bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interleaved Boost Converter Fed with PV for Induction Motor/Agricultural Applications
Authors: Ramesh Adireddy , Kumar M. Siva , Sekhar O. Chandra
Published: December 2016

In present Electricity market Renewable Energy Sources (RES) are gaining much importance. The most common Renewable Energy Sources are Photo voltaic (PV), fuel cell (FC) and wind energy systems, out of these three PV systems PV system can implemented in most of the locations. Due to the power cuts and power disturbances in Distribution systems agriculture application is concentrated on PV based Energy system. The use of PV system is increasing day by day in agriculture application, due to their ease of control and flexibility. PV Electrification schemes also involves various subsidies in government national and international donors. Especially in Agriculture field by use of PV one can achieve higher subsidy. The output of PV system is low voltage DC to have high efficiency. The motors used in agriculture field are Induction Motors (IM) fed from Three phase AC supply, to boost the PV output we need a high voltage gain boost converter along with PWM inverter to Induction motor drive. Out of various DC-DC converter configurations interleaved boost converter is gaining much attention, due to its reduction in size and Electromagnetic Interference (EMI). In this work we are proposing a PV fed interleaved boost converter with PWM inverter for agriculture applications. The design process of interleaved boost converter is explain detail and compared with existing boost converter. A 10KW Power rating is choosing for the Induction motor drive and design calculations are carried out. A MATLAB/SIMULINK based model is developed for boost and interleaved boost converter and simulation results are presented, finally a scaled down hardware circuit design for interleaved boost converter and results are presented.
A Review on Designand Control Methods of Modular Multilevel Converter
Authors: G Ramya , R Ramaprabha
Published: December 2016

Modular multilevel converters (MMC) are an emerging voltage source converter topology suitable for many applications. Due to abundant utilization of HVDC power transmission, the modular multilevel converter has become popular converter type to be used in high voltage applications. Other applications include interfacing renewable energy power sources to the grid and motor drives. Modular multilevel converters are beneficial for high voltage and high power motor drives because of the properties of this converter topology, such as, low distortion, high efficiency, etc. For the past few years significant research has been carried out to address the technical challenges associated with operation and voltage balancing of MMC. In this paper, a detailed technical review on the control strategies is presented for ready reference.
A Review Work on High Frequency Induction Curing of Porous Asphalt Concrete
Authors: Neogi Kaushik , Sadhu Pradip Kumar , Banerjee Atanu
Published: December 2016

Induction heating method is a well known process to produce heat in a localized area on a susceptible metallic object. High frequency power, a work coil and an ancillary instrument part is the basis of induction heating. It is used in industrial and domestic areas where uniform and rapid heating is absolutely essential. As it is highly needed, in this research work, the effectiveness of induction heating will be verified by different curing methods. Firstly to initiate the asphalt concrete curing by high frequency induction heating so that the concrete become durable, electrically conductive and appropriately adjusted for induction heating, steel wire mesh / GI wire mesh is employed which is a good conductor of electricity. Now when micro cracks are likely to occur in asphalt product, the temperature of the asphalt material can be made high by induction heating of the steel wire mesh / GI wire mesh due to which the micro cracks are repaired itself and cracks are repaired by the increased temperature curing of bitumen by the physical process of diffusion and flow of the material. Consequent upon the repair, pre repair of small cracks, major cracks fail to occur protecting the road and thus ravelling of the road prevented to a great extent.
Investigation of the Common Mode Voltage for a Neutral-Point-Clamped Multilevel Inverter Drive and its Innovative Elimination through SVPWM Switching-State Redundancy
Authors: Bharatiraja C. , Munda J.L. , Sriramsai N. , Navaneesh T Sai
Published: December 2016

The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive Investigations and its control on the common mode Voltage (CMV) of the three-phase three-level neutral-point diode-clamped (NPC) multilevel inverter (MLI). A widespread space-vector pulse width modulation (SVPWM) technique to mitigate the perpetual problem of the NPC-MLI, the CMV, proposed. The proposed scheme is an effectual blend of nearest three vector (NTV) and selected three vector (STV) techniques. This scheme is capable to reduce the CMV without compromise the inverter output voltage and Total harmonics distraction (THD). CMV reduction achieved less than +Vdc/6 using the proposed vector selection procedure. The theoretical Investigations, the MATLAB software based computer simulation and Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) supported hardware corroboration have shown the superiority of the proposed technique over the conventional SVPWM schemes.
An Experimental Study of P&O MPPT Control for Photovoltaic Systems
Authors: Lahfaoui Badreddine , Zouggar Smail , Elhafyani Mohamed Larbi , Seddik Mohammed
Published: December 2016

Tracking the maximum power point plays an important role for the optimization of the solar energy. The objective here is to study experimentally optimizing photovoltaic (PV) systems connected to a DC-DC converter (Boost) and a resistive load. For this, tests were conducted to determine the law of open loop control (power versus the duty cycle) for different solar irradiance values and load with an approximately constant cell temperature. The obtained results showed that the power passes through a maximum point. In order to extract the maximum power, for different values of solar irradiance and load, an MPPT control "Perturb and Observe" P & O has been implemented on a DSPACE 1104. The experimental results showed the performance of the method suggested.
Modeling and Control of a Doubly-Fed Induction Generator for Wind Turbine-Generator Systems
Authors: Lamnadi Mouna , Trihi Mourad , Bossoufi Badre , Boulezhar Abdelkader
Published: December 2016

This paper presents a vector control direct (FOC) of double fed induction generator intended to control the generated stator powers. This device is intended to be implemented in a variable-speed wind-energy conversion system connected to the grid. In order to control the active and reactive power exchanged between the machine stator and the grid, the rotor is fed by a bi-directional converter. The DFIG is controlled by standard relay controllers. Details of the control strategy and system simulation were performed using Simulink and the results are presented in this here to show the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy.
Relationships of Measured and Genetically Determined Height With the Cardiac Conduction System in Healthy Adults
Authors: Kofler Thomas , Thériault Sébastien , Bossard Matthias , Aeschbacher Stefanie , Bernet Selina , Krisai Philipp , Blum Steffen , Risch Martin , Risch Lorenz , Albert Christine M. , Paré Guillaume , Conen David
Published: December 2016

Background—

Increasing height is an independent risk factor for atrial fibrillation, but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. We hypothesized that height-related differences in electric conduction could be potential mediators of this relationship.

Methods and Results—

We enrolled 2149 adults aged 25 to 41 years from the general population. Height was directly measured, and a resting 12-lead ECG obtained under standardized conditions. Multivariable linear regression models were used to evaluate the association between measured height and ECG parameters. Mendelian randomization analyses were then performed using 655 independent height-associated genetic variants previously identified in the GIANT consortium. Median age was 37 years, and median height was 1.71 m. Median PR interval, QRS duration, and QTc interval were 156, 88, and 402 ms, respectively. After multivariable adjustment, β-coefficients (95% confidence intervals) per 10 cm increase in measured height were 4.17 (2.65–5.69;
P
<0.0001) for PR interval and 2.06 (1.54–2.58;
P
<0.0001) for QRS duration. Height was not associated with QTc interval or the Sokolow–Lyon index. An increase of 10 cm in genetically determined height was associated with increases of 4.33 ms (0.76–7.96;
P
=0.02) in PR interval and 2.57 ms (1.33–3.83;
P
<0.0001) in QRS duration but was not related to QTc interval or Sokolow–Lyon index.

Conclusions—

In this large population-based study, we found significant associations of measured and genetically determined height with PR interval and QRS duration. Our findings suggest that adult height is a marker of altered cardiac conduction and that these relationships may be causal.
Comparison of the Efficacy and Safety of Early Rule-Out Pathways for Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Chapman Andrew R. , Anand Atul , Boeddinghaus Jasper , Ferry Amy V. , Sandeman Dennis , Adamson Philip D. , Andrews Jack , Tan Stephanie , Cheng Sheun F. , D’Souza Michelle , Orme Kate , Strachan Fiona E. , Nestelberger Thomas , Twerenbold Raphael , Badertscher Patrick , Reichlin Tobias , Gray Alasdair , Shah Anoop S.V. , Mueller Christian , Newby David E. , Mills Nicholas L.
Published: December 2016

Background:

High-sensitivity cardiac troponin assays enable myocardial infarction to be ruled out earlier, but the optimal approach is uncertain. We compared the European Society of Cardiology rule-out pathway with a pathway that incorporates lower cardiac troponin concentrations to risk stratify patients.

Methods:

Patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome (n=1218) underwent high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I measurement at presentation and 3 and 6 or 12 hours. We compared the European Society of Cardiology pathway (<99th centile at presentation or at 3 hours if symptoms <6 hours) with a pathway developed in the High-STEACS study (High-Sensitivity Troponin in the Evaluation of Patients With Acute Coronary
S
yndrome) population (<5 ng/L at presentation or change <3 ng/L and <99th centile at 3 hours). The primary outcome was a comparison of the negative predictive value of both pathways for index type 1 myocardial infarction or type 1 myocardial infarction or cardiac death at 30 days. We evaluated the primary outcome in prespecified subgroups stratified by age, sex, time of symptom onset, and known ischemic heart disease.

Results:

The primary outcome occurred in 15.7% (191 of 1218) patients. In those less than the 99th centile at presentation, the European Society of Cardiology pathway ruled out myocardial infarction in 28.1% (342 of 1218) and 78.9% (961 of 1218) at presentation and 3 hours, respectively, missing 18 index and two 30-day events (negative predictive value, 97.9%; 95% confidence interval, 96.9–98.7). The High-STEACS pathway ruled out 40.7% (496 of 1218) and 74.2% (904 of 1218) at presentation and 3 hours, missing 2 index and two 30-day events (negative predictive value, 99.5%; 95% confidence interval, 99.0–99.9;
P
<0.001 for comparison). The negative predictive value of the High-STEACS pathway was greater than the European Society of Cardiology pathway overall (
P
<0.001) and in all subgroups, including those presenting early or known to have ischemic heart disease.

Conclusions:

Use of the High-STEACS pathway incorporating low high-sensitivity cardiac troponin concentrations rules out myocardial infarction in more patients at presentation and misses 5-fold fewer index myocardial infarctions than guideline-approved pathways based exclusively on the 99th centile.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
http://clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01852123.
Is Unexplained Early Neurological Deterioration After Intravenous Thrombolysis Associated With Thrombus Extension?
Authors: Seners Pierre , Hurford Robert , Tisserand Marie , Turc Guillaume , Legrand Laurence , Naggara Olivier , Mas Jean-Louis , Oppenheim Catherine , Baron Jean-Claude
Published: December 2016

Background and Purpose—

Early neurological deterioration (END) after anterior circulation stroke is strongly associated with poor outcome. Apart from straightforward causes, such as intracerebral hemorrhage and malignant edema, the mechanism of END occurring after intravenous thrombolysis remains unclear in most instances. We tested the hypothesis that unexplained END is associated with thrombus extension.

Methods—

From our database of consecutively thrombolysed patients, we identified anterior circulation stroke patients who had both admission and 24-hour T2* magnetic resonance imaging, visible occlusion on admission magnetic resonance angiography and no recanalization on 24-hour magnetic resonance angiography. END was defined as ≥4 National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale–point deterioration on 24-hour clinical assessment and unexplained END as END without clear cause. The incidence of susceptibility vessel sign extension on T2* imaging, defined as any new occurrence or extension of susceptibility vessel sign from admission to 24-hour follow-up magnetic resonance, was compared between patients with unexplained END and those without END.

Results—

Of 120 eligible patients for the present study, 22 experienced unexplained END. Susceptibility vessel sign extension was present in 41 (34%) patients and was significantly more frequent in the unexplained END than in the no-END group (59% versus 29%, respectively; adjusted odds ratio=3.96; 95% confidence interval, 1.25–12.53;
P
=0.02).

Conclusions—

In this study, unexplained END occurring after thrombolysis was independently associated with susceptibility vessel sign extension, suggesting in situ thrombus extension or re-embolization. These findings strengthen the need to further investigate early post-thrombolysis administration of antithrombotics to reduce the risk of this ominous clinical event.
Public Meaning of the Zasulich Trial 1878: Law, Politics and Gender
Authors: Borisova Tatiana
Published: December 2016

The article aims to demonstrate that while the jurors’ acquittal of the famous terrorist Vera Zasulich has often been interpreted in terms of sympathy for ‘a desperate girl’, previously underestimated legal and political claims also played an important role in the trial. The key legal experts at the trial – her defense attorney Aleksandrov and the president of the court Koni – interpreted Zasulich’s attempt on Trepov’s life as an act of societal self-defense: Zasulich was presented as a victim of a society which could no longer tolerate arbitrariness by authorities. The flogging of political prisoner Bogolyubov following Trepov’s illegal order made Zasulich desperate to take revenge in order to alert Russian society of the humiliating arbitrariness and the unfairness of the political and legal structures of late Imperial Russia.

Her victimization highlighted her “moral right” to act as a defendant of true law and legality in Russia. This idea of “moral right,” which empowered Zasulich to act in defense of society, was supported by Koni’s conceptualization of law and state power as an embodiment of the people’s will and responsibility. This conceptualization was elaborated in detail in his scholarly legal writings scholarship on the right to self-defense. The article brings together Koni’s theory and his practical role in Zasulich’s acquittal and demonstrates tensions between the Great Reforms and their political and social limitations.
Zalabardo on Pritchard and the Evidential Problem
Authors: Piazza Tommaso
Published: December 2016

It is an alleged virtue of Pritchard’s Epistemological Disjunctivism (ed) that it makes available a promising line of resistance against the sceptic about perceptual knowledge. According to José Zalabardo’s reconstruction of it, however, this line of resistance—in particular, the solution it supplies to what Pritchard calls the Evidential Problem—is ultimately flawed. Whether or not the solution criticized by Zalabardo is the one supplied by ed—which Pritchard has denied—my aim in this paper is to show that Zalabardo’s criticism of this solution fails. To begin with, I show that it is based on excessively demanding epistemic principles. Moreover, I argue that on a more plausible epistemic principle Zalabardo’s conclusion doesn’t go through.
Evaluating the Prospects for Young Lawyers to Remake Putin’s Russia
Authors: Hendley Kathryn
Published: December 2016

Russian lawyers have traditionally been politically pliant. The paper explores the potential for change. By focusing on the results of a survey of a cohort of 2015 graduates of law faculties across Russia, it asks whether lawyers might be prepared to use their expertise to challenge the Putin regime. About 30 percent of the sample were motivated to study law by a desire to change and improve society. The analysis shows that this group is more supportive of Putin’s policies than the rest of the respondents. This suggests that they are unlikely to lead the charge for greater democracy or spark a resurgence of civil society.
Factor XI deficiency is associated with lower risk for cardiovascular and venous thromboembolism events
Authors: Preis Meir , Hirsch Julianna , Kotler Antonio , Zoabi Ahmad , Stein Nili , Rennert Gad , Saliba Walid
Published: December 2016

Key Points

Factor XI deficiency is associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular events. Factor XI deficiency is associated with reduced risk of VTE.
Nanostructured scaffold as a determinant of stem cell fate
Authors: Krishna Lekshmi , Dhamodaran Kamesh , Jayadev Chaitra , Chatterjee Kaushik , Shetty Rohit , Khora S. S. , Das Debashish
Published: December 2016

The functionality of stem cells is tightly regulated by cues from the niche, comprising both intrinsic and extrinsic cell signals. Besides chemical and growth factors, biophysical signals are important components of extrinsic signals that dictate the stem cell properties. The materials used in the fabrication of scaffolds provide the chemical cues whereas the shape of the scaffolds provides the biophysical cues. The effect of the chemical composition of the scaffolds on stem cell fate is well researched. Biophysical signals such as nanotopography, mechanical forces, stiffness of the matrix, and roughness of the biomaterial influence the fate of stem cells. However, not much is known about their role in signaling crosstalk, stem cell maintenance, and directed differentiation. Among the various techniques for scaffold design, nanotechnology has special significance. The role of nanoscale topography in scaffold design for the regulation of stem cell behavior has gained importance in regenerative medicine. Nanotechnology allows manipulation of highly advanced surfaces/scaffolds for optimal regulation of cellular behavior. Techniques such as electrospinning, soft lithography, microfluidics, carbon nanotubes, and nanostructured hydrogel are described in this review, along with their potential usage in regenerative medicine. We have also provided a brief insight into the potential signaling crosstalk that is triggered by nanomaterials that dictate a specific outcome of stem cells. This concise review compiles recent developments in nanoscale architecture and its importance in directing stem cell differentiation for prospective therapeutic applications.
Health communication, information technology and the public’s attitude toward periodic general health examinations
Authors: Vuong Quan-Hoang
Published: December 2016

Background: Periodic general health examinations (GHEs) are gradually becoming more popular as they employ subclinical screenings, as a means of early detection. This study considers the effect of information technology (IT), health communications and the public’s attitude towards GHEs in Vietnam. Methods: A total of 2,068 valid observations were obtained from a survey in Hanoi and its surrounding areas. Results: In total, 42.12% of participants stated that they were willing to use IT applications to recognise illness symptoms, and nearly 2/3 of them rated the healthcare quality at average level or below. Discussion: The data, which was processed by the BCL model, showed that IT applications (apps) reduce hesitation toward GHEs; however, older people seem to have less confidence in using these apps. Health communications and government’s subsidy also increased the likelihood of people attending periodic GHEs. The probability of early check-ups where there is a cash subsidy could reach approximately 80%.
O3, CH4, CO2, CO, NO2 and NMHC aircraft measurements in the Uinta Basin oil and gas region under low and high ozone conditions in winter 2012 and 2013
Authors: Oltmans S. J. , Karion A. , Schnell R. C. , Pétron G. , Helmig D. , Montzka S. A. , Wolter S. , Neff D. , Miller B. R. , Hueber J. , Conley S. , Johnson B. J. , Sweeney C.
Published: December 2016

Instrumented aircraft measuring air composition in the Uinta Basin, Utah, during February 2012 and January-February 2013 documented dramatically different atmospheric ozone (O3) mole fractions. In 2012 O3 remained near levels of ∼40 ppb in a well-mixed 500–1000 m deep boundary layer while in 2013, O3 mole fractions >140 ppb were measured in a shallow (∼200 m) boundary layer. In contrast to 2012 when mole fractions of emissions from oil and gas production such as methane (CH4), non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHCs) and combustion products such as carbon dioxide (CO2) were moderately elevated, in winter 2013 very high mole fractions were observed. Snow cover in 2013 helped produce and maintain strong temperature inversions that capped a shallow cold pool layer. In 2012, O3 and CH4 and associated NMHCs mole fractions were not closely related. In 2013, O3 mole fractions were correlated with CH4 and a suite of NMHCs identifying the gas field as the primary source of the O3 precursor NMHC emissions. In 2013 there was a strong positive correlation between CH4 and CO2 suggesting combustion from oil and natural gas processing activities. The presence of O3 precursor NMHCs through the depth of the boundary layer in 2013 led to O3 production throughout the layer. In 2013, O3 mole fractions increased over the course of the week-long episodes indicating O3 photochemical production was larger than dilution and deposition rates, while CH4 mole fractions began to level off after 3 days indicative of some air being mixed out of the boundary layer. The plume of a coal-fired power plant located east of the main gas field was not an important contributor to O3 or O3 precursors in the boundary layer in 2013.
The changing face of lower tropospheric sulfur oxides in the United States
Authors: Hidy G. M. , Blanchard C.L.
Published: December 2016

Sulfur oxides, sulfur dioxide and airborne sulfate, SOx, are short-lived species in the troposphere whose concentrations in air and precipitation have changed dramatically in association with fossil fuel combustion. The historic rise in concentration is coincident with the era of the so-called “Anthropocene.” Unlike concentrations of long-lived species such as carbon dioxide, atmospheric SOx in the United States (US) peaked between 1970 and 2005 then declined. The rise and fall of SOx is traced by comparing national data on emission changes, ambient concentrations, and precipitation sulfate from prior to World War II to the present. Surface SOx concentrations and precipitation sulfate have decreased with emissions in most parts of the US after the late 1970s. Continued reduction toward a natural “background” condition has depended on aggressive management of anthropogenic emission sources. Annual average ambient concentrations of SO2 and SO4 have become more uniform across the US at levels of 1–3 ppbv and 0.3–3 µg/m3, respectively. Precipitation SO4 has a nominal concentration generally less than 0.5 mg/L. The effective lifetime of SOx in the troposphere is a few days. This duration limits the spatial extent of emission source influence of SOx to regional scales, wherein spatial gradients in species concentrations lead to variations in human exposure and impacts on vulnerable terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The effects of domestic emission reductions on SOx levels are moderated by intra- and intercontinental transport of SOx from Canada, Mexico, Asia and elsewhere. The trends in tropospheric SOx concentrations illustrate the results of more than a century of rising public awareness and action to progressively reduce a US environmental risk, accomplished with advances in energy production technology that have maintained economic well-being.
Angina dilemma: a review of assessment, management and lifestyle modification
Authors: Alyasin Najmeh
Published: December 2016

Cardiac ischaemic pain (angina) is very common and accounts for up to 25% of emergency department admissions, although not all chest pain is angina. As a cardiac symptom, angina is most commonly associated with underlying coronary heart disease and requires thorough investigation. It is therefore of primary concern for people with angina to be excluded for coronary heart disease through clinical presentation, physical assessment, risk-factor stratification and electrocardiogram. This condition may cause significant burden to individuals' daily living activities when left undiagnosed and untreated. The focus of this brief review article is on the assessment, management and lifestyle-modification recommendations in patients with angina.
Optimal timing of invasive management of NSTE-ACS
Authors: Bailey Kristopher
Published: December 2016

Coronary heart disease remains one of the biggest causes of death in the UK ( Townsend et al, 2015 ). Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a term used to describe a range of clinical manifestations attributed to coronary heart disease ( Hamm et al, 2011 ). The need for prompt treatment and management of ST-elevation-ACS (STE-ACS) is unambiguous and, in the UK, these patients follow a well-established route from diagnosis, often in the pre-hospital setting, straight into a cardiac catheter laboratory for coronary assessment and revascularisation within 120 minutes ( National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), 2013 ). Although non-ST-elevation-ACS (NSTE-ACS) patients have a lower 30-day mortality rate than STE-ACS patients, at 1 year, the incidence of refractory angina, re-admission to hospital and mortality is significantly higher ( Meier and Seiler, 2013 ). Despite conflicting opinions from international working groups, the optimal timing of invasive management for this cohort of patients remains a contentious matter. By examining contemporary literature, this article aims to explore the available evidence into the optimal timing of invasive coronary intervention for NSTE-ACS patients.
Research Roundup
Authors: Cowan Helen
Published: December 2016

Helen Cowan presents a selection of recently published articles of interest to nurses working in cardiovascular nursing. The aim of this roundup is to provide a brief overview of the research papers selected. A full reference is provided for those who wish to take a look at the research in further detail
Supporting young people's transition from children's to adult services in the community
Authors: McCallum Chloe
Published: December 2016

The Queen's Nursing Institute (QNI) is leading a project to improve young people's experience of transitioning from children's services to adult community health services. To gain an understanding of the current evidence, the QNI conducted a review of relevant UK literature from the last 10 years, focusing on community and primary care nursing. Despite the lack of evidence relating to effective practice in community and primary care settings, the literature search suggested that nurses could play a significant role in coordinating the transition process and working with the young person to prepare them for adult services. The review highlights that further work is required to translate current policy recommendations into practice, and the QNI will be supporting health and care professionals to improve transition by developing learning resources for district nurses, general practice nurses and educators, and promoting the sharing and application of best practice.
Potentiometric Membrane Sensors for Levamisole Determination
Authors: Zubenya Natalia , Zubenya Natalia , Kormosh Zholt , Saribekova Diana , Saribekova Diana , Sukharev Sergei , Sukharev Sergei
Published: December 2016

The ion pair (IP) of levamisole with BiI4 - (SbI4 - ) for the levamisole-selective sensor with a PVC membrane containing - ions were developed. Thermal behavior of obtained IP was investigated by differential thermal analysis that would show the thermal stability and the character of the decomposition of the complex. The thermolysis of Lev+BiI4 - IP undergoes three stages that fit a theoretical interpretation. The linearity ranges of levamisole sensors function are 7.9 ×10-6 – 1×10-1 (7.9 ×10-5 – 1×10-1 ) M. The Nernstian slope of 50.6 – 53.4 mV pC−1 and detection limit of 5.0 × 10−5 – 1.5 × 10−4) M. The working range of pH is 2.8 – 6.0. The efficiency of the use of electrodes for levamisole content control in pharmaceutical preparations was shown by direct potentiometry and potentiometric titration methods.
Archaeology, Heritage, and Moral Terrains: Two Cases from the Mesa Verde Region
Authors: Wolverton Steve , Figueroa Robert Melchior , Swentzell Porter
Published: December 2016

Multiple cultural identities converge in Mesa Verde archaeology. Archaeologists have engaged research questions for the last half century, leading to cultural reconstructive summaries about how Pueblo people lived prior to migrating out of the Mesa Verde region. The importance of this narrative centers on the identity of the researcher as an archaeologist. An increasingly recognized narrative among archaeologists is that of Pueblo identity, in which contemporary Pueblo people claim Mesa Verde villages and landscapes as part of their heritage. Generally speaking, Pueblo people and archaeologists navigate separate moral terrains, which pose multiple obstacles for both archaeologists and Pueblo people pertaining to the past, present, and future of the Mesa Verde region. A conceptual framework from environmental philosophy opens a platform for reconciliation by providing a relational narrative that empowers Pueblo identity and recalibrates archaeology. This environmental justice lens is applied to two archaeological research narratives, one centering on chemical analysis of biomolecular artifact residues and the other on paleohydrology and Pueblo farming.
Runne-Beana: Dog Herds Ethnographer
Authors: Anderson Myrdene
Published: December 2016

Saami society in Lapland (now often called Saapmi), particularly the seasonally-nomadic reindeer-breeding sector, is predicated upon mobility and autonomy of its actors. Runne-Beana, a talented reindeer-herding dog, exhibited both mobility and autonomy when allocating to himself a peripatetic ethnographer, on the first day of five years of doctoral dissertation fieldwork in arctic Norway in 1972. That family’s and the wider community’s reactions to Runne-Beana’s behavior, and mine, highlight the tensions when mobility and autonomy compound with ideologies of ownership and control. At the same time, his companionship profoundly shaped all field relationships, engendering an understanding of dog culture as it is manifest in the herder/herding dog/reindeer triad and in the interpenetration of assumptions concerning child/dog enculturation.
ON CONSTRUCTION OF A RELIABLE GROUND TRUTH FOR EVALUATION OF VISUAL SLAM ALGORITHMS
Authors: Bayer Jan , Čížek Petr , Faigl Jan
Published: December 2016

In this work we are concerning the problem of localization accuracy evaluation of visual-based Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) techniques. Quantitative evaluation of the SLAM algorithm performance is usually done using the established metrics of Relative pose error and Absolute trajectory error which require a precise and reliable ground truth. Such a ground truth is usually hard to obtain, while it requires an expensive external localization system. In this work we are proposing to use the SLAM algorithm itself to construct a reliable ground-truth by offline frame-by-frame processing. The generated ground-truth is suitable for evaluation of different SLAM systems, as well as for tuning the parametrization of the on-line SLAM. The presented practical experimental results indicate the feasibility of the proposed approach.
THE DUBINS TRAVELING SALESMAN PROBLEM WITH CONSTRAINED COLLECTING MANEUVERS
Authors: Váňa Petr , Faigl Jan
Published: December 2016

In this paper, we introduce a variant of the Dubins traveling salesman problem (DTSP) that is called the Dubins traveling salesman problem with constrained collecting maneuvers (DTSP-CM). In contrast to the ordinary formulation of the DTSP, in the proposed DTSP-CM, the vehicle is requested to visit each target by specified collecting maneuver to accomplish the mission. The proposed problem formulation is motivated by scenarios with unmanned aerial vehicles where particular maneuvers are necessary for accomplishing the mission, such as object dropping or data collection with sensor sensitive to changes in vehicle heading. We consider existing methods for the DTSP and propose its modifications to use these methods to address a variant of the introduced DTSP-CM, where the collecting maneuvers are constrained to straight line segments.
STUDY ON TECHNIQUES AND TOOLS USED IN LEAN HEALTHCARE IMPLEMENTATION: A LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors: Senna Pedro , Gomes Andreia , Monteiro Aluisio , Pinha Denis
Published: December 2016

Lately, Lean philosophy is increasingly gaining importance due to a competitive environment, which creates the need of reducing costs. Lean practices and tools have been applied to manufacturing, services, supply chains, startups and the next frontier is Healthcare. Most of lean techniques can be easily brought to Healthcare organizations. Therefore, this paper aims to summarize Lean practices and tools which are already being applied to Healthcare organizations. As its main results, we can highlight main authors, papers and number of publications per year and so, this paper can be used as a guideline for Lean implementations in Healthcare organizations.
APPLYING LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT TO ANALYSE RESOURCE CONSUMPTIONS AND WASTE GENERATION IN A LABORATORY ANIMALS PRODUCTION
Authors: Viana Ingrid Daré , Peixoto José Antonio Assunção , Xavier Leydervan De Souza , De Souza Cristina Gomes
Published: December 2016

The objective of this study was to quantify and analyze resource consumptions of a laboratory rabbits production, in a Brazilian animal research facility, in order to produce a harmonized Health-Care Waste (HCW) classification, according to national regulations and international guidelines, as it is a basis to perform health and safety risk analysis, of animals, humans and environment impacts in HCW management. Methodologically, the principles and framework from Life Cycle Assessment were used to produce a door‑to‑door Life Cycle Inventory to produce the HCW classification and a short environmental impact assessment. A high electricity consumption (about 96%), for conditioning facilities maintenance, and a high water consumption transformed into effluents and emissions (about 97.5%) were observed. Specifically, from HCW classification a first analysis of mass pointed: effluents (45.92 %), emissions (52.54 %), biological waste (1.45%) and common waste (0.001 %). These data are primary estimates that lead to deeper analysis of toxic materials and contamination. Finally, the entire study produced a cross fertilization of information giving more transparency about the rationality implied in the modeling of processes and presentation of reports, enabling to relate the local scope of impact assessment through  broader reflections on global social responsibility and eco-efficiency.
A qualitative analysis and comparison of the two contemporary models of instructional design
Authors: Mutlu Gülçin
Published: December 2016

This study aims to qualitatively investigate the degree of correspondence between the generic instructional design model that is shortly called ADDIE and two other contemporary models of instructional design, FutureU and Işman Instructional Design Models. ADDIE is considered to be the ancestor of contemporary models of instructional design and it is thus believed to be reflected to certain degrees in the following models of instructional design. In short, this study aims to examine similarities and differences between the generic model and its two follower models by examining similarities and differences. These qualitative comparisons were centered upon the two main themes that were derived in respect to the basic principles of instructional design. The two main qualitative themes and thus the examination criteria for the study included a) what ADDIE components were included and how they were reflected and b) what structural characteristics these two models exhibit. The results showed that the two models represent a considerable number of similarities to the generic ADDIE model and the differences were only on the varied applications or adaptations of the firmly established dimensions already offered by the ADDIE model itself.
Literature and critical literacy pedagogy in the EFL classroom: Towards a model of teaching critical thinking skills
Authors: Bobkina Jelena , Stefanova Svetlana
Published: December 2016

Drawing on the numerous benefits of integrating literature in the EFL classroom, the present paper argues that the analysis of a fictional work in the process of foreign language acquisition offers a unique opportunity for students to explore, interpret, and understand the world around them. The paper presents strong evidence in favour of reader-centered critical reading as a means of encouraging observation and active evaluation not only of linguistic items, but also of a variety of meanings and viewpoints. The authors propose a model of teaching critical thinking skills focused on the reader’s response to a literary work. The practical application of the method, which adopts the critical literacy approach as a tool, is illustrated through a series of activities based on the poem “If” by Rudyard Kipling.
Spinal cord injury modulates the lung inflammatory response in mechanically ventilated rats: a comparative animal study
Authors: Truflandier Karine , Beaumont Eric , Maghni Karim , De Marchie Michel , Charbonney Emmanuel , Spahija Jadranka
Published: December 2016

Mechanical ventilation (MV) is widely used in spinal injury patients to compensate for respiratory muscle failure. MV is known to induce lung inflammation, while spinal cord injury (SCI) is known to contribute to local inflammatory response. Interaction between MV and SCI was evaluated in order to assess the impact it may have on the pulmonary inflammatory profile. Sprague Dawley rats were anesthetized for 24 h and randomized to receive either MV or not. The MV group included C4–C5 SCI, T10 SCI and uninjured animals. The nonventilated (NV) group included T10 SCI and uninjured animals. Inflammatory cytokine profile, inflammation related to the SCI level, and oxidative stress mediators were measured in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). The cytokine profile in BAL of MV animals showed increased levels of TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐6 and a decrease in IL‐10 (P = 0.007) compared to the NV group. SCI did not modify IL‐6 and IL‐10 levels either in the MV or the NV groups, but cervical injury induced a decrease in IL‐1β levels in MV animals. Cervical injury also reduced MV‐induced pulmonary oxidative stress responses by decreasing isoprostane levels while increasing heme oxygenase‐1 level. The thoracic SCI in NV animals increased M‐CSF expression and promoted antioxidant pulmonary responses with low isoprostane and high heme oxygenase‐1 levels. SCI shows a positive impact on MV‐induced pulmonary inflammation, modulating specific lung immune and oxidative stress responses. Inflammation induced by MV and SCI interact closely and may have strong clinical implications since effective treatment of ventilated SCI patients may amplify pulmonary biotrauma.
The impact of exercise intensity on whole body and adipose tissue metabolism during energy restriction in sedentary overweight men and postmenopausal women
Authors: Walhin Jean‐Philippe , Dixon Natalie C. , Betts James A. , Thompson Dylan
Published: December 2016

This study aimed to establish whether vigorous‐intensity exercise offers additional adipose‐related health benefits and metabolic improvements compared to energy‐matched moderate‐intensity exercise. Thirty‐eight sedentary overweight men (n = 24) and postmenopausal women (n = 14) aged 52 ± 5 years (mean ± standard deviations [SD]) were prescribed a 3‐week energy deficit (29302 kJ∙week−1) achieved by increased isocaloric moderate or vigorous‐intensity exercise (+8372 kJ∙week−1) and simultaneous restricted energy intake (−20930 kJ∙week−1). Participants were randomly assigned to either an energy‐matched vigorous (VIG; n = 18) or moderate (MOD; n = 20) intensity exercise group (five times per week at 70% or 50% maximal oxygen uptake, respectively). At baseline and follow‐up, fasted blood samples and abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue biopsies were obtained and oral glucose tolerance tests conducted. Body mass was reduced similarly in both groups (∆ 2.4 ± 1.1 kg and ∆ 2.4 ± 1.4 kg, respectively, P < 0.05). Insulinemic responses to a standard glucose load decreased similarly at follow‐up relative to baseline in VIG (∆ 8.6 ± 15.4 nmol.120 min.l−1) and MOD (∆ 5.4 ± 8.5 nmol.120 min.l−1; P < 0.05). Expression of SREBP‐1c and FAS in adipose tissue was significantly down‐regulated, whereas expression of PDK4 and hormone‐sensitive lipase (HSL) was significantly up‐regulated in both groups (P < 0.05). Thus, when energy expenditure and energy deficit are matched, vigorous or moderate‐intensity exercise combined with energy restriction provide broadly similar (positive) changes in metabolic control and adipose tissue gene expression.
Left ventricular endocardial and epicardial strain changes with apical myocardial ischemia in an open‐chest porcine model
Authors: Howard‐Quijano Kimberly , McCabe Melissa , Cheng Alexander , Zhou Wei , Yamakawa Kentaro , Mazor Einat , Scovotti Jennifer C. , Mahajan Aman
Published: December 2016

Early detection of acute myocardial ischemia is critical to prevent permanent myocardial damage. The impact of apical ischemia on global left ventricular (LV) function can be difficult to characterize using traditional volume‐based echocardiography measures. Myocardial strain imaging is a sensitive, quantitative marker of myocardial deformation that can measure ventricular function. Recent advances allow layer‐specific measurement of endo‐ and epicardial strain, enhancing the ability to evaluate myocardial ischemia. This study investigates the effects of apical ischemia on LV function using epi‐ and endocardial strain. We hypothesize that myocardial strain will identify changes in regional and global myocardial function associated with focal apical ischemia as compared to ejection fraction (EF), and that longitudinal strain will be a better indicator of myocardial dysfunction compared to circumferential or radial strain. In a porcine model (n = 9), acute ischemia was induced by left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion. Echocardiograms were performed at baseline, during 15‐min ischemia, and after reperfusion. Global longitudinal strain decreased with acute focal ischemia of the left ventricular apical region (baseline: −16.4% vs. ischemia: −12.2%; P = 0.010), with no change observed in global circumferential and radial strain or EF. Both endocardial and epicardial longitudinal strain decreased by 68% (P < 0.001) in the ischemic and peri‐ischemic zone, while circumferential and radial strain only decreased in endocardium of the ischemic zone. Longitudinal strain was more sensitive to ischemia, being able to detect changes in global LV function and thus may confer clinical diagnostic advantage in the evaluation of acute LV apical ischemia.
High‐ and low‐conductance NMDA receptors are present in layer 4 spiny stellate and layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons of mouse barrel cortex
Authors: Scheppach Christian
Published: December 2016

N‐Methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors are ion channels activated by the neurotransmitter glutamate in the mammalian brain and are important in synaptic function and plasticity, but are also found in extrasynaptic locations and influence neuronal excitability. There are different NMDA receptor subtypes which differ in their single‐channel conductance. Recently, synaptic plasticity has been studied in the mouse barrel cortex, the primary sensory cortex for input from the animal's whiskers. Pharmacological data imply the presence of low‐conductance NMDA receptors in spiny stellate neurons of cortical layer 4, but of high‐conductance NMDA receptors in pyramidal neurons of layer 2/3. Here, to obtain complementary electrophysiological information on the functional NMDA receptors expressed in layer 4 and layer 2/3 neurons, single NMDA receptor currents were recorded with the patch‐clamp method. Both cell types were found to contain high‐conductance as well as low‐conductance NMDA receptors. The results are consistent with the reported pharmacological data on synaptic plasticity, and with previous claims of a prominent role of low‐conductance NMDA receptors in layer 4 spiny stellate neurons, including broad integration, amplification and distribution of excitation within the barrel in response to whisker stimulation, as well as modulation of excitability by ambient glutamate. However, layer 4 cells also expressed high‐conductance NMDA receptors. The presence of low‐conductance NMDA receptors in layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons suggests that some of these functions may be shared with layer 4 spiny stellate neurons.
From supine to standing: in vivo segregation of myogenic and baroreceptor vasoconstriction in humans
Authors: Estañol Bruno , Rivera Ana Leonor , Martínez Memije Raúl , Fossion Ruben , Gómez Fermín , Bernal Katherine , Murúa Beltrán Sofía , Delgado‐García Guillermo , Frank Alejandro
Published: December 2016

Myogenic vascular response is a form of systemic and regional vasoconstriction produced increasing the intra‐arterial pressure by gravity. Here, the vasoconstriction due to the myogenic response, induced by the gravitational action in a dependent limb, is separated from that caused by the baroreceptor reflex. Regional changes of skin blood flow (SBF), total blood volume of the finger (TBVF), pulse pressure (PP), heart rate (HR), systolic, and diastolic blood pressure (BP) were analyzed in 10 healthy young subjects in supine and upright positions. By lowering the arm in supine position,SBFdecreased compared to its basal measurement,PRincreased, andPPcontracted, indicating arterial vasoconstriction that riseBP.TBVFincreased, demonstrating an increment in venous volume.HRdid not change, reflecting no action of the baroreceptor reflex. In upright position with lowered arm, there was an additional increase inBPvariables, demonstrating vasoconstriction. Moreover,BPandHRshowed oscillations at 0.1 Hz reflecting the entrance of the baroreceptor reflex. The action of gravity in a dependent limb in supine position induces a regional vasoconstriction and an increase ofBPdue to activation of the myogenic response, while the baroreceptor reflex or other neural factors do not appear to operate. In the upright position with the arm dependent, there is a further increase in regional vasoconstriction andBPwith reciprocal changes inHR, indicating the entrance of the baroreceptor superimposed to the myogenic response. This study demonstrates that the myogenic and baroreceptor vasoconstriction can be separated in vivo.