bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nanobiohybrid: A Favorite Candidate for Future Water Purification Technology
Authors: Das Rasel , Abd Hamid Sharifah Bee , Ali Md Eaqub
Published: December 2015

Clean and safe water crises have become one of the major global problems for decades. To address this issue, various water purification technologies have been adopted. Conventional water purification technologies are time consuming, expensive, and have low affinity and efficiency to newly emerging micropollutants in water. The paradigm might compel scientific community to spot light on the issue and develop novel technology for ensuring clean and safe water availability to all. Among the many promises of current water purification technologies, here we proposed a combination of nanomaterial (Carbon nanotube) and biomolecule (Enzyme) or simply “nanobiohybrid” catalyst, which can be a judicious choice for developing a novel water purification technology. In addition, the potentiality of this nanobiohybrid catalyst in both sensing and mitigating organic water pollutants has been highlighted. The technology is a perfect example of multi-scale development and covers most of the challenges of existing water purification technology. We hope this “one pot” combination route can tackle a diverse range of water contaminants in the near future.
Amine-Functionalized Silica Monolith as a Copper Ion Adsorbent
Authors: Buntem Radchada , Pramual Kewarin
Published: December 2015

Amine-functionalized silica monoliths were prepared by co-condensation between tetraethyl orthosilicate and N-[3-(trimethoxysilyl) propyl] ethylenediamine.The mixture between ethanol, H2O, tetraethyl orthosilicate, N-[3-(trimethoxysilyl) propyl] ethylenediamine and 1M HCl was stirred for 1 hour at room temperature to obtain a clear silica sol. 1.2 g of the sol was poured into plastic vial with the paraffin cover and left for 2 days for the polymerization process to obtain the gel. The disc-shape gel was dried in the oven at 50 °C for 10 hours. The silica monolith obtained was weighed and analyzed by IR spectroscopy and BET method. The disc-shape silica monoliths were further used for copper ion adsorption studies. The factors affecting the copper ion adsorption like pH, copper ion concentration and metal ion interference were studied. The pHs of CuCl2 aqueous solutions were varied from pH 2 to pH 6. While the Cu2+ concentrations under this study were 10-1, 10-2, 10-3, 10-4, 10-5 and 10-6 M. The cationic interferences used were Cd2+ and Ni2+. For the copper ion concentration, the higher the concentration results in the higher adsorption capacity. At the lower concentrations like 10-4, 10-5 and 10-6 M, a complete adsorption was obtained. The color of the Cu2+ - loaded monolith was changed to blue due to the complex between amino groups on the silica and the Cu2+ as evidenced by IR analysis. The monolith after adsorption was also analyzed by SEM/EDS. The inferences like Cd2+ and Ni2+ affect the Cu2+ adsorption at different degree. The desorption could be successfully performed by using 0.1 M HCl solution.
Studies on Copper Ion Adsorption Using Pectin/Functionalized-Silica Coated Cellulose
Authors: Buntem Radchada , Tanyalax Thitiwat
Published: December 2015

The pectin/functionalized silica coated filter paper (FILPSL2) was used for copper ion adsorption. Silica sol (1), prepared by mixing ethanol, water, TEOS and hydrochloric acid, was slowly added into pectin solution. A piece of filter paper (2 cm x 2 cm) was immersed in the silica-pectin solution for 1 hr. The coated filter paper was dried at room temperature and then oven-dried at 50 °C for 6 hrs to obtain FILPS. The silica sol (2) was subsequently prepared by mixing ethanol, water, N-[3-(Trimethoxysilyl) propyl] ethylenediamine (L2) and hydrochloric acid. The FILPS was immersed in silica sol (2) and the coated paper was oven-dried at 50 °C for 6 hrs to obtain FILPSL2. The SEM micrograph of uncoated Filter paper (FIL) and FILPSL2 showsa characteristic woven pattern. For copper ion adsorption, FILPSL2 was put into 0.1 M of CuCl2solution (pH 2, 25 °C). The color of the paper changes from off-white to intense blue within 5 min due to the complex between amino group of functionalized silica and Cu2+ as evidenced from IR spectroscopy.The equilibrium adsorption percentage and adsorption capacity were 27.10 and 5.5 x 10-3 respectively. The concentrations of copper ion solutions were varied to 10-2and 10-3M at this pH. The lower concentration of copper ion results in the higher adsorption percentage. While the lower concentration of copper ion results in the lower adsorption capacity. The adsorption was also experimented at pH 3.The similar trend was obtained. The optimum pH for adsorption for all concentrations was 2. The effect of interferences on the copper ion adsorption depends on the pH. At pH 2, Ni2+ has a stronger effect. While Cd2+ has a stronger effect at pH 3. The desorption was performed using 0.2 M CH3COOH solution. The complete desorption occurred within 30 min.
Fabrication and Characterization of TiO2 Nanotubes for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Timah Emmanuel Nyambod , Samran Buagun , Tipparach Udom
Published: December 2015

TiO2nanotubes were successfully synthesized by anodization method of Ti foils. The electrolyte was composed of ethylene glycol (EG), ammonium fluoride (0.3%wt NH4F) and de-ionized water (2% vol H2O). A constant DC power supply of 50 V was used during anodization with anodizing times of 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours and 6 hours. The samples were annealed at 450 °C for 2 hours. The TiO2nanotubes were studied by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Structural analysis revealed the presence of pure Ti, and the crystalline anatase phase due to transformation of amorphous TiO2after annealing. The morphology of TiO2nanotube sizes showed an increase in tube diameter with anodizing time from approximately 50 nm to 200 nm. However, the efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells increased with anodizing times up to a maximum of 5.74 % for anodizing time of 4 hours.
Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Pomegranate Peel Extract
Authors: Phongtongpasuk Siriporn , Poadang Sarinya
Published: December 2015

Silver nanoparticle (AgNP) is extensively used in the consumer products and in the medical applications due to its antibacterial property. In this study, AgNPs were synthesized by a simple green chemistry procedure using three difference pH values of pomegranate peel extract as reducing and stabilizing agent and silver nitrate (AgNO3) as a precursor. The formation of AgNPs was elucidated using various instrumentation techniques including UV-Vis, FTIR, XRD, EDX and TEM. UV-Vis spectra showed the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak in the range of 400-500 nm. Crytalline nature and fcc phase of AgNPs were revealed by XRD pattern. FTIR analysis provided the presence of phytochemicals responsible for the reduction and stabilization of AgNPs. TEM analysis demonstrated that size and morphology of the prepared AgNPs were in the nanoscale range of 5-45 nm with irregular spherical in shape. The existence of the elemental silver was observed from EDX analysis. Furthermore, AgNPs showed an effective antibacterial activity to Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.
Formation of Porous Silicon Nanostructures in NH4F/C3H8O3 Solution
Authors: Puridetvorakul Chanika , Boonpratum Chalongwut , Onreabroy Wandee , Jutarosaga Tula
Published: December 2015

Nanostructured porous silicon layer were successfully formed by an anodization method in viscous electrolyte containing glycerol and NH4F solution. P-type (100) silicon wafers were anodized with various anodizing times (1-8 h), NH4F concentrations (0.5-3 M) and applied voltages (10-30 V). The current density characteristic during anodizing and the morphology of porous silicon were measured using data acquisition loggers and field emission electron microscope (FE-SEM), respectively. The anodized surface produced high surface roughness and showed two types of porous structures consisting of macropores (macro-PSi) and mesopores (meso-PSi). The meso-Psi located in the macro-PSi structures. The size of macro-PSi increased with the increase of anodization time, the decrease of NH4F concentration and the decrease of applied voltage. The average diameter and depth of macro-PSi varied from 0.34 to 1.40 μm and 54 to 446 nm, respectively. For the meso-PSi, this method can produce an average diameter and thickness of mesopores in the range of 19-33 nm and 52-157 nm, respectively.
Studies on the Oxidation States of Copper Ion in Blue Silicate Glass Prepared from Rice Husk
Authors: Buntem Radchada , Treechairusme Kamchai , Samkongngam Kamolwan
Published: December 2015

The silicate glass was prepared using rice husk as the source of silica. The base composition of glass sample was 46SiO2 (from rice husk ash)-19Na2CO3-18H3BO3-13ZnO-3CaO-0.9Al2O3-0.2Sb2O3 mol %. Doping with copper oxide yielded the colored silicate glass. The expansion coefficients of the copper doped glass was 10.76 x 10-6 K-1. The finger prints of the bond vibrations were studied using IR spectroscopy. While the oxidation state and the coordination information of the copper ion in the glass matrix were investigated using X-ray absorption spectroscopy. From the data, Cu+ and Cu2+ exist in the glass matrix.
Growth and Characterizations of Indium-Doped Pentacene Thinfilm Prepared by Thermal Co-Evaporation as a Novel Nanomaterial
Authors: Kayunkid Navaphun , Chanhom Annop , Saributr Chaloempol , Rangkasikorn Adirek , Nukeaw Jiti
Published: December 2015

This research is related to growth and characterizations of indium-doped pentacene thin films as a novel hybrid material. Doped films were prepared by thermal co-evaporation under high vacuum. The doping concentration was varied from 0% to 50% by controlling the different deposition rate between these two materials while the total thickness was fixed at 100 nm. The hybrid thin films were characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and UV-Visible spectroscopy to reveal the physical and optical properties. Moreover, the electrical properties of ITO/indium-doped-pentacene/Al devices i.e. charge mobility and carrier concentration were determined by considering the relationship between current-voltage and capacitance-voltage. AFM results identify that doping of indium into pentacene has an effect on surface properties of doped films i.e. the increase of surface grain size. XRD results indicate that doping of metal into pentacene has an effect on preferential orientation of pentacene’s crystalline domains. UV-Vis spectroscopy results show evolution of absorbance at photon energy higher than 2.7 eV corresponding to absorption from oxide of indium formed in the films. Electrical measurements exhibit higher conductivity in doped films resulting from increment of both charge carrier mobility and carrier concentration. Furthermore, chemical interactions taken place inside the doped films were investigated by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) in order to complete the remaining questions i.e. how do indium atoms interact with the neighbor molecules?, what is the origin of the absorption at E > 2.7 eV? Further results and discussions will be presented in the publication.
Biosynthesis of Gold Nanoparticles with Serratia marcescens Bacteria
Authors: Dozie-Nwachukwu S.O. , Obayemi J.D. , Danyo Y. , Etuk-Udo G. , Anuku N. , Odusanya O.S. , Malatesta Karen , Chi C. , Soboyejo W.O.
Published: December 2015

This paper presents the biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles from the bacteria, Serratia marcescens.The intra-and extra-cellular synthesis of gold nanoparticles is shown to occur over a range of pH and incubation times in cell-free exracts and biomass ofserratia marcescensthat were reacted with 2.5mM Tetrachloroauric acid (HAuCl4). The formation of gold nanoparticles was identified initially via color changes from yellow auro-chloride to shades of red or purple in gold nanoparticle solutions. UV-Visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Helium Ion Microscopy (HIM) and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) were also used to characterize gold nanoparticles produced within a range of pH conditions. The results show clearly that the production of gold nanoparticles from cell-free extracts require shorter times than the production of gold nanoparticles from the biomass.
Effects of Pre-Treatment on Lignocellulosic Butanol as a Bio-Fuel Produced from Bamboo Using Clostridium acetobutylicum
Authors: Kolawole F.O. , Rees A.M. , Etuk-Udo G.A. , Odusunya Shola , Soboyejo W.O.
Published: December 2015

Conversion of lignocellulosic biomass from bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris) to butanol is an important alternative energy source. In this work, bamboo was used as biomass feedstock for the production of butanol by the fermentation of sugars. Mechanical grinding was carried out, followed by pre-treatment with dilute sulfuric acid concentration of 0.5 and 1.0 (%v/v). This was done at temperatures of 25, 110, 120, 150 and 200°C at time intervals of 2 and 4 hours. Pre-hydrolysate was later analyzed for total sugars by the use of UV-Visible Spectrophotometer. For the conditions considered, the maximum glucose yields were obtained at 200°C. The yields after pre-treatment were 244.80 mg/g, at pre-treatment conditions of 200°C and acid concentrations of 1% for 4 hours. Water insoluble solids obtained were subsequently hydrolysed with Celluclast (Trichoderma reesi) and β-glucosidase (Novozyme 188) for 72 hrs. Bacteria (Clostridium acetobutylicum) were then used to ferment the solubilized sugar into butanol. Raman spectroscopy was used to determine the butanol yield. Optical Microscope images of bamboo samples were obtained at various stages of pre-treatment and enzymatic hydrolysis. These revealed the morphological changes that occur in the cellular structure of the bamboo during exposure to acid and enzymatic hydrolysis. The results show that, increasing temperature, time and acid concentration are associated with higher total sugar yields and cellulose conversion rates. 10.4mg/mL of butanol was produced in sample treated at 1% H2SO4 for 110°C.
Failure Mechanisms in Pipeline Epoxy Coatings
Authors: Odette Ngasoh Fayen , Soboyejo Wole
Published: December 2015

This paper presents the result of an experimental study of the corrosion behavior of epoxy-coated steel specimens. The spray-coated X65 steel samples were immersed in HCL solutions with varying pH levels. The effects of water adsorption and corrosion were studied via weight gain measurements and microscopic studies. The initial adsorption of fluid resulted in increasing weight gain prior to the weight loss that followed the onset of film delamination/debonding. The underlying mechanisms of corrosion are also elucidated for the steel substrate at different stages of exposure. The delamination is modeled using fracture mechanics concepts and discussing the implication of the current work for robust pipeline design.
Single Cell Deformation and Detachment Models of Shear Assay Measurements
Authors: Ani C.J. , Danyuo Y. , Odunsoya S. , Malatesta Karen , Soboyejo W.O.
Published: December 2015

This paper presents concepts for the modeling of cell deformation and cell detachment from biocompatible biomedical materials. A combination of fluid mechanics and fracture mechanics concepts is used to model the detachment of cells under shear assay conditions. The analytical and computational models are validated by shear assay experiments in which human-osteo-sarcoma (HOS) cell are detached from surfaces that are relevant to bio-micro-electro-mechanical systems (BioMEMS), bio-microelectronics and orthopaedic/dental implants. The experiments revealed that cell detachment occurs from patches in which of α/β integrins are separated from the extracellular matrix that is left on the substrate. The stress/strain distribution and energy release rates associated with the observed detachments are also computed using elastic cell deformation, fluid/structure interactions and linear fracture mechanics (LEFM) model. The simulations reveal show that cancer cells generally experience higher levels of deformation than normal cells. The simulations also revealed that the cell-extracellular matrix interface was prone to cell detachment (interfacial failure), as observed in the shear assay experiments. The critical energy release rates for normal cell detachment were also found to be greater than those required for the detachment of cancer cells. The implications of the results are discussed for the design of biomedical implants and their interfaces.
Primary Vaginal Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: Report of a Rare Clinical Entity
Authors: Silva Vera , Correia Paulo , Oliveira Nuno , Sá Luís
Published: December 2015

A 52-year-old woman was referred to the gynecology outpatient clinic with a 2 months history of vaginal bleeding with intercourse, and no other symptoms. Vaginal examination revealed a firm, non-tender, mass in the posterior vaginal wall. The initial clinical impression was that of a vaginal carcinoma and a biopsy under local anesthesia was performed, but the result was inconclusive. A deeper biopsy, under general anesthesia, was performed and a histological diagnosis of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma was done. The staging workup permitted to exclude any other site of the body affected by the malignancy. Hematologists reviewed the patient and recommended chemotherapy. A complete tumor regression was observed and the patient has now a disease-free survival of 72 months. This case report intends to create awareness of this rare clinical entity. Although the gynecologist will rarely be faced to extranodal lymphoma, it should be included in the differential diagnosis of gynecologic malignancies.
Type D personality impairs Quality of Life, coping and short-term psychological outcome in patients attending an outpatient intensive program of cardiac rehabilitation
Authors: Sogaro Elena , Schininà Francesca , Burgisser Costanza , Orso Francesco , Pallante Rachele , Aloi Teresa , Vanni Duccio , Pazzagli Adolfo , Fattirolli Francesco
Published: December 2015

Background: Type D personality represents a risk factor for adverse outcome and impaired Quality of Life (QoL) in CHD patients. Only few studies investigated Type D patients following cardiac rehabilitation (CR). No study investigated Type D personality in Italian patients attending a CR program of 4 weeks. The aims of the study were a) to verify the presence of Type D personality among patients attending an Italian CR program; b) to investigate psychological health status, QoL and coping style of CR patients and c) to test the influence of Type D personality on CR patients outcome. Methods: Data from 59 patients attending an outpatient intensive program of 4 weeks of CR were collected at admission, and 1 month after discharge, using a set of self-report questionnaires. Variables were measured using CBAH, DS-14, Q-LES-Q and Brief COPE Scale. Results: The percentage of Type D personality found in the study sample was 39%. At admission Type D patients showed a significant lower level of psychological health status and QoL satisfaction compared to non Type D patients (p<0.05). After CR a significant percentage of Type D patients, despite an overall improvement, continued to show a clinically relevant psychological impairment in terms of anxiety (p=0.003), depressive mood (p=0.001), impairment in psychophysical well-being (p=0.002), perceived psychophysical stress (p=0.002), interpersonal difficulties (p<0.001), and social anxiety (p=0.045). Type D personality was also found to be associated with a significant greater use of maladaptive coping strategies (p<0.05). Conclusions: Type D personality played a significant clinically relevant role on psychological health outcome in CR. Type D personality patients reported a significant higher level of psychological impairment, in terms of anxiety, depressive mood, impairment in psychophysical wellbeing, perceived psychophysical stress, interpersonal difficulties, social anxiety, and a significant lower QoL, prior and after CR. Type D personality seemed also to be associated with maladaptive coping strategies. Importance of assessment for Type D personality is warranted in CR setting, as additional interventions seem required to enhance the outcome of these patients defined in letterature at high-risk.
Shield to Selwyn Basin activity (Mackenzie Project, GEM). Report for 2015. Updates on Devonian stratigraphic study of Mackenzie River Corridor
Authors: Kabanov P
Published: December 2015

The Devonian of the Mackenzie Project area is a thick (locally over 1 km) stratal package composed of carbonates, evaporites, and siliciclastics, recording the evolution of depositional environments from the passive-margin carbonate platform through the
sediment-starved epiplatform anoxic basin to the foreland basin. The activity focuses on the economically prospective Lower Devonian Peel, Arnica, Landry, and Bear Rock / Fort Norman formations dominated by shallow-water carbonates and the Middle-Upper Devonian Horn River Group (Hare Indian,
Ramparts, and Canol formations) dominated by kerogen-rich shales. New materials include 1847 m of measured cores, about 200 m of measured outcrop sections, chemostratigraphic data with ICP-MS/ES, Rock-Eval VI pyrolysis/combustion, XRD, and d13C-d18O of carbonates. Multi-tool logging of best
stratigraphic sections allows for refinements in lithostratigraphic (sequence stratigraphic) framework, which is underway.
Internet of Things Enabled In-Home Health Monitoring System Using Early Warning Score
Authors: Anzanpour Arman , Rahmani Amir-Mohammad , Liljeberg Pasi , Tenhunen Hannu
Published: December 2015

Early warning score (EWS) is an approach to detect the deterioration of a patient. It is based on a fact that there are several changes in the physiological parameters prior a clinical deterioration of a patient. Currently, EWS procedure is mostly used for in-hospital clinical cases and is performed in a manual paper-based fashion. In this paper, we propose an automated EWS health monitoring system to intelligently monitor vital signs and prevent health deterioration for in-home patients using Internet-of-Things (IoT) technologies. IoT enables our solution to provide a real-time 24/7 service for health professionals to remotely monitor in-home patients via Internet and receive notifications in case of emergency. We also demonstrate a proof-of-concept EWS system where continuous reading, transferring, recording, and processing of vital signs have been implemented.
Logarithmic Discrete Wavelet Transform for Medical Image Compression with Diagnostic Quality
Authors: IBRAHEEM Mohammed , Hachicha Khalil , Ahmed Syed , Hochberg Sylvain , Garda Patrick
Published: December 2015

This paper presents a novel study of logarithmic discrete wavelet transform (DWT) for medical image compression. It proposes a new technique to compute the DWT using the logarithmic number system (LNS) instead of floating point arithmetic. It investigates its impact on the image quality which is an essential factor for medical images to avoid any misdiagnose. The paper presents detailed experimental results for three medical images modalities: CT, MRI and X-Ray. The results show that the LNS approach gives a significant improvement in the image quality measured with the structural similarity index (SSIM).
Introducing Neuroberry, a platform for pervasive EEG signaling in the IoT domain
Authors: Konstantinidis Evdokimos , Conci Nicola , Bamparopoulos Giorgos , Sidiropoulos Efstathios , De Natale Francesco , Bamidis Panagiotis
Published: December 2015

The emergence of inexpensive off-the-shelf wireless EEG devices led researchers to explore novel paradigms in the field of Human Computer Interaction. In fact, the compliance of these devices with the IoT principles towards pervasive EEG signaling in smart home environments enables new models of interaction and a different perspective from traditional affective computing. In this paper, the implementation of wireless EEG (Emotiv EPOC and Mindawave) IoT connectivity of real time raw signals, through IoT hardware devices and through the Raspberry Pi 2, is presented.
Parkinson’s disease as a Working Model for Global Healthcare Restructuration: The Internet of Things and Wearables Technologies
Authors: Pasluosta Cristian , Gassner Heiko , Winkler Juergen , Klucken Jochen , Eskofier Bjoern
Published: December 2015

With the rapid growth and increased life expectancy of the world’s population, the prevalence of chronic disorders such as Parkinson’s disease (PD) is also increasing. This challenges the current healthcare system in terms of cost and resources reallocation. An emerging approach facilitated by a new technological platform, called the Internet of Things, and the introduction of wearable devices for medical applications is a potential solution to this problem. Miniaturized and low-cost sensor units are placed close to the patients’ body to unobtrusively collect information about their health status. This information is distributed through a smart Internet grid, creating an efficient structure that reduces costs and maximizes the resources. Patient engagement plays a key role in this healthcare restructuration. Here, we discuss the state-of-the-art of this technological revolution with emphasis in Parkinson’s disease. As an example for the application of this platform to PD, we present a potential approach to assess an important symptom- namely postural instability- using wearable sensor technology.
Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging Might Complement Two-Dimensional Echocardiography in the Detection of a Reversible Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Madanieh Raef , Mathew Shawn , Shah Pratik , Vatti Satya K. , Madanieh Abed , Kosmas Constantine E. , Vittorio Timothy J.
Published: December 2015

We report a case of reversible nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy in a male in his 60s who presented with an acute heart failure syndrome. Both conventional two-dimensional echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) demonstrated severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction; however, both modalities were devoid of significant valvular heart disease as well as the presence of fibrosis, infiltration, inflammation, and scar. After six months of aggressive neurohumoral modulation, there was complete reverse remodeling and normalization of left ventricular function, which highlights the role of cMRI as an adjunct to two-dimensional echocardiography in the detection of a potentially reversible nonischemic cardiomyopathy.
Cryptorchidism and Fertility
Authors: Fawzy Fatma , Hussein Amr , Eid Mostafa Mahmoud , Kashash Ahmed Mahmoud El , Salem Hosni Khairy
Published: December 2015

Cryptorchidism, the failure of one or both testes to descend into the scrotum prenatally, occurs in 2.4%-5% of newborns. Many of these testes will descend spontaneously shortly after birth, but ~23% will remain undescended unless surgery is performed. Bilaterally cryptorchid men have a six times greater risk of being infertile when compared with unilaterally cryptorchid men and the general male population. Approximately 10% of infertile men have a history of cryptorchidism and orchidopexy. The main reasons for infertility in men with a history of cryptorchidism treated by orchidopexy are maldevelopment of the testes and an improper environment for the normal development of the testes, hyperthermia, and antisperm antibodies.
Expansión urbana del Área Metropolitana de Valencia en el periodo 1984-2011 a partir de imágenes Landsat TM y ETM+
Authors: Fernández-Gimeno L. , López-García M. J.
Published: December 2015

La expansión urbana acelerada producida en décadas recientes en las grandes áreas metropolitanas como Valencia conlleva importantes impactos ambientales, entre ellos la impermeabilización o “sellado antropogénico” del suelo y la pérdida de espacios naturales de gran valor paisajístico. Este trabajo analiza la evolución de la cobertura artificial en el Área Metropolitana de Valencia (AMV) en el periodo 1984-2011 a partir de imágenes Landsat TM y ETM+, validadas a partir de datos SIOSE de mayor resolución espacial. Los resultados muestran, con una precisión del 71%, un aumento de la superficie artificial en el AMV de 8000 ha en dicho periodo, lo que supone un incremento del 10% del suelo sellado que representa globalmente el 34% del AMV.
Consejo de redacción, editorial, información autores
Authors: RAET Revista de Teledetección
Published: December 2015

Información sobre los créditos, índice y editorial del Nº 44 de Revista de Teledetección [RAET]
Response to Perceptual Novelty in Tortoises-A Preliminary Study
Authors: Chrzanowska Anna , Modlinska Klaudia , Stryjek Rafal , Pisula Wojciech
Published: December 2015

The ways of responding to novelty have not yet been thoroughly and comprehensively researched in reptiles, and studies undertaken so far have been conducted mainly on laboratory rats. The purpose of this paper is to present results of research carried out on the land tortoises Testudo hermanni and Agrionemys horsfieldii. Current research on tortoises as study subjects indicates that while undertaking environmental exploration these animals rely, to a large extent, on their sight, which is why this study employed visual stimuli to measure the tortoises’ response to novelty. In the course of the experiment, three objects were presented: the first imitated a biologically significant stimulus, the second was biologically indifferent, while the third was variable, and therefore perceived by the animals as novel. The results obtained suggest that the biologically significant and the variable objects elicited a response which involved the animals’ looking more intently at those objects than at the biologically indifferent object. It may be concluded, therefore, that tortoises have demonstrated exploratory responses which varied according to the object presented. While this study was only preliminary, the results obtained substantiate the view that tortoises may be interesting study subjects in comparative psychology.
Predictive Modeling of Risk Factors and Complications of Cataract Surgery
Authors: Gaskin Gregory L. , Pershing Suzann , Cole Tyler S. , Shah Nigam H.
Published: December 2015

Purpose

Cataract surgery is generally safe; however, severe complications exist. Preexisting conditions are known to predispose patients to intraoperative and postoperative complications. This study quantifies the relationship between aggregated preoperative risk factors and cataract surgery complications, and builds a model predicting outcomes on an individual level, given a constellation of patient characteristics.

Methods

This study utilized a retrospective cohort of patients age 40 years or older who received cataract surgery. Risk factors, complications, and demographic information were extracted from the Electronic Health Record based on International Classification of Diseases, 9th edition codes, Current Procedural Terminology codes, drug prescription information, and text data mining. We used a bootstrapped least absolute shrinkage and selection operator model to identify highly associated variables. We built random forest classifiers for each complication to create predictive models.

Results

Our data corroborated existing literature, including the association of intraoperative complications, complex cataract surgery, black race, and/or prior eye surgery with increased risk of any postoperative complications. We also found other, less well-described risk factors, including diabetes mellitus, young age (<60 years), and hyperopia, as risk factors for complex cataract surgery and intraoperative and postoperative complications. Our predictive models outperformed existing published models.

Conclusions:

The aggregated risk factors and complications described here can guide new avenues of research and provide specific, personalized risk assessment for a patient considering cataract surgery. Furthermore, the predictive capacity of our models can enable risk stratification of patients, which has utility as a teaching tool as well as informing quality/value-based reimbursements.
Diabetic Retinopathy Screening: The First Telemedical Approach in an Italian Hospital
Authors: Invernizzi Alessandro , Bevilacqua Maurizio T. , Cozzi Mariano , Bianchi Carlo , Pagani Alessandro , Cigada Mario , Staurenghi Giovanni
Published: December 2015

Purpose

To assess the feasibility of a telemedical approach for diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening in the Italian population and to evaluate advantages/disadvantages in comparison to standard slit-lamp funduscopic examination (SFE).

Methods

This 1-year, Italian, single-center, observational study evaluated semiautomatic fundus photography (FP) DR screening, performed during routine type 2 diabetes (T2D) systemic visits and examined remotely. Adults with T2D underwent SFE and 3-field FP. The study was divided into 2 stages (stage 1 validated the screening procedure, stage 2 evaluated the screening impact on the clinical practice). Annual costs of SFE ± FP screening were compared. Patients completed a DR screening questionnaire.

Results

Of 1,281 T2D patients enrolled, 61% were male (mean age 65.69 ± 12.64 years). In stage 1, 71% and 15% of patients were considered nongradable when FP was performed before (BPD) versus after pupil dilation (APD). The FP specificity was higher with APD vs BPD (79% vs 25%); therefore, FP APD only was used for stage 2. Of 1,281 patients screened using FP APD, 240 (18.7%) had unreadable images; 64.3% did not have DR, and 17.0% were diagnosed with DR. There was a cost saving of €801.25 when screening was performed using FP. Overall, 98% of patients had a positive opinion of FP screening.

Conclusions

The telemedicine approach provides a convenient, simple test that is well-received by patients and minimizes unnecessary referrals. Telemedicine may also reduce screening costs in our setting.
Opportunistic Detection of Glaucomatous Optic Discs within a Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Service
Authors: Treacy Maxwell P. , O'Neill Evelyn C. , Murphy Melissa , O'Toole Louise , Delaney Yvonne , O'Brien Colm , Connell Paul P.
Published: December 2015

Purpose

To determine the prevalence of glaucoma among patients referred to a glaucoma service with suspicious disc photographs from the diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening program.

Methods

A clinical audit of all patients attending a single-center DR screening program in the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, between July 2010 and October 2011 was conducted with a minimum follow-up of 30 months. The DR screening service uses trained technician graders to assess 2-field color retinal photographs for the features of DR. Recently, the service was enhanced so that optic discs are also assessed for signs of glaucoma.

Results

In the 16-month study period, 3,697 diabetic patients were photographed. Following photograph grading, 91 (2.46%) were judged to require referral for assessment at the glaucoma clinic. Of these, 63 (69.23%) presented for assessment. Thirteen patients (20.63%) were diagnosed with glaucoma, comprising 7 cases of low-tension glaucoma and 6 cases of primary open-angle glaucoma. Thirty-six patients (57.14%) were classified as glaucoma suspects and 14 patients (22.22%) were discharged back to the DR screening program following normal ocular examination. Only 6 (9.52%) of the 63 patients examined had an intraocular pressure greater than 21 mm Hg.

Conclusions

The assessment of DR screening photographs for signs of glaucomatous optic nerve damage should be considered as part of a strategy to improve glaucoma case detection and to reduce the burden of this disease on society.
Use of an Anatomic Long-Stemmed Component in Femoral Impaction Grafting
Authors: Westerman Richard W. , Timperley Andrew J.
Published: December 2015

We describe a challenging femoral revision for aseptic loosening in a relatively young and active man. The femur had gross osteolysis, an absent calcar and a cortical diaphyseal defect at the level of the isthmus (Paprosky 3b defect).

The cortical defects were repaired and the whole femur then restored with Femoral Impaction Grafting (FIG) using custom-made impaction instruments and an anatomic shaped collarless, polished, tapered femoral component.

In the active adult, bone restoring revision techniques such as impaction grafting should be considered to give a realistic prospect of host bone augmentation rather than simply aiming for a distally fixed stem in a patulous femoral canal.
Gene Expression Profiling of Prostate Cancer–Associated Genes Identifies Fibromodulin as Potential Novel Biomarker for Prostate Cancer
Authors: Bettin Alfonso , Reyes Ismael , Reyes Niradiz
Published: December 2015

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the gene expression profiles of a set of prostate cancer–associated genes in prostate cancer cell lines, to determine their association with different cancer phenotypes and identify potential novel biomarkers for this disease.

Methods

Quantitative real-time PCR was used to determine the expression profiles of 21 prostate cancer–associated genes in the human prostate cancer cell lines PC-3 and LNCaP, using the nontumorigenic cell line PWR-1E as control cell line. Genes evaluated were ESM-1, SERPINE2, CLU, BGN, A2M, PENK, FMOD, CD81, DCN, TSPAN8, KBTBD10, F2RL1, TMSB4X, SNCG, CXXC5, FOXQ1, PDPN, SPN, CAV1, CD24 and KLK3. A potential biomarker from this set of genes, the FMOD gene, encoding the small leucine-rich proteoglycan fibromodulin, was selected for further evaluation in clinical samples from patients diagnosed with benign or malignant prostatic disease.

Results

Several of the evaluated genes showed significantly altered expression in the prostate cancer cell lines, compared with nontumorigenic PWR-1E cells. Further evaluation of FMOD transcript in prostate clinical samples from patients diagnosed with benign or malignant prostatic disease identified a significant difference in the expression levels of this proteoglycan between benign and malignant tissue (p<0.05).

Conclusions

A number of gene transcripts were differentially expressed by the cell lines assayed. Among them, FMOD was further evaluated in clinical samples and was found to be differentially expressed between benign and prostate cancer tissue. Further validation of FMOD transcript in a larger population is required to ascertain its usefulness as biomarker for prostate cancer.
Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection in Prostate Cancer: Indications, Extent and Tailored Approaches
Authors: Bianchi Lorenzo , Gandaglia Giorgio , Fossati Nicola , Suardi Nazareno , Moschini Marco , Cucchiara Vito , Bianchi Marco , Damiano Rocco , Schiavina Riccardo , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Montorsi Francesco , Briganti Alberto
Published: December 2015

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to review the current literature concerning the indication of pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND), its extent and complications in prostate cancer (PCa) staging, the available tools, and the future perspectives to assess the risk of lymph node invasion (LNI).

Methods

A literature review was performed using the Medline, Embase, and Web of Science databases. The search strategy included the terms pelvic lymph nodes, PLND, radical prostatectomy, prostate cancer, lymph node invasion, biochemical recurrence, staging, sentinel lymph node dissection, imaging, and molecular markers.

Results

PLND currently represents the gold standard for nodal staging in PCa patients. Available imaging techniques are characterized by poor accuracy in the prediction of LNI before surgery. On the contrary, an extended PLND (ePLND) would result into proper staging in the majority of the cases. Several models based on pre-operative disease characteristics are available to assess the risk of LNI. Although ePLND is not associated with a substantial risk of severe complications, up to 10% of the men undergoing this procedure experience lymphoceles. Concerns over potential morbidity of ePLND led many authors to investigate the role of sentinel lymph node dissection in order to prevent unnecessary ePLND. Finally, the incorporation of novel biomarkers in currently available tools would improve our ability to identify men who should receive an ePLND.

Conclusions

Nowadays, the most informative tools predicting LNI in PCa patients consist in pre-operative clinical nomograms. Sentinel lymph node dissection still remains experimental and novel biomarkers are needed to identify patients at a higher risk of LNI.
Should she be granted asylum? Examining the justifiability of the persecution criterion and nexus clause in asylum law
Authors: Nogradi Noa Wirth
Published: December 2015

The current international asylum regime recognizes only persecuted persons as rightful asylum applicants. The Geneva Convention and Protocol enumerate specific grounds upon which persecution is recognized. Claimants who cannot demonstrate a real risk of persecution based on one of the recognized grounds are unlikely to be granted asylum. This paper aims to relate real-world practices to normative theories, asking whether the Convention’s restricted preference towards persecuted persons is normatively justified. I intend to show that the justifications of the persecution criterion also apply to grounds currently lacking recognition. My main concern will be persecution on the grounds of gender.The first section introduces the dominant standpoints in theories of asylum, which give different answers to the question of who should be granted asylum, based on different normative considerations. Humanitarian theories base their claims on the factual neediness of asylum-seekers, holding that whoever is in grave danger of harm or deprivation should be granted asylum. Political theories base their justifications on conceptions of legitimacy and membership, holding that whoever has been denied membership in their original state should be granted asylum. Under political theories, Matthew Price’s theory will be discussed, which provides a normative justification of the currently recognized persecution criterion. The second section provides a descriptive definition of persecution based on Kuosmanen (2014), and evaluates the normative relevance of the different elements of this definition based on the theories presented previously. The third section is devoted to the examination of the normative justifiability of the nexus clause’s exclusive list of the bases (grounds) upon which persons might be persecuted. The section argues that while the clause does not recognize that persecution might be based on gender, in fact many women experience harms based on gender that fulfil all the normatively relevant definitive conditions constituting persecution. The conclusion shows that although the current law’s preferences towards the persecuted are justifiable, the nexus clause’s limiting enumeration of grounds is not. This applies especially to the exclusion of gender as grounds for granting asylum.Article first published online: 21 DEC 2015
Climate change denial, freedom of speech and global justice
Authors: Lavik Trygve
Published: December 2015

In this paper I claim that there are moral reasons for making climate denialism illegal . First I define climate denialism, and then I discuss its impact on society and its reception in the media.  I build my philosophical arguments mainly on John Stuart Mill and Thomas M. Scanlon.  According to Mill’s utilitarian justification of free speech, even untrue opinions are valuable in society’s pursuit of more truth. Consequently one might think that Mill’s philosophy would justify climate denialists’ right to free speech.  A major section of the paper argues against that view. The main arguments are: Climate denialism is not beneficial because its main goal is to produce doubt, and not truth. Climate denialism is not sincerely meant, which is a necessary condition for Mill to accept utterances. Climate denialists bring harm, by blocking necessary action on climate change.  Primarily they harm future generations and people in developing countries. Hence the case can be made in terms of global justice: Would future generations and people in developing countries support my claim? I think so, or so I argue. My argument from global justice is built on Scanlon’s distinction between the interests of participants, the interests of audiences, and the interests of bystanders.  The climate denialists have participant interests ‘in being able to call something to the attention of a wide audience’. Audience interests consist in ‘having access to expressions that we wish to hear or read, and even in being exposed to some degree to expressions we have not chosen’. Future generations and people in poor countries are bystanders to the climate debate. If the debate postpones necessary actions, it is the bystanders who must pay the price. I argue that bystanders’ costs outweigh participants’ and audiences’ interests, and that this is an argument for a statutory ban on climate denialism.Article first published online: 21 DEC 2015
Consideraciones a propósito del interdicto de recobrar por despojo judicial: El caso en que el predio lanzado pertenece a otra persona
Authors: Torres Manrique Jorge Isaac
Published: December 2015

En la presente entrega, el autor aborda un tema relacionado a la efectivizacíón de la restitución judicial del derecho de posesión, a través del interdicto de recobrar, con la particularidad, que es interpuesto, en razón a que el predio lanzado es correspondiente a otra persona.Innovare. Vol. 4, Núm. 1 (2015) 70 - 86
Investigation of the Influence of Perceived Quality, Price and Risk on Perceived Product Value for Mobile Consumers
Authors: Piri Zeinab , Lotfizadeh Fereshteh
Published: December 2015

This article aims to investigating the effects of perceived quality, risk and relative price on the perceived value and purchase intentions of mobile phones. The population comprises 293 persons of Business Administration MA students from the Islamic Azad University of Zanjan.

The questionnaires were validated using face validity. In addition, the reliability was calculated using Cronbach Alpha, Split-half and Test- re-test. To analyze the data, with SPSS and LISREL software, Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analyses (to identify the effective factors) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) (to test the hypotheses) were calculated

The findings indicate that perceived value does not influence purchase intentions. Perceived quality, perceived relative price and perceived risk do not influence purchase intentions through perceived value. Perceived risk, perceived quality and relative price all influence perceived value. Relative price influences perceived product quality and the latter, in turn, affects perceived risk. The results of the study show that it is essential to develop an understanding of value in the purchasing process. Moreover, the risk should be reduced to a minimum. 
Genocide in Light of the Principles and Rules of International Law
Authors: Horand Mohamad Badrnajad , Pourghahramani Babak
Published: December 2015

In Article 2 (4) of the UN Charter has agreed that members of the United Nations must not intervene in internal affairs of another country, and sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries must be respected. Now in Syria, ISIL terrorist group is committed crimes against Shiites with the involvement of Western and Arabic countries, most of which are permanent members of the Security Council. Crimes that deprive peace, security and the right to life, causing disruption to international and regional peace and security must be prosecuted not to witness the occurrence of such crimes. Killings committed by terrorist groups against Shiites in Syria are genocide under Article 6 of the Statute of the International Criminal Court and lack of attention to crimes committed by terrorist groups in international institutions such as the International Criminal Court continues to bring chaos for the international community and are the unpleasant results resulting from weakness of courts and international organizations including the UN Security Council.