bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining Collaborative Knowledge Construction in Microblogging-Based Learning Environments
Authors: Luo Tian , A Clifton Lacey
Published: October 2017

Aim/Purpose: The purpose of the study is to provide foundational research to exemplify how knowledge construction takes place in microblogging-based learning environments, to understand learner interaction representing the knowledge construction process, and to analyze learner perception, thereby suggesting a model of delivery for microblogging.

Background: Up-and-coming digital native learners crave the real-time, multimedia, global-interconnectedness of microblogging, yet there has been limited research that specifically proposes a working model of Twitter’s classroom integration for designers and practitioners without bundling it in with other social media tools.

Methodology: This semester-long study utilized a case-study research design via a multi-dimensional approach in a hybrid classroom with both face-to-face and online environments. Tweets were collected from four types of activities and coded based on content within their contextual setting. Twenty-four college students participated in the study.

Contribution: The findings shed light on the process of knowledge construction in mi-croblogging and reveal key types of knowledge manifested during learning activities. The study also proposes a model for delivering microblogging to formal learning environments applicable to various contexts for designers and practitioners.

Findings: There are distinct learner interaction patterns representing the process of knowledge construction in microblogging activities ranging from low-order to high-order cognitive tasks. Students generally were in favor of the Twitter integration in this study.

Recommendations for Practitioners: The three central activities (exploring hashtags, discussion topics, and participating in live chats) along with the backchannel activity formulate a working model that represents the sequential process of Twitter integration into classrooms.

Impact on Society: Microblogging allows learners omnichannel access while hashtags can filter the global noise down to meaningful bytes of information to target formal and informal learning. When shared amongst global users for participatory communication, it gives access to collaborative knowledge. This study gives practitioners and designers a working model to leverage microblogging and connect to their tech-savvy learners for more connected learning.

Future Research: Future research may include experiments of this proposed model for delivering microblogging in: prolonged studies; compared to other microblogging methodologies; in non-hybrid delivery models such as asynchronous-only; in other academic or professional disciplines; or in other educational age ranges.
Information Re-Sharing on Social Network Sites in the Age of Fake News
Authors: Koohikamali Mehrdad , Sidorova Anna
Published: October 2017

Aim/Purpose: In the light of the recent attention to the role of social media in the dissemination of fake news, it is important to understand the relationship between the characteristics of the social media content and re-sharing behavior. This study seeks to examine individual level antecedents of information re-sharing behavior including individual beliefs about the quality of information available on social network sites (SNSs), attitude towards SNS use and risk perceptions and attitudes.

Methodology: Testing the research model by data collected through surveys that were adminis-tered to test the research model. Data was collected from undergraduate students in a public university in the US.

Contribution: This study contributes to theory in Information Systems by addressing the issue of information quality in the context of information re-sharing on social media.
This study has important practical implications for SNS users and providers alike. Ensuring that information available on SNS is of high quality is critical to maintaining a healthy user base.

Findings: Results indicate that attitude toward using SNSs and intention to re-share infor-mation on SNSs is influenced by perceived information quality (enjoyment, rele-vance, and reliability). Also, risk-taking propensity and enjoyment influence the intention to re-share information on SNSs in a positive direction.

Future Research: In the dynamic context of SNSs, the role played by quality of information is changing. Understanding changes in quality of information by conducting longitudinal studies and experiments and including the role of habits is necessary.
A REVIEW ON THE USE OF REGRESSION ANALYSIS IN STUDIES OF AUDIT QUALITY
Authors: Muliawan Agung Dodit
Published: October 2017

This study aimed to review how regression analysis has been used in studies of abstract phenomena, such as audit quality, and important concept in the auditing practice (Schroeder et al., 1986), yet is not well defined. The articles reviewed were the research articles that include audit quality as a research variable, either as dependent or independent variables. The articles were purposefully selected to represent a balanced combination between audit specific and more general accounting journals and between Anglo Saxon and Anglo American journals. The articles were published between 1983-2011 and from the A/A class journal based on ERA 2010s classifications. The study found that most of the articles reviewed used multiple regression analyses and treated audit quality as a dependent variable and measured it by using a proxy. This study also highlights the size of the data sample used and the lack of discussions about the assumptions of the statistical analysis used in most of the articles reviewed. This study concluded that the effectiveness and validity of multiple regressions do not only depend on its application by the researchers but also on how the researchers communicate their findings to the audience. ABSTRAKKajian ini bertujuan untuk mereviu bagaimana analisa regresi digunakan dalam suatu fenomena abstrak seperti kualitas audit, suatu konsep yang penting dalam praktik audit (Schroeder et al., 1986) namun belum terdefinisi dengan jelas. Artikel yang direviu dalam kajian ini adalah artikel penelitian yang memasukkan kualitas audit sebagai variabel penelitian, baik sebagai variabel independen maupun dependen. Artikel-artikel tersebut dipilih dengan cara purposif sampling untuk mendapatkan keterwakilan yang seimbang antara artikel jurnal khusus audit dan akuntansi secara umum, serta mewakili jurnal Anglo Saxon dan Anglo American. Artikel yang direviu diterbitkan pada periode 1983-2011 oleh jurnal yang masuk dalam kategori A/A berdasarkan klasifikasi ERA pada tahun 2010. Kajian ini menemukan bahwa sebagian besar artikel-artikel tersebut menggunakan analisa regresi berganda dan menjadikan kualitas audit sebagai variabel dependen serta mengukurnya menggunakan proksi. Kajian ini juga menyoroti ukuran data sampel yang digunakan dan kurangnya pembahasan mengenai asumsi yang digunakan dalam analisa statistik. Kajian ini menyimpulkan bahwa efektivitas dan validitas penggunaan analisa regresi berganda dalam penelitian tidak hanya bergantung pada kemampuan peneliti untuk menggunakannya, namun juga pada kemampuan peneliti untuk mengkomunikasikan hasil penelitiannya kepada pembaca.
PENGELOLAAN SEKTOR MINYAK BUMI DI INDONESIA PASCA REFORMASI: ANALISIS KONSEP NEGARA KESEJAHTERAAN
Authors: Roziqin Roziqin
Published: October 2017

Oil is a very important commodity in Indonesia, so it should have a significant contribution to public welfare. The objective to create public welfare is in line with the founders of Indonesia's dream as they stated that Indonesia is a welfare state on the preamble of the 1945 constitution. This study aims to analyze problematic factors of oil, oil management policy, and the implementation of the welfare state in the oil sector in Indonesia after the reform. This study uses a qualitative descriptive method that interviews oil-gas experts and auditors of the Audit Board of the Republic of Indonesia. the result of the research in Indonesia has been trying to implement the concept of the welfare state in the oil sector with the active role of the state and efforts to achieve the prosperity of the people. However, the implementations still need continuous improvement. Moreover, Indonesia has not applied economic democracy as the initial spirit of the formation of the welfare state as stated in Article 33 of the Constitution of 1945. This is mainly due to the inclusion of concept market economies which successfully shifted the economic democracy. Thus, the postreform Indonesia has not fully implemented the concept of the welfare state in the oil sector. AbstrakMinyak bumi merupakan komoditas penting di Indonesia sehingga seharusnya dapat berkontribusi banyak dalam mewujudkan kesejahteraan masyarakat. Cita-cita mewujudkan kesejahteraan masyarakat sejalan dengan cita-cita para pendiri Indonesia yang telah mendeklarasikan Indonesia sebagai negara kesejahteraan pada pembukaan Undang-Undang Dasar 1945. Penelitian ini bertujuan menganalisis faktor-faktor yang dipermasalahkan dari minyak bumi, kebijakan pengelolaan minyak bumi di Indonesia dan implementasi konsep negara kesejahteraan dalam sektor minyak bumi di Indonesia pasca reformasi. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif deskriptif dengan narasumber dari pengamat migas dan auditor Badan Pemeriksa Keuangan Republik Indonesia. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pasca reformasi Indonesia sudah berusaha mengimplementasikan konsep negara kesejahteraan dalam sektor minyak bumi dengan adaya peran aktif negara dan upaya mewujudkan kemakmuran rakyat. Namun demikian, implementasi tersebut masih perlu pembenahan terus menerus. Terlebih, Indonesia belum menerapkan demokrasi ekonomi sebagaimana semangat awal pembentukan negara kesejahteraan dalam Pasal 33 UUD 1945. Hal ini terutama karena masuknya paham ekonomi pasar yang berhasil menggeser demokrasi ekonomi. Dengan demikian, pasca reformasi Indonesia belum sepenuhnya mengimplementasikan konsep negara kesejahteraan dalam sektor minyak bumi.
ANALISIS DETERMINAN KEMISKINAN DI SULAWESI SELATAN (DETERMINANT ANALYSIS OF POVERTY IN SOUTH SULAWESI)
Authors: Iskandar Azwar , Subekan Achmat
Published: October 2017

This research is aimed to analyze the determinant of poverty in South Sulawesi on 2010-2014 period. Using the annual data from Badan Pusat Statistik (BPS) and Direktorat Jenderal Perimbangan Keuangan (DJPK), the estimation applies the Panel Regression with Random Effect Model (REM) as analytical tool in order to analyze the effect of regional economic growth, unemployment, healthy index, school participation rate and local government expenditure on poverty in South Sulawesi. The empirical results show that all determinant variables simultanously have a positive significant effect on poverty. Meanwhile, regional economic growth partially have a positive effect on poverty. The others such as unemployment, healthy index, school participation rate and local government expenditure partially have a negative effect on poverty. Because of that matters, local government shall to create an economic growth inclusively, improve the health and education public infrastructures, and increase the supervision of expenditures to keep going effective and efficient in the poverty reduction effort.AbstrakPenelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui determinan atau faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi kemiskinan di Provinsi Sulawesi Selatan periode tahun 2010 sampai 2014. Data yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini berupa data sekunder dari publikasi data statistik Badan Pusat Statistik (BPS) Provinsi Sulawesi Selatan dan Direktorat Jenderal Perimbangan Keuangan (DJPK) Kementerian Keuangan Republik Indonesia. Data-data tersebut ditabulasikan ke dalam struktur data panel yaitu gabungan antara data yang berbentuk time series dan cross section dalam bentuk tahunan. Dengan teknik purposive sampling, penelitian ini menggunakan data 24 kabupaten/kota di Provinsi Sulawesi Selatan untuk kemudian dianalisis dengan metode teknik Analisis Regresi Data Panel dengan pendekatan Random Effect. Hasil empiris membuktikan bahwa seluruh variabel determinan yang terdiri dari pertumbuhan ekonomi regional, jumlah pengangguran, indeks kesehatan, angka partisipasi sekolah dan belanja daerah secara simultan berpengaruh signifikan terhadap jumlah kemiskinan di Provinsi Sulawesi Selatan. Sementara secara parsial, variabel pertumbuhan ekonomi regional berpengaruh positif dan tidak signifikan terhadap kemiskinan, sedangkan variabel-variabel lainnya yaitu pengangguran, indeks kesehatan, angka partisipasi sekolah dan belanja daerah berpengaruh negatif terhadap kemiskinan. Oleh karena itu, pemerintah kabupaten/kota di Provinsi Sulawesi Selatan diharapkan mampu menciptakan pertumbuhan ekonomi yang berkualitas dan bersifat inklusif, mampu meningkatkan fasilitas pendidikan dan fasilitas kesehatan secara merata tidak hanya terpusat pada satu daerah saja, serta meningkatkan pengawasan keuangan terkait pengeluaran atau belanja pemerintah kabupaten/kota agar tepat sasaran sehingga pengeluaran atau belanja pemerintah dapat terus berjalan efektif dan efisien dalam upaya pengurangan kemiskinan.
Time Use, Disability, and Mobility of Older Americans
Authors: Li Moyin , Tilahun Nebiyou
Published: October 2017

This study explored how disability, mobility, social and leisure engagement, and travel behavior influence older people’s life satisfaction. The study used the 2013 Disability and Use of Time data for people ages 50 years and older, many of whom reported physical impairments. The study developed a model that related life satisfaction with various time use, disability, and mobility variables. Summary statistics of time use showed that as people aged, they spent more time on solitary, passive leisure activities; social face-to-face time did not seem to change very much. Alone passive leisure time use was especially large for those who experienced a physical mobility-related disability and were carless. The study used an ordinal logistic regression and found that longer alone leisure time uses were associated with lower life satisfaction. Life satisfaction was positively affected by transportation variables, such as vehicle availability. The study also found that social face-to-face time use had a weak positive relationship with life satisfaction, and technology-mediated social activities had a strong negative relationship with life satisfaction.
UberHOP in Seattle
Authors: Lewis Elyse O’C. , MacKenzie Don
Published: October 2017

UberHOP is a commute-focused interpretation of the Uber suite of transportation services, with the goal of reducing personal vehicle commute trips. The service first launched in Seattle, Washington, and Toronto, Ontario, Canada, in December 2015 and expanded to Manila, Philippines, in early 2016. UberHOP is similar to vanpooling with fixed pickup and drop-off locations in the primary commute direction during peak hours, but it leverages Uber’s ridesourcing platform to replace fixed departure schedules with riders matched in real time. This paper reports on an intercept survey (83% response rate) to understand who rode, how they traveled to the pickup location, why they rode, and what modes UberHOP was replacing for all 11 UberHOP routes in Seattle during the morning and evening commute periods. In addition, detailed trip and total rider count data were collected during the survey administration process. The results show that many UberHOP riders made UberHOP their primary form of commute mode. Unlike standard ridesourcing services, UberHOP riders predominantly replaced public transportation modes rather than personal vehicles. UberHOP services were canceled in Seattle in August 2016. However, with larger rider densities per trip, the UberHOP model can be profitable, and it is reasonable to expect that Uber or others will resurrect a similar service in the future.
Booking Behavior of Free-Floating Carsharing Users
Authors: Niels Tanja , Bogenberger Klaus
Published: October 2017

In recent years, the services of free-floating carsharing (FFCS) systems have gained popularity, especially in urban areas. Some FFCS operators are now including battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in their fleets. This addition is especially beneficial for cities and their inhabitants, as BEVs are locally emission free and move more quietly. However, how FFCS customers react to the new technology has not yet been empirically analyzed. By combining the app call and booking data of an FFCS operator in Munich, Germany, this study assessed the preferences of customers when booking a specific car and evaluated the attractiveness of the fleet’s BEVs. With the consideration of the spatial availability encountered when the mobile phone app was opening, the study found that the distance to the nearest available car was the most important decision criterion for customers. If a car had been available within 200 m, the probability that customers booked a car would have been twice as great compared with the case that the nearest vehicle had been 500 m away (100 m ≈ 0.06 mi). In addition, the majority of the customers booked the nearest available car. Nevertheless, certain qualities of vehicles made users walk to a car that was farther away. The study identified popular vehicle models and found that customers preferred to use the fleet’s BEVs, independent of the battery level. BEVs were used for almost the same distances as internal combustion engine vehicles and were suitable for most use cases: more than 80% of the FFCS trips covered a distance of at most 20 km (≈12.4 mi).
Experiencing Force Majeure
Authors: Falzon Christopher
Published: October 2017

This article looks at the 2014 Swedish comedy-drama Force Majeure as a kind of moral thought experiment, but also insofar as it might not fit such a model. The idea of a cinematic ethics, of cinema as providing an avenue for thinking through ethics and exploring ethical questions, finds at least one expression in the idea of film as experimental in this sense. At the same time, simply subsuming film to the philosophical thought experiment risks forgetting what film itself brings to the proceedings; and how the cinematic medium might allow for an experimentation that goes beyond what can be done within the philosophical text. As experimental in a broad sense, Force Majeure evokes an experience, the extraordinary event beyond one's control, capable of putting a moral agent to the test, challenging one's sense of who one is and what one stands for. The film unfolds as a reflection on the results of this encounter with experience, and on the kind of moral self this experiment brings to light; and in the course of this reflection, it suggests some general conclusions about the human condition.
The Empath and the Psychopath: Ethics, Imagination, and Intercorporeality in Bryan Fuller'sHannibal
Authors: Stadler Jane
Published: October 2017

The long-form television drama series Hannibal (Fuller 2013–2015) thematises the embodied imagination and the elicitation of empathy and ethical understanding at the level of narrative and characterisation as well as through character engagement and screen aesthetics. Using Hannibal as a case study, this research investigates how stylistic choices frame the experiences of screen characters and engender forms of intersubjectivity based on corporeal and cognitive routes to empathy; in particular, it examines the capacity for screen media to facilitate what neuroscientist Vittorio Gallese terms intercorporeality. As a constitutive aspect of intersubjectivity and social understanding that works through embodied simulation, intercorporeality invites a reconceptualisation of empathy and its association with ethical motivation and insight. Hannibal also introduces cannibalism as a dark metaphor for the incorporation of another into oneself, reflecting on empathy's ill-understood potential for negative affect and unethical consequences.
First-Principles Study of the Nonlinear Elasticity of Rare-Earth Hexaborides REB6 (RE = La, Ce)
Authors: Zeng Xianshi , Ye Yuanxiu , Zou Shenlin , Gou Qingdong , Wen Yufeng , Ou Ping
Published: October 2017

The complete set of independent second- and third-order elastic constants of rare-earth hexaborides LaB 6 and CeB 6 are determined by the combination method of first-principles calculations and homogeneous deformation theory. The ground-state lattice parameters, second-order elastic constants, and bulk modulus are in reasonable agreement with the available experimental data. The third-order elastic constant of longitudinal mode C 111 has a larger absolute value than other shear modes, showing the contribution to lattice vibrations from longitudinal modes to be greater. The pressure derivatives of the second-order elastic constants related to the third-order elastic constants are calculated to be positive for the two hexaborides, which are consistent with those of their polycrystalline bulk modulus and shear modulus. Furthermore, the effect of pressure on the structural stability, mechanical property, and elastic anisotropy of the two hexaborides are investigated, showing a reduction in mechanical stability and an increase in ductility and anisotropy with increasing pressure.
Transport Coefficients from Large Deviation Functions
Authors: Gao Chloe , Limmer David
Published: October 2017

We describe a method for computing transport coefficients from the direct evaluation of large deviation functions. This method is general, relying on only equilibrium fluctuations, and is statistically efficient, employing trajectory based importance sampling. Equilibrium fluctuations of molecular currents are characterized by their large deviation functions, which are scaled cumulant generating functions analogous to the free energies. A diffusion Monte Carlo algorithm is used to evaluate the large deviation functions, from which arbitrary transport coefficients are derivable. We find significant statistical improvement over traditional Green–Kubo based calculations. The systematic and statistical errors of this method are analyzed in the context of specific transport coefficient calculations, including the shear viscosity, interfacial friction coefficient, and thermal conductivity.
A Behavioural Analysis of Complexity in Socio-Technical Systems under Tension Modelled by Petri Nets
Authors: Ibl Martin , Čapek Jan
Published: October 2017

Complexity analysis of dynamic systems provides a better understanding of the internal behaviours that are associated with tension and efficiency, which in the socio-technical systems may lead to innovation. One of the popular approaches for the assessment of complexity is associated with self-similarity. The dynamic component of dynamic systems represents the relationships and interactions among the inner elements (and its surroundings) and fully describes its behaviour. The approach used in this work addresses complexity analysis in terms of system behaviour, i.e., the so-called behavioural analysis of complexity. The self-similarity of a system (structural or behavioural) can be determined, for example, using fractal geometry, whose toolbox provides a number of methods for the measurement of the so-called fractal dimension. Other instruments for measuring the self-similarity in a system, include the Hurst exponent and the framework of complex system theory in general. The approach introduced in this work defines the complexity analysis in a social-technical system under tension. The proposed procedure consists of modelling the key dynamic components of a discrete event dynamic system by any definition of Petri nets. From the stationary probabilities, one can then decide whether the system is self-similar using the abovementioned tools. In addition, the proposed approach allows for finding the critical values (phase transitions) of the analysed systems.
Using IEC 61850 GOOSE Service for Adaptive ANSI 67/67N Protection in Ring Main Systems with Distributed Energy Resources
Authors: Silos Ángel , Señís Aleix , De Pozuelo Ramon , Zaballos Agustín
Published: October 2017

Smart Grids are electricity networks that use digital technology to co-ordinate the needs and capabilities of all generators, grid operators, end users and electricity market stakeholders in such a way that it can optimize asset utilization and operation while maintaining system reliability, resilience and stability. However, Smart Grids are increasingly proposing a much more distributed architecture with the integration of multiple Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) that demand different control and protection schemes. In that sense, the implementation of standards such as IEC 61850 and the integration with Ethernet-based communication networks provide novel tools to manage DER efficiently. This paper analyses the potential usage and benefits of ANSI 67/67N protection in combination with Generic Object Oriented Substation Event (GOOSE) communication service, from the standard 61850 of the International Electro-technical Commission (IEC), for providing adaptive network protection, specifying the configuration and implementation and exposing the obtained results.
Thermodynamic Optimization of a Geothermal- Based Organic Rankine Cycle System Using an Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm
Authors: Özkaraca Osman , Keçebaş Pınar , Demircan Cihan , Keçebaş Ali
Published: October 2017

Geothermal energy is a renewable form of energy, however due to misuse, processing and management issues, it is necessary to use the resource more efficiently. To increase energy efficiency, energy systems engineers carry out careful energy control studies and offer alternative solutions. With this aim, this study was conducted to improve the performance of a real operating air-cooled organic Rankine cycle binary geothermal power plant (GPP) and its components in the aspects of thermodynamic modeling, exergy analysis and optimization processes. In-depth information is obtained about the exergy (maximum work a system can make), exergy losses and destruction at the power plant and its components. Thus the performance of the power plant may be predicted with reasonable accuracy and better understanding is gained for the physical process to be used in improving the performance of the power plant. The results of the exergy analysis show that total exergy production rate and exergy efficiency of the GPP are 21 MW and 14.52%, respectively, after removing parasitic loads. The highest amount of exergy destruction occurs, respectively, in condenser 2, vaporizer HH2, condenser 1, pumps 1 and 2 as components requiring priority performance improvement. To maximize the system exergy efficiency, the artificial bee colony (ABC) is applied to the model that simulates the actual GPP. Under all the optimization conditions, the maximum exergy efficiency for the GPP and its components is obtained. Two of these conditions such as Case 4 related to the turbine and Case 12 related to the condenser have the best performance. As a result, the ABC optimization method provides better quality information than exergy analysis. Based on the guidance of this study, the performance of power plants based on geothermal energy and other energy resources may be improved.
The Amalgamation of SVR and ANFIS Models with Synchronized Phasor Measurements for On-Line Voltage Stability Assessment
Authors: Amroune Mohammed , Musirin Ismail , Bouktir Tarek , Othman Muhammad
Published: October 2017

This paper presents the application of support vector regression (SVR) and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) models that are amalgamated with synchronized phasor measurements for on-line voltage stability assessment. As the performance of SVR model extremely depends on the good selection of its parameters, the recently developed ant lion optimizer (ALO) is adapted to seek for the SVR’s optimal parameters. In particular, the input vector of ALO-SVR and ANFIS soft computing models is provided in the form of voltage magnitudes provided by the phasor measurement units (PMUs). In order to investigate the effectiveness of ALO-SVR and ANFIS models towards performing the on-line voltage stability assessment, in-depth analyses on the results have been carried out on the IEEE 30-bus and IEEE 118-bus test systems considering different topologies and operating conditions. Two statistical performance criteria of root mean square error (RMSE) and correlation coefficient (R) were considered as metrics to further assess both of the modeling performances in contrast with the power flow equations. The results have demonstrated that the ALO-SVR model is able to predict the voltage stability margin with greater accuracy compared to the ANFIS model.
Metaheuristic Techniques in Enhancing the Efficiency and Performance of Thermo-Electric Cooling Devices
Authors: Vasant Pandian , Kose Utku , Watada Junzo
Published: October 2017

The objective of this paper is to focus on the technical issues of single-stage thermo-electric coolers (TECs) and two-stage TECs and then apply new methods in optimizing the dimensions of TECs. In detail, some metaheuristics—simulated annealing (SA) and differential evolution (DE)—are applied to search the optimal design parameters of both types of TEC, which yielded cooling rates and coefficients of performance (COPs) individually and simultaneously. The optimization findings obtained by using SA and DE are validated by applying them in some defined test cases taking into consideration non-linear inequality and non-linear equality constraint conditions. The performance of SA and DE are verified after comparing the findings with the ones obtained applying the genetic algorithm (GA) and hybridization technique (HSAGA and HSADE). Mathematical modelling and parameter setting of TEC is combined with SA and DE to find better optimal findings. The work revealed that SA and DE can be applied successfully to solve single-objective and multi-objective TEC optimization problems. In terms of stability, reliability, robustness and computational efficiency, they provide better performance than GA. Multi-objective optimizations considering both objective functions are useful for the designer to find the suitable design parameters of TECs which balance the important roles of cooling rate and COP.
Interdisciplinary eHealth Practice in Cancer Care: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Janssen Anna , Brunner Melissa , Keep Melanie , Hines Monique , Nagarajan Srivalli , Kielly-Carroll Candice , Dennis Sarah , McKeough Zoe , Shaw Tim
Published: October 2017

This review aimed to identify research that described how eHealth facilitates interdisciplinary cancer care and to understand the ways in which eHealth innovations are being used in this setting. An integrative review of eHealth interventions used for interdisciplinary care for people with cancer was conducted by systematically searching research databases in March 2015, and repeated in September 2016. Searches resulted in 8531 citations, of which 140 were retrieved and scanned in full, with twenty-six studies included in the review. Analysis of data extracted from the included articles revealed five broad themes: (i) data collection and accessibility; (ii) virtual multidisciplinary teams; (iii) communication between individuals involved in the delivery of health services; (iv) communication pathways between patients and cancer care teams; and (v) health professional-led change. Use of eHealth interventions in cancer care was widespread, particularly to support interdisciplinary care. However, research has focused on development and implementation of interventions, rather than on long-term impact. Further research is warranted to explore design, evaluation, and long-term sustainability of eHealth systems and interventions in interdisciplinary cancer care. Technology evolves quickly and researchers need to provide health professionals with timely guidance on how best to respond to new technologies in the health sector.
Synthesis and Radioprotective Activity of Mitochondria Targeted Dihydropyridines In Vitro
Authors: Zhang Yurui , Wang Junying , Li Yuanyuan , Wang Feng , Yang Fujun , Xu Wenqing
Published: October 2017

The radiation-induced damage to mitochondrial oxidative respiratory chain could lead to generating of superoxide anions (O2−) and secondary reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are the major resources of continuous ROS production after radiation. Scavenging radiation-induced ROS effectively can help mitochondria to maintain their physiological function and relief cells from oxidative stress. Dihydropyridines (DHPs) are biomimetic hydrogen sources that could protect cells against radiation damage. In this study, we designed and synthetized three novel mitochondrial-targeted dihydropyridines (Mito-DHPs) that utilize the mitochondrial membrane potential to enter the organelle and scavenge ROS. MitoTracker confirmed Mito-DHPs accumulation in mitochondria, and the DCFH-DA assay demonstrated effective ROS scavenging activity. In addition, the γ-H2AX and comet assay demonstrated the ability of Mito-DHPs to protect against both radiation and ROS-induced DNA strand breaks. Furthermore, Mito-DHP1 proved to be non-toxic and displayed significant radioprotection activity (p < 0.05) in vitro. Mito-DHPs are therefore promising antioxidants that could penetrate the membrane of mitochondria, scavenge excessive ROS, and protect cells against radiation-induced oxidative damage.
iTRAQ-Based Identification of Proteins Related to Muscle Growth in the Pacific Abalone, Haliotis discus hannai
Authors: Huang Jianfang , You Weiwei , Luo Xuan , Ke Caihuan
Published: October 2017

The abalone Haliotis discus hannai is an important aquaculture species that is grown for human consumption. However, little is known of the genetic mechanisms governing muscle growth in this species, particularly with respect to proteomics. The isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) method allows for sensitive and accurate protein quantification. Our study was the first to use iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomics to investigate muscle growth regulation in H. discus hannai. Among the 1904 proteins identified from six samples, 125 proteins were differentially expressed in large specimens of H. discus hannai as compared to small specimens. In the large specimens, 47 proteins were upregulated and 78 were downregulated. Many of the significant Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways, including these differentially expressed proteins, were closely related to muscle growth, including apoptosis, thyroid hormone signaling, regulation of the actin cytoskeleton, and viral myocarditis (p < 0.05). Our quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analyses suggested that the alterations in expression levels observed in the differentially expressed proteins were consistent with the alterations observed in the encoding mRNAs, indicating the repeatability of our proteomic approach. Our findings contribute to the knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of muscle growth in H. discus hannai.
A Search for Dual Action HIV-1 Reverse Transcriptase, Bacterial RNA Polymerase Inhibitors
Authors: Paneth Agata , Frączek Tomasz , Grzegorczyk Agnieszka , Janowska Dominika , Malm Anna , Paneth Piotr
Published: October 2017

Using molecular modeling approach, potential antibacterial agents with triazole core were proposed. A moderate to weak level of antibacterial activity in most of the compounds have been observed, with best minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 0.003 mg/mL, as shown by the 15 against S. epidermidis. Studied compounds were also submitted to the antifungal assay. The best antifungal activity was detected for 16 with MIC at 0.125 and 0.25 mg/mL against C. albicans and C. parapsilosis, respectively.
Solvent and Copper Ion-Induced Synthesis of Pyridyl–Pyrazole-3-One Derivatives: Crystal Structure, Cytotoxicity
Authors: Huang Qiu , Zhang Shao , Zhang Shu , Wang Kai , Xiao Yu
Published: October 2017

Five novel compounds, methyl 5-(acetyloxy)-1-(6-bromo-2-pyridinyl)-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxylate (1), methyl 1-(6-bromo-2-pyridinyl)-5-hydroxy-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxylate (2), Trimethyl 1,1′,1′′-tris(6-bromo-2-pyridinyl)-5,5′′-dihydroxy-5′-oxo-1′,5′-dihydro-1H,1′′H-4,4′: 4′,4′′-terpyrazole-3,3′,3′′-tricarboxylate (H2L1, 3), [Cu2(L2)2]·CH3OH (4), H2L2A·CH3CN (5) were synthesized. Compounds 1–5 characterized by elemental analysis, IR, and X-ray single-crystal diffraction. And 1–3 were also characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR and ESI-MS. The H2L1, H2L2 were formed by in-situ reaction. H2L2 and H2L2A are mesomer compounds which have two chiral carbons. The antitumor activity of compounds 1–5 against BEL-7404, HepG2, NCI-H460, T-24, A549 tumor cell lines were screened by methylthiazolyl tetrozolium (MTT) assay. The compounds 1, 2 showed weakly growth inhibition on the HepG2 cell lines. The HepG2 and A549 cell lines showed higher sensitivity to compound 4, while the IC50 values are 10.66, 28.09 μM, respectively. It is worth noting that compounds 1–5 did not show cytotoxicity to human normal liver cell line HL-7702, suggesting its cytotoxic selectivity on these tumor cell lines.
Anticancer Effects of Resveratrol-Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles on Human Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Wang Wenrui , Zhang Lingyu , Chen Tiantian , Guo Wen , Bao Xunxia , Wang Dandan , Ren Baihui , Wang Haifeng , Li Yu , Wang Yueyue , Chen Sulian , Tang Baoding , Yang Qingling , Chen Changjie
Published: October 2017

In this study, resveratrol-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (Res-SLNs) were successfully designed to treat MDA-MB-231 cells. The Res-SLNs were prepared using emulsification and low-temperature solidification method. The Res-SLNs were spherical, with small size, negative charge, and narrow size distribution. Compared with free resveratrol, the Res-SLNs displayed a superior ability in inhibiting the proliferation of MDA-MB-231 cells. In addition, Res-SLNs exhibited much stronger inhibitory effects on the invasion and migration of MDA-MB-231 cells. Western blot analysis revealed that Res-SLNs could promote the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 but decreased the expression of cyclinD1 and c-Myc. These results indicate that the Res-SLN may have great potential for breast cancer treatment.
Effect of Perfluoroalkyl Endgroups on the Interactions of Tri-Block Copolymers with Monofluorinated F-DPPC Monolayers
Authors: Shah Syed , Schwieger Christian , Li Zheng , Kressler Jörg , Blume Alfred
Published: October 2017

We studied the interaction of amphiphilic and triphilic polymers with monolayers prepared from F-DPPC (1-palmitoyl-2-(16-fluoropalmitoyl)-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine), a phospholipid with a single fluorine atom at the terminus of the sn-2 chain, an analogue of dipalmitoyl-phosphatidylcholine (DPPC). The amphiphilic block copolymers contained a hydrophobic poly(propylene oxide) block flanked by hydrophilic poly(glycerol monomethacrylate) blocks (GP). F-GP was derived from GP by capping both termini with perfluoro-n-nonyl segments. We first studied the adsorption of GP and F-GP to lipid monolayers of F-DPPC. F-GP was inserted into the monolayer up to a surface pressure Π of 42.4 mN m−1, much higher than GP (32.5 mN m−1). We then studied isotherms of lipid-polymer mixtures co-spread at the air-water interface. With increasing polymer content in the mixture a continuous shift of the onset of the liquid-expanded (LE) to liquid-condensed (LC) transition towards higher molecular and higher area per lipid molecule was observed. F-GP had a larger effect than GP indicating that it needed more space. At a Π-value of 32 mN m−1, GP was excluded from the mixed monolayer, whereas F-GP stayed in F-DPPC monolayers up to 42 mN m−1. F-GP is thus more stably anchored in the monolayer up to higher surface pressures. Images of mixed monolayers were acquired using different fluorescent probes and showed the presence of perfluorinated segments of F-GP at LE-LC domain boundaries.
Analyzing Platinum and Palladium Consumption and Demand Forecast in Japan
Authors: Seo Yuna , Morimoto Shinichirou
Published: October 2017

Platinum and palladium are used in small but essential quantities in a variety of advanced industrial sectors. Platinum and palladium are used as catalysts in various industrial sectors, especially in the car industry. However, their sources are typically concentrated in South Africa and Russia, and there are concerns about supply security. In terms of resource security, it is important to verify domestic platinum and palladium consumption trends and future demand. In order to understand the domestic platinum and palladium consumption trends in Japan, we tracked the historical platinum and palladium consumption structures from 2001 to 2013, applying a bottom-up approach, and illustrated recent domestic platinum and palladium flow by using a substance flow analysis. The results showed that catalytic converters (9.1–12.8 t) and jewelry (5.3–15.5 t) for platinum, and catalytic converters (14.2–20.0 t) and dental use (9.5–16.4 t) for palladium, have marked the biggest consumption sectors during 2001–2013, where the total consumption of platinum and palladium have fluctuated by 18.4–31.6 t for platinum and from 33.0–46.3 t for palladium. We also forecasted the demand for each end-use of both up to the year 2025 using multiple regression analysis. Our results suggest that platinum demand could decrease from 18.9 t in 2013 to 11.9 t in 2025 and palladium demand could slightly decrease from 33.0 t in 2013 to 13.8 t in 2025.
Near-Field Three-Dimensional Planar Millimeter-Wave Holographic Imaging by Using Frequency Scaling Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Ye , Deng Bin , Yang Qi , Gao Jingkun , Qin Yuliang , Wang Hongqiang
Published: October 2017

In this paper, a fast three-dimensional (3-D) frequency scaling algorithm (FSA) with large depth of focus is presented for near-field planar millimeter-wave (MMW) holographic imaging. Considering the cross-range range coupling term which is neglected in the conventional range migration algorithm (RMA), we propose an algorithm performing the range cell migration correction for de-chirped signals without interpolation by using a 3-D frequency scaling operation. First, to deal with the cross-range range coupling term, a 3-D frequency scaling operator is derived to eliminate the space variation of range cell migration. Then, a range migration correction factor is performed to compensate for the residual range cell migration. Finally, the imaging results are obtained by matched filtering in the cross-range direction. Compared with the conventional RMA, the proposed algorithm is comparable in accuracy but more efficient by using only chirp multiplications and fast Fourier transforms (FFTs). The algorithm has been tested with satisfying results by both simulation and experiment.
Magnetoelectric Transverse Gradient Sensor with High Detection Sensitivity and Low Gradient Noise
Authors: Zhang Mingji , Or Siu
Published: October 2017

We report, theoretically and experimentally, the realization of a high detection performance in a novel magnetoelectric (ME) transverse gradient sensor based on the large ME effect and the magnetic field gradient (MFG) technique in a pair of magnetically-biased, electrically-shielded, and mechanically-enclosed ME composites having a transverse orientation and an axial separation. The output voltage of the gradient sensor is directly obtained from the transverse MFG-induced difference in ME voltage between the two ME composites and is calibrated against transverse MFGs to give a high detection sensitivity of 0.4–30.6 V/(T/m), a strong common-mode magnetic field noise rejection rate of <−14.5 dB, a small input-output nonlinearity of <10 ppm, and a low gradient noise of 0.16–620 nT/m/ Hz in a broad frequency range of 1 Hz–170 kHz under a small baseline of 35 mm. An analysis of experimental gradient noise spectra obtained in a magnetically-unshielded laboratory environment reveals the domination of the pink (1/f) noise, dielectric loss noise, and power-frequency noise below 3 kHz, in addition to the circuit noise above 3 kHz, in the gradient sensor. The high detection performance, together with the added merit of passive and direct ME conversion by the large ME effect in the ME composites, makes the gradient sensor suitable for the passive, direct, and broadband detection of transverse MFGs.
Energy Substitution Effect on China’s Heavy Industry: Perspectives of a Translog Production Function and Ridge Regression
Authors: Lin Boqiang , Liu Kui
Published: October 2017

A translog production function model with input factors including energy, capital, and labor is established for China’s heavy industry. Using the ridge regression method, the output elasticity of each input factor and the substitution elasticity between input factors are analyzed. The empirical results show that the output elasticity of energy, capital and labor are all positive, while the output elasticities of energy and capital are relatively higher, indicating that China’s heavy industry is energy- and capital-intensive. Simultaneously, all the input factors are substitutes, with the substitution between labor and energy having the highest degree of responsiveness. The substitution elasticity between labor and energy is decreasing, while the substitution elasticities of capital for energy and labor are increasing. More capital input can help to improve energy efficiency and thus accomplish the goal of energy conservation in China’s heavy industry.
Primary and Immortalized Human Respiratory Cells Display Different Patterns of Cytotoxicity and Cytokine Release upon Exposure to Deoxynivalenol, Nivalenol and Fusarenon-X
Authors: Ferreira Lopes Silvia , Vacher Gaëlle , Ciarlo Eleonora , Savova-Bianchi Dessislava , Roger Thierry , Niculita-Hirzel Hélène
Published: October 2017

The type B trichothecene mycotoxins deoxynivalenol (DON), nivalenol (NIV) and fusarenon-X (FX) are structurally related secondary metabolites frequently produced by Fusarium on wheat. Consequently, DON, NIV and FX contaminate wheat dusts, exposing grain workers to toxins by inhalation. Those trichothecenes at low, relevant, exposition concentrations have differential effects on intestinal cells, but whether such differences exist with respiratory cells is mostly unknown, while it is required to assess the combined risk of exposure to mycotoxins. The goal of the present study was to compare the effects of DON, NIV and FX alone or in combination on the viability and IL-6 and IL-8-inducing capacity of human epithelial cells representative of the respiratory tract: primary human airway epithelial cells of nasal (hAECN) and bronchial (hAECB) origin, and immortalized human bronchial (16HBE14o-) and alveolar (A549) epithelial cell lines. We report that A549 cells are particularly resistant to the cytotoxic effects of mycotoxins. FX is more toxic than DON and NIV for all epithelial cell types. Nasal and bronchial primary cells are more sensitive than bronchial and alveolar cell lines to combined mycotoxin mixtures at low concentrations, although they are less sensitive to mycotoxins alone. Interactions between mycotoxins at low concentrations are rarely additive and are observed only for DON/NIV and NIV/FX on hAECB cells and DON/NIV/FX on A549 cells. Most interactions at low mycotoxin concentrations are synergistic, antagonistic interactions being observed only for DON/FX on hAECB, DON/NIV on 16HBE14o- and NIV/FX on A549 cells. DON, NIV and FX induce, albeit at different levels, IL-6 and IL-8 release by all cell types. However, NIV and FX at concentrations of low cytotoxicity induce IL-6 release by hAECB and A549 cells, and IL-8 release by hAECN cells. Overall, these data suggest that combined exposure to mycotoxins at low concentrations have a stronger effect on primary nasal epithelial cells than on bronchial epithelial cells and activate different inflammatory pathways. This information is particularly relevant for future studies about the hazard of occupational exposure to mycotoxins by inhalation and its impact on the respiratory tract.