bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polymorphism of Interleukin 1B May Modulate the Risk of Ischemic Stroke in Polish Patients
Authors: Gorący Iwona , Kaczmarczyk Mariusz , Ciechanowicz Andrzej , Lewandowska Klaudyna , Jakubiszyn Paweł , Bodnar Oksana , Kopijek Bartosz , Brodkiewicz Andrzej , Cyryłowski Lech
Published: September 2019

Background and Objectives: Inflammation plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke (IS). Interleukin-1B and interleukin-1 receptor antagonists are key factors in inflammatory processes. Aims: The aims of our study were to evaluate the relationship between genetic variation in interleukin-1B (IL1B) rs1143627 and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL1RN) variable-number-tandem-repeats (VNTR), and overall IS and subtype prevalence rates. Materials and Methods: The analysis included 147 hospitalized Polish patients with IS diagnosed using conventional criteria. The control group consisted of 119 healthy subjects. Genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction. Results: A significant association between rs1143627 and stroke was found. The -31C IL1B polymorphism showed an association with overall IS, OR = 2.30 (1.36–3.87) p = 0.020. An association was also detected for LVI (large vessel infarction) subtypes of stroke. After risk factor adjustment (age, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia), the C allele was found to be an independent risk factor for LVI, OR = 1.99 (1.05–3.79) p = 0.036. Significant association was not observed between IL1RN alleles and IS. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the C allele of IL1B rs1143627 may be associated with susceptibility to overall IS and LVI subtypes of stroke in the Polish population.
Preparation of Ferrotitanium Using Ilmenite with Different Reduction Degrees
Authors: Gao Zixian , Cheng Gongjin , Yang He , Xue Xiangxin , Ri Jongchol
Published: September 2019

The effect of ilmenite with different reduction degrees on the production of ferrotitanium, using a self-propagation high-temperature synthesis method with aluminum as the reducing agent, was investigated. Increasing the degree of reduction not only contributed to lower consumption of aluminum, but also lowered the oxygen content and improved the grades of titanium and iron in the ferrotitanium. The aluminum content of the ferrotitanium increased with an increase in the extent of reduction of ilmenite, so the Al2O3 content formed in the slag decreased with the constant addition of CaO and CaF2 to the Al powder. This decreased relatively the content of high-melting-point CaAl12O19 and increased the contents of low-melting-point CaAl2O4 and CaF2 in the slag, thereby promoting the separation of ferrotitanium and slag. Improving the reduction degree of ilmenite is beneficial to the preparation of ferrotitanium.
Effects of Cross-Section Type and Degree of Utilization on Failure Time and Temperature of Cold-Formed Steel Column under ISO Fire
Authors: Muftah Fadhluhartini , Mohd Sani Mohd Syahrul Hisyam , Mohammad Shahrin
Published: September 2019

An investigation into fire resistance subjected to the ISO fire standard was conducted on a cold-formed steel (CFS) column. The variables involved were the CFS sections with various cross-section types and service loadings known as the degree of utilization. Three types of cross-section, known as channel, back-to-back (BTB), and box-up (BU) sections, were studied. All supports for the column are in constant condition. To simulate the real fire situation, the column was preloaded at 30%, 50%, and 70% of its ultimate strength. After the load was static, the column was exposed to the ISO fire standard. The column was loaded at the centroid of the section. The temperature at the column surface and the time was recorded until the column became unstable. The results show that the shape did not have any significant effects on the critical temperature of the CFS columns. The higher the applied load—or as used in this study, the higher the degree of utilization of the CFS columns—the greater the negative linear effect on their critical temperature. It is concluded that the minimum limiting temperature is 400 °C and the minimum limiting time is four minutes for the CFS column.
Structural Stability, Electronic Structures, Mechanical Properties and Debye Temperature of Transition Metal Impurities in Tungsten: A First-Principles Study
Authors: Jiang Diyou , Wu Musheng , Liu Desheng , Li Fangfang , Chai Minggang , Liu Sanqiu
Published: September 2019

The structural stability, electronic structures, mechanical properties and Debye temperature of W-TM (TM = Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo and Ni, respectively) alloys have been investigated by first principles method. The lattice constant, cell volume, formation energy and cohesive energy of W-TM alloys are calculated. W-TM alloys still maintain bcc lattice, and have no structural phase transformation. It is shown that W-Mo and W-Mn alloys have better alloying ability with strong interactions between W and Mo/Mn atoms. However, the alloying ability of W-Cu, W-Fe, W-Cr and W-Ni is poor, and there is a weak chemical interaction between W and Cu/Cr/Fe/Ni atoms. Using the optimized lattice, the elastic constants are calculated, and the elastic moduli and other mechanical parameters are derived. Results show that the mechanical strength of W-TM alloys is lower than that of pure W, especially W-Cu and W-Ni alloys. However, the B/G ratio and Poisson’s ratio of W-TM alloys are higher than that of pure W, indicating that TM alloying can significantly improve the ductility of pure W. The metallicity of pure W can be enhanced by doping Fe or Mn, while doping Cr, Cu, Mo and Ni reduces the metallicity of pure W, of which W-Cu alloy has worst metallicity.
Household Cooking Frequency of Dinner Among Non-Hispanic Black Adults is Associated with Income and Employment, Perceived Diet Quality and Varied Objective Diet Quality, HEI (Healthy Eating Index): NHANES Analysis 2007–2010
Authors: Farmer Nicole , Wallen Gwenyth R. , Yang Li , Middleton Kimberly R. , Kazmi Narjis , Powell-Wiley Tiffany M.
Published: September 2019

Home cooking is associated with improved diet quality. Non-Hispanic Blacks, a population with diet-quality related health disparities, report lower home cooking than other racial/ethnic groups. Factors and subsequent dietary outcomes associated with this cooking disparity are relatively unknown. A secondary analysis was performed using demographic and consumer behavior data from the 2007–2010 cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to identify factors associated with household cooking frequency of dinner among Non-Hispanic Blacks. Self-reported dietary data were used to calculate Healthy Eating Index-2010 (HEI-2010) to determine cooking related objective diet quality. Lower income, unemployment, and higher perceived diet quality were significantly associated with higher cooking frequency (p < 0.05). For diet quality, higher vegetable (p = 0.031), lower empty calorie intake (p = 0.002), higher dinner time protein (p = 0.004) and lower dinner time dairy intake (p = 0.003) were associated with cooking. Total HEI scores were associated with higher cooking frequency for middle income (p = 0.007), but not higher or lower income categories (p = 0.306; p = 0.384), respectively. On average, factors associated with cooking frequency were psychosocial, income, and employment related. Objective diet quality as measured by HEI was variable. Future dietary studies among Non-Hispanic Blacks should include cooking, socioeconomic status and perceived diet quality as particularly relevant factors of interest.
Effect of Rice, Wheat, and Mung Bean Ingestion on Intestinal Gas Production and Postprandial Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Non-Constipation Irritable Bowel Syndrome Patients
Authors: Linlawan Sittikorn , Patcharatrakul Tanisa , Somlaw Nicha , Gonlachanvit Sutep
Published: September 2019

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of rice, mung bean, and wheat noodle ingestion on intestinal gas production and postprandial gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in non-constipation irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients. Methods: Twenty patients (13 F, 46 ± 11 y) underwent 8 h breath test studies and GI symptom evaluations after standard rice, wheat, or mung bean noodle meals at 8:00 a.m. in a randomized crossover study with a 1-week washout period. The same meal was ingested at 12:00 p.m. Results: The H2 and CH4 concentration in the breath samples were similar at baseline (rice:wheat:mung bean, H2 = 3.6 ± 0.5:4.1 ± 0.5:4.0 ± 0.7 ppm, CH4 = 1.3 ± 0.3:2.1 ± 0.4:1.9 ± 0.4 ppm, p > 0.05). Beginning at the fifth hour after breakfast, H2 and CH4 concentrations significantly increased after wheat compared to rice and mung bean (8 h AUC H2 = 4120 ± 2622:2267 ± 1780:2356 ± 1722, AUC CH4 = 1617 ± 1127:946 ± 664:943 ± 584 ppm-min, respectively) (p < 0.05). Bloating and satiety scores significantly increased after wheat compared to rice (p < 0.05), and increased but did not reach statistical significance compared to mung bean (p > 0.05). A higher bloating score after wheat compared to rice and mung bean was observed clearly after lunch but not after breakfast. Conclusion: Wheat ingestion produced more intestinal gas and more bloating and satiety scores compared to rice and mung bean, especially after lunch. This provides insight into the role of intestinal gas in the development of bloating symptoms in IBS.
Film Dressings Based on Hydrogels: Simultaneous and Sustained-Release of Bioactive Compounds with Wound Healing Properties
Authors: Ávila-Salas Fabian , Marican Adolfo , Pinochet Soledad , Carreño Gustavo , Valdés Oscar , Venegas Bernardo , Donoso Wendy , Cabrera-Barjas Gustavo , Vijayakumar Sekar , Durán-Lara Esteban F.
Published: September 2019

This research proposes the rational modeling, synthesis and evaluation of film dressing hydrogels based on polyvinyl alcohol crosslinked with 20 different kinds of dicarboxylic acids. These formulations would allow the sustained release of simultaneous bioactive compounds including allantoin, resveratrol, dexpanthenol and caffeic acid as a multi-target therapy in wound healing. Interaction energy calculations and molecular dynamics simulation studies allowed evaluating the intermolecular affinity of the above bioactive compounds by hydrogels crosslinked with the different dicarboxylic acids. According to the computational results, the hydrogels crosslinked with succinic, aspartic, maleic and malic acids were selected as the best candidates to be synthesized and evaluated experimentally. These four crosslinked hydrogels were prepared and characterized by FTIR, mechanical properties, SEM and equilibrium swelling ratio. The sustained release of the bioactive compounds from the film dressing was investigated in vitro and in vivo. The in vitro results indicate a good release profile for all four analyzed bioactive compounds. More importantly, in vivo experiments suggest that prepared formulations could considerably accelerate the healing rate of artificial wounds in rats. The histological studies show that these formulations help to successfully reconstruct and thicken epidermis during 14 days of wound healing. Moreover, the four film dressings developed and exhibited excellent biocompatibility. In conclusion, the novel film dressings based on hydrogels rationally designed with combinatorial and sustained release therapy could have significant promise as dressing materials for skin wound healing.
Controlling Factors of Degassing in Crosslinked Polyethylene Insulated Cables
Authors: Youn Dong Joon , Li Jingfa , Livazovic Sara , Sun Yabin , Sun Shuyu
Published: September 2019

Here, we analyze the degassing process of a byproduct (methane) formed during the peroxide-induced crosslinking of polyethylene. A diffusion model based on Fick’s law is used to obtain the controlling factors of degassing in a crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) insulated power cable (132 kV with 18 mm of insulation). We quantitatively analyze different scenarios of the diffusion of methane through the XLPE insulation and two semiconductor layers under various in situ degassing conditions. The analyzed degassing conditions include heat transfer and its effect on the diffusion properties, the different transport and boundary conditions due to the free spaces within the cable conductor, and the nonuniform distribution of methane concentrations within the insulation layers. Our simulation results clearly demonstrate that the free spaces between the copper strands in the cable conductor significantly affect the degassing efficiency. However, the temperature-diffusion coupling has a relatively minor effect on the overall degassing efficiency due to the rapid temperature increase of the polymer layers during the initial stages of degassing. Moreover, we find that the nonuniform distribution of methane in the initial stages also plays an important role in degassing in the cable, but this effect varies significantly during the degassing process.
Engineered Polymeric Materials for Biological Applications: Overcoming Challenges of the Bio–Nano Interface
Authors: Simpson Joshua D , Smith Samuel A , Thurecht Kristofer J. , Such Georgina
Published: September 2019

Nanomedicine has generated significant interest as an alternative to conventional cancer therapy due to the ability for nanoparticles to tune cargo release. However, while nanoparticle technology has promised significant benefit, there are still limited examples of nanoparticles in clinical practice. The low translational success of nanoparticle research is due to the series of biological roadblocks that nanoparticles must migrate to be effective, including blood and plasma interactions, clearance, extravasation, and tumor penetration, through to cellular targeting, internalization, and endosomal escape. It is important to consider these roadblocks holistically in order to design more effective delivery systems. This perspective will discuss how nanoparticles can be designed to migrate each of these biological challenges and thus improve nanoparticle delivery systems in the future. In this review, we have limited the literature discussed to studies investigating the impact of polymer nanoparticle structure or composition on therapeutic delivery and associated advancements. The focus of this review is to highlight the impact of nanoparticle characteristics on the interaction with different biological barriers. More specific studies/reviews have been referenced where possible.
Preparation of Biomorphic Porous SiC Ceramics from Bamboo by Combining Sol–Gel Impregnation and Carbothermal Reduction
Authors: Hung Ke-Chang , Wu Tung-Lin , Xu Jin-Wei , Wu Jyh-Horng
Published: September 2019

This study investigated the feasibility of using bamboo to prepare biomorphic porous silicon carbide (bio-SiC) ceramics through a combination of sol–gel impregnation and carbothermal reduction. The effects of sintering temperature, sintering duration, and sol–gel impregnation cycles on the crystalline phases and microstructure of bio-SiC were investigated. X-ray diffraction patterns revealed that when bamboo charcoal–SiO2 composites (BcSiCs) were sintered at 1700 °C for more than 2 h, the resulting bio-SiC ceramics exhibited significant β-SiC diffraction peaks. In addition, when the composites were sintered at 1700 °C for 2 h, scanning electron microscopy micrographs of the resulting bio-SiC ceramic prepared using a single impregnation cycle showed the presence of SiC crystalline particles and nanowires in the cell wall and cell lumen of the carbon template, respectively. However, bio-SiC prepared using three and five repeated cycles of sol–gel impregnation exhibited a foam-like microstructure compared with that prepared using a single impregnation cycle. Moreover, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and selected area electron diffraction revealed that the atomic plane of the nanowire of bio-SiC prepared from BcSiCs had a planar distance of 0.25 nm and was perpendicular to the (111) growth direction. Similar results were observed for the bio-SiC ceramics prepared from bamboo–SiO2 composites (BSiCs). Accordingly, bio-SiC ceramics can be directly and successfully prepared from BSiCs, simplifying the manufacturing process of SiC ceramics.
Process Cost Management of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Tomaskova Hana , Kopecky Martin , Maresova Petra
Published: September 2019

Summary: Determining the cost of healthcare and social care for patients is a crucial issue for many parties; therefore, both public and private payments play a decisive role in patient care. The article deals with the analysis of the possibilities of the simulation of costs related to Alzheimer’s disease. This disease is highly variable, and the cost items vary considerably. Therefore, it is necessary to use simulation methods. The results of simulation models can then be implemented in sophisticated methods working with activity costs. Findings: Models for health and social care are specific. No significant re-engineering is expected in this area, so the models must be unambiguous and easy to understand for all representatives involved. Modeling of business processes is thus a suitable means for analysis in this area. The process cost calculation is built on two simulation models. The first model is the Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN), the results of which are verified in the system dynamics model created in the stock and flow diagram. The simulations results give us appropriate values for calculating the total activity-based costs of AD. Applications: The practical part of this article deals with the identification of costs related to Alzheimer’s disease and their allocation concerning remedies. Based on this information, models for Alzheimer’s disease process cost management are developed. Results: The BPMN simulation was performed for 100 passes through a fixed-length phase process. The duration of each phase was set at 48, 108, and 40 months. Five simulations were set up, each Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score set, which affected the passage through the process. Software Stella Professional was used for simulations for constant MMSE score values for the home and facility options. The values are as follows: MMSE 5 = 1331 . 26   € ( 1627 . 72   € ); MMSE 15 = 1202 . 72   € ( 1102 . 02   € ); MMSE 25 = 1051 . 24   € ( 848 . 91   € ). Conclusions: Both AD models created in this article produce comparable results, although each of them works on a different principle. The results are based on the selection of original data, and at the same time, these models point to the processes and subprocesses that lead to the costs. The description, specifications, and possible values of partial costs are crucial knowledge for persons in the management functions of public administration and self-government in the area of finance and management not in the field of specific diseases.
Multiple Scenarios Forecast of Electric Power Substitution Potential in China: From Perspective of Green and Sustainable Development
Authors: Wu Jing , Tan Zhongfu , De Gejirifu , Pu Lei , Wang Keke , Tan Qingkun , Ju Liwei
Published: September 2019

To achieve sustainable social development, the Chinese government conducts electric power substitution strategy as a green move. Traditional fuels such as coal and oil could be replaced by electric power to achieve fundamental transformation of energy consumption structure. In order to forecast and analyze the developing potential of electric power substitution, a forecasting model based on a correlation test, the cuckoo search optimization (CSO) algorithm and extreme learning machine (ELM) method is constructed. Besides, China’s present situation of electric power substitution is analyzed as well and important influencing factors are selected and transmitted to the CSO-ELM model to carry out the fitting analysis. The results showed that the CSO-ELM model has great forecasting accuracy. Finally, combining with the cost, policy supports, subsidy mechanism and China’s power consumption data in the past 21 years, four forecasting scenarios are designed and the forecasting results of 2019–2030 are calculated, respectively. Results under multiple scenarios may give suggestions for future sustainable development.
The Scales Integral to Ecology: Hierarchies in Laudato Si’ and Christian Ecological Ethics
Authors: O’Brien Kevin J.
Published: September 2019

Pope Francis’s Laudato Si’ advocates for an “ecological conversion” to the ideal of “integral ecology”. In so doing, it offers insights into different scales of moral attention, resonating with sophisticated thinking in scientific ecology and environmental ethics. From the encyclical, Christian ecological ethicists can learn about the importance of identifying spatial and temporal scales in moral terms and the usefulness of hierarchical levels that distinguish between local, community, and global concerns. However, the encyclical assumes some hierarchical relationships—among genders, among species, and with the divine—that it does not question. Scalar thinking is a key strength of Laudato Si’ and also a signal of the work it leaves undone regarding the constructedness and limitations of all hierarchical assumptions.
Global Ionospheric Model Accuracy Analysis Using Shipborne Kinematic GPS Data in the Arctic Circle
Authors: Wang Di , Luo Xiaowen , Wang Jinling , Gao Jinyao , Zhang Tao , Wu Ziyin , Yang Chunguo , Wu Zhaocai
Published: September 2019

The global ionospheric model built by the International Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Service (IGS) using GNSS reference stations all over the world is currently the most widely used ionospheric product on a global scale. Therefore, analysis and evaluation of this ionospheric product’s accuracy and reliability are essential for the practical use of the product. In contrast to the traditional way of assessing global ionospheric models with ground-based static measurements, our study used shipborne kinematic global positioning system (GPS) measurements collected over 18 days to perform a preliminary analysis and evaluation of the accuracy of the global ionospheric models; our study took place in the Arctic Circle. The data from the International GNSS Service stations near the Arctic Circle were used to verify the ionospheric total electron contents derived from the kinematic data. The results suggested that the global ionospheric model had an approximate regional accuracy of 12 total electron content units (TECu) within the Arctic Circle and deviated from the actual ionospheric total electron content value by about 4 TECu.
Spatiotemporal Characterization of Mangrove Phenology and Disturbance Response: The Bangladesh Sundarban
Authors: Small Christopher , Sousa Daniel
Published: September 2019

This work presents a spatiotemporal analysis of the phenology and disturbance response in the Sundarban mangrove forest on the Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta in Bangladesh. The methodological approach is based on an Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) analysis of the new Harmonized Landsat Sentinel-2 (HLS) BRDF and atmospherically corrected reflectance time series, preceded by a Robust Principal Component Analysis (RPCA) separation of Low Rank and Sparse components of the image time series. Low Rank components are spatially and temporally pervasive while Sparse components are transient and localized. The RPCA clearly separates subtle spatial variations in the annual cycle of monsoon-modulated greening and senescence of the mangrove forest from the spatiotemporally complex agricultural phenology surrounding the Sundarban. A 3 endmember temporal mixture model maps spatially coherent differences in the 2018 greening-senescence cycle of the mangrove which are both concordant and discordant with existing species composition maps. The discordant patterns suggest a phenological response to environmental factors like surface hydrology. On decadal time scales, a standard EOF analysis of vegetation fraction maps from annual post-monsoon Landsat imagery is sufficient to isolate locations of shoreline advance and retreat related to changes in sedimentation and erosion, as well as cyclone-induced defoliation and recovery.
Trust and Distrust: Listening to Children about Their Relationships with Professionals
Authors: Davies Hayley
Published: September 2019

This article explores trust in children’s relationships with professionals in the context of safeguarding concerns. With exception, existing research with children about trust in professionals often fails to unpick trust. Using sociological conceptualisations of trust, most often considered in relation to adults, this article unravels this complex concept. It arrives at a conception of trust as socially situated, an attribute of relationships, and a combination of interpretation (knowledge and experience) and faith. This conceptualization of trust is examined in the context of interview accounts from children that were aged 8–10 in an English primary school. Interviews invited their perspectives on three fictional vignettes about peer conflict, domestic abuse, and child sexual abuse. My analysis, although small-scale, argues that focusing on the process of trust in children’s professional relationships and the social, cultural, political, and relational contexts that shape this process, is a lucrative way to gain enhanced understandings of how trust is generated and what facilitates and undermines trust. It sheds light on children’s interpretations of existing relationships and imagined interactions with professionals, revealing the knowledge that they hold and what they do not yet, or cannot know, and how this knowledge (or lack of) influences their trust. This analysis is socially situated attending to children’s biographies, which offers insights that provide good grounds for improving children’s relationships with professionals.
Selected Environmental Assessment Model and Spatial Analysis Method to Explain Correlations in Environmental and Socio-Economic Data with Possible Application for Explaining the State of the Ecosystem
Authors: Xiong Junnan , Li Wei , Zhang Hao , Cheng Weiming , Ye Chongchong , Zhao Yunliang
Published: September 2019

Regional ecosystem health is the basis for regular regional exploration, ecological protection, and sustainable development. This study explored ecosystem health at the southern end of the Hu Line (Sichuan and Yunnan provinces) using the pressure–state–response model and examined the spatial evolution of ecosystem health. The proportion of unhealthy and morbid cities decreased from 45.9% in 2000 to 35.1% in 2016. The imbalance of ecosystem health among cities has gradually increased since 2006, but more high-quality cities have emerged (Z of Moran’s Index < 1.96, p > 0.05). Overall, the regional ecosystem on the southeast side of the Hu Line was healthier than that on the northwest side. Differences in ecosystem health on both sides of the Hu Line showed decreasing trends over time except for the pressure score. The spatial pattern of ecosystem health moved along the Hu Line because the pressure and state scores of ecosystems were mainly determined by the natural environmental conditions. Based on the county-level assessment, the grade of imbalance within cities was divided, and those that were lagging were identified. To correct regional imbalances, a comprehensive and proactive policy framework for a smart development model was put forward in Sichuan and Yunnan.
Economic Sustainability Study of São Miguel Island in the Azores Using Photovoltaic Panels and Wind Turbines
Authors: Melo Inês Boga , Torres João Paulo N.
Published: September 2019

Currently, the nine islands of the Autonomous Region of the Azores have fossil fuel power stations as their main source of electric power. Each island has an independent electrical system classified as an isolated micro-system, given its size and location. The goal of this study is to analyze the best set of technologies for a sustainable hybrid system. This study will be applied first on São Miguel to make the largest island of the archipelago 100% renewable. We will consider factors such as the island’s actual data production, economic scenarios, growth perspectives of consumption and reliability of supply.
Evaluation of Effects of the Humidity Level-Based Auto-Controlled Centralized Exhaust Ventilation Systems on Thermal Comfort of Multi-Family Residential Buildings in South Korea
Authors: Kwag Byung Chang , Park Jungha , Kim Seongyong , Kim Gil Tae
Published: September 2019

Building air-tightness has been increased to make energy efficient buildings. However, various indoor air quality issues can be caused by high building air-tightness because it allows low air and moisture transmission through building envelop. In order to solve and prevent these issues, mechanical ventilation systems can be used to control the indoor humidity level. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the performances of the Relative Humidity (RH)-sensor based auto-controlled centralized exhaust ventilation systems to manage indoor air quality and thermal comfort of multi-family residential buildings in South Korea. A series of field tests were performed for different target zones and for various moisture source scenarios. As a result, it was found that the auto-controlled centralized exhaust ventilation systems were able to control indoor air quality and to maintain the zones thermal comfort faster than the baseline cases that did not operate exhaust vents. The results presented in this paper can show the potential and the feasibility of the auto-controlled centralized exhaust ventilation systems for multi-family residential buildings in South Korea. It is expected that the results presented in this paper would be useful for building owners, engineers, and architects when designing building systems.
Students’ Perspective on Quality Assurance in Higher Education in the Context of Sustainability: A PLS-SEM Approach
Authors: Gora Ana , Ștefan Simona , Popa Ștefan , Albu Cătălina
Published: September 2019

The purpose of this paper was to provide empirical evidence of the impact of quality assurance in higher education on two relevant higher education outcomes; students’ knowledge, skills, and competencies; and their employability. Survey data were collected from two major Romanian public universities and analyzed using a partial least-squares structural equations modeling (PLS-SEM) technique. The main results suggested that students’ competencies were positively and directly influenced by the quality of the educational process, as well as the practical and research activities. The students’ chances of employment in the labor market were positively and directly influenced only by the quality of the educational process and by the research activities. Indirect influences were also revealed. The findings of the study may be shown to have theoretical implications by proposing a model that links the features of quality management in higher education institutions with students’ competencies and chances of employment in the labor market. From a practical perspective, the results may be of interest to higher education policy makers, to evaluation and accreditation institutions, to universities, and also to students.
Is Factor Investing Sustainable after Price Impact Costs? The Capacity of Factor Investing in Korea
Authors: Kim Jungmu , Park Yuen Jung
Published: September 2019

This study investigates whether the profitability of various factor investments is sustainable after costs due to price impact, and estimates the capacity of strategies in the Korean stock market. With various initial amounts invested as of the end of December 2000, we analyze after-cost-returns on factor investing during the period from January 2000 to December 2017, and estimate the break-even fund size and maximal profit fund size. To this end, whenever rebalancing factor-investment portfolios based on trading rules, the number of shares of stocks to be bought and sold is computed and the price impact costs of the transactions are taken into account. This procedure computes the implicit cost of trading of factor investing to produce after-cost-returns for various initial amount invested. While the momentum and value factors perform well before price impact costs, the profitability factor performs better after price impact costs. More specifically, the break-even fund size is estimated to be 1.4 trillion Korean won (KRW), and the maximal profit generating fund size is estimated to be 750 billion KRW which could attain a monthly net profit of 1.9 billion KRW over the sample period.
Orientation of Chiral Schiff Base Metal Complexes Involving Azo-Groups for Induced CD on Gold Nanoparticles by Polarized UV Light Irradiation
Authors: Sunaga Nobumitsu , Haraguchi Tomoyuki , Akitsu Takashiro
Published: September 2019

In this study, we report the synthesis, characterization, and chiroptical properties of azo-group-containing chiral salen type Schiff base Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) complexes absorbed on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) of 10 nm diameters. Induced circular dichroism (CD) around the plasmon region from the chiral species weakly adsorbed on the surface of AuNP were observed when there were appropriate dipole–dipole interactions at the initial states. Spectral changes were also observed by not only cis-trans photoisomerization of azo-groups but also changes of orientation due to Weigert effect of azo-dyes after linearly polarized UV light irradiation. Spatial features were discussed based on dipole-dipole interactions mainly within an exciton framework.
Production of β-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) and Its Isomers by Freshwater Diatoms
Authors: Violi Jake P. , Facey Jordan A. , Mitrovic Simon M. , Colville Anne , Rodgers Kenneth J.
Published: September 2019

β-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) is a non-protein amino acid that has been implicated as a risk factor for motor neurone disease (MND). BMAA is produced by a wide range of cyanobacteria globally and by a small number of marine diatoms. BMAA is commonly found with two of its constitutional isomers: 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (2,4-DAB), and N-(2-aminoethyl)glycine (AEG). The isomer 2,4-DAB, like BMAA, has neurotoxic properties. While many studies have shown BMAA production by cyanobacteria, few studies have looked at other algal groups. Several studies have shown BMAA production by marine diatoms; however, there are no studies examining freshwater diatoms. This study aimed to determine if some freshwater diatoms produced BMAA, and which diatom taxa are capable of BMAA, 2,4-DAB and AEG production. Five axenic diatom cultures were established from river and lake sites across eastern Australia. Cultures were harvested during the stationary growth phase and intracellular amino acids were extracted. Using liquid chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), diatom extracts were analysed for the presence of both free and protein-associated BMAA, 2,4-DAB and AEG. Of the five diatom cultures analysed, four were found to have detectable BMAA and AEG, while 2,4-DAB was found in all cultures. These results show that BMAA production by diatoms is not confined to marine genera and that the prevalence of these non-protein amino acids in Australian freshwater environments cannot be solely attributed to cyanobacteria.
O IMPACTO DAS DROGAS NO MODO DE PRODUÇÃO CAPITALISTA: A IMPORTÂNCIA DA PREVENÇÃO SOBRE DROGAS PARA OS ADOLESCENTES
Authors: Siqueira Yasmin , Barcellos Warllon
Published: September 2019

Este artigo tem o objetivo promover uma reflexão acerca do modo de produção capitalista e a relação das drogas como gerador de lucro para o grande capital demonstrando seus fundamentos e a importância da prevenção às drogas que estão cada vez mais presente na sociedade bem como a sua relação com os adolescentes que são os principais alvos. O presente trabalho é resultado do Projeto de Extensão: “A UEMG FALA SOBRE DROGAS: uma abordagem com adolescentes da Rede de Ensino de Carangola - MG” onde foi realizado este estudo a partir de uma pesquisa bibliográfica com a finalidade de promover uma reflexão acerca do grande lucro do capital sobre as drogas e os adolescentes como principais atraídos na atualidade. A partir do estudo realizado foi percebido a importância de buscar estratégias que possibilitem uma formação de consciência crítica ao adolescente.
OBSERVÂNCIA DA LEI 12034/2009: AÇÕES AFIRMATIVAS PARA SUPERAR A SUB-REPRESENTAÇÃO FEMININA NA POLÍTICA
Authors: Sena Karoline Kellen
Published: September 2019

Este trabalho tem por objetivo verificar a efetividade da lei 12.034 de 2009 que versa, entre outros aspectos, sobre mecanismos institucionais para contribuir para a superação da sub-representação das mulheres na arena política. A metodologia empregada é a análise quantitativa de conteúdo, em que as seguintes dimensões serão observadas: preenchimento de 30% das vagas destinadas a candidaturas femininas, a reserva de 5% do Fundo Partidário para manutenção de programas que promovam participação política das mulheres, e possíveis sanções ao descumprimento das disposições dessa política. Acredita-se, dessa forma, que com a implementação dessa lei, os resultados sejam positivos no que se espera quanto ao aumento da presença das mulheres atuando em posições de liderança e representação nos cenários de deliberação e decisão brasileiros, fomentando a abertura do campo político às mulheres. A investigação incluiu os nove maiores partidos brasileiros em articulação às variáveis da pesquisa. Pode-se concluir que todos os partidos estudados respeitaram a medida adotada em 2009, porém isto não se mostrou, até o momento, suficiente para o aumento da representação feminina.
PERSPECTIVAS DA SUBJETIVAÇÃO DA RACIONALIDADE NEOLIBERAL
Authors: Tolentino Rafael Xavier
Published: September 2019

O presente trabalho trata-se de estudo exploratório que objetiva uma análise panorâmica dos aspectos históricos, sociais, políticos e éticos envolvidos com a racionalidade neoliberal, bem como seus impactos na subjetividade. Adotou-se como método a pesquisa bibliográfica, cujo percurso metodológico iniciou-se com a análise da obra de Dardot e Laval (2016), adotada como base estrutural a partir da qual são estabelecidos diálogos com os conceitos encontrados em Nunes (2017a e 2017b), Milanovic (2017a e 2017b), Damásio (2011) e Jonas (1995). A linha de fundo subjacente ao artigo compreende a visão da sociedade como uma instituição dotada de uma forma construída histórica e socialmente, na qual incidem forças internas e externas continuamente empenhadas em modificar (reformar) seu conteúdo, cujo equilíbrio determina a continuidade de sua existência ou a possibilidade de se deformar (ruptura social). Concluiu-se o trabalho com a exposição de alguns dos principais problemas relacionados à extrema capilaridade tomada pela racionalidade neoliberal nas mais diversas esferas da sociedade, bem como os direcionamentos apontados pelos autores ora referenciados rumo à construção de soluções.
GASTO PÚBLICO E PARTIDOS POLÍTICOS: UMA ANÁLISE DOS MUNICÍPIOS BRASILEIROS (2002-2015)
Authors: Linhares Maycon Rohen , Peixoto Vitor de Moraes
Published: September 2019

Este trabalho buscou analisar se há diferença entre os partidos políticos, tamanho do eleitorado e região geográfica no volume de recursos públicos municipais alocados no pagamento de Pessoal e Encargos Sociais e nas funções Administração, Assistência Social, Educação, Saúde e Urbanismo. Para isso foi utilizado o método de comparação de médias, que demonstrou diferenças significativas entre as regiões geográficas, o tamanho do eleitorado e os partidos políticos, no que se refere aos percentuais médios destinado a cada uma das cinco funções. Já o gasto com Pessoal e Encargos Sociais apresentou baixa variação entre os partidos políticos.
A REPRESENTAÇÃO POLÍTICA NA ANTROPOLOGIA DA POLÍTICA: UMA ANÁLISE DO CONCEITO
Authors: Bernardo Christian Oliveira
Published: September 2019

O trabalho em questão apresenta o desenvolvimento do conceito de representação política para a Antropologia. O conceito tem ampla abordagem na Ciência e Teoria Política; o que não acontece na Antropologia, ainda que apareça com frequência nas análises etnográficas da política. Tal temática surgiu da inquietação causada por leituras de etnografias da Antropologia da Política praticada em um levantamento bibliográfico para uma pesquisa vinculada ao Departamento de Ciências Sociais, da Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora. O nosso esforço será o de buscar os conceitos que aparecem em torno da representação política nos trabalhos antropológicos, compreendendo o lugar da representação na elaboração Antropológica da Política no último decênio do século XX e na primeira década do século XXI. Para isso, nos será necessário um traço de interdisciplinaridade, primeiro, entendendo o conceito na teoria e na Ciência Política para finalmente adentrarmos em trabalhos antropológicos. Perpassando pelo desenvolvimento do conceito em teóricos e cientistas políticos como Bernard Manin (1995) e Hanna Pitkin (1972). A partir disso será possível observar os trabalhos etnográficos como os de Karina Kuschnir (2000a; 2000b) e Marcos Otávio Bezerra (1999) que tratam sobre o tema ainda que indiretamente.
O AGRAVAMENTO DAS EXPRESSÕES DA QUESTÃO SOCIAL E O DESMONTE DAS POLÍTICAS NO CONTEXTO NEOLIBERAL.
Authors: Gonçalves Costa Megue Paula , Silva Faria Sales Luciene Aparecida , Barcellos Warllon Souza
Published: September 2019

O presente artigo resulta de pesquisa bibliográfica, que tem como objetivo analisar quais os fatores responsáveis pelo agravamento das expressões da questão social, apresentando conceitos e algumas definições necessárias para que se possa ser explicado esse processo ate o contexto atual, levando em consideração a exploração da força de trabalho, que expressa relação direta com o surgimento das desigualdades sociais existentes. A Questão Social é abordada não somente como desigualdade, mas também como rebeldia e lutas travadas pela classe trabalhadora, lutas estas que apesar de muitos desafios ainda tiveram papel fundamental no que diz respeito à consolidação de direitos mínimos para sua subsistência. Porém, já no contexto neoliberal se depara com retrocessos diante dessas conquistas, direitos os quais foram instituídos, passam a sofrer desmontes por parte do Estado.
Visita Guiada à Fábrica de Antiguidades: sociologia, turismo e autenticidade
Authors: Guerreiro Jorge André , Marques João Filipe
Published: September 2019

Autenticidade constitui uma das palavras mais utilizadas e um dos temas mais discutidos na Sociologia do Turismo nas últimas quatro décadas. Tendo sofrido várias mudanças de sentido, o termo acompanhou a evolução dos estudos sobre turismo – desde a abordagem funcionalista à construtivista, culminando na viragem pós-moderna e fenomenológica. Ainda assim, a autenticidade enquanto conceito científico nem sempre se tem revelado suficientemente heurístico para suportar a investigação no plano empírico, mercê das influências filosóficas que o termo ainda carrega e que parecem continuar bem presentes mesmo hoje em dia, contribuindo para a sua indefinição. Este artigo faz uma análise crítica da extensa literatura que aborda o tema da autenticidade no turismo, desde as suas origens até ao presente, terminando com algumas recomendações para as suas utilizações futuras.
Balkan Migration Crisis and its Impact on Tourism
Authors: Koščak Marko , O’Rourke Tony
Published: September 2019

This paper attempts to quantify, understand and analyse the effect of the migrant flows upon tourism destinations, considering the funnel theory, as a system, focusing on the beginning (inputs), through (throughput) and at the end of the funnel (outputs). Empirically, the research examines three key questions: 1. Importance of tourism economically to countries in the West Balkan Migrant Corridor; 2. Intensive nature of tourism for these countries; 3. Socio-economic consequences of the migrant flows. The crisis and its effects on tourism looks at a funnel that transmits migrants from the Aegean Sea through the West Balkans to North-West Europe. Importantly, the funnel crisis points are in Greece (beginning) and in Germany (end); the intermediate problem areas (Macedonia, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia) have been in the throughput of the migrants through the funnel. It must also take account of the security situation in Turkey as well as the difficulty of EU member states in assimilating migrants on the route. Based on the results of the research conducted to date, with the sectional sample data from 2014-2017, it is possible to affirm that the migration crisis in West Balkans countries and countries connected to the migrant corridor has impacted only marginally on tourism. However, This problem is socioeconomic yet deeply humanitarian; whilst unfortunate to reduce a deeply disturbing human issue, such an analysis of “people-flows through the funnel” allows an attempt to quantify, understand and analyse the effect of the migrant flows upon tourism destinations.
Ciclos de Crecimiento Económico y Tasa de Plusvalor en Economías Subnacionales Turistizadas: los casos de Baja California Sur y Quintana Roo (México)
Authors: Ángeles-Villa Manuel , Gámez-Vázquez Alba Eritrea , Escalera-Briceño Alejandro
Published: September 2019

En este trabajo se estudia el comportamiento del ciclo de crecimiento en el período de 1998 a 2013 en Baja California Sur y Quintana Roo, dos entidades mexicanas eminentemente turistizadas que representan los destinos internacionales de playa más relevantes del país. Las estadísticas de los censos económicos oficiales muestran la presencia de un ciclo de crecimiento con etapas expansivas en los períodos 2003 y 2008 (en BCS) y de 1998 a 2008 (en Q. Roo), así como una recuperación diferenciada. Con base en la teoría marxista de la explotación, se estiman las tasas de plusvalor en ambas economías destacando tanto su alto nivel como su acelerado crecimiento hasta 2013; asimismo, se ofrece una interpretación de la afectación económica en general y a las actividades relacionadas con el turismo por la crisis subprime.
Percepción Ciudadana Frente al Entorno Turístico de Los Cabos
Authors: Chávez Plácido Roberto Cruz , Mancilla Judith Juárez , Ceseña Francisco Isaías Ruíz
Published: September 2019

El destino turístico de Los Cabos, en Baja California Sur, es el segundo destino turístico de sol y playa más importante en México. Con un crecimiento poblacional mayor al 8% promedio anual. Entender las diferentes posturas y visiones de la localidad turística, como la empresarial, del visitante y de la ciudadanía es vital para sincronizar y alinear las necesidades y áreas de oportunidad. En esta ocasión, el presente trabajo pretende como objetivo identificar la percepción ciudadana frente al crecimiento del sector turístico en Los Cabos, por medio de instrumentos científicos de opinión. Entender la percepción de los ciudadanos frente a un sector económico en constante crecimiento y las oportunidades de mejorar como sociedad, es una oportunidad para realizar propuestas de política pública. Y es aquí la contribución de este trabajo, que se suma al resto de las investigaciones enfocadas a analizar al visitante y el sector empresarial. El trabajo se basa en la revisión del estado del arte de percepción ciudadana, de un análisis cuantitativo y cualitativo del sector, además de la aplicación de encuestas a la ciudadanía en Los Cabos. Los cuales analizaremos emiten resultados que dan luz a mejorar el entorno poblacional, sin demeritar el sector turístico de Los Cabos.