bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wind Turbine Blade Life-Time Assessment Model for Preventive Planning of Operation and Maintenance
Authors: Florian Mihai , Sørensen John
Published: September 2015

Out of the total wind turbine failure events, blade damage accounts for a substantial part, with some studies estimating it at around 23%. Current operation and maintenance (O&M) practices typically make use of corrective type maintenance as the basic approach, implying high costs for repair and replacement activities as well as large revenue losses, mainly in the case of offshore wind farms. The recent development and evolution of condition monitoring techniques, as well as the fact that an increasing number of installed turbines are equipped with online monitoring systems, offers a large amount of information on the blades structural health to the decision maker. Further, inspections of the blades are often performed in connection with service. In light of the obtained information, a preventive type of maintenance becomes feasible, with the potential of predicting the blades remaining life to support O&M decisions for avoiding major failure events. The present paper presents a fracture mechanics based model for estimating the remaining life of a wind turbine blade, focusing on the crack propagation in the blades adhesive joints. A generic crack propagation model is built in Matlab based on a Paris law approach. The model is used within a risk-based maintenance decision framework to optimize maintenance planning for the blades lifetime.
Light Absorption Enhancement of Silicon-Based Photovoltaic Devices with Multiple Bandgap Structures of Porous Silicon
Authors: Wu Kuen-Hsien , Li Chong-Wei
Published: September 2015

Porous-silicon (PS) multi-layered structures with three stacked PS layers of different porosity were prepared on silicon (Si) substrates by successively tuning the electrochemical-etching parameters in an anodization process. The three PS layers have different optical bandgap energy and construct a triple-layered PS (TLPS) structure with multiple bandgap energy. Photovoltaic devices were fabricated by depositing aluminum electrodes of Schottky contacts on the surfaces of the developed TLPS structures. The TLPS-based devices exhibit broadband photoresponses within the spectrum of the solar irradiation and get high photocurrent for the incident light of a tungsten lamp. The improved spectral responses of devices are owing to the multi-bandgap structures of TLPS, which are designed with a layered configuration analog to a tandem cell for absorbing a wider energy range of the incidental sun light. The large photocurrent is mainly ascribed to an enhanced light-absorption ability as a result of applying nanoporous-Si thin films as the surface layers to absorb the short-wavelength light and to improve the Schottky contacts of devices. Experimental results reveal that the multi-bandgap PS structures produced from electrochemical-etching of Si wafers are potentially promising for development of highly efficient Si-based solar cells.
Ameliorative Effect of Gallic Acid on Cyclophosphamide-Induced Oxidative Injury and Hepatic Dysfunction in Rats
Authors: Olayinka Ebenezer , Ore Ayokanmi , Ola Olaniyi , Adeyemo Oluwatobi
Published: September 2015

Cyclophosphamide (CP), a bifunctional alkylating agent used in chemotherapy has been reported to induce organ toxicity mediated by generation of reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress. Gallic acid (GA), a phenolic substance, is a natural antioxidant with proven free radical scavenging activity and offers protection against oxidative damage. This research study was designed to investigate the ameliorative effect of GA against CP-induced toxicity in rats. Twenty-five male Wistar rats (180–200 g) were randomized into five treatment groups: (A) control, (B) CP, 2 mg/kg body weight (b.w.), (C) pre-treatment with GA (20 mg/kg b.w.) for seven days followed by CP (2 mg/kg b.w.) for seven days, (D) co-treatment with GA (20 mg/kg b.w) and CP (2 mg/kg b.w.) for seven days, and (E) GA (20 mg/kg b.w.) for seven days. CP induced marked renal and hepatic damages as plasma levels of urea, creatinine, bilirubin and activities of AST, ALT, ALP and GGT were significantly elevated (p < 0.05) in the CP-treated group relative to control. In addition, hepatic levels of GSH, vitamin C and activities of SOD, catalase and GST significantly reduced in the CP-treated group when compared with control. This was accompanied with a significant increase in hepatic lipid peroxidation. The restoration of the markers of renal and hepatic damages as well as antioxidant indices and lipid peroxidation by pre- and co-treatment with GA clearly shows that GA offers ameliorative effect by scavenging the reactive oxygen species generated by CP. This protective effect may be attributed to the antioxidant property of gllic acid.
The Biosynthetic Pathways of Tanshinones and Phenolic Acids in Salvia miltiorrhiza
Authors: Ma Xiao-Hui , Ma Ying , Tang Jin-Fu , He Ya-Li , Liu Yu-Chen , Ma Xiao-Jing , Shen Ye , Cui Guang-Hong , Lin Hui-Xin , Rong Qi-Xian , Guo Juan , Huang Lu-Qi
Published: September 2015

Secondary metabolites from plants play key roles in human medicine and chemical industries. Due to limited accumulation of secondary metabolites in plants and their important roles, characterization of key enzymes involved in biosynthetic pathway will enable metabolic engineering or synthetic biology to improve or produce the compounds in plants or microorganisms, which provides an alternative for production of these valuable compounds. Salvia miltiorrhiza, containing tanshinones and phenolic acids as its active compounds, has been widely used for the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. The biosynthetic analysis of secondary metabolites in S. miltiorrhiza has made great progress due to the successful genetic transformation system, simplified hairy roots system, and high-throughput sequencing. The cloned genes in S. miltiorrhiza had provided references for functional characterization of the post-modification steps involved in biosynthesis of tanshinones and phenolic acids, and further utilization of these steps in metabolic engineering. The strategies used in these studies could provide solid foundation for elucidation of biosynthetic pathways of diterpenoids and phenolic acids in other species. The present review systematically summarizes recent advances in biosynthetic pathway analysis of tanshinones and phenolic acids as well as synthetic biology and metabolic engineering applications of the rate-limiting genes involved in the secondary metabolism in S. miltiorrhiza.
Metabolomics-Based Screening of Biofilm-Inhibitory Compounds against Pseudomonas aeruginosa from Burdock Leaf
Authors: Lou Zaixiang , Tang Yuxia , Song Xinyi , Wang Hongxin
Published: September 2015

Screening of anti-biofilm compounds from the burdock leaf based on metabolomics is reported here. The crystal violet assay indicated 34% ethanol elution fraction of burdock leaf could completely inhibit biofilm formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa at 1 mg·mL−1. Then, the chemical composition of burdock leaf fraction was analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) and 11 active compounds (chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, quercetin, ursolic acid, rutin, cynarin, luteolin, crocin, benzoic acid, and Tenacissoside I) were identified. Lastly, UPLC-MS analysis was employed to obtain the metabolic fingerprints of burdock leaf fractions before and after inhibiting the biofilm of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The metabolic fingerprints were transformed to data, analyzed with PLS-DA (partial least squares discriminant analysis) and the peaks whose area was significantly changed were found out. Thus, 81 compounds were screened as potential anti-biofilm ingredients. Among them, rutin, ursolic acid, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid and quercetin were identified and confirmed as the main anti-biofilm compounds in burdock leaf. The study provided basic anti-biofilm profile data for the compounds in burdock leaf, as well as provided a convenient method for fast screening of anti-biofilm compounds from natural plants.
Per-Arnt-Sim Kinase (PASK): An Emerging Regulator of Mammalian Glucose and Lipid Metabolism
Authors: Zhang Dan-dan , Zhang Ji-gang , Wang Yu-zhu , Liu Ying , Liu Gao-lin , Li Xiao-yu
Published: September 2015

Per-Arnt-Sim Kinase (PASK) is an evolutionarily-conserved nutrient-responsive protein kinase that regulates lipid and glucose metabolism, mitochondrial respiration, phosphorylation, and gene expression. Recent data suggests that mammalian PAS kinase is involved in glucose metabolism and acts on pancreatic islet α/β cells and glycogen synthase (GS), affecting insulin secretion and blood glucose levels. In addition, PASK knockout mice (PASK-/-) are protected from obesity, liver triglyceride accumulation, and insulin resistance when fed a high-fat diet, implying that PASK may be a new target for metabolic syndrome (MetS) treatment as well as the cellular nutrients and energy sensors—adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and the targets of rapamycin (m-TOR). In this review, we will briefly summarize the regulation of PASK on mammalian glucose and lipid metabolism and its possible mechanism, and further explore the potential targets for MetS therapy.
Fatigue Behaviour of CFRP Strengthened Out-of-Plane Gusset Welded Joints with Double Cracks
Authors: Yu Qian-Qian , Chen Tao , Gu Xiang-Lin , Zhang Ning-Xi
Published: September 2015

This paper investigates the fatigue behaviour of out-of-plane gusset welded joints strengthened with carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates. Two notches were introduced at the weld toes adjacent to longitudinal plate ends to simulate the initial damage. Variables including the stress range, single- or double-sided strengthening and modulus of CFRP materials were considered. It was found that both cracks propagated under fatigue loading. All the specimens fractured along one predefined notch when the fatigue crack reached a certain length while the other crack also grew to some extent. Test results showed that the addition of composite materials significantly prolonged the fatigue life of specimens by as much as 1.28 to 8.17 times. Double-sided bond and ultra-high modulus CFRP materials led to a better strengthening efficiency. Thereafter, a series of numerical analyses were performed to study the stress intensity factor (SIF) and crack opening displacement (COD). Local debonding around the crack tip at the adhesive-steel interface was taken into consideration. Finally, the fatigue life of all the specimens was evaluated based on the linear elastic fracture mechanism (LEFM) theory and the predicted results agreed well with the experimental data.
Comparative Proteomics of Mouse Tears and Saliva: Evidence from Large Protein Families for Functional Adaptation
Authors: Karn Robert , Laukaitis Christina
Published: September 2015

We produced a tear proteome of the genome mouse, C57BL/6, that contained 139 different protein identifications: 110 from a two-dimensional (2D) gel with subsequent trypsin digestion, 19 from a one-dimensional (1D) gel with subsequent trypsin digestion and ten from a 1D gel with subsequent Asp-N digestion. We compared this tear proteome with a C57BL/6 mouse saliva proteome produced previously. Sixteen of the 139 tear proteins are shared between the two proteomes, including six proteins that combat microbial growth. Among the 123 other tear proteins, were members of four large protein families that have no counterparts in humans: Androgen-binding proteins (ABPs) with different members expressed in the two proteomes, Exocrine secreted peptides (ESPs) expressed exclusively in the tear proteome, major urinary proteins (MUPs) expressed in one or both proteomes and the mouse-specific Kallikreins (subfamily b KLKs) expressed exclusively in the saliva proteome. All four families have members with suggested roles in mouse communication, which may influence some aspect of reproductive behavior. We discuss this in the context of functional adaptation involving tear and saliva proteins in the secretions of mouse lacrimal and salivary glands, respectively.
Analysis of a Lipid/Polymer Membrane for Bitterness Sensing with a Preconditioning Process
Authors: Yatabe Rui , Noda Junpei , Tahara Yusuke , Naito Yoshinobu , Ikezaki Hidekazu , Toko Kiyoshi
Published: September 2015

It is possible to evaluate the taste of foods or medicines using a taste sensor. The taste sensor converts information on taste into an electrical signal using several lipid/polymer membranes. A lipid/polymer membrane for bitterness sensing can evaluate aftertaste after immersion in monosodium glutamate (MSG), which is called “preconditioning”. However, we have not yet analyzed the change in the surface structure of the membrane as a result of preconditioning. Thus, we analyzed the change in the surface by performing contact angle and surface zeta potential measurements, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photon spectroscopy (XPS) and gas cluster ion beam time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (GCIB-TOF-SIMS). After preconditioning, the concentrations of MSG and tetradodecylammonium bromide (TDAB), contained in the lipid membrane were found to be higher in the surface region than in the bulk region. The effect of preconditioning was revealed by the above analysis methods.
Effects of Nanowire Length and Surface Roughness on the Electrochemical Sensor Properties of Nafion-Free, Vertically Aligned Pt Nanowire Array Electrodes
Authors: Li Zhiyang , Leung Calvin , Gao Fan , Gu Zhiyong
Published: September 2015

In this paper, vertically aligned Pt nanowire arrays (PtNWA) with different lengths and surface roughnesses were fabricated and their electrochemical performance toward hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) detection was studied. The nanowire arrays were synthesized by electroplating Pt in nanopores of anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) template. Different parameters, such as current density and deposition time, were precisely controlled to synthesize nanowires with different surface roughnesses and various lengths from 3 μm to 12 μm. The PtNWA electrodes showed better performance than the conventional electrodes modified by Pt nanowires randomly dispersed on the electrode surface. The results indicate that both the length and surface roughness can affect the sensing performance of vertically aligned Pt nanowire array electrodes. Generally, longer nanowires with rougher surfaces showed better electrochemical sensing performance. The 12 μm rough surface PtNWA presented the largest sensitivity (654 μA·mM−1·cm−2) among all the nanowires studied, and showed a limit of detection of 2.4 μM. The 12 μm rough surface PtNWA electrode also showed good anti-interference property from chemicals that are typically present in the biological samples such as ascorbic, uric acid, citric acid, and glucose. The sensing performance in real samples (river water) was tested and good recovery was observed. These Nafion-free, vertically aligned Pt nanowires with surface roughness control show great promise as versatile electrochemical sensors and biosensors.
High-Temperature Dielectric Properties of Aluminum Nitride Ceramic for Wireless Passive Sensing Applications
Authors: Liu Jun , Yuan Yukun , Ren Zhong , Tan Qiulin , Xiong Jijun
Published: September 2015

The accurate characterization of the temperature-dependent permittivity of aluminum nitride (AlN) ceramic is quite critical to the application of wireless passive sensors for harsh environments. Since the change of the temperature-dependent permittivity will vary the ceramic-based capacitance, which can be converted into the change of the resonant frequency, an LC resonator, based on AlN ceramic, is prepared by the thick film technology. The dielectric properties of AlN ceramic are measured by the wireless coupling method, and discussed within the temperature range of 12 °C (room temperature) to 600 °C. The results show that the extracted relative permittivity of ceramic at room temperature is 2.3% higher than the nominal value of 9, and increases from 9.21 to 10.79, and the quality factor Q is decreased from 29.77 at room temperature to 3.61 at 600 °C within the temperature range.
Gas Vesicle Nanoparticles for Antigen Display
Authors: DasSarma Shiladitya , DasSarma Priya
Published: September 2015

Microorganisms like the halophilic archaeon Halobacterium sp. NRC-1 produce gas-filled buoyant organelles, which are easily purified as protein nanoparticles (called gas vesicles or GVNPs). GVNPs are non-toxic, exceptionally stable, bioengineerable, and self-adjuvanting. A large gene cluster encoding more than a dozen proteins has been implicated in their biogenesis. One protein, GvpC, found on the exterior surface of the nanoparticles, can accommodate insertions near the C-terminal region and results in GVNPs displaying the inserted sequences on the surface of the nanoparticles. Here, we review the current state of knowledge on GVNP structure and biogenesis as well as available studies on immunogenicity of pathogenic viral, bacterial, and eukaryotic proteins and peptides displayed on the nanoparticles. Recent improvements in genetic tools for bioengineering of GVNPs are discussed, along with future opportunities and challenges for development of vaccines and other applications.
Impact Analysis of Lakefront Land Use Changes on Lake Area in Wuhan, China
Authors: Zhu Jianfeng , Zhang Qiuwen , Tong Zhong
Published: September 2015

Wuhan, the central city in the middle reach of the Yangtze River of China, is famous for its lake resources. However, the city’s lake area decreased by 37.4% from 1991 to 2005. This study aims to analyze the relationships between lake area reduction and lakefront land use changes in Wuhan. In this paper, the connections between the spatial changes of lake areal extent and land use changes in the lakefront were established with mathematical models such as Moran’s I and spatial analysis models such as transition matrix. Regarding the impacts of lakefront land use changes on lake area in the urban and suburban districts of Wuhan City, it can be concluded that: (1) the loss rate of lake area would be increased if the proportions of lakefront land use changes transformed into developed or agricultural land from other land use categories became higher; (2) the higher spatial autocorrelation of lakefront land use classifications (Moran’s I > 0.25) could be an indicator for the loss rate of lake area in urban district of the city; and (3) the vector sum of lakefront land use changes was related to the displacement of lake center.
AEG-1 Promotes Metastasis Through Downstream AKR1C2 and NF1 in Liver Cancer
Authors: Li Cong , Wu Xia , Zhang Wei , Li Jia , Liu Huawei , Hao Ming , Wang Junsong , Zhang Honghai , Yang Gengxia , Hao Meijun , Sheng Shoupeng , Sun Yu , Long Jiang , Hu Xiongbing , Zhang Hanshuo , Hu Caixia , Li Li , Zheng Jiasheng
Published: September 2015

Liver cancer is one of the most lethal cancers, but our knowledge of the molecular mechanism underlying this process remains insufficient. Through deep sequencing and expression regulation analysis in liver cancer cells, we identified two novel factors, AKR1C2 (positive factor) and
NF1 (negative factor), as the AEG-1 downstream players in the process of metastasis in liver cancer. They were experimentally validated to have the capacities of regulating cell migration, cell invasion, cell proliferation, and EMT. Further clinic expression and animal model evidence confirmed
their functions. Together, our findings provide a new insight into the pharmaceutical and therapeutic use of AEG-1 and downstream AKR1C2 and NF1.
Coût des enfants et politiques publiques
Authors: Math Antoine
Published: September 2015

Les biens et services consacrés par la société française pour la production et l’éducation des enfants de moins de 20 ans sont évalués à environ 480 milliards d’euros en 2012, soit de l’ordre de 30 000 euros par an et par enfant. Près de 40 % de ce coût correspond aux biens et services autoproduits par les ménages à travers leurs activités domestiques non rémunérées, 23 % aux biens et services acquis sur le marché par les ménages (dépenses de consommation nettes des transferts monétaires non affectés des administrations) et 38 % aux dépenses publiques. Trois questions de politiques publiques sont discutées à l’aune de cette évaluation du coût direct des enfants et de son financement : l’immigration ; le financement de la politique familiale ; le vieillissement et le coût des personnes âgées retraitées.
Les débats sur la stagnation séculaire dans les années 1937-1950
Authors: Dockès Pierre
Published: September 2015

Le débat actuel sur la stagnation séculaire retrouve celui lancé par Keynes et Hansen en 1938 (avec Full Recovery or Stagnation ) lors de la rechute américaine. Il atteint son apogée à la fin de la guerre avec le livre anti-stagnationniste de Terborgh ( The Bogey of Economic Maturity ), les réponses de Hansen et de ses disciples, et l’intervention de nombreux économistes américains et européens. Quels furent les arguments des uns et des autres ? Le plus fameux des opposants à Hansen et aux new-dealers était Schumpeter. Il va s’opposer publiquement au jeune marxohansénien Paul Sweezy en un débat (1946) que Samuelson célébrera comme un combat de gladiateurs à l’époque « où les géants arpentaient la terre et les jardins d’Harvard ».
Intelligent Risk Detection in Healthcare Contexts of Hip and Knee Athroplasty and Paediatric Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Moghimi Hoda , Wickramasinghe Nilmini , Schaffer Jonathan L.
Published: September 2015

Rapid increase of service demands in healthcare contexts today requires a robust framework enabled by IT (information technology) solutions as well as real-time service handling in order to ensure superior decision making and successful healthcare outcomes. Contemporaneous with the challenges facing healthcare, we are witnessing the development of very sophisticated intelligent tools and technologies such as Business Analytics techniques. Therefore, it would appear to be prudent to investigate the possibility of applying such tools and technologies into various healthcare contexts to facilitate better risk detection and support superior decision making. The following serves to do this in the context of Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty and Congenital Heart Disease.
Managing Knowledge towards Enabling Healthcare Service Delivery
Authors: Iyamu Tiko , Mkhomazi Sharol Sibongile
Published: September 2015

In every living being, health is essentially important, and as such, requires attention. Health related matters are at one point or the other embedded into humans' strategic, tactical and operational activities. However, due to human complexity, manifesting from factors such as food consumption and weather effect, healthcare services have increasingly become essential to individuals, groups and organisations in their daily life activities. As healthcare services increase in significance, the knowledge acquired and used in carrying out its services also becomes vital. The management of knowledge has increased in its relevance over the years. This could be attributed to the complexity in human activities. Thus, the management of knowledge has many challenges, which are never straight forward, and does not always produce positive result. Based on the challenges, it is critical to understand the enabling and constraint scenery of knowledge management. This article applied Structuration Theory to examine the different types of knowledge within the healthcare environment, using one of South African healthcare service providers as a case. This was done in order to gain better understanding on how certain knowledge are managed to give the result that they do. A better understanding of how knowledge is acquired and used within the healthcare environment would assist practitioners and managers, including Government and academic researchers in their roles and responsibilities.
Non-Invasive Data Acquisition and Measurement in Bio-Medical Technology
Authors: Patil H. G. Sandeep , Babu Ajit N. , Ramkumar P. S.
Published: September 2015

Non-invasive medical measurements have expanded into several types of diagnostic and monitoring activities in health care delivery. They are being used in handling a number of non-infectious diseases such as diabetes, asthma, hypertension, congestive heart failure, cardiac arrhythmia, etc., as well as infectious diseases such as cholera, malaria, etc.. Non-Invasive Medical Devices (NIMDs) are naturally preferred over invasive methods considering patient convenience, reduced patient risk, increased speed, and operational simplicity. However non-invasive methods are often perceived to be less accurate than their invasive counterparts. Over the last decade, technological advances and mathematical techniques have improved significantly, challenging this perception across the board. The chapter will discuss this important transformation in health care diagnostics and monitoring. The chapter will also provide further insight into some of the currently available non-invasive measurement products and explore how futuristic techniques and technology trends which have great potential to transform healthcare into a significantly different paradigm than the one we experience today.
Healthcare Services for Nomadics through a Mobile Framework
Authors: Hamunyela Suama , Iyamu Tiko
Published: September 2015

Many patients are often associated with various types of health related records, needing care and attentions. Healthcare system is intended for all that live in the country. Normally, there is spread of people across the geographical locations, of both the rural and urban communities. Even though the healthcare service is intended to spread across the country, the services are not always available as individuals require it. Hence, there is need for Mobility of healthcare services at both primary and secondary healthcare levels, particularly in the developing countries such as Namibia. In Namibia, the population is scantly spread far apart in the average of about 175 kilometres between major towns, necessitating movements of individuals and groups, particularly the old, poor, and nomadic people. The challenge is, healthcare records in the country are not centralised or virtualised, making accessibility into patients' records difficult or impossible. As a result, healthcare service delivering is challenged. This chapter explored the possibility healthcare services through virtualisation or centralisation as empowered by different translation of activities. The objectives of the study were to identify and discuss actors in the mobility of healthcare services. Mobility in this paper refers to the availability of services to the nomadic patients. The study employed the qualitative approach, within which data was gathered from primary healthcare services providers using open-ended questionnaires. The moments of Translation from the perspective of ANT was used a lens to analyse the data to examine and understand the power and factors which could influences mobility of healthcare service in Namibia.
Introducing Mobile Device for Health Services
Authors: Nemutanzhela Phathutshedzo , Iyamu Tiko
Published: September 2015

On one hand, healthcare has taken the centre stage of attention in recent years, due to many more activities of both natural and manmade. On another hand, the use of mobile technologies is increasingly growing across the world, particularly in developing countries. Mobile devices, including phones and computers are becoming significant ICT tools for many activities and process of healthcare service delivery in both urban and rural areas, by organisations and individuals, literates and educated. Also, both businesses (organisations) and individuals are involved in the delivering and accessibility (recipient) of healthcare services at different levels and locations. The nature of the diverse tribes and languages within some developing countries make it difficult to deliver or receive the services which are provided by some Healthcare organisations. This is so because particular language, such as English, as in the case of South Africa, is often used for communication. Even though majority of the citizens make use of Mobile devices (such as cellular phones), the media of communication exchange is English language. Due to the sensitivity, confidentiality, and private nature of healthcare information and services, a one-on-one and the use of language which the patient is comfortable with is critical. Otherwise, the services and objectives of the healthcare organisations continue to be challenged. As such, there is need to address the semantics of language through the use of electronic devices for healthcare services.
An Analysis on the Utilisation of Health Information Technology to Support Clinical Operation of Chinese Medicine
Authors: Han-Lin Catherine , Yang Angela Wei Hong , Pittayachawan Siddhi , Wickramasinghe Nilmini
Published: September 2015

Chinese Medicine (CM) has become increasingly demanding globally. Recent World Health Organisation traditional and complementary medicine strategy of integrating CM to Western Medicine (WM) indicates that it is crucial that CM developments have strong literature, scientific, and evidence-based medical approval and support. To achieve this, there is a need to form a synthesis foundation or platform for future studies. This chapter serves to discover this synthesis that is suitable for CM by discussing the basics of inquiring and Knowledge Management (KM) systems. It suggests that CM should follow a combination of Hegelian and Kantian inquiring systems with the support of Singerian and Leibnizian inquiring systems and KM features. This proposed synthesis is one of the first, if not the first study to apply Churchman's inquiring systems into the context of CM and differentiate them from WM.
Strengthening Implementation of Guidelines at Primary Health Care
Authors: Horner V. , Coleman A.
Published: September 2015

Implementation of guidelines in the health system is a complex and considerable undertaking. After the health administration has developed guidelines, a dissemination strategy needs to be put in place. Dissemination involves distribution of printed guidelines booklets, training of health care providers, provision of the equipment needed for implementing the guidelines, improvements to facilities, and supervision and monitoring by managers. This chapter reports on the Basic Antenatal Care Information System (Bacis) study in South Africa which pertains to an e-health decision support systems that is intended as an aid for nurses and managers at primary health care. The Bacis program study is important because there are few published studies from developing countries on implementation of e-health decision support systems at primary health care and their effectiveness in improving care.
Utilisation of Health Information Systems for Service Delivery in the Namibian Environment
Authors: Karon Ronald
Published: September 2015

The use of Health Information Systems (HIS) is considered to be a major contributing factor to healthcare service delivery. However, the utilisation of HIS which includes use and management is critically challenging in the public health sector in many developing countries. The manifestation of the challenges results in poor service delivery, which includes patient deaths. This is the main motivation for this study, to investigate how HIS can be used to improve service delivering in the hospitals from developing countries perspective. The study was carried out in Namibia, using two hospitals in the public healthcare. The study adopted the qualitative case study. The study revealed that the use of parallel systems, lack of systems integration, lack of portable devices and users' incompetency are some of the factors which impact the use and management of HIS in hospitals.
RFID Applications in Healthcare-State-of-the-Art and Future Trends
Authors: Manzoor Amir
Published: September 2015

Implementation of RFID technology-based healthcare services is on the rise. The purpose of this chapter is a thorough, systematic review of the existing literature to provide a discussion of current trends and future directions in this domain. Findings indicate that tracking is the key RFID enabling function. Automatic data collection and transfer is an RFID function also frequently used in relation to assets, staff, and patients. Finally, RFID is employed for sensing, most often in relation to patients, but also to assets. The chapter concludes by highlighting future research directions where the deployment of RFID technology is likely to transform the healthcare sector.
Risks associated with communication delays in infants from underserved South African communities
Authors: Van der Linde Jeannie , Swanepoel De Wet , Glascoe Frances P. , Louw E.M. , Hugo Jannie F.M. , Vinck Bart
Published: September 2015

Background: For optimal development young children need warm, responsive, enriched and communicative environments for learning social, language, and other skills. Infants and toddlers exposed to psychosocial risk lack enriched environments and may present with communication delays.Aim: To investigate the relationship between psychosocial risks and communication delays in infants from underserved communities in South Africa.Setting: Primary healthcare facilities in Tshwane district, South Africa.Methods: A parent interview and Rossetti Infant Toddler Language Scales were used to collect data from caregivers of 201 infants aged 6–12 months, selected through convenience sampling. Associations between communication delays and risks were determined (Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests). A log-linear model analysis was used to model the simultaneous effect of significant risks on the probability of having communication delays.Results: Communication delays were present in 13% of infants. Infants with two or more siblings, born from mothers aged 18–29 years who own their house, had a 39% chance of presenting with communication delays.Conclusion: Developmental screening and early intervention is important in primary healthcare contexts in South Africa, as a clear relationship has been established between three risk factors and communication delays in infants.
Joint Optimization of Carrier Sensing Threshold and Transmission Rate in Wireless Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Zhang Yongping , Li Bo , Yang Mao , Yan Zhongjiang , Zuo Xiaoya
Published: September 2015

The ever-increasing demands of wireless traffic call for continuously growing the wireless network capacity or throughput. Carrier sensing threshold adaptation and transmission rate adaptation, two efficient mechanisms improving the capacity of ad hoc network, have attracted much attention in recent years. However, simply adopting either mechanism can hardly meet the expectation that optimizing the network capacity. In this paper, we investigate the joint optimization of carrier sensing threshold and transmission rate to improve the network capacity or throughput. The area capacity (throughput), which is defined as the network capacity (throughput) per unit area, is theoretically analyzed. Meanwhile, the relationship between carrier sensing threshold and transmission rate is theoretically revealed. Furthermore, the optimal area capacity is obtained by jointly optimizing the carrier sensing threshold and the transmission rate. Simulation results validate our analysis and derived results, and show that the throughput is significantly improved by the joint optimization.
Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients with Interstitial Lung Disease: Safety of Biological Antirheumatic Drugs and Assessment of Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Mori Shunsuke
Published: September 2015

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Accompanying the increased number of reports on the development or exacerbation of ILD in RA patients following therapy with biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), RA-associated ILD (RA-ILD) has aroused renewed interest. Although such cases have been reported mainly in association with the use of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, the use of other biological DMARDs has also become a matter of concern. Nevertheless, it is difficult to establish a causative relationship between the use of biological DMARDs and either the development or exacerbation of ILD. Such pulmonary complications may occur in the natural course of RA regardless of the use of biological DMARDs. Since rheumatologists currently aim to achieve remission in RA patients, the administration of biological DMARDs is increasing, even for those with RA-ILD. However, there are no reliable, evidence-based guidelines for deciding whether biological DMARDs can be safely introduced and continued in RA-ILD patients. A standardized staging system for pulmonary conditions of RA-ILD patients is needed when making therapeutic decisions at baseline and monitoring during biological DMARD therapy. Based on the available information regarding the safety of biological DMARDs and the predictive factors for a worse prognosis, this review discusses candidate parameters for risk evaluation of ILD in RA patients who are scheduled to receive biological antirheumatic therapy.
Contribution of Qualitative Research to Evidence in Practice for People With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Tomlin George S. , Swinth Yvonne
Published: September 2015

Appraising the best available evidence substantiating and informing occupational therapy practice is a commonly expressed obligation for the profession (American Occupational Therapy Association [AOTA], 2007). In this article we argue for the full inclusion of qualitative research, on parity with quantitative research, as a source for evidence of relevant and effective occupational therapy practice, review the limitations of quantitative research, and outline the distinctive contributions of qualitative studies to the practice of occupational therapy for people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In addition, we describe the role of qualitative studies in the fulfillment of the Centennial Vision (AOTA, 2007) and recommend three action steps for the profession.
The latitudinal structure of recent changes in the boreal Brewer–Dobson circulation
Authors: Shi C. , Guo D. , Xu J. , Powell A. M. , Xu T.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. Upwelling branch of the Brewer–Dobson circulation (BDC) controls the tropical lower stratospheric water vapor (WV) through dynamic cooling near the tropopause. Downwelling branch of BDC dominates the extratropical middle-lower stratospheric Hydrogen Chloride (HCl) by dynamic transport. Climatologically, a symmetric weakening BDC indicates increasing tropical lower stratospheric WV and decreasing extratropical middle-lower stratospheric HCl. However, the global ozone chemistry and related trace gas data records for the stratosphere data (GOZCARDS) show that the tropical lowermost stratospheric WV increased by 18 % decade−1 during 2001–2011 and the boreal mid-latitude lower stratospheric HCl rose 25 % decade−1 after 2006. We interpret this as resulting from a slowdown of the tropical upwelling and a speedup of the mid-latitude downwelling. This interpretation is supported by composite analysis of Eliasen–Palm Flux (EPF), zonal wind and regression of temperature on the EPF from the ERA-Interim data. Results present that the enhancing polar vortex and weakening planetary wave activity leads to a downwelling branch narrowing equatorward and a local speedup of 24 % at 20 hPa in the mid-latitudes. Moreover, there are regressive temperature increase of 1.5 K near the tropical tropopause and that of 0.5 K in the mid-latitude middle stratosphere, which also indicates the tropical upwelling slowdown and the mid-latitude downwelling speedup during 2001–2011.
The installation campaign of 9 seismic stations around the KTB site to test anisotropy detection by the Receiver Function Technique
Authors: Bianchi I. , Anselmi M. , Apoloner M. T. , Qorbani E. , Gribovski K. , Bokelmann G.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. The project at hand is a field test around the KTB (Kontinentale Tiefbohrung) site in the Oberpfalz, Southeastern Germany, at the northwestern edge of the Bohemian Massif. The region has been extensively studied through the analysis of several seismic reflection lines deployed around the drilling site. The deep borehole had been placed into gneiss rocks of the Zone Erbendorf-Vohenstrauss. Drilling activity lasted from 1987 to 1994, and it descended down to a depth of 9101 m. In our experiment, we aim to recover structural information as well as anisotropy of the upper crust using the receiver function technique. This retrieved information is the basis for comparing the out-coming anisotropy amount and orientation with information of rock samples from up to 9 km depth, and with high-frequency seismic experiments around the drill site. For that purpose, we installed 9 seismic stations, and recorded seismicity continuously for two years from June 2012 to July 2014.
Biogeochemical and suspended sediment responses to permafrost degradation in stream banks in Taylor Valley, Antarctica
Authors: Gooseff M. N. , Van Horn D. , Sudman Z. , McKnight D. M. , Welch K. A. , Lyons W. B.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. Stream channels in the McMurdo Dry Valleys are typically wide, incised, and stable. At typical flows, streams occupy a fraction of the oversized channels, providing habitat for algal mats. In January 2012, we discovered substantial channel erosion and subsurface thermomechanical erosion undercutting banks of Crescent Stream. We sampled stream water along the impacted reach and compared concentrations of solutes to the long-term data from this stream (~20 years of monitoring). Thermokarst-impacted stream water demonstrated higher electrical conductivity, and concentrations of chloride, sulfate, sodium, suspended sediments, and nitrate than the long-term medians. These results suggest that this mode of lateral permafrost degradation may substantially impact stream solute loads and potentially fertilize stream and lake ecosystems. The potential for sediment to scour or bury stream algal mats is yet to be determined, though it may offset impacts of associated increased nutrient loads to streams.
Impacts of European drought events: insights from an international database of text-based reports
Authors: Stahl K. , Kohn I. , Blauhut V. , Urquijo J. , De Stefano L. , Acacio V. , Dias S. , Stagge J. H. , Tallaksen L. M. , Kampragou E. , Van Loon A. F. , Barker L. J. , Melsen L. A. , Bifulco C. , Musolino D. , de Carli A. , Massarutto A. , Assimacopoulos D. , Van Lanen H. A. J.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. Drought is a natural hazard that can cause a wide range of impacts affecting the environment, society, and the economy. Assessing and reducing vulnerability to these impacts for regions beyond the local scale, spanning political and sectoral boundaries, requires systematic and detailed data regarding impacts. This study presents an assessment of the diversity of drought impacts across Europe based on the European Drought Impact report Inventory (EDII), a unique research database that has collected close to 5000 impact reports from 33 European countries. The reported drought impacts were classified into major impact categories, each of which had a number of subtypes. The distribution of these categories and types was then analyzed over time, by country, across Europe and for particular drought events. The results show that impacts on agriculture and public water supply dominate the collection of drought impact reports for most countries and for all major drought events since the 1970s, while the number and relative fractions of reported impacts in other sectors can vary regionally and from event to event. The data also shows that reported impacts have increased over time as more media and website information has become available and environmental awareness has increased. Even though the distribution of impact categories is relatively consistent across Europe, the details of the reports show some differences. They confirm severe impacts in southern regions (particularly on agriculture and public water supply) and sector-specific impacts in central and northern regions (e.g. on forestry or energy production). As a text-based database, the EDII presents a new challenge for quantitative analysis; however, the EDII provides a new and more comprehensive view on drought impacts. Related studies have already developed statistical techniques to evaluate the link between drought indices and impacts using the EDII. The EDII is a living database and is a promising source for further research on drought impacts, vulnerabilities, and risks across Europe. A key result is the extensive variety of impacts found across Europe and its documentation. This data coverage may help drought policy planning at national to international levels.
Earthquake sequencing: chimera states with Kuramoto model dynamics on directed graphs
Authors: Vasudevan K. , Cavers M. , Ware A.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. Earthquake sequencing studies allow us to investigate empirical relationships among spatio-temporal parameters describing the complexity of earthquake properties. We have recently studied the relevance of Markov chain models to draw information from global earthquake catalogues. In these studies, we considered directed graphs as graph theoretic representations of the Markov chain model and analyzed their properties. Here, we look at earthquake sequencing itself as a directed graph. In general, earthquakes are occurrences resulting from significant stress interactions among faults. As a result, stress-field fluctuations evolve continuously. We propose that they are akin to the dynamics of the collective behavior of weakly coupled non-linear oscillators. Since mapping of global stress-field fluctuations in real time at all scales is an impossible task, we consider an earthquake zone as a proxy for a collection of weakly coupled oscillators, the dynamics of which would be appropriate for the ubiquitous Kuramoto model. In the present work, we apply the Kuramoto model with phase lag to the non-linear dynamics on a directed graph of a sequence of earthquakes. For directed graphs with certain properties, the Kuramoto model yields synchronization, and inclusion of non-local effects evokes the occurrence of chimera states or the co-existence of synchronous and asynchronous behavior of oscillators. In this paper, we show how we build the directed graphs derived from global seismicity data. Then, we present conditions under which chimera states could occur and, subsequently, point out the role of the Kuramoto model in understanding the evolution of synchronous and asynchronous regions. We surmise that one implication of the emergence of chimera states will lead to investigation of the present and other mathematical models in detail to generate global chimera-state maps similar to global seismicity maps for earthquake forecasting studies.