bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thumb Basal Joint Arthroplasty: Prospective Comparison of Perioperative Analgesia and Opioid Consumption
Authors: Miller Andrew J. , Livesey Michael , Martin Dennis P. , Abboudi Jack , Kirkpatrick William H. , Liss Frederic E. , Jones Christopher M. , Wang Mark L. , Matzon Jonas L. , Ilyas Asif M.
Published: April 2018

Trapeziectomy alone or in combination with a suspensionplasty technique is a common surgical treatment for symptomatic thumb basal joint arthritis. The authors undertook a prospective comparative study to test the hypothesis that peripheral nerve blocks would provide better pain control than local anesthesia with bupivacaine or liposomal bupivacaine regarding pain scores and opioid pill consumption. Patients who elected to undergo basal joint arthroplasty were allocated to 1 of 3 postoperative pain management groups: (1) peripheral nerve block, (2) local anesthesia with bupivacaine, or (3) local anesthesia with liposomal bupivacaine. Total opioid pill consumption and visual analog scale pain scores were reported for the first 5 postoperative days (PODs). Seventy-eight patients were enrolled, with 27, 23, and 28 patients in the peripheral nerve block, bupivacaine, and liposomal bupivacaine groups, respectively. All groups experienced an increase in opioid pill consumption and visual analog scale pain scores from POD 0 to POD 1. Postoperative visual analog scale pain scores were lowest in group 3 from POD 0 to POD 2. Average visual analog scale pain scores were highest in group 1, except for on POD 0. After POD 2, visual analog scale pain scores normalized between all groups and decreased uniformly thereafter. Total opioid consumption was lowest in group 3 (average, 11 pills) compared with group 1 (average, 17 pills) and group 2 (average, 19 pills). Overall, these findings did not support the authors' hypothesis that peripheral nerve blocks are superior in terms of postoperative pain control and opioid consumption. Although there were advantages regarding opioid consumption and pain control with liposomal bupivacaine, these were limited to the first POD. The effectiveness of each modality, as well as potential risks and costs, should be considered when determining the optimal strategy. [
Orthopedics
. 2018; 41(3):e410–e415.]
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Procalcitonin as a Marker of Postoperative Orthopedic Infections
Authors: Ingber Ross B. , Alhammoud Abduljabbar , Murray Daniel P. , Abraham Roby , Dixit Anant , Naziri Qais , Ahmed Ghalib , Paulino Carl B. , Urban William P. , Craig Chad , Maheshwari Aditya V. , Diebo Bassel G.
Published: April 2018

Procalcitonin is a serologic marker that increases in response to inflammatory stimuli, especially those of bacterial origin. Postoperative orthopedic periprosthetic infections are often difficult to diagnose. This study systematically reviewed the literature to evaluate the statistical measures of performance of procalcitonin as a marker of postoperative orthopedic infection. This study showed that procalcitonin has a weighted pooled sensitivity of 67.3%, specificity of 69.4%, positive likelihood ratio of 1.778, negative likelihood ratio of 0.423, and diagnostic odds ratio of 5.770. These results illustrate that procalcitonin is an effective serologic marker for postoperative bacterial infections. [
Orthopedics
. 2018; 41(3):e303–e309.]
La chienlit c’est lui ! De Gaulle ante mayo de 1968
Authors: Pérez López Pablo
Published: April 2018

Charles de Gaulle se convirtió en el símbolo de la política con que querían acabar los protagonistas de la sonora revuelta parisina de mayo de 1968. El fracaso de su intervención en televisión el día 24 pareció confirmar que había caído, y con él quizá también la Vª República, que era diseño suyo. Su actividad en los días siguientes, hasta el 30, transformó por completo la situación, desbloqueó la aporía política, desactivó la crisis social y fue el comienzo del fin de la protesta universitaria. En las elecciones que convocó para el mes de junio, su partido obtuvo la mayoría más amplia que obtuviera nunca. En medio quedaron algunos misterios que han sido y son motivo de debate entre los historiadores. El más destacado, su viaje relámpago a la base militar francesa en Baden-Baden (Alemania) el día 29. Analizamos las principales interpretaciones que se han aportado para explicar lo sucedido.
Cine y 68: el impacto de la revolución en la pantalla
Authors: Caparrós Lera Josep Maria
Published: April 2018

Se ofrece una panorámica histórica del cine realizado en torno al mayo de 1968, centrándose en el fenómeno militante en Francia y su repercusión en otros países. Desde la revolución de las nuevas olas europeas y mundiales hasta el nuevo cine latinoamericano, quedan sintetizados los principales grupos y autores. Asimismo, se constatan las películas más representativas -documentales y de ficción- realizadas durante y después de la revolución del 68, haciendo hincapié en cinco filmes evocadores y en las contradicciones que se observan. Un apéndice reproduce el famoso Manifiesto por un cine militante de los Estados Generales.
Perdón por haber hablado demasiado: deconstrucciones del 68
Authors: García Caparrós Julio
Published: April 2018

El objetivo de este artículo es el de poner en valor la naturaleza política y teórica de la filosofía deconstructiva de Jacques Derrida, disociándola de una identificación simple con las críticas de la misma que se siguen del libro de Ferry y Renaut, y que en ningún caso hacen justicia a un intento tan sostenido en el tiempo de propiciar el cambio, la reflexión y la innovación en los más diversos frentes políticos y sociales.
Mayo del 68: días de Júpiter
Authors: Marín Pedreño Higinio
Published: April 2018

La comprensión antropológica de lo sucedido en mayo del 68, y en el contexto de los cambios epocales de la segunda mitad del siglo XX, requiere, por una parte, realizar una arqueología subjetiva de un nuevo sujeto histórico y metafísico, la juventud, y por otra, el estudio de la formación de una nueva morfología de la autoconciencia, la jovialidad.
La simulation de l’activité en conception ergonomique : acquis et perspectives
Authors: Belleghem Laurent Van
Published: April 2018

Le recours à la simulation de l’activité en conception fait l’objet d’un intérêt renouvelé tant en France qu’à l’international, notamment au Brésil et au Danemark. Cet article se propose, en s’appuyant sur les principes acquis de la simulation de l’activité en ergonomie, d’en approfondir les mécanismes pour mieux donner à voir son potentiel d’usage et en ouvrir ses perspectives d’application. Il est organisé en trois parties. La première rappelle les acquis fondamentaux de la simulation depuis trente ans jusqu’à ses formalisations et développements actuels. La deuxième tente d’approfondir théoriquement les mécanismes de la simulation de l’activité en lien avec l’activité elle-même. La troisième explore les perspectives actuelles de la simulation, en activant d’abord dans différentes directions ses facultés de rétroaction sur le système de prescription et sur les logiques d’action des sujets agissants, en élargissant ensuite les objets de conception qu’elle permet d’approcher.
De l’activité DE simulation à l’activité EN simulation : simuler pour stimuler
Authors: Bobillier Chaumon Marc-Éric , Rouat Sabrina , Laneyrie Elsa , Cuvillier Bruno
Published: April 2018

L’objet de ce papier est de proposer une taxonomie fonctionnelle et diachronique des différents types de simulation de l’activité que la journée d’étude, consacrée aux démarches de simulation (organisée par la revue Activités) a permis de mettre en avant. Cette catégorisation repose sur quatre grandes orientations temporelles de la mise en scène de l’activité qui peuvent porter respectivement sur la simulation d’une situation (i) à venir (simulation prospective ou prédictive), (ii) en devenir (constructive ou réflexive), (iii) vivante ou persistante (projective) et (iv) passée (rétrospective). Pour chacune de ces approches, nous exposerons les principales méthodes associées et discuterons de leurs contributions et limites respectives.
Advancing Malware Classification With an Evolving Clustering Method
Authors: Chen Chia-Mei , Wang Shi-Hao
Published: April 2018

This article describes how honeypots and intrusion detection systems serve as major mechanisms for security administrators to collect a variety of sample viruses and malware for further analysis, classification, and system protection. However, increased variety and complexity of malware makes the analysis and classification challenging, especially when efficiency and timely response are two contradictory yet equally significant criteria in malware classification. Besides, similarity-based classifications exhibit insufficiency because the mutation and fuzzification of malware exacerbate classification difficulties. In order to improve malware classification speed and attend to mutation, this research proposes the ameliorated progressive classification that integrates static analysis and improved k-means algorithm. This proposed classification aims at assisting network administrators to have a malware classification preprocess and make efficient malware classifications upon the capture of new malware, thus enhancing the defense against malware.
RAID 60 Storage Reliability and Cost Optimization Using Weibull Distribution and Cuckoo Search Algorithm with Lévy Flights
Authors: Zineddine Mhamed , Akaaboune Adel
Published: April 2018

This article describes how in this digital age, storage devices have been permitting the design of systems with the capacity to handle massive amount of diverse types of data. Real-time storage devices have been using complex architectures to accommodate the exponential increase of generated content. Hard drives have been at the core of most of storage systems. Estimating the reliability and the time to failure of such devices will be of great value. Weibull distribution has been widely used to assess the reliability of many systems. In this article, the three parameter Weibull distribution and Cuckoo search algorithm are combined to optimize the reliability and the maintenance cost of a RIAD 60 storage system. The numerical results show that using the proposed approach in this article, a RAID 60 system could reach its optimal reliable state by swapping less reliable drives by others more (used or new) reliable, whichever, is optimal according to the sought-after reliability threshold.
Test Suite Minimization in Regression Testing Using Hybrid Approach of ACO and GA
Authors: Pandey Abhishek , Banerjee Soumya
Published: April 2018

This article describes about the application of search-based techniques in regression testing and compares the performance of various search-based techniques for software testing. Test cases tend to increase exponentially as the software is modified. It is essential to remove redundant test cases from the existing test suite. Regression testing is very costly and must be performed in restricted ways to ensure the validity of the existing software. There exist different methods to improve the quality of test cases in terms of the number of faults covered, opposed to the number of statements covered in a minimum time. Different methods exist for this purpose, such as minimization, test case selection, and test case prioritization. In this article, search-based methods are applied to improve the quality of the test suite in order to select a minimum set of test cases which covers all the statements in a minimum time. The whole approach is named search based regression testing. In this paper, the performance of different metaheuristics for test suite minimization problem is also compared with a hybrid approach of ant colony optimization algorithm and genetic algorithm.
Quality Action to Accelerate Fair Accessibility Through Law of Telecommunication
Authors: Pramono Agus , Fatimah P.L. Rika , Lanovara Ivan
Published: April 2018

This article describes how telecommunication has a strategic role in national development, which requires a large amount of funding in Indonesia, in spite of the limited financial support from the government. The dynamics of telecommunication law has provided a clear direction, from monopoly to healthy competition. It is important for foreign investment to be an option that needs to be harmonized with the applicable law of telecommunication. Four main constructs have been identified as important issues to be discussed are Social Welfare (SW); Global Village (GV); Foreign Direct Investiment (FDI); and Law Telecomunication (LT). In conclusion, two quality actions are proposed to accelerate fair accesibility through law of telecommunication in global village setting. The first quality action is to accelerate SW through fair accessibility in GV setting and FDI. The second quality action is to accelerate SW through fair accessibility based on FDI and LT.
Analytical Study of a Dual Pointer Based Strategy for Location Update Using Node B Sojourn Time in UMTS Networks
Authors: Sadhukhan Samir K. , Bose Chayanika , Saha Debashis , Chattopadhyay Asis
Published: April 2018

This article describes how Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) is a 3G cellular network standard that uses location update (LU) and location search (LS) for mobility management. LU requires update in two location registers (LRs) - home LR (HLR) and visiting LR (VLR) - where one HLR controls multiple VLRs. HLR updates (HLRUs) are costlier, and hence should be less frequent. To achieve it, VLRs maintain a forward pointer chain among themselves, instead of updating HLR. But a lengthy chain increases LS cost considerably. So, we propose to restrict the chain length to unity by introducing an additional backward pointer, and using the concept of root-VLR similar to the home agent concept of mobile IP. We derive a closed form solution to approximate the average HLRUs per call, and substantiate it by simulation in cases of both random and diurnal mobilities. Results reveal substantial reduction in HLRUs per call, even when call-to-mobility ratio is high. UMTS operators will find the analysis worth considering, while managing their 3G networks.
Improving Global Health With Smartphone Technology
Authors: Nimkar Swateja , Gilles Erin Elysia
Published: April 2018

The widespread use of smartphones makes them a popular platform for healthcare applications. This article reveals the global trends and overarching goals of mHealth initiatives that seek to enhance healthcare quality, increase access to health services, and improve global health communication. Three main themes emerged from this study: a) the impact of mHealth on international public health, b) overcoming mhealth barriers, and c) emerging mHealth technologies. The costs of developing mHealth apps and handling related data security concerns are the key barriers which need to be addressed to successfully implement global mHealth campaigns. Future directions of mHealth research are discussed, including the integration of new technologies, development of innovative healthcare systems, and overall improvement of global healthcare.
Smart City Planning
Authors: Ekman Ulrik
Published: April 2018

This article reflects on the challenges for urban planning posed by the emergence of smart cities in network societies. In particular, it reflects on reductionist tendencies in existing smart city planning. Here the concern is with the implications of prior reductions of complexity which have been undertaken by placing primacy in planning on information technology, economical profit, and top-down political government. Rather than pointing urban planning towards a different ordering of these reductions, this article argues in favor of approaches to smart city planning via complexity theory. Specifically, this article argues in favor of approaching smart city plans holistically as topologies of organized complexity. Here, smart city planning is seen as a theory and practice engaging with a complex adaptive urban system which continuously operates on its potential. The actualizations in the face of contingency of such potential are what might have the city evolve over time, its organization, its wholeness, and its continued existence being at stake from moment to moment.
An Advanced Human-Robot Interaction Interface for Collaborative Robotic Assembly Tasks
Authors: Papadopoulos Christos , Mariolis Ioannis , Topalidou-Kyniazopoulou Angeliki , Piperagkas Grigorios , Ioannidis Dimosthenis , Tzovaras Dimitrios
Published: April 2018

This article introduces an advanced human-robot interaction (HRI) interface that allows teaching new assembly tasks to collaborative robotic systems. Using advanced perception and simulation technologies, the interface provides the proper tools for a non-expert user to teach a robot a new assembly task in a short amount of time. An RGBD camera is used to allow the user to demonstrate the task and the system extracts the needed information for the assembly to be simulated and performed by the robot, while the user guides the process. The HRI interface is integrated with the ROS framework and is built as a web application allowing operation through portable devices, such as a tablet PC. The interface is evaluated with user experience rating from test subjects that are requested to teach a folding assembly task to the robot.
Theft Preventive Measures for Interconnected Personal Computer Devices as Proactive Physical Security of Data
Authors: Pshehotskaya Ekaterina , Mikhalsky Oleg
Published: April 2018

This article is concerned with the arising problems and implications of physical security and privacy of personal and control data on portable computer devices, especially smartphones. The authors consider various classifications of portable computer devices, isolate smartphones as a most common device, and study types of user behavior regarding the involved security risks of unauthorized access to the data stored both locally and remotely with accent of physical data access via device theft. Based on provided categorization the researchers discuss the factors and criteria suitable to generalize user patterns and evaluate the corresponding vulnerability level against specified statistics. The considered statistical criteria can be formulated as a mathematical model of relative risks and implemented as a service or an application to be used for improving user awareness on current threats to his personal data and respective interconnected personal portable devices.
Factors Affecting Business and Information Technology Alignment at the Lower Levels of a Public Organisation
Authors: Vatharkar Sid , Gao Ping , Fomin Vladislav
Published: April 2018

This article describes how the alignment of business and information technology (IT) strategies impact organisational performance. The alignment involves an entire organisation. However, much of the research has focused on the factors affecting alignment at the senior executive level, and there appears to be less attention placed upon factors that affect the lower operational levels. This article attempts to address this gap in the literature through a case study of a healthcare organisation. Semi-structured interviews with ten employees at an operational level were qualitatively analysed to elucidate factors. Organisational culture, management expectations, communication, and the provision and recognition of skills were identified as main factors that may affect the alignment of business and IT strategies at the lower levels
ICT for Improving Financial Access in Informal Sector
Authors: Msuya Mwanaidi Shafii
Published: April 2018

Access to finance is an important factor for the sustainability and growth of business. Lack of finance means that, the business will operate under-optimal and cannot enjoy economies of scale. This article explores the difficulties of informal sector access to formal finance. The author offers means by which information and communication technology (ICT) can help bridge that gap. The study carried out asystematic literature review where several articles from Sub-Saharan Africa were reviewed. The findings show that access to finance is constrained by information asymmetry, lack of collateral, business informality, and bureaucratic procedures for accessing finance. ICT has potential to overcome these challenges by streamlining information flow, providing online collateral registration and reducing administrative processes for loan processing, disbursement and repayment. The findings suggest that, despite the big digital revolution in Africa, little has been done to align the digital world with the challenges of the informal sector.
Start – Up's for the Generations in Digital Economy
Authors: Stoenică Iuliana Camelia , Stanciu Alina
Published: April 2018

This article analyses the theories of professional motivation from the perspective of the new generations: X, Y, Z and it contributes to the literature by considering, a first, business models, strategic implications and business opportunities. Each generation has a fundamental values of business: the X Generation has the experience and the financial power; the Millennials have the creativity, passion for the ideas of and DNA technology; and the Z Generation has great freedom and pragmatism.
Combining IR Models for Bengali Information Retrieval
Authors: Chatterjee Soma , Sarkar Kamal
Published: April 2018

Word mismatch between queries and documents is a fundamental problem in information retrieval domain. In this article, the authors present an effective approach to Bengali information retrieval that combines two IR models to tackle the word mismatch problem in Bengali IR. The proposed hybrid model combines the traditional word-based IR model with another IR model that uses semantic text similarity measure based on vector embeddings of words. Experimental results show that the performance of our proposed hybrid Bengali IR model significantly improves over the baseline IR model.
A Domain Specific Modeling Language for Enterprise Application Development
Authors: Zamani Bahman , Rasoulzadeh Shiva
Published: April 2018

This article describes how experience in domain specific modeling can be captured and abstracted in a domain specific modeling language (DSML). Modeling with a DSML results in quality models. Patterns of enterprise application architecture (PofEAA) is a rich set of patterns that can be used by designers when designing (modeling) web-based enterprise applications. This article aims at defining a DSML based on PofEAA patterns, as well as providing tool support for designing web-based enterprise applications that use these patterns. The authors have built a DSML using the profile extension mechanism of UML, by defining stereotypes. In addition to the proposed profile, this article has implemented the structure and behavior of PofEAA patterns in Rational Software Architecture (RSA) which is resulted in a tool that facilitates the design of software for designers. To show the usefulness of the tool, it is used for modeling two small systems based on the PofEAA patterns. The results show that many of the design is automated and the modeling speed is increased.
Application of Methodology Evaluation System on Current IS Development Methodologies
Authors: Buchalcevova Alena
Published: April 2018

This article focuses on IS development methodologies, especially on new agile scaling frameworks. A significant need for large-scale agile is presented together with the evidence of its usage in companies. The aim of this article is to examine selected agile scaling methodologies and frameworks, and compare them to each other and with other IS development methodologies. To do so, the Methodology Evaluation System METES is utilized for the assessment and comparison. Assessed IS development methodologies can be then used by companies for the selection of the appropriate methodology. Furthermore, presenting the results of the assessment especially in the graphical form supports better understanding of these methodologies.
Assessment of Diversity Through Student Isolation
Authors: Vighnarajah S. , Jolene Lim Shing Yu
Published: April 2018

As higher education institutions grow as a commodity with diversified groups of local and international students, it is imperative for students, educators and policy makers to identify and address concerns that might arise from such amalgamation of cultures and experiences. In light of this interest, this article shares qualitative findings on how experiences of student isolation can cause deleterious effects on students' university learning experiences. In-depth interviews were conducted with a total of five Malaysian and International students to discuss their student isolation experiences and how it engaged them in the overall university learning experience. The findings disclosed key factors that can potentially cause student isolation in aspects of academic, social and emotional development, and these key factors were critically examined to identify mitigation measures. Findings from this study addressed clear evidence to how student isolation can negatively affect one's university learning experience, especially among international students who are not used to diverse education process, curriculum and expectations. UCSI University anchors great depth of interest in engaging students on holistic and successful university learning experience to ensure holistic development of graduates.
Understanding the Technology Receptivity in Higher Education
Authors: Jabeen Fauzia , Khan Mehmood , Ahmad Syed Zamberi
Published: April 2018

This article seeks to investigate factors that predict students' attitudes and intentions to use technology in higher education in the UAE context. A survey research was conducted on a sample of public and private University students using blackboard learn system and other educational technologies in the UAE. A model was developed, and structural equation modeling was used to ascertain the goodness of fit of the model. Computer literacy, ease of use and usefulness were hypothesized to impact the electronic satisfaction and retention of a student with Blackboard and other technology based educational platforms. Perceived usefulness and perceived computer literacy to e-satisfaction and retention was found to be statistically significant. This paper emphasizes technology implementation and receptivity in higher education students in a developing country context, and makes tentative suggestions and recommendations on how policy makers might respond to current and future technology needs.
Exploring the Impact of Demographic Factors on E-Government Services Adoption
Authors: Mensah Isaac Kofi , Mi Jianing
Published: April 2018

The purpose of this article is to investigate the impact of demographic factors on the adoption of e-government services. Specifically, this article sought to examine the extent to which demographic factors such as age, gender and education would influence the willingness to adopt and use e-government services. The data capture and analysis was done with SPSS. The results indicate that age as a demographic factor was significant in determining the willingness of citizens to use e-government services. The results, however, showed that gender and education as demographic factors were not positively significant in predicting the willingness to use e-government services. The implications of these findings on the adoption and implementation of e-government are further discussed.
The Effect of Education on Information Systems Success
Authors: Goeke Richard J. , Crowne Kerri Anne , Laker Dennis R.
Published: April 2018

Research into the relationship between education and information systems (IS) success (use, satisfaction, and impact) has produced mixed results. Such results seem counterintuitive, given the many benefits that education brings to the workplace. However, workplace research from Human Resources (HR) has similarly found that education has little direct effect on job performance. Instead, education has indirect effects on job performance through job expertise, which is what drives behavior and job performance. The present research integrated the Delone & McLean IS Success Model with the Job Performance Model, and found similar results: in a survey of 465 professionals working in business analytics (BA), user education level had no direct effect on IS success (BA tool use, satisfaction, and impact). Instead, education level had a positive effect on expertise with the BA tool, which in turn positively affected BA tool use. These results build upon those from HR, and suggest that education has an indirect effect on IS success, rather than a direct effect.
Multi-Label Naïve Bayes Classifier for Identification of Top Destination and Issues to Accost by Tourism Sector
Authors: Sinha Sapna , Bhatnagar Vishal , Bansal Abhay
Published: April 2018

This article describes how the tourism sector plays very important role in the social and economic growth of any country. Technologies like the internet and mobile technologies have changed the marketing strategy of the sector. It has been observed that business operators and the workforce employed in the tourism industry do not have sufficient knowledge, tools and/or strategy to implement technology correctly. Technology can be used in all the dimensions of tourism for gaining a competitive edge and providing a wide range of services to customers. For better customer satisfaction, the industry should know the major issues confronting tourism. Experiences shared by tourists on social media, i.e. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube, can be used and analyzed to gain insight on customer needs. In this article, the authors propose a unified framework and have used tweets shared by tourists for the identification of major issues faced by tourism sectors. Identified issues are categorized into four main categories. The obtained results will help players of tourism sector for improving the services and growth of the sector.
Effect of Eu3+ Ions on the Physical, Optical and Luminescence Properties of Aluminium Phosphate Glasses
Authors: Chanthima Natthakridta , Tariwong Yaowaluk , Kim Hong Joo , Kaewkhao Jakrapong , Sangwaranatee Narong
Published: April 2018

The physical, optical and luminescence properties of lithium aluminium phosphate glasses different doping europium oxide have been investigated to evaluate their properties for solid-state lighting applications. The density and molar volume measurements were carried out at room temperature. The absorption spectra were investigated in the UV-Vis-NIR region from 250 to 2500 nm. The emission spectra, excited with 394 nm excitation wavelength showed four emission transitions corresponding to 5D0→7F1 (591 nm), 5D0→7F2 (612 nm), 5D0→7F3 (648 nm) and 5D0→7F4 (698 nm). The optimal concentration of Eu2O3 in lithium aluminium phosphate glasses was 1.00 mol%.
Crystallization Kinetics and Heat Treatment Temperature on Microstructure of Na2O-CaO-P2O5-TiO2 Glass System
Authors: Intawin Pratthana , Eitssayeam Sukum , Rujijanagul Gobwute , Tunkasiri Tawee , Pengpat Kamonpan
Published: April 2018

Bioactive glass ceramics from Na2O-CaO-P2O5-TiO2 system have been fabricated by conventional melt quenching method. In order to change the fabricated glass to glass ceramic samples, a heat treatment technique was employed using temperatures ranging between 700 and 900°C for 2 h. Glass transition and crystallization temperature were analyzed via differential thermal analyzer (DTA). In addition, phase formation and microstructure of the glass-ceramics were also investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). From the crystallization kinetics, the crystallization rate constant (n) of the glass was found to be close to the value of 3, indicating the two-dimensional growth of crystals occurred in the glass ceramics. From the XRD results, the major crystalline phases were sodium titanium phosphate and calcium sodium phosphate along with titanium dioxide as the minor crystalline phases presented in high heat treatment temperatures (750-900°C) of the glass ceramics. SEM of the crystallized base glass Na2O-CaO-P2O5-TiO2 system, showed that crystallization of dendritic-like growths in the glass ceramics.
Microstructures and Dielectric Constants of Ba0.05SrxCa0.95-xTiO3 (x=0, 0.225, 0.475, 0.725 and 0.95) Synthesized by the Solution Combustion Technique
Authors: Jongprateep Oratai , Sato Nicha , Boonsalee Sansanee , Pee Jae Hwan
Published: April 2018

Barium strontium calcium titanate is a dielectric material exploited in fabrication of electronic devices such as capacitors, signal filters and satellite components. Dielectric properties can be enhanced through compositional and microstructural control. This study, therefore, aimed at synthesizing barium strontium calcium titanate (Ba0.05SrxCa0.95-xTiO3, where x = 0, 0.225, 0.475, 0.725 and 0.95) powders by a solution combustion technique. The powders were pressed, sintered at 1450°C and tested for their properties. Experimental results revealed that strontium content did not significantly influence chemical composition, particle sizes and density. All powders exhibited a single phase corresponding to Ba0.05SrxCa0.95-xTiO3with fine particles with the average size smaller than 0.4 micrometer. All sintered samples had density higher than 95% of theoretical density. On the contrary, the results indicated that strontium content affected grain size, grain morphology and dielectric constant of the sintered samples. The highest dielectric constant of 531 (at 1 MHz) was achieved in the Ba0.05Sr0.225Ca0.725TiO3. Dielectric constant was discussed with respect to microstructure.
Synthesis and Characterization of Cu-Doped SnO2 Thin Films by Aerosol Pyrolysis Technique for Gas Sensor Application
Authors: Khlayboonme S.Tipawan , Thowladda Warawoot
Published: April 2018

Thin films of un-doped and Cu-doped tin oxide were synthesized on quartz substrates by the purpose-built aerosol pyrolysis apparatus from 0.2 M SnCl4.5H2O – ethanol solution. CuCl2.2H2O was used as a source of Cu dopant. The Cu dopant of 1, 3 and 5 wt.% were used for doping SnO2 film. The morphological, structural, optical and electrical properties under the influence of the Cu-doping was examined by FE-SEM, XRD, UV-Vis transmission spectroscopy and Hall effect measurement technique. XRD patterns of all films exhibited rutile-phase SnO2. The doping content of 1%Cu improved the film crystallinity. The Cu doping content decreased optical bandgap from 4.36 eV for undoped SnO2 to 4.28 eV for 3%Cu-doped SnO2. The further Cu doping content increased the bandgap energy to 4.32 eV. The resistivity was increased for doping of Cu 1% but it was decreased with further increasing in Cu-doping contents
Upgrading of Waste Gypsum for Building Materials
Authors: Ngernchuklin Piyalak , Yongpraderm Nestchanok , Boonruang Arjin , Kanchanasutha Sittichai , Laoauyporn Pracha , Busabok Chumphol
Published: April 2018

In this research, waste gypsum (CaSO4·2H2O), a by-product material from industrial factory, was upgraded and then used as raw material for building materials. The by-product gypsum possessed a high acidic value of 3-point pH scale and moisture content of 40 %. The two properties had an impact on setting reaction and hardening of gypsum. Therefore, the studies of gypsum phase transformation to calcium sulfate hemihydrate (CaSO4·0.5H2O) were focused on washing process and amount of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) added at 0, 1, 3 and 5 % wt. After washing, waste gypsum and washed water were reduced from high acidic value to neutralization (pH = 7) as a result of CaCO3. Next, the neutralized gypsum was heated to the optimal temperature at 160 °C for 2 hours and transformed to hemihydrate gypsum phase observed by XRD. Finally, the relationship of amount of CaCO3-mechanical property such as bending strength will be investigated.
Microwave Synthesis of Nanocrystalline Hydroxyapatite and the Application in Bio-Composite
Authors: Sooksaen Pat , Mekmork Kamonchanok , Limprajuablarp Teeranuch , Kuharuangrong Sirichoke
Published: April 2018

This research synthesized nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite (HA) via microwave assisted heating method. The morphology and crystallinity of nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite were affected by heating power and pH of the mixed solution. Nanocrystalline HA was best obtained when synthesized at pH = 11. Crystal size increased and crystal shape changed from spherical to rod and plate-like when the microwave power was increased from 320 to 800 watts. The synthesized nano-HA could be fabricated into bio-composite films using poly lactic acid (PLA) as the matrix and solvent casting method was utilized. In-vitro study for bioactivity was carried out in the SBF solution which formed hydroxyl-carbonate apatite (HCA) layer on the PLA/nano HA composite surface. The layer thickness increased in the background with increasing soaking time in the SBF.
Comparison of Dolomite Clay and Cullet Addition on Physical and Mechanical Properties of Clay Bricks
Authors: Kantajan Rattaphon , Mulinta Soravich
Published: April 2018

The purpose of this study was to study and characterize the properties of physical – mechanical for clay bricks. The raw materials used in the study are from local sources. They are Sri Khum red clay, dolomite and cullet. The component ratio of clay brick as an addition Sri Khum red clay 50–90 %, foaming agent (dolomite and cullet) 10–50%. The characterization of raw material was analyzed by particle analyzer, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The shrinkage, water absorption and compressive strength of clay brick were tested. The results showed that the properties of clay bricks after firing at temperature at 900°C were studied. The Sri Khum red clay 80% and cullet 20% had a shrinkage of 6.95%, water absorption of 20.4% and compressive strength of 182 kg/cm2. The physical – mechanical of clay brick achieved the requirements of Thai industrial standard (TIS 77-2545).
Feasibility Study of Using Basalt Fibers as the Reinforcement Phase in Fiber-Cement Products
Authors: Chakartnarodom Parinya , Prakaypan Wichit , Ineure Pitcharat , Kongkajun Nuntaporn , Chuankrerkkul Nutthita
Published: April 2018

The aim of this work was to study the feasibility of using basalt fibers as the reinforcement phase in fiber-cement products which was the fiber-reinforced construction materials used for roof, wall, ceiling, and floor applications. The feasibility study included (1) the alkaline resistant test of the basalt fibers by soaking the basalt fibers in 1 N Ca(OH)2up to 28 days, and (2) the mechanical test based on ASTM C1185 standard on the fiber-cement board that used basalt fibers as a reinforcement phase. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and x-ray diffractometer (XRD) were used to characterize the basalt fibers after alkaline resistant test. The basalt-fiber reinforced cement board was produced on the industrial level by using Hatschek process.From the alkaline resistant test, basalt fibers had well alkaline resistant. From the mechanical test, the modulus of rupture (MOR) of basalt-fiber reinforced cement boards passed the requirement of TIS 1427-2540 and ASTM C1186 standard. Therefore, basalt fibers could be considered as a good candidate for using as a reinforcement phase in the fiber-cement products.
Study of Thermal Property of Glass-Ceramics Produced from Soda Lime Glass Waste by Single-Step Sintering Process
Authors: Kulrat Nattawat , Bootkul Duangkhae , Dangtip Somsak , Intarasiri Saweat
Published: April 2018

Soda lime glass (SLG) is one type of glass mainly used in beverage and food packaging industries. SLG has high potential as starting materials for glass-ceramics (GC) production as SLG consists of large proportion of silicate and has considerably low of melting temperature. In addition, large consumption of beverages and foods, SLG makes up a large bulk of the waste. Producing glass-ceramics (GC) from SLG is thus interesting. Processing of SLG to GC is strongly dependent on their thermal property. Before processing, thermal profile of SLG was analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry; crystallization temperature at 711 °C was identified at the heating rate of 5 °C/min. It was also possible to extract information about crystallization kinetic by applying the Kissinger and the Ozawa relations. It was found that crystallization activation energies were 365.06 and 381.60 kJ/mol, respectively. For the GC processing, SLG powder was mixed with precursors to the ratio of 60SLG-35SiO2-2TiO2-2ZnO-1CuO before sintering with single step method at 711, 800, 850, 900, 950, 1,000 °C. An analysis by XRD has shown that there were two phases; beta-quartz and beta-cristobalite, in the sintered samples. Different sintering temperatures have yielded different proportion of alpha-to beta-phases. SEM/EDX has also revealed uneven distribution of different oxides in the produced glass-ceramics.
The Adsorption of Cadmium Ions on Fly Ash Based Geopolymer Particles
Authors: Onutai Sujitra , Kobayashi Takaomi , Thavorniti Parjaree , Jiemsirilers Sirithan
Published: April 2018

Geopolymer particles from waste coal fly ash were prepared in order to investigate adsorption process of Cadmium ions. The aim of the study is to focus on factors which affect adsorption process of heavy metals on geopolymer materials. The raw fly ash was mixed with sodium hydroxide solution and sodium silicate solution. After that geopolymer was cured at 80 °C for 24 hr. The sample was ground and washed until pH=7. The obtained geopolymer particles were dried at 60 oC. The raw materials and geopolymer were characterized. The XRD results showed a highly amorphous structure in obtained geopolymer. The major components of waste coal fly ash and synthesized geopolymer were SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3 and CaO. The BET surface area of fly ash and geopolymer particles were 0.83 m2/g and 85.01 m2/g, respectively. The adsorption conditions (initial concentration from 10-120 mg/L, temperature at 25-45 °C, pH of cadmium ions solution from 1-5, 0.02-0.14 g. of geopolymer and contact time for 5-180 min) were studied. From removal efficiency results, synthesized geopolymer had high removal capacity for cadmium ions (Cd2+). At pH 5 of solution, the highest Cd2+ removal capacity was obtained. In addition, the removal efficiency increases with an increasing geopolymer dosage, contact time and a decreasing of Cd2+ initial concentration. Moreover, both Langmuir and Freundlich models were investigated for studying adsorption isotherm. The result showed Langmuir model is more suitable for geopolymer adsorption of cadmium ion in aqueous solution than Freundlich model.
MicroRNA-27b Modulates Inflammatory Response and Apoptosis duringMycobacterium tuberculosisInfection
Authors: Liang Shuxin , Song Zhigang , Wu Yongyan , Gao Yuanpeng , Gao Mingqing , Liu Fayang , Wang Fengyu , Zhang Yong
Published: April 2018

Mycobacterium tuberculosis poses a significant global health threat. MicroRNAs play an important role in regulating host anti-mycobacterial defense; however, their role in apoptosis-mediated mycobacterial elimination and inflammatory response remains unclear. In this study, we explored the role of microRNA-27b (miR-27b) in murine macrophage responses to M. tuberculosis infection. We uncovered that the TLR-2/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway induced the expression of miR-27b and miR-27b suppressed the production of proinflammatory factors and the activity of NF-κB, thereby avoiding an excessive inflammation during M. tuberculosis infection. Luciferase reporter assay and Western blotting showed that miR-27b directly targeted Bcl-2–associated athanogene 2 (Bag2) in macrophages. Overexpression of Bag2 reversed miR-27b–mediated inhibition of the production of proinflammatory factors. In addition, miR-27b increased p53-dependent cell apoptosis and the production of reactive oxygen species and decreased the bacterial burden. We also showed that Bag2 interacts with p53 and negatively regulates its activity, thereby controlling cell apoptosis and facilitating bacterial survival. In summary, we revealed a novel role of the miR-27b/Bag2 axis in the regulation of inflammatory response and apoptosis and provide a potential molecular host defense mechanism against mycobacteria.
Oral NaHCO3 Activates a Splenic Anti-Inflammatory Pathway: Evidence That Cholinergic Signals Are Transmitted via Mesothelial Cells
Authors: Ray Sarah C. , Baban Babak , Tucker Matthew A. , Seaton Alec J. , Chang Kyu Chul , Mannon Elinor C. , Sun Jingping , Patel Bansari , Wilson Katie , Musall Jacqueline B. , Ocasio Hiram , Irsik Debra , Filosa Jessica A. , Sullivan Jennifer C. , Marshall Brendan , Harris Ryan A. , O’Connor Paul M.
Published: April 2018

We tested the hypothesis that oral NaHCO3 intake stimulates splenic anti-inflammatory pathways. Following oral NaHCO3 loading, macrophage polarization was shifted from predominantly M1 (inflammatory) to M2 (regulatory) phenotypes, and FOXP3+CD4+ T-lymphocytes increased in the spleen, blood, and kidneys of rats. Similar anti-inflammatory changes in macrophage polarization were observed in the blood of human subjects following NaHCO3 ingestion. Surprisingly, we found that gentle manipulation to visualize the spleen at midline during surgical laparotomy (sham splenectomy) was sufficient to abolish the response in rats and resulted in hypertrophy/hyperplasia of the capsular mesothelial cells. Thin collagenous connections lined by mesothelial cells were found to connect to the capsular mesothelium. Mesothelial cells in these connections stained positive for the pan-neuronal marker PGP9.5 and acetylcholine esterase and contained many ultrastructural elements, which visually resembled neuronal structures. Both disruption of the fragile mesothelial connections or transection of the vagal nerves resulted in the loss of capsular mesothelial acetylcholine esterase staining and reduced splenic mass. Our data indicate that oral NaHCO3 activates a splenic anti-inflammatory pathway and provides evidence that the signals that mediate this response are transmitted to the spleen via a novel neuronal-like function of mesothelial cells.
Agreement Between Visual Assessment and 2-Dimensional Analysis During Jump Landing Among Healthy Female Athletes
Authors: Rabin Alon , Einstein Ofira , Kozol Zvi
Published: April 2018

Context: 

Altered movement patterns, including increased frontal-plane knee movement and decreased sagittal-plane hip and knee movement, have been associated with several knee disorders. Nevertheless, the ability of clinicians to visually detect such altered movement patterns during high-speed athletic tasks is relatively unknown.

Objective: 

To explore the association between visual assessment and 2-dimensional (2D) analysis of frontal-plane knee movement and sagittal-plane hip and knee movement during a jump-landing task among healthy female athletes.

Design: 

Cross-sectional study.

Setting: 

Gymnasiums of participating volleyball teams.

Patients or Other Participants: 

A total of 39 healthy female volleyball players (age = 21.0 ± 5.2 years, height = 172.0 ± 8.6 cm, mass = 64.2 ± 7.2 kg) from Divisions I and II of the Israeli Volleyball Association.

Main Outcome Measure(s): 

Frontal-plane knee movement and sagittal-plane hip and knee movement during jump landing were visually rated as good, moderate, or poor based on previously established criteria. Frontal-plane knee excursion and sagittal-plane hip and knee excursions were measured using free motion-analysis software and compared among athletes with different visual ratings of the corresponding movements.

Results: 

Participants with different visual ratings of frontal-plane knee movement displayed differences in 2D frontal-plane knee excursion (P < .01), whereas participants with different visual ratings of sagittal-plane hip and knee movement displayed differences in 2D sagittal-plane hip and knee excursions (P < .01).

Conclusions: 

Visual ratings of frontal-plane knee movement and sagittal-plane hip and knee movement were associated with differences in the corresponding 2D hip and knee excursions. Visual rating of these movements may serve as an initial screening tool for detecting altered movement patterns during jump landings.