bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blind manuscript submission to reduce rejection bias
Authors: Moustafa Khaled
Published: July 2018

High percentages of submitted papers are rejected at editorial levels without offering a second chance to authors by sending their papers for further peer-reviews. In most cases, the rejections are typical quick answers without helpful argumentation related to the content of the rejected material. More surprisingly, some journals vaunt their high rejection rates as a ‘‘mark of prestige’’!
Open access, open business, closed fairness!
Authors: Moustafa Khaled
Published: July 2018

A strong trend to move from print to online publication is largely perceived in scientific and nonscientific fields. A growing number of publishers increasingly opt for online publication as an option or a compulsory alternative. From readers' perspective, this is a highly appreciated facility, but from the author's, things are different mainly because of excessive article processing charges (APC) that make the open access system sometimes as a hindrance for many authors but a lucrative enterprise for many shareholders, enticing the most traditional and conservative publishers.
Ships as future floating farm systems
Authors: Moustafa Khaled
Published: July 2018

Environmental and agriculture challenges such as severe drought, desertification, sprawling cities and shrinking arable lands in large regions in the world compel us to think about alternative and sustainable farming systems. Ongoing projects to build floating cities in the sea suggest that building specific ships for farming purposes (as farming ships or farming boats) would also be attainable to introduce new farming surfaces and boost food production worldwide to cope with food insecurity issues.
Sustained Neglect in Mental Health during Nepal’s Crises
Authors: Mishra Shiva Raj , Khanal Pratik , Khanal Vishnu
Published: July 2018

Conflict in Nepal seems never resolving and the current generation has grown up in the environment of armed and political conflict characterized by indiscriminate killing, violent demonstration and widespread hostility. Adding to agony, the April 2015 earthquake left two million homeless and the 2015 Indo-Nepal economic blockade has created hostility among different community ethnic groups. With such background, this commentary highlights issues related to conflict, disaster and their relation to mental health. We also identify some gaps in existing health system, medical education and current focus on preventive approach to mental health. Mental health policy was endorsed in 1996; however, the policy has never been implemented in the fullest sense. Psychiatric services are provided by tertiary hospitals with no linkage to community-level primary health care services. Medical training still lacks mental health training at basic cadres of health workers and only small number of seats is allocated for post-graduate degree. Nepal continue to experience conflicts and disasters possibly leading to an increased burden of mental health problems and its health system is further distressed by the increasing gaps in provision of mental health service. With the devastating effect of the April 2015 earthquake, there is even higher need of serious effort to treat and prevent mental health problems with evidence-though limited depicting increase in burden of mental health problems. The state should stop putting half-hearted response to mental health problems and put more effort on long-term sustainable and culturally suitable solutions.Keywords: conflict, mental health, Nepal
The Constitution of Nepal: On the Touchstone of Constitutionalism and Good Governance
Authors: Dahal Kapilmani
Published: July 2018

Various types of constitutions can be seen in practice all over the world. However democratic constitution must have guaranteed the constitutionalism and good governance. In Nepal, the constitution is under the observed course. It can be tested on the touchstone of constitutionalism and good governance. The objectives of this article are: to describe the provisions relating to good governance and constitutionalism, to find out the relation between constitutionalism and good governance and to show the variables constitutionalism and good governance as essence of democracy. Descriptive-analytical methodology has been adopted in the process of writing. Qualitative information has been taken from the constitution of Nepal. The constitution of Nepal has adopted some attributes of constitutionalism and good governance. The constitution is in the process of implementation so what types of indicators it will show; it has become the subject of positive expectation for all the people. Constitutionalism and good governance are not only the basic elements of democracy but also the essence of democracy and they are interrelated also. So the constitution will be successful when it will provide the constitutionalism and good governance properly in practice. Journal of Political Science. Vol. 17, 2017, Page: 35-51
‘Research Data’ in Social Science Methods
Authors: Baral Uma Nath
Published: July 2018

‘Research Data’ are facts, to be collected in fulfillment of the objectives of the research work. These are gathered through various means of scientific techniques and tools. They may be qualitative or quantitative or mixed form of these, depend more or less on the nature and types of research. We can get required data from primary as firsthand sources and secondary as external sources. There are various ways to collect data; the researcher can adopt the method of observation, interview, questionnaire survey, documentary and other techniques as per the research task and its limitation. Facts gathered through various sources and methods are treated as raw data. When they are refined and edited as per the requirement of research objectives, such accurate and verify data are the information to the research. Information collected from observation of measurement from within an attempt is made to develop generalization or conclusion is treated as research data. Thus, a scientific fact is a conclusion based on the best scientific data available of the moment.Journal of Political Science. Vol. 17, 2017, Page: 82-104
The construction of the category of unemployed young people with no qualifications in Switzerland
Authors: Nada Eva
Published: July 2018

This paper explores the process of the rationalization of activation policies towards unemployed young people in Switzerland. It aims at analysing the mechanism of normalization for the criterion of “unqualified” among unemployed young people with no qualifications. Empirical observations show the growing difficulties for personal counsellors to categorize an increasingly heterogeneous population of young unemployed people. These difficulties crystallize themselves with the definition of the criterion “unqualified”, thereby ushering in a new activation measure that appraises the school- and psychological aptitudes of young people. This measure partially determines the eligibility of the unemployed young people and participates in producing a norm of the “right measure” in relation to the level of “unqualification”. The concept of “looping effect “ developed by Ian Hacking was used to analyse the mechanism of transformation of the category and its effects on the identities of both young people and the front line agents. The paper discusses how to apply a philosophical concept to the sociology of categorization in order to deepen our understanding of activation policies within the changing scene of European social policy.
PLANNING OF HUMAN RESOURCE COMPETENCY DEVELOPMENT IN PT.XYZ WITH TAGUCHI METHOD
Authors: K Mariza , Basuki Diah Wilis Lestarining
Published: July 2018

The problem of human resources is still a concern within the company to remain competitive in this globalization world. This shows that the problem of human resources greatly affect the implementation and success of the company in achieving goals and objectives. The company demand to obtain the development process and get quality human resources more urgent. And the development of human resource competence is necessary. This study uses experimental testing with several parameters of validity and reliability testing. For testing analysis using Taguchi Method. Based on the Response Table for Signal to Noise Ratios Nominal is best obtained taguchi test results obtained values obtained from the effect plot for means with the approach of table of means, then the intellectual competence is needed for the improvement of HR performance. Keywords: HR, Competence, Taguchi Method
The Elaboration of Strategic Decisions in the Socio-Economic Systems
Authors: Khanova Anna Alekseevna , Miroslavovich Protalinskiy Oleg , Igorevna Averianova Kristina
Published: July 2018

The article deals with socio-economic strategic management, which implemented on
the basis of Balanced Scorecard, multidimensional modeling and its set-theoretic
representation. The main idea of the article is using of modern information technology
to assist in decision-making. Much attention is given to formalization of SCIPEOmodeling
and integration of its sub-model. The process of developing of management
decisions is considered. The integration of these tools will improve the management
of the system in a situation of total or partial indeterminacy.
Strategies and Methods for Anishinaabemowin Revitalization
Authors: Pitawanakwat Brock
Published: July 2018

Anishinaabeg (including Odawa, Potawatomi, Ojibwe, Saulteaux, and Chippewa) are striving to maintain and revitalize Anishinaabemowin (their Anishinaabe language) throughout their territories. This research project explored Anishinaabemowin revitalization (AR) efforts through interviews with 22 community activists, scholars, and teachers of Anishinaabemowin as a second language (AnSL). The interviews queried the various methods and mobilization strategies being used and developed. The project provides insights into different AnSL pedagogies and teaching strategies, as well as barriers and challenges facing the AR movement. Interviews were conducted in six Canadian cities as well as four First Nation reserve communities. Research participants discussed innovative AR strategies and techniques while acknowledging concerns that AR has yet to produce enough fluent speakers to reverse the decline of Anishinaabemowin.
Age of Anxiety and the Century of Light
Authors: Bushrui Suheil
Published: July 2018

The twentieth century was a period of crisis and promise, a Century of Light and an “Age of Anxiety. ” Among the literary figures who recognized and confronted the spiritual and intellectual crisis of their time were W. B. Yeats, T.S. Eliot, W. H. Auden, and Kahlil Gibran, among others. Through reference to their works, this article examines the mission of the poet—to bear witness, to maintain the integrity of language, to express and to live those eternal truths and values that lift and inspire the human spirit and which can serve as the basis of a culture of peace and unity.
Hemodynamic features of offending vessels at neurovascular contact in patients with trigeminal neuralgia and hemifacial spasm
Authors: Satoh Toru , Yagi Takanobu , Onoda Keisuke , Kameda Masahiro , Sasaki Tatsuya , Ichikawa Tomotsugu , Date Isao
Published: July 2018

OBJECTIVE

Offending vessels at the site of neurovascular contact (NVC) in patients with trigeminal neuralgia (TN) and hemifacial spasm (HFS) may have specific hemodynamic features. The purpose of this study was to investigate the wall shear stress (WSS) of offending vessels at NVCs by conducting a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively analyzed the cases of 20 patients (10 with TN and 10 with HFS) evaluated by 3D CT angiography and used the imaging findings for analysis of the hemodynamic parameters. The 3D CFD images were directly compared with the NVCs determined by simulated multifusion images of CT angiogram and MR cisternogram, and operative photos. The magnitudes of the WSS (WSSm) at the proximal (WSSm-p), just-beginning (WSSm-j), contact site (WSSm-s), and distal (WSSm-d) areas of each NVC were analyzed. The ratios of the WSSm-j, WSSm-s, and WSSm-d areas to the WSSm-p area were calculated individually. The direction of the WSS (WSSv) and its temporal variation (WSSvV) were depicted and morphologically compared with the NVC confirmed by simulated images and operative findings.

RESULTS

The ratios of WSSm at the just-beginning and the contact site to the proximal area of the NVCs (WSSm-j/WSSm-p and WSSm-s/WSSm-p) were both significantly higher than that at the distal area (WSSm-d/WSSm-p) (p < 0.05). The WSSv and WSSvV at the NVCs showed small variation in a single cardiac cycle, especially along the areas that were in contact with the affected nerve.

CONCLUSIONS

Areas of relatively high WSSm and temporal variation of WSSm (WSSmV) were observed at the NVCs. Less mobility of the WSSv and WSSvV was detected along the side of the vessels in contact with the nerves. These findings may be consistent with the actual area of the NVC. Hemodynamic features of the site of NVC can be added to the preoperative simulation for MVD surgery, which may be useful for the diagnosis and treatment planning of TN and HFS.
Multifocal cavernous hemangioma of the jugular foramen: a rare skull base vascular malformation
Authors: Abou-Al-Shaar Hussam , Gozal Yair M. , Hunt Jason P. , Shelton Clough , Emerson Lyska L. , Joyce Evan , Couldwell William T.
Published: July 2018

Jugular foramen cavernous hemangiomas are extremely rare vascular malformations, and, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, their occurrence as multifocal lesions involving both intra- and extracranial compartments has never been reported before. Here, the authors describe the case of a 60-year-old woman with a complex multifocal jugular foramen cavernous hemangioma. The patient presented with signs and symptoms concerning for jugular foramen syndrome, as well as a right neck mass. Surgical extirpation of the lesion was achieved by a multidisciplinary team via a right infratemporal fossa approach (Fisch type A) with concurrent high neck dissection and a closure buttressed with an autologous fat graft and a temporoparietal fascial flap. Although rare, cavernous hemangiomas should be included in the differential diagnosis of jugular foramen masses.
Индивидуально-авторский аспект стилевого синтеза в фортепианных сонатах В. Сильвестрова
Authors: Grybynenko Julia
Published: July 2018

Целью работы становится рассмотрение путей и способов реализации стилевых взаимодействий в фортепианных сонатах Валентина Сильвестрова, а также определение индивидуально-авторского аспекта стилевого синтеза как отражения концепции «интонируемого мироощущения» во второй половине ХХ века. Методология: в работе применены историографический, жанрово-номинативный и аналитический музыковедческий подходы. Научная новизна работы заключается в расширении представлений об имманентных свойствах композиторского стиля В. Сильвестрова, в определении типичных особенностей полистилистики в его творчестве. Выводы. В композиторской поэтике В. Сильвестрова мы находим убедительный пример полистилистики, требующий появления новой номинации, поскольку он не укладываются ни в один из известных ее типов. Исходя из своеобразия индивидуальной композиторской поэтики, предлагаем определять полистилистику В. Сильвестрова как центробежную. Эта номинация существенно проясняет творческий метод композитора, загадка которого заключается в том, что В. Сильвестров не столько создает дистанцию между «своим» и «чужим», сколько пытается подойти к последнему ближе, стремится в этом диалоге найти новую близость, новую ступень тождества.Ключевые слова: фортепианная соната, полистилистика, стиль, центробежная полистилистика, ослабленная динамика, сонорность.
Ноематичні передумови стильового мислення В. Івасюка
Authors: Paliychuk Anna
Published: July 2018

Мета роботи полягає в розробці ноематичного підходу до музичного стилю та особливостей стильового мислення В. Івасюка. Методологія дослідження визначається феноменологічним, зокрема ноологічного прямування, методом та мистецтвознавчими естетико-стильовим й семіологічним підходами. Наукова новизна зумовлюється розвитком ноематичного напряму вивчення музичного стилю, визначенням своєрідності ноематичних координат авторської популярно-пісенної творчості, категорізацію понять часу та «герою свого часу» у відповідності до стилю В. Івасюка, уточненням поняття стильового мислення. Висновки. Виявляються смислова предметність стилістичних означень та стильових узагальнень, головні діалогічні стильові тенденції пісенної творчості В. Івасюка.Ключові слова: ноологічний підхід, ноема, стильове мислення, час, музична мова.
Психологические предпосылки и условия оперной вокально-интонационной интерпретации
Authors: Huimin Wu
Published: July 2018

Цель работы – обосновать необходимость привлечения теории и методических принципов психологического театра в опероведение, раскрыть предпосылки и пути использования системы К. Станиславского в оперном творчестве, в совершенствовании  оперной драматургии. Методология исследования предполагает синтез театроведческого и музыковедческого подхода, дискурс-анализа применительно к учению К. Станиславского и В. Немировича-Данченко и психологии искусства. Научная новизна статьи состоит в развитии и расширении психологического подхода к оперной вокально-интонационной интерпретации как к артистической музыкально-театральной деятельности, в углублении со стороны опероведения представления о психологическом театре как особом художественно-творческом феномене. Выводы работы позволяют определять основные интерпретативные задачи режиссера, дирижера и певца-артиста, организующих оперную постановку, обнаруживать их специфику и художественно-смысловое единство.Ключевые слова: психологический театр, система К. Станиславского, певец-артист, интерпретация, опероведение, оперное смыслообразование, оперное образно-сценическое выражение
Метод герменевтичного підходу при трансформації органних хоральних прелюдій Й. С. Баха для бандури
Authors: Khmel’ Nataliya
Published: July 2018

Мета дослідження – виявити темброво-фактурні особливості трансформації та інтерпретації творів композиторів епохи Бароко в перекладенні для струнно-щипкового українського народного інструменту  бандури. Методологія дослідження – полягає у застосуванні компаративного методу в музиці, методу системного аналізу для дослідження потенціалу розширення засобів трансформації музики минулих сторічь, історичного методу для лінійного розгляду проблеми перекладення творів епохи Бароко, методу узагальнення для формулювання висновків. Зазначений методологічний підхід дозволяє розкрити та проаналізувати основні принципи перекладення інструментальних творів доби Бароко для бандури. Наукова новизна − полягає у розширенні методів перекладення та обґрунтуванні основних засобів трансформації органних хоральних прелюдій Й. С. Баха при перекладенні для бандури. Висновки. На основі  музично-виконавського аналізу органних хоральних прелюдій Й. С. Баха в перекладенні для бандури С. Овчарової можна зробити висновок, що трансформація творів епохи Бароко для українського народного інструменту – бандури можлива, що доводить багатогранна звукова темброколористика та фактурні можливості інструменту. Отже, інтерпретація музичних шедеврів минулих сторічь на сучасній модифікованій бандурі підтверджує процес її академізації та значно збагачує як навчальний, так і концертний репертуар представників бандурного мистецтва.Ключові слова: темброво-фактурні особливості, трансформація, перекладення, епоха Бароко, інтерпретація, герменевтика, органні хоральні прелюдії.
Проявление традиций православной культуры в оперном творчестве Р. Щедрина начала ххі века
Authors: Nemchenko Ecatherina
Published: July 2018

Цель работы. В статье рассматриваются две последние оперы Родиона Щедрина в их связи с выражением доминирующих тенденций православной культуры. Выявляются стилевые параметры и стилистические приемы, характерные для оперного творчества Р. Щедрина, определяются особенности музыкального языка композитора. Методология исследования заключается в применении исторического, музыковедческого аналитического и исполнительского подходов. Указанное методологическое направление позволяет раскрыть и систематизировать ведущие тенденции в развитии оперного жанра начала ХХІ века на примере опер «Левша» и «Рождественская сказка» Р. Щедрина. Научная новизна определяется расширением представлений о возможностях оперного жанра, его актуальности и востребованности в современном композиторском творчестве на примере опер Р. Щедрина, написанных им с 2013 по 2015 годы. Выводы. Обращение к современному оперному творчеству, к его ярким, новым и самобытным образцам подтверждает актуальность, жизнеспособность оперного жанра, которое усиливается постоянно возрастающим интересом со стороны композиторского творчества. Данная тенденция дает возможность осмыслить особенности национальной идентичности, непосредственно связанной с ведущими установками православной культуры.Ключевые слова: опера, православная культура, стиль, лейттематизм, богослужебные тексты, аллюзии, оркестровые реплики, хоровые сцены.
Роль византийского «образа мира» в становлении музыкальной и культурно-исторической традиции европы XVIII-XX ст.
Authors: Muravskaya Olga
Published: July 2018

Цель статьи ориентирована на освещение значимой роли генетически-исторически обусловленной культурной парадигматики христианского византийского Востока для всеевропейского ареала в виде патриархально-ортодоксальной идеи, оплодотворяющей религиозно-духовные культурные ценности и художественно-творчески осуществляющего идею духовного Преображения как символ и образ мира. Научная новизна. Статья посвящена вопросам влияния Византии, византийского «образа мира» на духовную, культурно-историческую и музыкальную традицию Запада различных эпох. Выводы. Духовно-теургическая миссия музыки и искусства в целом, в полной мере реализованная в культурно-исторической практике Византии, сохраняет свою значимость и в последующие эпохи в качестве базиса патриархально-ортодоксальной культуры, определившей духовные и жанрово-стилевые искания европейской музыкально-исторической традиции Нового времени и современности. Ключевые слова: Византия, византийская культура, патриархально-ортодоксальная культура, византийский стиль, модальность.
«Ночи в садах Испании» Мануэля де Фальи в контексте претворения испанской национальной идеи
Authors: Zayats Natalia
Published: July 2018

Цель статьи. Статья посвящена анализу образно-смысловых и жанрово-стилевых аспектов цикла М. де Фальи «Ночи в садах Испании», рассматриваемого не только в русле поэтики творчества композитора, но и в контексте претворения в нем качеств испанской национальной идеи. Научная новизна. Испанская национальная идея реализуется как на уровне образно-смысловой архетипической  специфики названного произведения, так и в воспроизведении в фортепианно-оркестровом фактурном варианте показательного для испанской музыкально-исторической традиции синтеза вокального, инструментального (гитарного) и танцевального начал. Выводы. «Ночи в садах Испании» демонстрируют контактность с традициями французского символизма, импрессионизма, предвосхищая открытия неофольклоризма ХХ ст. Ключевые слова: Испания, испанская национальная идея, испанская музыка, фламенко, фортепианное творчество М. де Фальи.
Analytical expressions for the reconstructed image of a homogeneous cylindrical sample exhibiting a beam hardening artifact in X-ray computed tomography
Authors: Nakano Tsukasa , Nakashima Yoshito
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND:

Cylindrical phantoms are often imaged by X-ray computed tomography (CT) to evaluate the extent of beam hardening (or cupping artifact) resulting from a polychromatic X-ray source.

OBJECTIVE:

Our goal was to derive analytical expressions for the reconstructed image of a homogeneous cylindrical phantom exhibiting a cupping artifact, to permit a quantitative comparison with experimental cupping data.

METHODS:

A filtered backprojection method was employed to obtain the analytical cupping profile for the phantom, assuming that the projection data could be approximated as a power series with respect to the sample penetration thickness.

RESULTS:

The cupping profile was obtained analytically as a series of functions by employing Ramachandran filtering with an infinite Nyquist wavenumber. The quantitative relationship between the power series of the projection and the nth moment of the linear attenuation coefficient spectrum of the phantom was also determined. Application of the obtained cupping profile to the evaluation of the practical reconstruction filters with a finite Nyquist wavenumber and to the best choice of the contrast agent was demonstrated.

CONCLUSIONS:

The set of exact solutions derived in this work should be applicable to the analysis of cylindrical phantom experiments intended to evaluate CT systems.
Joint regularization-based image reconstruction by combining data-driven tight frame and total variation for low-dose computed tomography
Authors: Li Jie , Zhang Wenkun , Cai Ailong , Wang Linyuan , Liang Ningning , Zheng Zhizhong , Li Lei , Yan Bin
Published: July 2018

Since the excessive radiation dose may induce potential body lesion, the low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) is widely applied for clinical diagnosis and treatment. However, the dose reduction will inevitably cause severe noise and degrade image quality. Most state-of-the-art methods utilize a pre-determined regularizer to account for the prior images, which may be insufficient for the most images acquired in the clinical practice. This study proposed and investigated a joint regularization method combining a data-driven tight frame and total variation (DDTF-TV) to solve this problem. Unlike the existing methods that designed pre-determined sparse transform for image domain, data-driven regularizer introduced a learning strategy to adaptively and iteratively update the framelets of DDTF, which can preferably recover the detailed image structures. The other regularizer, TV term can reconstruct strong edges and suppress noise. The joint term, DDTF-TV, collaboratively affect detail preservation and noise suppression. The proposed new model was efficiently solved by alternating the direction method of the multipliers. Qualitative and quantitative evaluations were carried out in simulation and real data experiments to demonstrate superiority of the proposed DDTF-TV method. Both visual inspection and numerical accuracy analysis show the potential of the proposed method for improving image quality of the LDCT.
The effects of dentoalveolar distraction extraction on alveolar ridge preservation: Cone-beam computed tomography and X-ray analysis in canine model
Authors: Zhan Liping , Gao Runtao , Fan Jiao , Ma Huarui
Published: July 2018

OBJECTIVE:

This study aims to evaluate the effect of dentoalveolar distraction extraction (DDE) on site preservation, and to evaluate how the technique keeps the height and width of alveolar bones to a greater extent.

METHODS:

12 beagle dogs, randomly divided into three groups (DDE group, NH group, BOG group), were used. In the dogs of three groups, the root of the left or right third mandibular premolars were respectively extracted by three methods namely, DDE, traditional extraction with natural healing, and traditional extraction with Bio-Oss bone dust implanted and guided bone regeneration (GBR). Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans and X-rays were taken immediately and three months after the tooth extraction. The height and width of the alveolar ridges were compared among different groups.

RESULTS:

Three months after tooth extraction, at the 1 mm level below the alveolar ridge crest, the amount and degree of buccal alveolar ridge width resorption in DDE group were significantly lower than that of NH and BOG group ( P < 0.05). At the 2 mm and 3 mm level below the alveolar ridge crest, the amount and degree of buccal alveolar ridge width resorption in DDE group and BOG had no significant difference, and both were significant lower than that of NH group ( P < 0.05). The height resorption of alveolar ridge in DDE group was significantly lower than NH and BOG groups ( P < 0.05), while NH and BOG group had no statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS:

To a greater extent, the alveolar ridge preservation through DDE could preserve the height and width of alveolar ridge crest.
Antibiotic Resistance Pattern and Stewardship Programme in Critical Care Settings
Authors: Mia Mohammad Faruk , Mia Abdul Ali , Saha Debashish , Khan Arif Ahmed , Chakraborty Anjana
Published: July 2018

Sensitivity pattern of isolates from patients’ specimens associated with infection, admitted to the critical care centers with empiric or prophylactic antibiotic use were assessed. Till identification of the organism and resultant sensitivity awaited; and compared with sensitive antibiotic to the isolates which could be used for management. This analytical cross sectional study carried out during the period of April 2016 to July 2016 in the Critical Care Centre (CCC) of Combined Military Hospital, Dhaka Cantonment. Urine and other specimens including wound swab, pus, sputum, tracheal aspirate, catheter tip, nasal swab, high vaginal swab, broncheoalveolar lavage, blood, urethral discharge were collected from the patients following aseptic precautions. Isolate identification was done using standard procedures at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP). Sensitivity was tested using antibiotic disc diffusion technique. A total of one thousand six hundred and seventy patients were dealt with in the study, and positive yield obtained in 190 (11.38%) cases. Of those, 116 were urine specimens which constituted 69 (57.76%) female and 47(42.24%) male patients. A total of 1088 discs of antibiotics were used on an average 9 discs per isolate. Six hundred and forty nine (59.65%) showed resistance to the antibiotic used against them, while four hundred and thirty nine (40.35%) showed sensitive response. The study population was of 2-80 years age group. Other specimens included 74 isolates, fifty (67.57%) were males and twenty four (32.43%) were females. A total of eight hundred and twenty seven (11.18 discs per isolate) antibiotic doses were used 479 (57.92%), showed resistant and 348 (42.08%) sensitive result. Enteric gram negative bacilli (GNB) were the majority of isolates in both types of specimens. The study indicated that, newer antimicrobials have a substantial impact in decreasing human morbidity and mortality rates. It encourages to expand surveillance of antibiotic resistance determinants and to exercise caution in dispensing antibiotics to maximize their continued efficacy. Excess or injudicious use is causing increase in cost as well as inducing drug resistance among the common bacterial isolates. A work on the clinical presentation with trends of antimicrobials used in the CCC setup right now in tertiary care hospital would be of supplemental value for the study.
Clinical Evaluation of Scalpel Er: YAG Laser 2940nm and Conventional Surgery Incisions Wound After Oral Soft Tissue Biopsy
Authors: Zahara Al Timimi
Published: July 2018

No abstract available.
Benjamin Bailey and the Call for the Conversion of an Ancient Christian Church in India
Authors: McKee Gary
Published: July 2018

Benjamin Bailey (1791–1871) was one of the first English-born Church Missionary Society missionaries to go to India. Along with Joseph Fenn and Henry Baker, Sr, he was part of what has been called the Travancore Trio. Their objective was to reform the ancient community of Syrian Christians in Travancore so that they in turn might be a great native missionary force in India. Their mission was known as the ‘Mission of Help’ to the ancient Syrian Church. The mission was distinctive from others in India at that time which sought more directly to call for the conversion of the country's massive Hindu and Muslim populations. This article will show that Bailey seriously underestimated doctrinal differences between the CMS and the Syrians. Moreover, the place of the Syrians in the complex social fabric of Travancore was not adequately understood. Unlike other missions, this one may almost be said to have as its aim the conversion of an existing church. That call for conversion, however, arose from fundamentally divergent understandings of Christian belief and practice. The article concludes by considering further some of the sources of these divergences and engaging with some of the critique that the Mission of Help has received.
Analysis of Coherent Structures in an Under-Expanded Supersonic Impinging Jet Using Spectral Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (SPOD)
Authors: Karami Shahram , Soria Julio
Published: July 2018

The spatiotemporal dynamics of the coherent structures in an under-expanded supersonic impinging jet are studied using a spectral proper orthogonal decomposition technique. For this analysis, a large eddy simulation of an under-expanded supersonic impinging jet at a pressure ratio of 3.4 and a stand-off distance of 2 jet diameters at a Reynolds number of 50,000 is performed. The mean flow fields illustrate some striking features of this flow, such as an oblique shock, a stand-off shock, a Mach disk, and a recirculation bubble. The spectral proper orthogonal decomposition method is applied to time-resolved three-dimensional flow fields. The accumulative energy of modes within each azimuthal mode number reveals that the first three azimuthal modes contain most of the energy of the flow. The spectra of these azimuthal modes show that the flow exhibits a low-ranked behaviour with discrete frequencies at the optimal symmetric azimuthal mode while other two azimuthal modes have negligible contributions in this behaviour. Three peaks are observed in the spectra of the optimal symmetric azimuthal mode. The spatial fields of the streamwise velocity and pressure of these peaks show that the complex structures are consequences of the under-expansion, Mach disk, and the impingement. Strong hydrodynamic instabilities exist in the shear layer of the jet in the optimal azimuthal mode at each of these dominant frequencies. High-amplitude acoustic waves are also present in the near-field of the jet. These acoustic waves are strong at the nozzle lip, suggesting that a feedback loop linking these two processes exists for dominant frequencies in the optimal mode. High cross-spectrum density of near-field pressure fluctuations and streamwise velocity fluctuations near the nozzle lip at these frequencies confirms the hydro-acoustic coupling, which is necessary to close the feedback loop.
Microscale and Nanoscale Biosensors
Authors: Jurado-Sánchez Beatriz
Published: July 2018

The emerge of nanotechnology along with the success of the microelectronics industry has motivated the miniaturization of biosensors into the nano/microscale. This Special Issue highlights recent advances in microscale and nanoscale biosensors, including self-propelled micromotors: their materials, fabrication, and applications. A total of seven papers (five research and two review papers) are included. Different but related topics are covered, from biosensor design (paper strips and digital microfluidic chips) to integrated configurations that monitor metabolites in cellular environments. The reviews are devoted to protein-based biosensors and moving biosensors based on self-propelled micromotors.
Trait Emotional Empathy and Resting State Functional Connectivity in Default Mode, Salience, and Central Executive Networks
Authors: Bilevicius Elena , Kolesar Tiffany A. , Smith Stephen D. , Trapnell Paul D. , Kornelsen Jennifer
Published: July 2018

Emotional empathy is the ability to experience and/or share another person’s emotional states and responses. Although some research has examined the neural correlates of emotional empathy, there has been little research investigating whether this component of empathy is related to the functional connectivity of resting state networks in the brain. In the current study, 32 participants answered a trait emotional empathy questionnaire in a session previous to their functional magnetic resonance imaging scan. Results indicate that emotional empathy scores were correlated with different patterns of functional connectivity in the default mode network (DMN), salience network (SN), and left and right central executive networks. For example, within the DMN, emotional empathy scores positively correlated with connectivity in the premotor cortex. Within the SN, empathy scores were positively correlated with the fusiform gyrus and cuneus. These findings demonstrate that emotional empathy is associated with unique patterns of functional connectivity in four of the brain’s resting state networks.
Indoor Environmental Quality of Urban Residential Buildings in Cuenca—Ecuador: Comfort Standard
Authors: Molina Felipe Quesada , Yaguana David Bustillos
Published: July 2018

A key factor for achieving healthy environments in residential buildings is the provision of high indoor environmental quality (IEQ) with respect to the acceptance by its occupants, based on levels of the physical parameters which contribute to IEQ. This research focuses on defining the comfort standards of indoor environments of urban dwellings in the city of Cuenca—Ecuador. It takes into account factors such as temperature, air quality, and natural lightning through a mixed method of quantitative and qualitative measurements. Results determined the following values: a comfort temperature (Tn) of 20.12 °C (with ranges from 16.62 °C to 23.62 °C for an acceptance of 80% and from 17.62 °C to 22.62 °C for an acceptance of 90%), a relative humidity between 40–65%, a maximum CO2 concentration of 614.25 ppm, a day light factor of ≥5 for the social area and ≥4 for the bedroom, and a minimum illumination level of 300 lux. With these results, it was observed that the comfort levels of temperature, CO2 concentration, and lighting accepted by local users differ from the standards established in local and international regulations. The determined data constitutes a methodological basis for carrying out similar processes in other localities.
Family-Based Mindful Eating Intervention in Adolescents with Obesity: A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Kumar Seema , Croghan Ivana T. , Biggs Bridget K. , Croghan Katrina , Prissel Rose , Fuehrer Debbie , Donelan-Dunlap Bonnie , Sood Amit
Published: July 2018

Mindfulness has gained attention in the treatment of obesity. However, there is a paucity of data on family-based training in mindful eating in children. The objective of this pilot randomized clinical trial was to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a family-based mindful eating intervention (MEI) in adolescents with obesity, and to compare the efficacy of the MEI versus standard dietary counseling (SDC) for decreasing weight and improving cardiometabolic risk markers. Twenty-two adolescents (age 14.5–17.9 years) and parent pairs were randomized to the MEI or SDC. The MEI was administered in four 90-min sessions over 10 weeks and SDC was provided at baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks. Despite the requirement of more frequent visits with the MEI, adolescents and parents attended 100% of the sessions and there were no dropouts in that group. High density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol increased in the SDC group, but not in the MEI group. Adolescents receiving the MEI demonstrated an increase in awareness at 24 weeks (p = 0.01) and a decrease in distraction during eating at 12 weeks (p = 0.04), when compared with the SDC group. The family-based MEI showed feasibility and acceptability in adolescents with obesity. Future studies with more intense therapy and larger sample sizes are warranted to examine the role of mindful eating in treating pediatric obesity.
Grape Pomace: Antioxidant Activity, Potential Effect Against Hypertension and Metabolites Characterization after Intake
Authors: Rasines-Perea Zuriñe , Ky Isabelle , Cros Gérard , Crozier Alan , Teissedre Pierre-Louis
Published: July 2018

Observational studies indicate that the intake of polyphenol-rich foods improves vascular health, thereby significantly reducing the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyse the remained potential of grape by-products from important Rhône Valley red wine cultivars: Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, Mourvèdre and Alicante. For that, six different extracts from grape pomaces, selected by their antioxidant activity, were studied in vivo during six weeks with spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Extracts used in SHR1, SHR2 and SHR6 groups presented a « rebound effect » on systolic blood pressure, whereas the other extracts do not change it significantly. The bioavailability of Grenache (GRE1) (EA70) seed pomace extract (SHR1 group), Mouvendre (MOU) (EA70) skin pomace extract (SHR5 group) and Alicante (ALI) (EA70) skin pomace extract (SHR6 group) was studied by High Performance Liquid Chromatography with Photodiode Array detector and Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometer (HPLC-PDA-ESI-MSn) in urine, plasma and tissues to search differences on the metabolism of the different extracts intake.
The Effect of Fractional Orders on the Transmission Power and Efficiency of Fractional-Order Wireless Power Transmission System
Authors: Shu Xujian , Zhang Bo
Published: July 2018

To avoid the problems of integer-order magnetic resonant wireless power transmission (WPT) systems, such as low output power and transmission efficiency, high resonant frequency, frequency splitting, and parameter coupling, a novel WPT system based on the fractional-order calculus theory is proposed; the resonant frequency and coupling coefficient can be regulated by the fractional order, so that this system has completely different transmission characteristics from the integer-order WPT system. Therefore, in this paper, the circuit model based on the phasor method of fractional-order WPT system is established, and the output power and transmission efficiency of the system are analyzed. In addition, the comparative analysis of output power and transmission efficiency under different fractional orders are performed to estimate the optimal combination of fractional orders, which is beneficial to produce better characteristics of output power and transmission efficiency and provides a theoretical basis for the design and implementation of an experimental system.
Techno-Economic Analysis of Solar PV Electricity Supply to Rural Areas of Balochistan, Pakistan
Authors: Shah Syed Ahsan Ali , Valasai Gordhan Das , Memon Asif Ali , Laghari Abdul Nasir , Jalbani Nabi Bux , Strait Jody L.
Published: July 2018

Rural electrification is a fundamental step towards achieving universal access to electricity by 2030. On-grid rural electrification remains a costly proposition, therefore the need to consider off-grid renewable energy solutions is inevitable. However, the critical issue pertaining to local power generation through renewable energy is the absence of area-specific production capacity and economic viability data for the different renewable energy technologies. This paper addresses this issue for Pakistan’s Balochistan province by assessing the area’s potential and economic feasibility of using solar PV for rural electrification. The results suggest that the Balochistan province has the best solar irradiance value in the world. Furthermore, optimal tilt angles calculated for respective regions can significantly increase solar energy yield. The economic feasibility study, carried out for solar PV systems, reveals that the electricity generated using solar PV costs Rs. 7.98 per kWh and is considerably cheaper than conventional electricity, which costs approximately Rs. 20.79 per kWh. Similarly, solar PV systems could mitigate 126,000 metric tons of CO2 annually if 100% of the unelectrified households adopted solar PV systems. Based on these research findings, this paper proposes a policy that would serve as a guideline for the government to extend solar PV-based off-grid rural electrification projects in Balochistan as well as on a national scale.
Review of Electromagnetic Vibration in Electrical Machines
Authors: Xu Xueping , Han Qinkai , Chu Fulei
Published: July 2018

Electrical machines are important devices that convert electric energy into mechanical work and are widely used in industry and people’s life. Undesired vibrations are harmful to their safe operation. Reviews from the viewpoint of fault diagnosis have been conducted, while summaries from the perspective of dynamics is rare. This review provides systematic research outlines of this field, which can help a majority of scholars grasp the ongoing progress and conduct further investigations. This review mainly generalizes publications in the past decades about the dynamics and vibration of electrical machines. First the sources of electromagnetic vibration in electrical machines are presented, which include mechanical and electromagnetic factors. Different types of air gap eccentricity are introduced and modeled. The analytical methods and numerical methods for calculating the electromagnetic force are summarized and explained in detail. The exact subdomain analysis, magnetic equivalent circuit, Maxwell stress tensor, winding function approach, conformal mapping method, virtual work principle and finite element analysis are presented. The effects of magnetic saturation, slot and pole combination and load are discussed. Then typical characteristics of electromagnetic vibration are illustrated. Finally, the experimental studies are summarized and the authors give their thoughts about the research trends.
Novel Sparse-Coded Ambient Backscatter Communication for Massive IoT Connectivity
Authors: Kim Tae Yeong , Kim Dong In
Published: July 2018

Low-power ambient backscatter communication (AmBC) relying on radio-frequency (RF) energy harvesting is an energy-efficient solution for batteryless Internet of Things (IoT). However, ambient backscatter signals are severely faded by dyadic backscatter channel (DBC), limiting connectivity in conventional orthogonal time-division-based AmBC (TD-AmBC). In order to support massive connectivity in AmBC, we propose sparse-coded AmBC (SC-AmBC) based on non-orthogonal signaling. Sparse code utilizes inherent sparsity of AmBC where power supplies of RF tags rely on ambient RF energy harvesting. Consequently, sparse-coded backscatter modulation algorithm (SC-BMA) can enable non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) as well as M-ary modulation for concurrent backscatter transmissions, providing additional diversity gain. These sparse codewords from multiple tags can be efficiently detected at access point (AP) using iterative message passing algorithm (MPA). To overcome DBC along with intersymbol interference (ISI), we propose dyadic channel estimation algorithm (D-CEA) and dyadic MPA (D-MPA) exploiting weighted-sum of the ISI for information exchange in the factor graph. Simulation results validate the potential of the SC-AmBC in terms of connectivity, detection performance and sum throughput.