bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mentalizing Imagery Therapy mobile application for family dementia caregivers: feasibility and effects on mood and caregiving
Authors: Sikder Abu , Yang Francis , Schafer Rhiana , Dowling Glenna A. , Traeger Lara , Jain Felipe A.
Published: October 2018

Objectives: Due to psychological and physical strain, family caregivers of patients with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias are at high risk for depression and stress related disorders. We investigated the feasibility of a mobile application (App) intervention delivering Mentalizing Imagery Therapy (MIT), which incorporates guided imagery and mindfulness, to facilitate self-regulation and increase perspective on the mental life of self and others. Method: A 4-week pilot trial of an MIT App for family caregivers of people with dementia was conducted to assess feasibility of use, mood and depression symptom benefit, and relationship changes. Semi-structured interviews were conducted at the study’s conclusion to characterize participants’ perceived benefits. Results: 80% of 21 consented participants downloaded the App, utilized it at least once, and were further analyzed. Of these participants, average usage of audio recordings was 14 ± 10 (SD) days out of 28 possible, and 29 ± 28 individual sessions. Acute improvement in mood from before to after completion of exercises was uniformly observed (p < .001), and after four weeks there was a significant increase in positive affect and a reduction in negative affect. Participants with severe levels of depression (n=3) at baseline exhibited an improvement in symptoms at 4 weeks averaging 30% (p < .05). Semi-structured interviews revealed an increase in the ability to remain “centered" despite caregiving challenges, take the perspective of the loved one, and positively reframe the caregiver experience.Conclusion: App delivery of MIT is feasible for family dementia caregivers. Results showed moderate to high usage of the app for a majority of the users, and promising improvements in mood and depression. These data provide justification for larger, controlled trials.
Students in diverse environments – supporting education in prisons
Authors: Palmer-Cooper Emma Claire
Published: October 2018

In this article I reflect on the differences, similarities and challenges faced when supporting students in diverse environments, in this case those who are currently in prison.
La Lectura Rápida en el Desarrollo de la Velocidad y la Compresión en Inglés
Authors: Benavides Jorge E
Published: October 2018

En esta investigación de tipo pre-experimental se determinó y evaluó la incidencia de la aplicación de una técnica de lectura rápida para hacer posible la comprensión en forma directa sin que medie la traducción. fenómeno natural pero de demasiada dependencia en estudiantes de inglés técnico. La aplicación de la lectura rápida guiada permitió observar y determinar cuantitativamente mejorías significativas en cuanto a la velocidad de lectura sin detrimento de la comprensión. El estudio apunta como lo establece la teoría psicolingüística de la lectura a que la velocidad está positivamente correlacionada con la comprensión.
Performance management in Europe: An idea whose time has come - and gone?
Authors: Van Dooren Wouter , hoffmann conny
Published: October 2018

New Public Management reforms in Europe, as elsewhere, heavily rely on performance indicators and targets. All corners of the public sector, from local to European and from policy formulation to management practice, have been affected. This focus on measurement fits well in a long tradition of measurement and state building. Yet, in recent years, disenchantment with performance management grows. More often than not, target regimes produce dysfunctional consequences. While the performance of performance target regimes is wanting, performance management is being reinvented. Rather than a system of accountability, performance management should prompt learning and dialogue. Performance management as a learning system may well be the next idea whose time has come.
Editorial Note: Vol.1(1)
Authors: Badal Bharat Prasad
Published: October 2018

No Abstract.Research Nepal Journal of Development Studies Vol.1(1) 2018
Local Perspective on the Practices and Challenges of Migrant Integration
Authors: Winiarska Aleksandra , Wojno Magdalena
Published: October 2018

Poland is currently experiencing a transition with regard to migration trends. Foreign immigration, perceived until recently as a secondary issue by public administration, is on the increase. The largest groups of immigrants have traditionally included Ukrainians and the Vietnamese, although the country has not experienced a significant influx of foreigners arriving from Middle East and African countries. At present, Poland has no migration policy document in force and integrative actions are undertaken mostly by local governments, typically on an ad hoc basis. As Poland’s capital city, Warsaw plays a key role in governing diversity and implementing integrative actions. Significant challenges to immigrant integration include barriers to settlement and discrimination on the labour and housing market, along with a substantial rise in negative attitudes towards foreigners amongst members of Polish society. It is mainly this last aspect that is addressed by Warsaw’s local government, which prioritises educational and awareness-raising measures. It must be acknowledged that this is done in close cooperation with the non-governmental sector, where organisations with expertise in relevant fields are commissioned to perform many tasks. The main challenge of integrative actions at the local level is that these are mostly incoherent measures, which in most cases are not sufficient for the actual needs of immigrants. Hence, it is necessary to develop systemic solutions with sound, long-term financing. Moreover, in order for integration to be successful, it is essential to ensure the coordination of measures taken by public institutions at both central and local government level and to ensure the participation of immigrant communities in the development of public policies.
Local Government Capacities for the Integration of Migrants
Authors: Đorđević Snežana
Published: October 2018

This paper explains the role of local governments (cities, regions) in the implementation of immigration policy in Europe. It covers the period since the 1960s and explains various waves and types of immigration, state policies, and the capacities of local government to help with immigrant integration. Several case studies are presented: Antwerp (Belgium), Malmö (Sweden), and Bologna and the Veneto region (Italy). The policy of migrant integration is exceedingly complex, requiring persistent dedication on part of all countries to mitigate the biggest problems of the contemporary globalised world (wealth distribution; poverty reduction; prevention of economic and political conflicts, especially wars; development of human rights; ecology), and to upgrade democratic capacities in each society. The contribution of this paper is to show that liberal policy in this field is the best option for the effective integration of migrants. Host state and local governments should be more sensitive to the nature and needs of the migrant population, and to foster a better understanding of the values, customs, and culture of both migrants and the domestic population. Useful measures which can help migrants in the process of integration are: tailored education, training for skills and jobs, participation in decision-making processes in the host country, and cooperation between the migrants’ home and host countries. It is important that political leaders continuously convey the message to the public that migrants represent great social capital and potential for the economic development of their society. The public should understand that in the contemporary globalised world society should be open to capital and labour migration, and that in this process our communities are given the chance to be multicultural, open, tolerant, and richer in every aspect. At the same time, all citizens, including the migrant population, have an obligation to protect democratic values and to contribute to the social development of both their home and host societies.
Angel in the Garrison
Authors: Holley Horace
Published: October 2018

none available
A Study on the Comparison of Burnout Syndrome, Among Medical Doctors in the Restive Areas and Non-Restive Areas of the South Thailand Insurgency
Authors: Pitanupong Jarurin , Jatchavala Chonnakarn
Published: October 2018

Objective: This study aims to compare burnout syndrome as well as the associated factors among doctors, who work at, secondary and tertiary-care hospitals either: in the restive areas of Thailand’s southern insurgency, and the nonrestive areas of nearby provinces.Material and Methods: This was a cross-sectional designed study, which was conducted in order to survey all doctors, who worked at hospitals, located in lower, southern Thailand from; January to April 2018. The questionnaire used; The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) Thai version questionnaire. The data was analyzed by descriptive statistics. The factors associated with burnout syndrome were analyzed by using chi-square test and logistic regression.Results: The total number of participants were; 245 medical doctors. Fifty-eight percent of them were females, whilst 42.0% were males, and most of them were single (50.2%). The mean age of the participants was; 35.9 years, and 30.2% of them worked more than 40 hours per week. The total prevalence of Burnout syndrome among them was; 99.6%, with the highest score found to be in the emotional exhaustion section. There were no differences in burnout syndrome between, those who worked in restive areas and those who worked in non-restive areas of Thailand’s southern insurgency, grade point average (GPA), perceived sleep/rest quality and perceived work stress were related to emotional exhaustion, while types of specialty, work hour/week and family relationships were associated with depersonalization. The sample size was not adequate for the personal accomplishment part analysis.Conclusion: Almost all medical doctors, who worked at either secondary or tertiary-care hospitals in the lower, southern areas of Thailand, suffered from burnout, only 1 physician did not. The factors associated to burnout syndrome are; work hours per week, GPA, type of specialty, perception of sleeping/rest quality, perception of having stress from work and family relationships.
Pengaruh Struktur Aktiva, Profitabilitas, Dan Risiko Bisnis Terhadap Struktur Modal Perusahaan Manufaktur Yang Terdaftar di BEI Tahun 2012-2014
Authors: Adrianto Reinard , Bangun Nurainun , Wijaya Henryanto
Published: October 2018

The purpose of this research is to get empirical provement about the influence of asset structure, profitability, and business risk to capital structure in manufacture sector companies listed on the Stock Exchange in 2012-2014.This research obtainted data from financial statements of manufacture sector ompanies. Sample used in this research are 48 companies or 144 sample data, meanwhile there are 14 companies or 42 sample data as outliers, so eventually this research only used 34 companies or 102 sample data. Statistical method to test the hypothesis is multiple linear regression model helped with SPSS v.21 for windows program. Output of this research shows that: (1) Asset structure has insignificant influences to capital structure, means that asset structure has no influence to company capital policy, (2) Profitability has significant influence to capital structure, means that profitability will determine company policy in manage its capital, and (3) Business risk has significant influence to capital structure, means that higher the risk of business then higher the capital spending by company.

Keywords: Asset Structure, Business Risk, Capital Structure, Profitability
Early red blood cell abnormalities as a clinical variable in sepsis diagnosis
Authors: Ko Eunji , Youn Jung Min , Park Hyung Sun , Song Myeongjin , Koh Kyung Hee , Lim Choon hak
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND:

Sepsis is a medical emergency during which early detection is closely associated with mortality. In sepsis, red blood cell (RBC) abnormalities have been reported. However, it is not known how early RBC abnormalities are expressed compared with various clinical manifestations used in sepsis-related organ failure assessment (SOFA).

OBJECTIVE:

Therefore, using a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced sepsis model we investigated the clinical significance of RBC abnormalities as an early indicator in the detection of septic injury compared with clinical variables.

METHODS:

Sprague-Dawley rats received LPS (20 mg/kg) intraperitoneally. Aggregation indices (AIs) and aggregation half-time (T1/2), and elongation indices (EI max) were measured. Clinical data-related SOFA and lactate were measured at 2 h, 4 h, 8 h and 12 h after LPS injection.

RESULTS:

AIs increased at 4 h, and T1/2 decreased at 2 h after LPS injection. Platelet counts decreased at 4 h, and lactate increased at 2 h after LPS injection. AIs showed strong correlations with T1/2 and platelets, EI max increased at 2 h after LPS injection, while EI max had a positive correlation with lactate.

CONCLUSIONS:

RBC aggregation appears to be an early indicator of clinical deterioration in sepsis and may represent a diagnostic indicator in sepsis.
Políticas Girardianas
Authors: Barahona Ángel
Published: October 2018

Presentación de la nueva época de la Revista XG que en este número 0 presenta varios artículos de ya publicados hace cinco años en versión web.
MANAJEMEN PERSONALIA SEBAGAI UPAYA DALAM MENINGKATKAN KUALITAS PERSONALIA DI MADRASAH
Authors: Romdloni -
Published: October 2018

Manajemen adalah suatu proses penataan dengan melibatkan sumber-sumber potensial baik yang bersifat manusia maupun yang bersifat non manusia dalam rangka mencri tujuan yang efektif dan efisien. Adapun manajemen personalia adalah manajemen yang menitik beratkan perhatiannya kepada soal-soal pegawai atau personalia di dalam suatu organisasi. Keberhasilan suatu pendidikan tidak hanya dilihat dari manajemen kelas, kurikulum, murid dan sebagainya, tetapi juga manajemen personalia ikut berperan dalam keberhasilan suatu pendidikan. Maka diperlukan manajemen personalia. Manajemen personalia adalah perencanaan, pengorganisasian, pengarahan, dan pengawasan kegiatan-kegitan, pengadaan, pengembangan dan pemberian kompensasi, pengintegrasian, pemeliharaan dan pelepasan sumberdaya manusia agar tercapai berbagai tujuan individu dan organisasi dalam masyarakat. Kata
PENINGKATAN EFEKTIVITAS PEMBELAJARAN PENDIDIKAN AGAMA ISLAM (PAI) MELALUI MANAJEMEN KELAS
Authors: Romdloni -
Published: October 2018

Sistem desentralisasi pendidikan di era sekarang ini memberikan peluang kepada setiap lembaga sekolah untuk meningkatkan kualitas mutu sekolah yaitu dengan mengimplementasikan Manajemen Berbasis Sekolah (MBS). Konsep Manajemen Kelas ini berusaha untuk memberikan penyelesaian terhadap masalah di kelas, yang cakupannya tidak hanya terbatas pada penyampaian materi, akan tetapi mencakup beberapa hal yang menyeluruh untuk mengorganisasi kelas antara lain: pertama kegiatan akademik berupa perencanaan, pelaksanaan dan penilaian pembelajaran. Kedua kegiatan administratif yang mencakup kegiatan procedural dan organisasional seperti penataan ruangan, pengelompokan siswa dalam pembagian tugas, penegakan disiplin kelas, pengadaan tes, pengorganisasian kelas, pelaporan. Jadi konsep manajemen kelas adalah berusaha memberdayakan potensi kelas yang ada seoptimal mungkin untuk mendukung proses interaksi edukatif dalam mencapai tujuan pembelajaran yang efektif khususnya dalam materi PAI.
MANAJEMEN PENDIDIKAN ISLAM SEBAGAI DISIPLIN ILMU
Authors: Na'im Zaedun
Published: October 2018

Suatu lembaga pendidikan pastilah memerlukan yang namanya manajemen. Dikatakan demikian karena dengan manajemen mencakup pengaturan secara luas, baik dari segi sumber daya manusia sekolah maupun hal hal yang terkait lembaga itu tersendiri. Contoh saja dalam hal siswa, perlu yang namanya manajemen kesiswaan, karena dengan manajemen kesiswaan, Siswa diatur atau didesain bagaimana siswa itu menguasai mata pelajaran dengan baik sehingga menghasilkan lulusan yang baik pula. Oleh karenanya manajemen pendidikan merupakan bagian dari khazanah keilmuan. Dikatakan demikian karena dari kata ilmu itu sendiri apabila kita kaji dan telaah, maka sangatlah luas isi cakupannya, bisa dalam hal pendidikan atau hal - hal lain.Dari uraian tersebut bisa dipahami bahwasanya dalam bidang pendidikan terutama pendidikan Islam perlu yang namanya suatu ilmu yang dinamakan manajemen. Dikatakan demikian karena dengan manajemen, pendidikan Islam itu di kelola dengan baik sehingga menghasilkan apa yang diharapkan. Oleh karena itu dari sini perlu dikaji secara mendalam agar lebih memahamkan yang dikehendaki manajemen pendidikan Islam sebagai disiplin ilmu.
Spatial analysis in WebGIS
Authors: Tran Duc Trong
Published: October 2018

In most of WebGIS applications, user interactions mainly concentrate on map data editing or data querying. Another aspect with paying less attention is to allow user doing spatial analysis. Spatial analysis can be implemented on server side, by using WPS (Web Processing Service), or on client side, by using JSTS (JavaScript Topology Suite). As an contribution to this aspect, this paper shows how to use to use WPS service of Geoserver and JSTS JavaScript library to carry on spatial analysis activities. A WebGIS system - based on the open source Geoserver and OpenLayers - has been developed and used to perform spatial analysis, searching for spatial features that have spatial relationships with other spatial features. Experiment result shows that the use of WPS and JSTS to perform spatial processing over the internet is practically doable.
Effects of gamma irradiation on color removal from reactive red 24 aqueous solutions
Authors: Le Oanh Thi Kim
Published: October 2018

With the high rate of economical and social development, Ho Chi Minh City has been attaching immigrants to work, study and live. The immigrants have made the population increased that resulted in overloading infrastructure. The study has done in order to build a database on the status of housing and infrastructure in the concentrated immigrant areas in Ho Chi Minh City . Results of the survey of 1,000 immigrants in the concentrated immigrant areas in 5 Districts assigned throughout HCMC showed: (1) 92.6 % houses are rented, (2) 95.6 % immigrants are living in low quality houses, reach Vietnamese standard for housing at level 4, (3) 57.6% immigrants live in the area less than 6m2/person, (4) the condition of infrastructures (power supply, water supply, sewerage, garbage collection, toilets, information networks and roads) are deficiency, poor quality and high service prices.
The effect of urbanization on precipitation excess in Thi Tinh Basin
Authors: Luong Viet Van
Published: October 2018

Thi Tinh Basin is one of fastest developing area. The urbanization is cause of land use change, which leading the reducing of abtraction and increating of the precipitation excess. The increase of precipitation excess due to urbanization will influence on the urban drainage systems. The purpose of this paper is study of the effect of urbanization on the precipitation excess in Thi Tinh Basin, from 1989 to 2014 and masterplan to 2020. The Method used for these study is SCS Curve Number Loss Model, with landuse data were performed from Landsat Images. The study results show a remarkable increase in the precipitation excess. From 1989 to 2014, precipitation excess was increased 12,9% on the Thi Tinh Basin. On the masterplan to 2020, the accumulated precipitation excess is rather high, for the 180 minutes design hyetograph with period of 10 years repeated, it is from 66,3mm to 94,9mm on the Basin.
Odor pollution treatment technologies: a review
Authors: Nguyen Phuong Thi Thanh , Trinh Son Bao
Published: October 2018

Odor pollution is especially concerned due to its unpleasant smell, human health impacts and the possibility to be dispersed in a very large area. Odor emission sources from typical industries were introduced. The representative technologies for cleaning odor polluted air stream such as adsorption, absorption, biological treatment, thermal and non-thermal oxidation methods were reviewed in this paper. The advantages and disadvantages of these methods were analyzed and compared.
Determinants of persistence in innovation of electronics enterprise in Ho Chi Minh city
Authors: Tran Long Thanh , Huynh Nguyen The
Published: October 2018

This study analyzes the factors affecting the persistence in innovation of enterprises in electronics industry in Ho Chi Minh City using DPM (Dynamic Probit Model) with MLE (Maximum Likelihood Estimation) and CML (Conditional Maximum Likelihood) estimation method. Data are collected from annual enterprise surveys in the period between 2007 and 2013 by GSO. The results show that firm size and foreign ownership affect the persistent innovation of the electronic enterprises in Ho Chi Minh City. This indicates that enterprises in the electronic industry in the upcoming time need to strengthen and enhance size, attract foreign investment to facilitate this innovation performance for the stable and sustainable development
Synthesis and properties of bone cement based on poly(methyl methacrylate) reinforced by organo-clay
Authors: Truong Uyen Thi Diem , Mai Tam Thanh , Ha Nhan Thuc Chi , Phung An Hai Thien , Do Vi Thi Vi , Ha Huy Thuc
Published: October 2018

Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and nanocomposites PMMA/nano-clay were widely applied in many different fields. Bone cement is one of the important application which makes artificial bones and joints. The purpose of our study is the improvement of properties of PMMA. Therefore, organo-clay modified by polyethylene oxide (PEO) was used to reinforce the PMMA resin. In order to increase the interaction between PMMA and organo-clay, the in-situ emulsion polymerization has been used to synthesize nanocomposites. Accordingly, nanocomposites with the weight percentage of organo-clay of 1 %, 3 %, 5 %, 7 % increase the thermal and mechanical properties compared to PMMA. These were evidence of the good interaction between PMMA and organo-clay. In addition, PMMA/5 % MMT-PEO nanocomposite is also synthesized by in-situ Pickering emulsion polymerization [3] to compare with the method of emulsion polymerization.
Synthesis of nanosized magnetic NiFe2O4 material by a coprecipitation method
Authors: Nguyen Tien Anh , Nguyen Dat Tien
Published: October 2018

Nanosized NiFe2O4 spinel material has been synthesized by the coprecipitation method by hydrolysis of Ni(II) and Fe (III) cations in boiling water. The DTA/TGA, XRD, SEM, TEM, VSM results showed that NiFe2O4 crystals formed after calcinating at 700 oC for 2 h exhibited the cubic structure, with the size of 30-50 nM. Mr, Ms and Hc values were 1.06 emu/g, 14.94 emu/g and 61.57 Oe, respectively. The crystal size significantly increased with increasing calcination temperature.
Cancer Statistics for Hispanics/Latinos, 2018
Authors: Miller Kimberly D. , Goding Sauer Ann , Ortiz Ana P. , Fedewa Stacey A. , Pinheiro Paulo S. , Tortolero‐Luna Guillermo , Martinez‐Tyson Dinorah , Jemal Ahmedin , Siegel Rebecca L.
Published: October 2018

Cancer is the leading cause of death among Hispanics/Latinos, who represent the largest racial/ethnic minority group in the United States, accounting for 17.8% (57.5 million) of the total population in the continental United States and Hawaii in 2016. In addition, more than 3 million Hispanic Americans live in the US territory of Puerto Rico. Every 3 years, the American Cancer Society reports on cancer occurrence, risk factors, and screening for Hispanics in the United States based on data from the National Cancer Institute, the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For the first time, contemporary incidence and mortality rates for Puerto Rico, which has a 99% Hispanic population, are also presented. An estimated 149,100 new cancer cases and 42,700 cancer deaths will occur among Hispanics in the continental United States and Hawaii in 2018. For all cancers combined, Hispanics have 25% lower incidence and 30% lower mortality compared with non‐Hispanic whites, although rates of infection‐related cancers, such as liver, are up to twice as high in Hispanics. However, these aggregated data mask substantial heterogeneity within the Hispanic population because of variable cancer risk, as exemplified by the substantial differences in the cancer burden between island Puerto Ricans and other US Hispanics. For example, during 2011 to 2015, prostate cancer incidence rates in Puerto Rico (146.6 per 100,000) were 60% higher than those in other US Hispanics combined (91.6 per 100,000) and 44% higher than those in non‐Hispanic whites (101.7 per 100,000). Prostate cancer is also the leading cause of cancer death among men in Puerto Rico, accounting for nearly 1 in 6 cancer deaths during 2011‐2015, whereas lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among other US Hispanic men combined. Variations in cancer risk are driven by differences in exposure to cancer‐causing infectious agents and behavioral risk factors as well as the prevalence of screening. Strategies for reducing cancer risk in Hispanic populations include targeted, culturally appropriate interventions for increasing the uptake of preventive services and reducing cancer risk factor prevalence, as well as additional funding for Puerto Rico‐specific and subgroup‐specific cancer research and surveillance.
The Effect of Extensive Human Presence at an Early Age on Stress Responses and Reactivity of Juvenile Ostriches towards Humans
Authors: Muvhali Pfunzo , Bonato Maud , Engelbrecht Anel , Malecki Irek , Hough Denise , Robinson Jane , Evans Neil , Cloete Schalk
Published: October 2018

The effect of extensive human presence and regular gentle handling performed at an early age (0–3 months old) on stress responses and reactivity of juvenile ostriches towards humans was investigated. A total of 416 ostrich chicks over two years were exposed to one of three treatments for three months after hatching; namely, Human Presence 1 (HP1, N = 144): extensive/prolonged human presence with physical contact (touch, stroking), gentle human voice, and visual stimuli; Human Presence 2 (HP2, N = 136): extensive/prolonged human presence without physical contact, but with gentle human voice and visual stimuli; and the Standard treatment (S, N = 136): human presence limited to routine feed and water supply as a control. At 7.5 months of age, the plasma heterophil/lymphocyte (H/L) ratio was measured before and 72 h after feather harvesting and feather clipping to determine acute stress responses, while chronic stress was measured by quantification of corticosterone (CORT) concentrations in the floss feathers of the birds. Birds’ behavioural response towards a familiar or an unfamiliar handler was evaluated at 12 months using docility and fear tests, and through behavioural observations conducted on random days between the ages of 8–13 months. Willingness to approach, and to allow touch interactions, aggressiveness, and exhibition of sexual display towards the handler, was recorded. No difference in the H/L ratios before and after feather harvesting and clipping was observed in HP1 birds, whereas H/L ratios showed a significant increase 72 h post feather harvesting and clipping in HP2 and S birds (p < 0.05). Birds from the S treatment exhibited a significantly (p < 0.05) higher feather CORT concentration compared with HP1 birds, while HP2 birds had intermediate responses. Birds’ reactivity towards humans and temperament as evaluated using behavioural observations, docility, and fear tests was not affected by treatment (p > 0.05). However, HP1 and HP2 birds were more inclined (p < 0.05) to approach a familiar rather than an unfamiliar handler during the behavioural observations, indicating an ability to distinguish between a familiar and an unfamiliar handler. Overall, the results indicate that early gentle human interactions with ostrich chicks can be beneficial in reducing physiological stress sensitivity later in life and facilitate the ability of ostriches to distinguish between familiar and unfamiliar handlers.
Ablation of Copper Metal Films by Femtosecond Laser Multipulse Irradiation
Authors: Abdelmalek Ahmed , Bedrane Zeyneb , Amara El-Hachemi , Sotillo Belén , Bharadwaj Vibhav , Ramponi Roberta , Eaton Shane M.
Published: October 2018

Ablation of copper using multipulse femtosecond laser irradiation with an 800 nm wavelength and 120-fs pulse duration is investigated theoretically. A two-temperature model, which includes dynamic optical and thermal-physical properties, is considered. The numerical results of the material thermal response obtained by varying the pulse number, the separation times between pulses and laser fluences are presented. Our results show that the increasing of pulse number with a separation time less than the thermal relaxation time can dramatically enhance the lattice temperature without a noticeable increase in ablation depth. Therefore, we suggest that the vaporization rate can be augmented in comparison to the melting rate during the same single-phase explosion at the same total fluence where a fast heat accumulation effect plays an important role for cleaner ablation during micromachining.
The Anime Connection. Early Euro-Japanese Co-Productions and the Animesque: Form, Rhythm, Design
Authors: Santiago Iglesias José
Published: October 2018

After European audiences had first contact with anime in the late 1970s, animated co-productions between domestic producers and Japanese studios emerged in the early 1980s, playing a lead role in standardizing anime aesthetics and hence contributing to the broader development of anime in Spain and other major European markets. These pioneering co-productions fostered the arrival of Japanese studios to the European broadcasting scene. However, its real impact on the popularization of anime is subject to debate. Appealing to a European audience, these series lacked some of the most recognizable features associated with anime as a larger medium. Nonetheless, in some of these animated productions there was an underlying animesque flair in the shape of conventionalized elements, character design, facial expressions, rhythm, camera action and tropes. Neither entirely domestic nor fully Japanese, these hybrid productions set up a ‘bridge’ between European and American animated visual language and anime mainstream features, thereby shaping the collective idea of what anime is for the first generation of viewers in Spain and Europe.
A Marine Diterpenoid Modulates the Proteasome Activity in Murine Macrophages Stimulated with LPS
Authors: González Yisett , Doens Deborah , Cruz Héctor , Santamaría Ricardo , Gutiérrez Marcelino , Llanes Alejandro , Fernández Patricia
Published: October 2018

The proteasome is an intracellular complex that degrades damaged or unfolded proteins and participates in the regulation of several processes. The immunoproteasome is a specialized form that is expressed in response to proinflammatory signals and is particularly abundant in immune cells. In a previous work, we found an anti-inflammatory effect in a diterpenoid extracted from the octocoral Pseudopterogorgia acerosa, here called compound 1. This compound prevented the degradation of inhibitor κB α (IκBα) and the subsequent activation of nuclear factor κB (NFκB), suggesting that this effect might be due to inhibition of the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Here we show that compound 1 inhibits the proteasomal chymotrypsin-like activity (CTL) of murine macrophages in the presence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) but not in its absence. This effect might be due to the capacity of this compound to inhibit the activity of purified immunoproteasome. The compound inhibits the cell surface expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-I molecules and the production of proinflammatory cytokines induced by LPS in vitro and in vivo, respectively. Molecular docking simulations predicted that compound 1 selectively binds to the catalytic site of immunoproteasome subunits β1i and β5i, which are responsible for the CTL activity. Taken together these findings suggest that the compound could be a selective inhibitor of the immunoproteasome, and hence could pave the way for its future evaluation as a candidate for the treatment of inflammatory disorders and autoimmune diseases.
Straining Flow Spinning of Artificial Silk Fibers: A Review
Authors: Pérez-Rigueiro José , Madurga Rodrigo , Gañán-Calvo Alfonso M. , Plaza Gustavo R. , Elices Manuel , López Patricia A. , Daza Rafael , González-Nieto Daniel , Guinea Gustavo V.
Published: October 2018

This work summarizes the main principles and some of the most significant results of straining flow spinning (SFS), a technology developed originally by the authors of this work. The principles on which the technology is based, inspired by the natural spinning system of silkworms and spiders, are presented, as well as some of the main achievements of the technique. Among these achievements, spinning under environmentally friendly conditions, obtaining high-performance fibers, and imparting the fibers with emerging properties such as supercontraction are discussed. Consequently, SFS appears as an efficient process that may represent one of the first realizations of a biomimetic technology with a significant impact at the production level.
Microenvironmental pH and Exosome Levels Interplay in Human Cancer Cell Lines of Different Histotypes
Authors: Logozzi Mariantonia , Mizzoni Davide , Angelini Daniela , Di Raimo Rossella , Falchi Mario , Battistini Luca , Fais Stefano
Published: October 2018

Exosomes are extracellular nanovesicles primarily involved in the pathogenesis of many diseases including cancer. This study was set out from recent evidence that extracellular acidity may increase the exosome release by cancer cells. However, this preliminary evidence did not provide solid information on whether the pH-dependent exosome over-release represents a common feature of all cancers. To the purpose of demonstrating that cancer acidity is a major determinant in inducing an increased exosome release by human cancer cells, we evaluated human tumor cell lines deriving from either colon, breast, prostate cancers, melanoma, or osteosarcoma. All cell lines were cultured in either the current 7.4 pH or the typical pH of cancer that is 6.5. The levels of released extracellular vesicles were measured by protein counts, nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), and nanoscale flow cytometry. The results showed that pH 6.5 induced a remarkable increase in exosome release, and buffering the medium significantly reduced the exosome release in all cancers. With these results, we provide, for the first time, evidence that tumor acidity and exosome levels represent common cancer phenotypes.
The Role of Hydrogen Peroxide in Redox-Dependent Signaling: Homeostatic and Pathological Responses in Mammalian Cells
Authors: Di Marzo Noemi , Chisci Elisa , Giovannoni Roberto
Published: October 2018

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is an important metabolite involved in most of the redox metabolism reactions and processes of the cells. H2O2 is recognized as one of the main molecules in the sensing, modulation and signaling of redox metabolism, and it is acting as a second messenger together with hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and nitric oxide (NO). These second messengers activate in turn a cascade of downstream proteins via specific oxidations leading to a metabolic response of the cell. This metabolic response can determine proliferation, survival or death of the cell depending on which downstream pathways (homeostatic, pathological, or protective) have been activated. The cells have several sources of H2O2 and cellular systems strictly control its concentration in different subcellular compartments. This review summarizes research on the role played by H2O2 in signaling pathways of eukaryotic cells and how this signaling leads to homeostatic or pathological responses.
Tumor–Stroma Cross-Talk in Human Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: A Focus on the Effect of the Extracellular Matrix on Tumor Cell Phenotype and Invasive Potential
Authors: Procacci Patrizia , Moscheni Claudia , Sartori Patrizia , Sommariva Michele , Gagliano Nicoletta
Published: October 2018

The extracellular matrix (ECM) in the tumor microenvironment modulates the cancer cell phenotype, especially in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a tumor characterized by an intense desmoplastic reaction. Because the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process that provides cancer cells with a metastatic phenotype, plays an important role in PDAC progression, the authors aimed to explore in vitro the interactions between human PDAC cells and ECM components of the PDAC microenvironment, focusing on the expression of EMT markers and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) that are able to digest the basement membrane during tumor invasion. EMT markers and the invasive potential of HPAF-II, HPAC, and PL45 cells grown on different ECM substrates (fibronectin, laminin, and collagen) were analyzed. While N-cadherin, αSMA, and type I collagen were not significantly affected by ECM components, the E-cadherin/β-catenin complex was highly expressed in all the experimental conditions, and E-cadherin was upregulated by collagen in PL45 cells. Cell migration was unaffected by fibronectin and delayed by laminin. In contrast, collagen significantly stimulated cell migration and the secretion of MMPs. This study’s results showed that ECM components impacted cell migration and invasive potential differently. Collagen exerted a more evident effect, providing new insights into the understanding of the intricate interplay between ECM molecules and cancer cells, in order to find novel therapeutic targets for PDAC treatment.
Texturing Effect of Crater-Like Cavities Induced by High-Current Pulsed Electron Beam (HCPEB) Irradiation
Authors: Wu Bo , Tang Guangze , Zhao Xiaoli , Wang Liqin , Gu Le
Published: October 2018

High-current pulsed electron beam (HCPEB) irradiation commonly induces crater-like cavities on irradiated surfaces, making them tribologically resemble textured ones. However, the effect of crater-like cavities on the lubricated tribological properties of HCPEB-treated surfaces has not been reported in the literature. This work was aimed at exploring the potential texturing effect of the crater-like cavities. Surfaces with continuous and uniform crater-like cavities were prepared through HCPEB irradiating a 400-nm thick Ta coating that was pre-deposited on polished M50 steel. Their boundary tribological behaviors were studied while sliding in chemically inert, low-viscosity hydrocarbon fuel JP-10 against a Si3N4 ball under 2.0–4.0 GPa. At 2.0 GPa, the coefficient of friction (COF) and wear rate of the polished M50 steel were above 0.16 on average, with large fluctuation, and 1.49 × 10−5 mm3/N·m (a rectangle-like profile of 167.9 μm × 8.1 μm), respectively. In comparison, the HCPEB-treated Ta coating had a stable, marginally fluctuant COF of 0.11 and a near-zero wear rate. Under other higher loads, the HCPEB-treated Ta coating still exhibited a stable COF of 0.11 on average with small fluctuation, and its wear track width was only half that of the M50 steel. The analysis of the wear topographies indicates that the substantial reduction in both the COF and wear rate was mainly due to the texturing effect originating from the crater-like cavities.
Mapping of Sewer Lines Using GPR: A Case Study in Tunisia
Authors: Ghozzi Rim , Lahouar Samer , Besbes Kamel , Souani Chokri
Published: October 2018

Many infrastructure enhancement projects require underground utility mapping before starting any excavation processes, especially in urban areas. In fact, mapping of an area provides a general overview of the infrastructure above and underground. This mapping can be done by Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), which is commonly used as a Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) technique that allows, among others, the detection and localization of buried utilities without any damage to the surface. This paper presents the results of mapping sewer lines in an urban region of the city of Tunis, Tunisia, using GPR. In this study a ground-coupled GPR system with a frequency of 400MHz was used to detect and locate the sewer lines in the study area. In order to reduce the amount of collected data over the large study area, some subareas were selected where GPR testing was conducted and data were analyzed. Then, sewer lines were interpolated over the whole area using the GPR results and the locations of manholes visible from the surface. It was shown that using this technique mapping of the pipes in the entire area can be achieved. All data presented in this study were collected by the Office of Topography and Cadastre (OTC) in Tunisia.
A Swarm-Based Approach to Generate Challenging Mazes
Authors: Kwiecień Joanna
Published: October 2018

Swarm intelligence draws its inspiration from the collective behaviour of many individual agents interacting with both one another and their environment. This paper presents a possibility to apply a swarm-based algorithm, modelled after the behaviour of individuals operating within a group where individuals move around in the manner intended to avoid mutual collisions, to create the most challenging maze developed on a board with determined dimensions. When solving such a problem, two complexity measures are used. Firstly, the complexity of the path was assumed to be a quality criterion, depending on the number of bends and the length of the path between two set points that was subjected to maximisation. Secondly, we focus on the well-known concept of the maze complexity given as the total complexity of the path and all branches. Owing to the uniqueness of the problem, consisting in the maze modification, a methodology was developed to make it possible for the individuals belonging to their population to make various types of movements, e.g., approach the best individual, within the range of visibility, or relocate randomly. The test results presented here indicate a potential prospect of application of the swarm-based methods to generate more and more challenging two-dimensional mazes.
On the Calculation of Sample Entropy Using Continuous and Discrete Human Gait Data
Authors: McCamley John D. , Denton William , Arnold Andrew , Raffalt Peter C. , Yentes Jennifer M.
Published: October 2018

Sample entropy (SE) has relative consistency using biologically-derived, discrete data >500 data points. For certain populations, collecting this quantity is not feasible and continuous data has been used. The effect of using continuous versus discrete data on SE is unknown, nor are the relative effects of sampling rate and input parameters m (comparison vector length) and r (tolerance). Eleven subjects walked for 10-minutes and continuous joint angles (480 Hz) were calculated for each lower-extremity joint. Data were downsampled (240, 120, 60 Hz) and discrete range-of-motion was calculated. SE was quantified for angles and range-of-motion at all sampling rates and multiple combinations of parameters. A differential relationship between joints was observed between range-of-motion and joint angles. Range-of-motion SE showed no difference; whereas, joint angle SE significantly decreased from ankle to knee to hip. To confirm findings from biological data, continuous signals with manipulations to frequency, amplitude, and both were generated and underwent similar analysis to the biological data. In general, changes to m, r, and sampling rate had a greater effect on continuous compared to discrete data. Discrete data was robust to sampling rate and m. It is recommended that different data types not be compared and discrete data be used for SE.
Influence of Power Modules on the Thermal Design of Laminated Busbars
Authors: Guyot Dimitri , Avenas Yvan , Gerlaud Antoine , De Palma Jean-François
Published: October 2018

The temperature of laminated busbars has to be limited to prevent their inner electrical insulators from over-heating. In that purpose, Finite Elements Method (FEM) simulations are usually conducted to evaluate the busbar's temperature. However, the thermal influence of external heat sources such as power modules has to be considered to obtain an accurate temperature repartition estimation. In this paper, the thermal influence of power modules on busbar temperature is first evaluated through simulation and experimental works. Then, a method based on the use of electrical equivalent circuits as boundary conditions is proposed to consider this issue and reduce the computation time.
Non-Orthogonal Resource Sharing Optimization for D2D Communication in LTE-A Cellular Networks: A Fractional Frequency Reuse-Based Approach
Authors: Ningombam Devarani Devi , Shin Seokjoo
Published: October 2018

To handle the fast-growing demand for high data rate applications, the capacity of cellular networks should be reinforced. However, the available radio resources in cellular networks are scarce, and their formulation is expensive. The state-of-the art solution to this problem is a new local networking technology known as the device-to-device (D2D) communication. D2D communications have great capability in achieving outstanding performance by reusing the existing uplink cellular channel resources. In D2D communication, two devices in close proximity can communicate directly without traversing data traffic through the evolved-NodeB (eNB). This results in a reduced traffic load to the eNB, reduced end-to-end delay, and improved spectral efficiency and system performance. However, enabling D2D communication in an LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) cellular network causes severe interference to traditional cellular users and D2D pairs. To maintain the quality of service (QoS) of the cellular users and D2D pairs and reduce the interference, we propose a distance-based resource allocation and power control scheme using fractional frequency reuse (FFR) technique. We calculate the system outage probability, total throughput and spectrum efficiency for both cellular users and D2D pairs in terms of their signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR). Our simulation results show that the proposed scheme reduces interference significantly and improves system performance compared to the random resource allocation (RRA) and resource allocation (RA) without sectorization scheme.
Assessment of Guava (Psidium Guajava L.) Wood Biomass for Briquettes’ Production
Authors: Ivanova Tatiana , Mendoza Hernández Amilkar Hernando , Bradna Jiří , Fernández Cusimamani Eloy , García Montoya Juan Carlos , Armas Espinel Daniel Alexander
Published: October 2018

Residual biomass from guava (Psidium guajava L.), a common and widespread fruit tree native to Latin America, has been analyzed in the present research in order to determine the biomass quality and its potential use for energy purposes. Obtained biomass was grinded and compacted into the form of fuel briquettes. Determinations of solid biofuel parameters, i.e., physical, mechanical and chemical properties such as calorific value, moisture, ash content, volatile matter, mechanical durability, contents of the main chemical elements and heavy metals were performed according to international standards. As a result, not inconsiderable traces of heavy metals were found, with a concentration of zinc 4.57 mg kg−1 as the highest. Guava’s moisture content (9.8%) comfortably fulfilled the minimum standard requirements and the net calorific value as received (17.11 MJ kg−1) met the average value of a wood. However, measured sulphur content (0.063%) as well as ash content (3.74%) exceeded the maximum allowed limits for the graded wood briquettes and, therefore, guava wood briquettes should be rather categorized as non-woody A class briquettes. The results of the study can contribute significantly to the knowledge of guava wood properties and its potential as renewable solid fuel since there is little published data about it.