bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PELAYARAN RAKYAT DALAM PERSPEKTIF SISTEM LOGISTIK NASIONAL
Authors: Romadhon Yusuf , Vikaliana Resista Vikaliana
Published: July 2018

The State of Indonesia is a country which is according to cultural history and in the days of the kingdom is a maritime country. The country of Indonesia with the largest  islands covers the largest sea, the largest island, and the second longest beach in the world. On this basis, Indonesia currently has a modern port as well as a port for people's voyages. People's voyages are generally identical to traditional wooden boats operated by natural sailors with simple management (Law No. 17/2008 on the voyage of articles 15, paragraphs 1 and 2). The demands of global business are causing people's shipping today to be marginalized.Some problems in the voyage of the people include the procurement of the shipping fleet is hampered by the difficult supply of logs, so it needs to look for other alternatives. Another problem is the guarantee of safety and good service from the voyage of the people The government plans to build the People's Port. This port will be built with a good security system. The sailing of people with the zone of its own. People's voyages are still needed, because remote areas that are not crossed by large auto ships are still dependent on small ships such as KLM  or PLM. In addition, there is a dock that can not be enclosed by iron vessels or shallow harbors. The voyage of the people can overcome it, thus helping national transpotation.Indonesia as the largest archipelago country still requires the voyage of the people as one mode of inter island transportation. The Government is committed to memordenisasi and improve the safety and security of people's shipping by still considering local wisdom. Another problem is the guarantee of safety and good service from the voyage of the people.
PENGARUH KERELASIAN PEMASARAN DAN KUALITAS PRODUK TERHADAP KEPUASAN PELANGGAN PADA PT ASRI PANCAWARNA
Authors: Evitha Yuli
Published: July 2018

The phenomenon that occurs today is the dissatisfaction of customers of PT. Asri Pancawarna / APW, became the basis or purpose of this study. This study aims to determine the content of relation (X1) and product quality (X2), either partially or simultaneously to customer satisfaction (Y).In order to achieve the objectives of the study, this study used questionnaire instruments developed and arranged in Likert Scale. The sample in this study was taken with simple random sampling amount of 67. While the data analysis technique is multiple linear regression.The results showed that Marketing Relationship Against Customer Satisfaction, as well as Product Quality of Customer Density Properties. Marketing Relation Variables and Product Quality can cause 98.2% of Customer Satisfaction.
FAKTOR-FAKTOR RISIKO RISIKO DALAM PERUSAHAAN JASA PENGIRIMAN
Authors: Vikaliana Resista
Published: July 2018

In this era of globalization, can not be denied that the delivery of goods is needed, either by individuals or by organizations / companies. Delivery of goods (raw materials, semi-finished materials, or finished goods) that are not timely can cause inhibition of the production process. Package delivery service is a business services meripan goods that are very much the competition, therefore the income of goods services companies especially package goods packages tend to fluctuate decline as experienced by one of the domestic delivery services. With so many business competition for goods merchandise services, competition in the future will increase or change faster so that the demand map of these services will also change, if the service company does not follow the change impossible the company will exist. That is why management is required for the risks that often arise in the delivery of goods. Risk management steps that can be done include the management of human resources business competition freight services, delivery errors, goods damage sent, theft or fire warehouse. By knowing the various risks typically faced by the company, then handling the risks quickly and accurately can minimize the risks faced by the company, so spend large funds.
Kewenangan Pemeriksaan Badan Pemeriksa Keuangan atas Badan Usaha Milik Negara
Authors: Anggoro Cahyo
Published: July 2018

Audit Board of Indonesia (BPK) performs audits on the management and accountability of state finances, including those implemented by State Owned Enterprises (SOE). This study aims to see the synchronization of various regulations related to the authority of BPK in conducting SOE audit, as well as audit practices conducted by BPK on SOEs in the period of 20012-2017. This research is conducted by using normative legal research method. Data collection is done through library research by perform a search regulations, scientific books, and other data relevant to the study. Based on the results of the analysis it is known that first, the Acts regulating the state finance, state financial audit, BPK and SOE have been in sync with each other related to the BPK audit of SOEs. BPK audit of SOEs is the authority of BPK's attribution derived from the 1945 Constitution and further regulated in Acts. Second, the implementation of BUMN audits by BPK period 2012-2017 is conduct with three types of audit, namely financial audit, performance audit and  a specific purpose audit on state-owned companies in the form of Persero and Perum.
Perlindungan Hukum Kepemilikan Tanah Absentee  yang Diperoleh Akibat Pewarisan
Authors: Permatasari Elfira , Adjie Habib , Djanggih Hardianto
Published: July 2018

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis kepemilikan tanah pertanian absentee yang diperoleh akibat pewarisan. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah metode penelitian hukum normatif dengan pendekatan kualitatif yang menganalisis fenomena objek kajian dengan pendekatan konseptual (conceptual approach) dan pendekatan kasus (case approcah). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa Perlindungan hukum bagi ahli waris pemilik hak atas tanah absentee yang bertempat tinggal di luar daerah dalam hal ini perlindungan hukum telah diberikan oleh peraturan perundang-undangan kepada ahli waris, apabila pewarisan telah sesuai menurut peraturan perundang-undangan dalam artian ahli waris adalah benar-benar ahli waris dari pemilik tanah absentee, serta ahli waris tersebut pada kenyataannya menggarap tanah pertaniannya.
Anti-inflammatory, Analgesic and Antioxidant Activities of the Hydroalcoholic Extract from Celery (Apium graveolens) Leaves
Authors: Dellal A. , Toumi-Benali F. , Dif M.M. , Bouazza S. , Brikhou S. , Mekhfi N.
Published: July 2018

Celery (Apium graveolensL.) belongs to the Apiaceae family. It is a genus of an annual or biannual herb.A. graveolensis used in Algeria as a medicinal plant for the treatment of many diseases. This study was carried out to assess and confirm the in vivo anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect of hydroalcoholic extract fromA. graveolensleaves. Wistar albino rats of both sexes, with different ages 2–3 months weighing between 160 and 250 g and Swiss albinosmice weighing 22–27 g were used for this study. The antiinflammatory activity was estimated by measuring the oedema induced by Carrageenan; the analgesic activity was performed by the acetic acid–induced writhing test and formalin-induced paw licking. The administration of hydroalcoholic extract at doses of 200, 300 and 500 mg/kg body weight significantly reduced the increase of the paw volume with an inhibition percentage of 80.17%, 86.50% and 89.66%, respectively; all doses showed a strong significant effect (p< 0.001). These results were similar to those obtained with piroxicam 78.93% and indometacine 76.13%. Although the same doses showed a high significant effect (p< 0.01) compared to the control group, the extract at a dose of 500 mg/kg registered higher levels of analgesic activity (17 ± 2.36) writhing (75.53% inhibition) than the standard drug paracetamol (30.5 ± 3.61) writhing; in the two tests, acetic acid induced writhing and formalin induced paw licking. The study of hydroalcoholic extract in vitro showed a high antioxidant capacity by inhibition of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (IC50= 1.29 mg/ml). In conclusion,A. graveolensis an interesting plant and the hydroalcoholic leaves extracts could be used scientifically in the treatment of acute inflammation and the peripheral analgesic activity.
Complications extraneurologiques des hémorragies sous-arachnoïdiennes anévrismales
Authors: Legros V. , Bard M. , Rouget D. , Kleiber J.-C. , Gelisse E. , Lepousé C.
Published: July 2018

L’hémorragie sous-arachnoïdienne anévrismale (HSA) est une pathologie rare, touchant principalement la femme jeune en bonne santé. Cette pathologie est bien connue, ainsi que son évolution. Les HSA peuvent se compliquer de nombreuses complications d’ordre neurologique comme l’hydrocéphalie aiguë, le vasospasme, la comitialité, l’hypertension intracrânienne par exemple. Cependant, d’autres complications extracrâniennes peuvent aggraver le pronostic de cette pathologie. Les mécanismes principaux de ces complications extraneurologiques sont un stress catécholaminergique et le syndrome de réponse inflammatoire systémique. Ces complications peuvent être d’ordre cardiovasculaire (défaillance cardiaque, modification de l’ECG…), pulmonaire (œdème pulmonaire neurogénique, PAVM…) et métabolique (anomalies ioniques, hyperglycémie, insuffisance rénale).
15 JULY COUP ATTEMPT AND TURKISH ECONOMY
Authors: Karagöl Erdal Tanas
Published: July 2018

Türkiye ekonomisinde, siyasi istikrarın güçlü olması sayesinde önemli reformlar gerçekleştirilmiştir. 2002’den sonraki ekonomik performans, birçok kez içerden ve dışardan kaynaklı müdahalelerle baskı altına alınmaya çalışılmıştır. Tüm müdahalelere rağmen; ekonomik reformlar ve güçlü siyasi istikrar ekonomik büyümenin devamlılığını sağlamıştır. Birçok girişimin başarısız olmasından sonra tüm siyasi, ekonomik ve sosyal araçlarını kullanmalarına rağmen, Türkiye siyasetini ve dolaylı olarak ekonomisini dizayn edemeyenler, son olarak 15 Temmuz darbe girişiminde bulunmuşlardır. Türkiye ekonomisinde makroekonomik göstergelerin en iyi olduğu dönem olan 2013 yılından sonra, sistematik bir şekilde devam eden bu girişimlerin son halkası olan 15 Temmuz darbe girişimi, Türkiye ekonomisini kriz ortamına sürüklemeyi amaçlamış, ancak yine başarısız olmuştur. Yoğun ve kasıtlı bir çabayla, ülke ekonomisinde kriz ortamı oluşturularak siyasi istikrarın gücü azaltılmaya çalışılmaktadır. Bu dönemde, Türkiye ekonomisinin dinamiklerini tehdit eden bu girişimlere karşı, ekonomik reformların önemi artmaktadır. Çünkü, reformlarla birlikte Türkiye ekonomisi yüksek gelirli ekonomiler arasında yer alacak ve ekonomiyi dizayn etme çabaları sonuçsuz kalacaktır.
WESTERN BALKANS AND TURKEY AFTER THE COUP D’ÉTAT ATTEMPT (15TH OF JULY 2016)
Authors: Ibish Mevludin
Published: July 2018

Türkiye ile Batı Balkan devletleri ve toplumları arasındaki ilişkiler büyük önem taşımaktadır. Bu yazı öncelikle tarihsel gelişimi esas alarak Batı Balkanların tarihi, kültürel, dini, siyasi, askeri ve ekonomik bağları göz önünde bulundurarak modern Türk devletiyle ilişkilerini inceliyor. İkinci olarak, Türk devletinin Batı Balkanlar bölgesine, devletlerine ve toplumlarına yönelik politikalarını analiz edilecektir. Makalenin üçüncü bölümünde, Türk siyasal geçmişinde ve bugünkü durumundan başlayarak devlet oluşumuna kadar yükselen sivil-askeri meselelere ve Türk askeri darbelerinin tarihi üzerine odaklanılacaktır. Dördüncü bölümde, 15 Temmuz’daki darbe girişimini ve Gülen hareketini darbe girişiminin en önemli faktörü olarak analiz edeceğim. Esasen beşinci bölümde, 15 Temmuz darbe girişimi ve Batı Balkanlar’daki yansımasını, vatandaş egemenliğini ve meşruiyetini genel olarak ortadan kaldıran politik ve evrensel bir olay olarak ele alacağım. Ayrıca Türkiye’nin Batı Balkan ülkeleriyle siyasi ilişkileri gözlemlenecek ve gelecek perspektifler tartışılacaktır.
THE CASH WAQFS IN DRAMA ACCORDING TO WAQFIYAHS IN THE ARCHIVE OF THE DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF FOUNDATIONS
Authors: Doğan Mehmet
Published: July 2018

Para vakıfları, sermayesi nakit para olan hayır kurumlarıdır. Bu vakıfları diğer vakıflardan ayıran en belirgin özelliği, vakfedilen şeyin tamamının ya da bir bölümünün işletilmek üzere vakfedilmiş nakit paradan oluşmasıdır. Bu vakıflar daha çok dini ve sosyal amaca yönelik olarak kurulmuştur. Bu neviden vakıflar, her kesimden insanların kurabildiği, bazen belli bir köy veya mahalle insanının ortak ihtiyaçlarını karşılamak, aralarında sosyal yardımlaşma ve dayanışmayı sağlamak maksadıyla tesis edilmiştir. Cami, mescid gibi dini kurumların ihtiyaçlarının karşılanmasında, çeşme, suyolları, köprü vs. imar faaliyetlerinin idame ettirilmesinde para vakıfları önemli roller üstlenmişlerdir. Vakıflar Genel Müdürlüğü arşivindeki vakfiyelere göre, Drama’da 1690-1913 yılları arasına ait 17 adet para vakfı mevcuttur. Bu vakıfların sermaye ve gelirlerinin büyük bir kısmı nakit paradan oluşmaktadır. Vakıfların sermayelerini genelde tek kişi tarafından sağlandığı görülmektedir. Vakıfların gelirleri vakfiyede yazılı şarta uygun şekilde harcanmasına özen gösterilmiştir. Bu vakıflar, Drama’nın mahalle ve köylerinde ağırlıklı olarak dini müesseselerin ihtiyaçları olmak üzere diğer birtakım faaliyetlerin sürdürülmesinde önemli fonksiyon icra etmişlerdir.
A COMPARISON BETWEEN OTTOMAN CASH WAQFS AND MODERN FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS BETWEEN 15th AND 19th CENTURIES
Authors: Korkut Cem , Bulut Mehmet
Published: July 2018

Most of the services provided by modern states to their citizens today were provided by the waqfs during the Ottoman period. The fact that the influence of Islamic religion on the social life was high was one of the most important factors driving people to establish the waqfs. The waqfs founded by philanthropists financed such social needs as religious services, education and infrastructure. The cash waqfs (CWs) were one of the waqf types that financed the needs of the society. The CWs whose capital was cash money provided financial sources to entrepreneurs who were in need of cash according to Islamic methods. The CWs continued to function until the last period of the Ottomans. That the Ottomans used CWs to carry out the functions of the modern financial institutions of Europe is important to understand the Ottoman economic and financial mentality. By using the primary sources, this study aims to analyze the Ottoman economic mentality through studying CWs. In addition, the financial institutions operating in Europe in the same period will be examined and a comparison will be made between the two economic mentalities.
Minimum Cardinality Point-to-point Connectivity Augmentation Problem
Authors: Roayaei Mehdy , Razzazi MohammadReza
Published: July 2018

We consider an augmentation problem to establish point-to-point connectivity on unweighted graphs where there is no restriction on choosing the augmenting edges (arcs). Given a directed (an undirected) graph G and set P = {( si, ti) : 1 ≤ i ≤ m} of pairs of vertices in the graph, one has to find the minimum cardinality set of arcs (edges) to be added to the graph so that the resulting graph has (can be oriented in order to have) directed paths between the specified pairs of vertices. In the case of undirected graphs, an efficient polynomial-time algorithm is presented. In the case of directed graphs, we find that this problem is NP-hard. In addition, we show that it is fixed-parameter tractable with respect to the combined parameter the number of sink vertices and the number of source vertices of a graph, however, it is W[1]-hard with respect to both parameters the number of new edges and the number of input pairs.
Comparison of Short-term Outcomes of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention between Young Male and Female Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Cader Fathima Aaysha , Rahman Afzalur , Rahman Mohammad Arifur , Zaman Shahana , Arefin Md Minhaj , Reza Abeeda Tasnim , Matin Mohammad Abdul , Islam Md Shariful , Afroz Fahdia , Md Jafor Abul Hasnat
Published: July 2018

Background:Young women undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) experience greater short-term adverse events than young men. There is a scarcity of data on the short-term adverse outcomes between young Bangladeshi males and females with ACS undergoing PCI.Objectives: This study was conducted to compare the short-term outcomes of PCI between young males and females presenting with ACS.Methods: This prospective observational study was done in the Department of Cardiology, National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) fromApril 2016 to March 2017. 190 young patients with ACS and undergoing PCI were enrolled. They were equally divided into two groups, group I (young females <55 years) and group II (young males <45 years).Results: The mean age of young females and males was 43.8±6.9 years and 40.1±4.3 years respectively. Young women had significantly higher risk factors of hypertension (62.1% vs 33.7%, p<0.0010) and diabetes (57.9% vs 31.6%, p<0.001) in comparison to young men. Overall, young women experienced significantly greater incidence of short-term adverse events in comparison to young men (14.7% vs. 6.3%, p=0.04) and had significantly higher rates of severe bleeding (6.3% vs 1.1%, p=0.04), vascular access site complications (8.4% vs 2.1%, p=0.04) and recurrent ischaemia at 30 days (7.4% vs. 2.1%, p=0.04). Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were higher among young females, in comparison to young males (4.1% vs 2.1%, p=0.4). Young females experienced significantly higher rates of short-term net adverse clinical events (NACE) than young males (10.5% vs 3.2%, p=0.04). Female gender (odds ratio [OR] 11.7), diabetes (OR 2.5), hypertension (OR 1.78), decreased ejection fraction (OR 1.41) and smaller stent diameter (OR 1.15) were identified as independent predictors of adverse short-term outcomes among young ACS patients undergoing PCI.Conclusion: Young women experienced significantly more adverse short-term outcomes after PCI. They had significantly greater NACE, largely driven by increased rates of major bleeding. Female gender was an independent predictor of adverse short-term outcomes among young ACS patients undergoing PCI.Bangladesh Heart Journal 2018; 33(1) : 1-9
Correlation between Echocardiographic Epicardial Fat Thickness and Angiographic Severity of Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Faroque Shahid Mohammad Omar , Chowdhury Abdul Wadud , Ahmed Mohsin , Sabah Khandker Md Nurus , Siddiqui Mohammad Khalilur Rahman , Khuda Chowdhury Md Kudrat E , Karmaker Pranob
Published: July 2018

Background: Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is a visceral adipose tissue surrounding the heart and the coronary arteries. Because of its endocrine and paracrine activity, secreting pro-inflammatory and antiinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, it has been suggested to influence coronary atherosclerosis development.Objectives: To identify the relationship between echocardiographic epicardial fat thickness and the extent of coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods: Considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total 87 patients with established or suspected coronary artery disease admitted for coronary angiogram were included in this study. After taking written consent, initial evaluation of the patients was done by history, clinical examination and relevant investigation. Variables, risk factors for CAD and investigation reports were recorded in data sheet. Echocardiography and coronary angiography were done. EAT thickness measurements by echocardiography were compared with coronary angiographic findings.Results: Echocardiographic EAT thickness was significantly higher in patients with CAD in comparison to those with normal coronary arteries 7.14±1.81 mm vs 4.08±1.06mm (p <0.001). Furthermore, EAT thickness increase with the severity of CAD. EAT is 4.08±1.06 mm in patients with normal/non-significant CAD (n=20), 5.75±0.96 mm in single vessel CAD (n=24), 6.54±1.09 mm in double vessel CAD (n=16) and 8.75±1.45 mm in patients with triple vessel CAD (n=27).Conclusions:EAT thickness was significantly higher in patients with angiographically detected CAD in comparison to those with normal coronary arteries. Furthermore, EAT thickness increased with the severity of CAD; i.e. it was thicker in multivessel coronary artery disease than in single vessel or non-significant coronary artery disease.Bangladesh Heart Journal 2018; 33(1) : 47-53
Estimation of the Personal Deposited Dose of Particulate Matter and Particle-Bound Metals Using Data from Selected European Cities
Authors: Chalvatzaki Eleftheria , Chatoutsidou Sofia Eirini , Mammi-Galani Eleni , Almeida Susana Marta , Gini Maria I. , Eleftheriadis Konstantinos , Diapouli Evangelia , Lazaridis Mihalis
Published: July 2018

The present study focused on the estimation of the personal dose of airborne particles using an exposure dose model (ExDoM2). Input data from three European cities (Athens, Kuopio, Lisbon) were selected to implement the model that calculates the deposited dose and retention of particles in the respiratory tract, the mass transferred to the oesophagus and the absorption to blood as well as the dose for five particle-bound metals. Model results showed that after one day exposure higher deposited dose in the respiratory tract was obtained for Lisbon as a direct consequence of the higher PM concentration measured in this city. Moreover, the activity profile and the physical characteristics of the exposed subject had strong impact on the estimated deposited dose. Thus, light activity corresponded to higher deposited dose compared to no activity as well as an adult male exhibited higher dose, both findings associated with increased inhalation rate. Regarding the internal dose for particle-bound metals higher dose for four out of the five metals was obtained in lungs followed by the muscles for As, the gastrointestinal tract for Cr, the other tissues for Mn, the intestines for Cd and finally for Pb higher dose was found in bones and blood.
Optimization of Corn Steep Liquor Dosage and Other Fermentation Parameters for Ethanol Production by Saccharomyces cerevisiae Type 1 and Anchor Instant Yeast
Authors: Taiwo Abiola Ezekiel , Madzimbamuto Tafirenyika Nyamayaro , Ojumu Tunde Victor
Published: July 2018

Bioethanol production has seen an increasing trend in research recently, with a focus on increasing its economic viability. The aim of this study is to develop a low-cost fermentation medium with a minimum of redundant nutritional supplements, thereby minimizing the costs associated with nutritional supplements and seed production. Corn steep liquor (CSL) in glucose fermentation by Saccharomyces Type 1 (ST1) strain and Anchor Instant Yeast (AIY), which are low-cost media, is used as a replacement for yeast extract (YE). The fermentation process parameters were optimized using artificial neural networks (ANN) and the response surface method (RSM). The study shows that for CSL, maximum average ethanol concentrations of 41.92 and 45.16 g/L, representing 82% and 88% of the theoretical yield, were obtained after 36 h of fermentation in a shake flask for ST1 and AIY, respectively. For YE, ethanol concentrations equivalent to 86% and 88% of theoretical yield were obtained with ST1 and AIY, respectively after 48 h. Although ANN better predicted the responses compared to RSM, optimum conditions were better predicted by RSM. This study shows that corn steep liquor is an inexpensive potential nutrient that may have significant cost implications for commercial ethanol production.
Is Mechanized Harvesting of Shrubs Grown for Energy Purposes Environmentally Sustainable?
Authors: González-González Borja D. , Sixto Hortensia , González Isabel , Cañellas Isabel
Published: July 2018

Mechanized harvesting of shrub formations as part of sustainable forest management not only helps reduce the risk of forest fires in Mediterranean environments but also provides economic benefit from the extracted biomass, contributing to the development of the bioeconomy. However, these mechanized operations require an environmental impact assessment to identify the short-term impacts, both positive and negative. This is especially important in the Mediterranean basin given the specific climatic conditions which exist. In this study, the environmental impact of mechanized shrub harvesting is analyzed in relation to (i) changes in biodiversity and in the presence and growth of species; (ii) physical and chemical properties of the soil; and (iii) changes in forest fire risk. For this purpose, a pre-harvest inventory was conducted and post-harvest monitoring schedules of 1- and 2-year durations were established in three characteristic Mediterranean shrubland formations located in the northern–central area of the Iberian Peninsula. Our results reveal that the recovery rates in biodiversity indices after harvesting were very high, with values ranging from 30 to 70% depending on the site. Two years after harvesting, the species coverage was similar to the pre-harvest scenario in some locations, although not with regards to height, the ericaceous species being those with the greatest sprouting capacity. Significant changes in the physical and chemical properties of soils were also observed. In this regard, negative impacts such as soil compaction or slight acidification were identified at some sites. However, positive effects were also found such as an increment in carbon and nitrogen content after harvesting, along with increased litter quantity a year from the clearing operation due to biomass residue left on the ground after harvesting. Furthermore, mechanical harvesting effectively modified fire behavior in all the shrub formations 2 years after clearing, with a notable reduction in fire risk at all the studied sites.
Neighborhood Disorder and Obesity-Related Outcomes among Women in Chicago
Authors: Mayne Stephanie L. , Jose Angelina , Mo Allison , Vo Lynn , Rachapalli Simona , Ali Hussain , Davis Julia , Kershaw Kiarri N.
Published: July 2018

Neighborhood psychosocial stressors like crime and physical disorder may influence obesity-related outcomes through chronic stress or through adverse effects on health behaviors. Google Street View imagery provides a low-cost, reliable method for auditing neighborhood physical disorder, but few studies have examined associations of Street View-derived physical disorder scores with health outcomes. We used Google Street View to audit measures of physical disorder for residential census blocks from 225 women aged 18–44 enrolled from 4 Chicago neighborhoods. Latent neighborhood physical disorder scores were estimated using an item response theory model and aggregated to the block group level. Block-group level physical disorder scores and rates of police-recorded crime and 311 calls for service requests were linked to participants based on home addresses. Associations were estimated for 6 obesity-related outcomes: body mass index, obesity, total moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, and weekly consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, fast food, and snacks. Hierarchical regression models estimated cross-sectional associations adjusting for individual sociodemographics and neighborhood poverty. Higher neighborhood physical disorder was associated with greater odds of obesity (OR: 1.43, 95% CI: 1.01, 2.02). Living in a neighborhood with a higher crime rate was associated with an increase in weekly snack consumption of 3.06 (95% CI: 1.59, 4.54).
Monitoring and Simulating Environmental Asbestos Dispersion from a Textile Factory
Authors: Kang Dongmug , Hwang Yongsik , Choi Yeyong , Kim Se-Yeong , Kim Young-Ki
Published: July 2018

Although workplace asbestos concentrations (AC) have been reported several times, the past environmental AC are relatively poorly studied. Due to the harmful effects of the asbestos industry, production has moved from early industrialized countries (Japan), to late industrialized countries (Korea), and finally to industrializing countries (Indonesia). The purpose of this study was to determine current occupational exposure levels and evaluate neighborhood environmental exposure levels in an Indonesian asbestos textile factory through collaboration among three generation of industrialized countries. Asbestos concentrations were measured inside and outside of the factory and compared with simulated data. ACs in the factory were similar to those of 1980s and 1990s levels in the Korean factory that transferred the machines. Environmental ACs were dispersed according to wind direction. There were no significant differences between monitored and simulated data, and correlation coefficients between downwind, upwind, and middle wind directions were high, with some statistical significance. This study can be used to estimate past environmental ACs to understand the causality of asbestos related diseases. Because of the small sample size and specific weather conditions, a large-scale study of various asbestos exposure sources, including asbestos cement factories, shipyards, and mines, and various atmospheric conditions is required.
Characterization and Dynamic Shift of Microbial Communities during Start-Up, Overloading and Steady-State in an Anaerobic Membrane Bioreactor
Authors: Martin Vincent Nsanzumukiza , Wei Yuansong , Zhang Junya , Yu Dawei , Tong Juan
Published: July 2018

A lab-scale anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AnMBR) with a side stream tubular membrane was developed to treat synthetic domestic sewage to evaluate its performance and the dynamic shift of bacterial and archaeal communities during the start-up, steady-state, overloading and recovery periods of operation at mesophilic temperatures. During the start-up period, the bacterial and archaeal communities changed drastically, and Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes predominated. During the steady-state period, the AnMBR exhibited excellent COD removal above 91%, and COD of the effluent was below 50 mg/L. High-throughput sequencing analysis results revealed that bacterial and archaeal communities shifted significantly from the start-up to the steady-state period, and that the Proteobacteria phylum predominated on days 140, 162 and 190, and the archaea community hydrogenotrophic methanogen genus Methanolinea (1.5–6.64%) predominated over the aceticlastic methanogen genus Methanothrix (1.35–3.07%). During the overloading period, significant changes occurred in microbial community on day 210, e.g., the phyla Bacteroidetes (30%), Proteobacteria (23%) and Firmicutes (18%) predominated and the archaeal community was completely suppressed, and Methanobrevibacter (0.7%) was the only methanogen genus that emerged in the overloading period. After a shock loading period, the microbial communities exhibited significant changes within the ranks of methanogens and shifted to dominance of the aceticlastic methanogen pathway. In addition, the TVFAs to alkalinity ratio in this study was suitable as an indicator of monitoring performance in the AnMBR operation.
Activating Childcare Environments for All Children: the Importance of Children’s Individual Needs
Authors: Gubbels Jessica S. , Van Kann Dave H. H. , Cardon Greet , Kremers Stef P. J.
Published: July 2018

Characteristics of the physical childcare environment are associated with children’s sedentary behavior (SB) and physical activity (PA) levels. This study examines whether these associations are moderated by child characteristics. A total of 152 1- to 3-year-old children from 22 Dutch childcare centers participated in the study. Trained research assistants observed the physical childcare environment, using the Environment and Policy Assessment Observation (EPAO) protocol. Child characteristics (age, gender, temperament and weight status) were assessed using parental questionnaires. Child SB and PA was assessed using Actigraph GT3X+ accelerometers. Linear regression analyses including interaction terms were used to examine moderation of associations between the childcare environment and child SB and PA. Natural elements and portable outdoor equipment were associated with less SB and more PA. In addition, older children, boys and heavier children were less sedentary and more active, while more use of childcare and an anxious temperament were associated with more SB. There were various interactions between environmental factors and child characteristics. Specific physical elements (e.g., natural elements) were especially beneficial for vulnerable children (i.e., anxious, overactive, depressive/withdrawn, overweight). The current study shows the importance of the physical childcare environment in lowering SB and promoting PA in very young children in general, and vulnerable children specifically. Moderation by child characteristics shows the urgency of shaping childcare centers that promote PA in all children, increasing equity in PA promotion in childcare.
The Expression of CARK1 or RCAR11 Driven by Synthetic Promoters Increases Drought Tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Ge Hu , Li Xiaoyi , Chen Shisi , Zhang Mengru , Liu Zhibin , Wang Jianmei , Li Xufeng , Yang Yi
Published: July 2018

Drought stress hinders plant growth and development, and abscisic acid (ABA) stimulates plants to respond to drought. Here, to increase plant tolerance to drought, we designed three synthetic promoters (Ap, Dp, ANDp) to determine transcription activity and drought stress resistance in plants resulting from combinations of (1) synthetic promoters and (2) the functional genes CARK1 (cytosolic ABA receptor kinase 1) and RCAR11 (regulatory components of ABA receptor 11). Transient expression of eGFP and the dual-luciferase assay demonstrated that the basal transcriptional activities of Ap and ANDp were present at low levels under normal conditions, while the synthetic promoters were apparently induced upon either treatment of exogenous ABA or co-transformation with effector DREB2A (dehydration-responsive element binding protein 2A). Analysis of the transgenic plants (Ap:CARK1, Dp:CARK1, ANDp:CARK1, and Dp:RCAR11-Ap:CARK1) showed that the synthetic promoters Ap, Dp, and ANDp increased the expression of exogenous genes in transgenic plants upon treatment of ABA or d-mannitol. ANDp:CARK1 and Dp:RCAR11-Ap:CARK1 transgenic plants were sensitive to ABA and d-mannitol during cotyledon greening and root growth. A drought tolerance assay revealed that ANDp:CARK1 and Dp:RCAR11-Ap:CARK1 exhibited a higher survival rate than others upon drought stress. These results indicate that the combinations ANDp:CARK1 and Dp:RCAR11-Ap:CARK1 can be used to generate drought stress resistance in plants.
Quantitative Proteomic Analysis Provides Insights into Rice Defense Mechanisms against Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Lin Siyuan , Nie Pingping , Ding Shaochen , Zheng Liyu , Chen Chen , Feng Ruiying , Wang Zhaoyun , Wang Lin , Wang Jianan , Fang Ziwei , Zhou Shaoxia , Ma Hongyu , Zhao Hongwei
Published: July 2018

Blast disease is one of the major rice diseases, and causes nearly 30% annual yield loss worldwide. Resistance genes that have been cloned, however, are effective only against specific strains. In cultivation practice, broad-spectrum resistance to various strains is highly valuable, and requires researchers to investigate the basal defense responses that are effective for diverse types of pathogens. In this study, we took a quantitative proteomic approach and identified 634 rice proteins responsive to infections by both Magnaporthe oryzae strains Guy11 and JS153. These two strains have distinct pathogenesis mechanisms. Therefore, the common responding proteins represent conserved basal defense to a broad spectrum of blast pathogens. Gene ontology analysis indicates that the “responding to stimulus” biological process is explicitly enriched, among which the proteins responding to oxidative stress and biotic stress are the most prominent. These analyses led to the discoveries of OsPRX59 and OsPRX62 that are robust callose inducers, and OsHSP81 that is capable of inducing both ROS production and callose deposition. The identified rice proteins and biological processes may represent a conserved rice innate immune machinery that is of great value for breeding broad-spectrum resistant rice in the future.
A Top-Down Interactive Visual Analysis Approach for Physical Simulation Ensembles at Different Aggregation Levels
Authors: Fofonov Alexey , Linsen Lars
Published: July 2018

Physical simulations aim at modeling and computing spatio-temporal phenomena. As the simulations depend on initial conditions and/or parameter settings whose impact is to be investigated, a larger number of simulation runs is commonly executed. Analyzing all facets of such multi-run multi-field spatio-temporal simulation data poses a challenge for visualization. It requires the design of different visual encodings that aggregate information in multiple ways and at multiple abstraction levels. We present a top-down interactive visual analysis tool of multi-run data from physical simulations named MultiVisA that is based on plots at different aggregation levels. The most aggregated visual representation is a histogram-based plot that allows for the investigation of the distribution of function values within all simulation runs. When expanding over time, a density-based time-series plot allows for the detection of temporal patterns and outliers within the ensemble of multiple runs for single and multiple fields. Finally, not aggregating over runs in a similarity-based plot allows for the comparison of multiple or individual runs and their behavior over time. Coordinated views allow for linking the plots of the three aggregation levels to spatial visualizations in physical space. We apply MultiVisA to physical simulations from the field of climate research and astrophysics. We document the analysis process, demonstrate its effectiveness, and provide evaluations involving domain experts.
Present and Future Therapy of Cryptococcus Infections
Authors: Mourad Ahmad , Perfect John R.
Published: July 2018

Cryptococcal infections burden the immunocompromised population with unacceptably high morbidity and mortality. This population includes HIV-infected individuals and those undergoing organ transplants, as well as seemingly immunocompetent patients (non-HIV, non-transplant). These groups are difficult to manage with the current therapeutic options and strategies, particularly in resource-limited settings. New trials aimed at providing the best treatment strategies for resource-limited countries that will reduce costs and adverse reactions have focused on decreasing the length of therapy and using more readily accessible antifungal agents such as fluconazole. Furthermore, the emergence of antifungal resistance poses another challenge for successful treatment and may require the development of new agents for improved management. This review will discuss the principles of management, current and future antifungal agents, as well as emerging techniques and future directions of care for this deadly infection.
Special Issue “Fungal Burden in Different Countries”
Authors: Richardson Malcolm D. , Cole Donald C.
Published: July 2018

Adults and children living in many countries face a combined burden of infectious diseasesincluding fungal infections (for example, tinea capitis, recurrent vulvo-vaginal thrush, chronicpulmonary aspergillosis, candidemia) [...]
Preparation of CaCO3-TiO2 Composite Particles and Their Pigment Properties
Authors: Sun Sijia , Ding Hao , Hou Xifeng
Published: July 2018

CaCO3-TiO2 composite particles were prepared with calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and TiO2 in stirred mill according the wet grinding method. The pigment properties, morphology, and structure of CaCO3-TiO2 composite particles and the interaction behaviors between CaCO3 and TiO2 particles were explored. In the CaCO3-TiO2 composite particles, TiO2 is uniformly coated on the surface of CaCO3 and the firm combination between CaCO3 and TiO2 particles is induced by the dehydration reaction of surface hydroxyl groups. CaCO3-TiO2 composite particles have similar pigment properties to pure TiO2. The hiding power, oil absorption, whiteness and ultraviolet light absorption of composite particles are close to those of pure TiO2. The application performance of CaCO3-TiO2 composite particles in the paint is consonant with their pigment properties. The contrast ratio of the exterior paint containing CaCO3-TiO2 composite particles is equivalent to that of the paint containing the same proportion of pure TiO2.
The relations among empathy, occupational commitment, and emotional exhaustion of nurses
Authors: Raižiene Saule , Endriulaitiene Aukse
Published: July 2018

The objective of this study was to determine whether empathy and occupational commitment significantly contribute to the emotional exhaustion of nurses. The sample group was 158 nurses from two regional Lithuanian hospitals, who completed self-report measures. A questionnaire consisted of 10 items reflecting empathy appearing on Davis (1983) Indi- vidual Reactivity Index, 4 occupational commitment items from Miller et al. (1988), and 7 emotional exhaustion items from the Maslach Burnout Inventory (Maslach, Jackson, 1981). Correlation analyses and structural equation modeling were employed to interpret the results. The results showed that nurses’ occupational commitment plays an important role in the degree of emotional exhaustion they experience. Nurses having more empathy are more likely to develop higher occupational commitment. In addition, it was found that higher levels of empathy and occupational commitment of nurses are associated with lower emotional exhaustion. Nurses who stayed in the profession longer developed stronger occupational commitment. Therefore, the conclusion was made that differences in emotional exhaustion among nurses may be explained directly by occupational commitment and indirectly by empathy and nursing experience.
Access to information supporting availability of medicines for patients suffering from rare diseases looking for possible treatments: the EuOrphan Service
Authors: Stakišaitis Donatas , Špokienė Indrė , Juškevičius Jonas , Valuckas Konstantinas , Baiardi Paola
Published: July 2018

Currently in Europe, approximately 30 million people suffer from rare diseases, and a major problem is that many patients do not have access to quality healthcare for their disorders. Moreover, there is also a lack of quality information and a networking system aimed at supporting interaction among patients, clinicians, researchers, pharmaceutical industries, and governmental bodies. The purpose of this article is to inform physicians, public health care professionals, and other health care providers about EuOrphan service, the aim of which is to ensure easier access to quality information on rare diseases and their treatment. A set of web-based services is available at www.euorphan.com where information for target-users on treatments and products available worldwide for rare disease care as well as indications about healthcare centers are provided. Moreover, the service aims at providing consultancies for pharmaceutical companies to ultimately support the European legislation in bringing new drugs of a high ethical standard to the market and to exert a positive impact on the large population of patients suffering from rare diseases in Europe. The services provided by EuOrphan can facilitate concrete networking among patients, patient associations, doctors, and companies and also support the organization of clinical trials. In this perspective, EuOrphan could become a very valuable tool for globalizing the information about the availability of treatment (authorized or under development) of orphan patients.
Legal assessment of current situation on orphan patients in Lithuania
Authors: Špokienė Indrė
Published: July 2018

After Lithuania joined the European Union, the Regulation (EC) No. 141/2000 on orphan medicinal products and Commission Regulation (EC) No. 847/2000 came into force as part of national legislation. Member States must adopt specific measures to increase knowledge on rare diseases and to improve their detection, diagnosis, and treatment. The aim of this article was to present and to assess the current legal situation on orphan patients and their treatment in Lithuania, to identify legislation gaps, and to propose some ideas how to facilitate the solution of the existing problems in this field. For this purpose, European Union and Lithuanian legal documents on rare medicinal products are examined using a comparative method. With reference to inventory of Member States’ incentives for rare diseases in national level, the most important issues, which orphan patients face to in Lithuania, are singled out. In Lithuania, the situation of orphan patients in terms of protection of patient rights is insufficiently determined. The access to effective health care services or approved therapies in some cases is restricted. Working relationships between genetic services and various clinical specialists as well as with those in primary care are not legally determined; the number of clinical trials aimed at orphan medicinal products is low. These results suggest a need for awareness raising among Lithuanian Government, health care specialists, patient organizations about the importance to improve practical implementation of European Union legislation and progressive experience of some European countries in this field.
The incidence of lymph node metastases in prostate carcinoma depends not only on tumor characteristics but also on surgical performance and extent of pelvic lymphadenectomy
Authors: Klevečka Virgilijus , Musch Michael , Roggenbuck Ulla , Stoerkel Stephan , Kroepfl Darko
Published: July 2018

Objectives. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether predictions of the incidence of pelvic lymph node metastases in patients with similar prostate cancer characteristics are influenced by the extent of pelvic lymphadenectomy or surgical performance. Material and methods. Data from a prostate cancer database were analyzed to investigate associations between incidence of lymph node metastasis and preoperative prostate-specific antigen level, clinical stage, biopsy Gleason score, extent of pelvic lymphadenectomy, and surgical performance. Subgroups of patients with the same characteristics were formed, and a multivariate analysis was performed. Results. Data of 668 patients with cT1-T2c prostate cancer who underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy were analyzed. Lymph node metastases were found in 8.7% of these patients. In the subgroup of patients undergoing limited pelvic lymphadenectomy, 6.3% were affected compared with 14.7% of patients undergoing extended pelvic lymphadenectomy (P<0.0005). In the subgroups of patients with the same tumor characteristics (with only two exceptions), the impact of the extent of lymphadenectomy on the incidence of lymph node metastases was evident. The results of the multivariate analysis corroborated the influence of the extent of pelvic lymphadenectomy (P<0.03) and surgical performance (P<0.04) on the incidence of lymph node metastases. Conclusions. The incidence of lymph node metastases was dependent not only on preoperative prostate-specific antigen level, clinical stage, and biopsy Gleason score but also to a large degree on surgical performance and the extent of pelvic lymphadenectomy. Our data suggest that a limited and/or not thoroughly performed pelvic lymphadenectomy results in failure to detect a relevant proportion of lymph node metastases.