bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Skala Prioritas Perencanaan Pembangunan Dalam Musrenbang Kecamatan
Authors: Halimah Mas , Karyana Ayi
Published: September 2017

Penetapan usulan skala prioritas pembangunan dalam Musyawarah Perencanaan Pembangunan Kecamatan (Musrenbang) Kecamatan Pamulang tahun 2012 yang melibatkan aktor-aktor dari berbagai komponen seperti dari unsur Muspika, Unsur Pemerintah Kecamatan, Unsur Perwakilan Kelurahan dan Unsur Masyarakat, cenderung dipengaruhi dan melaksanakan untuk meraih visi, misidari Walikota terpilih, disamping untuk memenuhi tradisi forum musyawarah tahunan yang sudah menjadi kewajiban terstruktur di tingkat Kecamatan sesuai petunjuk pelaksanaan yang telah disusun oleh Pemerintah Daerah Walikota Tangerang Selatan sebagai turunan dari aturan yang disusun oleh Kementerian Dalam Negeri. Hasil analisis terhadap interaksi aktor-aktor yang terlibat dalam proses,aktivitas dan dinamika Musrenbangcam tentang kesepakatan usulan skala prioritas dari masing-masing komponen masyarakat menunjukkan derajat yang berbeda dalam hal ketajaman usulan prioritas kebutuhan masyarakat. Usulan lebih tajam dan didominasi oleh perwakilan aparat pemerintah ketimbang perwakilan dari unsur masyarakat dan pengusaha lokal, dan kegiatan perbaikan infrastruktur menjadi usulan paling utama ketimbang kegiatan pemberdayaan masyarakat.
Membangun Model Pelayanan Publik Desa : Mendekatkan Pelayanan Masyarakat di Tingkat Lokal
Authors: Marsono Marsono
Published: September 2017

Construction of village’s public service model is imperative since village has more authorities as has been mandated by Law Number 6 of 2014 concerning the village. The authorities allow village government to prepare RPJMDes, APBDes, and village planning independently. Therefore, village has wider opportunities to improve its services in accordance with its nature and characteristics. In rural public service perspective, it is necessary to develop a public service model. This study concludes several things: (1) Classification, types and numbers of village services are different; (2) The village’s services are mostly in the form of recommendations at first level which then should be completed at higher levels at sub district and disctrictagencies; (3) To improve the quality of village’s services, they are classified into three groups, namely: (a) recommendation letter; (b) citizenship services; and (c) rural community empowerment. Furthermore, the recommended model is a dispersed model because village service is a part of public service system at subdistrict and disctrict levels. However, only a small part of the public services are fully completed at village government, such as administrative service.Keywords: Capacity building, public services, the village governmentPembangunan model pelayanan publik desa mendesak sejalan dengan meningkatnya kewenangan Pemerintahan Desa sebagaimana diamanatkan Undang-Undang Nomor 6 Tahun 2014 tentang Desa. Pemerintahan desa berwenang menyusun RPJMDes, APBDes, serta menyusun rencana pembangunan tahunan secara mandiri. Dengan demikian, terbuka peluang untuk memperbaiki pelayanan publik sesuai dengan sifat dan karakteristik desa. Oleh karena itu, dalam perspektif pelayanan publik desa, perlu disusun model pelayanan publik desa sesuai dengan kewenangannya. Studi tentang pengembangan model pelayanan publik desa ini telah menghasilkan kesimpulan : (1) Klasifikasi, jenis dan jumlahnya masih berbeda-beda; (2) Secara umum pelayanan publik desa masih berupa pengantar atau rekomendasi dan penyelesaian pelayanannya berada di Kantor Kecamatan atau bahkan di Dinas Teknis Pemerintah Kabupaten/Kota; (3) Untuk meningkatkan kualitas pelayanan publik desa, maka perlu dikelompokkan menjadi tiga, yaitu: (a) surat pengantar; (b) layanan kependudukan; dan (c) pemberdayaan masyarakat. Adapun model pelayanan publik desa yang direkomendasikan adalah model terpencar, mengingat pelayanan publik desa merupakan bagian yang tak terpisahkan dari sistem pelayanan publik Kecamatan dan Pemerintah Kabupaten/Kota. Hanya sebagian kecil saja pelayanan publik desa yang betul-betul dapat diselesaikan di desa, yaitu surat pengantar.Kata Kunci: Penguatan kapasitas, pelayanan publik, pemerintahan desa
Accelerometer-Determined Physical Activity and Clinical Low Back Pain Measures in Adolescents With Chronic or Subacute Recurrent Low Back Pain
Authors: Leininger Brent , Schulz Craig , Gao Zan , Bronfort Gert , Evans Roni , Pope Zachary , Zeng Nan , Haas Mitchell
Published: September 2017

Study Design

Cross-sectional.

Background

Although low back pain (LBP) occurs commonly in adolescence, little is known about the relationship between objectively measured physical activity and chronic LBP.

Objectives

To assess the relationship between an objective physical activity measure (accelerometer) and standard clinical measures (pain intensity, disability, and quality of life) in a sample of adolescents with recurrent or chronic LBP.

Methods

The study included a subsample of 143 adolescents, 12 to 18 years of age, from a randomized clinical trial. Pearson correlations (r) and bivariate linear regression were used to assess the relationship between baseline measures of sedentary, light, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity using accelerometers and clinical measures of LBP (pain intensity, disability, and quality of life).

Results

Participants spent an average of 610.5 minutes in sedentary activity, 97.6 minutes in light physical activity, and 35.6 minutes in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per day. Physical activity was very weakly associated with clinical measures of LBP (r<0.13). None of the assessed correlations were statistically significant, and bivariate regression models showed that physical activity measures explained very little of the variability for clinical measures of LBP (R2<0.02).

Conclusion

We found no important relationship between objectively measured physical activity and self-reported LBP intensity, disability, or quality of life in adolescents with recurrent or chronic LBP. The parent randomized clinical trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01096628). J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2017;47(10):769–774. Epub 12 Sep 2017. doi:10.2519/jospt.2017.7345
The Management of Complex Pain in Children Referred to a Pain Clinic at a Tertiary Children's Hospital in Australia
Authors: Collins John , Haynes Natasha , Klingberg Hannah , Nicholas Heather , Pounder Meg , Sandells Renee
Published: September 2017

Synopsis

One of the key aspects of good health care for children and young people is the prevention and management of pain. The experience of persistent pain in children and adolescents not only has a major impact on physical, emotional, social, and developmental well-being, but also impacts the broader world, which includes family, school, and social networks. The multidisciplinary pediatric pain clinic adopts a holistic approach to care through a biopsychosocial model. One outcome of an initial pediatric pain clinic review is the creation of a pain management plan that addresses the pharmacological, physical, psychological, and other domains of care. Pediatric pain clinics are improving access by embracing technology through tele-health and internet-based treatment options. Outcome measurement will guide the development of models of care in the future. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2017;47(10):806–813. Epub 12 Sep 2017. doi:10.2519/jospt.2017.7355
Conocimiento, aceptación y uso de la medicina tradicional, alternativa y/o complementaria por médicos del Seguro Social de Salud
Authors: Villar López Martha , Ballinas Sueldo Yessica , Soto Franco Janet Nancy , Medina Tejada Nora
Published: September 2017

Objetivo: determinar el conocimiento, aceptación y uso de la medicina tradicional, alternativa y/o complementaria (MTAC) en un grupo de médicos del Seguro Social de Salud (EsSalud). Materiales y métodos:estudio transversal, descriptivo. Se realizó un muestreo monoétapico por conglomerado entre médicos pertenecientes a redes asistenciales de Lima, a quienes se les aplicó una encuesta validada por expertos y luego en una prueba piloto (alfa de cronbach=0,80). Se calcularon los porcentajes de niveles de conocimiento, aceptación y uso de las terapias de MTAC. Resultados: se evaluó a 412 médicos de los cuales el 68,2% se encontraban entre los 40 y 60 años. El 64,6% de la muestra eran de sexo masculino. El 85,4% de los encuestados conocían la diferencia entre medicina tradicional y medicina alternativa/complementaria; el 82% remitiría a los pacientes a los servicios de Medicina Complementaria y el 56,1% ha realizado una referencia a medicina complementaria. El 80,1% aceptaría la enseñanza de MTAC en pregrado y el 78,9% tiene una percepción positiva de la MTAC. La terapia alternativa más conocida y aceptada fue la acupuntura seguida de la itoterapia (77,8 y 65,9% respectivamente), mientras la más usada fue la itoterapia (22,4%). Conclusiones:los médicos de las redes asistenciales de Lima de EsSalud tienen un nivel alto de conocimiento y aceptación hacia la MTAC, sobre todo a métodos como acupuntura y itoterapia. Se recomienda enfatizar en las estrategias de difusión e información sobre MTAC para poder incrementar la cifra de pacientes referidos.
Comparison of Analytical Methods on Staged Pedestrian Crossings at Crosswalks with a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon
Authors: Avelar Raul E. , Fitzpatrick Kay , Brewer Marcus A.
Published: September 2017

Previous studies of rectangular rapid-flashing beacons have found a wide range of driver yielding rates (19% to 98%). As part of the efforts to study yielding at different types of crosswalk locations better, this research compared alternative statistical methods to analyze staged crossing data. A database was compiled of 12,040 individual crossings at 73 sites representing 128 crossing periods, which included a set of 27 potentially influential variables. Analysis of this data set began with considering the hypothesis that negative binomial regression could be the most appropriate method of analysis, given the characteristics of the data collected at each staged crossing. However, alternative methods—in particular, logistic regression and analysis of variance—also appear appropriate. Even when these alternative methods may not explicitly account for some theoretical implications of staged-crossing data, the methods may prove to model yielding rates acceptably. A potential benefit of using the alternative methods is that the results may be easier to interpret in the context of decision making in regard to pedestrian crosswalk treatments. This research investigated the methodological aspect of analysis to advance the understanding of the explanatory factors, the results, and the phenomena under study. Results from various analyses indicated that logistic regression tended to yield results that were more accurate. Additionally, this research found that the statistical power of two of the techniques evaluated increased when explicitly accounting for the total number of cars observed at each crossing.
Validation of an Agent-Based Microscopic Pedestrian Simulation Model at a Scramble Phase Signalized Intersection
Authors: Hussein Mohamed , Sayed Tarek
Published: September 2017

Recently, an agent-based pedestrian simulation model was developed at the University of British Columbia to model detailed pedestrian interactions. The model was originally calibrated and validated with video data, collected at a signalized intersection in Vancouver. However, it is important to investigate the applicability of the model in different walking environments. The main objective of this study was to assess the model performance in handling pedestrian interactions at a scramble phase signalized intersection in Oakland, California. The intersection had four conventional crosswalks in addition to two diagonal crosswalks, used during the scramble pedestrian phase. Model parameters were calibrated with a genetic algorithm, which aimed to minimize the location and speed error between simulated and actual trajectories, extracted from the video sequence through computer vision. Validation results showed that the model was capable of reproducing pedestrian trajectories with high accuracy in regard to average location and speed error. The average location error for 271 pedestrians considered in the validation was 0.49 m, while the average speed error was 0.04 m/s. Detailed analysis of crossing speed for both conventional and diagonal crossings was presented, and the ability of the model to produce the same speed distributions observed in actual data was confirmed. Furthermore, the ability of the model to reproduce five interactions that were frequently observed in the data was assessed. Results showed that the model was capable of reproducing the actual behavior taken by pedestrians during these interactions with high accuracy, from 80% to 100%.
Leukocyte-reduced platelet-rich plasma stimulates the in vitro proliferation of adipose-tissue derived mesenchymal stem cells depending on PDGF signaling
Authors: Lang Siegmund , Herrmann Marietta , Pfeifer Christian , Brockhoff Gero , Zellner Johannes , Nerlich Michael , Angele Peter , Prantl Lukas , Gehmert Sebastian , Loibl Markus
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND:

Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) is suggested as xenoprotein-free cell-culture medium replacement for animal-derived supplements.

OBJECTIVE:

The aim of this study was to investigate PRP-triggered signaling in adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs).

METHODS:

PRP was obtained from 4 male patients. We incubated ASCs in α-MEM with different Platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) subtypes or 10% or 20% pooled PRP or 20% fetal calf serum (FCS) prior to determination of the S-phase fraction (SPF). To investigate the influence of PDGF signaling on ASCs, PDGF receptor β inhibitor was added, and protein expression of ASCs was measured.

RESULTS:

ASCs exposed to 20% PRP, PDGF-AB and – BB demonstrated significant higher SPF in comparison to PDGF-AA and 20% FCS after 48 hours (all P < 0.05). PDGF receptor β inhibition diminished the PRP-induced SPF increase of ASCs significantly after 48 hours ( P < 0.01). ASCs with PDGF receptor β inhibition showed significant higher PDGF receptor β and significant lower c-MYC expression compared to untreated cells in presence of 20% PRP after 48 hours (both P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS:

The proliferation promoting effect of PRP on ASCs is mediated by PDGF signaling and is associated with c-MYC overexpression.
Can Musical or Painting Interventions Improve Chronic Pain, Mood, Quality of Life, and Cognition in Patients with Mild Alzheimer’s Disease? Evidence from a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Pongan Elodie , Tillmann Barbara , Leveque Yohana , Trombert Béatrice , Getenet Jean Claude , Auguste Nicolas , Dauphinot Virginie , El Haouari Hanane , Navez Malou , Dorey Jean-Michel , Krolak-Salmon Pierre ,   The LACMé Group, Laurent Bernard , Rouch Isabelle , Auguste Nicolas , Bachelet Romain , Brunon Laurence , Dayot Jenny , Dorey Jean-Michel , El Haouari Hanane , Fatisson Marion , Ferrer Marion , Gaillat Charlotte , Gentil Claire , Getenet Jean Claude , Goldet Karine , Krolak-Salmon Pierre , Laurent Bernard , Leroyer Marie , Leveque Yohana , Michon Agnès , Mortreux Angélique , Navez Malou , Neagu Anca , Perrot Catherine , Pongan Elodie , Rouch Isabelle , Solimeo Mathilde , Tillmann Barbara , Touzet du Vigier Anaïs , Vulliez Elodie
Published: September 2017

Background:

Among non-pharmacological therapies, musical intervention is often used for patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and patients presenting chronic pain. However, their efficacy is still under debate.

Objective:

Our aim was to determine the efficacy of choral singing versus painting sessions on chronic pain, mood, quality of life, and cognition in AD patients.

Methods:

In this multicenter randomized controlled trial, 59 mild AD patients were randomized to a 12-week singing (SG; n = 31) or painting group (PG; n = 28). Chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and quality of life were assessed before, after, and 1 month after the sessions. Cognitive abilities were assessed before and after interventions. The evolution of these different measures was assessed with mixed linear models. The primary data analysis was by intention-to-treat, and completed by a ‘per protocol’ approach.

Results:

Both singing and painting interventions led to significant pain reduction (Time effect: F = 4.71; p = 0.01), reduced anxiety (Time effect: F = 10.74; p < 0.0001), improved Quality of Life (Time effect: F = 6.79; p = 0.002), improved digit span (F = 12.93; p = 0.001), and inhibitory processes (Time effect: F = 4.93; p = 0.03). Depression was reduced over time in PG only (Time x Group effect: F = 4.53; p = 0.01). Verbal Memory performance remained stable over time in SG, but decreased in PG (Time x group effect: F = 9.29; p = 0.004).

Conclusion:

Findings suggest that singing and painting interventions may reduce pain and improve mood, quality of life, and cognition in patients with mild AD, with differential effects of painting for depression and singing for memory performance.
Clinical Tremor Severity Estimation Using an Instrumented Eating Utensil
Authors: Miocinovic Svjetlana , Shoeb Ali H. , Wang Sarah , Byrd Erica A. , Swann Nicole C. , Pathak Anupam , Ostrem Jill L.
Published: September 2017

We demonstrate the feasibility of estimating clinical tremor scores using an eating utensil with motion-sensing and tremor-cancellation technology in thirteen patients with tremor. Three experts scored hand tremor using the modified Fahn- Tolosa-Marin (FTM) scale. A linear model was trained to estimate tremor severity using the recorded motion signals. The average neurologist FTM score was 1.6±0.7 for PD and 2.6±0.7 for ET patients. The average model score was 1.6±0.7 for PD and 2.6±0.6 for ET. Correlation coefficient between the clinical and model tremor scores was 0.91 ( p < 0.001). Motion data from an instrumented eating utensil accurately derived tremor ratings enabling practical, objective daily monitoring.
Statins and Cognition in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Deck Benjamin L. , Rick Jacqueline , Xie Sharon X. , Chen-Plotkin Alice , Duda John E. , Morley James F. , Chahine Lana M. , Dahodwala Nabila , Trojanowski John Q. , Weintraub Daniel
Published: September 2017

Background:

The relationship between statins and cognition in Parkinson’s disease (PD) is poorly understood.

Objectives:

Analyses were performed to determine associations between statin use and cross-sectional and longitudinal cognitive performance in PD.

Methods:

Neuropsychological tests, medication logs, and ratings of functional abilities were collected from 313 PD participants longitudinally.

Results:

At baseline, statin users (SU; N = 129) were older, more likely male, and had shorter PD duration than non-statin users (NSU; N = 184). In Cross-sectional analysis, SU performed better on global cognition, Trails B, semantic fluency, and phonemic fluency tasks. Rate of long-term global cognitive (Dementia Rating Scale-2 and MoCA) decline was significantly less in SU.
Evaluation of RNA Blood Biomarkers in Individuals at Risk of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Santiago Jose A. , Potashkin Judith A.
Published: September 2017

Background:

Substantial progress has been made in the discovery of blood biomarkers for Parkinson’s disease (PD), a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects more than 4 million worldwide. Olfactory dysfunction and dopamine deficits usually precede motor symptoms years before the onset of PD. A readily accessible biomarker useful for identifying patients at risk of PD is expected to accelerate clinical trials.

Objective:

To evaluate previously identified PD blood RNA biomarkers in a cohort of asymptomatic individuals at risk of PD.

Methods:

Here we tested 16 previously identified PD RNA biomarkers using quantitative PCR assays in a total of 269 blood samples at baseline from hyposmic and normosmic participants enrolled in the Parkinson’s Associated Risk Syndrome study. Results: Expression levels of four biomarkers, SOD2, PKM2, ZNF134, and ZNF160 were negatively correlated with the total Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale, thus suggesting these biomarkers may be useful to stratify patients prior to the onset of motor symptoms. Levels of SOD2 were upregulated in hyposmic males compared to females, whereas levels of PKM2 were upregulated in hyposmic males compared to normosmic males and hyposmic females. Further, levels of SOD2 were upregulated in males with abnormal dopamine transporter (DAT) scans compared to females with abnormal DAT scans.

Conclusions:

These results suggest that some of these biomarkers may be useful for stratification of individuals at risk for PD and that there may be sex differences in the expression of some biomarkers. Future studies in larger longitudinal studies will be key to assessing the validity of these findings.
Pancreatic Polypeptide in Parkinson’s Disease: A Potential Marker of Parasympathetic Denervation
Authors: Knudsen Karoline , Hartmann Bolette , Fedorova Tatyana D. , Østergaard Karen , Krogh Klaus , Møller Niels , Holst Jens J. , Borghammer Per
Published: September 2017

Background and objectives:

Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients experience several non-motor symptoms from the gastrointestinal tract that may partly be caused by parasympathetic deficiency. The pancreas is densely innervated by the vagus nerve, which mediates early meal-induced secretion of pancreatic polypeptide (PP). Early secretion after sham feeding has been validated as a marker of vagal integrity. Thus, the aim was to evaluate the ratio of increased PP plasma levels after sham feeding in PD and correlate findings with gastrointestinal transit time (GITT).

Methods:

Twenty-five PD patients and 17 controls were included. PP, insulin, and blood glucose levels were measured before, during, and after sham feeding with white bread and chocolate spread. GITT was measured using radiopaque markers. Furthermore, faeces samples were analyzed for pancreatic elastase enzyme as a marker of exocrine pancreatic function.

Results:

PD patients showed significantly lower PP ratio levels after sham feeding, which was most pronounced at 10 minutes. No significant association was seen between attenuated PP response and GITT in PD patients. No between-group differences were seen in glucose or insulin levels over time, but PD patients showed generally lower insulin levels compared to controls. No difference was found in faeces pancreatic elastase.

Conclusions:

Early-to-moderate stage PD patients demonstrated significantly decreased PP response after sham feeding suggestive of vagal denervation.
A Monarch Butterfly Optimization for the Dynamic Vehicle Routing Problem
Authors: Chen Shifeng , Chen Rong , Gao Jian
Published: September 2017

The dynamic vehicle routing problem (DVRP) is a variant of the Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP) in which customers appear dynamically. The objective is to determine a set of routes that minimizes the total travel distance. In this paper, we propose a monarch butterfly optimization (MBO) algorithm to solve DVRPs, utilizing a greedy strategy. Both migration operation and the butterfly adjusting operator only accept the offspring of butterfly individuals that have better fitness than their parents. To improve performance, a later perturbation procedure is implemented, to maintain a balance between global diversification and local intensification. The computational results indicate that the proposed technique outperforms the existing approaches in the literature for average performance by at least 9.38%. In addition, 12 new best solutions were found. This shows that this proposed technique consistently produces high-quality solutions and outperforms other published heuristics for the DVRP.
Measurement Matrix Analysis and Radiation Improvement of a Metamaterial Aperture Antenna for Coherent Computational Imaging
Authors: Kou Na , Li Long , Tian Shuncheng , Li Yuanchang
Published: September 2017

A metamaterial aperture antenna (MAA) that generates frequency-diverse radiation field patterns has been introduced in the context of microwave wave imaging to perform compressive image reconstruction. This paper presents a new metamateriapl aperture design, which includes two kinds of metamaterial elements with random distribution. One is a high-Q resonant element whose resonant frequency is agile, and the other one is a low-Q element that has a high radiation efficiency across frequency band. Numerical simulations and measurements show that the radiation efficiency of up to 60% can be achieved for the MAA and the far-field patterns owns good orthogonality, when using the complementary electric-field-coupled (CELC) element and the complementary Jerusalem cross (CJC) element with a random distribution ratio of 4 to 1, which could be effectively used to reconstruct the target scattering scene.
Weak Fault Feature Extraction Scheme for Intershaft Bearings Based on Linear Prediction and Order Tracking in the Rotation Speed Difference Domain
Authors: Jiang Zhinong , Hu Minghui , Feng Kun , He Ya
Published: September 2017

Because both the inner and outer rings rotate, the intershaft bearings used in gas turbines do not have fixed bearing housings. As a result, the vibration of intershaft bearings cannot be measured directly. Therefore, a vibration signal can only be collected through indirect measurement. First, it must be transferred to adjacent bearings through the shafting. Then, it should be transferred by the elastic supports and complex structure of the thin-walled strut. The vibration signal is severely weakened during transmission under the influences of the transfer path. In the meantime, in the vibration of other components, a huge amount of noise is produced by the air flow, and the variable speeds of the inner and outer rings of the intershaft bearings make it harder to analyze the signal. Hence, it is very difficult to extract the vibration fault features of intershaft bearings. To deal with the variable speed of dual rotors, as well as the weak signal, a fault feature extraction scheme for the weak fault signals of intershaft bearings is proposed in this paper. This scheme is based on linear prediction, spectral kurtosis, and order tracking in the rotation speed difference domain. First, a prewhitening process, based on linear prediction, is applied to the fault signal of the intershaft bearings to eliminate the stationary component. Thus, the remaining components, including the impulse signal of faulty bearings and nonstationary noise, can retain the features of the vibrational bearings, in addition to reducing the noise. Second, the optimal center frequency and bandwidth of the band-pass filter, applied to resonant demodulation, are selected by spectral kurtosis. Subsequently, the enveloped signal containing the features of the faults found in the intershaft bearings is obtained by resonance demodulation. The quasi-stationary signal in the angle domain is acquired by the even angle resampling of the nonstationary envelope signal, as a result of the variable speed. The final order spectrum is obtained through a Fourier transform. Fault diagnosis can be conducted for the intershaft bearings by comparing this spectrum with the feature order of the bearing fault. Experiments were conducted to verify the validity of the proposed scheme.
Encapsulation of Olive Leaves Extracts in Biodegradable PLA Nanoparticles for Use in Cosmetic Formulation
Authors: Kesente Maritina , Kavetsou Eleni , Roussaki Marina , Blidi Slim , Loupassaki Sofia , Chanioti Sofia , Siamandoura Paraskevi , Stamatogianni Chrisoula , Philippou Eleni , Papaspyrides Constantine , Vouyiouka Stamatina , Detsi Anastasia
Published: September 2017

The aim of the current work was to encapsulate olive leaves extract in biodegradable poly(lactic acid) nanoparticles, characterize the nanoparticles and define the experimental parameters that affect the encapsulation procedure. Moreover, the loaded nanoparticles were incorporated in a cosmetic formulation and the stability of the formulation was studied for a three-month period of study. Poly(lactic acid) nanoparticles were prepared by the nanoprecipitation method. Characterization of the nanoparticles was performed using a variety of techniques: size, polydispersity index and ζ-potential were measured by Dynamic Light Scattering; morphology was studied using Scanning Electron Microscopy; thermal properties were investigated using Differential Scanning Calorimetry; whereas FT-IR spectroscopy provided a better insight on the encapsulation of the extract. Encapsulation Efficiency was determined indirectly, using UV-Vis spectroscopy. The loaded nanoparticles exhibited anionic ζ-potential, a mean particle size of 246.3 ± 5.3 nm (Pdi: 0.21 ± 0.01) and equal to 49.2%, while olive leaves extract release from the nanoparticles was found to present a burst effect at the first 2 hours. Furthermore, the stability studies of the loaded nanoparticles’ cosmetic formulation showed increased stability compared to the pure extract, in respect to viscosity, pH, organoleptic characteristics, emulsions phases and grid.
Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase in Cutaneous Malignancies
Authors: Cao Severine , Nambudiri Vinod
Published: September 2017

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) is a receptor tyrosine kinase that has been implicated in the pathogenesis of a variety of neoplasms. As suggested by its name, ALK was first described as part of a translocation product in cases of anaplastic large-cell lymphoma, with other genetic and cytogenetic ALK mutations subsequently coming to attention in the development of many other hematologic and solid organ malignancies. ALK has now been shown to play a role in the pathogenesis of several cutaneous malignancies, including secondary cutaneous systemic anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL) and primary cutaneous ALCL, melanoma, spitzoid tumors, epithelioid fibrous histiocytoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma. The characterization of ALK-positivity in these cutaneous malignancies presents exciting opportunities for utilizing ALK-targeted inhibitors in the treatment of these diseases.
Pulse Microcalorimetry Study of Methane Dry Reforming Reaction on Ni/Ceria-Zirconia Catalyst
Authors: Simonov Mikhail , Rogov Vladimir , Smirnova Marina , Sadykov Vladislav
Published: September 2017

For Ni/CeZrO catalyst prepared in supercritical isopropanol main features of methane dry reforming reaction mechanism were studied by the pulse microcalorimetric technique. The reaction scheme is described by a step-wise redox mechanism with independent stages of CH4 transformation on Ni/support interface producing syngas with participation of support oxygen bridging species (the rate-limiting stage) and fast reoxidation of support sites by CO2 yielding CO regenerating reactive oxygen species.
Selective Acetylation of Small Biomolecules and Their Derivatives Catalyzed by Er(OTf)3
Authors: Nardi Monica , Gioia Maria Luisa Di , Costanzo Paola , Nino Antonio De , Maiuolo Loredana , Oliverio Manuela , Olivito Fabrizio , Procopio Antonio
Published: September 2017

It is of great significance to develop sustainable processes of catalytic reaction. We report a selective procedure for the synthesis of acetylated bioactive compounds in water. The use of 1-acetylimidazole combined with Er(OTf)3 as a Lewis acid catalyst gives high regioselectivity and good yields for the acetylation of primary hydroxyl groups, as well as amino groups. The protection is achieved in short reaction times under microwave irradiation, and is successful even in the case of base-sensitive substrates.
A Firm-Level Investigation of Innovation in the Caribbean: A Comparison of Manufacturing and Service Firms
Authors: Alleyne Antonio , Lorde Troy , Weekes Quinn
Published: September 2017

A lack of growth remains a major concern for Caribbean countries. Private sector development has been identified as vital in addressing this problem. Innovation, a necessary condition for competitiveness, is a key channel through which the private sector can help to stimulate growth. An analysis of innovation at the firm level for Caribbean manufacturing and services sectors shows that patent rights, the level of domestic sales, collaboration for innovation purposes, innovation intensity (that is, the efficiency with which innovation funds are managed), availability of technology, knowledge about new market trends, domestic sales, and the size of the workforce are critical to the innovation process in both sectors. Several differences also exist. Innovative service firms are older, in contrast to manufacturing firms, which tend to be younger; foreign ownership is key for service firms; and both types of firms face different obstacles to innovation. Policymakers should tailor policies that take such differences into account.
Use of Rod Compactors for High Voltage Overhead Power Lines Magnetic Field Mitigation
Authors: Bignucolo Fabio , Coppo Massimiliano , Savio Andrea , Turri Roberto
Published: September 2017

In the last decades, strengthening the high voltage transmission system through the installation of new overhead power lines has become critical, especially in highly developed areas. Present laws concerning the human exposure to electric and magnetic fields introduce constraints to be considered in both new line construction and existing systems. In the paper, a technique for passive magnetic field mitigation in areas close to overhead power lines is introduced, fully modelled and discussed through a parametric analysis. The investigated solution, which basically consists in approaching line conductors along the span making use of rod insulators, is applicable on both existing and under-design overhead lines as an alternative to other mitigating actions. Making use of a 3-dimensional representation, the procedure computes both positions of phase conductors and forces acting on insulators, towers, conductors and compactors, with the aim of evaluating the additional mechanical stress introduced by the compactors. Finally, a real case study is reported to demonstrate and quantify the benefits in terms of ground magnetic field reduction achievable by applying the proposed solution, in comparison to a traditional configuration. Furthermore, using compactors to passively reduce the magnetic field is simple to be applied, minimally invasive and quite inexpensive as regards to alternative mitigating actions.
The Impact of Spectral Composition of White LEDs on Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) Growth and Development
Authors: Burattini Chiara , Mattoni Benedetta , Bisegna Fabio
Published: September 2017

Light-emitting diodes (LED) are a promising light source for the cultivation of edible vegetables in greenhouses. The spectral radiation of the light sources has an impact on plants physiological parameters, as well as on morphological features. In this study the growth of spinach plants has been carried out in experimental boxes under two white LED treatments having different correlate color temperature (CCT): the cold lighting (CL) corresponded to 6500 K, while the warm lighting (WL) to 3000 K. The work was aimed to investigate the influence of the two light spectra on plant development and comparing the results. Results showed that the different lighting treatments impact differently on plant development and on growth parameters.
A Novel Sensorless Control Strategy for Brushless Direct Current Motor Based on the Estimation of Line Back Electro-Motive Force
Authors: Tong Chengde , Wang Mingqiao , Zhao Baige , Yin Zuosheng , Zheng Ping
Published: September 2017

In this paper, a novel sensorless control strategy based on the estimation of line back electro-motive force (BEMF) is proposed. According to the phase relationship between the ideal commutation points of the brushless direct current motor (BLDCM) and the zero-crossing points (ZCPs) of the line BEMF, the calculation formula of line BEMF is simplified properly and the commutation rule for different positions of the rotor is presented. The estimation error of line BEMF caused by the freewheeling current of silent phase is analyzed, and the solution is given. With the phase shift of the low-pass filter considered, a compensation method using “60°-α” and “120°-α” is studied in this paper to eliminate the error. Finally, the simulation and experimental results show that the rotor-position-detection error is reduced effectively and the motor driven by the accurate commutation signal can work well at low and high speed.
Traits and Resource Use of Co-Occurring Introduced and Native Trees in a Tropical Novel Forest
Authors: Fonseca da Silva Jéssica , Medina Ernesto , Lugo Ariel
Published: September 2017

Novel forests are naturally regenerating forests that have established on degraded lands and have a species composition strongly influenced by introduced species. We studied ecophysiological traits of an introduced species (Castilla elastica Sessé) and several native species growing side by side in novel forests dominated by C. elastica in Puerto Rico. We hypothesized that C. elastica has higher photosynthetic capacity and makes more efficient use of resources than co-occurring native species. Using light response curves, we found that the photosynthetic capacity of C. elastica is similar to that of native species, and that different parameters of the curves reflected mostly sun light variation across the forest strata. However, photosynthetic nitrogen use-efficiency as well as leaf area/mass ratios were higher for C. elastica, and both the amount of C and N per unit area were lower, highlighting the different ecological strategies of the introduced and native plants. Presumably, those traits support C. elastica’s dominance over native plants in the study area. We provide empirical data on the ecophysiology of co-occurring plants in a novel forest, and show evidence that different resource-investment strategies co-occur in this type of ecosystem.
Local Path Planning of Driverless Car Navigation Based on Jump Point Search Method Under Urban Environment
Authors: Zhou Kaijun , Yu Lingli , Long Ziwei , Mo Siyao
Published: September 2017

The Jump Point Search (JPS) algorithm is adopted for local path planning of the driverless car under urban environment, and it is a fast search method applied in path planning. Firstly, a vector Geographic Information System (GIS) map, including Global Positioning System (GPS) position, direction, and lane information, is built for global path planning. Secondly, the GIS map database is utilized in global path planning for the driverless car. Then, the JPS algorithm is adopted to avoid the front obstacle, and to find an optimal local path for the driverless car in the urban environment. Finally, 125 different simulation experiments in the urban environment demonstrate that JPS can search out the optimal and safety path successfully, and meanwhile, it has a lower time complexity compared with the Vector Field Histogram (VFH), the Rapidly Exploring Random Tree (RRT), A*, and the Probabilistic Roadmaps (PRM) algorithms. Furthermore, JPS is validated usefully in the structured urban environment.
Performable Case Studies in Ethics Education
Authors: Robeson Richard , King Nancy M. P.
Published: September 2017

Bioethics education often includes the study of short stories, novels, plays, and films, because such materials present case examples that can highlight relevant issues and questions especially vividly for a wide range of students. In addition, creative writing is widely used in the education of health professional students and in continuing education settings for health professionals. There are very few academic or professional disciplines that do not use case studies, but the case study in dialogic form has not been standard practice for thousands of years. Dramatic arts casuistry—the creation and performance of short case studies designed specifically to raise bioethics issues for discussion—represents an application of literature and the medical humanities that is both unique and uniquely valuable. This essay describes the development and history of a course that has been successfully taught to medical students and graduate bioethics students, in which the class researches, writes, and performs a case study designed to elicit reflection and discussion about a topic and set of bioethics issues of current interest to both academic and general audiences. The model is also suited to the presentation and discussion of existing case studies, both live and via on-demand audio.
Health Effects of Ambient Air Pollution in Developing Countries
Authors: Mannucci Pier , Franchini Massimo
Published: September 2017

The deleterious effects of ambient air pollution on human health have been consistently documented by many epidemiologic studies worldwide, and it has been calculated that globally at least seven million deaths are annually attributable to the effects of air pollution. The major air pollutants emitted into the atmosphere by a number of natural processes and human activities include nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, and particulate matter. In addition to the poor ambient air quality, there is increasing evidence that indoor air pollution also poses a serious threat to human health, especially in low-income countries that still use biomass fuels as an energy resource. This review summarizes the current knowledge on ambient air pollution in financially deprived populations.
Trauma Affecting Asian-Pacific Islanders in the San Francisco Bay Area
Authors: Bith-Melander Pollie , Chowdhury Nagia , Jindal Charulata , Efird Jimmy
Published: September 2017

Trauma is a transgenerational process that overwhelms the community and the ability of family members to cope with life stressors. An anthropologist trained in ethnographic methods observed three focus groups from a non-profit agency providing trauma and mental health services to Asian Americans living in the San Francisco Bay Area of United States. Supplemental information also was collected from staff interviews and notes. Many of the clients were immigrants, refugees, or adult children of these groups. This report consisted of authentic observations and rich qualitative information to characterize the impact of trauma on refugees and immigrants. Observations suggest that collective trauma, direct or indirect, can impede the success and survivability of a population, even after many generations.
Collaborative Visual Analytics: A Health Analytics Approach to Injury Prevention
Authors: Al-Hajj Samar , Fisher Brian , Smith Jennifer , Pike Ian
Published: September 2017

Background: Accurate understanding of complex health data is critical in order to deal with wicked health problems and make timely decisions. Wicked problems refer to ill-structured and dynamic problems that combine multidimensional elements, which often preclude the conventional problem solving approach. This pilot study introduces visual analytics (VA) methods to multi-stakeholder decision-making sessions about child injury prevention; Methods: Inspired by the Delphi method, we introduced a novel methodology—group analytics (GA). GA was pilot-tested to evaluate the impact of collaborative visual analytics on facilitating problem solving and supporting decision-making. We conducted two GA sessions. Collected data included stakeholders’ observations, audio and video recordings, questionnaires, and follow up interviews. The GA sessions were analyzed using the Joint Activity Theory protocol analysis methods; Results: The GA methodology triggered the emergence of ‘common ground’ among stakeholders. This common ground evolved throughout the sessions to enhance stakeholders’ verbal and non-verbal communication, as well as coordination of joint activities and ultimately collaboration on problem solving and decision-making; Conclusions: Understanding complex health data is necessary for informed decisions. Equally important, in this case, is the use of the group analytics methodology to achieve ‘common ground’ among diverse stakeholders about health data and their implications.
NAFLD: Is There Anything New under the Sun?
Authors: Lonardo Amedeo , Targher Giovanni
Published: September 2017

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an “umbrella” definition that encompasses a spectrum of histological liver changes ranging from simple steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with/without fibrosis, “cryptogenic” cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), occurring in a dysmetabolic milieu, though in the absence of excessive alcohol consumption and other competing etiologies of chronic liver disease [1].[...]
Fire Data as Proxy for Anthropogenic Landscape Change in the Yucatán
Authors: Millones Marco , Rogan John , II B.L. , Parmentier Benoit , Harris Robert , Griffith Daniel
Published: September 2017

Fire is one of the earliest and most common tools used by humans to modify the earth surface. Landscapes in the Yucatán Peninsula are composed of a mosaic of old growth subtropical forest, secondary vegetation, grasslands, and agricultural land that represent a well-documented example of anthropogenic intervention, much of which involves the use of fire. This research characterizes land use systems and land cover changes in the Yucatán during the 2000–2010 time period. We used an active fire remotely sensed data time series from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), in combination with forest loss, and anthrome map sources to (1) establish the association between fire and land use change in the region; and (2) explore links between the spatial and temporal patterns of fire and specific types of land use practices, including within- and between-anthromes variability. A spatial multinomial logit model was constructed using fire, landscape configuration, and a set of commonly used control variables to estimate forest persistence, non-forest persistence, and change. Cross-tabulations and descriptive statistics were used to explore the relationships between fire occurrence, location, and timing with respect to the geography of land use. We also compared fire frequencies within and between anthrome groups using a negative binomial model and Tukey pairwise comparisons. Results show that fire data broadly reproduce the geography and timing of anthropogenic land change. Findings indicate that fire and landscape configuration is useful in explaining forest change and non-forest persistence, especially in fragmented (mosaicked) landscapes. Absence of fire occurrence is related usefully to the persistence of spatially continuous core areas of older growth forest. Fire has a positive relationship with forest to non-forest change and a negative relationship with forest persistence. Fire is also a good indicator to distinguish between anthrome groups (e.g., croplands and villages). Our study suggests that active fire data series are a reasonable proxy for anthropogenic land persistence/change in the context of the Yucatán and are useful to differentiate quantitatively and qualitatively between and within anthromes.
Drilling High Precision Holes in Ti6Al4V Using Rotary Ultrasonic Machining and Uncertainties Underlying Cutting Force, Tool Wear, and Production Inaccuracies
Authors: Chowdhury M. , Sharif Ullah A. , Anwar Saqib
Published: September 2017

Ti6Al4V alloys are difficult-to-cut materials that have extensive applications in the automotive and aerospace industry. A great deal of effort has been made to develop and improve the machining operations of Ti6Al4V alloys. This paper presents an experimental study that systematically analyzes the effects of the machining conditions (ultrasonic power, feed rate, spindle speed, and tool diameter) on the performance parameters (cutting force, tool wear, overcut error, and cylindricity error), while drilling high precision holes on the workpiece made of Ti6Al4V alloys using rotary ultrasonic machining (RUM). Numerical results were obtained by conducting experiments following the design of an experiment procedure. The effects of the machining conditions on each performance parameter have been determined by constructing a set of possibility distributions (i.e., trapezoidal fuzzy numbers) from the experimental data. A possibility distribution is a probability-distribution-neural representation of uncertainty, and is effective in quantifying the uncertainty underlying physical quantities when there is a limited number of data points which is the case here. Lastly, the optimal machining conditions have been identified using these possibility distributions.