bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Brief Introduction to Theories of International Political Economy
Authors: Newmann William W.
Published: March 2016

Scholars of political violence and genocide often lament that idealist issues such as humanitarian tragedies typically take a back seat to realist issues such as great power rivalry. They also should consider another set of calculations made by decision makers—those related to economic issues. A look at international political economy explains how governments frame their economic challenges of today and tomorrow. This essay provides a brief look at the main theories of international political economy: economic liberalism, economic nationalism, and economic structuralism (dependency and Marxism). It also examines two hybrid ideas—the East Asian strategy and state capitalism—and the phenomenon of globalization. Genocide and humanitarian tragedies have economic dimensions to them. Governments making choices about intervention also have competing economic responsibilities. A look at these theories helps reveal the different assumptions about international political economy that color scholarly judgment on key political and economic trends, and how governments or movements frame their choices when economic perspectives are placed into the mix.
Stereotactic body radiotherapy for metastatic spinal sarcoma: a detailed patterns-of-failure study
Authors: Leeman Jonathan E. , Bilsky Mark , Laufer Ilya , Folkert Michael R. , Taunk Neil K. , Osborne Joseph R. , Arevalo-Perez Julio , Zatcky Joan , Alektiar Kaled M. , Yamada Yoshiya , Spratt Daniel E.
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to report the first detailed analysis of patterns of failure within the spinal axis of patients treated with stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for sarcoma spine metastases.

METHODS

Between 2005 and 2012, 88 consecutive patients with metastatic sarcoma were treated with SBRT for 120 spinal lesions. Seventy-one percent of patients were enrolled on prospective institutional protocols. For patients who underwent routine posttreatment total-spine MRI (64 patients, 88 lesions), each site of progression within the entire spinal axis was mapped in relation to the treated lesion. Actuarial rates of local-, adjacent-, and distant-segment failure-free survival (FFS) were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

The median follow-up for the cohort was 14.4 months, with 81.7% of patients followed up until death. The 12-month actuarial rate of local FFS was 85.9%; however, 83.3% of local failures occurred in conjunction with distant-segment failures. The 12-month actuarial rates of isolated local-, adjacent-, and distant-segment FFS were 98.0%, 97.8%, and 74.7%, respectively. Of patients with any spinal progression (n = 55), only 25.5% (n = 14) had progression at a single vertebral level, with 60.0% (n = 33) having progression at ≥ 3 sites within the spine simultaneously. Linear regression analysis revealed a relationship of decreasing risk of failure with increasing distance from the treated index lesion (R2 = 0.87), and 54.1% of failures occurred ≥ 5 vertebral levels away. Treatment of the index lesion with a lower biological effective dose (OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.1–9.2) and presence of local failure (OR 18.0, 95% CI 2.1–152.9) independently predicted for distant spine failure.

CONCLUSIONS

Isolated local- and adjacent-segment failures are exceptionally rare for patients with metastatic sarcoma to the spine treated with SBRT, thereby affirming the treatment of the involved level only. The majority of progression within the spinal axis occurs ≥ 5 vertebral levels away. Thus, total-spine imaging is necessary for surveillance posttreatment.
Ventricular catheter development: past, present, and future
Authors: Weisenberg Sofy H. , TerMaath Stephanie C. , Seaver Chad E. , Killeffer James A.
Published: March 2016

Cerebrospinal fluid diversion via ventricular shunting is the prevailing contemporary treatment for hydrocephalus. The CSF shunt appeared in its current form in the 1950s, and modern CSF shunts are the result of 6 decades of significant progress in neurosurgery and biomedical engineering. However, despite revolutionary advances in material science, computational design optimization, manufacturing, and sensors, the ventricular catheter (VC) component of CSF shunts today remains largely unchanged in its functionality and capabilities from its original design, even though VC obstruction remains a primary cause of shunt failure. The objective of this paper is to investigate the history of VCs, including successful and failed alterations in mechanical design and material composition, to better understand the challenges that hinder development of a more effective design.
The utility of a multimaterial 3D printed model for surgical planning of complex deformity of the skull base and craniovertebral junction
Authors: Pacione Donato , Tanweer Omar , Berman Phillip , Harter David H.
Published: March 2016

Utilizing advanced 3D printing techniques, a multimaterial model was created for the surgical planning of a complex deformity of the skull base and craniovertebral junction. The model contained bone anatomy as well as vasculature and the previously placed occipital cervical instrumentation. Careful evaluation allowed for a unique preoperative perspective of the craniovertebral deformity and instrumentation options. This patient-specific model was invaluable in choosing the most effective approach and correction strategy, which was not readily apparent from standard 2D imaging. Advanced 3D multimaterial printing provides a cost-effective method of presurgical planning, which can also be used for both patient and resident education.
Similar head impact acceleration measured using instrumented ear patches in a junior rugby union team during matches in comparison with other sports
Authors: King Doug A. , Hume Patria A. , Gissane Conor , Clark Trevor N.
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVE

Direct impact with the head and the inertial loading of the head have been postulated as major mechanisms of head-related injuries, such as concussion.

METHODS

This descriptive observational study was conducted to quantify the head impact acceleration characteristics in under-9-year-old junior rugby union players in New Zealand. The impact magnitude, frequency, and location were collected with a wireless head impact sensor that was worn by 14 junior rugby players who participated in 4 matches.

RESULTS

A total of 721 impacts > 10g were recorded. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) number of impacts per player was 46 (IQR 37–58), resulting in 10 (IQR 4–18) impacts to the head per player per match. The median impact magnitudes recorded were 15g (IQR 12g–21g) for linear acceleration and 2296 rad/sec2 (IQR 1352–4152 rad/sec2) for rotational acceleration.

CONCLUSIONS

There were 121 impacts (16.8%) above the rotational injury risk limit and 1 (0.1%) impact above the linear injury risk limit. The acceleration magnitude and number of head impacts in junior rugby union players were higher than those previously reported in similar age-group sports participants. The median linear acceleration for the under-9-year-old rugby players were similar to 7- to 8-year-old American football players, but lower than 9- to 12-year-old youth American football players. The median rotational accelerations measured were higher than the median and 95th percentiles in youth, high school, and collegiate American football players.
Clinical and radiographic parameters associated with best versus worst clinical outcomes in minimally invasive spinal deformity surgery
Authors: Than Khoi D. , Park Paul , Fu Kai-Ming , Nguyen Stacie , Wang Michael Y. , Chou Dean , Nunley Pierce D. , Anand Neel , Fessler Richard G. , Shaffrey Christopher I. , Bess Shay , Akbarnia Behrooz A. , Deviren Vedat , Uribe Juan S. , La Marca Frank , Kanter Adam S. , Okonkwo David O. , Mundis Gregory M. , Mummaneni Praveen V. , _ _
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVE

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) techniques are increasingly used to treat adult spinal deformity. However, standard minimally invasive spinal deformity techniques have a more limited ability to restore sagittal balance and match the pelvic incidence–lumbar lordosis (PI-LL) than traditional open surgery. This study sought to compare “best” versus “worst” outcomes of MIS to identify variables that may predispose patients to postoperative success.

METHODS

A retrospective review of minimally invasive spinal deformity surgery cases was performed to identify parameters in the 20% of patients who had the greatest improvement in Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores versus those in the 20% of patients who had the least improvement in ODI scores at 2 years' follow-up.

RESULTS

One hundred four patients met the inclusion criteria, and the top 20% of patients in terms of ODI improvement at 2 years (best group, 22 patients) were compared with the bottom 20% (worst group, 21 patients). There were no statistically significant differences in age, body mass index, pre- and postoperative Cobb angles, pelvic tilt, pelvic incidence, levels fused, operating room time, and blood loss between the best and worst groups. However, the mean preoperative ODI score was significantly higher (worse disability) at baseline in the group that had the greatest improvement in ODI score (58.2 vs 39.7, p < 0.001). There was no difference in preoperative PI-LL mismatch (12.8° best vs 19.5° worst, p = 0.298). The best group had significantly less postoperative sagittal vertical axis (SVA; 3.4 vs 6.9 cm, p = 0.043) and postoperative PI-LL mismatch (10.4° vs 19.4°, p = 0.027) than the worst group. The best group also had better postoperative visual analog scale back and leg pain scores (p = 0.001 and p = 0.046, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The authors recommend that spinal deformity surgeons using MIS techniques focus on correcting a patient's PI-LL mismatch to within 10° and restoring SVA to < 5 cm. Restoration of these parameters seems to impact which patients will attain the greatest degree of improvement in ODI outcomes, while the spines of patients who do the worst are not appropriately corrected and may be fused into a fixed sagittal plane deformity.
Infraorbital nerve: a surgically relevant landmark for the pterygopalatine fossa, cavernous sinus, and anterolateral skull base in endoscopic transmaxillary approaches
Authors: Elhadi Ali M. , Zaidi Hasan A. , Yagmurlu Kaan , Ahmed Shah , Rhoton Albert L. , Nakaji Peter , Preul Mark C. , Little Andrew S.
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVE

Endoscopic transmaxillary approaches (ETMAs) address pathology of the anterolateral skull base, including the cavernous sinus, pterygopalatine fossa, and infratemporal fossa. This anatomically complex region contains branches of the trigeminal nerve and external carotid artery and is in proximity to the internal carotid artery. The authors postulated, on the basis of intraoperative observations, that the infraorbital nerve (ION) is a useful surgical landmark for navigating this region; therefore, they studied the anatomy of the ION and its relationships to critical neurovascular structures and the maxillary nerve (V2) encountered in ETMAs.

METHODS

Endoscopic anatomical dissections were performed bilaterally in 5 silicone-injected, formalin-fixed cadaveric heads (10 sides). Endonasal transmaxillary and direct transmaxillary (Caldwell-Luc) approaches were performed, and anatomical correlations were analyzed and documented. Stereotactic imaging of each specimen was performed to correlate landmarks and enable precise measurement of each segment.

RESULTS

The ION was readily identified in the roof of the maxillary sinus at the beginning of the surgical procedure in all specimens. Anatomical dissections of the ION and the maxillary branch of the trigeminal nerve (V2) to the cavernous sinus suggested that the ION/V2 complex has 4 distinct segments that may have implications in endoscopic approaches: 1) Segment I, the cutaneous segment of the ION and its terminal branches (5–11 branches) to the face, distal to the infraorbital foramen; 2) Segment II, the orbitomaxillary segment of the ION within the infraorbital canal from the infraorbital foramen along the infraorbital groove (length 12 ± 3.2 mm); 3) Segment III, the pterygopalatine segment within the pterygopalatine fossa, which starts at the infraorbital groove to the foramen rotundum (13 ± 2.5 mm); and 4) Segment IV, the cavernous segment from the foramen rotundum to the trigeminal ganglion (15 ± 4.1 mm), which passes in the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus. The relationship of the ION/V2 complex to the contents of the cavernous sinus, carotid artery, and pterygopalatine fossa is described in the text.

CONCLUSIONS

The ION/V2 complex is an easily identifiable and potentially useful surgical landmark to the foramen rotundum, cavernous sinus, carotid artery, pterygopalatine fossa, and anterolateral skull base during ETMAs.
Verantwortlichkeit bei waldtypischen Gefahren: Beispiele aus der Gerichtspraxis
Authors: Bütler Michael
Published: March 2016

Responsibility for forest-linked dangers: examples from legal practice

According to the Forest Policy 2020 of the Federal Council the share of old and dead wood should increase in Swiss forests. On the one hand, this is connected to positive ecological effects but on the other, to dangers, responsibilities and liability risks. Recent court and administrative decisions relating to accidents due to typical forest hazards such as falling trees and branches illustrate the legal situation for forest owners and enterprises as well as for forestry professionals. In the wooded environment near buildings and equipment there are obligations for the safety of traffic and passers-by. However, these obligations are limited by the reasonableness of protective measures and the personal responsibility of forest users. In this paper, the liability issue is illustrated by three legal case studies. The cases are assessed by the author, and the essential legal basis for liability is briefly summarized.
The public lavatory of Tianjin: A change of urban faeces disposal in the process of modernisation
Authors: Mu Cao
Published: March 2016

There is no question that public lavatories are an essential part of a modern city's sanitation facilities and a crucial part of urban faeces disposal. In traditional Chinese thought, faeces are associated with wealth, as they can be used as a natural fertiliser. As such, public lavatories are also considered a useful place to store human excrement for agricultural purposes. During the first half of the twentieth century, the city of Tianjin, China, was experiencing modernisation for the first time: new sanitary control systems were being built, water and sewage systems were gradually improving and modern concepts of sanitation, including public lavatories, assumed an increasingly important role in society. The public lavatory can be viewed as a sign of sanitation concepts and government control, as a place that reflects the technology and ideas of its time and as a crucial link between urban and rural areas within a Chinese city.
From factory to field: Waste-water irrigation in China's early socialist cities
Authors: Boland Alana
Published: March 2016

In the 1950s, cities in China began experimenting with waste-water irrigation as a solution to environmental problems emerging from rapid urban and industrial growth. This paper explores the reasons behind the promotion of this technology and the difficulties encountered in implementing it. I argue that growing interest in waste-water irrigation can best be understood in the context of national development strategies and the political-economic conditions of the early Mao period. Building on a long tradition in China of using human waste as fertiliser, waste-water irrigation in the 1950s and early 1960s was seen as forward-looking and modern, yet still consistent with the principle of frugality promoted by the state. It was also understood to be a mode of metabolising urban wastes that would enhance links between town and country, as well as between workers and peasants - two of the 'Three Great Differences' (or antagonisms) that Chinese socialism sought to eliminate. The paper uses the concept of 'metabolism' as a frame for understanding the promotion of wastewater irrigation during its experimental period despite uncertainties regarding the ecological effects of newly established circuits of waste and water that were reconnecting parts of urban China with their surrounding rural hinterlands.
Registration of Four Near‐Isogenic Soybean Lines of G00‐3213 for Resistance to Asian Soybean Rust
Authors: King Zachary R. , Harris Donna K. , Wood E. Dale , Buck James W. , Boerma H. Roger , Li Zenglu
Published: March 2016

Soybean rust (SBR), caused by an obligate biotrophic basidiomycete fungus, Phakopsora pachyrhizi, arrived in the continental United States in 2004, where it has since proven to be detrimental to southern soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] production due to yield losses, environmental concerns, and expenses caused by reliance on fungicides for control. Resistance to SBR has been developed primarily by introgressing single, dominant resistance gene(s) into an elite soybean cultivar. Here we describe four near‐isogenic lines (NILs) of G00‐3213: G00‐3213Rpp1 (Reg. No. GP‐400, PI 676017), G00‐3213Rpp2 (Reg. No. GP‐401, PI 676018), G00‐3213Rpp3 (Reg. No. GP‐402, PI 676019), and G00‐3213Rpp4 (Reg. No. GP‐403, PI 676020). These NILs were developed by backcrossing rust resistance genes Rpp1, Rpp2, Rpp3, or Rpp4 into G00‐3213, an elite, maturity group VII soybean line. The NILs have tawny pubescence, tan pod walls, and white flowers and had the same general appearance to the recurrent parent G00‐3213 in the field in 2014. Additionally, each NIL exhibits a similar level of resistance to the GA12 P. pachyrhizi bulk isolate as the original resistant sources of the Rpp genes. These NILs will be useful as parents for public and private plant breeders, as well as for extension agents, crop consultants, and plant pathologists in conducting in‐field determinations for Rpp gene effectiveness in the southern United States.
On the Universality of Colored One-Catalyst P Systems
Authors: Wu Tingfang , Zhang Zhiqiang , Păun Gheorghe , Pan Linqiang
Published: March 2016

A control strategy on the computations in a one-catalyst P system is provided: the rules are assumed “colored” and in each step only rules of the same “color” are used. Such control leads to Turing universality for one-catalyst P systems with one membrane. Turing universality is also reached for purely catalytic P systems with two catalysts, and for purely catalytic P systems with only one catalyst and cooperating rules working in the so-called terminal mode.
Fusion of multi-voltage digital radiography images based on nonsubsampled contourlet transform
Authors: Yanjie Qi , Liming Wang
Published: March 2016

In order to increase the single digital radiography (DR) image information of the composite component in the industry, the different DR images are captured at different voltages so as to get the structural information at different thickness region firstly. Secondly, the original DR images are decomposed by nonsubsampled contourlet transform (NSCT), and the low-frequency subbands are fused by the role of principle component analysis (PCA), and the modified central energy role is used to carry out the high-frequency directional subbands fusion. The false edges are extracted, and the values of the high-frequency subband coefficients of the false edges are set to be a small value so as to reduce the false edges in the fusion image. Finally, the output image can be obtained by inverse nonsubsampled contourlet transform. The experimental results show that the fused DR image brings more detailed information, and the structure of the component can be seen clearly, so it is useful to the fast and accurate quality judgements of the component.
Synchrotron radiation (SR) diffraction enhanced imaging (DEI) of chronic glomerulonephritis (CGN) mode
Authors: Chen-Chen Xia , Yadav Arun Kumar , Kai Zhang , Yi-Feng Peng , Qing-Xi Yuan , Pei-Ping Zhu , Li-Jin Feng , Xu-Dong Xu , A-Shan Wu , Guang-Yu Tang
Published: March 2016

Objective:

The aim of this study is to investigate microstructural changes in chronic glomerulonephritis (CGN) rabbit model under diffraction enhanced imaging (DEI) technology of synchrotron radiation (SR).

Materials and Methods:

The chronic glomerulonephritis (CGN) models were obtained within two months after 5 New Zealand white rabbits were treated with doxorubicin hydrochloride. Blood exams, urine tests and kidney histological studies were carried out after the 5 rabbits were humanely sacrificed by hyperanesthesia. The kidney tissues were fixed in 4% formalin for one week before DEI experiment, with another 5 normal rabbits used as the control group. The experiment was performed at Beijing Synchrotron Radiation Facility (BSRF) with a 4W1A beam line (beam energy was 14keV). On routine scanning process, the rocking curve was detected, and slope position on the curve was selected to make a 360° spatial CT scan; DEI reconstruction software was used to generate a 3-dimensional image, from which the difference in grey value between the chronic glomerulonephritis (CGN) group and the control group was measured and analyzed using MATLAB and SPSS.

Result:

Without radio-contrast, DEI provided clear visibility of the microstructures including artery, vein, straight collecting ducts, papillary tubules, glomeruli in both the chronic glomerulonephritis (CGN) group and the control group, with a spatial resolution as low as 10 μm. MATLAB grey value extraction and SPSS analysis showed that cortex of CGN group (91 to 112) lost more gray value compared to the control group (121 to 141), T tests P <  0.05. Equivalant cortical ROI (data points 450×80) quantitative analysis showed that gross grey value of CGN group (ranking from 55 to 160) was smaller than the control group (ranking from 75 to 175). DEI images correlated well with pathologic images. Morphological changes in the microstructure of contstartabstractCGN kidney was revealed, due to the advantage of phase-contrast imaging (PCI) mechanism, and the diagnostic value of CGN by synchrotron radiation (SR) phase-contrast imaging (PCI) technology was evaluated.

Conclusion:

Synchrotron radiation (SR) diffraction enhanced imaging (DEI) experiment makes non-contrast CGN diagnosis possible in the rabbit model studied. With improvement of laboratory equipment and image analyzer in clinical practice, diffraction enhanced imaging (DEI) could fundamentally become a new diagnostic method for CGN.
Hierarchical Decomposition Thermodynamic Approach for the Study of Solar Absorption Refrigerator Performance
Authors: Berrich Betouche Emma , Fellah Ali , Ben Brahim Ammar , Aloui Fethi , Feidt Michel
Published: March 2016

A thermodynamic approach based on the hierarchical decomposition which is usually used in mechanical structure engineering is proposed. The methodology is applied to an absorption refrigeration cycle. Thus, a thermodynamic analysis of the performances on solar absorption refrigerators is presented. Under the hypothesis of an endoreversible model, the effects of the generator, the solar concentrator and the solar converter temperatures, on the coefficient of performance (COP), are presented and discussed. In fact, the coefficient of performance variations, according to the ratio of the heat transfer areas of the high temperature part (the thermal engine 2) Ah and the heat transfer areas of the low temperature part (the thermal receptor) Ar variations, are studied in this paper. For low values of the heat-transfer areas of the high temperature part and relatively important values of heat-transfer areas of the low temperature part as for example Ah equal to 30% of Ar, the coefficient of performance is relatively important (approximately equal to 65%). For an equal-area distribution corresponding to an area ratio Ah/Ar of 50%, the COP is approximately equal to 35%. The originality of this deduction is that it allows a conceptual study of the solar absorption cycle.
Evaluation of the Fluid Model Approach for the Sizing of Energy Storage in Wave-Wind Energy Systems
Authors: Domínguez-Navarro José , Tedeschi Elisabetta
Published: March 2016

The application of energy storage in offshore renewable generation systems allows managing the intrinsic uncertainty of the resources and improving the utilization factor of the electrical network. Optimal storage design algorithms generally have to evaluate the behavior of the whole system thousands times before converging to the optimal solution and the reliability of the results obviously depends on the quality of input data. On the other hand, the utilization of simplified storage models in the design stage can reduce the simulation time drastically, while still providing useful information. The goal of this paper is to evaluate the applicability of a methodology for sizing the energy storage system in a hybrid wind and wave farm, which is based on fluid models. The description and performance of this modeling approach will be introduced and compared to standard design procedures based on extensive simulations. Advantages and limitations of each approach will be underlined and the impact of input data quality will be discussed.
Chemical Composition, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity of Essential Oils from Organic Fennel, Parsley, and Lavender from Spain
Authors: Marín Irene , Sayas-Barberá Estrella , Viuda-Martos Manuel , Navarro Casilda , Sendra Esther
Published: March 2016

The aim of this work was to (i) determine the chemical composition of the essential oils of three spices widely cultivated in Spain from organic growth: Foeniculum vulgare, Petroselium crispum, and Lavandula officinalis; (ii) determine the total phenolic content; (iii) determine the antioxidant activity of the essentials oils by means of three different antioxidant tests and (iv) determine the effectiveness of these essentials oils on the inhibition of Listeria innocua CECT 910 and Pseudomonas fluorescens CECT 844. There is a great variability in the chemical composition of the essential oils. Parsley had the highest phenolic content. Overall, parsley presented the best antioxidant profile, given its highest % of inhibition of DPPH radical (64.28%) and FRAP (0.93 mmol/L Trolox), but had a pro-oxidative behavior by TBARS. Lavender essential oil showed the highest antibacterial activity against L. innocua (>13 mm of inhibition at 20–40 μL oil in the discs), followed by parsley with an inhibition zone of 10 mm (when more than 5 μL oil in the discs), and fennel 10 mm (when more than 40 μL oil in the discs). P. fluorescens was not inhibited by the tested essential oils.
Toxicity of Smokeless Tobacco Extract after 184-Day Repeated Oral Administration in Rats
Authors: Yu Chenlin , Zhang Ziteng , Liu Yangang , Zong Ying , Chen Yongchun , Du Xiuming , Chen Jikuai , Feng Shijie , Hu Jinlian , Cui Shufang , Lu Guocai
Published: March 2016

The use of smokeless tobacco (ST) is growing rapidly and globally. The consumption of ST is associated with an increased risk for developing chronic diseases, such as diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, and myocardial infarction, and has led to many public health problems. It is very important to access the toxicity of ST. This experiment presents data from 184-day toxicology studies in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats designed to characterize the chronic effects of a smokeless tobacco extract (STE). The control group and treatment groups were matched for a range of nicotine levels. Animals were given STE by oral gavage with doses of 3.75 (low-dose), 7.50 (mid-dose) and 15.00 (high-dose) mg·nicotine/kg body weight/day for 184 days, followed by 30 days for recovery. Variables evaluated included body weights, feed consumption, clinical observations, clinical and anatomic pathology (including organ weights), and histopathology. Decreased body weights and organ weights (heart, liver and kidney) were found in animals in the mid-dose and high-dose groups. STE also showed moderate and reversible toxicity in esophagus, stomach, liver, kidney and lung.
Impact of Integrated Watershed Management on Complex Interlinked Factors Influencing Health: Perceptions of Professional Stakeholders in a Hilly Tribal Area of India
Authors: Nerkar Sandeep , Tamhankar Ashok , Johansson Eva , Lundborg Cecilia
Published: March 2016

Lack of access to water has a significant impact on the health of people in tribal areas, where water in households as well as for productive purposes is essential for life. In resource-limited settings such as hilly tribal areas, implementation of an integrated watershed management programme (IWMP) can have a significant impact on public health by providing a solution to water scarcity and related problems. The professional stakeholders in rural healthcare and development administration are important pillars of the system that implements various programmes and policies of government and non-government organizations, and act as facilitators for the improvement of public health in tribal areas. Information about the perceptions of these stakeholders on public health implications of the integrated watershed management programme is important in this context. A qualitative study was conducted using face to face semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) with stakeholders involved in healthcare provision, education and development administration. The transcripts of interviews and FGDs were analyzed using manifest and latent content analysis. The perceptions and experiences shared by healthcare and development administration stakeholders suggest that implementation of IWMP in tribal areas helps efficient water and agriculture management, which results in improved socio-economic conditions that lead to positive health outcomes.
Local Anesthetic-Induced Neurotoxicity
Authors: Verlinde Mark , Hollmann Markus , Stevens Markus , Hermanns Henning , Werdehausen Robert , Lirk Philipp
Published: March 2016

This review summarizes current knowledge concerning incidence, risk factors, and mechanisms of perioperative nerve injury, with focus on local anesthetic-induced neurotoxicity. Perioperative nerve injury is a complex phenomenon and can be caused by a number of clinical factors. Anesthetic risk factors for perioperative nerve injury include regional block technique, patient risk factors, and local anesthetic-induced neurotoxicity. Surgery can lead to nerve damage by use of tourniquets or by direct mechanical stress on nerves, such as traction, transection, compression, contusion, ischemia, and stretching. Current literature suggests that the majority of perioperative nerve injuries are unrelated to regional anesthesia. Besides the blockade of sodium channels which is responsible for the anesthetic effect, systemic local anesthetics can have a positive influence on the inflammatory response and the hemostatic system in the perioperative period. However, next to these beneficial effects, local anesthetics exhibit time and dose-dependent toxicity to a variety of tissues, including nerves. There is equivocal experimental evidence that the toxicity varies among local anesthetics. Even though the precise order of events during local anesthetic-induced neurotoxicity is not clear, possible cellular mechanisms have been identified. These include the intrinsic caspase-pathway, PI3K-pathway, and MAPK-pathways. Further research will need to determine whether these pathways are non-specifically activated by local anesthetics, or whether there is a single common precipitating factor.
Fabrication of Gelatin/PCL Electrospun Fiber Mat with Bone Powder and the Study of Its Biocompatibility
Authors: Rong Dongming , Chen Ping , Yang Yuchao , Li Qingtao , Wan Wenbing , Fang Xingxing , Zhang Jie , Han Zhongyu , Tian Jing , Ouyang Jun
Published: March 2016

Fabricating ideal scaffolds for bone tissue engineering is a great challenge to researchers. To better mimic the mineral component and the microstructure of natural bone, several kinds of materials were adopted in our study, namely gelatin, polycaprolactone (PCL), nanohydroxyapatite (nHA), and bone powder. Three types of scaffolds were fabricated using electrospinning; gelatin/PCL, gelatin/PCL/nHA, and gelatin/PCL/bone powder. Scaffolds were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations. Then, Adipose-derived Stem Cells (ADSCs) were seeded on these scaffolds to study cell morphology, cell viability, and proliferation. Through this study, we found that nHA and bone powder can be successfully united in gelatin/PCL fibers. When compared with gelatin/PCL and gelatin/PCL/nHA, the gelatin/PCL/bone powder scaffolds could provide a better environment to increase ADSCs’ growth, adhesion, and proliferation. Thus, we think that gelatin/PCL/bone powder has good biocompatibility, and, when compared with nHA, bone powder may be more effective in bone tissue engineering due to the bioactive factors contained in it.
Effects of Complex Modification by Sr–Sb on the Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of Al–18 wt % Mg2Si–4.5Cu Alloys
Authors: Sun Youhong , Ma Shaoming , Wang Huiyuan , Chen Lei , Gao Ke , Ma Yinlong , Liu Baochang
Published: March 2016

This research was carried out to investigate the influence of Sr–Sb on the microstructures and mechanical properties of Al–18 wt % Mg2Si–4.5Cu alloys. After the addition of 0.2 wt % Sr–Sb, the morphologies of primary Mg2Si transformed from equiaxed dendrite to cube in as-cast alloys and the average size of primary Mg2Si decreased from ~50 to ~20 μm. The shape of eutectic Mg2Si changed from Chinese script to short rod. After extrusion and T6 heat treatment, the ultimate tensile strength of modified alloy at room temperature (RT) and 100 °C increased respectively from 229 to 288 MPa, and from 231 to 272 MPa. The elongation-to-failure only slightly improved from 2.9% to 3.8% and from 3.3% to 3.7% at RT and 100 °C, respectively. The tensile fracture surface revealed a transition from brittle fracture to ductile fracture after modifying by 0.2 wt % Sr–Sb.
Vitamin D and Sunlight Exposure in Newly-Diagnosed Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Wang Juan , Yang Deyu , Yu Yu , Shao Gaohai , Wang Qunbo
Published: March 2016

Circulating vitamin D has previously been found to be lower in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD), while the effects of sunlight exposure have not yet been fully investigated. Therefore, we evaluated the associations between serum vitamin D, vitamin D intake, sunlight exposure, and newly-diagnosed PD patients in a Chinese population. This case-control study measured serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels and sunlight exposure in 201 patients with newly-diagnosed PD and 199 controls without neurodegenerative diseases. Data on vitamin D intake and sunlight exposure were obtained using a self-report questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regressions were employed to evaluate the associations between serum 25(OH)D levels, sunlight exposure, and PD. Adjustments were made for sex, age, smoking, alcohol use, education, BMI, and vitamin D intake. There were significantly lower levels of serum 25(OH)D (20.6 ± 6.5 ng/mL), daily vitamin D intake (8.3 ± 3.7 g/day), and sunlight exposure (9.7 ± 4.1 h/week) in patients with PD compared to healthy controls (p < 0.05). Crude odds ratios (ORs) for PD in the quartiles of serum 25(OH)D were 1 (reference), 0.710 (0.401, 1.257), 0.631 (0.348, 1.209), and 0.483 (0.267, 0.874), respectively. Crude ORs for PD in quartiles of sunlight exposure were 1 (reference), 0.809 (0.454, 1.443), 0.623 (0.345, 1.124) and 0.533 (0.294, 0.966), respectively. A significant positive correlation between serum 25(OH)D and sunlight exposure was found, but serum 25(OH)D was not correlated with daily vitamin D intake. This study indicates that lower levels of serum 25(OH)D and sunlight exposure are significantly associated with an increased risk for PD.
Nutrition and Dementia: Evidence for Preventive Approaches?
Authors: Canevelli Marco , Lucchini Flaminia , Quarata Federica , Bruno Giuseppe , Cesari Matteo
Published: March 2016

In recent years, the possibility of favorably influencing the cognitive trajectory through promotion of lifestyle modifications has been increasingly investigated. In particular, the relationship between nutritional habits and cognitive health has attracted special attention. The present review is designed to retrieve and discuss recent evidence (published over the last 3 years) coming from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the efficacy of nutritional interventions aimed at improving cognitive functioning and/or preventing cognitive decline in non-demented older individuals. A systematic review of literature was conducted, leading to the identification of 11 studies of interest. Overall, most of the nutritional interventions tested by the selected RCTs were found to produce statistically significant cognitive benefits (defined as improved neuropsychological test scores). Nevertheless, the clinical meaningfulness of such findings was not adequately discussed and appears controversial. In parallel, only 2 studies investigated between-group differences concerning incident dementia and mild cognitive impairment cases, reporting conflicting results. Results of the present review suggest that several dietary patterns and nutritional components may constitute promising strategies in postponing, slowing, and preventing cognitive decline. However, supporting evidence is overall weak and further studies are needed.
Per-Pixel Coded Exposure for High-Speed and High-Resolution Imaging Using a Digital Micromirror Device Camera
Authors: Feng Wei , Zhang Fumin , Qu Xinghua , Zheng Shiwei
Published: March 2016

High-speed photography is an important tool for studying rapid physical phenomena. However, low-frame-rate CCD (charge coupled device) or CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) camera cannot effectively capture the rapid phenomena with high-speed and high-resolution. In this paper, we incorporate the hardware restrictions of existing image sensors, design the sampling functions, and implement a hardware prototype with a digital micromirror device (DMD) camera in which spatial and temporal information can be flexibly modulated. Combined with the optical model of DMD camera, we theoretically analyze the per-pixel coded exposure and propose a three-element median quicksort method to increase the temporal resolution of the imaging system. Theoretically, this approach can rapidly increase the temporal resolution several, or even hundreds, of times without increasing bandwidth requirements of the camera. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our method via extensive examples and achieve 100 fps (frames per second) gain in temporal resolution by using a 25 fps camera.
A Cloud Architecture for Teleradiology-as-a-Service
Authors: Costa Carlos , Oliveira José , Melício Monteiro Eriksson
Published: March 2016

Background: Telemedicine has been promoted by healthcare professionals as an efficient way to obtain remote assistance from specialised centres, to get a second opinion about complex diagnosis or even to share knowledge among practitioners. The current economic restrictions in many countries are increasing the demand for these solutions even more, in order to optimize processes and reduce costs. However, despite some technological solutions already in place, their adoption has been hindered by the lack of usability, especially in the set-up process. Objectives: In this article we propose a tele-medicine platform that relies on a cloud computing infrastructure and social media principles to simplify the creation of dynamic user-based groups, opening up opportunities for the establishment of teleradiology trust domains.

Methods: The collaborative platform is provided as a Software-as-a-Service solution, supporting real time and asynchronous collaboration between users. To evaluate the solution, we have deployed the platform in a private cloud infrastructure. The system is made up of three main components – the collaborative framework, the Medical Management Information System (MMIS) and the HTML5 (Hyper Text Markup Language) Web client application – connected by a message-oriented middleware.

Results: The solution allows physicians to create easily dynamic network groups for synchronous or asynchronous cooperation. The network created improves dataflow between colleagues and also knowledge sharing and cooperation through social media tools. The platform was implemented and it has already been used in two distinct scena -rios: teaching of radiology and tele-reporting.

Conclusions: Collaborative systems can simplify the establishment of telemedicine expert groups with tools that enable physicians to improve their clinical practice. Stream -lining the usage of this kind of systems through the adoption of Web technologies that are common in social media will increase the quality of current solutions, facilitating the sharing of clinical information, medical imaging studies and patient diagnostics among collaborators.
DISCOVERY OF AN OUTFLOW FROM RADIO OBSERVATIONS OF THE TIDAL DISRUPTION EVENT ASASSN-14li
Authors: Alexander K. D. , Berger E. , Guillochon J. , Zauderer B. A. , Williams P. K. G.
Published: March 2016

We report the discovery of transient radio emission from the nearby optically discovered tidal disruption event (TDE) ASASSN-14li (distance of 90 Mpc), making it the first typical TDE detected in the radio, and unambiguously pointing to the formation of a non-relativistic outflow with a kinetic energy of ≈(4–10) × 1047 erg, a velocity of ≈12,000–36,000 km s−1, and a mass of ≈3 × 10−5–7 × 10−4
M
⊙. We show that the outflow was ejected on 2014 August 11–25, in agreement with an independent estimate of the timing of super-Eddington accretion based on the optical, ultraviolet, and X-ray observations, and that the ejected mass corresponds to about 1%–10% of the mass accreted in the super-Eddington phase. The temporal evolution of the radio emission also uncovers the circumnuclear density profile,

on a scale of about 0.01 pc, a scale that cannot be probed via direct measurements even in the nearest supermassive black holes. Our discovery of radio emission from the nearest well-studied TDE to date, with a radio luminosity lower than all previous limits, indicates that non-relativistic outflows are ubiquitous in TDEs, and that future, more sensitive, radio surveys will uncover similar events.
The Impact of CSR on Consumer Responses in the Hospitality Industry
Authors: Fatma Mobin
Published: March 2016

In recent years, increasing attention has been given to the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and there is a legitimate pressure on business from the stakeholders to behave in a socially responsible manner. Growing complexity of business, increasing concern for sustainable development, need for managing of natural resources and call for enhanced transparency have not only magnified the significance of CSR but also heightened the inclination towards integration of CSR principles in the corporate activities. The purpose of this study is to understand how CSR initiatives influence the consumer responses in the hospitality industry. Findings suggest that corporate ability has a strong effect on customer purchase intention while CSR activities were found to exert influence on customer purchase intention in cases where the customer was aware of such activities being conducted.
Food Waste Management and Corporate Social Responsibility in Indian Food Service Industry
Authors: Slath Anish , Nikhanj Ashish
Published: March 2016

India is a land of cultural diversity, every year thousands of tourist travel to India for enjoying the rich heritage of the country. The growth of tourism and hospitality sector has been phenomenal in the recent years. Due to this growth the inflow of tourists has increased. More tourists mean more waste. It is estimated that on an average an in house guest generates one kg of waste every day which is quite alarming figure. Hospitality Industry is an ever growing industry. In hospitality industry, managing generation of daily operational waste is a perpetual challenge. Every year a hotel spends huge amount of money in managing waste keeping in mind the health and safety of the staff the hotels need separate space to store and sort waste. As a practice the waste that is generated in the industry goes to landfill, but the current study is focused on understanding the use of food waste under CSR practices.
CSR in Indian Tourism and Hospitality Industry
Authors: Kaur Savneet
Published: March 2016

Corporate Social Responsibility means that a company should be responsible for its actions in society in the form of - social, ethical, and environmental. Tourism industry is one of the fastest growing service sectors around the world. It provides jobs to under skill, semi skilled and skilled worker on various designations. This research article explores the concept of corporate social responsibility in hospitality industry in which selected hotels and airlines in India are discussed. CSR initiatives of Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Tourism were explored. The article is based on critical literature review and analyzed to establish the connection between tourism and the physical and social environments.. Results showed a stronger focus on environmental issues than on the social or economic dimensions of CSR. Although a large number of airlines and hotels publishing CSR reports discussed their achievement of major goals only a much smaller number have provided detailed information relating to specific initiatives implemented in order to contribute to these goals.
Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism Industry
Authors: Jhamb Anu
Published: March 2016

The company act defines Corporate Social Responsibility “As activation that promote poverty reduction, education, health, environment sustainability, gender quality and vocational skill development.” The Indian tourism industry is one of the biggest contribute in the service sector and contribute significantly in the economic development of the country. The tourism industry impact highly on the environmental issues, legal issues and social condition of a particular place in a significant manner. The basic objectives of Corporate Social Responsibility are to maximize the company's overall influence on the various stakeholders of society. This study will discussed the contribution and existing scenario of Corporate Social Responsibility in the tourism industry for the better quality of services and corporate obligations to all the stake holders. This chapter begins with the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility, its origin and various Issues and Challenges faced by organizations while applying corporate social responsibility in the tourism industry.
Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism and Hospitality
Authors: Kaushal Vikrant , Sharma Suman
Published: March 2016

The chapter integrates the concept of corporate social responsibility and its applications in the field of tourism. At the outset appropriate introductory information followed by a brief outline of historical evolution of CSR is presented, followed by the reflections on various practices carried out by several organisations across the globe intended to leave positive impacts on society and environment, substantiates the chapter structure. The flow of chapter is systematic and language simple for general comprehension. The target audience of the chapter include academicians and industry managers. Various examples from tourism and non-tourism sectors are being used. Selected books for further reading are listed in the end.