bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Moderating Effect of Races towards Consumers' Feeling of TCM Usage
Authors: Chang Dyana Mui Ling , Tam Adeline Yin Ling , Suki Norazah Mohd
Published: July 2016

Malaysia has a multiple number of traditional medical systems that represent of several ethnic varieties of its community. These can be cluster into four main group namely, traditional “native”, traditional Indian, traditional Chinese, and modern medicine. This study was conducted to identify the moderating effects of races on the relationships between safeness, efficacy, trust, holistic view and health awareness, and feeling of TCM usage. About 288 self-administered questionnaire data analysis was carried out using Structural Equation Modeling Approach to the public in Labuan and Sabah, East Malaysia. The moderating effect of races on the relationships between predictor variables such as safeness, efficacy, trust, holistic view and health awareness and criterion variable (i.e. feeling) was evaluated. The study showed that holistic balance view of TCM not significantly influences the TCM usage. Thus, the results of this study are importance to the practical industry application and future research.
The Location Types of US Retailers
Authors: Joseph Lawrence , Kuby Michael
Published: July 2016

This manuscript presents the results of an inductive analysis of the types of locations chosen by US retailers. Using a large cross-sectional database, including fifty US retail chains and over 70,000 store locations, a classification of retail location types is presented using cluster analysis on situational and trade area data. These data are then applied to create a location profile for each retailer. Based on the results of the first cluster analysis, a second cluster analysis then groups together the chains with the most similar location profiles. A total of twelve distinct location types were identified in the first cluster analysis. Eight groupings of retailers with similar location profiles were identified in the second cluster analysis. Retailers within the same retail business chose similar types of locations and thus were placed in the same clusters. Retailers generally restrict their deployment to one of three overall strategies including metropolitan, large retail areas, or market size variety with specialty retailers favoring large retail areas of urban markets.
Spatial Analysis of Climate-Viticulture Indices for the Eastern United States
Authors: MacCracken Rosalyn Francine , Houser Paul R.
Published: July 2016

This study characterizes the climate structure in the Eastern United States for suitability of winegrape growth. For this study, the Eastern US is defined as the 44 contiguous Eastern most states. This excludes the premium wine growing states of California, Washington, Oregon and Idaho. For this characterization, a comparative study is performed on the four commonly used climate-viticulture indices (i.e., Average Growing Season Temperature, Growing Degree Days, Heliothermal Index and Biologically Effective Degree Days), and a new climate-viticulture index, the Modified-GSTavg (Mod-GSTavg). This is accomplished using the 1971 – 2000 PRISM 800-meter resolution dataset of climate temperature normal for the study area of 44 states and 62 American Viticultural Areas across the Eastern United States. The results revealed that all the climate indices have similar spatial patterns throughout the US with varying magnitudes and degrees of suitability.
Using Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) Algorithm in Nonlinear Regression Well Test Analysis and Its Comparison with Levenberg-Marquardt Algorithm
Authors: Adibifard Meisam , Bashiri Gholamreza , Roayaei Emad , Emad Mohammad Ali
Published: July 2016

Since two of the most important disadvantages of the classical nonlinear regression methods, such as Levenberg-Marquardt (LM), are to calculate error derivative function and use an initial point to get the results, PSO algorithm, which lies in the category of population based meta-heuristic algorithms, is used in this study to implement nonlinear regression in well test analysis. Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) over pressure and pressure derivative data are used in the cost function formulation and the multi-objective problem is reduced to single objective one by including the weight for each of the cost functions related to pressure and pressured derivative data. The superiority of the procedure developed in this study is verified through a simulated drawdown test and one field case. Error comparison over estimated reservoir parameters and analysis of 95% confidence interval reveal that implemented PSO algorithm can be used accurately to estimate reservoir properties.
Discrete Fireworks Algorithm for Single Machine Scheduling Problems
Authors: El Majdouli Mohamed Amine , El Imrani Abdelhakim Ameur
Published: July 2016

Over the recent years, Fireworks Algorithm has recorded an increasing success on solving continuous optimization problems, due to its efficiency, simplicity and more importantly its rapid convergence to good optimums. Thus, the Fireworks Algorithm performance is now widely comparable with the most popular methods in the optimization field such as evolutionary computation and swarm intelligence techniques. This paper introduces a discrete Fireworks Algorithm for combinatorial single machine scheduling problems. Taking advantage of the robust design of the original Fireworks Algorithm, a new adaptation of sparks generation is proposed with a novel use of the control parameters. To verify the explorative performance of the algorithm, a hybridization with Variable Neighborhood Search heuristic is implemented. To validate it, the proposed method is tested with several benchmarks instances of the single machine total weighted tardiness. A comparison with other optimization algorithms is also included. The obtained results exhibit the high performance of the proposed method.
A Novel Approach to Change Management in Requirements Engineering Context
Authors: Bendakir Soumia , Zarour Nacereddine , Charrel Pierre Jean
Published: July 2016

Requirements change management (RCM) is actually an inevitable task that might be considered in system development's life cycle, since user requirements are continuously evolving (some are added, others are modified or deleted). A large majority of studies have examined the issue of change, while most of them focused on the design and source code, requirements were often forgotten, even though, the cost of fixing the defect and introduced error due to the requirements is less higher compared to the cost of error in design and implementation. For this purpose, this work focuses on change issues in the requirements engineering (RE) context, which contains the complete initial specification. Properties such as adaptability, perception, and cooperation of the multi-agent system (MAS) allow managing changing requirements in a controlled manner. The main objective of this work is to develop an agent-oriented approach which will be effective in the requirements management to be adapted to changes in their environments.
Assessing the Effect of Aspect Refactoring on Multi-Agent Applications
Authors: Chebout Mohamed Sedik , Mokhati Farid , Badri Mourad
Published: July 2016

Multi Agent Systems (MAS) are increasingly gaining importance as a powerful paradigm to designing and implementing distributed applications. However, existing multi-agent applications are developed without considering the separation of non-functional concerns from the functional ones. This makes the implementation, comprehension and maintenance of multi-agent applications hard tasks. Aspect-Oriented Refactoring (AOR) is a promising technique for improving modularity and reducing complexity of existing object oriented software systems by encapsulating crosscutting concerns. The authors present, in this paper, a new dynamic approach for investigating empirically the effect of AOR on MAS applications. They focus, particularly, on the effect of AOR on agent behavior in terms of communication. The proposed approach is supported by a multi-agent profiling tool working on AgentFactory platform.
Perceptions of Business Intelligence Professionals about Factors Related to Business Intelligence input in Decision Making
Authors: Huie Carol P.
Published: July 2016

Strategic decision-making is one of the most important criteria for organizational success. Therefore, it is vital to have a well-developed decision making process in place. However, one of the greatest challenges facing organizations today is making important and timely business decisions. The focus of this study was to examine critical business intelligence input factors that influenced the decision making process. The business intelligence input factors considered were accessibility, reliability, quality of information, frequency of use, relevance, security, and quality of decisions. The results of this study show that the decision making process is very complex. Based on the analyses of the data, the findings indicate that these factors help determine reasons why managers use business intelligence technology in the decision making process. These findings will help organizations decision makers make better. This can improve the operational and strategic decision making process, thereby creating a competitive advantage for the organization.
A Simulation Knowledge Extraction-based Decision Support System for the Healthcare Emergency Department
Authors: Saoud Manel Saad , Boubetra Abdelhak , Attia Safa
Published: July 2016

Nowadays, healthcare systems services have become a serious concern for many countries across the world. Due to its complexity and Variability the Emergency Department (ED) is considered the most critical unit of the hospital and the healthcare systems in general. Increasing the patient satisfaction, reducing as much as possible the patient's waiting time and the patient's length of stay, and optimizing the resources utilization are the overriding preoccupation for any ED manager. To support the performance enhancement in the ED, simulation studies have profusely been involved. In this paper the authors describe a decision support system based on the combination of a simulation and a temporal knowledge extraction model for the operation improvement of the emergency department in the public hospital Lakhdar Bouzidi in Bordj Bou Arreridj (Algeria). Their methodology points out how agent-based modeling simulation can benefit from data mining analysis methods to provide a powerful decision support system that can help managers to improve the functioning of the ED.
A Hybrid Scheme for Breast Cancer Detection using Intuitionistic Fuzzy Rough Set Technique
Authors: Chowdhary Chiranji Lal , Acharjya D. P.
Published: July 2016

Diagnosis of cancer is of prime concern in recent years. Medical imaging is used to analyze these diseases. But, these images contain uncertainties due to various factors and thus intelligent techniques are essential to process these uncertainties. This paper hybridizes intuitionistic fuzzy set and rough set in combination with statistical feature extraction techniques. The hybrid scheme starts with image segmentation using intuitionistic fuzzy set to extract the zone of interest and then to enhance the edges surrounding it. Further feature extraction using gray-level co-occurrence matrix is presented. Additionally, rough set is used to engender all minimal reducts and rules. These rules then fed into a classifier to identify different zones of interest and to check whether these points contain decision class value as either cancer or not. The experimental analysis shows the overall accuracy of 98.3% and it is higher than the accuracy achieved by hybridizing fuzzy rough set model.
Recognizing Knowledge Leakage and Knowledge Spillover and Their Consequences
Authors: Ferenhof Helio Aisenberg
Published: July 2016

This paper, is interested in reviewing the literature on knowledge leakage and spillover together in order to understand their existence on organizations, establish the current body of knowledge and, on this basis, suggest some promising avenues for future research. The study consists of a systematic review of peer-reviewed articles addressing knowledge leakage and spillover in organizations. As result a better understanding of the differences and similarity as well as challenges and opportunities of knowledge leakage and knowledge spillover that could assist practitioners to better cope with risks when developing innovation is shown in a conceptual model. From an academic perspective, the paper may provide a starting point for new researches that are interested in knowledge at risk.
Assessment of traditional ecological knowledge and beliefs in the utilisation of important plant species: The case of Buhanga sacred forest, Rwanda
Authors: Irakiza Runyambo , Vedaste Minani , Elias Bizuru , Nyirambangutse Brigitte , Joram Serge Nsengimana , Marc Ndimukaga
Published: July 2016

Traditional ecological knowledge is an integrated part of the African people and indeed the Rwandese for cultural purpose. Buhanga sacred forest is a relict forest of tremendous ecological importance to Rwandan society located in Musanze District. The aim of this study was to assess the traditional ecological knowledge and belief in the utilisation of some important plant species for the conservation of Buhanga sacred forest. Ecological information about ethnomedicinal and traditional practices were collected following structured questionnaire through interview involving eight traditional healers and three focus group discussions. Data were collected from the natural habitats, home gardens, farmlands and roadsides of Buhanga sacred forest. A total of 45 botanical taxa belonging to 28 families were reported to be used by the local community. Species such as Brillantaisia cicatricosa and Senna septemtrionalis were the popular species cited by traditional healers to treat human and animal diseases and ailments, respectively. The results of the study indicated that because of the cultural norms and values associated with the sacred forest, this has led to non-exploitation. The study presents key sites and plant species in which their use and belief can lead to their conservation. However, not only is it imperative to conserve traditional local knowledge for biocultural conservation motives but there is also need to train traditional healers on how to domesticate indigenous species as conservation measure because some species have become susceptible to extinction.Conservation implications: Highlighting indigenous species investigated in this research will provide a powerful tool for ensuring biodiversity conservation through community participation in a country of high population density in Africa. Some plant species that provided satisfactory Local Health Traditions among communities surrounding Buhanga can contribute as good material for further research in Rwanda.
Effects of water and nutrient addition on the coppice growth response of cut Terminalia sericea
Authors: Moyo Hloniphani , Scholes Mary C. , Twine Wayne
Published: July 2016

The ability of a woody plant to coppice and remain vigorous largely depends on the severity of disturbances, resource availability and the mobilisation of stored reserves. There is limited information about the role played by resource limitation on the recovery of cut trees. This study investigated the effects of water and nutrient supplementation on coppice growth responses of resprouting cut trees in a semi-arid savannah in South Africa. Cut trees were exposed to different levels of water and nutrient (nitrogen and phosphorus) supplementation over a period of 2 years in a factorial experimental design. We hypothesised that adding water and nutrients would result in an increased coppice growth response and replenishment of stored structural reserves. Adding water and nutrients significantly increased shoot diameter, shoot length and resprouting ratio for the initial 12 months after cutting but not stored structural reserves. Such a response pattern suggests that the initial growth of resprouting shoots may be strongly resource-limited, while resources are concentrated on supporting fewer resprouting shoots compared to a higher number.Conservation implications: If practicing rotational tree harvesting, trees resprouting in resource-poor locations need a longer resting period to recover stored reserves and to also recover lost height after cutting.
The Book of Ruth in the time of the Judges and Ruth, the Moabitess
Authors: De Villiers Gerda , Le Roux Jurie
Published: July 2016

This article addresses two issues in the Book of Ruth that have not yet received much scholarly attention: why is the narrative plotted in the time of the judges, whilst the time of narration dates to the postexilic period, and why is one of the protagonists Ruth, the Moabitess, whilst the law in Deuteronomy 23:3�4 (HB 4�5) clearly forbids the presence of Moabitess and Ammonites in the community of YHWH? A suggestion is made that a possible explanation to both these questions may be found in tensions regarding Israel�s identity in the Second Temple period. Two different yet not completely opposite viewpoints are illuminated: that of the Books of Ezra and Nehemiah who envisioned an exclusive Israel that is construed along genealogical and religious lines, and that of the Book of Ruth where solidarity with the people of Israel and the worship of YHWH are embraced by foreigners. Both sides are concerned about the identity of Israel and loyalty to YHWH, yet they employ a different jargon in order to argue for the inclusion or exclusion of foreigners. Furthermore, Ezra and Nehemiah consider mixed marriages as a serious threat to Israel�s identity, and they justify the expulsion of foreign wives on the basis of the Book of Moses. According to the Book of Deuteronomy, Moses interpreted the Torah for the children of Israel at Mount Nebo in Moab: Moab thus functioned as an interpretive space for the Torah. The Book of Ruth proposes an alternative interpretation of the Torah, also from the plains of Moab and the exegesis comes in the person of Ruth, the Moabitess.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: This article challenges the point of view that the Book of Ruth is a charming narrative of loyalty and love. Research reveals that this Book is a polemic document and its main contribution is to the intradisciplinary field of biblical hermeneutics that requests a re-interpretation of texts for changing circumstances.
Evaluation of Linear Dimensional changes of Investment Material when Various Combinations of Dental Plaster and Dental Stone are used as an Investment Material
Authors: Chowdhary Ramesh , Kumararama Sindhu S
Published: July 2016

Aims

To evaluate dimensional stability when various combinations of dental plaster and dental stone are used as an investment material.

Context

Dental plaster is routinely used as an investing material to acrylize dentures with some acceptable linear dimensional changes in the finished acrylic denture. This study aimed to evaluate which combination of dental plaster and dental stone, when used as an investment, will produce fewer linear dimensional changes in acrylic dentures.

Materials and methods

An aluminum block is prepared with sharp margins. The block is invested with various combinations of dental plaster and dental stone. The linear dimensional changes are measured using a digital caliper.

Statistical analysis

The results obtained were subjected to statistical analysis using analysis of variance test.

Results

Investing with 100% dental stone and a combination of 70% dental stone and 30% dental plaster showed fewer dimensional changes.

Conclusion

A combination containing higher percentage of dental stone may be used for investing to produce a finished denture with fewer linear dimensional changes.

How to cite this article

Kumararama SS, Chowdhary R. Evaluation of Linear Dimensional changes of Investment Material when Various Combinations of Dental Plaster and Dental Stone are used as an Investment Material. Int J Prosthodont Restor Dent 2016;6(1):1-5.
Awareness among Patients regarding Dental Implants as a Treatment Option for replacing Missing Teeth in Melmaruvathur Population
Authors: Narayanan Venkatesan , Karuppiah Prabhu , Rajasekar Arunkumar , Mayavan Lakshmi D
Published: July 2016

Background

Treatment with dental implants has become increasingly important in the range of prosthodontic treatment. Significant improvements in oral rehabilitation particularly in edentulous individuals have been seen. In Adhiparasakthi Dental College, Melmaruvathur, a survey was made to evaluate awareness among patients for dental implants, their level of knowledge, and attitude toward replacement of missing teeth by dental implants.

Materials and methods

A survey of 480 people was conducted through a printed questionnaire and completed by willing respondents. The questionnaires were prepared in English and Tamil language to enable better understanding and completion.

Results

Of the 510 people surveyed, 480 responses were retrieved, of which 331 were aware of dental implant treatment in Melmaruvathur, Tamil Nadu. Among them, 304 respondents were aware that implants could be used for replacement of missing teeth. Most of the respondents stated that dental implants were placed in the jawbone, followed by gums. Only 41% respondents assumed that implants last for a lifetime and only 35% of respondents believe that poor oral hygiene was the most common cause of implant failure.

Conclusion

More dental education programs are needed to improve understanding of the importance of restoration of missing teeth. General implant awareness levels are satisfactory. However, increased awareness of patients for restoration of missing tooth with dental implants is necessary. Dental education programs with special emphasis on advantages, treatment, maintenance, and postoperative care of dental implant therapy are needed. More than two-thirds of the surveyed population is interested in knowing about and being treated with dental implants.

How to cite this article

Narayanan V, Karuppiah P, Rajasekar A, Mayavan LD. Awareness among Patients regarding Dental Implants as a Treatment Option for replacing Missing Teeth in Melmaruvathur Population. Int J Prosthodont Restor Dent 2016;6(1):6-9.
Innovative use of Single-stage Secondary Impression in treating Oral Rigidity due to Submucous Fibrosis
Authors: Bindhoo YA , Thirumurthy VR , Manohar Vishnu , Kurien Anjana
Published: July 2016

Restricted mouth opening of a patient presents a great challenge in prosthodontic rehabilitation, especially with complete dentures. Making an adequate border molded secondary impression is crucial in the success of such prostheses. Numerous techniques exist for making impressions in cases of microstomia. All of them involve sectional impressions and extraoral reorientation of the segments. Peripheral seal is compromised in these procedures. This article is laid out to explain how preserving border seal by using single-stage impression is by far the best technique found in the Prosthodontic literature to eliminate the cumbersome sectional impression method. A new method of preserving the seal by means of an impression recorded at a single stage is proposed.

How to cite this article

Manohar V, Bindhoo YA, Thirumurthy VR, Kurien A. Innovative use of Single-stage Secondary Impression in treating Oral Rigidity due to Submucous Fibrosis. Int J Prosthodont Restor Dent 2016;6(1):14-16.
Trans-generational transfer of early maladaptive schemas – a preliminary study performed on a non-clinical group
Authors: Mącik Dorota , Chodkiewicz Jan , Bielicka Daria
Published: July 2016

Background

The maladaptive schemas theory assumes the creation of schemas as a result of relationships with parents during childhood. The aim of the study was to answer questions about the relations between dysfunctional parents’ schemas and their parental attitudes and their children’s schemas.

Participants and procedure

Eighty people participated in the study: 20 full families with grown children: a daughter and a son. The Questionnaire of Retrospective Assessment of Parental Attitudes (KPR-Roc) by Plopa and the Young Schema Questionnaire in its short form (YSQ-S3) were used.

Results

The results indicate that in the case of daughters the relationships between parental attitudes and schemas relate primarily to the perception of the mother’s attitudes. The strongest positive relationship between maladaptive daughter’s schemas were in relation to an excessively demanding attitude of the mother. There were no relations between the perception of the father’s attitudes and schemas of daughters. In the case of boys there were less significant correlations for both the perception of the mother and father. With regard to the relationship between parents’ schemas and children’s schemas, such mothers’ schemas as defectiveness, vulnerability to harm or illness and absolute severity and such fathers’ schemas as defectiveness, entanglement and self-sacrifice showed especially strong links with daughters’ schemas. The strongest relationships with sons’ schemas occurred in relation to the mother’s schema connected with pessimism and the father’s vulnerability to harm.

Conclusions

Young’s schemas theory seems to be significant from the perspective of understanding intergenerational transfers of beliefs and accompanying behaviours.
Self-image and suicidal and violent behaviours of adolescent girls
Authors: Sitnik-Warchulska Katarzyna
Published: July 2016

Background

An increase in self-destructive and aggressive behaviours in adolescents has been observed in recent years. The present study focused on self-perception of adolescent girls who show different types of extreme destructive behaviours (suicidal or violent). The main aim of the study was to identify personality predictors of suicidal and violent behaviour in adolescent girls.

Participants and procedure

The study involved 163 female participants aged 13-17 years, including 44 suicide attempters (without extreme aggressive behaviour towards others), 46 girls using violence against others (without extreme self-destructive behaviour) and 77 girls exhibiting no destructive behaviour. The following research methods were applied: the Adjective Checklist (ACL) (versions “What am I like?” and “What would I like to be?”), and the Sentence Completion Test.

Results

The girls showing extreme destructive behaviour, particularly self-destructive behaviour, were found to have a more negative self-image, a lower level of consistency of the self-image, lower self-esteem and a higher level of inner conflict than the control group. Stepwise discriminant analysis was used to determine predictors of extreme self-destructive or aggressive behaviours. Escalated inner conflicts within the attitude towards oneself appear to be the most important predictor of suicidal behaviour in adolescent girls, whereas self-perception based on strength seems to be the most significant predictor of violent behaviour in adolescent girls.

Conclusions

The research showed that destructive behaviour among adolescents is a multidimensional phenomenon. The statistical model presented in the study has been proved to have a high value. The results can help in successful prevention and therapy of destructive behaviours in adolescents.
Scleroderma of geriatric age and scleroderma-like paraneoplastic syndrome – description of two cases
Authors: Marek Magdalena , Rudny Robert
Published: July 2016

Systemic sclerosis (Ssc) is an autoimmune connective tissue disease of unknown origin, characterized by progressive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs.

Immune reactions taking part in Ssc pathogenesis may contribute to cancer development; therefore patients with risk factors for this disease require observation for a neoplastic process. On the other hand, symptoms of Ssc may be a mask of various cancers. Differentiating between the idiopathic form of Ssc and scleroderma-like paraneoplastic syndrome often causes a lot of difficulties.

The article presents two cases of Ssc at the beginning of the disease after 60 years of age. The first case was diagnosed as Ssc, whereas in the second case the defined diagnosis was scleroderma-like syndrome in the course of colorectal cancer. This paper presents an analysis of differential diagnostic procedures which were performed and led to the final diagnosis, mentions types of cancers co-occurring with Ssc and suggests a screening scheme for cancer development in patients with a diagnosis of Ssc.
Physical activity in the elderly who underwent joint replacement surgery in the course of rheumatic diseases
Authors: Prusinowska Agnieszka , Komorowski Arkadiusz , Przepióra Wiktor , Księżopolska-Orłowska Krystyna
Published: July 2016

According to the forecasts of the Central Statistical Office of Poland, in 2030 people at the age of 65 and older will account for 23.8%, i.e. their number will amount to approx. 8.5 m people. Geriatric rheumatic patients more often decide to undergo surgical joint replacement. According to the National Health Fund, the number of joint replacement services provided in 2014 increased by 93%, as compared to 2005. Improving the physical performance of this constantly expanding group of patients requires taking into account many factors to raise their functional status, reduce the risk of falling, teach rules of proper functioning with an artificial joint and encourage unassisted physical activity. Restoring fitness and independence is a difficult but necessary task due to an increasing number of seniors with replaced joint.
Pachydermodactyly – a report of two cases
Authors: Żuber Zbigniew , Dyduch Grzegorz , Jaworek Andrzej , Turowska-Heydel Dorota , Sobczyk Małgorzata , Banach-Górnicka Marta , Rusnak Katarzyna , Górecki Wojciech
Published: July 2016

Pachydermodactyly (PDD) is a rare and benign form of digital soft tissues fibromatosis, which affects the skin of the fingers. The disorder is characterized by asymptomatic, symmetric, progressive soft tissue swelling of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints of the fingers. The etiology of disease remains unknown. It is usually acquired, even though there are some publications that document family cases. It affects mainly adolescent men.

We report two boys with the bilateral swelling of the of the PIP joints of the fingers and skin and subcutaneous tissue thickening. Based on clinical manifestations, radiological study and histopathological examination, pachydermodactyly was diagnosed.

PDD is a rare and benign disorder, although it is important to consider other diseases, especially rheumatic conditions, in the differential diagnosis in order to avoid unnecessary additional tests and treatments.
Linking variations in sea spray aerosol particle hygroscopicity to
composition during two microcosm experiments
Authors: Forestieri Sara D. , Cornwell Gavin C. , Helgestad Taylor M. , Moore Kathryn A. , Lee Christopher , Novak Gordon A. , Sultana Camille M. , Wang Xiaofei , Bertram Timothy H. , Prather Kimberly A. , Cappa Christopher D.
Published: July 2016

Abstract. The extent to which water uptake influences the light scattering ability of marine sea spray aerosol (SSA) particles depends critically on SSA chemical composition. The organic fraction of SSA can increase during phytoplankton blooms, decreasing the salt content and therefore the hygroscopicity of the particles. In this study, subsaturated hygroscopic growth factors at 85 % relative humidity (GF(85 %)) of predominately submicron SSA particles were quantified during two induced phytoplankton blooms in marine aerosol reference tanks (MARTs). One MART was illuminated with fluorescent lights and the other was illuminated with sunlight, referred to as the "indoor" and "outdoor" MARTs, respectively. Optically weighted GF(85 %) values for SSA particles were derived from measurements of light scattering and particle size distributions. The mean optically weighted SSA diameters were 530 and 570 nm for the indoor and outdoor MARTs, respectively. The GF(85 %) measurements were made concurrently with online particle composition measurements, including bulk composition (using an Aerodyne high-resolution aerosol mass spectrometer) and single particle (using an aerosol time-of-flight mass spectrometer) measurement, and a variety of water-composition measurements. During both microcosm experiments, the observed optically weighted GF(85 %) values were depressed substantially relative to pure inorganic sea salt by 5 to 15 %. There was also a time lag between GF(85 %) depression and the peak chlorophyll a (Chl a) concentrations by either 1 (indoor MART) or 3-to-6 (outdoor MART) days. The fraction of organic matter in the SSA particles generally increased after the Chl a peaked, also with a time lag, and ranged from about 0.25 to 0.5 by volume. The observed depression in the GF(85 %) values (relative to pure sea salt) is consistent with the large observed volume fractions of non-refractory organic matter (NR-OM) comprising the SSA. The GF(85 %) values exhibited a reasonable negative correlation with the SSA NR-OM volume fractions after the peak of the blooms (i.e., Chl a maxima); i.e., the GF(85 %) values generally decreased when the NR-OM volume fractions increased. The GF(85 %) vs. NR-OM volume fraction relationship was interpreted using the Zdanovskii–Stokes–Robinson (ZSR) mixing rule and used to estimate the GF(85 %) of the organic matter in the nascent SSA. The estimated pure NR-OM GF(85 %) values were 1.16 ± 0.09 and 1.23 ± 0.10 for the indoor and outdoor MARTS, respectively. These measurements demonstrate a clear relationship between SSA particle composition and the sensitivity of light scattering to variations in relative humidity. The implications of these observations to the direct climate effects of SSA particles are discussed.
Mechanisms of Trichodesmium demise within the New Caledonian lagoon during the VAHINE
mesocosm experiment
Authors: Spungin Dina , Pfreundt Ulrike , Berthelot Hugo , Bonnet Sophie , AlRoumi Dina , Natale Frank , Hess Wolfgang R. , Bidle Kay D. , Berman-Frank Ilana
Published: July 2016

Abstract. The globally important marine diazotrophic cyanobacterium Trichodesmium is abundant in the New Caledonian lagoon (southwestern Pacific Ocean) during austral spring/summer. We investigated the cellular processes mediating Trichodesmium mortality from large surface accumulations (blooms) in the lagoon. Trichodesmium cells (and associated microbiota) were collected at the time of surface accumulation, enclosed under simulated ambient conditions, and sampled over time to elucidate the stressors and subcellular underpinning of rapid biomass demise (> 90 % biomass crashed within  ∼  24 h). Metatranscriptomic profiling of Trichodesmium biomass, 0, 8 and 22 h after incubations of surface accumulations, demonstrated upregulated expression of genes required to increase phosphorus (P) and iron (Fe) availability and transport, while genes responsible for nutrient storage were downregulated. Total viral abundance oscillated throughout the experiment and showed no significant relationship with the development or demise of the Trichodesmium biomass. Enhanced caspase-specific activity and upregulated expression of a suite of metacaspase genes, as the Trichodesmium biomass crashed, implied autocatalytic programmed cell death (PCD) as the mechanistic cause. Concurrently, genes associated with buoyancy and gas vesicle production were strongly downregulated concomitant with increased production and high concentrations of transparent exopolymeric particles (TEP). The rapid, PCD-mediated, decline of the Trichodesmium biomass, as we observed from our incubations, parallels mortality rates reported from Trichodesmium blooms in situ. Our results suggest that, whatever the ultimate factor, PCD-mediated death in Trichodesmium can rapidly terminate blooms, facilitate aggregation, and expedite vertical flux to depth.
Comparison of the simulated upper-ocean vertical structure using
1-dimensional mixed-layer models
Authors: Mukherjee Sonaljit , Tandon Amit
Published: July 2016

Abstract. Atmospheric fluxes influence the momentum and scalar properties in the upper-cean. Buoyancy fluxes result in a diurnal variability in the sea-surface temperature (SST), whereas the wind stress forms near-inertial currents in the mixed layer (ML). In this study, we investigate the contrasts between the simulated SST and the vertical structure of the temperature and shear by three different mixing models: the PWP bulk mixed-layer model, the KPP non-local boundary layer model and the κ−ϵ local mixing model. We choose two upper-ocean datasets for our studies, namely the SWAPP (1990) and the MLML (1991). The SWAPP dataset shows the presence of strong near-inertial shear below the ML and negligible near-inertial shear within the ML. The MLML dataset shows a negligible rise in the SST during the first 22 day mixing phase, which is followed by a steep rise by 6 °C during the subsequent 75 day restratification phase. Comparison with the SWAPP dataset shows that the KPP and κ−ϵ models form strong shear near the surface due to weak eddy viscosities, thus producing a thin shear layer over the entire range of frequencies in the wind stress. At the ML base, the models form an inertial and a diurnal maximum. The inertial maximum extends over a substantial range of depths, and is continuous for the κ−ϵ model but discontinuous for the KPP and PWP models. Comparison with the MLML dataset reveals that the KPP yields the largest SST amplitude over a 24-hour diurnal cycle, and is followed by the κ−ϵ and PWP. However, the net warming of SST at the end of the diurnal cycle is stronger for the PWP compared to κ−ϵ and KPP. The PWP also forms stronger temperature gradients at the ML base compared to κ−ϵ and KPP. Over multiple diurnal cycles, the shallowing and deepening of the mixed layer results in multiple sharp temperature gradients in PWP, thus forming a serrated vertical profile that remains unaffected during the restratification phase of the MLML dataset.
EXPERIMENTAL VALIDATION OF THE CHARLESBY AND HORIKX MODELS APPLIED TO DE-VULCANIZATION OF SULFUR AND PEROXIDE VULCANIZATES OF NR AND EPDM
Authors: Verbruggen M. A. L. , van der Does L. , Dierkes W. K. , Noordermeer J. W. M.
Published: July 2016

The theoretical model developed by Charlesby to quantify the balance between cross-links creation of polymers and chain scission during radiation cross-linking and further modifications by Horikx to describe network breakdown from aging were merged to characterize the balance of both types of scission on the development of the sol content during de-vulcanization of rubber networks. There are, however, disturbing factors in these theoretical considerations vis-à-vis practical reality. Sulfur- and peroxide-cured NR and EPDM vulcanizates were de-vulcanized under conditions of selective cross-link and random main-chain scissions. Cross-link scission was obtained using thiol-amine reagents for selective cleavage of sulfur cross-links. Random main-chain scission was achieved by heating peroxide vulcanizates of NR with diphenyldisulfide, a method commonly employed for NR reclaiming. An important factor in the analyses of these experiments is the cross-linking index. Its value must be calculated using the sol fraction of the cross-linked network before de-vulcanization to obtain reliable results. The values for the cross-linking index calculated with sol-gel data before de-vulcanization appear to fit the experimentally determined modes of network scission during de-vulcanization very well. This study confirms that the treatment of de-vulcanization data with the merged Charlesby and Horikx models can be used satisfactorily to characterize the de-vulcanization of NR and EPDM vulcanizates.
El Relato Digital. Análisis de sus elementos y tipología
Authors: Roig-Vila Rosabel , Rosales-Statkus Saulius
Published: July 2016

El Relato Digital, en su forma más conocida, es un vídeo corto, de aproximadamente dos a tres minutos de duración, en que se combinan imágenes estáticas y/o en movimiento, música, efectos de sonido, etc., con una narración creada y grabada por el autor del vídeo, en el que comunica un mensaje que incluye su punto de vista tratando de involucrar a la audiencia. A pesar de ello, existen distintas visiones de lo que debe ser un Relato Digital, a partir de las cuales se han definido tipos y elementos que éstos deben contener para lograr una comunicación más efectiva del mensaje que portan. En el presente trabajo pretendemos ahondar en estas características que han hecho que el Relato Digital se haya asociado en el ámbito de la educación con aspectos tales como la alfabetización digital, medios de comunicación y aprendizaje colaborativo, entre otros.
La Investigación Basada en Diseño en Tecnología Educativa
Authors: De Benito Crosetti Barbara , Salinas Ibáñez Jesús Maria
Published: July 2016

Se entiende por Investigación Basada en Diseño un tipo de investigación orientado hacia la innovación educativa cuya característica fundamental consiste en la introducción de un elemento nuevo para transformar una situación. 

Este tipo de investigación trata de responder a problemas detectados en la realidad educativa recurriendo a teorías científicas o modelos disponibles de cara a proponer posibles soluciones a dichos problemas. A este fin, se diseñan programas, paquetes didácticos, materiales, estrategias didácticas, etc..,  que se someten a pruebas y validación, y, una vez mejorados, se difunden a la realidad escolar.

El proceso de investigación presenta, generalmente, dos etapas: investigar hasta crear un nuevo producto y sus sucesivas mejoras, y por otro lado aportar conocimiento en forma de principios que contribuyen a  nuevos procesos de diseño. Entendiendo producto no sólo objetos materiales (libros de texto, programas de vídeo, aplicaciones de ordenador, juegos de simulación,...), sino también procesos y procedimientos (métodos de enseñanza, planes de organización escolar, estrategias didácticas, distintos programas,...).
Blue/pink/purple electroluminescence from metal–oxide–semiconductor devices fabricated by spin-coating of [tantalum:(gadolinium/praseodymium)] and (praseodymium:cerium) organic compounds on silicon
Authors: Ohzone Takashi , Matsuda Toshihiro , Fukuoka Ryouhei , Hattori Fumihiro , Iwata Hideyuki
Published: July 2016

Blue/pink/purple electroluminescence (EL) from metal–oxide–semiconductor (MOS) devices with an indium tin oxide (ITO)/[Gd/(Ta + Gd/Pr)/(Pr + Ce)–Si–O] insulator layer/n+-Si substrate surface is reported. The insulator layers were fabricated from organic liquid sources of Gd or (Ta + Gd/Pr)/(Pr + Ce) mixtures, which were spin-coated on the n+-Si substrate and annealed at 950 °C for 30 min in air. The EL emission could be observed by the naked eye in the dark in the Fowler–Nordheim (FN) tunnel current regions. Peak wavelengths in the measured EL spectra were independent of the positive current. The EL intensity ratio of ultraviolet (UV) to the visible range varied with the composition ratio of the (Ta + Gd) liquids, and an optimum Ta to Gd ratio existed for the strongest blue emission, which could be attributed to the Ta-related oxide/silicate. The pink EL of the device fabricated with the (

) mixture ratio can be explained by EL emission peaks related to the Pr3+ ions. The purple EL observed from the (

) device corresponds to the strong and broad emission profile near the 357 nm peak, which cannot be assigned to Ce3+ ions. The results suggest that the EL can be attributed to the double-layer oxides with different compositions in the MOS devices. The upper layer consists of various Ta-, Gd-, Pr-, and Ce-related oxides and their silicates, while the lower SiO
x
-rich layer contributes to the FN current due to the high electric field, and thus the various EL colors.
Protective Effect of Curcumin on Carbapenem-Resistant Escherichia coli–Induced Lung Injury in Rats
Authors: Bali Cagla , Altintas Nejat , Ozmete Ozlem , Gelincik Ibrahim , Yabanoglu Hakan , Tekin Neslihan , Altinsoy Bulent , Turan Bunyamin Cuneyt , Aribogan Anıs
Published: July 2016

Curcumin has remarkable anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of curcumin on a rat model of carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli–induced acute lung injury (ALI). Thirty-two rats were randomly allocated to 4 groups to induce an ALI: negative control group (rats not infected with E coli with no antibiotic treatment), positive control group (rats infected with E coli with no antibiotic treatment), imipenem group (rats infected with E coli that received intraperitoneal injection of imipenem), and the imipenem+curcumin group (rats infected with E coli that received intraperitoneal injection of imipenem and were fed on curcumin).The rats were killed, and lung tissues samples were harvested for biochemical analyses and histopathologic examination. Total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), and interleukin-6 (IL6) were measured. TOS increased in the positive control group (P < 0.001) and decreased in the imipenem and imipenem+curcumin groups (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). TAS decreased in the positive control group (P = 0.005). Imipenem treatment did not increase TAS, but the imipenem+curcumin group increased TAS (P = 0.014). TNFα and IL6 increased in the positive control group compared with the negative control group (P < 0.001 and P = 0.010, respectively). Imipenem decreased TNFα (P < 0.001), but did not decrease IL6 (P = 0.418). Imipenem+curcumin decreased TNFα (P < 0.001); this decrease was more pronounced compared with the imipenem group (P = 0.008). IL6 decreased in the curcumin group compared with the positive control group (P = 0.011). Curcumin combined with imipenem can be an alternative therapeutic agent to overcome the resistance of E coli strains.
Usefulness of a Long Forceps Technique in Single-Incision Laparoscopic Surgery for Totally Extraperitoneal Repair of Inguinal Hernia
Authors: Tokairin Yutaka , Nakajima Yasuaki , Kawada Kenro , Hoshino Akihiro , Nagai Kagami , Kawano Tatsuyuki
Published: July 2016

Collisions between the laparoscope and the forceps remain a specific problem for single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS). We considered that the use of a long forceps would resolve this problem and use the long forceps in SILS for totally extraperitoneal repair (TEP). SILS for TEP (S-TEP) was performed to treat 34 inguinal hernias in 27 patients from November 2013 to February 2015. Among them, unilateral inguinal hernia repair was performed in 5 patients (median age: 71 years; range: 40–88 years) using a laparosonic coagulating shears (LCS) device and a straight long (43 cm) forceps. A 1-cm umbilical incision was made, a 5-mm flexible laparoscope was moved into the peritoneal cavity, and the type of inguinal hernia was diagnosed. Next, preperitoneal space was made using a finger or gauze. The single-port device was applied at preperitoneal space and insufflation was initiated with CO2 gas. The preperitoneal space was more easily created using a long straight forceps rather than standard ones. The hernia sac was then freed from the spermatic cord and a mesh was rolled, inserted, and deployed. Absorbable spiral tackers were used for fixation over the Cooper's ligament, lateral to the inferior epigastric vessels. The use of a long forceps was considered to be associated with reduction of the difficulty for dissection in S-TEP. We considered the use of a long forceps to be useful to the S-TEP operation.
A single mutation converts bacterial Na+‐transporting rhodopsin into an H+ transporter
Authors: Mamedov Mahir D. , Mamedov Adalyat M. , Bertsova Yulia V. , Bogachev Alexander V.
Published: July 2016

Na+‐rhodopsins are light‐driven pumps used by marine bacteria to extrude Na+ ions from the cytoplasm. We show here that replacement of Gln123 on the cytoplasmic side of the ion‐conductance channel with aspartate or glutamate confers H+ transport activity to the Na+‐rhodopsin from Dokdonia sp. PRO95. The Q123E variant could transport H+ out of Escherichia coli cells in a medium containing 100 mm Na+ and SCN− as the penetrating anion. The rates of the photocycle steps of this variant were only marginally dependent on Na+, and the major electrogenic steps were the decays of the K and O intermediates.