bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimized computed tomography protocol for assessment of dentition in alpacas
Authors: Fulkerson Caroline V. , Lim Chee Kin , Baird Aubrey N. , Weil Ann B. , Heng Hock Gan , Gutierrez-Crespo Beatrice , Moore George E.
Published: February 2018

OBJECTIVE To determine the optimal protocol for acquisition of CT images of the dentition in alpacas.

ANIMALS 3 healthy adult male alpacas.

PROCEDURES Each alpaca was anesthetized with an IM injection of a combination of ketamine, xylazine, and butorphanol and positioned in sternal recumbency on the CT couch with its legs folded in a natural cush position and its head positioned within the isocenter of the gantry of a 64-slice CT scanner. Images were acquired by means of 6 protocols (sequential and helical modes at slice thicknesses of 1.25, 2.5, and 5 mm). Five images (2 molar, 2 premolar, and mandibular incisor teeth) were selected from each protocol for evaluation by 3 veterinary radiologists. For each image, tooth root visibility and sharpness and image noise artifact were subjectively evaluated on a 3-point scoring system.

RESULTS Slice thickness significantly affected tooth root visibility and tooth root sharpness but did not affect image noise artifact. Acquisition mode significantly affected tooth root visibility and tooth root sharpness as well as image noise artifact. Tooth root visibility and sharpness did not differ significantly between the helical and sequential images when the slice thickness was 1.25 mm. Image noise artifact was greater for helical images than sequential images but did not differ by slice thickness within either acquisition mode.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that for a 64-slice CT scanner, the optimal protocol for the acquisition of CT images of the dentition in alpacas was a sequential scan with a slice thickness of 1.25 mm.
Use of pressure mapping for quantitative analysis of pressure points induced by external coaptation of the distal portion of the pelvic limb of dogs
Authors: Iodence Ashley E. , Olsen Anastasia M. , McGilvray Kirk C. , Duncan Colleen G. , Duerr Felix M.
Published: February 2018

OBJECTIVE To quantitatively measure the amount of pressure induced at the calcaneus and cranial tibial surface of dogs by use of 2 cast configurations.

ANIMALS 13 client- or student-owned dogs.

PROCEDURES Pressure sensors were placed over the calcaneus and cranial tibial surface. Dogs then were fitted with a fiberglass cast on a pelvic limb extending from the digits to the stifle joint (tall cast). Pressure induced over the calcaneus and proximal edge of the cast at the level of the cranial tibial surface was simultaneously recorded during ambulation. Subsequently, the cast was shortened to end immediately proximal to the calcaneus (short cast), and data acquisition was repeated. Pressure at the level of the calcaneus and cranial tibial surface for both cast configurations was compared by use of paired t tests.

RESULTS The short cast created significantly greater peak pressure at the level of the calcaneus (mean ± SD, 0.2 ± 0.07 MPa), compared with peak pressure created by the tall cast (0.1 ± 0.06 MPa). Mean pressure at the proximal cranial edge of the cast was significantly greater for the short cast (0.2 ± 0.06 MPa) than for the tall cast (0.04 ± 0.03 MPa).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE A cast extended to the level of the proximal portion of the tibia caused less pressure at the level of the calcaneus and the proximal cranial edge of the cast. Reducing the amount of pressure at these locations may minimize the potential for pressure sores and other soft tissue injuries.
Helong Language in West Kupang District, Kupang Regency East Nusa Tenggara is Shifting Towards Death
Authors: Sudaryano Gregorius , Budiarsa Made , Suastra I Made , Ola Simon Sabon
Published: February 2018

Research on language shift related to social factor is included in sociolinguistic research. This study is to examine the phenomenon of Helong language (HL) shift  in the District of West Kupang, Kupang Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province. HL shift is a product of language contact and language competition which is characterized by the use of HL by its speakers that is getting lower and switch to another more prestigious one. Therefore, the phenomenon of HL shift was analyzed based on the choice of HL language use in a domain that implies HL maintenance by its speakers among generations.

 

In order to get the expected data, this study involved 100 respondents consisting groups of 40 parents, 29 adults, and 31 children. The data obtained through data collection techniques were analyzed by using quantitative and qualitative methods. It was conducted based on the attitude of language in the dimensions of language loyalty, language pride, and awareness of language norms in the domains of family, education, customs, neighborhood, government, and religion referring to the level of HL maintenance.

 

The results showed that the phenomenon of HL shift in the District of West Kupang, Kupang Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province reflected reducing number of intergenerational Helong native speakers in using their own language. The presence of Indonesian language (IL) intervening the use of language in the domains of education, government, and religion influencing the use of languages in the domains of family and neighborhood. Thus, HL is shifting towards death in the next generations.
Curbing Creative Accounting: Do Religious Environment and Individual Attribute Matter?
Authors: Sari Ratna Candra , Purnama Ida Ayu , Azizah Ajeng Wahyu
Published: February 2018

The flexibility of accounting standards is one of the drivers of creative accounting. Creative accounting is an ethical dilemma. It seems that creative accounting does not explicitly violate the rules, but led misinterpretation and misdirection in user’s decision- making. The purposes of this study are, to test the differences of ethical perceptions of creative accounting of undergraduate students in religious and public universities; Second, to examine the effects of moral disengagement on ethical perceptions. The data collection method involved a questionnaire to a total of 225 respondents from two religious-based universities and one public university. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to test the hypothesis. The results show that there is a significant difference in students’ethical perceptions between public university and religious-based universities. Thus, there is a significant difference in students’ ethical perceptions students with high and low level moral disengagement. Educational implication and suggestion for future research are proposed.
Authors: Purba Ida Ayu Candrasatyani , Suaryana I Gusti Ngurah Agung
Published: February 2018

Penyajian laporan keuangan berkualitas dapat menyebabkan kegiatan investasi menjadi optimal terlebih lagi didukung oleh rendahnya asimetri informasi antara manajemen perusahaan dan pemegang saham.Tujuan riset adalah membuktikan secara empiris dan menjelaskan dampak laporan keuangan yang berkualitas pada asimetri informasi dan dampaknya pada efisiensi investasi.Objek penelitian yang digunakan adalah perusahaan tambang yang tercatat di Bursa Efek Indonesia tahun 2013-2015. Penentuan sampel menggunakan purposive sampling, dan diperoleh 69 sampel. Alat analisis menggunakan analisis jalur. Hasil diperoleh bahwa pengaruh kualitas laporan keuangan terhadap asimetri informasi bernilai negatif dan berpengaruh positif pada efisiensi investasi, asimetri informasi berpengaruh negatif pada efisiensi investasi, serta hanya sebagian asimetri informasi berperan memengaruhi kualitas laporan keuangan pada efisiensi investasi.

 

Kata kunci:kualitas laporan keuangan, asimetri informasi, efisiensi investasi
APLIKASI MODEL MEAN REVERSION DENGAN MUSIMAN DALAM MENENTUKAN NILAI KONTRAK OPSI TIPE EROPA PADA HARGA KOMODITAS KAKAO
Authors: DEWI IDA AYU PUTU CANDRA , DHARMAWAN KOMANG , ASIH NI MADE
Published: February 2018

Many literatures explain that commodity prices tend to follow the pattern of Mean Reversion models, commodity prices are controlled by seasonal supplies resulting in price fluctuations. To overcome the risk of fluctuations in the price, an investor can hedge with option contracts. The purpose of this research was to know the application of Mean Reversion model with seasonal in determining the value of European option contract from commodity ,by estimating the parameters and simulating the model in order to get the value of European option contract. Thus, the values of the options obtained with the model was compared with the value of the options calculated by the Black-Scholes model. The results of this study indicated that the value of contract option of Mean Reversion model with seasonal value was lower than the Black-Scholes model.
La intervención del juez en la realización de Políticas Públicas: una interpretación del fenómeno a partir del Derecho a la Salud
Authors: Sandoval Cumbe Helber Mauricio
Published: February 2018

El presente artículo intenta demostrar la intervención de los jueces de la república en la realización de políticas públicas, en especial en materia del derecho a la salud en Colombia. Pero en términos específicos, la colaboración armónica de los poderes constitucionales imprimen la necesidad de este fenómeno, especialmente en aquellos casos en que los derechos y garantías se ven comprometidos, como consecuencia de la inacción de las autoridades a las que normativamente se ha asignado la competencia para su satisfacción.
LA GUBERNAMENTALIDAD DEL ESTADO EN FOUCAULT: UN PROBLEMA MODERNO
Authors: Botticelli Sebastián
Published: February 2018

El presente artículo tiene por objetivo estipular algunas de las implicacionesque, dentro de la obra de Michel Foucault, supone la aparición de laperspectiva gubernamental. Para ello se especificarán algunos predicadosasociados a los conceptos de “gobierno” y “gubernamentalidad” ensu relación con ciertas nociones significativas como las de “poder” y“conducta”. Se señalarán los supuestos metodológicos que Foucault asumeal tomar al Estado como objeto de indagación. Se procurará explicitar porqué, en la reconstrucción propuesta por el autor, la gubernamentalidadestatal constituye un problema específicamente moderno. Por último, seseñalará la vinculación entre el surgimiento de la gubernamentalidad y laaparición de aquella forma de reflexión crítica que implica un compromisocon el tiempo actual y que Foucault identifica con la impronta de laIlustración.
Interim estimate of influenza vaccine effectiveness in hospitalised children, Hong Kong, 2017/18
Authors: Chiu Susan S , Kwan Mike Y W , Feng Shuo , Wong Joshua S C , Leung Chi-Wai , Chan Eunice L Y , Peiris J S Malik , Cowling Benjamin J
Published: February 2018

We conducted a hospital-based test-negative study in Hong Kong to estimate influenza vaccine effectiveness (VE) for the winter of 2017/18. The interim analysis included data on 1,078 children admitted between 4 December 2017 and 31 January 2018 with febrile acute respiratory illness and tested for influenza. We estimated influenza VE at 66% (95% confidence interval (CI): 43–79) overall, and 65% (95% CI: 40–80) against influenza B, the dominant virus type (predominantly B/Yamagata).
Bizans'ta Kadın Sanatçılar
Authors: MAKTAL CANKO Dilek
Published: February 2018

Bizans
sanatından günümüze ulaşan eser sayısının azlığı, sanatçıların
eserlerinin altına imzalarını atmalarını engelleyen anonim faaliyet inanışı;
Bizanslı sanatçı isimlerinin büyük bir kısmının günümüze ulaşmasını neredeyse
imkansız hale getirmiştir. Bununla birlikte; erkek sanatçıların bile eserleri
ile anılmalarının çok zor olduğu bir toplumda, bazı kadın sanatçılar eserleri
ile birlikte günümüze ulaşmayı başarmışlardır.

Tekstil, kitap kopyalama, edebiyat, gösteri
sanatları, müzik ve resim sanatı gibi sanat dallarında ürün
veren Bizanslı kadın sanatçılar, tüm kısıtlamalara rağmen eserlerini üreterek,
kadınları evlerine hapseden ataerkil Bizans ideolojisine başkaldırmışlardır.
Sayılarının az olmasına karşılık etkili hayat hikâyeleri Bizanslı kadınların
azmini ve gücünü kanıtlar niteliktedir.
Meningkatkan Kemampuan Motorik Kasar Melalui Parenting Senam Masal Ibu dan Anak Pada Anak Usia Dini TK Dharma Wanita Bangsal Kecamatan Pesantren Kota Kediri Tahun Pelajaran 2017/2018
Authors: Subroto S Edy
Published: February 2018

Penelitian ini dilatarbelakangi hasil pengamatan dan pengalaman peneliti, bahwa Berdasarkan pengamatan yang terjadi, rendahnya kemampuan motorik kasar anak tersebut dikarenakan belum maksimalnya pihak sekolah melaksanakan program pembelajaran yang melibatkan komponen wali murid. Permasalahan penelitian ini adalah Apakah dengan program parenting senam masal ibu dan anak dapat meningkatkan motorik kasar pada anak usia dini TK Dharma Wanita Bangsal Kecamatan Pesantren Kota Kediri Tahun Pelajaran 2017/2018. Penelitian Tindakan  Kelas  ini  juga  termasuk  penelitian diskriptif karena menggambarkan bagaimana suatu pembelajaran  diterapkan dan  bagaimana  hasil  yang  ingin dicapai. Penelitian Tindakan Sekolah dengan subyek penelitian ibu dan anak diTKDharma Wanita Bangsal Kecamatan Pesantren Kota Kediri ini  dilaksanakan dalam 2 siklus. Dari hasil pelaksanaan siklus II yang sebesar 85,71% menunjukkan peningkatan motorik kasar anak usia dini sudah mencapai ketuntasan yang telah ditetapkan. Berdasarkan  hasil  penelitian  tindakan  sekolah  yang  dilakukan  di  TK Dharma Wanita Bangsal Kecamatan Pesantren   Kota  Kediri  dapat  disimpulkan  bahwa  melalui kegiatan parenting senam masal ibu dan anak dapat meningkatkan motorik kasar anak usia dini di TK Dharma Wanita Bangsal Kecamatan Pesantren Kota  Kediri tahun pelajaran 2017/2018.
Language Learning Strategies of EFL College Students
Authors: Furwana Dewi
Published: February 2018

The objectives of the research were (1) to investigate the most dominant language learning strategies (LLS) used by sixth semester students of English Department of Tarbiyah Faculty at UIN Alauddin Makassar and (2) to find out the differences of using LLS between high achieving students and low achieving students. The result of the quantitative data through questionnaire showed that (1) metacognitive strategies was the most dominant LLS used, and (2) the high achieving students used metacognitive strategies with the highest preference and low achieving students used compensation strategies with the highest preference. The result of the qualitative data through think aloud showed that (1) the most dominant LLS employed by students were listening music, utilizing time for practicing and self-evaluating, (2) the most dominant LLS used by high achieving students were utilizing time for practicing, practicing English together and self-evaluating, whereas the most dominant LLS used by low achieving students were listening music, asking friend and selecting topic. The data were collected through documentation used to classify high achieving students and low achieving students based on their grade point average. It is concluded that the most dominant language learning strategies employed by students was metacognitive strategies. High achieving students employed different strategy than low achieving students. High achieving students used learning strategies more frequently than low achieving students.
How Good EFL Learners Decrease Their Foreign Language Anxiety: A Solution for the EFL Students with High Anxiousness
Authors: Rahman Ali Wira
Published: February 2018

This research is aimed to find out the solution of the anxiousness phenomenon that always attacks the EFL Learners particularly in Indonesia. In the future, this research is expected as main information for all students and lecturer or teachers of English to decrease the students’ anxiety in performing speaking. In long time ago until now, it becomes a big problem for all beginner students of English. The implementation of this research starting by doing observation to all class in the sixth semester students to find out some good EFL Learners. Researchers then consulting with the lecturer in determining the students to be the subject of this research. After finding the subject, interview session will be conducted to find out several information about their anxiousness. The data will be collected until limit of saturation. The last step of this research is doing analysis of the data were taken from observation and interview. The researchers will apply data reduction for the first step, the second is data display and the last will be drawing conclusion and verification of the data. The conclusion that being made will be verify by triangulation to get the validity of the result of this research.
The Students’ Interest on the Use of Vocabulary Self-Collection Strategy in Learning English Vocabulary
Authors: Ali Syayyidina
Published: February 2018

The learning should be supported by an interesting strategy to make students enjoyable and interested in learning, as well as in learning English Vocabulary. The aim of this research is to investigate and describe the students’ perceptions on the use of vocabulary self-collection strategy in Learning English vocabulary. This study was a descriptive model consisting of 37 subject-students. The data were collected with a questionnaire, it was rating scale which distributed after 8 meetings of treatments, and it covered 15 positive and closed statements about the use of vocabulary self-collection strategy in learning vocabulary classroom. The questionnaire was analyzed based on the percentage of each answer. To calculate questionnaire data into percentage, the researcher used the formula where the number of frequency is multiplied to 100% then divided to the number of the total respondents. The result of the students’ perceptions indicated that vocabulary self-collection strategy is interesting strategy used in learning vocabulary classroom. The highest rank of the mean score is 56.6% of agree students, 35.5% of strongly agree students, 6.7% of undecided students, 0.7% of disagree students, and 0.2% of strongly disagree to the statements on the questionnaire.
Model Sumur Resapan dan Drainase Untuk Penanggulangan Banjir Dengan Memanfaatkan Material Lokal
Authors: Kadir Yuliyanti , Patuti Indriati Martha , Desei Frice L.
Published: February 2018

Flooding is a disaster that often occurs in the rainy season. The damage caused by this failure is not only material damage such as damage to houses, public facilities, and destruction of agricultural land, but also create disease outbreaks around the disaster site. One solution to reduce rainwater runoff needs to be made easy and practical recharge well model by utilizing local materials. The purpose of this research is the modeling of absorbing wells and drainage for prevention and control of flood hazard to achieve a healthy, safe, and comfortable. The research location is Lauwonu Village, Tilango District, Gorontalo Regency. Construction materials for modeling are local materials located around the site. The recharge wells are sized (2x1x1) m3 and (2x1,5x1) m3. If every household has a recharge well with a minimum volume of 2 m3, it will reduce rainfall runoff so that that flood disaster can be avoided.
Developing Reading Material for Elementary Students in Tourism Area by Inserting Local Culture
Authors: Kusuma I Putu Indra
Published: February 2018

This research and development (R&D) aimed at 1) developing reading material for the fifth grade students of elementary schools in tourism area, and (2) investigating the quality of the material developed. To gather the data, this study used scoring rubric, questionnaires, observation sheets, interview guide, and test. This study used the development model proposed by Sugiyono (2011) and was developed based on the characteristics of good reading material proposed by Tomlinson (1998). The results showed that (1) reading material was developed by involving some of local contents and (2) reading material had high validity and practicality and was proven to be effective. It then can be concluded that to make good quality of a reading material, the development of it should involve local content and should be based on the criteria of good material.
Nocardia choroidal abscess-a Case report with Review of literature
Authors: Dave Prachi Abhishek , Agarwal Manisha , Sapra Neelam , Kimmatkar Prajakta
Published: February 2018

Introduction: Nocardia is a common cause of corneal infections but is a rare cause of choroidal abscess. We report a rare case of choroidal abscess, secondary to Nocardia and its management.Case: We report a case of choroidal abscess secondary to Nocardia asteroides species in an immunocompetent young male diagnosed by culture positivity of vitreous biopsy. He was managed by oral trimethoprimsulfamethoxazole and intravitreal Amikacin injections.Conclusion: All the previous reported cases were found to be immunocompromised patients. However, our patient was immunocompetent and the confirmation of diagnosis was done by culture of vitreous biopsy in comparison to a retinochoroidal biopsy, in all other previous cases.
Glaucoma in Asia- An epidemiological perspective
Authors: Agrawal Ajai , Singh Anupam , Mittal Sanjeev Kumar
Published: February 2018

Glaucoma is the third most common cause of global visual impairment. Bilateral blindness from glaucoma is projected to affect greater than 11 million individuals worldwide by the year 2020, with a disproportionately large number of the affected individuals being of Asian descent. The disease pattern, its response to treatment, and ground realities differ among various Asian countries. Over the past decade, there have been tremendous efforts for combating cataract blindness, but unfortunately few efforts in Asian countries have been made to establish comprehensive eye care programs in the community that include management of glaucoma. There is a need for education about the disease amongst the general public and continuing medical education and training of practicing ophthalmologists in addition to improvement of infrastructure to combat blindness due to glaucoma.
Economic analysis of service and delivery interventions in health care
Authors: Sutton Matt , Garfield-Birkbeck Steph , Martin Graham , Meacock Rachel , Morris Stephen , Sculpher Mark , Street Andrew , Watson Samuel I , Lilford Richard J
Published: February 2018

There are well-developed guidelines for economic evaluation of clearly defined clinical interventions, but no such guidelines for economic analysis of service interventions. Distinctive challenges for analysis of service interventions include diffuse effects, wider system impacts, and variability in implementation, costs and effects. Cost-effectiveness evidence is as important for service interventions as for clinical interventions. There is also an important role for wider forms of economic analysis to increase our general understanding of context, processes and behaviours in the care system. Methods exist to estimate the cost-effectiveness of service interventions before and after introduction, to measure patient and professional preferences, to reflect the value of resources used by service interventions, and to capture wider system effects, but these are not widely applied. Future priorities for economic analysis should be to produce cost-effectiveness evidence and to increase our understanding of how service interventions affect, and are affected by, the care system.
Localization of Simulated Damage on a Steel Beam from Random Vibrations
Authors: Bayer Jan , Král Jaromír , Urushadze Shota
Published: February 2018

The performance of a few localization schemes using measured mode shapes was tested in an experimental case study with respect to the Ultimate Limit State (ULS). The first question to be posed was: Is it possible to indicate and locate damage under laboratory conditions before the ULS is reached? Relatively simple localization criteria were chosen, which do not require extensive FE analysis. A new combination of them, designated here as Combined Localization Criterion (CLI), was proposed that performed well in the presented case. A simple supported beam with the damage progressing in three consecutive stages was used for the experiments. Mode shapes in the range of up to 100 Hz were extracted from the response of the structure to the air stream.
Effect of Thermal and Freeze-thaw Stress on the Mechanical Properties of Porous Limestone
Authors: Pápay Zita , Török Ákos
Published: February 2018

This paper focuses on the effect of high temperature on the mechanical properties of a porous limestone that is widely used as dimension stone in Hungary. The changes in physical properties of 3 types of porous limestone were analyzed at 22 °C, 300 °C and 600 °C, respectively. The limestone specimens were also subjected to freeze-thaw cycles to assess the other extrinsic factor that influences the behavior. Parameters such as material density, bulk density, ultrasonic pulse velocity and tensile strength were measured and compared in different test conditions. The tests results indicate that fabric differences significantly influences the durability of tested limestones. Bioclastic grainstone is more frost resistant that ooidal grainstone or bioclastic packstone, but heating seems to reduce the pulse velocity and tensile strength of all tested limestone. It is suggested that cyclic freezing-thawing reduces the strength depending on the micro-fabric, while heating to 600 °C and the reduction of strength is less controlled by the fabric of the porous limestone.
Stress and Strength Analysis of Non-Right Angle H-section Beam
Authors: Cai Mingyi , Yu Jianfei , Jiang Xinmin
Published: February 2018

In this paper, according to the design requirements of a steel structural project, based on the principle of structural mechanics of thin-walled bar, the non-right angle H-section, which is subjected to bending moment and shear force, is taken as the object of study, the formulas of bending normal stress and shear stress are deduced. On this basis, the distribution of bending stress and shear stress and the location of dangerous stress are analyzed, the calculation method of section strength is discussed, and the FEA software ABAQUS is used to verify the above.
Experimental and Numerical Study of Octagonal Composite Column Subject to Various Loading
Authors: Ebadi Jamkhaneh Mehdi , Kafi Mohammad Ali
Published: February 2018

In this study, experimental tests of the behaviour of steel and partially encased composite (PEC) columns subjected to compressive loading is performed. Evaluation of this type of composite column under axial loading and numerical analysis of its behaviour under combined torsional and axial loading are the main objectives of this study. At first, a parametric study of PEC columns under axial loading was performed in order to find the relationship between flange slenderness ratio of steel column section and concrete confinement. Width-to-thickness ratio of the flange, diameter and spacing of the transverse links were considered as variables in this study. It was observed that dimension of transverse links had almost no effect on the capacity of the specimens, however smaller transverse links spacing increased both capacity and deformability of the specimens. The comparison of the code equations given in CSA S16-14 and EN 1994-1-1 revealed that the equation in CSA S16-14 underestimates the capacity. Furthermore, different types of retrofit of cross-shaped steel column including concrete encasement, use of stiffener plates and transverse links were investigated in this research. Results revealed that concrete confinement and use of transverse links had respectively the most and the least effect on increasing torsional capacity of the specimens.
A Tool for the Evaluation of Irrigation Water Quality in the Arid and Semi-Arid Regions
Authors: Bortolini Lucia , Maucieri Carmelo , Borin Maurizio
Published: February 2018

In the Mediterranean arid and semi-arid regions, large amounts of low quality waters could be used for crop irrigation, but the adoption of articulated classifications with too rigid quality limits can often reduce the recoverable quantities of water and make the monitoring of water quality too much expensive. Therefore, an evaluation of irrigation water quality based on only a few crucial parameters, which consider the crop species to be irrigated and the type of irrigation system and management adopted, can be an easy and flexible method for maximizing the reuse of wastewater and low-quality water for agricultural purposes. In this view, an irrigation water quality tool (IWQT) was developed to support farmers of arid and semi-arid regions on evaluating the use of low quality water for crop irrigation. The most significant and cheapest parameters of irrigation water quality were identified and clustered in three quality classes according to their effects on crop yield and soil fertility (agronomic quality indicators), human health (hygiene and health quality indicators), and irrigation systems (management quality indicators). According to IWQT parameters, a tool reporting a series of recommendations, including water treatment types, was implemented to guide farmers on the use of low quality irrigation water.
Creative Arts Interventions for Stress Management and Prevention—A Systematic Review
Authors: Martin Lily , Oepen Renate , Bauer Katharina , Nottensteiner Alina , Mergheim Katja , Gruber Harald , Koch Sabine
Published: February 2018

Stress is one of the world’s largest health problems, leading to exhaustion, burnout, anxiety, a weak immune system, or even organ damage. In Germany, stress-induced work absenteeism costs about 20 billion Euros per year. Therefore, it is not surprising that the Central Federal Association of the public Health Insurance Funds in Germany ascribes particular importance to stress prevention and stress management as well as health enhancing measures. Building on current integrative and embodied stress theories, Creative Arts Therapies (CATs) or arts interventions are an innovative way to prevent stress and improve stress management. CATs encompass art, music, dance/movement, and drama therapy as their four major modalities. In order to obtain an overview of CATs and arts interventions’ efficacy in the context of stress reduction and management, we conducted a systematic review with a search in the following data bases: Academic Search Complete, ERIC, Medline, Psyndex, PsycINFO and SocINDEX. Studies were included employing the PICOS principle and rated according to their evidence level. We included 37 studies, 73% of which were randomized controlled trials. 81.1% of the included studies reported a significant reduction of stress in the participants due to interventions of one of the four arts modalities.
Predicting the Air Quality, Thermal Comfort and Draught Risk for a Virtual Classroom with Desk-Type Personalized Ventilation Systems
Authors: Conceição Eusébio , Santiago Cristina , Lúcio Mª. , Awbi Hazim
Published: February 2018

This paper concerns the prediction of indoor air quality (IAQ), thermal comfort (TC) and draught risk (DR) for a virtual classroom with desk-type personalized ventilation system (PVS). This numerical study considers a coupling of the computational fluid dynamics (CFD), human thermal comfort (HTC) and building thermal behavior (BTB) numerical models. The following indexes are used: the predicted percentage of dissatisfied people (PPD) index is used for the evaluation of the TC level; the carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration in the breathing zone is used for the calculation of IAQ; and the DR level around the occupants is used for the evaluation of the discomfort due to draught. The air distribution index (ADI), based in the TC level, the IAQ level, the effectiveness for heat removal and the effectiveness for contaminant removal, is used for evaluating the performance of the personalized air distribution system. The numerical simulation is made for a virtual classroom with six desks. Each desk is equipped with one PVS with two air terminal devices located overhead and two air terminal devices located below the desktop. In one numerical simulation six occupants are used, while in another simulation twelve occupants are considered. For each numerical simulation an air supply temperature of 20 °C and 24 °C is applied. The results obtained show that the ADI value is higher for twelve persons than for six persons in the classroom and it is higher for an inlet air temperature of 20 °C than for an inlet air temperature of 24 °C. In future works, more combinations of upper and lower air terminal devices located around the body area and more combinations of occupants located in the desks will be analyzed.
Electrical and Tensile Properties of Carbon Black Reinforced Polyvinyl Chloride Conductive Composites
Authors: Islam Iftekharul , Sultana Shahin , Kumer Ray Swapan , Parvin Nur Husna , Hossain Md. Tofazzal , Md. Ajmotgir Walliullah
Published: February 2018

Conductive polymer composites are becoming more important and useful in many electrical applications. This paper reports on the carbon black (CB) reinforced polyvinyl chloride (PVC) conductive composites. Conductive filler CB was reinforced with thermoplastic PVC by compression molding technique to make conductive composites. The particle size of CB was measured, as it affects the electrical conductivity of the composites. Different types of CB-PVC compression-molded composites were prepared, using CB contents from 5 to 30 wt %. The electrical and tensile properties of these composites were studied and compared. Improved electrical properties were obtained for all CB-PVC conductive polymer composites compared to virgin PVC composite. However, the tensile properties of the CB-PVC composites increased up to 15 wt % CB loading, and then decreased, and elongation at break decreased with increasing CB loading. The structure of the CB, PVC and CB-PVC composites were studied by attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopic analysis. ATR-FTIR spectra provide evidence of the formation of CB-PVC composites. The microstructural analyses showed a good dispersion of CB in PVC matrix.
Lasso Maximum Likelihood Estimation of Parametric Models with Singular Information Matrices
Authors: Jin Fei , Lee Lung-fei
Published: February 2018

An information matrix of a parametric model being singular at a certain true value of a parameter vector is irregular. The maximum likelihood estimator in the irregular case usually has a rate of convergence slower than the n -rate in a regular case. We propose to estimate such models by the adaptive lasso maximum likelihood and propose an information criterion to select the involved tuning parameter. We show that the penalized maximum likelihood estimator has the oracle properties. The method can implement model selection and estimation simultaneously and the estimator always has the usual n -rate of convergence.
A Risk-Based Approach to Shelter Resilience following Flood and Typhoon Damage in Rural Philippines
Authors: Stephenson Victoria , Finlayson Andrew , Miranda Morel Luisa
Published: February 2018

The Philippines is exposed to numerous typhoons every year, each of which poses a potential threat to livelihoods, shelter, and in some cases life. Flooding caused by such events leads to extensive damage to land and buildings, and the impact on rural communities can be severe. The global community is calling for action to address and achieve disaster risk reduction for communities and people exposed to such events. Achieving this requires an understanding of the nature of the risks that flooding and typhoons pose to these communities and their homes. This paper presents the findings from a field based case study assessment of three rural settlements in the Philippines, where typhoons and associated flooding in recent years has caused significant damage to houses and livelihoods, leading to the reconstruction of homes that more often than not reproduce similar structural vulnerabilities as were there before these hazards occurred. This work presents a methodology for risk assessment of such structures profiling the flood and wind hazards and measuring physical vulnerability and the experience of communities affected. The aim of the work is to demonstrate a method for identifying risks in these communities, and seeks to address the challenge faced by practitioners of assisting communities in rebuilding their homes in more resilient ways. The work set out here contributes to the discussion about how best to enable practitioners and communities to achieve the sought for risk reduction and especially highlights the role that geoscience and engineering can have in achieving this ambition.
Determinants of Quality of Life and Satisfaction with Life in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Rzońca Ewa , Bień Agnieszka , Wdowiak Artur , Szymański Ryszard , Iwanowicz-Palus Grażyna
Published: February 2018

The purpose of the study was to assess the quality of life (QoL) and satisfaction with life (SwL) of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in comparison with those of healthy controls, and to identify and analyze factors determining QoL and SwL in women with PCOS. The cross-sectional study was performed between January and November 2016 in 504 women using health care services in Poland. The study group comprised women with PCOS, the control group women without PCOS. The study used a diagnostic survey with questionnaires. Research instruments included the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire, the satisfaction with life scale (SWLS), and a standardized interview questionnaire comprising questions on the participants’ characteristics. Women with PCOS have lower QoL and SwL than healthy controls (p < 0.05). Factors affecting QoL in PCOS patients included socio-economic standing, time from PCOS diagnosis, BMI, age, and professional activity (p < 0.05). Factors affecting SwL in PCOS patients included socio-economic standing, having children, BMI, and time from PCOS diagnosis (p < 0.05). The higher the PCOS patients’ QoL, the higher their SwL (p < 0.05). Further studies are required, focusing both on PCOS and its etiology, and on its impact on the women diagnosed with the disease.
WHO Environmental Noise Guidelines for the European Region: A Systematic Review on Environmental Noise and Cardiovascular and Metabolic Effects: A Summary
Authors: Van Kempen Elise , Casas Maribel , Pershagen Göran , Foraster Maria
Published: February 2018

To update the current state of evidence and assess its quality, we conducted a systematic review on the effects of environmental noise exposure on the cardio-metabolic systems as input for the new WHO environmental noise guidelines for the European Region. We identified 600 references relating to studies on effects of noise from road, rail and air traffic, and wind turbines on the cardio-metabolic system, published between January 2000 and August 2015. Only 61 studies, investigating different end points, included information enabling estimation of exposure response relationships. These studies were used for meta-analyses, and assessments of the quality of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). A majority of the studies concerned traffic noise and hypertension, but most were cross-sectional and suffering from a high risk of bias. The most comprehensive evidence was available for road traffic noise and Ischeamic Heart Diseases (IHD). Combining the results of 7 longitudinal studies revealed a Relative Risk (RR) of 1.08 (95% CI: 1.01–1.15) per 10 dB (LDEN) for the association between road traffic noise and the incidence of IHD. We rated the quality of this evidence as high. Only a few studies reported on the association between transportation noise and stroke, diabetes, and/or obesity. The quality of evidence for these associations was rated from moderate to very low, depending on transportation noise source and outcome. For a comprehensive assessment of the impact of noise exposure on the cardiovascular and metabolic system, we need more and better quality evidence, primarily based on longitudinal studies.
Roughness Spectra Derived from Multi-Scale LiDAR Point Clouds of a Gravel Surface: A Comparison and Sensitivity Analysis
Authors: Milenković Milutin , Ressl Camillo , Karel Wilfried , Mandlburger Gottfried , Pfeifer Norbert
Published: February 2018

The roughness spectrum (i.e., the power spectral density) is a derivative of digital terrain models (DTMs) that is used as a surface roughness descriptor in many geomorphological and physical models. Although light detection and ranging (LiDAR) has become one of the main data sources for DTM calculation, it is still unknown how roughness spectra are affected when calculated from different LiDAR point clouds, or when they are processed differently. In this paper, we used three different LiDAR point clouds of a 1 m × 10 m gravel plot to derive and analyze the roughness spectra from the interpolated DTMs. The LiDAR point clouds were acquired using terrestrial laser scanning (TLS), and laser scanning from both an unmanned aerial vehicle (ULS) and an airplane (ALS). The corresponding roughness spectra are derived first as ensemble averaged periodograms and then the spectral differences are analyzed with a dB threshold that is based on the 95% confidence intervals of the periodograms. The aim is to determine scales (spatial wavelengths) over which the analyzed spectra can be used interchangeably. The results show that one TLS scan can measure the roughness spectra for wavelengths larger than 1 cm (i.e., two times its footprint size) and up to 10 m, with spectral differences less than 0.65 dB. For the same dB threshold, the ULS and TLS spectra can be used interchangeably for wavelengths larger than about 1.2 dm (i.e., five times the ULS footprint size). However, the interpolation parameters should be optimized to make the ULS spectrum more accurate at wavelengths smaller than 1 m. The plot size was, however, too small to draw particular conclusions about ALS spectra. These results show that novel ULS data has a high potential to replace TLS for roughness spectrum calculation in many applications.
Can Plant Defence Mechanisms Provide New Approaches for the Sustainable Control of the Two-Spotted Spider Mite Tetranychus urticae?
Authors: Agut Blas , Pastor Victoria , Jaques Josep A. , Flors Victor
Published: February 2018

Tetranychus urticae (T. urticae) Koch is a cosmopolitan, polyphagous mite which causes economic losses in both agricultural and ornamental plants. Some traits of T. urticae hamper its management, including a short life cycle, arrhenotokous parthenogenesis, its haplodiploid sex determination system, and its extraordinary ability to adapt to different hosts and environmental conditions. Currently, the use of chemical and biological control are the major control methods used against this mite. In recent years, some studies have focused on plant defence mechanisms against herbivores. Various families of plant compounds (such as flavonoids, glucosinolates, or acyl sugars) have been shown to behave as acaricides. Plants can be induced upon appropriate stimuli to increase their resistance against spider mites. This knowledge, together with the understanding of mechanisms by which T. urticae detoxifies and adapts to pesticides, may complement the control of this pest. Herein, we describe plant volatile compounds (VOCs) with repellent activity, and new findings about defence priming against spider mites, which interfere with the T. urticae performance. The use of VOCs and defence priming can be integrated into current management practices and reduce the damage caused by T. urticae in the field by implementing new, more sustainable crop management tools.
Stroke-Like Episodes and Cerebellar Syndrome in Phosphomannomutase Deficiency (PMM2-CDG): Evidence for Hypoglycosylation-Driven Channelopathy
Authors: Izquierdo-Serra Mercè , Martínez-Monseny Antonio , López Laura , Carrillo-García Julia , Edo Albert , Ortigoza-Escobar Juan , García Óscar , Cancho-Candela Ramón , Carrasco-Marina M , Gutiérrez-Solana Luis , Cuadras Daniel , Muchart Jordi , Montero Raquel , Artuch Rafael , Pérez-Cerdá Celia , Pérez Belén , Pérez-Dueñas Belén , Macaya Alfons , Fernández-Fernández José , Serrano Mercedes
Published: February 2018

Stroke-like episodes (SLE) occur in phosphomannomutase deficiency (PMM2-CDG), and may complicate the course of channelopathies related to Familial Hemiplegic Migraine (FHM) caused by mutations in CACNA1A (encoding CaV2.1 channel). The underlying pathomechanisms are unknown. We analyze clinical variables to detect risk factors for SLE in a series of 43 PMM2-CDG patients. We explore the hypothesis of abnormal CaV2.1 function due to aberrant N-glycosylation as a potential novel pathomechanism of SLE and ataxia in PMM2-CDG by using whole-cell patch-clamp, N-glycosylation blockade and mutagenesis. Nine SLE were identified. Neuroimages showed no signs of stroke. Comparison of characteristics between SLE positive versus negative patients’ group showed no differences. Acute and chronic phenotypes of patients with PMM2-CDG or CACNA1A channelopathies show similarities. Hypoglycosylation of both CaV2.1 subunits (α1A and α2α) induced gain-of-function effects on channel gating that mirrored those reported for pathogenic CACNA1A mutations linked to FHM and ataxia. Unoccupied N-glycosylation site N283 at α1A contributes to a gain-of-function by lessening CaV2.1 inactivation. Hypoglycosylation of the α2δ subunit also participates in the gain-of-function effect by promoting voltage-dependent opening of the CaV2.1 channel. CaV2.1 hypoglycosylation may cause ataxia and SLEs in PMM2-CDG patients. Aberrant CaV2.1 N-glycosylation as a novel pathomechanism in PMM2-CDG opens new therapeutic possibilities.
3,5,6,7,8,3′,4′-Heptamethoxyflavone, a Citrus Flavonoid, Inhibits Collagenase Activity and Induces Type I Procollagen Synthesis in HDFn Cells
Authors: Kim Hong-Il , Jeong Yong-Un , Kim Jong-Hyeon , Park Young-Jin
Published: February 2018

Citrus fruits contain various types of flavonoids with powerful anti-aging and photoprotective effects on the skin, and have thus been attracting attention as potential, efficacious skincare agents. Here, we aimed to investigate the chemical composition of Citrus unshiu and its protective effects on photoaging. We isolated and identified a bioactive compound, 3,5,6,7,8,3′,4′-heptamethoxyflavone (HMF), from C. unshiu peels using ethanol extraction and hexane fractionation. HMF inhibited collagenase activity and increased type I procollagen content in UV-induced human dermal fibroblast neonatal (HDFn) cells. HMF also suppressed the expression of matrix metalloproteinases 1 (MMP-1) and induced the expression of type I procollagen protein in UV-induced HDFn cells. Additionally, HMF inhibited ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced phosphorylation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) cascade signaling components—ERK, JNK, and c-Jun—which are involved in the induction of MMP-1 expression. Furthermore, HMF affected the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway, which is involved in the regulation of type I procollagen expression. In particular, HMF induced Smad3 protein expression and suppressed Smad7 protein expression in UV-induced HDFn cells in a dose-dependent manner. These findings suggest a role for Citrus unshiu in the preparation of skincare products in future.
Adaptive Synchronization for Heterogeneous Multi-Agent Systems with Switching Topologies
Authors: Rosa Muhammad
Published: February 2018

This work provides a multi-agent extension of output-feedback model reference adaptive control (MRAC), designed to synchronize a network of heterogeneous uncertain agents. The implementation of this scheme is based on multi-agent matching conditions. The practical advantage of the proposed MRAC is the possibility of handling the case of the unknown dynamics of the agents only by using the output and the control input of its neighbors. In addition, it is reasonable to consider the case when the communication topology is time-varying. In this work, the time-varying communication leads to a switching control structure that depends on the number of the predecessor of the agents. By using the switching control structure to handle the time-varying topologies, we show that synchronization can be achieved. The multi-agent adaptive switching controller is first analyzed, and numerical simulations based on formation control of simplifier quadcopter dynamics are provided.