bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comparative Study of the Brazilian Energy Labelling System and the Passivhaus Standard for Housing
Authors: Tubelo Renata , Rodrigues Lucelia , Gillott Mark
Published: May 2014

The ever-increasing energy demand of the residential sector has required the adoption of tighter energy standards, aiming for high energy efficiency in dwellings. In Brazil, 24 million new residential buildings are planned to be delivered by 2022 through social housing programs, which could greatly impact on the country’s energy consumption. In an attempt to minimize this impact, the Brazilian Labelling Scheme for Residential Buildings (RTQ-R label) was launched in 2010 as a voluntary standard for the evaluation of housing energy efficiency. The RTQ-R label focuses on building fabric and hot water systems performances, and generates a score based on the building’s energy efficiency levels. The Passivhaus standard, developed in Germany, is one of the most stringent standards and is also the fastest growing energy performance standard in the world with more than 30,000 buildings certified to date. It also focuses on building fabric but establishes a maximum energy consumption target. In this work, the authors developed a comparative review of the RTQ-R label and the Passivhaus standard as means to inform a broader debate about building codes in the context of the current calls by governments for increased energy efficiency. The findings highlighted the different nature of the standards’ requirements and targets adopted, and the benefits and constraints of both.
Synthesis, Characterization and Sensing Properties of AZO and IZO Nanomaterials
Authors: Hjiri Mokhtar , Mir Lassaad , Leonardi Salvatore
Published: May 2014

Al-doped ZnO (AZO) and In-doped ZnO (IZO) nanopowders were prepared by a sol-gel route and subsequent drying in ethanol under supercritical conditions. The morphological and microstructural properties were investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). The characterization study showed that the AZO and IZO nanoparticles were crystalline and exhibited the hexagonal wurtzite structure. Chemoresistive devices consisting of a thick layer of synthesized nanoparticles on interdigitated alumina substrates have been fabricated and their electrical and sensing characteristics were investigated. The sensor performances of the AZO and IZO nanoparticles for carbon monoxide (CO) were reported. The results indicated that both doped-sensors exhibited higher response and quick response/recovery dynamics compared to a ZnO-based sensor. These interesting sensing properties were discussed on the basis of the characterization data reported.
Field Supervisory Test of DREB-Transgenic Populus: Salt Tolerance, Long-Term Gene Stability and Horizontal Gene Transfer
Authors: Lu Nan , Wei Bing , Sun Yuhan , Liu Xin , Chen Shouyi , Zhang Wanke , Zhang Yingzhi , Li Yun
Published: May 2014

Improving saline resistance may be useful for reducing environmental susceptibility and improving yields in poplar plantations. However, the instability of genetically engineered traits and gene transfer reduce their usefulness and commercial value. To investigate whether the foreign gene is still present in the genome of receptor plants after seven years (i.e., long-term foreign gene stability and gene transfer), we randomly analyzed ten field-grown transgenic hybrid Populus ((Populus tomentosa × Populus bolleana) × P. tomentosa) carrying the DREB1 gene from Atriplex hortensis. The results of PCR and tissue culture experiments showed that AhDREB1 was present in the transgenic trees and was still expressed. However, the transcriptional expression level had decreased compared with that four years earlier. The PCR results also indicated no foreign gene in the genomic DNA of microorganisms in the soil near the transgenic poplars, indicating that no significant gene transfer had occurred from the transgenic poplars to the microorganisms at seven years after planting.
Functional Polymorphisms of the ABCG2 Gene Are Associated with Gout Disease in the Chinese Han Male Population
Authors: Zhou Danqiu , Liu Yunqing , Zhang Xinju , Gu Xiaoye , Wang Hua , Luo Xinhua , Zhang Jin , Zou Hejian , Guan Ming
Published: May 2014

Background: Gout is a common type of arthritis that is characterized by hyperuricemia, tophi and joint inflammation. Genetic variations in the ABCG2 gene have been reported to influence serum uric acid levels and to participate in the pathogenesis of gout, but no further data have been reported in the Han Chinese population. Methods: Peripheral blood DNA was isolated from 352 male patients with gout and 350 gout-free normal male controls. High-resolution melting analysis and Sanger sequencing were performed to identify the genetic polymorphisms V12M, Q141K and Q126X in the ABCG2 gene. Genotype and haplotype analyses were utilized to determine the disease odds ratios (ORs). A prediction model for gout risk using ABCG2 protein function was established based on the genotype combination of Q126X and Q141K. Results: For Q141K, the A allele frequency was 49.6% in the gout patients and 30.9% in the controls (OR 2.20, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.77–2.74, p = 8.99 × 10−13). Regarding Q126X, the T allele frequency was 4.7% in the gout patients and 1.7% in the controls (OR 2.91, 95% CI: 1.49–5.68, p = 1.57 × 10−3). The A allele frequency for V12M was lower (18.3%) in the gout patients than in the controls (29%) (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.43–0.71, p = 2.55 × 10−6). In the order of V12M, Q126X and Q141K, the GCA and GTC haplotypes indicated increased disease risk (OR = 2.30 and 2.71, respectively). Patients with mild to severe ABCG2 dysfunction accounted for 78.4% of gout cases. Conclusion: The ABCG2 126X and 141K alleles are associated with an increased risk of gout, whereas 12M has a protective effect on gout susceptibility in the Han Chinese population. ABCG2 dysfunction can be used to evaluate gout risk.
A Facile Route to Tailoring Peptide-Stabilized Gold Nanoparticles Using Glutathione as a Synthon
Authors: Wu Rosina , Nguyen Tan , Marquart Grant , Miesen Thomas , Mau Theresa , Mackiewicz Marilyn
Published: May 2014

The preparation of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) of high purity and stability remains a major challenge for biological applications. This paper reports a simple synthetic strategy to prepare water-soluble peptide-stabilized AuNPs. Reduced glutathione, a natural tripeptide, was used as a synthon for the growth of two peptide chains directly on the AuNP surface. Both nonpolar (tryptophan and methionine) and polar basic (histidine and dansylated arginine) amino acids were conjugated to the GSH-capped AuNPs. Ultracentrifugation concentrators with polyethersulfone (PES) membranes were used to purify precursor materials in each stage of the multi-step synthesis to minimize side reactions. Thin layer chromatography, transmission electron microscopy, UV-Visible, 1H-NMR, and fluorescence spectroscopies demonstrated that ultracentrifugation produces high purity AuNPs, with narrow polydispersity, and minimal aggregation. More importantly, it allows for more control over the composition of the final ligand structure. Studies under conditions of varying pH and ionic strength revealed that peptide length, charge, and hydrophobicity influence the stability as well as solubility of the peptide-capped AuNPs. The synthetic and purification strategies used provide a facile route for developing a library of tailored biocompatible peptide-stabilized AuNPs for biomedical applications.
Avicequinone C Isolated from Avicennia marina Exhibits 5α-Reductase-Type 1 Inhibitory Activity Using an Androgenic Alopecia Relevant Cell-Based Assay System
Authors: Jain Ruchy , Monthakantirat Orawan , Tengamnuay Parkpoom , De-Eknamkul Wanchai
Published: May 2014

Avicennia marina (AM) exhibits various biological activities and has been traditionally used in Egypt to cure skin diseases. In this study, the methanolic heartwood extract of AM was evaluated for inhibitory activity against 5α-reductase (5α-R) [E.C.1.3.99.5], the enzyme responsible for the over-production of 5α-dihydrotestosterone (5α-DHT) causing androgenic alopecia (AGA). An AGA-relevant cell-based assay was developed using human hair dermal papilla cells (HHDPCs), the main regulator of hair growth and the only cells within the hair follicle that are the direct site of 5α-DHT action, combined with a non-radioactive thin layer chromatography (TLC) detection technique. The results revealed that AM is a potent 5α-R type 1 (5α-R1) inhibitor, reducing the 5α-DHT production by 52% at the final concentration of 10 µg/mL. Activity-guided fractionation has led to the identification of avicequinone C, a furanonaphthaquinone, as a 5α-R1 inhibitor with an IC50 of 9.94 ± 0.33 µg/mL or 38.8 ± 1.29 µM. This paper is the first to report anti-androgenic activity through 5α-R1 inhibition of AM and avicequinone C.
Influence of Hydrothermal Treatment on Physicochemical Properties and Drug Release of Anti-Inflammatory Drugs of Intercalated Layered Double Hydroxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Gu Zi , Wu Aihua , Li Li , Xu Zhi
Published: May 2014

The synthesis method of layered double hydroxides (LDHs) determines nanoparticles’ performance in biomedical applications. In this study, hydrothermal treatment as an important synthesis technique has been examined for its influence on the physicochemical properties and the drug release rate from drug-containing LDHs. We synthesised MgAl–LDHs intercalated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (i.e., naproxen, diclofenac and ibuprofen) using a co-precipitation method with or without hydrothermal treatment (150 °C, 4 h). After being hydrothermally treated, LDH–drug crystallites increased in particle size and crystallinity, but did not change in the interlayer anion orientation, gallery height and chemical composition. The drug release patterns of all studied LDH–drug hybrids were biphasic and sustained. LDHs loaded with diclofenac had a quicker drug release rate compared with those with naproxen and ibuprofen, and the drug release from the hydrothermally-treated LDH–drug was slower than the freshly precipitated LDH–drug. These results suggest that the drug release of LDH–drugs is influenced by the crystallite size of LDHs, which can be controlled by hydrothermal treatment, as well as by the drug molecular physicochemical properties.
Diagnosis of Snakebite and the Importance of Immunological Tests in Venom Research
Authors: Theakston R. , Laing Gavin
Published: May 2014

In many cases of envenoming following snake bite, the snake responsible for the accident remains unidentified; this frequently results in difficulty deciding which antivenom to administer to the systemically-envenomed victim, especially when only monospecific antivenoms are available. Normally the specific diagnosis of snake bite can be conveniently made using clinical and laboratory methods. Where clinical diagnosis depends upon the recognition of specific signs of envenoming in the patient, laboratory diagnosis is based on the changes which occur in envenomed victims including the detection of abnormalities in blood parameters, presence/absence of myoglobinuria, changes in certain enzyme levels, presence/absence of neurotoxic signs and the detection in the blood of specific venom antigens using immunologically-based techniques, such as enzyme immunoassay. It is the latter which is the main subject of this review, together with the application of techniques currently used to objectively assess the effectiveness of new and existing antivenoms, to assess first aid measures, to investigate the possible use of such methods in epidemiological studies, and to detect individual venom components. With this in mind, we have discussed in some detail how such techniques were developed and how they have helped in the treatment of envenoming particularly and in venom research in general.
Development and Application of Quantitative Detection Method for Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia Virus (VHSV) Genogroup IVa
Authors: Kim Jong-Oh , Kim Wi-Sik , Kim Si-Woo , Han Hyun-Ja , Kim Jin , Park Myoung , Oh Myung-Joo
Published: May 2014

Viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV) is a problematic pathogen in olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) aquaculture farms in Korea. Thus, it is necessary to develop a rapid and accurate diagnostic method to detect this virus. We developed a quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) method based on the nucleocapsid (N) gene sequence of Korean VHSV isolate (Genogroup IVa). The slope and R2 values of the primer set developed in this study were −0.2928 (96% efficiency) and 0.9979, respectively. Its comparison with viral infectivity calculated by traditional quantifying method (TCID50) showed a similar pattern of kinetic changes in vitro and in vivo. The qRT-PCR method reduced detection time compared to that of TCID50, making it a very useful tool for VHSV diagnosis.
Regional Calibration of SCS-CN L-THIA Model: Application for Ungauged Basins
Authors: Jeon Ji-Hong , Lim Kyoung , Engel Bernard
Published: May 2014

Estimating surface runoff for ungauged watershed is an important issue. The Soil Conservation Service Curve Number (SCS-CN) method developed from long-term experimental data is widely used to estimate surface runoff from gaged or ungauged watersheds. Many modelers have used the documented SCS-CN parameters without calibration, sometimes resulting in significant errors in estimating surface runoff. Several methods for regionalization of SCS-CN parameters were evaluated. The regionalization methods include: (1) average; (2) land use area weighted average; (3) hydrologic soil group area weighted average; (4) area combined land use and hydrologic soil group weighted average; (5) spatial nearest neighbor; (6) inverse distance weighted average; and (7) global calibration method, and model performance for each method was evaluated with application to 14 watersheds located in Indiana. Eight watersheds were used for calibration and six watersheds for validation. For the validation results, the spatial nearest neighbor method provided the highest average Nash-Sutcliffe (NS) value at 0.58 for six watersheds but it included the lowest NS value and variance of NS values of this method was the highest. The global calibration method provided the second highest average NS value at 0.56 with low variation of NS values. Although the spatial nearest neighbor method provided the highest average NS value, this method was not statistically different than other methods. However, the global calibration method was significantly different than other methods except the spatial nearest neighbor method. Therefore, we conclude that the global calibration method is appropriate to regionalize SCS-CN parameters for ungauged watersheds.
Assessment of Hydrologic Alterations Caused by the Three Gorges Dam in the Middle and Lower Reaches of Yangtze River, China
Authors: Jiang Liuzhi , Ban Xuan , Wang Xuelei , Cai Xiaobin
Published: May 2014

Hydrologic regime plays a major role in structuring biotic diversity within river ecosystems by controlling key habitat conditions within the river channel and floodplain. Daily flow records from seven hydrological stations and the range of variability approach were utilized to investigate the variability and spatial pattern of the hydrologic alterations induced by the construction of the Three Gorges Dam (TGD) in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, China. Results show that the impoundment of the TGD disturbed the hydrologic regime downstream and directly affected the streamflow variations. The rate of changes and the annual extreme conditions were more affected by the TGD, particularly the low-flow relevant parameters. The alterations in the hydrologic regime were mainly caused by the TGD storing water during early autumn and releasing water during winter and spring. The effects on spatial patterns decreased as the distance from the dam increased, which was mainly attributed to the inflows from large tributaries along the Yangtze River as well as the interaction with the two largest natural lakes (i.e., Dongting Lake and Poyang Lake). These hydrologic alterations not only break the natural balance of eco-flow regimes but also result in undesirable ecological effects, particularly in terms of habitat availability for the fish community.
Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Conditions in Kenyan Rural Schools: Are Schools Meeting the Needs of Menstruating Girls?
Authors: Alexander Kelly , Oduor Clifford , Nyothach Elizabeth , Laserson Kayla , Amek Nyaguara , Eleveld Alie , Mason Linda , Rheingans Richard , Beynon Caryl , Mohammed Aisha , Ombok Maurice , Obor David , Odhiambo Frank , Quick Robert , Phillips-Howard Penelope
Published: May 2014

Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) programs in African schools have received increased attention, particularly around the potential impact of poor menstrual hygiene management (MHM) on equity for girls’ education. This study was conducted prior to a menstrual feasibility study in rural Kenya, to examine current WASH in primary schools and the resources available for menstruating schoolgirls. Cross-sectional surveys were performed in 62 primary schools during unannounced visits. Of these, 60% had handwashing water, 13% had washing water in latrines for menstruating girls, and 2% had soap. Latrines were structurally sound and 16% were clean. Most schools (84%) had separate latrines for girls, but the majority (77%) had no lock. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) supported WASH in 76% of schools. Schools receiving WASH interventions were more likely to have: cleaner latrines (Risk Ratio (RR) 1.5; 95% Confidence Intervals [CI] 1.0, 2.1), handwashing facilities (RR 1.6, CI 1.1, 2.5), handwashing water (RR 2.7; CI 1.4, 5.2), and water in girls’ latrines (RR 4.0; CI 1.4, 11.6). Schools continue to lack essential WASH facilities for menstruating girls. While external support for school WASH interventions improved MHM quality, the impact of these contributions remains insufficient. Further support is required to meet international recommendations for healthy, gender-equitable schools.
Water Label to Improve Water Billing in Spanish Households
Authors: Castillo-Martinez Ana , Gutierrez-Escolar Alberto , Gutierrez-Martinez Jose-Maria , Gomez-Pulido Jose , Garcia-Lopez Eva
Published: May 2014

A significant decrease in water consumption has been achieved in recent years thanks to different campaigns run by different institutions in Spain. However, most citizens do not have a very clear idea about whether or not they are efficiently using water. To solve this situation, this paper aims is to develop two water labels in order to improve the current water billing. These water labels evaluate the total water consumption and the domestic hot water consumption. To make the tags, several research studies were tackled for establishing consumer trends and behavior patterns. Furthermore, a survey and data collection were conducted to obtain updated values to validate information obtained from previous studies. The result are two water labels that establish six different levels to graphically show the efficiency, and they also include a comparison with the average consumption by customers of the same province. To ensure that the benefits of this evaluation are available to citizens, its inclusion on the water bill is proposed.
Modulation of Fas–Fas Ligand Interaction Rehabilitates Hypoxia-Induced Apoptosis of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Ischemic Myocardium Niche
Authors: Ham Onju , Lee Se-Yeon , Song Byeong-Wook , Cha Min-Ji , Lee Chang Youn , Park Jun-Hee , Kim Il-Kwon , Lee Jiyun , Seo Hyang-Hee , Seung Min-Ji , Choi Eunhyun , Jang Yangsoo , Hwang Ki-Chul
Published: May 2014

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have the potential to repair and regenerate ischemic heart tissue; however, the poor viability of transplanted MSCs in the ischemic region is a major obstacle to their therapeutic use. This cell death is caused by Fas and Fas ligand (FasL) interactions under harsh conditions. To investigate improving the survival and therapeutic effects of MSCs, we focused our research on Fas–FasL-mediated cell death. In this study, we found that the poor viability of transplanted MSCs was caused by Fas–FasL interactions between host ischemic myocardial cells and implanted MSCs. In addition, we found that increased Fas expression and the corresponding decrease of cell survival were in close relation to hypoxic MSCs treated with FasL and H2O2. When MSCs were treated with a recombinant Fas/Fc chimera (Fas/Fc) inhibiting Fas–FasL interactions, the expressions of proapoptotic proteins including caspase-8, caspase-3, Bax, and cytochrome-c were attenuated, and the survival of MSCs was recovered. In ischemia–reperfusion injury models, the interaction between FasL in ischemic heart and Fas in implanted MSCs caused a loss of transplanted MSCs, whereas the inhibition of this interaction by Fas/Fc treatment improved cell survival and restored heart function. Thus, our study suggests that Fas–FasL interactions are responsible for activating cell death signaling in implanted stem cells and could be a potential target for improving therapeutic efficacy of stem cells in treating ischemic heart diseases.
Nanostructure sensitization of transition metal oxides for visible-light photocatalysis
Authors: Chen Hongjun , Wang Lianzhou
Published: May 2014

To better utilize the sunlight for efficient solar energy conversion, the research on visible-light active photocatalysts has recently attracted a lot of interest. The photosensitization of transition metal oxides is a promising approach for achieving effective visible-light photocatalysis. This review article primarily discusses the recent progress in the realm of a variety of nanostructured photosensitizers such as quantum dots, plasmonic metal nanostructures, and carbon nanostructures for coupling with wide-bandgap transition metal oxides to design better visible-light active photocatalysts. The underlying mechanisms of the composite photocatalysts, e.g., the light-induced charge separation and the subsequent visible-light photocatalytic reaction processes in environmental remediation and solar fuel generation fields, are also introduced. A brief outlook on the nanostructure photosensitization is also given.
Proposer des révisions intersessions aux étudiants de 1 re année : quelles relations avec la réussite aux examens ?
Authors: Perret Cathy , Berthaud Julien , Pichon Laurent
Published: May 2014

Cet article examine un programme de révisions proposé aux étudiants en échec entre les différentes sessions d’examens dans le cadre du plan Réussite en Licence en 1 re année à l’Université de Bourgogne, tant du point de vue de la participation étudiante que de ses liens avec la réussite aux examens. La faible participation des étudiants n’est pas associée à des profils d’étudiants singuliers. L’examen du devenir des étudiants montre que la participation à des révisions intersessions s’accompagne d’une diminution des risques d’abandon lors de la seconde session d’examens, d’une amélioration de la réussite mais seulement en ce qui concerne les examens du second semestre et suggère également l’existence d’effets à moyen terme pour les étudiants redoublants. Par ailleurs, des effets différenciés transparaissent selon les profils des étudiants : les filles, les bacheliers scientifiques et les étudiants ayant déjà une expérience universitaire tirent davantage profit de ce programme que les autres.
Le système de croyances des étudiants au sujet de leurs intentions entrepreneuriales : apport de la cartographie cognitive
Authors: Tossan Vesselina , Chebbi Hela
Published: May 2014

Cette recherche vise à mettre en évidence la valeur ajoutée de la cartographie cognitive dans l’appréhension de l’intention entrepreneuriale des étudiants. En dépassant la simple identification des variables d’influence, déjà réalisée par des recherches quantitatives antérieures, ce travail a le mérite de montrer que cette méthodologie est la plus adaptée afin de comprendre les liens entre les différents aspects qui composent le système cognitif des étudiants à ce sujet. Une analyse détaillée de la désirabilité et de la faisabilité entrepreneuriale des étudiants a été réalisée.
Les pratiques d'évaluation de la formation professionnelle et leurs déterminants dans les entreprises du SBF 120
Authors: Monnot Alexis
Published: May 2014

Les entreprises françaises, même les plus grandes, continuent à s’appuyer sur les pratiques d’évaluation de leurs formations les moins fiables et les plus pauvres en information. L’évaluation ne semble pas systématisée et une amélioration des pratiques ne peut passer que par leur intégration à la réflexion stratégique sur la formation.
Bonheur et travail, oxymore ou piste de management stratégique de l'entreprise ?
Authors: Feuvrier Marie-Pierre
Published: May 2014

Cet article vise à ouvrir des perspectives pour le management des hommes, au-delà de la gestion du mal-être et du stress. En effet, les nouvelles recherches sur le bonheur, via la psychologie positive, montrent que les salariés plus heureux sont plus performants. Parmi les voies d’accès au bonheur, certaines rendent primordiaux les aspects relationnels. D’autres expliquent en quoi s’engager dans des expériences avec des buts clairs, présentant une optimisation entre aptitudes et défis, procure un sentiment de bonheur ou flow, se traduisant par un investissement majeur de la personne dans son activité. Après une synthèse comparative qui décline les caractéristiques du bonheur au travail, une enquête qualitative auprès de partenaires de la GRH nous permet de vérifier que d’anciens manageurs mettent leurs compétences au service des entreprises pour contribuer à revaloriser plaisir, bien-être ou bonheur, par des formations incluant compétences sociales et déterminants du bonheur. Des freins subsistent, cependant, au lieu d’envisager le bonheur comme un sujet mièvre ou privé, il peut faire l’objet d’une réflexion stratégique permettant de concilier responsabilité sociale des entreprises et performance. Un changement de paradigme à effectuer au service d’une GRH qui deviendrait ainsi un pilier stratégique de l’entreprise.
A pilot study on the effect of Lactobacillus casei Zhang on intestinal microbiota parameters in Chinese subjects of different age
Authors: Kwok L.Y. , Wang L. , Zhang J. , Guo Z. , Zhang H.
Published: May 2014

Ageing of the population is an imminent global problem. Lactobacillus casei Zhang (LcZ) was isolated from Inner Mongolian fermented milk, koumiss. LcZ possesses numerous probiotic properties in in vitro tests and in animal models. However, it has never been tested in any human trial. In the current study, the impact of oral consumption of LcZ on different age groups was tested. Chinese subjects, including 10 young, 7 middle-aged and 7 elderly volunteers (with mean age of 24.3, 47.6 and 64.7, respectively), were recruited. Each subject took 10.6 log10 cfu LcZ daily for a continuous period of 28 days. Several parameters, including the amounts of LcZ and four selected groups of bacteria, change of bacterial diversity, short chain fatty acids (SCFA) and total bile acids (TBA), were monitored in faecal samples collected from the subjects before starting, during and after stopping oral LcZ consumption. The consumption of LcZ exhibited beneficial effects to the subjects by modulating faecal microbiota in a temporal manner with a prolonged elevation of SCFA and reduction of TBA. The potentially harmful Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter genera were suppressed by the probiotic administration. Furthermore, a moderately divergent response was observed in the indigenous gut populations of Bifidobacterium and Bacteroides fragilis group in different age subjects. Taken together, the current study has provided proof on the positive effect of probiotic consumption and crucial insights into the design and application of probiotic-based products to users of different age segments.
Extending Corneal Storage With 2.5% Chondroitin Sulfate (K-Sol)
Authors: Keates Richard H , Rabin Barry
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT

K-SoI"' corneal storage medium maintains corneal viability for at least ten days, compared with McCareyKaufman (M-K) medium, which does so for a reported maximum of three days. Since many eye banks still use M-K medium exclusively, stored corneas must be used without undue delay, and shipping time further hastens the planned surgery time. Transferring the shipped M-K medium-stored cornea to K-SoI offers a simple way of increasing storage time in our eye bank. Ninety-five out of 100 transferred corneas (95%) remained clear 3 to 18 months postoperatively. There were no primary graft failures, and transferred corneal mates were clear.

A comparable series of 100 corneas stored in M-K medium alone, or in K-SoI alone, were clear in 93% and 97% of the transplants. Analysis of donor rims after keratoplasty indicated statistically significantly more endothelial cell loss during storage in corneas transferred to K-SoI compared with 18 corneas preserved only in M-K medium for a similar length of time. There was no statistical significance between the transferred group and the group preserved in only K-SoI.

Transferring M-K medium stored corneas to K-SoI medium may be a useful means of extending corneal storage time, resulting in improved tissue utilization.
Advanced Methodologies Descriptions and Applications
Authors: Morantz Brad
Published: May 2014

Artificial intelligence is the stuff of science fiction writers, robots taking over the world, and computers knowing our every thought and action. Advanced methodologies is the utilization of accepted artificial intelligence programs in mathematical applications to solve a variety of problems. In this chapter, many of these methods will be described and sample applications provided to better explain the advantages of this method in problem solving.
Ethical Issues of Qualitative Research
Authors: Rajib Md. Salah Uddin , Mou Nusrat Zahan
Published: May 2014

This chapter is aimed to discuss the ethical issues of qualitative research. Because of nature and forms of qualitative research, ethical issues, validity and reliability of qualitative research has been discussed in many research investigations. By nature ethical issues in qualitative research are vague and inherent. These ethical issues of qualitative research have been discussed by researchers and experts from different areas. This chapter discusses the focal points of ethical issues. The interactions and the interest of concerned parties of qualitative research form the ethical issues. Moreover, different views (Positivistic and relativistic) of ethical issues of qualitative research raise some complexity. This chapter discusses the various issue of qualitative research from various perspectives. Researchers' opinions on the ethical issues of qualitative research have been discussed, and after that the chapter has been arranged with the basic ethical issues of qualitative research as the area is vary vast.
Intelligent Risk Detection for Healthcare
Authors: Moghimi Fatemeh Hoda , Wickramasinghe Nilmini
Published: May 2014

Healthcare is an information rich industry where successful outcomes require the processing of multi-spectral data and sound decision making. The exponential growth of data coupled with a 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. 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 Orthopaedics and Congenital Heart Disease.
New Payment Models and Big Data Analytics
Authors: Rastogi Avnish
Published: May 2014

It has been fascinating to watch how American healthcare delivery system is going through a paradigm shift to meet new government mandates and bend the care delivery cost curve. For years, US health care system has been fragmented and falling short on quality, outcomes, costs, and lacking framework to support care continuum. According to the study conducted by National Research Council and the Institute of Medicine, for many years, US population has been dying at the younger age than population with similar characteristics in other countries such as Canada, Australia and Japan. When compared with the peer countries, US Population did worse in health areas such as drug related deaths, obesity, chronic diseases, disability, etc. (Institute of Medicine of the National Academics. 2013 in, U.S Health in International Perspective Shorter Lives, Poorer Health.)
Nonlinear Efficiency in DEA Relative to “Ideal Reference”
Authors: Dharmapala P. Sunil
Published: May 2014

Several researchers in the past have emphasized the importance of computing efficiency measures in Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) relative to a best-practice benchmark. Thompson et al. (1995) introduced a nonlinear efficiency measure with linked-cone (LC) assurance-regions (AR) in DEA. In this paper, we compute Thompson-Thrall's measure vis-à-vis linear efficiency measures of CCR (Charnes et al., 1978), BCC (Banker et al., 1984), CCR/AR and BCC/AR (Thompson et al., 1992), relative to “ideal reference”- an industry average. We demonstrate the computations in an application to a set of banks and show that the nonlinear measure is stricter than the linear measures.
Pattern-Based Approaches for Organizations' Agility
Authors: Galinec Darko
Published: May 2014

Enterprise business strategies require an IT organization that goes beyond doing more with less. Technologies must differentiate the enterprise in ways that matter. External differentiation means developing new customer experiences that support revenue growth and customer retention. Internal differentiation means eliminating distortion and duplication, which not only reduces costs but improves agility (McDonald & Aron, 2012). In this chapter paper an overview of pattern-based approaches for organization growth is provided. It introduces the pattern-based strategies and explores disciplines and technologies which enable business leaders to advance from traditional information disciplines to seeking patterns of change (from people, process and information) and acting on them. Then it presents theories and frameworks and the properties available for the achievement of successful leading of the businesses during times of rapid and unpredictable change: Observe, Orient, Decide and Act (OODA) cycle and Pattern-Based Strategy (PBS) as well as explore ways in which they complement. It also discusses how senior executives, planners and architects can apply OODA and PBS to speed up organizational decision making and coordinated response to change in organizations that are striving to be adaptable and describes the underlying technology.
Process Mapping and RFID
Authors: Clark David A , Pasupathy Kalyan S
Published: May 2014

Healthcare processes have variability embedded within care delivery systems. Process mapping has been traditionally used to study processes, and is based on human perceptions of how the process is structured and how care is delivered. Process mapping can be biased based on individual perceptions and not comprehensive to capture variability. Radio frequency identification (RFID) provides a more objective means for collecting process-related data. This paper discusses process mapping, its benefits and drawbacks, and how RFID can complement process mapping. Qualitative information (process mapping) and quantitative information (data collected using RFID and from other sources) can potentially be combined to develop process models. Such models can inform process improvement and increase safety and efficiency.
Relational Data Access for Business Data Analytics
Authors: Köppen Veit , Lübcke Andreas
Published: May 2014

The growing amount of data enables more complex business analytics. Data for business analytics is stored in databases or data warehouses. Analysts want to execute their queries under requirements in a suitable time horizon. An architectural decision has a significant influence on response times. Therefore, it is necessary not only to identify and weight analysis tasks, but also to decide on the storage architecture. The architectural design influences the query execution time up to factor 100. We present both architectures and their influence on the database workload. Classic row stores perform better on transactional analysis and column stores outperform the other in simple online analytical processing.
Utility Function
Authors: Favero Gino
Published: May 2014

A utility function is a tool used to assign numerical values to a set of goods or services in order to allow for a numerical representation of the preferences of a rational individual. Though its first use dates back to the 18th century, the term “utility” does not appear until the late 19th century in Welfare Economics, and it is fully axiomatised only in the mid-20th century with the birth of Decision Theory, where the utility function is the central concept. Indeed, in several studies focused, e.g., on analysing the roles of the rationality axioms and their weakening, or in completing partial preferences, a utility function is always considered to be the proper tool to fully depict the attitude of an investor toward risk.
Understanding the Threshold Conditions for Dislocation Transmission from Tilt Grain Boundaries in FCC Metals under Uniaxial Loading
Authors: Burbery Nathaniel James , Das Raj , Po Giacomo , Ghoniem Nasr
Published: May 2014

Plastic deformation in face-centred cubic (or ‘FCC’) metals involves multi-scale phenomena which are initiated at atomic length and time scales (on order of 1.0e-15seconds). Understanding the fundamental thresholds for plasticity at atomic and nano/meso scales requires rigorous testing, which cannot be feasibly achieved with current experimental methods. Hence, computer simulation-based investigations are extremely valuable. However, meso-scale simulations cannot yet accommodate atomically-informed grain boundary (or ‘GB’) effects and dislocation interactions. This study will provide a stress - strain analysis based on molecular dynamics simulations of a series of metastable grain boundaries with identical crystal orientations but unique grain boundary characteristics. Relationships between dislocation slip systems, resolved shear stresses and additional thermo-mechanical conditions of the system will be considered in the analysis of dislocation-grain boundary interactions, including GB penetration. This study will form the basis of new phenomenological relationships in an effort to enable accommodation of grain boundaries into meso scale dislocation dynamic simulations.
Influence of Coolmax Fiber Content on Comfortable Properties of Cotton/Coolmax Weft-Varied Fabric
Authors: Lu Jin Ming
Published: May 2014

The moisture sorption property, air permeability, capillary effect property of five kinds of Coolmax weft-varied fabric were tested. Meanwhile,the regression equations of Coolmax fiber content with warp wicking height,weft wicking height,water vapor permeability and air permeability were also established. The result showed that the moisture sorption property and air permeability,capillary effect property of cotton/Coolmax weft-varied fabrics are better with the increase of Coolmax fiber in the weft.
The Research of the Electric Vehicle Wiring Harness Dynamic Crosstalk Based on Statistical Simulation Method
Authors: Wang Tian Hao , Gao Yin Han , Yang Kai Yu , Zhang Jun Dong , Gao Le , Jin Yu
Published: May 2014

In the actual situation, because of the shock of automobile in the movement process and the wire harness in undulating tube placement is random, leading to the relative position of the wire harness is not fixed, Thus lead to crosstalk value has certain dynamic range. In this paper, obtained the unit mutual inductance and mutual capacitance of wire with insulation layer using mirror image method, simulation and prediction of crosstalk dynamic interval by statistical simulation method, obtain harness near end crosstalk changes range within 3dB at a confidence level of 80%. This provides a reference for EMC design of automotive wiring harness.
The Microstructure and Wear-Resistant Properties of Laser Cladding Ni-Based WC Alloy on Q345 Steel Surface
Authors: Zhu Shun Min , Zhang Ya Dong
Published: May 2014

With the laser cladding technology, 70%Ni60A+30%WC cladding layer was cladded on the surface of Q345 steel. And the phase, microstructure and wear resistance of cladding layer were analyzed. Experiments show that the Ni-based WC alloy laser cladding treatment on Q345 steel surface have a great upgrade on grain refinement, surface hardness and wear-resistance of Q345 steel surface.
Shottky Contact Device Based on a Single WO3 Nanowire for Ultraviolet Photodetector
Authors: Wan Jun Hua , Huang Kai , Wan Li
Published: May 2014

To distinguish the ultraviolet (UV) photoresponse of Ohmic and Schottky contact devices, we have fabricated symmetrical and nonsymmetrical devices by standard lithography based on a single WO3 nanowire. For the Ohmic contact device, the photocurrent can change from 100 nA to 300 nA. Even 200 s under UV illumination, nonsaturated photocurrent can be observed, and the fall time is more than 1000 s. But for the Schottky contact device, the rise and fall time are faster than that of Ohmic device. The barrier height of Schottky device can be easily controlled through the oxygen adsorption and desorption on the junction region, which can be served as a ‘‘gate’’ that effectively tunes the conductance of the device. Therefore, the Schottky barrier plays a very important role in the rapid-response of UV photodetector.
Fault Diagnosis Method of Vehicle Power System Using Bayesian Network
Authors: Li He Jia , Cheng Yan Wei , Yao Cheng , Xu Hai Feng , Yao Zhao , Qu Chang Feng
Published: May 2014

The fault diagnosis of vehicle power system that the structure and characteristics of components are complex, each module and internal modules exist coupling, cross-linked mutual relations and the uncertainties, the system status and working conditions are difficult to describe by precisely mathematical model, and test cost expensive, less fault samples. Thus its fault diagnosis is the decision problem of uncertain information in a small sample. it is proposed that combining multi-signal flow graph model with Bayesian network fault diagnosis method. The fault diagnosis model of power system and the corresponding Bayesian network structure are built, which achieve the fault diagnosis of power system, Diagnosis example shows that the method of the vehicle power has a higher failure troubleshooting capabilities of the system single and multiple faults.
Design and Implementation of Campus Dining Application Based on Android
Authors: Li Ning Ning , Zhang Xiao Fang , Wang Yuan Fei , Zhang Ran
Published: May 2014

With the continuous improvement in technology, campus life and learning applications are becoming increasingly modernization, and the popularity of mobile networks makes mobile terminals (especially smart phones) work as the most important information form for college students. Taking advantages of Android platform’s features to achieve efficient and intelligent campus applications, not only can implement synchronization of information dissemination, as well as in-time, learning and life convenience, but also reduce the students’ dependence on computers, which makes interpersonal communication everywhere. This paper takes the campus dining application for example, to explore campus applications based on Android, thereby promoting the construction of campus information technology, and further enrich the local campus life and learning.
Conception of Virtual Machine Model Based on MCM
Authors: Jiang Yong Jun
Published: May 2014

It is therefore important to implement into practice of uncertainty estimation of coordinate measurement new, correct and metrologically validated methods.because according to technological requirements, results of measurements are useful only when they are given with their accuracy. Currently used methods for uncertainty assessment are difficult and require knowledge and measuring experience. It is therefore important to implement correct and validated methods that will also be easy to implement and will not require broad metrological knowledge from the personnel. Presented here simulation method, based on Monte Carlo method is one of them. The article presents the conception, implementation and validation of this method.
Effect on New Corrosion Inhibitor to Stress Corrosion Cracking of Prestressed Steel Wire in Simulated Concrete Pore Solution
Authors: Sun Qi Lei , Shi Lu Dan , Liu Ze Rui
Published: May 2014

Slow strain rate tension tests were carried out in order to investigate effect on new corrosion inhibitor to stress corrosion cracking of prestressed steel wire in simulated concrete pore solution. Indeed, the results suggest that C4H13N3 can form adsorption film on the metal surface, prevent chloride ion erosion. Meanwhile, MoO42- may make the passive film become denser. The synergistic effect of C4H13N3 with MoO42-, can reduce the prestressed steel wire SWRH77B in 3.5%NaCl+ saturated Ca (OH)2 solution stress corrosion sensitivity, prevent stress corrosion cracking effectively.
Earth-Rock Dam Deformation Monitoring Based on Three-Dimensional Laser Scanning Technology
Authors: Wang Ju , Zhang Cheng Cai
Published: May 2014

Three-dimensional laser scanning can obtain the complete geometry information of the dam quickly and accurately, and then achieve the overall deformation monitoring, which breaks the traditional limitation of single point monitoring and local monitoring. In this paper, the complete point cloud data of the dam was obtained by three-dimensional laser scanning technology, and the surface model of the earth-rock dam was constructed by three-dimensional spherical projection surface dam construction algorithm. Then the accurate three-dimensional surface model of the earth-rock dam was acquired, and the first phase of the model as reference model,with different periods of point cloud data collected were analyzed with the reference model to obtain information about the dam deformation.
Research on Ideology Based on Information Dissemination Model
Authors: Jiang Chang Xiang , Qin Juan Juan , Pan Yi Hui
Published: May 2014

The aim of the ideological and political education research based on information dissemination model is to carry out purposed and conscious influence on the educated, and achieve social activities, interactive behavior, sharing and consensus in the way of information delivery, acceptance and feedback. Information dissemination and ideological and political education fits in nature, ideological and political education is a special performance information dissemination activity, including loop interaction model, linear model, the system model.Ideological and political education based on information dissemination model includes the sources of information, messages, feedback and other effects links. The model is good for us to have intuitive, concise study of ideological and political education.
The Keep-Right-Expect-to-Pass Rule
Authors: Yu Si Chao
Published: May 2014

In this paper, we set one models in total, based on taking it into account that two-lane highway capacity, security, and traffic flow efficiency in different traffic load conditions. We propose one evaluation indexes, that is, average number of vehicle decelerating and following others, free passage probability, average number of overtaking, the accident probability, and the average traffic speed of vehicles, to analyze the change rule of every index under different vehicle density.