bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance Analysis for Joint Target Parameter Estimation in UMTS-Based Passive Multistatic Radar with Antenna Arrays Using Modified Cramér-Rao Lower Bounds
Authors: Shi Chenguang , Wang Fei , Salous Sana , Zhou Jianjiang
Published: October 2017

In this study, the modified Cramér-Rao lower bounds (MCRLBs) on the joint estimation of target position and velocity is investigated for a universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS)-based passive multistatic radar system with antenna arrays. First, we analyze the log-likelihood redfunction of the received signal for a complex Gaussian extended target. Then, due to the non-deterministic transmitted data symbols, the analytically closed-form expressions of the MCRLBs on the Cartesian coordinates of target position and velocity are derived for a multistatic radar system with N t UMTS-based transmit station of L t antenna elements and N r receive stations of L r antenna elements. With the aid of numerical simulations, it is shown that increasing the number of receiving elements in each receive station can reduce the estimation errors. In addition, it is demonstrated that the MCRLB is not only a function of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), the number of receiving antenna elements and the properties of the transmitted UMTS signals, but also a function of the relative geometric configuration between the target and the multistatic radar system.The analytical expressions for MCRLB will open up a new dimension for passive multistatic radar system by aiding the optimal placement of receive stations to improve the target parameter estimation performance.
Economic and Environmental Optimization of an Airport Terminal Building’s Wall and Roof Insulation
Authors: Akyüz Mehmet , Altuntaş Önder , Söğüt Mehmet
Published: October 2017

HVAC systems use the largest share of energy consumption in airport terminal buildings. Thus, the efficiency of the HVAC system and the performance of the building envelope have great importance in reducing the energy used for heating and cooling purposes. In this study, the application of thermal insulation on the walls and roof of the Hasan Polatkan Airport terminal building was investigated from energy, environment and cost aspects. This study determined the optimum insulation thickness and assessed its effects on environmental performance based on energy flows. Environmental payback periods were calculated depending on the optimum insulation thickness. The life cycle assessment (LCA) method was used to assess whether the decrease in energy consumption after applying the insulation balanced the environmental effects during the period between the production and application of the thermal insulation material. The global warming potential (GWP) based on IPCC100, and the effects on human health (HH), the ecosystem and natural resources were evaluated according to the ReCiPe method. LCA results were obtained by processing data taken from ecoinvent 3 database present in the Sima Pro 8.3.0.0 software. Applying thermal insulation on the walls and roof of the terminal building was found to decrease heat loss by 48% and 56%, respectively. In addition, the analyses showed that the environmental payback periods for the thermal insulation were shorter than the economic payback periods.
Application of Kalman Filter for Estimating a Process Disturbance in a Building Space
Authors: Kim Deuk-Woo , Park Cheol-Soo
Published: October 2017

This paper addresses an application of the Kalman filter for estimating a time-varying process disturbance in a building space. The process disturbance means a synthetic composite of heat gains and losses caused by internal heat sources e.g., people, lights, equipment), and airflows. It is difficult to measure and quantify the internal heat sources and airflows due to their dynamic nature and time-lag impact on indoor environment. To address this issue, a Kalman filter estimation method was used in this study. The Kalman filtering is well suited for situations when state variables of interest cannot be measured. Based on virtual and real experiments conducted in this study, it was found that the Kalman filter can be used to estimate the time-varying process disturbance in a building space.
Analysis of Energy Efficiency Measures and Retrofitting Solutions for Social Housing Buildings in Spain as a Way to Mitigate Energy Poverty
Authors: Aranda Juan , Zabalza Ignacio , Conserva Andrea , Millán Gema
Published: October 2017

Energy poverty is a common issue in social housing all over Europe, with a harder impact in Southern European countries. Social housing buildings play an important role in energy poverty. They are usually owned and managed by public institutions and usually share common characteristics and issues. Behavioural changes and energy retrofitting are interesting paths forward but some solutions do not fit well in this type of housing due to socioeconomic reasons. This paper makes a thorough analysis of possible energy efficiency measures in social housing buildings, characterizing them by energy and economic savings and investment and proposing different methods of prioritization. A rational approach of behavioural and retrofitting solutions that best fit into this particular housing type is delivered, with the aim to increase the thermal comfort of the residents and mitigate the energy poverty issue. Results show that there is a wide range of domestic efficiency measures to be applied in this type of dwellings at none or low costs, bringing annual savings per average dwelling of about 510 €/year (55% of initial energy costs) including measures both at domestic level, and at building level with a final aggregated payback of the investments to be about 1.5 years.
Marine Viruses: Key Players in Marine Ecosystems
Authors: Middelboe Mathias , Brussaard Corina
Published: October 2017

Viruses were recognized as the causative agents of fish diseases, such as infectious pancreatic necrosis and Oregon sockeye disease, in the early 1960s [1], and have since been shown to be responsible for diseases in all marine life from bacteria to protists, mollusks, crustaceans, fish and mammals [2].[...]
Water and Land Footprints and Economic Productivity as Factors in Local Crop Choice: The Case of Silk in Malawi
Authors: Hogeboom Rick , Hoekstra Arjen
Published: October 2017

In deciding what crops to grow, farmers will look at, among other things, the economically most productive use of the water and land resources that they have access to. However, optimizing water and land use at the farm level may result in total water and land footprints at the catchment level that are in conflict with sustainable resource use. This study explores how data on water and land footprints, and on economic water and land productivity can inform micro-level decision making of crop choice, in the macro-level context of sustainable resource use. For a proposed sericulture project in Malawi, we calculated water and land footprints of silk along its production chain, and economic water and land productivities. We compared these to current cropping practices, and addressed the implications of water consumption at the catchment scale. We found that farmers may prefer irrigated silk production over currently grown rain-fed staple crops, because its economic water and land productivity is higher than that for currently grown crops. However, because the water footprint of irrigated silk is higher, sericulture will increase the pressure on local water resources. Since water consumption in the catchment generally does not exceed the maximum sustainable footprint, sericulture is a viable alternative crop for farmers in the case study area, as long as silk production remains small-scale (~3% of the area at most) and does not depress local food markets.
In Search of Nordicity: How New Nordic Cuisine Shaped Destination Branding in Copenhagen
Authors: Ooi Can-Seng , Pedersen Jesper Strandgaard
Published: October 2017

This article looks at the branding of Copenhagen as a food destination through the advent of the New Nordic Cuisine movement and how this may change the way we think about destination branding. The destination management organization of Copenhagen opportunistically embraced the New Nordic Cuisine concept, which then posed several destination branding challenges. The first challenge is that a destination brand should accentuate the authenticity and uniqueness of the locality to distinguish the destination from competition. Branding a destination as part of a region, in this case "NewNordicCuisine," questions the brand's usefulness in relation to the branding of a specific city. The second challenge is concerned with the "local turn," using local and seasonal produce as the main focus in branding the New Nordic Cuisine. This concept is neither new nor original and can be easily adapted for other places, thus questioning the "uniqueness" of the destination branding. The article addresses these challenges and shows, first, how a vague and ambiguous term like "Nordic" can be a focal point for local and international audiences; and second, that the brand message issue is not what is authentically or uniquely Danish but what others imagine an authentic and unique Denmark to be. The study points to an emergent and opportunistic, transterritorial strategy in destination branding built largely on accreditation and a global recognition that is vague and even inaccurate. The article reports findings from an inductive, in-depth, longitudinal study of the New Nordic Cuisine and its movement's development in relation to branding Copenhagen as a tourism destination.
Local Versus Imported Food: Opportunities and Constraints for Tanzanian Hotels
Authors: Mangi Halima Omari , Urassa Justin Kalisti
Published: October 2017

Developing countries are progressively experiencing economic growth through international tourism. Due to its unique characteristics, tourism is emerging as a potential opportunity for economic growth, earning of foreign exchange, and poverty reduction. The sale of goods and services
to foreign tourists does not imply huge capital investments. Nevertheless, Tanzania's tourism depends heavily on imported food. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Morogoro Municipality and the cities of Dar es Salaam and Arusha in order to examine major reasons for the use of imported
food by hotels serving tourists with a focus on opportunities and constraints in relation to the supply of local foods. In addition, the study aimed to identify tourists' food preferences. The study used both primary and secondary data. Results show that most of the food consumed in the hotels
is locally sourced. Nonetheless, most of the food items are of foreign origin and, to a limited extent, food is supplied by local farmers and food producers. Imported food items included soft drinks, beverages, ingredients for hot drinks, and breakfast items. Poor quality of some locally available
food, unreliability of supplies, lack of quality control systems, price fluctuations, insufficient packaging, and hygiene issues were major concerns that made most of the hoteliers avoid purchasing food items directly from local farmers. In view of this, it is recommended, among others, that
the government and tourism stakeholders work with the farmers and suppliers to enhance awareness on food quality and hygienic handling of food items with a view of strengthening relationship between the sectors of agriculture and tourism for sustainable economic development.
Tourism As a Strategy for Redeployment in the Local Agri-Food Supply: The Case of Midi-Pyrénées
Authors: Bessière Jacinthe
Published: October 2017

Contemporary agricultural production is subject to a new dynamics of heritage enhancement that involves exploiting its economic, social, and cultural resources. As part of a development strategy for rural areas and in response to a growing social demand, this process revitalizes agricultural
and rural spaces by giving them new social, cultural, and touristic functions. French food heritage is a lever for tourism development, but it is also a marker of collective identity. The gastronomic experience associated with tourism crystallizes a range of expectations and representations,
notably in rural areas, giving rise to changing practices, new offers, and modes of supply, often on the fringes of more institutionalized, less differentiated tourism development. If tourism can be seen as a potential springboard for innovation, promoting or consolidating regional food heritage
enhancement initiatives, it also provides a space for redeployment by actors in the local agri-food supply. By focusing on tourism practices and representations, this article examines the impact of the quite considerable tourism market in Midi-Pyrénées on food heritage innovation
and what ways eating provides a lever for redefining the local offer. The article highlights the plurality of local agri-food forms available to tourists, with countless different actors and interactions between tourists and stakeholders. Considerable variety in adaptive strategies is found,
either predominantly conservative or radically innovative, or a more hybrid combination of the two.
A Test of the High-eccentricity Migration Scenario for Close-in Planets
Authors: Giacalone Steven , Matsakos Titos , Königl Arieh
Published: October 2017

In the high-eccentricity migration (HEM) scenario, close-in planets reach the vicinity of the central star on high-eccentricity orbits that become circularized—with a concomitant decrease in the semimajor axis—through a tidal interaction with the star. Giant planets that arrive with periastron distances that are smaller than the Roche limit a
R lose their gaseous envelopes, resulting in an inner edge to the surviving planets’ distribution. The observational evidence for this effect, while extensive, is nonetheless somewhat ambiguous because of the effect of tidal orbital decay. Here, we consider another key prediction of the HEM scenario—the existence of a spatial eccentricity gradient near the location where the circularization time becomes comparable to the planet’s age for typical parameters. Previous studies have already found evidence for this gradient and demonstrated that its properties are consistent with the circularization process being dominated by tidal dissipation in the planet (encapsulated by the tidal quality factor

). Our work extends these treatments by constructing explicit model distributions for comparison with the data and by carrying out backward-in-time integrations using observed system parameters. We show that circularization generally occurs outside the distribution’s inner edge (which defines the boundary of the so-called sub-Jovian desert) and that typically

in the circularization zone (to within a factor of 3). We also find tentative evidence for an eccentricity gradient in lower-mass planets, indicating that formation through HEM may be relevant down to Neptune scales.
Numerical Solutions for the Orbital Motion of the Solar System over the Past 100 Myr: Limits and New Results*
Authors: Zeebe Richard E.
Published: October 2017

I report results from accurate numerical integrations of solar system orbits over the past 100 Myr with the integrator package HNBody. The simulations used different integrator algorithms, step sizes, and initial conditions, and included effects from general relativity, different models of the Moon, the Sun’s quadrupole moment, and up to 16 asteroids. I also probed the potential effect of a hypothetical Planet 9, using one set of possible orbital elements. The most expensive integration (Bulirsch–Stoer) required 4 months of wall-clock time with a maximum relative energy error

. The difference in Earth’s eccentricity (

) was used to track the difference between two solutions, considered to diverge at time τ when max

irreversibly crossed ∼10% of mean

 (

). The results indicate that finding a unique orbital solution is limited by initial conditions from current ephemerides and asteroid perturbations to ∼54 Myr. Bizarrely, the 4-month Bulirsch–Stoer integration and a symplectic integration that required only 5 hr of wall-clock time (12-day time step, with the Moon as a simple quadrupole perturbation), agree to ∼63 Myr. Internally, such symplectic integrations are remarkably consistent even for large time steps, suggesting that the relationship between time step and τ is not a robust indicator of the absolute accuracy of symplectic integrations. The effect of a hypothetical Planet 9 on

becomes discernible at ∼65 Myr. Using τ as a criterion, the current state-of-the-art solutions all differ from previously published results beyond ∼50 Myr. I also conducted an eigenmode analysis, which provides some insight into the chaotic nature of the inner solar system. The current study provides new orbital solutions for applications in geological studies.
Production of structured lipid with a low omega-6/omega-3 fatty acids ratio by enzymatic interesterification
Authors: Ilyasoglu H.
Published: October 2017

A structured lipid (SL) constituting omega fatty acids was synthesized by using linseed and grape seed oils as substrates via a lipase-catalyzed reaction. Lipozyme® TL IM was used as a biocatalyst. Good quadratic models predicting the incorporation of omega fatty acids were achieved via the Response surface methodology (RSM). The optimal conditions for targeted omega-6/omega-3 fatty acid ratio (2:1) were obtained at a substrate molar ratio 1.4, time 8.4 h, and enzyme amount 6.4%. The SL contained linoleic acid (43 g 100g-1), which was mainly located in the sn-2 position (40 g 100g-1). ?-Linoleic acid, and α-linolenic acid at the sn-2 position were 22 g 100g-1, and 11 g 100g-1, respectively. The oxidative stability of the SL, and SL with antioxidants was also investigated. The produced SL may be proposed as a source of a balanced intake of omega fatty acids and an ingredient in functional food formulations.
The effects of process technology on the physicochemical properties of peony seed oil
Authors: Qu J. , Zhang F. , Thakur K. , Shi J. J. , Zhang J. G. , Faisal S. , Wei Z. J.
Published: October 2017

Peony seed oils (PSOs) were prepared using supercritical CO2 (SC) and compared with soxhlet extraction (SE) and mechanical screw press extraction (SPE) methods. The fatty acid compositions of the oils were determined, and the physicochemical properties of the oils, including free radical-scavenging activity, α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition, thermal and rheological properties were evaluated. The unsaturated fatty acids in the SE oils were higher than SC and SPE oils due to the higher percentage of olefinic, allylic methylene and allylic methine protons in the SE oils. The SPE oils also displayed the highest DPPH and ABTS+ radical scavenging activity at the tested concentrations. However, the SE oils showed stronger inhibitory effects on α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes under in vitro conditions when compared with the other oil samples. The three oils had similar melting and crystalline point due to similar contents of fatty acids (FAs). The SC oils had a lower Ea than the others.
Sur quoi reposent nos infrastructures numériques ?
Authors: Eghbal Nadia
Published: October 2017

Aujourd’hui, la quasi-totalité des logiciels couramment utilisés sont tributaires de code dit « open source », créé et maintenu par des communautés composées de développeurs et d’autres talents. Ce code peut être repris, modifié et utilisé par n’importe qui, entreprise ou particulier, pour créer ses propres logiciels. Partagé, ce code constitue ainsi l’infrastructure numérique de la société d’aujourd’hui… dont les fondations menacent cependant de céder sous la demande !

En effet, dans un monde régi par la technologie, qu’il s’agisse des entreprises du Fortune 500, du Gouvernement, des grandes entreprises de logiciel ou des startups, nous sommes en train d’accroître la charge de ceux qui produisent et entretiennent cette infrastructure partagée. Or, comme ces communautés sont assez discrètes, les utilisateurs ont mis longtemps à en prendre conscience.

Tout comme l’infrastructure matérielle, l’infrastructure numérique nécessite pourtant une maintenance et un entretien réguliers. Face à une demande sans précédent, si nous ne soutenons pas cette infrastructure, les conséquences seront nombreuses.

L’entretien de notre infrastructure numérique est une idée nouvelle pour beaucoup, et les problèmes que cela pose sont mal cernés. Dans cet ouvrage, Nadia Eghbal met au jour les défis uniques auxquels sont confrontées les infrastructures numériques et comment l’on peut œuvrer pour les relever.
Cyanobacteria and microcystin contamination in untreated and treated drinking water in Ghana
Authors: Addico Gloria Naa Dzama , Hardege Jörg D. , Kohoutek Jiri , DeGraft-Johnson Kweku Amoaku Atta , Babica Pavel
Published: October 2017

Although cyanobacterial blooms and cyanotoxins represent a worldwide-occurring phenomenon, there are large differences among different countries in cyanotoxin-related human health risk assessment, management practices and policies. While national standards, guideline values and detailed regulatory frameworks for effective management of cyanotoxin risks have been implemented in many industrialized countries, the extent of cyanobacteria occurrence and cyanotoxin contamination in certain geographical regions is under-reported and not very well understood. Such regions include major parts of tropical West and Central Africa, a region constisting of more than 25 countries occupying an area of 12 million km2, with a total population of 500 milion people. Only few studies focusing on cyanotoxin occurrence in this region have been published so far, and reports dealing specifically with cyanotoxin contamination in drinking water are extremely scarce. In this study, we report seasonal data on cyanobacteria and microcystin (MC) contamination in drinking water reservoirs and adjacent treatment plants located in Ghana, West Africa. During January-June 2005, concentrations of MCs were monitored in four treatment plants supplying drinking water to major metropolitan areas in Ghana: the treatment plants Barekese and Owabi, which serve Kumasi Metropolitan Area, and the plants Kpong and Weija, providing water for Accra-Tema Metropolitan Area. HPLC analyses showed that 65% samples of raw water at the intake of the treatment plants contained intracellular MCs (maximal detected concentration was 8.73 µg L-1), whereas dissolved toxins were detected in 33% of the samples. Significant reduction of cyanobacterial cell counts and MC concentrations was achieved during the entire monitoring period by the applied conventional water treatment methods (alum flocculation, sedimentation, rapid sand filtration and chlorination), and MC concentration in the final treated water never exceeded 1 µg L-1 (WHO guideline limit for MCs in drinking water). However, cyanobacterial cells (93-3,055 cell mL-1) were frequently found in the final treated water and intracellular MCs were detected in 17% of the samples (maximal concentration 0.61 µg L-1), while dissolved MCs were present in 14% of the final treated water samples (maximal concentration 0.81 µg L-1). It indicates a borderline efficiency of the water treatment, thus MC concentrations in drinking water might exceed the WHO guideline limit if the treatment efficiency gets compromised. In addition, MC concentrations found in the raw water intake might represent significant human health risks for people living in areas with only a limited access to the treated or underground drinking water.
Epidemiologic study of urolithiasis in seven countries of South-Eastern Europe: S.E.G.U.R. 1 study
Authors: Karagiannis Andreas , Skolarikos Andreas , Alexandrescu Emanuel , Basic Dragoslav , Geavlete Petrisor , Maletta Alessandro , Muslumanoglu A.Yaser , Papatsoris Athanasios , Petkova Kremena , Saidi Skender , Skakic Aleksandar , Saltirov Iliya , Sarica Kemal , Stavridis Sotir , Yilmaz Omer , Trinchieri Alberto
Published: October 2017

Objective: To investigate some epidemiological aspects of kidney stones in the South- Eastern European area. Materials and methods: From September 2015 to December 2015, 538 consecutive patients were treated and evaluated for reno-ureteral stones in eight departments in Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, FYR Macedonia, Romania, Serbia and Turkey. Results: The age of onset was lower in Turkey and higher in Italy. The rate of recurrent patients was higher in Romania and Serbia, while first renal stone formers were more frequent in Italy. The previous history of kidney stones, the characteristics of the stones and the dietary habits of the patients were different in different countries. In Bulgaria, Greece and Romania larger calculi from recurrent patients were more frequent. In Italy and Turkey smaller calculi from first renal stone formers were more frequent. Conclusions: The previous history of kidney stones, the characteristics of the stones and the dietary habits of the patients were different in different countries. A common dietary pattern associated with the formation of kidney stones was not observed, but each country showed different risk factors.
Effect of green tea catechins in patients with high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia: Results of a short-term double-blind placebo controlled phase II clinical trial
Authors: Micali Salvatore , Territo Angelo , Pirola Giacomo Maria , Ferrari Nancy , Sighinolfi Maria Chiara , Martorana Eugenio , Navarra Michele , Bianchi Giampaolo
Published: October 2017

Background and study objective: Several studies suggest a protective role of green tea catechins against prostate cancer (PCa). In order to evaluate the efficacy of green tea catechins for chemoprevention of PCa in patients with high-grade prostate intraepithelial neoplasia (HG-PIN) we performed a phase II clinical trial. Methods: Sixty volunteers with HG-PIN were enrolled to carry out a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled phase II clinical trial. Treated group took daily 600 mg of green tea catechins (Categ Plus®) for 1 year. Patients were screened at 6 and 12 months through prostatic biopsy and measurements of prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Results: Despite the statistically significant reduction of PSA observed in subjects who received green tea catechins for 6 and 12 months, we did not find any statistical difference in PCa incidence between the experimental groups neither after 6 nor after 12 months. However, throughout the one-year follow- up we observed very limited adverse effects induced by green tea catechins and a not significant improvement in lower urinary tract symptoms and quality of life. Conclusions: Although the small number of patients enrolled in our study and the relatively short duration of intervention, our findings seems to deny the efficacy of green tea catechins. However, results of our clinical study, mainly for its low statistical strength, suggest that the effectiveness of green tea catechins should be evaluated in both a larger cohort of men and longer trial.
Investigation of the effect of body mass index (BMI) on semen parameters and male reproductive system hormones
Authors: Keskin Mehmet Zeynel , Budak Salih , Aksoy Evrim Emre , Yücel Cem , Karamazak Serkan , Ilbey Yusuf Ozlem , Kozacıoğlu Zafer
Published: October 2017

Aim: To evaluate the effects of body mass index (BMI) ratio on semen parameters and serum reproductive hormones. Materials and methods: The data of 454 patients who prsented to male infertility clinics in our hospital between 2014 and 2015 were analyzed retrospectively. Weight, height, serum hormone levels and semen analysis results of the patients were obtained. BMI values were calculated by using the weight and height values of the patients and they were classified as group 1 for BMI values ≤ 25 kg/m2, as group 2 for BMI values 25-30 kg/m2 and as group 3 for BMI values ≥ 30 kg/m2. Results: The mean values of BMI, semen volume, concentration, total motility, progressive motility, total progressive motile sperm count (TPMSC), normal morphology according to Kruger, head abnormality, neck abnormality, tail abnormality, FSH, LH, prolactin, T/E2, total testosterone and estradiol parameters of the patients were considered. Patients were divided according to BMI values in Group 1 (n = 165), Group 2 (n = 222) and Group 3 (n = 56). There was no statistically significant difference in terms of all variables between the groups. Conclusions: We analyzed the relationship between BMI level and semen parameters and reproductive hormones, demonstrating no relationship between BMI and semen parameters. In our study, BMI does not affect semen parameters although it shows negative correlation with prolactin and testosterone levels.
Narrow band imaging (NBI) cystoscopy and assisted bipolar TURBT: A preliminary experience in a single centre
Authors: Giulianelli Roberto , Gentile Barbara Cristina , Albanesi Luca , Tariciotti Paola , Mirabile Gabriella
Published: October 2017

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare, in order to increase our ability to detect bladder cancer, the predictive power of narrow band imaging (NBI) versus white light cystoscopy (WL). The secondary objective was to evaluate how the preoperative use of NBI cystoscopy can increase the ability to detect bladder lesions in terms of status, multi-focality and dimensions. Materials and methods: Between June 2010 and April 2012, 797 consecutive patients, 423 male and 374 female, affected by suspected bladder cancer lesions, underwent to WL plus NBI cystoscopy and subsequently to WL Bipolar Gyrus PK (Olympus, Tokyo, Japan) transurethral resection of bladder tumour (WL-TURBT). The average follow-up was 24 (16-38) months. Mean age was 67.7 yrs. (range 46-88). All the patients underwent by same surgeon to WL resection (WL-TURBT) of the previously identified lesions by same surgeon. All the removed tissue was sent separately for histological evaluation after mapping the areas of resection on a topographic sheet. Results: In our study we considered 797 patients that matched our inclusion criteria. Through the use of WL cystoscopy, we identified 603 patients (75.53%) with suspicious lesions, instead, with the use of light NBI, we found 786 patients with suspicious lesions (98.49%).The use of NBI cystoscopy increases by approximately 30% the specific ability to detect lesions not otherwise visible with WL cystoscopy (OR 21.9 and RR 1.30), in particular for patients with lesions size < 3 cm (OR 24.00; RR 1.40), unifocal (OR: 22.28; RR 1.47) and recurrent (OR 58.4; RR 1.34). Pathology demonstrated the presence of cancer in 512 (64.2%) patients, of whom 412 (51.8%) were visible both with WL cystoscopy and NBI cystoscopy. In our experience, only 11 (1.38%) lesions were only positive at WL cystoscopy (negative at NBI cystoscopy) thus 501 (62.8%, OR 10.13; RR 1.21) patients showed bladder oncological lesions positive at NBI cystoscopy. In these patients, the use the NBI Cystoscopy has better highlighted a recurrence (p < 0.005; OR 22.8, RR 1.23; 95% CI-1.13 to 0.24) or a lesion < 3 cm (p < 0.05; OR 11.4 , RR 1.30; 95% CI-0.18 to 0.29) or a unifocal lesion (p < 0.005; OR 10.38, RR 1.34, CI 0.18 to 0.30). Conclusions: The use of NBI cystoscopy, significantly increases by approximately 30% our predictive power to identify neoplastic lesions, especially unifocal or < 3 cm or recurrent lesions. Following WLTURBT, stage, dimension and focaliity are statistically significant determinants (p < 0.001) of the bladder oncological lesions detected by NBI cystoscopy rather than by WL cystoscopy.
Effect of a commercial steam-vacuuming treatment implemented after slaughtering for the decontamination of cattle carcasses
Authors: Hochreutener Mirjam , Zweifel Claudio , Corti Sabrina , Stephan Roger
Published: October 2017

To assess the antimicrobial effect of a commercial steam-vacuuming system newly implemented after slaughtering, 105 cattle carcasses were examined for total viable counts (TVC) at four different areas. Before steam vacuuming, mean TVC of the excision samples were comparable at the perineal area and brisket (3.0-3.1 log CFU cm-2) or the hind leg and shoulder (2.6-2.7 log CFU cm-2). Steam vacuuming reduced mean TVC by 0.9, 0.7, 0.6, and 0.4 log CFU cm-2 at the perineal area, hind leg, shoulder, and brisket, respectively. With regard to the distribution of counts, steam vacuuming increased the proportion of TVC results -2 from 74.8% (62.9- 87.6% at carcass areas) to 86.7% (71.4- 97.1% at carcass areas). Thus, steam vacuuming after slaughtering might be useful for the reduction of contamination in designated carcass areas, but the effect must not be overestimated and decontamination treatments always must be seen part of an integral food safety system.
Evaluation of bovine beta casein polymorphism in two dairy farms located in northern Italy
Authors: Massella Elisa , Piva Silvia , Giacometti Federica , Liuzzo Gaetano , Zambrini Angelo Vittorio , Serraino Andrea
Published: October 2017

Bovine beta casein A1 is one of the most common variants in dairy cattle breeds; it is considered a risk factor in milk intolerance and in other important human diseases, because of the bioactive peptide beta casomorphin-7 (BCM7) produced by raw or processed A1-milk, but not by A2- milk, during digestion. The aim of this study was to perform a cheap and rapid method to investigate beta casein polymorphism in copious animals. The study included 2 dairy farms with a totally of 1230 cows. Beta casein genotypes were estimated evaluating Exon 7 region of bovine beta casein gene (CSN2) by sequences analysis. In the population included in the study 5 variants (A1, A2, B, F, I) and 13 genotypes (A1A1, A1A2, A1B, A1F, A1I, A2A2, A2B, A2F, A2I, BB, BF, BI, FI) were detected. The method showed high sensibility and specificity, resulted low-cost and few time consuming.
Relationships of shredders, leaf processing and organic matter along a canopy cover gradient in tropical streams
Authors: Aguiar Anna C.F. , Neres-Lima Vinicius , Moulton Timothy P.
Published: October 2017

Terrestrial allochthonous organic matter represents a structuring element and an important source of energy and carbon to fauna in small forested streams. However, the role of this matter as a food resource for benthic macroinvertebrates, and consequently, for shredders and their performance in riverine processes, is not clear in low-order tropical streams. Aiming to investigate the relationship between shredders and leaves, we analyzed along a gradient of 8-93% canopy cover biomass and abundance of shredders, accumulated leaves and breakdown rates of local leaves to verify if these parameters were related to shade conditions and to each other. Three hypotheses were tested: i) shredder biomass, accumulated leaves and breakdown rates are related to canopy cover and exhibit higher values in shaded sites; ii) shredder biomass is positively related to accumulated leaves and breakdown rates; and iii) due to the relatively large body size of the important shredders, the association of shredders with leaves and importance to leaf processing should be better expressed in terms of guild biomass than abundance. Shredder biomass varied between 846 and 1506 mg DM m‑2 and accumulated leaves varied between 479 and 1120 g AFDM m-2 across sites. Leaf breakdown rate (k), the only measured variable that varied significantly among sites, varied between -0.0015 and -0.0238 day-1. Neither shredder biomass nor leaf biomass were associated with the shading gradient.  On the other hand, shredder abundance and biomass, mainly represented by Triplectides (Trichoptera, Leptoceridae), was positively related to accumulated leaves within sites and to breakdown rates assessed by leaf packs. Leaf breakdown, as assessed by the experimental leaf packs, was associated with shredder biomass, but not with shredder abundance. This result suggests that macroinvertebrates are important for leaf detritus processing and that their biomass reflects their activity, presumably because it is related to their secondary production and perhaps non-consumptive action. Their activity was observed at the scale of leaf packs and not at the scale of variation in canopy cover because apparently canopy did not modulate availability of leaves, which were apparently not limiting to the shredders.
Oxygen-ozone therapy and local administration induced pain
Authors: Mainini Marco , Rosato Maria Laura , Luongo Margherita , Mascolo Luigi , Mattera Silvana , Schiaffino Luca
Published: October 2017

Oxygen-ozone (O²-O³) therapy is emerging in the treatment of many diseases. This kind of treatment is characterized by a few side effects. When oxygen-ozone mixture is administered through subcutaneous or intramuscular infiltration, often patients refer pain or burning sensation in the site of injection. The aim of our study is to evaluate intensity and duration of this side effect during treatments.
Treatment of digital ulcers with oxygen-ozone therapy in a patient with systemic sclerosis
Authors: Riva Hilary , Balestra Brenno , Giannini Olivier , Bonforte Giuseppe
Published: October 2017

Patients with systemic sclerosis often suffer from Raynaud’s phenomenon and in the most severe cases it causes digital ulceration and difficult healing. Treatment for these complications are not always resolutive and sometimes not well tolerated. The O2O3 therapy is a gas mixture that has several demonstrated effects including antiseptic, painkiller, microcirculation vasodilator, oxygen metabolism regulator and immunomodulation, and it can be personalised, administered to individual patient requirements. We decided to offer this treatment to our patients after the failure of traditional drugs and surgery without influencing the therapeutic program. The results obtained are interesting, and though more studies are needed to better understand the exact mechanism of action of O2O3 therapy, we believe that in the meantime, this therapy should be considered as treatment for the most severe cases.
Mucinous Cystic Neoplasms in Male Patients: Two Cases
Authors: Tamura Shunsuke , Yamamoto Hirotaka , Ushida Shinichiro , Suzuki Kazufumi
Published: October 2017

Mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCNs) of the pancreas in male patients are very rare. Though few cases of MCNs in male patients have been reported, it is difficult to reveal them preoperatively. The first patient was a 50-year-old man and was incidentally found to have a cystic mass of 51 mm in the tail of the pancreas. We performed a distal pancreatectomy. The second patient was a 73-year-old man, incidentally found to have a cystic mass of 25 mm in diameter in the tail of the pancreas and a carcinoma of the bile duct. We performed a subtotal stomachpreserving pancreaticoduodenectomy and distal pancreatectomy. In both cases, the cystic lesion was diagnosed pathologically as MCNs. Since MCNs have the risk of malignancy, a resection is recommended. Cases of MCNs in male patients exhibit features that are similar to MCNs in women. We should recognize that MCNs of the pancreas in male patients exists.
Mammary Analogue Secretory Carcinoma of Salivary Glands: Diagnostic Pitfall with Distinct Immunohistochemical Profile and Molecular Features
Authors: Bissinger Oliver , Götz Carolin , Kolk Andreas , Bier Henning A. , Agaimy Abbas , Frenzel Henning , Perner Sven , Ribbat-Idel Julika , Wolff Klaus Dietrich , Weichert Wilko , Mogler Caroline
Published: October 2017

Mammary analogue secretory carcinoma (MASC) is a newly defined entity among salivary gland malignancies which has just been established in the 4th edition of the WHO classification of head and neck tumors. MASC (synonym: secretory carcinoma) are characterized by a specific rearangement of the ETV6 gene locus. Here, we present a series of 3 MASC cases including clinical data with follow-up for up to 26 months. All tumours immunhistochemically displayed strong positivity for cytokeratin 7, and mammaglobin, focal positivity for S100, cytokeratin 5/6 and muc-4. In contrast, immunhistochemical stainings against cytokeratin 14, hormon receptors, Her2/neu, androgen receptor and prostate-specific antigen were consistently negative. FISH analysis showed translocation of the ETV6 gene locus in the majority of tumour cell nuclei. During clinical follow-up, no local relapse or metastasis was detected. As these carcinomas are clinically and radiologically indistinguishable from other salivary gland tumours and as therapeutic approaches and prognosis might differ, we need to be able to diagnose MASC correctly.
Religion and Extremism
Authors: Pratt Douglas
Published: October 2017

Focusing on the three monotheistic religions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, Douglas Pratt argues that despite a popular focus on Islam, extremist Jews and Christians can also enact terror and destruction. Religion and Extremism stresses that the ideological rejection of diversity underlies religious extremism resulting in violent behaviours and, increasingly, in hardening social and religious attitudes and responses.

An analysis of religiously-driven terrorism reveals the presence of a distinctive and rigid form of exclusivity found in these religions. In this regard, the contemporary resurgence in totalising claims of fundamentalist ideologues is cause for particular concern. Pratt reasons that however expressed, the motif of the ‘Absolute’ is central to all, but how that absolute is and has been received, interpreted and responded to, is a matter of great diversity. The author asserts that theological ‘Absolutism’ displays an underlying dynamic whereby these three religions may be led into extremism. Religion and Extremism also explores contemporary issues of Islamophobia and mutual extremism, identified as ‘reactive co-radicalization’, and concludes by reflecting on how extremism today might be countered.
Copy number variations of five Y chromosome genes in donkeys
Authors: Han Haoyuan , Zhao Xiaocheng , Xia Xiaoting , Chen Hong , Lei Chuzhao , Dang Ruihua
Published: October 2017

Abstract. In mammals, the Y chromosome plays a pivotal role in male sex determination and is essential for normal sperm production. A number of studies were conducted on Y chromosome genes of various species and identified single-copy and multi-copy genes. However, limited studies about donkey Y chromosome genes have been done. In this study, 263 male samples from 13 Chinese donkey breeds were collected to analyze the copy number variations (CNVs) of five Y chromosome genes using the quantitative PCR (qPCR) method. These five genes (cullin 4 B Y (CUL4BY), equus testis-specific transcript y1 (ETSTY1), equus testis-specific transcript y4 (ETSTY4), equus testis-specific transcript Y 5 (ETSTY5), and sex-determining region Y (SRY) were identified as multi-copy, whose median copy numbers (MCNs) were 5, 45, 2, and 2, and 13 with CNV ranges of 1–57, 1–227, 1–37, 1–86 and 1–152, respectively. The CNVs of these five genes were shared in different breeds. Compared to previous studies, the copy numbers of five genes showed some distinct consequences in this study. In particular, the well-known single-copy SRY gene showed CNVs in donkeys. Our results provided genetic variations of donkey Y chromosome genes.
Sources of sub-micrometre particles near a major international airport
Authors: Masiol Mauro , Harrison Roy M. , Vu Tuan V. , Beddows David C. S.
Published: October 2017

Abstract. The international airport of Heathrow is a major source of nitrogen oxides, but its contribution to the levels of sub-micrometre particles is unknown and is the objective of this study. Two sampling campaigns were carried out during warm and cold seasons at a site close to the airfield (1.2 km). Size spectra were largely dominated by ultrafine particles: nucleation particles ( < 30 nm) were found to be  ∼ 10 times higher than those commonly measured in urban background environments of London. Five clusters and six factors were identified by applying k means cluster analysis and positive matrix factorisation (PMF), respectively, to particle number size distributions; their interpretation was based on their modal structures, wind directionality, diurnal patterns, road and airport traffic volumes, and on the relationship with weather and other air pollutants. Airport emissions, fresh and aged road traffic, urban accumulation mode, and two secondary sources were then identified and apportioned. The fingerprint of Heathrow has a characteristic modal structure peaking at  < 20 nm and accounts for 30–35 % of total particles in both the seasons. Other main contributors are fresh (24–36 %) and aged (16–21 %) road traffic emissions and urban accumulation from London (around 10 %). Secondary sources accounted for less than 6 % in number concentrations but for more than 50 % in volume concentration. The analysis of a strong regional nucleation event showed that both the cluster categorisation and PMF contributions were affected during the first 6 h of the event. In 2016, the UK government provisionally approved the construction of a third runway; therefore the direct and indirect impact of Heathrow on local air quality is expected to increase unless mitigation strategies are applied successfully.
Transboundary ozone pollution across East Asia: daily evolution and photochemical production analysed by IASI+GOME2 multispectral satellite observations and models
Authors: Cuesta Juan , Kanaya Yugo , Takigawa Masayuki , Dufour Gaëlle , Eremenko Maxim , Foret Gilles , Miyazaki Kazuyuki , Beekmann Matthias
Published: October 2017

Abstract. We characterize a transboundary ozone pollution outbreak transported across East Asia in early May 2009 using new multispectral satellite observations of lowermost tropospheric ozone in synergy with other satellite data and models. Our analysis is focused on the daily evolution of ozone pollution plumes initially formed over the North China Plain (NCP) and their transport pathways over Northern China, Korea, Japan and the surrounding seas. A main aspect of the study is an estimation of the contribution of photochemical production of ozone along transport using the ratio of ozone to carbon monoxide enhancements with respect to background levels derived from satellite data and also from chemistry-transport models. A key contribution of the analysis is the use of new satellite data offering unprecedented skills to observe the horizontal distribution of lowermost tropospheric ozone over East Asia on daily basis, with a multispectral approach called IASI+GOME2. These satellite observations are in good agreement with ozonesondes, with low mean biases (3 %), a precision of about 16 %, a correlation coefficient of 0.85 and practically the same standard deviation for a comparison based on 2 years of data from 46 launching stations distributed worldwide, during all seasons. A similar agreement is also found over East Asia. Moreover, IASI+GOME2 offers a unique capacity for observing the evolution of near surface ozone during pollution outbreaks (with 5 % bias and 0.69 correlation), according to a comparison with surface in situ measurements during 2 major ozone events over several Japanese Islands. Single-band ozone retrievals, as those from IASI in the thermal infrared, do not capture such variability. Using IASI+GOME2, we put in evidence that (i) ozone pollution plumes are transported by an anticyclonic circulation around the Yellow Sea from the NCP to Northern China, Korea and Japan, co-located with carbon monoxide plumes, (ii) over Northern China the plume splits into two pollution filaments with one mixing with freshly emitted pollutants and (iii) ozone is produced every day of the event accounting for an enhancement in concentration during transport across East Asia of up to ∼ 84 % with respect to that produced over NCP. This estimation is done according to monotonically increasing values during 7 days of the ratio of ozone to carbon monoxide enhancements within the transported pollution plumes from about ∼ 0.25 over the NCP to ∼ 0.46 over the Pacific south of Japan.