bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coyote removal: can the short‐term application of a controversial management tool improve female greater sage‐grouse survival or nest success?
Authors: Orning Elizabeth K. , Young Julie K.
Published: December 2017

Greater sage‐grouse Centrocercus urophasianus have declined across western North America, intensifying the need for ecological research that enhances management and conservation goals. Predator—prey interactions can have widespread ecological effects but there is a paucity of information about predator effects on sage‐grouse ecology. During a two‐year study from 2011–2012, we modified the existing framework designed for predator management to test the effects of coyote Canis latrans removal on female sage‐grouse survival and nest success in the Bighorn Basin of Wyoming, USA, where coyotes were found to be the dominant predator. We used VHF radio‐telemetry to monitor female survival and locate nests over pre‐treatment and treatment breeding seasons, and for one‐year post‐treatment to the next breeding season. During treatment, we manipulated predator management at three sites to have targeted, non‐targeted, and no coyote removal. Female survival remained constant over the nesting period when treatment was applied, and there were little differences between one‐year pre‐ (Ŝ = 0.64, 90% CI = 0.38, 0.90) and one‐year post‐treatment survival estimates (Ŝ = 0.71, 90% CI = 0.55, 0.87) at the targeted coyote removal site. No differences were detected in the daily survival rates of nests relative to coyote removal. We conclude removing coyotes, the primary predator of nests and adult females identified within this system, did not improve female survival or nest success. However, long‐term monitoring is recommended to provide a more robust understanding of this complex relationship.
Non-tuberculous Mycobacterium Disease: Radiologic Manifestation in an Infant presenting with Respiratory Distress
Authors: Gautam Rupesh , Atienza Maria Isabel , Noda Maika , Andres Mariaem
Published: December 2017

Non-tuberculous mycobacterium (NTM) comprises distinct group of organisms with lymphadenitis and pulmonary infection as the common manifestation. The diagnosis of pulmonary disease is based on clinical manifestations, radiologic findings and microbiologic culture. The classic NTM infection may be indistinguishable from pulmonary TB. Non-classic infection has predilection to the middle lobe and lingula unlike tuberculosis which is commonly seen in the upper lobes. The disease may also present as hypersensitivity pneumonitis with ground glass like opacities, centrilobular nodules and air trapping on imaging. The knowledge of imaging manifestations of NTM will aid in timely diagnosis and treatment of the disease.Nepal Journal of Radiology Vol.5(1-2) 2015: 13-20
Design, Synthesis and Antiproliferative Activity of Novel Phenothiazine-1,2,3-Triazole Analogues
Authors: Ma Xiao-Hua , Liu Nan , Lu Jing-Li , Zhao Jie , Zhang Xiao-Jian
Published: December 2017

A series of seven novel 1-aryl-1,2,3-triazole derivatives bearing a 4-(phenothiazin-10-ylmethyl) moiety were designed using a molecular hybridisation approach and synthesised by alkyne/azide click chemistry. Most of the synthesised compounds exhibited moderate to good antiproliferative activity (IC50 values: 0.5 to 6.7 μM) against stomach, oesophagus, prostate, breast and liver cancer cell lines, but a compound containing a 4-chlorophenyl moiety showed better activity against all cell lines than 5-fluorouracil.
Hedonic Assessment of Odors: A Comparison of Two Sensory Scales for Use with Alzheimer’s Disease Patients and Elderly Individuals
Authors: Atanasova Boriana , Mondon Karl , Dreyfuss Lise , Beaufils Emilie , Desmidt Thomas , Hommet Caroline , El-Hage Wissam , Belzung Catherine
Published: December 2017

Background:

Several clinical studies concerning the olfactory function of patients with cognitive impairment have used sensory scales to investigate hedonic perception. However, no study has focused on the choice of the most appropriate sensory hedonic scale for the individuals with neurodegenerative disorders or other psychiatric diseases involving cognitive deficits.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) to use two hedonic scales (category scale and linear scale) and compare their discriminatory capacity, repeatability, and ease of use. This should allow us to identify the most appropriate hedonic scale for patients with AD.

Methods:

We recruited 18 patients with mild to moderate AD, and 20 healthy volunteers matched for gender, age, smoking status, and educational level. The participants underwent a clinical assessment and hedonic evaluation of three odorants (pleasant, unpleasant, and neutral), using a five-point category scale and a 10-cm linear scale with a marked mid-point.

Results:

AD patients were able to use hedonic scales as well as paired healthy elderly subjects. The linear scale performed slightly better in terms of ease of use for both patients and healthy controls and discriminatory capacity for AD patients. The results for AD patients and controls with both scales were repeatable.

Conclusion:

The linear scale may be more appropriate for AD patients pending further studies involving a larger population of patients, using several odorants.
Il Project Financing per i Beni Culturali italiani
Authors: Baione Osvaldo , Grotti Francesca
Published: December 2017

Partendo dall'evidenza del ruolo delle forme di finanza innovativa nelle iniziative pubbliche, obiettivo del lavoro sarà indagare sull'applicazione di tale strumenti a quanto forse di più "pubblico" vi è in Italia: la nostra Cultura. Considerate le condizioni di necessità in cui riversa il settore culturale italiano, le Partnership Pubblico-Privato rappresentano interessanti alternative per la Pubblica Amministrazione competente nell'ottica di adempiere ai suoi doveri costituzionali. Cresce la consapevolezza dell'insufficienza della sola finanza statale tradizionale, e con essa il numero dei sostenitori dell'implementazione, anche in cultura, di forme alternative di finanziamento e management.Il Project Financing si inserisce in questo quadro come modalità di finanziamento innovativa e adeguata, ereditata dal sistema inglese e ad oggi utilizzata principalmente per la realizzazione di grandi infrastrutture o riqualificazioni di interesse pubblico. Introdotto nella regolamentazione nel 1998 e successivamente rivisitato, tale strumento è tuttavia stato impiegato efficacemente in un progetto culturale solo nel 2013, in occasione della riapertura del Corpo Centrale di Villa Reale di Monza. Questo lavoro analizza i pro e contro dell'applicazione della finanza di progetto alla cultura, traendo spunto da questo primo caso di riferimento.
Co-evoluzione tra la destinazione turistica e le imprese turistiche
Authors: Valeri Marco , Fadlon Leslie
Published: December 2017

Obiettivo del paper è verificare se il rapporto tra la destinazione turistica e le imprese turistiche, che di essa fanno parte, può essere definito di natura co-evolutiva.Il paper è il frutto della prosecuzione di precedenti nostre ricerche sul tema del destination management e destination governance. La research question su cui si fonda l'impianto teorico del paper è: nello scenario turistico nazionale esistono modelli di ospitalità turistica concepiti come esempi di co-evoluzione tra la destinazione turistica ed il territorio? In un contesto turistico, divenuto da tempo complesso, le imprese si trovano a relazionarsi sempre più con turisti, sia italiani sia stranieri, attenti alla qualità del proprio tempo libero da dedicare all'esperienza turistica ed a riscoprire le autenticità del territorio che visitano. La necessità disoddisfare le esigenze più disparate ha favorito l'affermazione e lo sviluppo di particolariformule imprenditoriali turistiche sostenibili e coerenti con le evoluzioni delle esigenze dei turisti. A tal proposito, per intercettare e governare le dinamiche emergenti nel settore turistico, è necessario partire da una analisi delle problematiche di governance e di management della destinazione e dell'impresa turistica. Nel paper la prospettiva di analisi che risulta essere più appropriata per qualificare meglio la natura del rapporto tra la destinazione turistica e le imprese turistiche è la prospettiva co-evolutiva. Secondo tale prospettiva le imprese turistiche co-evolvono con le destinazioni turistiche nella ricerca di vantaggi competitivi duraturi nel tempo: le imprese turistiche sono considerate risorse critiche per lo sviluppo del territorio e viceversa. Il processo di co-evoluzione presuppone l'individuazione di un organo di governo capace di valorizzare le componenti di dotazione e sistemiche di cui dispone il territorio e di stimolare i comportamenti organizzativi delle diverse imprese turistiche. L'assenza di case studies costituisce un limite del paper. Pertanto in una prospettiva di ricerca futura si intenderà proseguire l'analisi proposta arricchendola di evidenze empiriche, ritenute utili per alimentare il dibattito sulla tematica affrontata e per le conseguenti implicazioni imprenditoriali e manageriali.
Gli effetti del processo di liberalizzazione sulle dinamiche di mercato nel settore delle scommesse sportive in Italia
Authors: Calvosa Paolo
Published: December 2017

Negli ultimi anni in molti Paesi il settore dei giochi pubblici è stato interessato da uno spostamento da un modello di regolamentazione che prevede la gestione diretta dei giochi da parte di agenzie governative in regime di monopolio, verso altri modelli di regolamentazione più ‘aperti' alla concorrenza. Anche in Italia si è ormai affermato un modello di gestione dei giochi pubblici che, seppur controllato dallo Stato, è caratterizzato da un maggior coinvolgimento dell'imprenditoria privata rispetto al passato. Se si guarda nello specifico al segmento di gioco che, insieme a quello del Lotto, ha la più lunga tradizione in Italia, quello delle scommesse sportive, l'affermazione di un sistema di regolamentazione più aperto ai privati è la conseguenza di un profondo processo di liberalizzazione avviato negli anni Novanta del secolo scorso e intensificatosi a partire dai primi anni del nuovo millennio. Obiettivo generale del lavoro è analizzare gli effetti del processo di liberalizzazione sulle dinamiche di mercato nel settore delle scommesse sportive in Italia. L'analisi empirica svolta ha consentito di mostrare che in questo settore si sono verificati alcuni effetti tipici dei processi di liberalizzazione, quali l'aumento delle quantità e della varietà dei consumi, la riduzione dei prezzi medi di mercato, l'abbassamento delle barriere all'entrata e l'ingresso di nuovi operatori, e ha permesso di studiare l'effetto di tali cambiamenti sulle logiche competitive del business.
La terapia cognitivo-comportamentale è veramente la più efficace?
Authors: Leichsenring Falk , Steinert Christiane
Published: December 2017

La terapia cognitivo-comportamentale (cognitive behavior therapy [CBT]) viene spesso ritenuta la psicoterapia più efficace, una sorta di gold standard. Viene mostrato invece che non vi sono prove della superiorità della CBT rispetto ad altre psicoterapie, e vengono esaminati in particolare i seguenti aspetti: qualità delle ricerche compiute, publication bias (cioè il fatto che una ricerca che non produce i risultati desiderati ha meno probabilità di venire pubblicata), tipo di gruppi di controllo utilizzati, effettivi tassi di miglioramento in vari disturbi, assenza di miglioramento nell'efficacia della CBT negli ultimi 40 anni, mancata dimostrazione dei meccanismi di cam-biamento, assenza di controllo del bias della researcher allegiance (cioè la convinzione da parte del ricercatore della superiorità del trattamento studiato), efficacia comparativa della CBT.
Stereotipi e tabù della psicoterapia - Nota introduttiva
Authors: Galli Pier Francesco
Published: December 2017

Dopo una nota introduttiva di Pier Francesco Galli, viene riportato l'intervento tenuto dall'antropologo Tullio Seppilli (1928-2017) di Perugia all'VIII Congresso Internazionale di Psicoterapia (Milano, 25-29 agosto 1970). Tra le altre cose, viene sottolineato il pericolo che la rottura di certi stereotipi e tabù conservatori in psicoterapia possa portare alla loro sostituzione con stereotipi e tabù altrettanto ingiustificati e scientificamente scorretti, anche se nuovi.
Mercury Hair Concentration among Primary School Children in Malaysia
Authors: Abdul Samad Nurul , Md Isa Zaleha , Hod Rozita
Published: December 2017

The main concern regarding mercury exposure is the adverse health effect on the developing nervous system. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to determine hair mercury levels and their association with socio-demographic characteristics, complaints about mercury poisoning symptoms and the fish consumption pattern among children in Malaysia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 215 school children aged 11 years old. Hair was collected from the children and the total mercury was analyzed using oxygen combustion–gold amalgamation atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Anthropometric data, a fish consumption questionnaire and mercury poisoning symptoms were collected during a personal interview. The mean hair mercury level among primary school children was 0.63 ± 0.59 µg/g with the geometric mean of 0.47 µg/g. A total of 14% of respondents had hair mercury levels above 1 µg/g. A multiple binary logistic regression analysis outlined that fish consumption of at least one meal per week increased the likelihood of having a high mercury level (odds ratio (OR) 3.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3–10.4). This study confirms the existence of a mercury burden among Malaysian children and the level is high compared to other regional studies. This study provides important baseline data regarding the mercury level among children in Malaysia.
Determinants of Related and Unrelated Export Diversification
Authors: Ali Muhammad
Published: December 2017

This paper contributes to the literature on determinants of the export diversification by introducing related variety (RV) and unrelated variety (UV) in the analysis in addition to the traditional entropy based measure at three-digit Standard International Trade Classification (SITC) level, overall variety (OV). RV measures variety in cognitively related industries, while UV measures variety in industries that are unrelated to each other. Studies on RV and UV have shown that the dynamics of their relationship with economic growth and innovation may differ and one would expect that the determinants of RV and UV may also be different. Therefore, using data on manufacturing sector exports for 130 countries from 1996 to 2011, this paper identifies the determinants of export diversification with primary focus on foreign direct investment as an external source of knowledge and a stimulus to entrepreneurship and human capital as a measure of productive capabilities. Considering the concern of endogeneity bias, estimations of the econometric models were performed using generalized method of moments. Findings show that some of the determinants of diversification affect RV, UV and OV differently. For instance, foreign direct investment (FDI) negatively affects RV while it has no significant relationship with OV and UV. Moreover, interaction of human capital with FDI appears to be positive and significant for UV and RV while interaction of human capital with trade openness is significant and positive for RV only, showing the importance of knowledge through external sources in the process of related diversification.
Comparative Performance Analysis of Optimal PID Parameters Tuning Based on the Optics Inspired Optimization Methods for Automatic Generation Control
Authors: ÖZDEMİR Mahmut , ÖZTÜRK Dursun
Published: December 2017

The Optics Inspired Optimization (OIO) algorithm is a new metaheuristic optimization method. In this paper, the OIO algorithm was proposed for automatic production control parameters in electrical power systems. The performance of the proposed algorithm was realized on two power systems that have different structures. The first structure is a two-area interconnected thermal reheat power system and the other one is a two-area interconnected multi-unit hydro-thermal power system. The results obtained with the proposed algorithm were compared with an artificial bee colony and particle swarm optimization, initial values are randomly defined that are commonly used in literature. The results were examined using four different cost functions based on area control error. Considering the obtained results, the proposed algorithm reached to the global minimum value with less number of iterations and is more suitable for online optimization. According to the results obtained with this novel method, it has a better performance for maximum overshoot and settling time values when the test systems are implemented.
Geopolymer Composites for Potential Applications in Cultural Heritage
Authors: Ricciotti Laura , Molino Antonio , Roviello Valentina , Chianese Elena , Cennamo Paola , Roviello Giuseppina
Published: December 2017

A new class of geopolymer composites, as materials alternative to traditional binders, was synthesized and its potentialities as restoration material in Cultural Heritage has been explored. This material has been prepared through a co-reticulation reaction in mild conditions of a metakaolin-based geopolymer inorganic matrix and a commercial epoxy resin. The freshly prepared slurry displays a consistency, workability and thixotropic behavior that make it suitable to be spread on different substrates in restoration, repair and reinforcement actions, even on walls and ceilings. Applicability and compatibility tests on tuff and concrete substrates were carried out and the microstructure of the samples in correspondence of the transition zone was analyzed by means of scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) mapping. Our studies pointed out the formation of a continuous phase between the geopolymer composite and tuff and concrete substrates, highlighting a high compatibility of the geopolymer binder with different kinds of materials. These features indicate a large potential for applications of these materials in Cultural Heritage.
Disinfection Performance in Wastewater Stabilization Ponds in Cold Climate Conditions: A Case Study in Nunavut, Canada
Authors: Liu Lei , MacDougall Alan , Hall Geof , Champagne Pascale
Published: December 2017

Disinfection processes in passive wastewater treatment systems, which are dependent on natural purification, can be greatly influenced by environmental factors. In the Canadian Arctic, the passive systems face more challenges due to the extreme environmental conditions. The new Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations (WSER) were implemented in Canada in 2012. Currently, they do not apply in the far North due to the limited wastewater treatment infrastructure in northern communities. In the summer of 2015, a field investigation was conducted to Pond Inlet, Nunavut, to assess the pathogen removal and inactivation of a wastewater stabilization pond (WSP). Sunlight disinfection was considered only effective at the water surface. The system achieved 0.76–1.2 log removal of E. coli and 0.79–1.02 log removal of total coliforms during the treatment season in 2015. Prior to annual decant, the average concentration of E. coli was 1.3 × 106 CFU/100 mL in the WSP, which exceeded discharge guidelines of 104 to 106 CFU/100 mL set by the Nunavut Water Board (NWB). Existing WSP disinfection models, which were typically designed for temperate or tropical regions, were selected to study their viability to predict the pathogen removal of Arctic WSPs. In general, the models over-predicted disinfection performance by an order of magnitude or more, and some were unable to replicate trends in the data. A modified model for northern WSPs should be developed in order to accurately predict disinfection performance.
The Tumor Suppressor p53 in Mucosal Melanoma of the Head and Neck
Authors: Fritsche Marie , Knopf Andreas
Published: December 2017

Despite worldwide prevention programs, the incidence for cutaneous melanoma is continuously increasing. Mucosal melanoma (MM) represents a rare but highly aggressive phenotype of common melanoma with predilection in the sinonasal system. Far away from ultraviolet sun exposure, the molecular mechanisms underlying tumorigenesis and the highly aggressive clinical behavior are poorly understood. In many solid malignomas of the head and neck region, p53 tumor suppressor functions as oncogene due to p53 protein stabilizing mutation. Interestingly, the vast majority of MM demonstrates constitutively expressed p53 protein, with protein stabilizing mutations being rare. Abrogated activation of p53 target genes results in derogation of the apoptotic signal cascade and contributes to the strong resistance against chemotherapeutic agents activating p53 dependent apoptosis. The current review illustrates the role of p53 and its pathway in MM.
A Pilot Study of Children’s Blood Lead Levels in Mount Isa, Queensland
Authors: Green Donna , Sullivan Marianne , Cooper Nathan , Dean Annika , Marquez Cielo
Published: December 2017

Mount Isa, Queensland, is one of three Australian cities with significant lead emissions due to nonferrous mining and smelting. Unlike the two other cities with lead mines or smelters, Mount Isa currently has no system of annual, systematic, community-wide blood lead level testing; and testing rates among Indigenous children are low. In previous screenings, this group of children has been shown to have higher average blood lead levels than non-Indigenous children. The first aim of this study was to assess whether parents and children would participate in less invasive, rapid point-of-care capillary testing. The second aim was to measure blood lead levels among a range of children that roughly reflected the percentage of the Indigenous/non-Indigenous population. This pilot study is based on a convenience sample of children between the ages of 12 and 83 months who were recruited to participate by staff at a Children and Family Centre. Over three half-days, 30 children were tested using capillary blood samples and the LeadCare II Point-of-Care testing system. Rapid point-of-care capillary testing was well tolerated by the children. Of 30 children tested, 40% (n = 12) had blood lead levels ≥5 µg/dL and 10% had levels ≥10 µg/dL. The highest blood lead level measured was 17.3 µg/dL. The percentage of children with blood lead levels ≥5 µg/dL was higher among Indigenous children compared to non-Indigenous (64.2% compared to 18.8%) as was the geometric mean level (6.5 (95% CI, 4.7, 9.2) versus 2.4 (95% CI, 1.8, 3.1)), a statistically significant difference. Though based on a small convenience sample, this study identified 12 children (40%) of the sample with blood lead levels ≥5 µg/dL. Due to historical and ongoing heavy metal emissions from mining and smelting in Mount Isa, we recommend a multi-component program of universal blood lead level testing, culturally appropriate follow-up and intervention for children who are identified with blood lead levels ≥5 µg/dL. We further recommend focused outreach and assistance to the Indigenous community, and further control of emissions and remediation of existing environmental lead contamination in children’s play and residential areas.
Enabling Factors for Sustaining Open Defecation-Free Communities in Rural Indonesia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Odagiri Mitsunori , Muhammad Zainal , Cronin Aidan , Gnilo Michael , Mardikanto Aldy , Umam Khaerul , Asamou Yameha
Published: December 2017

Community Approaches to Total Sanitation (CATS) programmes, like the Sanitasi Total Berbasis Masyarakat (STBM) programme of the Government of Indonesia, have played a significant role in reducing open defecation though still little is known about the sustainability of the outcomes. We assessed the sustainability of verified Open Defecation Free (ODF) villages and explored the association between slippage occurrence and the strength of social norms through a government conducted cross-sectional data collection in rural Indonesia. The study surveyed 587 households and held focus group discussions (FGDs) in six ODF villages two years after the government’s ODF verification. Overall, the slippage rate (i.e., a combination of sub-optimal use of a latrine and open defecation at respondent level) was estimated to be 14.5% (95% CI 11.6–17.3). Results of multivariate logistic regression analyses indicated that (1) weaker social norms, as measured by respondents’ perceptions around latrine ownership coverage in their community, (2) a lack of all-year round water access, and (3) wealth levels (i.e., not being in the richest quintile), were found to be significantly associated with slippage occurrence. These findings, together with qualitative analysis, concluded that CATS programmes, including a combination of demand creation, removal of perceived constraints through community support mechanisms, and continued encouragement to pursue higher levels of services with post-ODF follow-up, could stabilize social norms and help to sustain longer-term latrine usage in study communities. Further investigation and at a larger scale, would be important to strengthen these findings.
Experimental and Theoretical Studies on the Adsorption and Desorption Mechanisms of Chromate Ions on Cross-Linked Chitosan
Authors: Mishima Kenji , Du Xiaoyu , Sekiguchi Shunsuke , Kano Naoki
Published: December 2017

In this work, chitosan bead materials were modified by cross-linking with epichlorohydrin (EP) and glutaraldehyde (GA) for the removal of heavy metals in wastewater. Using these cross-linked chitosan materials, the dependence of adsorption of chromate anions on pH was investigated experimentally and theoretically. The experimental results show that the adsorption process of the chromate (Cr) ions greatly depends on the pH of the solution, with the chitosan modified by cross-linking being an efficient adsorbent for chromate. On the other hand, quantum chemistry calculations were conducted to find out the factor determining the pH dependence of the adsorption efficiency of chromate ions on the dimer chitosan molecule, and show results similar to those found in the experiment. Both the experimental and numerical results show that the total charge numbers of the adsorbent and the adsorbate species and their relative molecular geometries are crucial in determining the adsorption efficiency.
Recent Advances in Marine Algae Polysaccharides: Isolation, Structure, and Activities
Authors: Xu Shu-Ying , Huang Xuesong , Cheong Kit-Leong
Published: December 2017

Marine algae have attracted a great deal of interest as excellent sources of nutrients. Polysaccharides are the main components in marine algae, hence a great deal of attention has been directed at isolation and characterization of marine algae polysaccharides because of their numerous health benefits. In this review, extraction and purification approaches and chemico-physical properties of marine algae polysaccharides (MAPs) are summarized. The biological activities, which include immunomodulatory, antitumor, antiviral, antioxidant, and hypolipidemic, are also discussed. Additionally, structure-function relationships are analyzed and summarized. MAPs’ biological activities are closely correlated with their monosaccharide composition, molecular weights, linkage types, and chain conformation. In order to promote further exploitation and utilization of polysaccharides from marine algae for functional food and pharmaceutical areas, high efficiency, and low-cost polysaccharide extraction and purification methods, quality control, structure-function activity relationships, and specific mechanisms of MAPs activation need to be extensively investigated.
The Use of Poly-d,l-lactic Acid (PDLLA) Devices for Bone Augmentation Techniques: A Systematic Review
Authors: Annunziata Marco , Nastri Livia , Cecoro Gennaro , Guida Luigi
Published: December 2017

Poly-d,l-lactic acid (PDLLA) has been proposed in dentistry for regenerative procedures in the form of membranes, screws, and pins. The aim of this review was to evaluate the efficacy of bone augmentation techniques using PDLLA devices. A literature search was carried out by two independent and calibrated reviewers. All interventional and observational studies assessing the efficacy of bone augmentation techniques using PDLLA devices were included. Six studies were included. The relevant variability of design and methods impeded any qualitative or quantitative comparison. Ease of handling, absence of a re-entry phase, moldability of foils, and good soft-tissue response were appreciated characteristics of PDLLA devices. Some drawbacks such as the risk of membrane exposition, a prolonged adsorbability, and a tendency to a fibrous encapsulation of the PDLLA devices have been described, although the clinical significance of these findings is unclear. Clinical data about PDLLA devices for bone regeneration are very scarce and heterogenous. Well-designed randomized controlled trials comparing the use of PDLLA foils and pins with conventional membranes for bone regeneration are strongly encouraged in order to understand the real clinical benefits/drawbacks of this technique.
Metalaxyl Degradation by Mucorales Strains Gongronella sp. and Rhizopus oryzae
Authors: Martins Maria Rosário , Santos Cledir , Pereira Pablo , Cruz-Morais Júlio , Lima Nelson
Published: December 2017

In this study, the degradation of metalaxyl was investigated in the presence of two Mucorales strains, previously isolated from soil subjected to repeated treatments with this fungicide and selected after enrichment technique. Fungal strains were characterised by a polyphasic approach using phylogenetic analysis of the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) gene region, phenotypic characterisation by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) spectral analysis, and growth kinetics experiments. The strains were identified as Gongronella sp. and Rhizopus oryzae. The fungal growth kinetics in liquid cultures containing metalaxyl fits with Haldane model. Under laboratory conditions, the ability of Gongronella sp. and R. oryzae cultures to degrade metalaxyl was evaluated in liquid cultures and soil experiments. Both species were able to: (a) use metalaxyl as the main carbon and energy source; and (b) degrade metalaxyl in polluted soils, with rates around 1.0 mg kg−1 d−1. This suggests these strains could degrade metalaxyl in soils contaminated with this fungicide.
Bioactive Compounds from the Stems of Clausena lansium
Authors: Liu Jie , Li Chuang-Jun , Du Yi-Qian , Li Li , Sun Hua , Chen Nai-Hong , Zhang Dong-Ming
Published: December 2017

In view of the significant neuroprotective effect of Clausena lansium, we continued to separate the n-butanol and the water extracts from the stems of C. lansium in order to find the leading compounds with significant activity. Two new phenolic glycosides, Clausenolside A–B (1–2), one new pair of phenolic enantiomers (3a, 3b), and two new monoterpenoids, clausenapene A–B (4–5), together with twelve known analogues (6–17) were isolated from the stems of C. lansium. Compounds 1–17 were obtained from C. lansium for the first time. Compounds 3a, 3b, 4, 16, and 17 showed strong or moderate potential neuroprotective effects on inhibited PC12 cell injury induced by okadaic acid, and compound 9 exhibited strong potential hepatoprotective activities. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analyses, including UV, IR, NMR experiments, and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra.
Risks and Benefits of Increased Nut Consumption: Cardiovascular Health Benefits Outweigh the Burden of Carcinogenic Effects Attributed to Aflatoxin B1 Exposure
Authors: Eneroth Hanna , Wallin Stina , Leander Karin , Nilsson Sommar Johan , Åkesson Agneta
Published: December 2017

Nuts are rich in nutrients and mounting evidence shows that consumption reduces cardiovascular disease (CVD) incidence. Nuts may also be a major source of aflatoxin B1, a potent liver carcinogen and the risk/benefit balance is unknown. Based on national statistics and data from the PREDIMED intervention trial, we estimated the potential CVD-reduction if Swedes aged 55–79 consumed 30 g nuts/day, instead of the current national average of five grams per day. We also assessed the reduction in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) due to myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke. We estimated the aflatoxin B1 exposure from nuts and calculated the margin of exposure. The approximation that one nanogram aflatoxin B1/kg body weight/day results in one additional liver cancer case/10 million person-years was used to estimate the number of liver cancer cases. The increased nut consumption scenario prevented more than 7000 CVDs in 2013 (306/100,000 person-years) and contributed to about 55,000 saved DALYs for stroke and 22,000 for MI. The concomitant increase in aflatoxin B1 exposure caused an estimated zero to three additional cases of liver cancer, corresponding to 159 DALYs spent, emphasizing the associated risks. Increased nut consumption, as part of a varied healthy diet, is warranted even when aflatoxin B1 exposure is taken into account. However, efforts to reduce aflatoxin exposure from food are essential.
An Artificial Neural Network for Movement Pattern Analysis to Estimate Blood Alcohol Content Level
Authors: Gharani Pedram , Suffoletto Brian , Chung Tammy , Karimi Hassan
Published: December 2017

Impairments in gait occur after alcohol consumption, and, if detected in real-time, could guide the delivery of “just-in-time” injury prevention interventions. We aimed to identify the salient features of gait that could be used for estimating blood alcohol content (BAC) level in a typical drinking environment. We recruited 10 young adults with a history of heavy drinking to test our research app. During four consecutive Fridays and Saturdays, every hour from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m., they were prompted to use the app to report alcohol consumption and complete a 5-step straight-line walking task, during which 3-axis acceleration and angular velocity data was sampled at a frequency of 100 Hz. BAC for each subject was calculated. From sensor signals, 24 features were calculated using a sliding window technique, including energy, mean, and standard deviation. Using an artificial neural network (ANN), we performed regression analysis to define a model determining association between gait features and BACs. Part (70%) of the data was then used as a training dataset, and the results tested and validated using the rest of the samples. We evaluated different training algorithms for the neural network and the result showed that a Bayesian regularization neural network (BRNN) was the most efficient and accurate. Analyses support the use of the tandem gait task paired with our approach to reliably estimate BAC based on gait features. Results from this work could be useful in designing effective prevention interventions to reduce risky behaviors during periods of alcohol consumption.
Performance Analysis of Cluster Formation in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Montiel Edgar , Rivero-Angeles Mario , Rubino Gerardo , Molina-Lozano Heron  , Menchaca-Mendez Rolando  , Menchaca-Mendez Ricardo
Published: December 2017

Clustered-based wireless sensor networks have been extensively used in the literature in order to achieve considerable energy consumption reductions. However, two aspects of such systems have been largely overlooked. Namely, the transmission probability used during the cluster formation phase and the way in which cluster heads are selected. Both of these issues have an important impact on the performance of the system. For the former, it is common to consider that sensor nodes in a clustered-based Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) use a fixed transmission probability to send control data in order to build the clusters. However, due to the highly variable conditions experienced by these networks, a fixed transmission probability may lead to extra energy consumption. In view of this, three different transmission probability strategies are studied: optimal, fixed and adaptive. In this context, we also investigate cluster head selection schemes, specifically, we consider two intelligent schemes based on the fuzzy C-means and k-medoids algorithms and a random selection with no intelligence. We show that the use of intelligent schemes greatly improves the performance of the system, but their use entails higher complexity and selection delay. The main performance metrics considered in this work are energy consumption, successful transmission probability and cluster formation latency. As an additional feature of this work, we study the effect of errors in the wireless channel and the impact on the performance of the system under the different transmission probability schemes.
Identifying Tourist Places of Interest Based on Digital Imprints: Towards a Sustainable Smart City
Authors: Encalada Luis , Boavida-Portugal Inês , Cardoso Ferreira Carlos , Rocha Jorge
Published: December 2017

As cities become increasingly complex, Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) bring smartness into organisations and communities, contributing to a more competitive tourism destination, i.e., smart tourism destinations. Enhanced information access coupled with a new kind of tourists avid for online content and predisposed to share information on social media, allows for a better understanding of tourist behaviour regarding their spatial distribution in urban destinations. Thus, smart tourism portrays individuals as information makers, refining the available alternatives for tracking their location. Big data analytics is a technology with the potential to develop Smart City services. From the analysis of the spatial distribution of tourists in the city of Lisbon based on data collected from the ‘Panoramio’ social network, we identify the most popular places in the city in a context of tourist visits. This new data largely contributes to understanding the consumption of space within urban tourist destinations and therefore enables us to differentiate the overcrowded places from the ones with potential to grow. This allows decision-makers to imagine new ways of planning and managing towards a sustainable ‘smart’ future.
Household Energy Consumption Behaviour for Different Demographic Regions in Thailand from 2000 to 2010
Authors: Supasa Tharinya , Hsiau Shu-San , Lin Shih-Mo , Wongsapai Wongkot , Wu Jiunn-Chi
Published: December 2017

Since 1995, the residential sector has been a fast-growing energy consumption sector in Thailand. This sector contributes dramatically to the growth of Thailand’s electricity and oil demand. Our study analysed Thailand’s residential energy consumption characteristics and the seven underlying factors affecting the growth in energy use of five demographic regions using an energy input–output method. Embodied energy decomposition revealed that direct energy consumption accounted for approximately 30% of total residential energy use, whereas indirect energy consumption was at 70%. During the studied period, the growth in indirect energy use for all household groups was primarily the result of higher consumption of ‘commerce’, ‘air transport’, ‘manufacturing’, ‘food and beverages’ and ‘agriculture’ products. Moreover, each influencing driver contributes differently to each household’s growth in energy demand. The number of households was the leading factor that dominated the increases in residential energy use in the Greater Bangkok and Central regions. Growth in residential energy consumption in the Northern, Northeastern and Southern regions was strongly dominated by changes in income per capita. Consumption structure and using energy-efficient products had a moderate impact on all regions’ energy consumption. Thus, our findings provide additional energy-saving strategies to restrain further growth in residential energy demand.
Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment for Sustainability Improvements: A Case Study of High-Density Polyethylene Production in Alberta, Canada
Authors: Hannouf Marwa , Assefa Getachew
Published: December 2017

Life cycle sustainability assessment (LCSA) is a still relatively new technique. One of its main application challenges is interpreting the three dimensions of its results in combined fashion. This paper presents the first attempt at an integrated solution-oriented approach in the LCSA, while simultaneously interpreting the results of the three assessments in a combined fashion toward improving the sustainability performance of product systems. It is based on a case study of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) production in Alberta, Canada. The methodology is characterized by five steps: (1) goal and scope definition; (2) inventory analysis; (3) impact assessment; (4) interpretation where the results of the three tools of LCSA are presented and an integrated analysis of the sustainability results following the strong sustainability model and using the Driver–Pressure–State–Impact–Response (DPSIR) framework, is conducted to propose sustainability improvements for the case study product; (5) discussion and conclusion. The integrated approach developed was able to propose some sustainability improvement proposals along the life cycle of HDPE. Yet, challenges exist in interpreting the interrelationships between the three assessment results. Moving from comparative integrated assessment approach in LCSA to solution-oriented approach still faces challenges. This work highlighted some of the research tasks that need more focus from the LCSA community to demonstrate how LCSA can contribute to sustainable development by improving the sustainability performance of product systems.
The Effect of Managerial Ability on Future Stock Price Crash Risk: Evidence from Korea
Authors: Park Soo , Jung Hoon
Published: December 2017

This study examines the effect of managerial ability on subsequent stock price crash risk using listed firm data in Korea. Compared to some financially advanced countries, the influence of managers is particularly more powerful in Korea, as ownership and management are not effectively separate in most Korean firms. In addition, we considered the effect of large business groups called Chaebol, which is family-run conglomerates with unique corporate governance system that hugely affect the Korean economy. It is important to recognize determinants of the stock price crash risk which would result in doubt on going concern to enhance the company’s sustainable management. Hence, this study focuses on the managerial ability as one of the main factors of the stock price crash risk. We use the measures of firm-specific stock price crash risk based on Hutton et al. (2009). Managerial ability is estimated through a Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and tobit regressions following Demerjian et al. (2012). From the empirical tests, there is a negative association between managerial ability and stock price crash risk. This suggests that managers with a higher ability release more voluntary disclosure to signal their ability, ultimately lowering the subsequent stock price crash risk. We also find that firms in large business groups, Chaebol, weaken the negative association between managerial ability and subsequent stock price crash risk.
Urinary Fractional Excretion of Phosphorus in Dogs with Spontaneous Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Martorelli Cínthia , Kogika Márcia , Chacar Fernanda , Caragelasco Douglas , De Campos Fonseca Pinto Ana , Lorigados Carla , Andrade Lúcia
Published: December 2017

The increase of urinary fractional excretion of phosphorus (uFEP) may indicate phosphorus retention before the onset of hyperphosphatemia in the early stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The hypothesis of this study is whether uFEP may increase during the early stage of CKD as a compensatory mechanism to prevent hyperphosphatemia as well as whether hyperphosphatemia in the late stages is associated with increase or decrease in uFEP in dogs with naturally occurring CKD; therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the uFEP in CKD dogs with different stages. Forty-nine CKD dogs were included, and they were divided into stage 1 (serum creatinine < 1.4 mg/dL), stage 2 (serum creatinine 1.5 to 2.0 mg/dL), stage 3 (serum creatinine 2.1 to 5.0 mg/dL) and stage 4 (serum creatinine > 5.0 mg/dL), according to the IRIS staging criteria. The stage 3 was subdivided into stage 3-A (serum creatinine 2.1 to 3.5 mg/dL) and stage 3-B (serum creatinine 3.6 to 5.0 mg/dL). The control group comprised 10 dogs, and uFEP ≤ 40% was considered as normal. A progressive increase in uFEP along the progression of CKD was found. However, similar results of uFEP levels were observed in late CKD, since there were no differences between stages 3 (A, B) and 4. Interestingly, some CKD dogs with stage 4 showed normal or reduced uFEP, besides hyperphosphatemia; conversely, some dogs in early CKD had increased uFEP values and normophosphatemia. Our findings suggest that uFEP may act as a compensatory mechanism to avoid the onset of hyperphosphatemia in early CKD, but not in later stages. uFEP assessment may be considered as an additional tool for the diagnostic and monitoring of phosphate disorders in dogs with CKD, since it may help to identify disturbances of phosphorus balance. More studies are needed to elucidate the role of uFEP in phosphorus homeostasis in dogs with CKD.
A New Standard for Assessing the Performance of High Contrast Imaging Systems
Authors: Jensen-Clem Rebecca , Mawet Dimitri , Gomez Gonzalez Carlos A. , Absil Olivier , Belikov Ruslan , Currie Thayne , Kenworthy Matthew A. , Marois Christian , Mazoyer Johan , Ruane Garreth , Tanner Angelle , Cantalloube Faustine
Published: December 2017

As planning for the next generation of high contrast imaging instruments (e.g., WFIRST, HabEx, and LUVOIR, TMT-PFI, EELT-EPICS) matures and second-generation ground-based extreme adaptive optics facilities (e.g., VLT-SPHERE, Gemini-GPI) finish their principal surveys, it is imperative that the performance of different designs, post-processing algorithms, observing strategies, and survey results be compared in a consistent, statistically robust framework. In this paper, we argue that the current industry standard for such comparisons—the contrast curve—falls short of this mandate. We propose a new figure of merit, the “performance map,” that incorporates three fundamental concepts in signal detection theory: the true positive fraction, the false positive fraction, and the detection threshold. By supplying a theoretical basis and recipe for generating the performance map, we hope to encourage the widespread adoption of this new metric across subfields in exoplanet imaging.
Planet Candidates from K2 Campaigns 5–8 and Follow-up Optical Spectroscopy
Authors: Petigura Erik A. , Crossfield Ian J. M. , Isaacson Howard , Beichman Charles A. , Christiansen Jessie L. , Dressing Courtney D. , Fulton Benjamin J. , Howard Andrew W. , Kosiarek Molly R. , Lépine Sébastien , Schlieder Joshua E. , Sinukoff Evan , Yee Samuel W.
Published: December 2017

We present 151 planet candidates orbiting 141 stars from K2 campaigns 5–8 (C5–C8), identified through a systematic search of K2 photometry. In addition, we identify 16 targets as likely eclipsing binaries, based on their light curve morphology. We obtained follow-up optical spectra of 105/141 candidate host stars and 8/16 eclipsing binaries to improve stellar properties and to identify spectroscopic binaries. Importantly, spectroscopy enables measurements of host star radii with ≈10% precision, compared to ≈40% precision when only broadband photometry is available. The improved stellar radii enable improved planet radii. Our curated catalog of planet candidates provides a starting point for future efforts to confirm and characterize K2 discoveries.