bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
APLIKASI KONSORSIUM MIKROBA UNTUK MEREMEDIASI TANAH TERKONTAMINASI TIMBAL DARI LIMBAH PROSES DEINKING INDUSTRI KERTAS
Authors: Septiningrum Krisna , Hardiani Henggar
Published: August 2017

Lead contaminated soil bioremediation using microbial consortium has been conducted on laboratorioum scale. Four types of lead accumulating bacteria, PG 65-06 (A): PG 97-02 (B): MR 1.12-05 (C) and A1 (D) with a ratio of 1:1:1:1 is used as microbial consortium. The study was conducted in 60 days with microbial inoculum variation of 5%, 10%, 15% (v/w) and the addition of 5% microbial inoculum with rice straw as bulking agents. Observations were conducted every 10 days which concentration of Pb, microbial activity, physico-chemical properties of soil before and after bioremediation as parameters. The addition of microbial consortium was proficient to remediate lead contaminated soil with a higher rate than the addition of 5% microbial inoculum with rice straw, which characterized by decreasing concentrations of soluble-exchangeable lead into residuals lead. The optimal condition occured in 40 days of incubation for addition of microbial inoculum 10% (v/w), and 50 days incubations for addition of 5% microbial inoculum with rice straw. The additions of rice straw enhanced indigenous microbial activity indicated by increasing quantity of soil microbes and CO2 production compared to addition of microbial inoculum. Characteristics of contaminated soil that has been remediated by microbes’ consortium improved because the content of the soil macronutrients and micronutrients in remediated soil was better than previous.Key words : bioremediation, lead, microbes consortium, deinkingABSTRAKBioremediasi tanah yang terkontaminasi timbal (Pb) menggunakan konsorsium mikroba telah dilakukan pada skala laboratorium. Empat jenis bakteri pengakumulasi Pb, PG 65-06 (A): PG 97-02 (B): MR 1.12-05 (C) dan A1 (D) dengan perbandingan 1:1:1:1 digunakan sebagai konsorsium mikroba. Penelitian dilakukan selama 60 hari dengan variasi penambahan inokulum mikroba 5%, 10%, 15% (v/w) dan penambahan inokulum 5%+ jerami padi sebagai bulking agents. Pengamatan dilakukan setiap 10 hari sekali dengan parameter konsentrasi logam Pb, aktivitas mikroba tanah, serta analisis sifat fisika-kimia tanah pada awal dan akhir proses bioremediasi. Penambahan konsorsium mikroba dapat mempercepat proses remediasi logam Pb pada tanah terkontaminasi dibandingkan dengan konsorsium mikroba 5%+jerami, yang ditandai dengan menurunnya konsentrasi logam Pb dari fase tertukarkan menjadi fase residual. Perubahan fase tersebut optimal pada waktu inkubasi 40 hari pada penambahan inokulum 10% (v/w) dan pada waktu inkubasi 50 hari pada penambahan mikroba 5%+jerami.  Penambahan jerami meningkatkan aktivitas mikroba indigenous yang ditunjukkan dengan meningkatnya jumlah mikroba tanah dan produksi CO2 yang dihasilkan dibandingkan penambahan inokulum mikroba. Karakteristik tanah terkontaminasi yang telah diremediasi oleh konsorsium mikroba menjadi lebih baik karena kandungan unsur hara tanah baik makro maupun mikro meningkat dibandingkan sebelum diremediasi.Kata kunci : bioremediasi, Pb, konsorsium mikroba, deinking
Andi Selle dalam Pergolakan Bersenjata di Sulawesi Selatan (1950-1964)
Authors: Abidin Sainal
Published: August 2017

This paper describes the background, role and impact of the involvement of Andi Selle in the throes of armed in South Sulawesi.  This research is both a descriptive analysis using historical methods, through stages: heuristic, interpretation, criticism, and historiography. The involvement of Andi Selle in the throes of armed internal conflict caused by the TNI in the body. Armed upheaval since before independence until the period of independence Andi Selle was involved in a series of conflicts with some of the parties. The upheaval affect ethnic hatred caused his soldiers are considered acts of violence hurt the people's Rail, as well as the monopoly of trade in the region.
Timing of cranioplasty: a 10.75-year single-center analysis of 754 patients
Authors: Morton Ryan P. , Abecassis Isaac Josh , Hanson Josiah F. , Barber Jason K. , Chen Mimi , Kelly Cory M. , Nerva John D. , Emerson Samuel N. , Ene Chibawanye I. , Levitt Michael R. , Chowdhary Michelle M. , Ko Andrew L. , Chesnut Randall M.
Published: August 2017

OBJECTIVE

Despite their technical simplicity, cranioplasty procedures carry high reported morbidity rates. The authors here present the largest study to date on complications after cranioplasty, focusing specifically on the relationship between complications and timing of the operation.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively reviewed all cranioplasty cases performed at Harborview Medical Center over the past 10.75 years. In addition to relevant clinical and demographic characteristics, patient morbidity and mortality data were abstracted from the electronic medical record. Cox proportional-hazards models were used to analyze variables potentially associated with the risk of infection, hydrocephalus, seizure, hematoma, and bone flap resorption.

RESULTS

Over the course of 10.75 years, 754 cranioplasties were performed at a single institution. Sixty percent of the patients who underwent these cranioplasties were male, and the median follow-up overall was 233 days. The 30-day mortality rate was 0.26% (2 cases, both due to postoperative epidural hematoma). Overall, 24.6% percent of the patients experienced at least 1 complication including infection necessitating explantation of the flap (6.6%), postoperative hydrocephalus requiring a shunt (9.0%), resorption of the flap requiring synthetic cranioplasty (6.3%), seizure (4.1%), postoperative hematoma requiring evacuation (2.3%), and other (1.6%).

The rate of infection was significantly higher if the cranioplasty had been performed < 14 days after the initial craniectomy (p = 0.007, Holm-Bonferroni–adjusted p = 0.028). Hydrocephalus was significantly correlated with time to cranioplasty (OR 0.92 per 10-day increase, p < 0.001) and was most common in patients whose cranioplasty had been performed < 90 days after initial craniectomy. New-onset seizure, however, only occurred in patients who had undergone their cranioplasty > 90 days after initial craniectomy. Bone flap resorption was the least likely complication for patients whose cranioplasty had been performed between 15 and 30 days after initial craniectomy. Resorption was also correlated with patient age, with a hazard ratio of 0.67 per increase of 10 years of age (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Cranioplasty performed between 15 and 30 days after initial craniectomy may minimize infection, seizure, and bone flap resorption, whereas waiting > 90 days may minimize hydrocephalus but may increase the risk of seizure.
Melanoma brain metastasis: the impact of stereotactic radiosurgery, BRAF mutational status, and targeted and/or immune-based therapies on treatment outcome
Authors: Kotecha Rupesh , Miller Jacob A. , Venur Vyshak A. , Mohammadi Alireza M. , Chao Samuel T. , Suh John H. , Barnett Gene H. , Murphy Erin S. , Funchain Pauline , Yu Jennifer S. , Vogelbaum Michael A. , Angelov Lilyana , Ahluwalia Manmeet S.
Published: August 2017

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to investigate the impact of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), BRAF status, and targeted and immune-based therapies on the recurrence patterns and factors associated with overall survival (OS) among patients with melanoma brain metastasis (MBM).

METHODS

A total of 366 patients were treated for 1336 MBMs; a lesion-based analysis was performed on 793 SRS lesions. The BRAF status was available for 78 patients: 35 had BRAFmut and 43 had BRAF wild-type (BRAF-WT) lesions. The Kaplan-Meier method evaluated unadjusted OS; cumulative incidence analysis determined the incidences of local failure (LF), distant failure, and radiation necrosis (RN), with death as a competing risk.

RESULTS

The 12-month OS was 24% (95% CI 20%–29%). On multivariate analysis, younger age, lack of extracranial metastases, better Karnofsky Performance Status score, and fewer MBMs, as well as treatment with BRAF inhibitors (BRAFi), anti–PD-1/CTLA-4 therapy, or cytokine therapy were significantly associated with OS. For patients who underwent SRS, the 12-month LF rate was lower among those with BRAFmut lesions (6%, 95% CI 2%–11%) compared with those with BRAF-WT lesions (22%, 95% CI 13%–32%; p < 0.01). The 12-month LF rates among lesions treated with BRAFi and PD-1/CTLA-4 agents were 1% (95% CI 1%–4%) and 7% (95% CI 1%–13%), respectively. On multivariate analysis, BRAF inhibition within 30 days of SRS was protective against LF (HR 0.08, 95% CI 0.01–0.55; p = 0.01). The 12-month rates of RN were low among lesions treated with BRAFi (0%, 95% CI 0%–0%), PD-1/CTLA-4 inhibitors (2%, 95% CI 1%–5%), and cytokine therapies (6%, 95% CI 1%–13%).

CONCLUSIONS

Prognostic schema should incorporate BRAFi or immunotherapy status and use of targeted therapies. Treatment with a BRAF inhibitor within 4 weeks of SRS improves local control without an increased risk of RN.
Vitamin D status and 3-month Glasgow Outcome Scale scores in patients in neurocritical care: prospective analysis of 497 patients
Authors: Guan Jian , Karsy Michael , Brock Andrea A. , Eli Ilyas M. , Manton Gabrielle M. , Ledyard Holly K. , Hawryluk Gregory W. J. , Park Min S.
Published: August 2017

OBJECTIVE

Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with a variety of negative outcomes in critically ill patients, but little focused study on the effects of hypovitaminosis D has been performed in the neurocritical care population. In this study, the authors examined the effect of vitamin D deficiency on 3-month outcomes after discharge from a neurocritical care unit (NCCU).

METHODS

The authors prospectively analyzed 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels in patients admitted to the NCCU of a quaternary care center over a 6-month period. Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) scores were used to evaluate their 3-month outcome, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the effects of vitamin D deficiency.

RESULTS

Four hundred ninety-seven patients met the inclusion criteria. In the binomial logistic regression model, patients without vitamin D deficiency (> 20 ng/dl) were significantly more likely to have a 3-month GOS score of 4 or 5 than those who were vitamin D deficient (OR 1.768 [95% CI 1.095–2.852]). Patients with a higher Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS II) (OR 0.925 [95% CI 0.910–0.940]) and those admitted for stroke (OR 0.409 [95% CI 0.209–0.803]) or those with an “other” diagnosis (OR 0.409 [95% CI 0.217–0.772]) were significantly more likely to have a 3-month GOS score of 3 or less.

CONCLUSIONS

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with worse 3-month postdischarge GOS scores in patients admitted to an NCCU. Additional study is needed to determine the role of vitamin D supplementation in the NCCU population.
Limitations of multidetector computed tomography angiography for the diagnosis of blunt cerebrovascular injury
Authors: Grandhi Ramesh , Weiner Gregory M. , Agarwal Nitin , Panczykowski David M. , Ares William J. , Rodriguez Jesse S. , Gelfond Jonathan A. , Myers John G. , Alarcon Louis H. , Okonkwo David O. , Jankowitz Brian T.
Published: August 2017

OBJECTIVE

Blunt cerebrovascular injuries (BCVIs) following trauma carry risk for morbidity and mortality. Since patients with BCVI are often asymptomatic at presentation and neurological sequelae often occur within 72 hours, timely diagnosis is essential. Multidetector CT angiography (CTA) has been shown to be a noninvasive, cost-effective, reliable means of screening; however, the false-positive rate of CTA in diagnosing patients with BCVI represents a key drawback. Therefore, the authors assessed the role of DSA in the screening of BCVI when utilizing CTA as the initial screening modality.

METHODS

The authors performed a retrospective analysis of patients who experienced BCVI between 2013 and 2015 at 2 Level I trauma centers. All patients underwent CTA screening for BCVI according to the updated Denver Screening Criteria. Patients who were diagnosed with BCVI on CTA underwent confirmatory digital subtraction angiography (DSA). Patient demographics, screening indication, BCVI grade on CTA and DSA, and laboratory values were collected. Comparison of false-positive rates stratified by BCVI grade on CTA was performed using the chi-square test.

RESULTS

A total of 140 patients (64% males, mean age 50 years) with 156 cerebrovascular blunt injuries to the carotid and/or vertebral arteries were identified. After comparison with DSA findings, CTA findings were incorrect in 61.5% of vessels studied, and the overall CTA false-positive rates were 47.4% of vessels studied and 47.9% of patients screened. The positive predictive value (PPV) for CTA was higher among worse BCVI subtypes on initial imaging (PPV 76% and 97%, for BCVI Grades II and IV, respectively) compared with Grade I injuries (PPV 30%, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In the current series, multidetector CTA as a screening test for blunt cerebrovascular injury had a high-false positive rate, especially in patients with Grade I BCVI. Given a false-positive rate of 47.9% with an estimated average of 132 patients per year screening positive for BCVI with CTA, approximately 63 patients per year would potentially be treated unnecessarily with antithrombotic therapy at a busy United States Level I trauma center. The authors’ data support the use of DSA after positive findings on CTA in patients with suspected BCVI. DSA as an adjunctive test in patients with positive CTA findings allows for increased diagnostic accuracy in correctly diagnosing BCVI while minimizing risk from unnecessary antithrombotic therapy in polytrauma patients.
A Guideline for Parkinson’s Disease Nurse Specialists, with Recommendations for Clinical Practice
Authors: Lennaerts Herma , Groot Marieke , Rood Berna , Gilissen Koen , Tulp Hella , van Wensen Erik , Munneke Marten , van Laar Teus , Bloem Bastiaan R.
Published: August 2017

Background:

Parkinson’s Disease Nurse Specialists (PDNS) play an important role in the care for patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and their caregivers. Until now, there were no nursing guidelines in PD, and interventions were based solely on daily clinical practice because there is no evidence to support the merits of nursing interventions. Consequently, there is little uniformity in current care delivery.

Objective:

Developing a guideline for PDNS.

Methods:

We developed a guideline based on a questionnaire among PDNS and a literature review, supplemented with expert opinion plus the input of patients and caregivers. The questionnaire was filled in by 97 PDNS and 51 generic nurses with knowledge of PD to identify barriers in PD nursing care. Subsequently, we did a systematic literature search and transformed these sources of information into practice recommendations, which were developed according to international standards for guideline development.

Results:

Based on the results of the questionnaire we identified seven specific core areas: defining the role of PDNS in terms of caseload, education, competences and care coordination; medication adherence; provision of information and education; coping; caregiver support; urogenital function and orthostatic hypotension. The systematic literature search identified 186 studies, of which 33 studies were finally analyzed. Furthermore, we developed practice recommendations based on good clinical practice for the following areas: self-care, mental functioning, mobility, nutrition, sexuality, work, sleep, palliative care and complementary (integrative) care.

Conclusion:

This guideline provide ground to harmonize care delivery by PDNS in clinical practice, and offer a foundation for future research.
Local Community Detection Based on Small Cliques
Authors: Hamann Michael , Röhrs Eike , Wagner Dorothea
Published: August 2017

Community detection aims to find dense subgraphs in a network. We consider the problem of finding a community locally around a seed node both in unweighted and weighted networks. This is a faster alternative to algorithms that detect communities that cover the whole network when actually only a single community is required. Further, many overlapping community detection algorithms use local community detection algorithms as basic building block. We provide a broad comparison of different existing strategies of expanding a seed node greedily into a community. For this, we conduct an extensive experimental evaluation both on synthetic benchmark graphs as well as real world networks. We show that results both on synthetic as well as real-world networks can be significantly improved by starting from the largest clique in the neighborhood of the seed node. Further, our experiments indicate that algorithms using scores based on triangles outperform other algorithms in most cases. We provide theoretical descriptions as well as open source implementations of all algorithms used.
A Power Processing Circuit for Indoor Wi-Fi Energy Harvesting for Ultra-Low Power Wireless Sensors
Authors: Kadir Ermeey , Hu Aiguo
Published: August 2017

This article proposes a complete power processing circuit for an indoor 2.45 GHz Wi-Fi energy harvesting system. The proposed power processing circuit works by using power harvested from indoor Wi-Fi transmitters. The overall system of this work is simplified as an equivalent circuit and analyzed mathematically. A two-port network is analyzed in formulating the relevant equations of the equivalent circuit. The importance of matching the impedance of a harvesting antenna to the rectifier circuit is highlighted by using simulation analysis, and it is shown that the impedance matching for both components has satisfied the conditions for a high sensitivity circuit and radio frequency-to-direct current (RF-to-DC) power conversion. Actual experiments showed that the proposed power processing circuit could operate with an incident power as low as −50 dBm. It has been found that the proposed harvesting system stored 0.11 J in a 200 mF supercapacitor as the storage device in 20 hours of the experimentation periods. Moreover, actual results for the overall energy harvesting system is compared with previous research, and it has been found that the proposed system has advantages over the listed works.
Assessment Method for Combined Structural and Energy Retrofitting in Masonry Buildings
Authors: Sassu Mauro , Stochino Flavio , Mistretta Fausto
Published: August 2017

The retrofitting of existing masonry buildings is now a crucial problem for Europe. Indeed, structural safety and energy efficiency should represent the target of any renovation. The proposal of a new synthetic performance parameter is presented and discussed. Following this approach, in this paper, after a review of the main studies available in the literature, a proposal of a new performance parameter approach is presented and discussed. It is capable of taking into account both the structural and thermal aspects of masonry retrofitting. An emblematic set of reinforcements and energy improvements for masonry walls is examined. An example, generalized formulas, and a simultaneous evaluation of the role of multiple structural and thermal parameters on masonry buildings are proposed, with a view to optimize several categories of costs related to the intervention.
Selective Alkylation of Benzene by Propane over Bifunctional Pd-Acid Catalysts
Authors: Alotaibi Abdullah , Hodgkiss Sophie , Kozhevnikova Elena , Kozhevnikov Ivan
Published: August 2017

The alkylation of benzene by propane to yield isopropylbenzene (iPrPh) was studied using bifunctional Pd-acid catalysts, such as Pd-heteropoly acid and Pd-zeolite, in a fixed bed reactor at 300 °C and 1 bar pressure. Keggin-type tungstosilicic acid H4SiW12O40 (HSiW) and zeolite HZSM-5 were used as the acid components in these catalysts. The reaction occurred most efficiently over 2%Pd/25%HSiW/SiO2, giving iPrPh with up to 88% selectivity. The Pd-HSiW catalyst was more selective than the Pd-HZSM-5; the latter gave only 11–18% iPrPh selectivity. The reaction proceeded via a bifunctional mechanism including the dehydrogenation of propane to form propene on Pd sites, followed by the alkylation of benzene with the propene on acid sites. The effect of Pd loading in Pd-HSiW and Pd-HZSM-5 catalysts indicated that the first step reached quasi-equilibrium at 1.5–2% Pd loading and the second step became rate limiting. The addition of gold to Pd-HSiW enhanced the activity of this catalyst, although the Au-HSiW without Pd was inert.
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Neuronal Models for the Study of Autophagy Pathways in Human Neurodegenerative Disease
Authors: Jiménez-Moreno Natalia , Stathakos Petros , Caldwell Maeve , Lane Jon
Published: August 2017

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) are invaluable tools for research into the causes of diverse human diseases, and have enormous potential in the emerging field of regenerative medicine. Our ability to reprogramme patient cells to become hiPSCs, and to subsequently direct their differentiation towards those classes of neurons that are vulnerable to stress, is revealing how genetic mutations cause changes at the molecular level that drive the complex pathogeneses of human neurodegenerative diseases. Autophagy dysregulation is considered to be a major contributor in neural decline during the onset and progression of many human neurodegenerative diseases, meaning that a better understanding of the control of non-selective and selective autophagy pathways (including mitophagy) in disease-affected classes of neurons is needed. To achieve this, it is essential that the methodologies commonly used to study autophagy regulation under basal and stressed conditions in standard cell-line models are accurately applied when using hiPSC-derived neuronal cultures. Here, we discuss the roles and control of autophagy in human stem cells, and how autophagy contributes to neural differentiation in vitro. We also describe how autophagy-monitoring tools can be applied to hiPSC-derived neurons for the study of human neurodegenerative disease in vitro.
A Formally Reliable Cognitive Middleware for the Security of Industrial Control Systems
Authors: Khan Muhammad , Serpanos Dimitrios , Shrobe Howard
Published: August 2017

In this paper, we present our results on the formal reliability analysis of the behavioral correctness of our cognitive middleware ARMET. The formally assured behavioral correctness of a software system is a fundamental prerequisite for the system’s security. Therefore, the goal of this study is to, first, formalize the behavioral semantics of the middleware and, second, to prove its behavioral correctness. In this study, we focus only on the core and critical component of the middleware: the execution monitor. The execution monitor identifies inconsistencies between runtime observations of an industrial control system (ICS) application and predictions of the specification of the application. As a starting point, we have defined the formal (denotational) semantics of the observations (produced by the application at run-time), and predictions (produced by the executable specification of the application). Then, based on the formal semantices, we have formalized the behavior of the execution monitor. Finally, based on the semantics, we have proved soundness (absence of false alarms) and completeness (detection of arbitrary attacks) to assure the behavioral correctness of the monitor.
Socioeconomic Inequalities in Visits to the Dentist to Receive Professionally Applied Topical Fluoride in a Developing Country
Authors: Herrera Miriam , Medina-Solís Carlo , Pontigo-Loyola América , Rosa-Santillana Rubén , Ávila-Burgos Leticia , Scougall-Vilchis Rogelio , Márquez-Rodríguez Sonia , Minaya-Sánchez Mirna , Casanova-Rosado Alejandro
Published: August 2017

Objective: To determine the frequency and associated factors of visits to the dentist in the last year by Nicaraguan schoolchildren to receive professionally applied topical fluoride (PATF). Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was designed in children from public schools in the city of León, Nicaragua, were included. A series of socioeconomic, sociodemographic, and behavioural variables were collected through a questionnaire. The dependent variable was the visit to the dentist to receive professionally applied topical fluoride in the last year, which was dichotomised as (0) Did not receive PATF and (1) Yes received PATF. In the statistical analysis, binary logistic regression was used. Results: The mean age of the students included was 9 years, and 49.9% were girls. The prevalence of visits to the dentist in the last year to receive PATF was 3.1%. In the multivariate model, the associated characteristics (p < 0.05) were: female (OR = 2.73, 95% CI = 1.34–4.50); the positive attitude of the mother to the oral health of her child (OR = 2.15, 95% CI = 1.03–4.50); and the best socioeconomic position (OR = 2.68, 95% CI = 1.36—5.31). Conclusions: The prevalence of visits to the dentist in the last year to receive professionally applied topical fluoride was very low (3.1%). The results of the socioeconomic position suggest the existence of certain inequalities in oral health. It is necessary to implement policies and programs aimed at improving this scenario.
Human Dental Pulp Cells Differentiate toward Neuronal Cells and Promote Neuroregeneration in Adult Organotypic Hippocampal Slices In Vitro
Authors: Xiao Li , Ide Ryoji , Saiki Chikako , Kumazawa Yasuo , Okamura Hisashi
Published: August 2017

The adult mammalian central nerve system has fundamental difficulties regarding effective neuroregeneration. The aim of this study is to investigate whether human dental pulp cells (DPCs) can promote neuroregeneration by (i) being differentiated toward neuronal cells and/or (ii) stimulating local neurogenesis in the adult hippocampus. Using immunostaining, we demonstrated that adult human dental pulp contains multipotent DPCs, including STRO-1, CD146 and P75-positive stem cells. DPC-formed spheroids were able to differentiate into neuronal, vascular, osteogenic and cartilaginous lineages under osteogenic induction. However, under neuronal inductive conditions, cells in the DPC-formed spheroids differentiated toward neuronal rather than other lineages. Electrophysiological study showed that these cells consistently exhibit the capacity to produce action potentials, suggesting that they have a functional feature in neuronal cells. We further co-cultivated DPCs with adult mouse hippocampal slices on matrigel in vitro. Immunostaining and presto blue assay showed that DPCs were able to stimulate the growth of neuronal cells (especially neurons) in both the CA1 zone and the edges of the hippocampal slices. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), was expressed in co-cultivated DPCs. In conclusion, our data demonstrated that DPCs are well-suited to differentiate into the neuronal lineage. They are able to stimulate neurogenesis in the adult mouse hippocampus through neurotrophic support in vitro.
An Information Theory Calculator for Understanding Information and Library Science Applications
Authors: Losee Robert
Published: August 2017

The study of information as proposed in information theory provides a useful tool for studying many aspects of information systems, libraries, and archives. How does a calculator that computes information-theoretic functions contribute to students learning database ideas such as the relationships between various attributes, or columns in a relational database? Understanding the relationships between variables in a professional discipline can be viewed as the core of the discipline, and these information measures are very important to the study of the organization of information. A web-based information-theoretic calculator is examined that enables students to easily and completely process various information-theoretic calculations that are useful in studying database relationships. Students were questioned after using the calculator on a homework assignment. The students’ evaluations of this form of calculator were then examined, and lastly, recommendations about using information-theoretic calculators are suggested. Recommendations are made about the use of this form of calculator in a range of academic disciplines, from computer science and business, to library and information sciences. These recommendations apply to both the academy and professional practice applications in informational domains.
Fabrication and Characterization of Magnesium Ferrite-Based PCL/Aloe Vera Nanofibers
Authors: Thompson Zanshe , Rahman Shekh , Yarmolenko Sergey , Sankar Jagannathan , Kumar Dhananjay , Bhattarai Narayan
Published: August 2017

Composite nanofibers of biopolymers and inorganic materials have been widely explored as tissue engineering scaffolds because of their superior structural, mechanical and biological properties. In this study, magnesium ferrite (Mg-ferrite) based composite nanofibers were synthesized using an electrospinning technique. Mg-ferrite nanoparticles were first synthesized using the reverse micelle method, and then blended in a mixture of polycaprolactone (PCL), a synthetic polymer, and Aloe vera, a natural polymer, to create magnetic nanofibers by electrospinning. The morphology, structural and magnetic properties, and cellular compatibility of the magnetic nanofibers were analyzed. Mg-ferrite/PCL/Aloe vera nanofibers showed good uniformity in fiber morphology, retained their structural integrity, and displayed magnetic strength. Experimental results, using cell viability assay and scanning electron microscopy imaging showed that magnetic nanofibers supported 3T3 cell viability. We believe that the new composite nanofibrous membranes developed in this study have the ability to mimic the physical structure and function of tissue extracellular matrix, as well as provide the magnetic and soluble metal ion attributes in the scaffolds with enhanced cell attachment, and thus improve tissue regeneration.
The Dry Sliding Wear Properties of Nano-Sized TiCp/Al-Cu Composites at Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Tian Wei-Si , Zhao Qing-Long , Zhao Chuan-Jiang , Qiu Feng , Jiang Qi-Chuan
Published: August 2017

Nano-sized ceramic particle reinforced aluminum composites exhibit excellent room-temperature mechanical properties. However, there is limited research on the dry sliding wear behavior of those composites at elevated temperatures, which should be one of the major concerns on elevated temperature applications. Here the Al-Cu composites reinforced with nano-sized TiCp were fabricated. The dry sliding wear behaviors of the nano-sized TiCp/Al-Cu composites at various temperatures (140–220 °C) and loads (10–40 N) with different TiCp contents were studied, and the results showed that the nanocomposites exhibited superior wear resistance. For instance, the relative wear resistance of the 0.5 wt.% nano-sized TiCp/Al-Cu composite was 83.5% higher than that of the Al-Cu matrix alloy at 180 °C under 20 N, and was also 16.5% higher than that of the 5 wt.% micro-sized TiCp/Al-Cu composite, attributed to the pronounced Orowan strengthening effect of nanoparticles. The wear rates of the nanocomposites were always lower than those of the Al-Cu matrix alloy under the same test condition, which increased with the increase in temperature and load and with the decrease in TiCp content.
Fatty Acid Profile Is Modulated by Dietary Resveratrol in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Torno Claudia , Staats Stefanie , Pascual-Teresa Sonia de , Rimbach Gerald , Schulz Carsten
Published: August 2017

To produce fish of a high quality that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 FA) and simultaneously generate more sustainable aquaculture, the combined use of phytochemicals and vegetable oils in fish feed seems to be a promising approach. Resveratrol (RV) potentially induces endogenous fatty acid synthesis, resulting in elevated n-3 FA levels in fish. RV putatively influences ∆6-desaturase, the key enzyme in FA metabolism, and serves as a ligand for PPARα, a transcription factor regulating β-oxidation. Rainbow trout (36.35 ± 0.03 g) were randomly allocated into six groups and fed diets with reduced fish oil levels (F4 = 4%, F2 = 2% and F0 = 0% of dry matter) supplemented with 0.3% (w/w) RV (F4 + RV, F2 + RV and F0 + RV). RV significantly affected FA composition in liver tissue and whole fish homogenates. 20:5n-3 (EPA) and 22:6n-3 (DHA) were significantly increased whereas precursor FA were diminished in fish fed the F2 + RV and F0 + RV diets when compared to F4 + RV and F0. RV significantly elevated ∆6-desaturase protein levels in the livers of F0 + RV fed animals. Hepatic mRNA expression of ∆6-desaturase, PPARα, and its target genes were affected by the dietary fish oil level and not by dietary RV. The results of this study indicated a potential benefit of supplementing RV in fish oil deprived diets elevating n-3 FA levels in rainbow trout.
Inverse Associations between a Locally Validated Mediterranean Diet Index, Overweight/Obesity, and Metabolic Syndrome in Chilean Adults
Authors: Echeverría Guadalupe , McGee Emma , Urquiaga Inés , Jiménez Paulina , D’Acuña Sonia , Villarroel Luis , Velasco Nicolás , Leighton Federico , Rigotti Attilio
Published: August 2017

Obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) are key risk factors for chronic disease. Dietary patterns are critical in the incidence and persistence of obesity and MetS, yet there is few data linking diet to obesity and MetS in Chile. Our objective was to use a locally validated diet index to evaluate adherence to a Mediterranean dietary pattern and its correlations with overweight/obesity (OW/O) and MetS prevalence in Chilean adults. We conducted a nationwide, cross-sectional online survey of Chilean adults with complete self-reported diet and body mass index data (n = 24,882). A subsample of 4348 users (17.5%) had valid MetS data. An inverse association was observed between adherence to Mediterranean diet and OW/O and MetS prevalence. As diet quality decreased from healthy, to moderately-healthy, to unhealthy, prevalence increased from 44.8, 51.1, to 60.9% for OW/O and from 13.4, 18.5, to 28.9% for MetS (p-values < 0.001). Adjusted odds ratios for OW/O and MetS were significantly higher in moderately-healthy (OR = 1.58 and 1.54) and unhealthy (OR = 2.20 and 2.49, respectively) diet groups in comparison to the healthy diet group. This study represents the first report on the relationship between Mediterranean diet and chronic disease risk in Chile. It suggests that the Mediterranean diet may be applied to manage chronic disease risk beyond the Mediterranean basin.
Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) Derivatives: Innovative Conductive Polymers for Bioelectronics
Authors: Mantione Daniele , Del Agua Isabel , Sanchez-Sanchez Ana , Mecerreyes David
Published: August 2017

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)s are the conducting polymers (CP) with the biggest prospects in the field of bioelectronics due to their combination of characteristics (conductivity, stability, transparency and biocompatibility). The gold standard material is the commercially available poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS). However, in order to well connect the two fields of biology and electronics, PEDOT:PSS presents some limitations associated with its low (bio)functionality. In this review, we provide an insight into the synthesis and applications of innovative poly(ethylenedioxythiophene)-type materials for bioelectronics. First, we present a detailed analysis of the different synthetic routes to (bio)functional dioxythiophene monomer/polymer derivatives. Second, we focus on the preparation of PEDOT dispersions using different biopolymers and biomolecules as dopants and stabilizers. To finish, we review the applications of innovative PEDOT-type materials such as biocompatible conducting polymer layers, conducting hydrogels, biosensors, selective detachment of cells, scaffolds for tissue engineering, electrodes for electrophysiology, implantable electrodes, stimulation of neuronal cells or pan-bio electronics.
Warning System Options for Landslide Risk: A Case Study in Upper Austria
Authors: Scolobig Anna , Riegler Monika , Preuner Philipp , Linnerooth-Bayer JoAnne , Ottowitz David , Hoyer Stefan , Jochum Birgit
Published: August 2017

This paper explores warning system options in the landslide-prone community of Gmunden/Gschliefgraben in Upper Austria. It describes stakeholder perspectives on the technical, social, economic, legal and institutional characteristics of a warning system. The perspectives differ on issues such as responsibility allocation in decisions regarding warnings, technologies used for monitoring and forecasting, costs and financial aspects, open data policies and the role of the residents. Drawing on the theory of plural rationality and based on a desk study and interviews, stakeholder perspectives and discourses on the warning system problem and its solution were elicited. The perspectives formed the basis for the specification of three technical policy options for a warning system in Gschliefgraben: a minimal-cost and cost-effective system; a technical-expert system; and a resident-centered system. The case demonstrates the importance of accounting for a plurality of values and preferences and of giving voice to competing discourses in communities contemplating warning systems or other public good policies. This paper concludes that understanding the different and often conflicting perspectives and technical policy options is the starting point for formulating an agreed compromise for an effective warning system. We describe the compromise solution in an accompanying paper included in this Special Issue.
LiDAR Validation of a Video-Derived Beachface Topography on a Tidal Flat
Authors: Didier David , Bernatchez Pascal , Augereau Emmanuel , Caulet Charles , Dumont Dany , Bismuth Eliott , Cormier Louis , Floc’h France , Delacourt Christophe
Published: August 2017

Increasingly used shore-based video stations enable a high spatiotemporal frequency analysis of shoreline migration. Shoreline detection techniques combined with hydrodynamic conditions enable the creation of digital elevation models (DEMs). However, shoreline elevations are often estimated based on nearshore process empirical equations leading to uncertainties in video-based topography. To achieve high DEM correspondence between both techniques, we assessed video-derived DEMs against LiDAR surveys during low energy conditions. A newly installed video system on a tidal flat in the St. Lawrence Estuary, Atlantic Canada, served as a test case. Shorelines were automatically detected from time-averaged (TIMEX) images using color ratios in low energy conditions synchronously with mobile terrestrial LiDAR during two different surveys. Hydrodynamic (waves and tides) data were recorded in-situ, and established two different cases of water elevation models as a basis for shoreline elevations. DEMs were created and tested against LiDAR. Statistical analysis of shoreline elevations and migrations were made, and morphological variability was assessed between both surveys. Results indicate that the best shoreline elevation model includes both the significant wave height and the mean water level. Low energy conditions and in-situ hydrodynamic measurements made it possible to produce video-derived DEMs virtually as accurate as a LiDAR product, and therefore make an effective tool for coastal managers.
Adaptive Estimation of Crop Water Stress in Nectarine and Peach Orchards Using High-Resolution Imagery from an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)
Authors: Park Suyoung , Ryu Dongryeol , Fuentes Sigfredo , Chung Hoam , Hernández-Montes Esther , O’Connell Mark
Published: August 2017

The capability to monitor water status from crops on a regular basis can enhance productivity and water use efficiency. In this paper, high-resolution thermal imagery acquired by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was used to map plant water stress and its spatial variability, including sectors under full irrigation and deficit irrigation over nectarine and peach orchards at 6.12 cm ground sample distance. The study site was classified into sub-regions based on crop properties, such as cultivars and tree training systems. In order to enhance the accuracy of the mapping, edge extraction and filtering were conducted prior to the probability modelling employed to obtain crop-property-specific (‘adaptive’ hereafter) lower and higher temperature references (Twet and Tdry respectively). Direct measurements of stem water potential (SWP, ψstem) and stomatal conductance (gs) were collected concurrently with UAV remote sensing and used to validate the thermal index as crop biophysical parameters. The adaptive crop water stress index (CWSI) presented a better agreement with both ψstem and gs with determination coefficients (R2) of 0.72 and 0.82, respectively, while the conventional CWSI applied by a single set of hot and cold references resulted in biased estimates with R2 of 0.27 and 0.34, respectively. Using a small number of ground-based measurements of SWP, CWSI was converted to a high-resolution SWP map to visualize spatial distribution of the water status at field scale. The results have important implications for the optimal management of irrigation for crops.
An Adaptive Offset Tracking Method with SAR Images for Landslide Displacement Monitoring
Authors: Cai Jiehua , Wang Changcheng , Mao Xiaokang , Wang Qijie
Published: August 2017

With the development of high-resolution Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) systems, researchers are increasingly paying attention to the application of SAR offset tracking methods in ground deformation estimation. The traditional normalized cross correlation (NCC) tracking method is based on regular matching windows. For areas with different moving characteristics, especially the landslide boundary areas, the NCC method will produce incorrect results. This is because in landslide boundary areas, the pixels of the regular matching window include two or more types of moving characteristics: some pixels with large displacement, and others with small or no displacement. These two kinds of pixels are uncorrelated, which result in inaccurate estimations. This paper proposes a new offset tracking method with SAR images based on the adaptive matching window to improve the accuracy of landslide displacement estimation. The proposed method generates an adaptive matching window that only contains pixels with similar moving characteristics. Three SAR images acquired by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory’s Uninhabited Aerial Vehicle Synthetic Aperture Radar (UAVSAR) system are selected to estimate the surface deformation of the Slumgullion landslide located in the southwestern Colorado, USA. The results show that the proposed method has higher accuracy than the traditional NCC method, especially in landslide boundary areas. Furthermore, it can obtain more detailed displacement information in landslide boundary areas.
An Investigation into Risk Perception in the ICT Industry as a Core Component of Responsible Research and Innovation
Authors: Chatfield Kate , Borsella Elisabetta , Mantovani Elvio , Porcari Andrea , Stahl Bernd
Published: August 2017

This paper makes an original contribution to the responsible research and innovation (RRI) discourse, with an inquiry into the extent to which risk, risk assessment, or risk management, including ethical and social issues, is relevant to companies. As a core component of the higher or “meta-responsibility” of RRI, an investigation of practices and attitudes towards risks can provide us with a window into companies’ attitudes towards responsible innovation that is rooted in real-world experiences. Drawing upon data from 30 in-depth interviews and a large Delphi study, we reveal different underlying attitudes towards risk governance for individuals working in the information and communication technology (ICT) industry. For some companies, there is already an obvious degree of alignment with RRI values. For others, framing of the RRI discourse in terms of ethical and societal risks may help to promote understanding and uptake. Results from the interviews suggest that lack of awareness of the full extent of ethical and societal risks associated with research and innovation in the ICT industry may act as a barrier to engagement with RRI, and educational activities may be needed to rectify this situation. Results from the Delphi survey suggest that when presented with simple information about potential ethical and societal risks, industry personnel can easily recognise the main risks and provide clear opinions about how they should be addressed. The relationship between risk governance and RRI warrants further investigation as it is an essential facet of RRI.
Path to an Integrated Modelling between IFC and CityGML for Neighborhood Scale Modelling
Authors: Jusuf Steve , Mousseau Benjamin , Godfroid Gaelle , Soh Jin
Published: August 2017

Planning of the built environment requires two-levels of planning process, city/neighborhood-scale and building-scale levels. At the city/neighborhood-scale, Geographic Information System (GIS) is commonly used with CityGML as its open-source 3D format. Meanwhile, for building-scale, Building Information Modelling (BIM) is used, and Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) format is its open-source file format. Both technologies work on different data formats and data exchanges. The research is focusing on ways of exchanging information and bringing together CityGML and IFC. With local context input, the methodology could be considered as a framework to parametrically manage the information related to energy, environment, security, etc. In this project, two use cases were developed, such as visualization for a web application. Autodesk Revit and Graphisoft Archicad were used in developing the building models as a prototype for the transformation testing. The transformation system was developed using Feature Manipulation Engine (FME), by Safe Software. FME allowed us to restructure the data model (IFC) and transformed it to the destination data format (CityGML). The test results showed that from detailed BIM models, CityGML format, as well as a Sketchup file, could be generated. These models can be imported to web visualization applications for urban energy modelling.
The Pan-STARRS1 Medium-deep Survey: Star Formation Quenching in Group and Cluster Environments
Authors: Jian Hung-Yu , Lin Lihwai , Lin Kai-Yang , Foucaud Sebastien , Chen Chin-Wei , Chiueh Tzihong , Bower R. G. , Cole Shaun , Chen Wen-Ping , Burgett W. S. , Draper P. W. , Flewelling H. , Huber M. E. , Kaiser N. , Kudritzki R.-P. , Magnier E. A. , Metcalfe N. , Wainscoat R. J. , Waters C.
Published: August 2017

We make use of a catalog of 1600 Pan-STARRS1 groups produced by the probability friends-of-friends algorithm to explore how the galaxy properties, i.e., the specific star formation rate (SSFR) and quiescent fraction, depend on stellar mass and group-centric radius. The work is the extension of Lin et al. In this work, powered by a stacking technique plus a background subtraction for contamination removal, a finer correction and more precise results are obtained than in our previous work. We find that while the quiescent fraction increases with decreasing group-centric radius, the median SSFRs of star-forming galaxies in groups at fixed stellar mass drop slightly from the field toward the group center. This suggests that the main quenching process in groups is likely a fast mechanism. On the other hand, a reduction in SSFRs by ∼0.2 dex is seen inside clusters as opposed to the field galaxies. If the reduction is attributed to the slow quenching effect, the slow quenching process acts dominantly in clusters. In addition, we also examine the density–color relation, where the density is defined by using a sixth-nearest-neighbor approach. Comparing the quiescent fractions contributed from the density and radial effect, we find that the density effect dominates the massive group or cluster galaxies, and the radial effect becomes more effective in less massive galaxies. The results support mergers and/or starvation as the main quenching mechanisms in the group environment, while harassment and/or starvation dominate in clusters.