bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estado, sociedade e nova economia
Authors: Pereira Orlando Petiz
Published: October 2017

A sociedade atual dá sinais claros da necessidade de se construir e implementar um novo paradigma socioeconómico alternativo ao atual, dada a incapacidade que este tem em responder aos problemas reais da população no quotidiano. Neste sentido, a nova economia necessita do desenvolvimento da economia solidária e da intervenção estatal cirúrgica, nomeadamente ao nível das políticas de apoio e de fomento, passando pela redefinição das diferentes políticas públicas. Isto porque a economia solidária é uma proposta de um projeto para construção de uma sociedade impregnada de valores como os da igualdade, democracia, solidariedade, fraternidade, cidadania e inclusão. A sua ação vai da participação coletiva à autogestão, passando pela democracia, cooperação, promoção, respeito e altruísmo e pelo desenvolvimento integral da pessoa. A nova economia é estruturada pela imaterialidade, intelectualidade e institucionalismo e visa os objetivos da consistência solidária, da cooperação, da partilha, do diálogo e da interação. Em termos potenciais, pode ser uma alternativa à organização da sociedade atual porque internaliza os desajustamentos sociais e procura dar-lhes resposta, com especial incidência para o desemprego, para a deterioração das condições laborais e para as relações sociais de trabalho, dos excluídos da sociedade, entre outros. Contudo, a nova economia depende do comprometimento e do compromisso das pessoas. Por isso, os princípios da economia solidária têm como eixo comum a educação e a formação.
Formação e gestão de competências setoriais: análise de experiências no Brasil
Authors: Barbosa Allan Claudius Queiroz
Published: October 2017

O "discurso" das competências surgiu como prática gerencial de importância significativa e apresenta em sua aplicabilidade grande diversidade e plasticidade. É dentro desta perspetiva que se introduz a reflexão sobre a possibilidade de construção de modelos de competência com características setoriais ou por categorias profissionais, que tanto minimizem dispêndios e recursos destinados ao processo de preparação e adequação do indivíduo à sua atividade profissional, quanto o preparem para o mercado de trabalho. Este artigo analisou como foram pensadas e objetivadas ações setoriais e por categorias profissionais na formulação de competências, considerando as diferentes experiências desenvolvidas por entidades de classe no Brasil. Ao mesmo tempo em que o estudo evidenciou uma lógica que reconhece a excelência do indivíduo, que passa a ser visto e avaliado quanto às suas capacidades, foi possível observar que os ditames destas competências são continuamente "pautados" pela lógica do mercado, em busca de padrões de exigência crescentes e/ou mutáveis. Nesta situação, observou-se que os modelos adotados pelas diferentes entidades de classe estudadas ainda se encontram restritos a grupos reduzidos de empregados, com abrangência setorial e/ou por determinadas categorias profissionais, mas evidenciando sua relevância ao direcionar a valorização dos indivíduos em um contexto que se torna mais seletivo e exigente.
Sistema de informação para a gestão de desempenho dos recursos humanos de uma universidade
Authors: Gomes Fernando , Vasconcelos José Braga de , Camelo Cláudia , Couto António
Published: October 2017

Este artigo resume o desenvolvimento de um projeto que tem por objetivo principal conceber e implementar um modelo que permita aferir não só a qualidade do desempenho prestado por todos quantos trabalham numa Instituição de Ensino Superior, como também identificar, com precisão, quais as competências necessárias e adequadas a um desempenho de elevado rendimento. Este trabalho apresenta um modelo para a gestão de desempenho e competências enquadrado no sistema de informação de uma universidade. Este sistema integra diferentes recursos de informação académica, pedagógica e administrativa de modo a disponibilizar um conjunto de serviços fundamentais à gestão dos recursos humanos da Universidade. A implementação do modelo gestão de desempenho na sua totalidade, englobando a arquitetura do sistema de informação a ele subjacente, tem por base gerir de forma efetiva o conhecimento e as competências dos recursos humanos da Universidade Fernando Pessoa. O aspeto inovador relevante deste projeto focaliza-se na conceção de um modelo de gestão de desempenho transversal a toda a instituição, docentes e não-docentes, com o objetivo da modernização do funcionamento estratégico da Instituição num contexto cada vez mais competitivo, tanto pela diminuição da procura como pelo aumento da oferta formativa.
Competências de empregabilidade entre adultos com baixas habilitações: autoeficácia em participantes de um processo de RVCC
Authors: Caires Susana , Dermagne Stéphanie
Published: October 2017

Definindo autoeficácia como “um julgamento das próprias capacidades para executar cursos de ações exigidos para se atingir um certo grau de performance” (1986), Bandura salienta as suas funções determinantes no desempenho, bem-estar psicológico e motivacional dos indivíduos. As suas escolhas, orientação para a ação, persistência face a obstáculos ou a forma como se sentem ao desempenhá-la são largamente determinadas pela autoeficácia, designadamente no domínio vocacional. Procurando conhecer as crenças de autoeficácia na área da empregabilidade entre indivíduos com habilitações inferiores ao 9º ano, realizou-se um estudo envolvendo 486 adultos em processo de RVCC. Neste trabalho dão-se a conhecer os principais resultados, recolhidos através do Inventário de Competências de Empregabilidade (versão para indivíduos com baixas habilitações).
Oportunidades de aprendizagem/formação e satisfação organizacional
Authors: Freixo Laureano , Lima-Santos Nelson
Published: October 2017

A organização e gestão do trabalho, enquanto competência estratégica organizacional, quer-se capaz de fazer face à atual competitividade existente nos mercados, logo, implica que os trabalhadores possam beneficiar da utilização de um conjunto de boas práticas, fundadas em modos concretos de organização e gestão, ancorados na aprendizagem permanente, muito particularmente como alternativa a inteligências e saberes, mais ou menos estáticos, de apenas alguns dos colaboradores. Mas este desiderato só é possível quando é garantido (i) um sistema adequado de seleção e recrutamento, para a aquisição de competências individuais, (ii) um plano de formação profissional (treino, aperfeiçoamento e desenvolvimento) consistente com as exigências e oportunidades de mobilidade interna, e (iii) um sistema de informação eficiente e eficaz (Meignant, 1999). Contudo, estes objetivos só são concretizáveis se forem apoiados por um ambiente favorável de satisfação organizacional no seio dos Recursos Humanos. É neste sentido que procuramos avaliar, no contexto da indústria metalúrgica do norte do país, numa amostra de 578 sujeitos, através de estudos diferenciais, o impacto das Oportunidades de Aprendizagem e de Formação proporcionadas pela Empresa na satisfação organizacional. Os resultados salientam que o grupo de participantes que evidencia maior satisfação com as Oportunidades de Aprendizagem e de Formação, por comparação com o grupo de participantes que mostra menor satisfação, revela, também, maior satisfação em diversos indicadores da satisfação organizacional. Podemos, então, concluir que a satisfação com as oportunidades de aprendizagem e de formação, no contexto da indústria metalúrgica do norte do país, afeta muito positivamente o nível de Satisfação Organizacional.
Qualidade no atendimento: avaliação da formação em contexto hospitalar
Authors: Correia Luís Manuel Mendes , Araújo Manuel Salvador Gomes de
Published: October 2017

O atendimento é uma responsabilidade que os múltiplos colaboradores devem assumir no desempenho das suas funções e com clara influência nos resultados finais. Se esta premissa é verdadeira na generalidade das organizações, constitui-se como fundamental no setor dos serviços e, mais particularmente, no setor Hoteleiro e Hospitalar. Devido às características próprias dos serviços hoteleiros e hospitalares, a formação em atendimento e posterior avaliação, são ferramentas indispensáveis aos gestores de recursos humanos. A Avaliação da formação em Portugal está recorrentemente associada à avaliação imediata da satisfação dos formandos relativamente ao projeto formativo, assim como dos e dos formadores, sendo mais escassa a preocupação com avaliações que possam pedir o impacto no desempenho dos colaboradores e na aplicação das aquisições formativas no local de trabalho. Esta comunicação pretende apresentar os resultados da avaliação da formação de um caso específico no setor hospitalar, onde se avaliou: 1) a satisfação da formação e dos formadores pelos formandos; 2) avaliação dos conhecimentos, atitudes e comportamentos adquiridos com a formação; e 3) a avaliação das competências dos formandos em contexto real de trabalho. Foi administrado uma bateria de testes dos quais faziam parte o Inventário de Comportamentos Interpessoais - ICI (McIntyre & McIntyre, 1995); o Inventário de Conhecimentos em Atendimento – ICA (Araújo & Correia, 2007); Escala de Atitudes Relativas ao Trabalho - EART (Araújo & Correia, 2007). Os resultados apontam para ganhos significativos de conhecimentos nos 12 meses que se seguiram à formação, de mudanças de atitudes em relação ao trabalho e de melhorias na assertividade dos formandos.
Satisfação no trabalho no início da vida profissional e em fases mais avançadas da carreira: um estudo comparativo numa empresa de transportes
Authors: Vieira Diana , Santos Ana Cláudia , Santos Ana Cristina , Fernandes Eva
Published: October 2017

A satisfação no trabalho constitui-se como um dos principais indicadores de ajustamento vocacional e da carreira na vida adulta. Vários estudos têm apontado para a relevância da satisfação laboral para o sentimento de realização profissional. Uma das premissas do desenvolvimento da carreira consiste na assunção de que a relação do indivíduo com o trabalho evolui e se modifica ao longo da vida. O presente estudo tem como principal objetivo analisar a satisfação no trabalho junto de uma amostra de 155 colaboradores de uma organização na área dos transportes. Mais precisamente, procura-se avaliar em que medida a satisfação no trabalho difere consoante dois grupos de sujeitos: jovens recém-chegados ao mercado de trabalho e trabalhadores com mais experiência profissional em fases mais avançadas da carreira. A satisfação laboral é avaliada neste estudo com a escala de Satisfação no Trabalho (ST; Vieira & Coimbra, 2006), um instrumento de autorrelato com três fatores que permite a distinção entre a satisfação com o conteúdo do trabalho, com as relações laborais e com as compensações no trabalho. Após a apresentação e análise dos resultados, reflete-se sobre as possíveis implicações para a intervenção na carreira.
Características psicométricas do questionário de avaliação da satisfação no trabalho
Authors: Vieira Diana , Neto Catarina , Cruz Eliana , Pereira João , Moita Luísa , Novo Marisa , Velez Sara
Published: October 2017

A construção e validação de instrumentos de avaliação de variáveis latentes requer um investimento moroso e contínuo por parte dos investigadores. O questionário de Satisfação no Trabalho (ST; Vieira & Coimbra, 2006) é um instrumento de autorrelato constituído por 19 itens numa escala de resposta tipo Likert de 6 pontos, organizados por três fatores: satisfação com o conteúdo do trabalho, satisfação com as relações no trabalho e satisfação com as compensações no trabalho. Este instrumento foi desenvolvido, a par da revisão da literatura, a partir dos resultados de um estudo exploratório de natureza qualitativa junto de finalistas do ensino superior. O estudo das suas propriedades psicométricas tem sido essencialmente realizado junto de recém-diplomados do ensino superior, durante o primeiro ano da sua atividade profissional. O presente trabalho tem por objetivo avaliar as características psicométricas deste questionário junto de uma amostra com características mais diversificadas, tanto em termos de habilitações literárias como em termos de experiência profissional. Os resultados apontam para a adequação da utilização deste instrumento de avaliação da satisfação no trabalho junto de indivíduos com níveis de escolaridade e anos de experiência laboral diversificados.
COMET – Communication for European Training Managers
Authors: Fazekas Dora , Veloso Bárbara
Published: October 2017

The adult educational and learning systems occupy a complex and important role in terms of socio-economic growth, ative citizenship and social responsibility. In this sense, effective internal and external communication processes of training organisations are considered fundamental as they contribute to the development of innovative learning products and services and to the increase of their attractiveness for potential beneficiaries. The communication in this setor is carried out internally, between the various staff members within a training organisation, and externally, between the training organisation and other stakeholders at various levels, as well as the adult learners. Sociedade Portuguesa de Inovação is a partner in the COMET – Communication for European Training Managers project, co-funded by the EC under the Life-long Learning Programme (www.spi.pt/comet). The project, based on the above assumptions, aims to strengthen the Lifelong Learning Organizations by helping managers to gain ownership of a set of communication tools to be applied for reaching personal, company and community goals through the development of a training programme for them. The project activities include: (a) Training needs analysis of the project target group; (b) Design of training curriculum, training materials and didactical methodology for the COMET training course; (c) Testing of the training course in Italy and in Portugal; (d) Quality and evaluation plan; (e) Dissemination Plan; e (f) Delivering of two final Training Courses in Italy and in Portugal.
Impacto do bullying no local de trabalho: efeito moderador das variáveis demográficas e profissionais
Authors: Araújo Manuel Salvador Gomes de , McIntyre Teresa Mendonça , McIntyre Scott Elmes
Published: October 2017

O fenómeno do bullying no local de trabalho tem estado cada vez mais no centro dos interesses da comunidade científica internacional, nomeadamente dos profissionais da área da saúde ocupacional. Os avanços sentidos no estudo e intervenção nesta problemática em termos internacionais são inequívocos, o que tem contribuído para um interesse crescente dos investigadores e profissionais a nível nacional. Algumas das questões se têm colocado pelos estudos pioneiros deste fenómeno (Einarsen, Hoel, Zapf & Cooper, 2003; Hirigoyene, 2002; Leymann, 1996; Vartia, 2001) referem-se ao impacto que a violência psicológica pode ter ao nível da saúde física e mental dos trabalhadores, assim como na “saúde organizacional” dos contextos onde estes exercem a sua ocupação. Esta comunicação tem 3 objetivos principais: a) sensibilizar para o fenómeno do bullying no local de trabalho; 2) apresentar dados estatísticos de prevalência numa amostra portuguesa; e c) analisar o efeito moderador das variáveis demográficas e profissionais em termos de impacto na saúde dos trabalhadores. Foi administrado uma bateria de testes dos quais faziam parte o Negative Acts Questionnaire (Einarsen & Raknes, 1997), o Rotterdam Symptom Checklist (Haes et. al., 1990) e General Health Questionnaire (Goldberg, 1978) a uma amostra de 787 trabalhadores de empresas do setor dos serviços e da indústria, sendo depois analisados através do programa estatístico SPSS. A prevalência do bullying no local de trabalho nesta amostra portuguesa indicia que os nossos trabalhadores apresentam valores elevados de prevalência, pelo menos se comparados com o 3 a 5 por cento sugeridos por Heinz Leymann. Foram encontrados efeitos moderadores quer nas variáveis demográficas quer nas variáveis profissionais em termos de impacto na saúde dos trabalhadores, que nos remetem para a necessidade de mudanças de políticas de recursos humanos, assim como cuidados acrescidos na postura ética dos profissionais de Recursos Humanos ao nível das relações laborais.
Hubungan antara Dimensi Fungsionalitas Keluarga dan Subjective Well-Being (SWB) pada Ibu yang Memiliki Anak Disabilitas Intelektual di SLB – C Bandung
Authors: Shafanisa Arfa Tiara , Azizah Endeh , Victoria Evi Ema
Published: October 2017

This study was conducted to discover the correlation between family functioning and Subjective Well-Being (SWB) toward mothers who have an intellectual disability child at SLB – C Bandung, total respondent are 52 persons. The tool to measure family functioning is Family Assessment Device (Epstein, Bishop, & Levin 1978), which was translated by Triad English Centre and modified by the researcher. The tool to measure SWB was created by researcher, which was based on theory by Diener (2008). Each total score dimension family functioning being correlated with total score SWB using pearson correlation test on SPSS program for windows. The statistic result shows there are two dimension which have significantly positive correlation with SWB, namely problem solving (r = 0,293), and communication (r = 0,385), whereas roles, affective responsiveness, affective involvement, and behavior control are not significantly related with SWB (each coefficient r = 0,092, r = 0,180, r = 0,105, and r = 0,082). Conclusion from this study are from six dimension of family functioning, there are  two dimension which have a significant positive correlation with SWB, both of them are problem solving and communication. However, four dimension of family functioning are not related with SWB. The researcher suggest a further correlational study on family functioning and SWB with using one SLB - C. Other than that, the researcher suggest to mothers whom have an intellectual disability child at SLB – C Bandung to join a productive activity to increase SWB. Keywords:  Family functioning, Subjective Well-Being (SWB)
Gambaran Derajat Grit Pada Mahasiswa Akademi Keperawatan “X” di Kabupaten Kepulauan Aru
Authors: Izaach Roseilla Nora
Published: October 2017

This study aimed to describe the level of grit in the Nursing Academy student X in the Aru Islands. Grit is the one of the latest theory in the study of Positive Psychology which emphasizes of two important aspects are perseverance of efforts and consistency of interest, that determines the success of individuals in achieving their life goals. The goal of achieving future success through education is the reason this research is conducted. Respondents in this study were students in 2014. The number of respondents are 51 people with entirely female. Measuring instrument used in this study was grit scale consists of 12 items with reliability of 0.85 and a validity coefficient range  from 0.44 to 0.82 ( Duckworth, et.al.,2007) . Based on the results of the processing of descriptive data, it was found that the majority of respondents have a low level of grit with percentage of 86.3%. Variable aspect of grit perseverance of efforts, the majority of respondents have a low level of 90.2%, and the consistency aspect of interest, the majority of respondents have a high level of 66.7%. The socioeconomic status of the students is based on the type of work of the parents, not indicating the tendency to be related to the degree of grit. Further research that can be done is to investigate more deeply about the contribution of personality factors, differences in cultural background and demographics that affect grit. Keywords: Grit, socioeconomic status, demographics
K-Nearest Neighbours Method as a Tool for Failure Rate Prediction
Authors: Kutyłowska Małgorzata
Published: October 2017

The paper shows the results of failure rate prediction using non-parametric regression algorithm K-nearest neighbours. The whole data set for years 1999-2013 was divided randomly into two groups (learning – 75% and testing – 25%). Besides, data from year 2014 were used for verifying the model. The dependent variable (failure rate) was forecasted on the basis of independent variables (number of installed house connections, total length and number of damages of water mains, distribution pipes and house connections). Four types of distance metric: Euclidean, quadratic Euclidean, Manhattan and Czebyszew were checked and four KNN models were created. Taking into consideration all constraints and assumptions, models using Euclidean and quadratic Euclidean distance metrics gave the most optimal prediction results. The optimal number of K nearest neighbours equalled to 2 and 3 concerning models KNN-E, KNN-E2, KNN-C and KNN-M, respectively. Validation error was the smallest for models KNN-E and KNN-E2 and amounted to 0.0130, for model KNN-M was equal to 0.0152 and for KNN-C to 0.0150.
Feature Selection and Classification of Ulcerated Lesions Using Statistical Analysis for WCE Images
Authors: Suman Shipra , Hussin Fawnizu , Malik Aamir , Ho Shiaw , Hilmi Ida , Leow Alex , Goh Khean-Lee
Published: October 2017

Wireless capsule endoscopy (WCE) is a technology developed to inspect the whole gastrointestinal tract (especially the small bowel area that is unreachable using the traditional endoscopy procedure) for various abnormalities in a non-invasive manner. However, visualization of a massive number of images is a very time-consuming and tedious task for physicians (prone to human error). Thus, an automatic scheme for lesion detection in WCE videos is a potential solution to alleviate this problem. In this work, a novel statistical approach was chosen for differentiating ulcer and non-ulcer pixels using various color spaces (or more specifically using relevant color bands). The chosen feature vector was used to compute the performance metrics using SVM with grid search method for maximum efficiency. The experimental results and analysis showed that the proposed algorithm was robust in detecting ulcers. The performance in terms of accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity are 97.89%, 96.22%, and 95.09%, respectively, which is promising.
Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Imaging Based on Bubble Region Detection
Authors: Huang Yurong , Yu Jinhua , Tong Yusheng , Li Shuying , Chen Liang , Wang Yuanyuan , Zhang Qi
Published: October 2017

The study of ultrasound contrast agent imaging (USCAI) based on plane waves has recently attracted increasing attention. A series of USCAI techniques have been developed to improve the imaging quality. Most of the existing methods enhance the contrast-to-tissue ratio (CTR) using the time-frequency spectrum differences between the tissue and ultrasound contrast agent (UCA) region. In this paper, a new USCAI method based on bubble region detection was proposed, in which the frequency difference as well as the dissimilarity of tissue and UCA in the spatial domain was taken into account. A bubble wavelet based on the Doinikov model was firstly constructed. Bubble wavelet transformation (BWT) was then applied to strengthen the UCA region and weaken the tissue region. The bubble region was thereafter detected by using the combination of eigenvalue and eigenspace-based coherence factor (ESBCF). The phantom and rabbit in vivo experiment results suggested that our method was capable of suppressing the background interference and strengthening the information of UCA. For the phantom experiment, the imaging CTR was improved by 10.1 dB compared with plane wave imaging based on delay-and-sum (DAS) and by 4.2 dB over imaging based on BWT on average. Furthermore, for the rabbit kidney experiment, the corresponding improvements were 18.0 dB and 3.4 dB, respectively.
Pattern Recognition of the Multiple Sclerosis Syndrome
Authors: Zabad Rana , Stewart Renee , Healey Kathleen
Published: October 2017

During recent decades, the autoimmune disease neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), once broadly classified under the umbrella of multiple sclerosis (MS), has been extended to include autoimmune inflammatory conditions of the central nervous system (CNS), which are now diagnosable with serum serological tests. These antibody-mediated inflammatory diseases of the CNS share a clinical presentation to MS. A number of practical learning points emerge in this review, which is geared toward the pattern recognition of optic neuritis, transverse myelitis, brainstem/cerebellar and hemispheric tumefactive demyelinating lesion (TDL)-associated MS, aquaporin-4-antibody and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)-antibody NMOSD, overlap syndrome, and some yet-to-be-defined/classified demyelinating disease, all unspecifically labeled under MS syndrome. The goal of this review is to increase clinicians’ awareness of the clinical nuances of the autoimmune conditions for MS and NMSOD, and to highlight highly suggestive patterns of clinical, paraclinical or imaging presentations in order to improve differentiation. With overlay in clinical manifestations between MS and NMOSD, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain, orbits and spinal cord, serology, and most importantly, high index of suspicion based on pattern recognition, will help lead to the final diagnosis.
Activated Carbon-Supported Tetrapropylammonium Perruthenate Catalysts for Acetylene Hydrochlorination
Authors: Li Xing , Zhang Haiyang , Man Baochang , Hou Lijuan , Zhang Chuanming , Dai Hui , Zhu Mingyuan , Dai Bin , Dong Yanzhao , Zhang Jinli
Published: October 2017

The Ru-based catalysts, including Ru/AC (activated carbon), TPAP (tetrapropylammonium perruthenate)/AC, TPAP/AC-HNO3, and TPAP/AC-HCl, were prepared and assessed for the direct synthesis of vinyl chloride monomer. The results indicate that the TPAP/AC-HCl catalyst exhibits the best performance with the conversion falling from 97% to 91% in 48 hours’ reaction under the conditions of 180 °C, a GHSV(C2H2) of 180 h−1, and the feed ratio VHCl/VC2H2 of 1.15. The substitution of RuCl3 precursor with high valent TPAP species leads to more ruthenium oxides active species in the catalysts; the acidification treatment of carrier in TPAP/AC catalyst can produce an enhanced interaction between the active species and the modified functional groups on the carrier, and it is beneficial to inhibit the carbon deposition and sintering of ruthenium species in the reaction process, greatly increase the adsorption ability of reactants, and further increase the amount of dominating active species in the catalysts, thus improving the catalytic performance. This also provides a promising strategy to explore high efficient and economic mercury-free catalysts for the hydrochlorination of acetylene.
Radially Excited AdS5 Black Holes in Einstein–Maxwell–Chern–Simons Theory
Authors: Blázquez-Salcedo Jose
Published: October 2017

In the large coupling regime of the 5-dimensional Einstein–Maxwell–Chern–Simons theory, charged and rotating cohomogeneity-1 black holes form sequences of extremal and non-extremal radially excited configurations. These asymptotically global Anti-de Sitter (AdS 5 ) black holes form a discrete set of solutions, characterised by the vanishing of the total angular momenta, or the horizon angular velocity. However, the solutions are not static. In this paper, we study the branch structure that contains these excited states, and its relation with the static Reissner–Nordström-AdS black hole. Thermodynamic properties of these solutions are considered, revealing that the branches with lower excitation number can become thermodynamically unstable beyond certain critical solutions that depend on the free parameters of the configuration.
Detection of Causal Relations in Time Series Affected by Noise in Tokamaks Using Geodesic Distance on Gaussian Manifolds
Authors: Murari Andrea , Craciunescu Teddy , Peluso Emmanuele , Gelfusa Michela ,   JET Contributors
Published: October 2017

Abstract: Modern experiments in Magnetic Confinement Nuclear Fusion can produce Gigabytes of data, mainly in form of time series. The acquired signals, composing massive databases, are typically affected by significant levels of noise. The interpretation of the time series can therefore become quite involved, particularly when tenuous causal relations have to be investigated. In the last years, synchronization experiments, to control potentially dangerous instabilities, have become a subject of intensive research. Their interpretation requires quite delicate causality analysis. In this paper, the approach of Information Geometry is applied to the problem of assessing the effectiveness of synchronization experiments on JET (Joint European Torus). In particular, the use of the Geodesic Distance on Gaussian Manifolds is shown to improve the results of advanced techniques such as Recurrent Plots and Complex Networks, when the noise level is not negligible. In cases affected by particularly high levels of noise, compromising the traditional treatments, the use of the Geodesic Distance on Gaussian Manifolds allows deriving quite encouraging results. In addition to consolidating conclusions previously quite uncertain, it has been demonstrated that the proposed approach permit to successfully analyze signals of discharges which were otherwise unusable, therefore salvaging the interpretation of those experiments.
Effects of Educational Efficiency on National Competitiveness Based on Cross-National Data
Authors: Liu Fangtao , Xu Huan
Published: October 2017

The importance of education to national competitiveness and future development is self-evident. Resource input secures educational development. However, the efficiency of educational resources, their input–output ratio, and their effects on national competitiveness are matters of concern. This study aims to measure the efficiency of educational resources of a country within the scope of financial capacity. This study further evaluates the effects of educational efficiency on national competitiveness. Data envelopment analysis was applied to measure the efficiency of educational resources, and two-way fixed-effect panel data were used to evaluate the effects on national competitiveness. This study corroborated that among 53 countries, those with high educational efficiency and stable development are mainly concentrated in East and Southeast Asia. According to different levels of development and/or regional location, the driver of education is only significant in the most competitive economies. In addition, given the development stage, governments should depend on their own level of competitiveness in determining priority areas of development.
The Floral Biology, Breeding System and Pollination Efficiency of Schima superba Gardn. et Champ. (Theaceae)
Authors: Yang Hanbo , Zhang Rui , Song Ping , Zhou Zhichun
Published: October 2017

Schima superba Gardn. et Champ. is a perennial, evergreen tree valued for its eco-protection and commercial values in China. In this study, we investigate the breeding system, reproductive ecology and pollination biology of S. superba in a seed orchard. The flowers are hermaphrodite and protogynous. The viability of the pollen is inactivated rapidly, and the stigma maintains a high receptivity within the flower lifespan. Flowers typically offer pollen and nectar to visitors. The flowers possess a typical insect pollination syndrome, and three visitors (Apis cerana cerana Fabricius, Protaetia brevitarsis Lewis, and Popillia mutans Newman) are observed on flowers during the study period. The visitation frequency per minute and capability of pollen removal and deposition of A. cerana are significantly higher than P. brevitarsis and P. mutans, although the pollinator efficiency is lower than those shown by the two beetles. Fruit set (28.27%) and seed set (6.57%) percentages resulting from open-pollination are significantly lower than those resulting from cross-pollination (fruit/seed set, 43.73%/11.66%), and the pollen limitation index (L) was 0.34, suggesting that seed production is pollen-limited in the seed orchard. The pollen/ovule ratio (P/O) and outcrossing index (OCI) values are 6686.67 and 4, respectively. The self-incompatibility index (ISI) was estimated to be 0.95. Results from hand-pollination, pollen tube growth experiments and the ISI value show that S. superba is late-acting self-incompatible. The synthetic results indicate that A. cerana is the most efficient pollinator of S. superba, and seed production is frequently limited by pollinators, fruit abortion, and pollen quality.
Nature Elements and Fundamental Motor Skill Development Opportunities at Five Elementary School Districts in British Columbia
Authors: Lim Christopher , Donovan Andrew , Harper Nevin , Naylor Patti-Jean
Published: October 2017

The majority of Canadian children are not physically active enough for healthy development. School playgrounds are a primary location to promote physical activity and motor skill practice. The benefits of children’s play in nature have also been highlighted, but few studies have evaluated children’s access and exposure to nature for play on school grounds. This study examined children’s access to nature on school grounds and the opportunities afforded by those natural elements for motor skill practice. Results: Extensive naturescapes (multiple nature elements in one setting) were not common, and natural elements were limited, ranging from 1.97 to 5.71 elements/school. The most common element was a forested area (26.5% of all natural elements identified). In comparison to built structures, the number of natural elements was low. Some elements differed between school districts and appeared to be related to local geography and terrain (hilly, rocky terrain, tidal flats, etc.). Our assessment showed that naturescape elements afforded opportunities for the development of some key fundamental motor skills (FMS), specifically, locomotor and stability skills, but opportunities to develop manipulative skills were limited. To maximize potential FMS development, physical literacy, and psycho-social benefits, additional elements or more comprehensive multi-element naturescapes and facilitation (social or environmental) are recommended.
The Relationship between Starting to Drink and Psychological Distress, Sleep Disturbance after the Great East Japan Earthquake and Nuclear Disaster: The Fukushima Health Management Survey
Authors: Orui Masatsugu , Ueda Yuka , Suzuki Yuriko , Maeda Masaharu , Ohira Tetsuya , Yabe Hirooki , Yasumura Seiji
Published: October 2017

This longitudinal study aimed to investigate the prevalence of newly-started drinkers and their continuing drinking behaviors after the Great East Japan earthquake. Moreover, the relationships between newly-started drinking and psychological factor, disaster-related experience, and perceived radiation risk were examined. We used data from 37,687 pre-disaster non-drinkers who participated in the 2012 and 2013 surveys conducted in Fukushima. We defined newly-started drinkers as those who did not drink before the disaster but who began drinking after the disaster, based on information collected retrospectively. In 2012, 9.6% of non-drinkers began drinking, of which the prevalence of heavy drinkers was 18.4%. The prevalence of continued drinking among newly-started drinkers in 2013 was 53.8%. Logistic regression analyses revealed post-disaster newly-started drinking was significantly associated with being male, less than 65 years old, sleep dissatisfaction and psychological distress (Kessler 6 ≤ 13) when this model was adjusted for disaster-related experience and perceived radiation risk. Moreover, psychological distress and heavy drinking were significant risk factors for continued drinking among newly-started drinkers. Newly-started drinkers might use alcohol to cope with disaster-related stress. Thus, they may be targeted for disaster-related health services. Moreover, early intervention should encourage responsible drinking, since post-disaster heavy drinkers were likely to continue heavy drinking.
Intermittent Administration of Parathyroid Hormone 1–34 Enhances Osteogenesis of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells by Regulating Protein Kinase Cδ
Authors: Kuo Shu-Wen , Rimando Marilyn , Liu Yi-Shiuan , Lee Oscar
Published: October 2017

Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) can differentiate into osteoblasts and are regulated by chemical cues. The recombinant N-terminal (1–34 amino acids) fragment of the parathyroid hormone (PTH (1–34)) is identified to promote osteogenesis. The osteoanabolic effects of intermittent PTH (1–34) treatment are linked to a complex consisting of signaling pathways; additionally, protein kinase C (PKC) act as mediators of multifunctional signaling transduction pathways, but the role of PKC δ (PKCδ), a downstream target in regulating osteoblast differentiation during intermittent administration of PTH (1–34) is less studied and still remains elusive. The purpose of this study is to examine the role of PKCδ during intermittent and continuous PTH (1–34) administration using osteoblast-lineage-committed hMSCs. Relative gene expression of osteoblast-specific genes demonstrated significant upregulation of RUNX2, type I Collagen, ALP, and Osterix and increased alkaline phosphatase activity in the presence of PTH (1–34). Intermittent PTH (1–34) administration increased PKC activity at day 7 of osteogenic differentiation, whereas inhibition of PKC activity attenuated these effects. In addition, the specific isoform PKCδ was activated upon treatment. These findings demonstrate that intermittent PTH (1–34) treatment enhances the osteogenesis of hMSCs by upregulating osteoblast-specific genes via PKCδ activation.
Reduced Abundance and Subverted Functions of Proteins in Prion-Like Diseases: Gained Functions Fascinate but Lost Functions Affect Aetiology
Authors: Allison W. , DuVal Michèle , Nguyen-Phuoc Kim , Leighton Patricia
Published: October 2017

Prions have served as pathfinders that reveal many aspects of proteostasis in neurons. The recent realization that several prominent neurodegenerative diseases spread via a prion-like mechanism illuminates new possibilities for diagnostics and therapeutics. Thus, key proteins in Alzheimer Disease and Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), including amyloid-β precursor protein, Tau and superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), spread to adjacent cells in their misfolded aggregated forms and exhibit template-directed misfolding to induce further misfolding, disruptions to proteostasis and toxicity. Here we invert this comparison to ask what these prion-like diseases can teach us about the broad prion disease class, especially regarding the loss of these key proteins’ function(s) as they misfold and aggregate. We also consider whether functional amyloids might reveal a role for subverted protein function in neurodegenerative disease. Our synthesis identifies SOD1 as an exemplar of protein functions being lost during prion-like protein misfolding, because SOD1 is inherently unstable and loses function in its misfolded disease-associated form. This has under-appreciated parallels amongst the canonical prion diseases, wherein the normally folded prion protein, PrPC, is reduced in abundance in fatal familial insomnia patients and during the preclinical phase in animal models, apparently via proteostatic mechanisms. Thus while template-directed misfolding and infectious properties represent gain-of-function that fascinates proteostasis researchers and defines (is required for) the prion(-like) diseases, loss and subversion of the functions attributed to hallmark proteins in neurodegenerative disease needs to be integrated into design towards effective therapeutics. We propose experiments to uniquely test these ideas.
Transcriptomic Analysis of Gibberellin- and Paclobutrazol-Treated Rice Seedlings under Submergence
Authors: Xiang Jing , Wu Hui , Zhang Yuping , Zhang Yikai , Wang Yifeng , Li Zhiyong , Lin Haiyan , Chen Huizhe , Zhang Jian , Zhu Defeng
Published: October 2017

Submergence stress is a limiting factor for rice growing in rainfed lowland areas of the world. It is known that the phytohormone gibberellin (GA) has negative effects on submergence tolerance in rice, while its inhibitor paclobutrazol (PB) does the opposite. However, the physiological and molecular basis underlying the GA- and PB-regulated submergence response remains largely unknown. In this study, we reveal that PB could significantly enhance rice seedling survival by retaining a higher level of chlorophyll content and alcohol dehydrogenase activity, and decelerating the consumption of non-structure carbohydrate when compared with the control and GA-treated samples. Further transcriptomic analysis identified 3936 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) among the GA- and PB-treated samples and control, which are extensively involved in the submergence and other abiotic stress responses, phytohormone biosynthesis and signaling, photosynthesis, and nutrient metabolism. The results suggested that PB enhances rice survival under submergence through maintaining the photosynthesis capacity and reducing nutrient metabolism. Taken together, the current study provided new insight into the mechanism of phytohormone-regulated submergence response in rice.
Immunogenomic Classification of Colorectal Cancer and Therapeutic Implications
Authors: Roelands Jessica , Kuppen Peter , Vermeulen Louis , Maccalli Cristina , Decock Julie , Wang Ena , Marincola Francesco , Bedognetti Davide , Hendrickx Wouter
Published: October 2017

The immune system has a substantial effect on colorectal cancer (CRC) progression. Additionally, the response to immunotherapeutics and conventional treatment options (e.g., chemotherapy, radiotherapy and targeted therapies) is influenced by the immune system. The molecular characterization of colorectal cancer (CRC) has led to the identification of favorable and unfavorable immunological attributes linked to clinical outcome. With the definition of consensus molecular subtypes (CMSs) based on transcriptomic profiles, multiple characteristics have been proposed to be responsible for the development of the tumor immune microenvironment and corresponding mechanisms of immune escape. In this review, a detailed description of proposed immune phenotypes as well as their interaction with different therapeutic modalities will be provided. Finally, possible strategies to shift the CRC immune phenotype towards a reactive, anti-tumor orientation are proposed per CMS.
Certain Competition Graphs Based on Intuitionistic Neutrosophic Environment
Authors: Akram Muhammad , Nasir Maryam
Published: October 2017

The concept of intuitionistic neutrosophic sets provides an additional possibility to represent imprecise, uncertain, inconsistent and incomplete information, which exists in real situations. This research article first presents the notion of intuitionistic neutrosophic competition graphs. Then, p-competition intuitionistic neutrosophic graphs and m-step intuitionistic neutrosophic competition graphs are discussed. Further, applications of intuitionistic neutrosophic competition graphs in ecosystem and career competition are described.
Short Review on Predicting Fouling in RO Desalination
Authors: Ruiz-García Alejandro , Melián-Martel Noemi , Nuez Ignacio
Published: October 2017

Reverse Osmosis (RO) membrane fouling is one of the main challenges that membrane manufactures, the scientific community and industry professionals have to deal with. The consequences of this inevitable phenomenon have a negative effect on the performance of the desalination system. Predicting fouling in RO systems is key to evaluating the long-term operating conditions and costs. Much research has been done on fouling indices, methods, techniques and prediction models to estimate the influence of fouling on the performance of RO systems. This paper offers a short review evaluating the state of industry knowledge in the development of fouling indices and models in membrane systems for desalination in terms of use and applicability. Despite major efforts in this field, there are gaps in terms of effective methods and models for the estimation of fouling in full-scale RO desalination plants. In existing models applied to full-scale RO desalination plants, neither the spacer geometry of membranes, nor the efficiency and frequency of chemical cleanings are considered.
Avian Group D Rotaviruses: Structure, Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Perspectives on Future Research Challenges
Authors: Deol Pallavi , Kattoor Jobin , Sircar Shubhankar , Ghosh Souvik , Bányai Krisztián , Dhama Kuldeep , Malik Yashpal
Published: October 2017

In 1981, a new virus (virus 132) was described for the first time with morphological and biochemical similarities to rotaviruses (RVs), but without antigenic similarity to any of the previously known rotavirus groups. Subsequently, it was re-designated as D/132, and formed a new serogroup among rotaviruses, the group D rotavirus (RVD). Since their identification, RVs are the leading cause of enteritis and diarrhea in humans and various animal species, and are also associated with abridged growth, particularly in avian species. Recently, RVD has been suggested to play a role in the pathogenesis of runting and stunting syndrome (RSS), alongside other viruses such as reovirus, astrovirus, coronavirus, and others, all of which cause colossal economic losses to the poultry industry. RVD has been reported from several countries worldwide, and to date, only one complete genome sequence for RVD is available. Neither an immunodiagnostic nor a vaccine is available for the detection and prevention of RVD infection. Despite our growing understanding about this particular group, questions remain regarding its exact prevalence and pathogenecity, and the disease-associated annual losses for the poultry industry. Here, we describe the current knowledge about the identification, epidemiology, diagnosis, and prevention of RVD in poultry.
Deformation-Induced Phase Transitions in iPP Polymorphs
Authors: Caelers Harm , Troisi Enrico , Govaert Leon , Peters Gerrit
Published: October 2017

This detailed study reveals the relation between structural evolution and the mechanical response of α -, β - and γ -iPP. Uni-axial compression experiments, combined with in situ WAXD measurements, allowed for the identification of the evolution phenomena in terms of phase composition. Tensile experiments in combination with SAXS revealed orientation and voiding phenomena, as well as structural evolution in the thickness of the lamellae and amorphous layers. On the level of the crystallographic unit cell, the WAXD experiments provided insight into the early stages of deformation. Moreover, transitions in the crystal phases taking place in the larger deformation range and the orientation of crystal planes were monitored. At all stretching temperatures, the crystallinity decreases upon deformation, and depending on the temperature, different new structures are formed. Stretching at low temperatures leads to crystal destruction and the formation of the oriented mesophase, independent of the initial polymorph. At high temperatures, above T α c , all polymorphs transform into oriented α -iPP. Small quantities of the initial structures remain present in the material. The compression experiments, where localization phenomena are excluded, show that these transformations take place at similar strains for all polymorphs. For the post yield response, the strain hardening modulus is decisive for the mechanical behavior, as well as for the orientation of lamellae and the evolution of void fraction and dimensions. β -iPP shows by far the most intense voiding in the entire experimental temperature range. The macroscopic localization behavior and strain at which the transition from disk-like void shapes, oriented with the normal in tensile direction, into fibrillar structures takes place is directly correlated with the strain hardening modulus.