properties of Co(II) complexes
Authors: Morgan Sh.M. , Diab M.A. , El‐Sonbati A.Z.
Published: February 2018

Co(II) complexes (1‐4) were prepared and characterized by elemental analyses, infrared spectra, spectral studies, magnetic susceptibility measurements, X‐ray diffraction analysis and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The X‐ray diffraction patterns of Co(II) complexes were observed many peaks which indicate the polycrystalline nature. The thermodynamic parameters were calculated by using Coats–Redfern and Horowitz–Metzger methods. The bond length, bond angle and quantum chemical parameters of the Co(II) complexes were studied and discussed. The Co(II) complexes were tested against various Gram‐positive bacteria, Gram‐negative bacteria and fungi. It was found that the Co(II) complex (1) has more antifungal activity than miconazole (antifungal standard drug) against P. italicum at all concentration. The Co(II) complex (2) has more antibacterial activity than the penicillin against K. pneumoniae at all concentration. The interaction between Co(II) complexes and calf thymus DNA show hypochromism effect. The relationship between the values of HOMO–LUMO energy gap (∆E) and the values of intrinsic binding constant (Kb) is revealed increasing of HOMO–LUMO energy gap accompanied by the decrease of Kb.
Heart rate variability affected by radiofrequency electromagnetic field in adolescent students
Authors: Misek Jakub , Belyaev Igor , Jakusova Viera , Tonhajzerova Ingrid , Barabas Jan , Jakus Jan
Published: February 2018

This study examines the possible effect of radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields (EMF) on the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The effect of RF EMF on ANS activity was studied by measuring heart rate variability (HRV) during ortho‐clinostatic test (i.e., transition from lying to standing and back) in 46 healthy grammar school students. A 1788 MHz pulsed wave with intensity of 54 ± 1.6 V/m was applied intermittently for 18 min in each trial. Maximum specific absorption rate (SAR10) value was determined to 0.405 W/kg. We also measured the respiration rate and estimated a subjective perception of EMF exposure. RF exposure decreased heart rate of subjects in a lying position, while no such change was seen in standing students. After exposure while lying, a rise in high frequency band of HRV and root Mean Square of the Successive Differences was observed, which indicated an increase in parasympathetic nerve activity. Tympanic temperature and skin temperature were measured showing no heating under RF exposure. No RF effect on respiration rate was observed. None of the tested subjects were able to distinguish real exposure from sham exposure when queried at the end of the trial. In conclusion, short‐term RF EMF exposure of students in a lying position during the ortho‐clinostatic test affected ANS with significant increase in parasympathetic nerve activity compared to sham exposed group. Bioelectromagnetics. 39:277–288, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Genome Variations of Evolved Escherichia coli ET8 With a Rhodopsin‐Based Phototrophic Metabolism
Authors: Kim Hyun Aaron , Kim Hyun Ju , Lee Min Ju , Park Jihoon , Choi Ah Reum , Jeong Haeyoung , Jung Kwang‐Hwan , Kim Pil , Lee Sang Jun
Published: February 2018

We reported that the phototrophic metabolism via plasmid‐originated Gloeobacter rhodopsin(GR)‐expression is improved in Escherichia coli ET5 harboring pKJ606‐GR by a genomic point mutation (dgcQC1082A) encoding a transmembrane cell signaling protein (Microb. Cell Fact. 16:111, 2017). Another evolved descendant is isolated from the chemostat, and the genome variation of the strain named ET8 harboring pKJ606‐GR is investigated in this study. Whole genome sequencing analysis identifies a single point mutation (C3831976A) located in the non‐coding upstream region of kdtA and an IS4 insertional mutation at galUG706 without any mutations in the plasmid. ET8 strain shows enhanced kdtA transcription and no growth in the D‐galactose or lactose sole carbon sourced minimal media. Size of ET8 strain are almost identical to that of the ancestor. Phototrophic growth and proton pumping in ET8 expressing GR (ET8 + GR) are increased 1.5‐fold and threefold, respectively, compared with those in the ancestor (W3110 + GR). To verify the effects of the genomic mutations, either the kdtA‐upregulation or the galU‐disruption is conducted in the ancestor. Both the kdtA‐upregulation and the galU‐disruption result in the drastic increases of proton‐pumping. The physiological properties arising from the genomic variations of the evolved host with the new phototrophic metabolism are further discussed.
Cancer cells govern miR‐2909 exosomal recruitment through its 3′‐end post‐transcriptional modification
Authors: Wani Sameena , Kaul Deepak
Published: February 2018

It is widely believed that selective packaging of nucleic acids, especially microRNAs, into exosomes secreted by the cancer cells not only ensures their growth and survival but also helps in the escape from immune surveillance. Keeping in view the fact that human cellular miR‐2909 has emerged to regulate genes involved in oncogenesis and immunity, the present study was addressed to reveal the nature of miR‐2909 expression within cancer cells of different tissue origin and its incorporation into exosomes secreted by these cells. Post‐transcriptional modification, especially 3′‐end adenylation and uridylation of miR‐2909, exerts opposing effects that may contribute to direct its sorting into exosomes secreted by cancer cells. Our study also revealed that selective partitioning of adenosine kinase, between cancer cells and their secreted exosomes, may be responsible for the nature of post‐transcriptional modification of miR‐2909 observed within these cells.
Is optical coherence tomography a coherent strategy for carotid artery stenting?
Authors: Safian Robert D.
Published: February 2018

Key Points

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is rarely necessary to guide clinical decisions about the appropriateness of carotid revascularization.

For carotid artery stenting (CAS), computed tomography angiography is the best imaging tool to assess arch, carotid, and lesion‐specific anatomy, including vessel dimensions and calcification.

OCT is a coherent strategy after CAS to assess ambiguous angiographic findings and to guide appropriate therapy for dissection, thrombosis, and plaque prolapse.