bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Investigation on Gas Emission from Three Landfill Soil Covers under Dry Weather Conditions
Authors: Ng Charles W.W. , Liu Jian , Chen Rui
Published: August 2015

The design of existing soil landfill final covers, e.g., a single clay layer cover or a cover with capillary barrier effect (CCBE), aims at limiting water infiltration rather than minimizing landfill gas emissions. We propose an alternative three‐layer capillary barrier landfill cover with an added clay layer underneath a CCBE to improve the effectiveness of limiting gas emission. Finite element analyses of coupled water and gas flow were performed to investigate and compare the performance of these three types of soil covers regarding gas emission under a continuous duration of 34 dry d. Due to evaporation, suction in the single clay layer cover increased larger than its air‐entry value, causing a significant increase in the air coefficient of permeability. For the CCBE, evaporation also led to water loss in the silt layer, which cannot serve as a gas barrier. On the contrary, the bottom clay in the alternative three‐layer capillary barrier cover system was protected by a relatively dry sand layer, which acts as a barrier, minimizing water loss from the clay layer. This is because the dry sand layer has a very low water permeability. As a result, the gas emission rate through the alternative three‐layer capillary barrier cover was the lowest among the three types of covers. This rate was lower than the criterion set by the Carbon Farming Initiative, indicating that the alternative three‐layer capillary barrier cover is a possible barrier to minimize gas emission even under dry weather conditions.
Detection of Caries Around Amalgam Restorations on Approximal Surfaces
Authors: Diniz MB , Cordeiro RCL , Ferreira-Zandona AG
Published: August 2015

To evaluate the in vitro performance of the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) visual examination, bitewing radiography (BW), and the DIAGNOdent 2190, a pen-type laser fluorescence device (LFpen), in detecting caries around amalgam restorations on approximal surfaces. Approximal surfaces (N=136) of permanent posterior teeth (N=110) with Class II amalgam restorations were assessed twice by two experienced examiners using ICDAS, BW, and LFpen. The occurrence of proximal overhangs was also evaluated. The teeth were histologically prepared and assessed for caries extension. Different cutoff limits for the LFpen were used. Intraexaminer and interexaminer reproducibility showed moderate to good agreement for all the methods (weighted κ/intraclass correlation coefficient=0.40 to 0.87). The specificities at D1 (all visible lesions affecting enamel) and D3 (lesions extended into dentin) were, respectively, 0.41 and 0.82 for ICDAS, 0.70 and 0.82 for BW, and 0.77-0.89 and 0.88-0.94 for LFpen. The sensitivities were 0.80 and 0.52 for ICDAS, 0.56 and 0.51 for BW, and 0.04-0.23 and 0.01-0.02 for LFpen at D1 and D3, respectively. At the D1/D3 thresholds, the accuracy and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (Az) values were similar and statistically higher for ICDAS (0.65/0.68 and 0.633/0.688) and BW (0.64/0.68 and 0.655/0.719), respectively; whereas, LFpen presented lower accuracy (0.37-0.44/0.49-0.52) and Az (0.390-0.454/0.345-0.395) values. The occurrence of overhangs (26.8%) was shown to be irrelevant in determining the presence of secondary caries. The ICDAS and BW methods presented the best performance in detecting caries lesions affecting enamel and dentin on approximal surfaces of amalgam restorations.
The Impact of a Customized Tray on In-Office Bleaching Tooth Sensitivity: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Correa AC , Santana TR , Nahsan FP , Loguercio AD , Faria-e-Silva AL
Published: August 2015

Objective

It was recently demonstrated that using a tray over a bleaching agent reduces its pulpal chamber penetration, which can reduce tooth sensitivity. This study evaluated the effect of the sealed technique on the presence and level of sensitivity reported by patients during and after the bleaching procedure performed in office.

Methods

Forty-six patients underwent a bleaching procedure with 35% hydrogen peroxide used in a single application of 45 minutes for two sessions with an interval of seven days. A customized tray was maintained over the bleaching agent during the entire procedure in half of the patients. The sensitivity level was evaluated during and immediately after the bleaching using verbal and visual analogue scales. The shade alteration was evaluated with a bleach guide scale. The peak sensitivity after 24 hours and the presence/level at 24 hours were also evaluated using a verbal rating scale. Relative risks were calculated for all time assessments. Data on the sensitivity level for both scales were subjected to Friedman and Mann-Whitney tests (α=0.05). Data on the shades were analyzed by two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance and Tukey's test (α=0.05).

Results

The use of a customized tray increased the relative risks to the tooth measured 24 hours after each bleaching session. The sealed technique also increased the level of tooth sensitivity only at 24 hours after the first session. No difference was observed between the bleaching techniques regarding the shade evaluation.

Conclusion

Using a tray over the bleaching agent can increase the level and risk of tooth sensitivity for the first 24 hours after in-office bleaching.
In Vitro Biocompatibility of Contemporary Bulk-fill Composites
Authors: Toh WS , Yap AUJ , Lim SY
Published: August 2015

This study evaluated the biocompatibility of contemporary bulk-fill resin-based composites (RBCs) including PRG (pre-reacted glass ionomer) materials based on the International Organization for Standardization 10993. In addition, the effect of composite thickness on cytotoxicity was also assessed. Two standard composites, two bulk-fill PRG RBCs, and three bulk-fill non-PRG RBCs were investigated. Block-shaped specimens of 2-mm and 4-mm thickness were cured with an irradiance of 700 mW/cm2 for 20 seconds with a light-emitting diode curing light and eluted with culture medium at 37°C for 24 hours. L929 mouse fibroblasts were exposed to extracts at varying dilutions (1:1, 1:2, and 1:10) for 24 hours. Analyses were performed to assess cytotoxicity, phase contrast microscopy, and quantitative cell viability. Among the bulk-fill RBCs, extracts of PRG materials resulted in the lowest cell viability. At 4-mm thickness, undiluted extracts of bulk-fill non-PRG RBCs had significantly higher cell viability than the standard composites. Chemical composition, specimen thickness, and testing concentrations of extracts had significant effects on cell viability and morphology. Cytotoxic effects of composites on cell viability were parallel with cell morphologic changes. Not all bulk-fill RBCs demonstrated high cell viability (>70%) at 4-mm thickness despite manufacturers' recommendations of bulk placement and curing.
Exploring the Role of Dermatoglyphics in Learning- A Case Study
Authors: Dhankar Charu
Published: August 2015

The nature nurture issue has been an important debate in all aspects of the individual development. According to Jensen’s heritability ratio, hereditary has an impeccable influence in the development process. Based on these, dermatoglyphics has been used in the present case study in order to observe the innate potential of an individual, to give parents an insight into their child’s hidden potential and to groom them effectively. The present case study is confined to the acquiring methods and unique quotients of the subject. The findings of the study revealed the unique quotients of the subject and the best suitable acquisition method for the subject.  Aim/Purpose: To test the methods of learning and unique quotients of the subject with the help of Dermatoglyphics Multiple Intelligence Test DMIT.  Int. J. Soc. Sci. Manage. Vol-2, issue-3: 301-303 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijssm.v2i3.12651
Role of Human Resource Management in Job Satisfaction of Employees: A Comparative Analysis in Public & Private Sector
Authors: Sweta Dr
Published: August 2015

This study investigates the relationship between human resource management and employees’ job satisfaction in public and private undertakings. The results revealed a positive relationship between managers and employees’ job satisfaction. The analysis is based on a sample of 100 employees which were randomly chosen from both the sectors. The happier people are within their job, the more satisfied they are said to be. This paper surveys both the sectors in most of the aspects of analysis. However both sectors have their own pros and cons which will be made clear while evaluating job-satisfaction levels among the employees of both the sector. And given that the reward system in the public sector systematically differs from that of the private sector (in terms of pay, benefits, and psychic value), it seems likely that studies of satisfaction levels among private-sector employees may not be applicable to public-sector employees.Int. J. Soc. Sci. Manage. Vol-2, issue-3: 263-266 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijssm.v2i3.12751
Kerala: Health Tourism Hub for Ayurveda
Authors: Padmasani Dr , Remya V.
Published: August 2015

Health/Medical tourism is a booming niche tourism market in the tourism industry. The main reason for the increasing trend is the high cost of treatment, long waiting time, less insurance coverage in developed countries and the attitude of people to spend holidays in a quality manner with the aim of improving health. In India, Kerala is emerging as a prime health tourism hub for its Ayurveda packages. The state attracts millions of foreign and domestic tourists to visit the state’s incredible heritage and experience the traditional nature based treatment therapies. The volume of tourist arrivals in Kerala had experienced a stupendous growth of 7.7 per cent in 2014 from 4.3 per cent in 2001 (Annual report of Tourism Statistics, Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala). This study aims to profile the tourists visiting Kerala for Ayurvedic treatment and to identify the destination image factors making Kerala an attractive place for Ayurveda health tourism. For this purpose, 150 domestic tourists availing Ayurvedic treatment in Kerala were selected on the convenience of the researcher. In order to analyse the objectives, the Descriptive Statistics, Factor Analysis and One-way ANOVA were employed and the results revealed that service quality, attraction, opportunity, benefits and promotion were the destination image factors making Kerala an attractive place for Ayurvedic Health Tourism. The present study identifies the strength of Kerala for Ayurveda health tourism which helps the destination managers and the service providers witha better understanding of the market for elevating Kerala and its Ayurveda in this niche market.Int. J. Soc. Sci. Manage. Vol-2, issue-3: 222-227 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijssm.v2i3.12755
Spatial variation in the perception of urban residential environmental, quality of life in Srinagar city (J &K)
Authors: Malik Tanweer Ahmad , Shukla Vandana , Bhat Suhail Ahmad
Published: August 2015

The paper examined the sensitiveness among the sample wards of Srinagar city – quality of life, built up condition, perception of residents annoyed by various environmental pollution indicators. Environmental quality may be analyzed objectively based on facts & figures .it should also be viewed through the mental map of residents the way they perceive their environment. The way they experience it such an image of the environment is bound to be partial, distorted, & simplified one .the Z-score variate has been used to examine the level of literacy. The spatial variation in perceiving the quality of life & the way to perceive the environment is reliant on the primary source the reason for the variation among the sample wards is due to the poor environmental management & socio- economic conditions.  Int. J. Soc. Sci. Manage. Vol-2, issue-3: 250-262 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijssm.v2i3.12825
Sucrose Permeability: A Simple Non-Invasive Marker of Gastro-Duodenal Damage in Dyspepsia
Authors: Saha Tapan Kumar Saha Kumar , Bhattarai Arabinda Mohan , Sharma Manushree
Published: August 2015

Introduction: Diagnosis of gastro-duodenal mucosal damage usually requires endoscopy, an invasive procedure. An attempt has been made to assess the clinical validity of sucrose permeability test as a non-invasive marker of gastro-duodenal damage.Methods: The test was carried out in 65 patients of dyspepsia evaluated by endoscopy and 21 healthy controls. On endoscopy, gastro-duodenal epithelial damage was assessed in all patients of dyspepsia and grouped as: group 1 (normal gastro-duodenal mucosa, n=18), group 2 (Gastric ulcer, n=15), group 3 (Duodenal ulcer, n=10), group 4 (Gastritis, n=12) and group 5 (Duodenitis, n=10).Results: The mean urinary sucrose excretions (mg) in 5 hours after 100g oral load was found to be significantly higher in patients of gastric ulcers (183.6 ±169.7, p value < 0.001), duodenal ulcers (151.7± 79.2, p value <0.001), gastritis (115.6±59.2, p value <0.001) and duodenitis (105.2± 122.2, p value <0.05) as compared to controls (35.2±17.2). However, the mean sucrose excretion in patients of dyspepsia with normal endoscopic findings (42.5±14.8 mg) was almost similar to the control group (p value >0.05). A ROC curve analysis taking endoscopic findings as gold standard was undertaken to find the optimum cut-off to detect gastro-duodenal epithelial damage.Conclusions: The cut-off value of 64.5 mg/5h for urinary sucrose excretion provided the best sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of both surgical (gastric and duodenal ulcer) and non-surgical (gastritis and duodenitis) gastro-duodenal mucosal damage. At this cutoff sucrose permeability test provided a sensitivity of 72 % and specificity of 92%. Similarly, a cut-off value of 66.5 mg/5h of urinary sucrose excretion provided the best sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of surgical gastro-duodenal mucosal damage with sensitivity of 72% and specificity of 97%.
Cost analysis study of oral hypoglycemic agents available in Nepalese market
Authors: Shrestha Binaya
Published: August 2015

Introduction: Diabetes Mellitus is one of the major causes of morbidity, mortality and needs lifelong treatment. There is a wide range of variation in the prices of antidiabetic drugs marketed in Nepal. Thus, a study was planned to find out price variations in the oral hypoglycemic drugs available singly and number of manufacturing companies for each, also to evaluate the difference in cost of different brands of same active drug by calculating percentage variation of cost.Methods: Cost of a particular drug being manufactured by different companies, in the same strength and dosage forms was obtained from the price list provided by the pharmaceutical companies in Nepal and Indian Drug Review September 2013. The difference in the maximum and minimum price of the same drug manufactured by different pharmaceutical companies and percentage variation in price was calculated.Results: Percentage price variation of the commonly used drugs found was metformin (500mg) 171.42%, metformin (850mg) 128.42%, metformin (1000mg) 80%, pioglitazone (15mg) 150% pioglitazone (30mg) 188.89%, sitagliptin (50mg) 33.33%, sitagliptin (100mg) 40% acarbose (25mg) 39.58%, acarbose (50mg) 32.60%, gliclazide (80mg) 108%, gliclazide (40mg) 83.33%, glibenclamide (2.5mg) 87%, glibenclamide (5mg), 80%, glimiperide (1mg) 91.67%, glimiperide (2mg) 300%, glimiperide (3mg) 100%, glimiperide (4mg) 36.84%.Conclusion: The average percentage price variation of different brands of the same oral hypoglycemic drugs manufactured in Nepal is very wide. The appraisal and management of marketing drugs should be directed toward maximizing the benefits of therapy and minimizing negative personal and economic consequences.
Microbiology of Urinary Tract Infection and the Status of Urinary Isolates in Pregnant Women
Authors: Parajuli Sharmila , Thapa B
Published: August 2015

Introduction: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most frequently encountered problems owing to significant number of patients needing hospitalization during pregnancy. The incidence of UTI in pregnant women is reported to be high up to 7-8%.Methods: This is a prospective study conducted in Valley Maternity Hospital during a period of 6 months (Jan 2011 to June 2011). 520 MSU (Mid stream urine samples) from pregnant women clinically suspected of urine infection were evaluated by urine dipstick analysis, microscopic and culture method. The isolates were identified and antibiotic sensitivity pattern was determined by standard protocol.Results: The majority of the patients were in-between the age group of 20-30years- 338cases (65%) and these patients usually presented in the first trimester of pregnancy- 317cases (60.96%).  Out of the 520 clinically suspected UTI cases, 232 (44.61%) was culture positive. Out of the culture positive cases; Escherichia coli (E.coli) was the most common accounting for a total of 144cases (80%). Nitrofurantoin was found to be the most effective drug against the gram negative (Gm-ve) bacteria. Similarly, Ampicillin, Amoxycillin and Cloxacillin were found to be effective agent against gram positive (Gm+ve) bacteria.Conclusions: Screening for bacteriuria is recommended among all pregnant women at the first prenatal visit and in the subsequent trimesters of pregnancy. Prompt treatment of symptomatic UTI and asymptomatic bacteriuria is required in pregnant women to avoid complications like preterm birth, low birth weight and increased perinatal mortality.
Knowledge Regarding Infertility among the People of Reproductive Age Group
Authors: Sharma Saraswati , Bhandari Sushila Devi
Published: August 2015

Introduction: Fertility or the ability to produce children has a positive social value whereas; infertility has a negative social value in which it means inability couple to have children even though after living a normal sexual life and does not use any contraceptive devices for one year. Infertility can be primary or secondary and primary infertility means when a couple has never been able to conceive; secondary infertility means a couple who has previously conceived a pregnancy, but is unable to conceive again after a full year.The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge regarding infertility among the people of reproductive age group.Methods: Cross sectional was done to “Assess the knowledge regarding infertility among the people of reproductive age group "at Gynae OPD of Shree Birendra Hospital.  The Non-probability purposive sampling technique was used. The study population was 110 and study period was 2071/3/15-2071/4/25. Semi-structured questionnaire was used.  The data were analyzed by using SPSS 20.Results: No significant relationship was established (p=0.5) between the knowledge about infertility and age. There was approximately equal number of respondents who had knowledge of infertility in the variation of age group. The proportion of knowledge in male respondents (93.8%) is comparatively more than the female (84.6%). The proportion of knowledge of infertility according to the variation of ethnicity was similar to each other. Likewise the proportion of knowledge of infertility by occupation (p=0.216) and marital status (p=0.122) were also not significantly different.  Conclusion:  The knowledge of infertility was not associated to the age, occupation and marital status.
Theater in Paris
Authors: Duvignaurd Jean
Published: August 2015

Every year the Paris dramatic critics give a "Moliere Award," the purpose of which is to acknowledge the best performance of the season. I am a member of the jury and take part in the discussions which

oftentimes are impassioned. This year, for a change, almost without any objections being raised, we selected "The Caucasian Chalk Circle" by Brecht, performed last winter by Jean Daste and his troupe, the Comedie de Saint-Etienne.

Personally, I am pleased with this choice. I deem it a good thing to pay tribute to Brecht (even though it happens after his death) and also to the staging by Daste, who, with a happier and even more delicate touch in his interpretation than that given by the Berliner Ensemble, will not soon be forgotten in France.
Book Reviews
Authors: Groff Edward , Burke William , Salerno Henry
Published: August 2015

L. Boonerot, M. Le Breton, and P. Legouis, ed., Le Theatre Contemporain en Grande-Bretagne Et Aux Etatsunis, , reviewed by Edward B. Groff

Judah Biennan, James Hart, and Stanley Johnson, The Dramatic Experience, , reviewed by William M. Burke

Mary Manning, Passages From Finnegans Wake, , reviewed by Henry F. Salerno
The effect of compressing pressure on the microstructure and properties of W-10 wt.% Cu composite
Authors: Ahangarkani Meysam , Borgi Saeid , Zageneh-madar Karim , Valefi Ziea
Published: August 2015

The compressing pressure and microstructure and their relationship to mechanical and physical properties have been investigated in tungsten powder compacts infiltrated with copper. In this research, high pressure within the range of 250 to 550 MPa was used to produce high density green specimens (60–80%) by cold isostatic pressing while sintering was carried out in a hydrogen atmosphere. The tungsten skeletons were infiltrated with molten copper at 1300 °C. Scanning electron microscopy and tensile tests were conducted with due allowance for the participation of contiguity in microstructure. It was illustrated that the application of high compressing pressure has a direct influence on the tensile strength and conductivity. The measured tensile strength of prepared composites in this study was in the range of 400–640 MPa.
Remotely sensed debris thickness mapping of Bara Shigri Glacier, Indian Himalaya
Authors: Schauwecker Simone , Rohrer Mario , Huggel Christian , Kulkarni Anil , Ramanathan Al. , Salzmann Nadine , Stoffel Markus , Brock Ben
Published: August 2015

Despite the important role of supraglacial debris in ablation, knowledge of debris thickness on Himalayan glaciers is sparse. A recently developed method based on reanalysis data and thermal band satellite imagery has proved to be potentially suitable for debris thickness estimation without the need for detailed field data. In this study, we further develop the method and discuss possibilities and limitations arising from its application to a glacier in the Himalaya with scarce in situ data. Surface temperature patterns are consistent for 13 scenes of Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) and Landsat 7 imagery and correlate well with incoming shortwave radiation and air temperature. We use an energy-balance approach to subtract these radiation or air temperature effects, in order to estimate debris thickness patterns as a function of surface temperature. Both incoming shortwave and longwave radiation are estimated with reasonable accuracy when applying parameterizations and reanalysis data. However, the model likely underestimates debris thickness, probably due to incorrect representation of vertical debris temperature profiles, the rate of heat storage and turbulent sensible heat flux. Moreover, the uncertainty of the result was found to increase significantly with thicker debris, a promising result since ablation is enhanced by thin debris of 1–2 cm.
Modern glacier velocities across the Icefield Ranges, St Elias Mountains, and variability at selected glaciers from 1959 to 2012
Authors: Waechter Alexandra , Copland Luke , Herdes Emilie
Published: August 2015

New high-resolution velocity maps of the eastern St Elias Mountains, North America, are obtained from speckle tracking of winter 2011 and 2012 RADARSAT-2 image pairs. This includes the most complete velocity mapping to date of Hubbard Glacier, allowing for an upward revision of the Hubbard Glacier calving flux to 5.48 ± 1.16 km3 a−1. Combined with historical velocities from feature tracking of Landsat image pairs (1980s−2000s), and previously published results, these new velocity measurements allow for an evaluation of the interannual variability of motion at eight glaciers in this region, due to both long-term force-balance effects and surge dynamics. Multi-decadal velocities at the non-surge-type Kaskawulsh Glacier indicate little change along most of its length, except for the lowermost 10 km where deceleration has been pronounced since the late 1980s in a region that has undergone rapid recent thinning. Interannual variability of surge-type glaciers was high, with year-to-year velocity variations of up to several hundred m a−1. These glaciers were also characterized by distinct patterns of deceleration and/or acceleration along their length.
Thermomechanically coupled modelling for land-terminating glaciers: a comparison of two-dimensional, first-order and three-dimensional, full-Stokes approaches
Authors: Zhang Tong , Ju Lili , Leng Wei , Price Stephen , Gunzburger Max
Published: August 2015

For many regions, glacier inaccessibility results in sparse geometric datasets for use as model initial conditions (e.g. along the central flowline only). In these cases, two-dimensional (2-D) flowline models are often used to study glacier dynamics. Here we systematically investigate the applicability of a 2-D, first-order Stokes approximation flowline model (FLM), modified by shape factors, for the simulation of land-terminating glaciers by comparing it with a 3-D, ‘full’-Stokes ice-flow model (FSM). Based on steady-state and transient, thermomechanically uncoupled and coupled computational experiments, we explore the sensitivities of the FLM and FSM to ice geometry, temperature and forward model integration time. We find that, compared to the FSM, the FLM generally produces slower horizontal velocities, due to simplifications inherent to the FLM and to the underestimation of the shape factor. For polythermal glaciers, those with temperate ice zones, or when basal sliding is important, we find significant differences between simulation results when using the FLM versus the FSM. Over time, initially small differences between the FLM and FSM become much larger, particularly near cold/temperate ice transition surfaces. Long time integrations further increase small initial differences between the two models. We conclude that the FLM should be applied with caution when modelling glacier changes under a warming climate or over long periods of time.
Mechanisms of subglacial cavity filling in Glacier de Tête Rousse, French Alps
Authors: Vincent C. , Thibert E. , Gagliardini O. , Legchenko A. , Gilbert A. , Garambois S. , Condom T. , Baltassat J.M. , Girard J.F.
Published: August 2015

The deadliest outburst flood from an englacial cavity occurred on Glacier de Tête Rousse in the Mont Blanc area, French Alps, in 1892. A subglacial reservoir was discovered in the same glacier in 2010 and drained artificially in 2010, 2011 and 2012 to protect the 3000 inhabitants downstream. The mechanism leading to the spontaneous refilling of the cavity following these pumping operations has been analyzed. For this purpose, the subglacial water volume changes between 2010 and 2013 were reconstructed. The size of the cavity following the pumping was found to have decreased from 53500 m3 in 2010 to 12 750 m3 in 2013. Creep and the partial collapse of the cavity roof explain a large part of the volume loss. Analysis of cavity filling showed a strong relationship between measured surface melting and the filling rate, with a time delay of 4–6 hours. A permanent input of 15 m3 d−1, not depending on surface melt, was also found. The meltwater and rain from the surface is conveyed to bedrock through crevasses and probably through a permeable layer of rock debris at the glacier bed. The drainage pathway permeability was estimated at 0.054 ms−1 from water discharge measurements and dye-tracing experiments.
Education and the Relation to the Outside: A Little Real Reality
Authors: Savat David , Thompson Greg
Published: August 2015

One of the more dominant themes around the use of Deleuze and Guattari's work, including in this special issue, is a focus on the radical transformation that educational institutions are undergoing, and which applies to administrator, student and educator alike. This is a transformation that finds its expression through teaching analytics, transformative teaching, massive open online courses (MOOCs) and updateable performance metrics alike. These techniques and practices, as an expression of control society, constitute the new sorts of machines that frame and inhabit our educational institutions. As Deleuze and Guattari's work posits, on some level these are precisely the machines that many people in their day-to-day work as educators, students and administrators assemble and maintain, that is, desire. The meta-model of schizoanalysis is ideally placed to analyse this profound shift that is occurring in society, felt closely in the so-called knowledge sector where a brave new world of continuous education and motivation is instituting itself.
Modeling Documents with Event Model
Authors: Wang Longhui , Zhao Guoguang , Sun Donghong
Published: August 2015

Currently deep learning has made great breakthroughs in visual and speech processing, mainly because it draws lessons from the hierarchical mode that brain deals with images and speech. In the field of NLP, a topic model is one of the important ways for modeling documents. Topic models are built on a generative model that clearly does not match the way humans write. In this paper, we propose Event Model, which is unsupervised and based on the language processing mechanism of neurolinguistics, to model documents. In Event Model, documents are descriptions of concrete or abstract events seen, heard, or sensed by people and words are objects in the events. Event Model has two stages: word learning and dimensionality reduction. Word learning is to learn semantics of words based on deep learning. Dimensionality reduction is the process that representing a document as a low dimensional vector by a linear mode that is completely different from topic models. Event Model achieves state-of-the-art results on document retrieval tasks.
A Laboratory Test Expert System for Clinical Diagnosis Support in Primary Health Care
Authors: Fernandez-Millan Rodrigo , Medina-Merodio Jose-Amelio , Plata Roberto , Martinez-Herraiz Jose-Javier , Gutierrez-Martinez Jose-Maria
Published: August 2015

Clinical Decision Support Systems have the potential to reduce lack of communication and errors in diagnostic steps in primary health care. Literature reports have showed great advances in clinical decision support systems in the recent years, which have proven its usefulness in improving the quality of care. However, most of these systems are focused on specific areas of diseases. In this way, we propose a rule-based expert system, which supports clinicians in primary health care, providing a list of possible diseases regarding patient’s laboratory tests results in order to assist previous diagnosis. Our system also allows storing and retrieving patient’s data and the history of patient’s analyses, establishing a basis for coordination between the various health care levels. A validation step and speed performance tests were made to check the quality of the system. We conclude that our system could improve clinician accuracy and speed, resulting in more efficiency and better quality of service. Finally, we propose some recommendations for further research.
Study of the Migration of Three Model Substances from Low Density Polyethylene into Food Simulant and Fruit Juices
Authors: De Quirós Ana , Varela Noelia , Sendón Raquel
Published: August 2015

In the present work, the migration of three chemicals, benzophenone, 1,4-diphenylbutadiene and Uvitex® OB from low-density polyethylene samples into the food simulant, 50% ethanol (v/v), was studied. The key parameters of the diffusion process, the partition and diffusion coefficients, were calculated by using a mathematical model based on Fick’s Second Law. As expected, the diffusion coefficients increased with temperature and the values obtained ranged between 3.87 × 10−11 and 1.00 × 10−8 cm2/s. Furthermore, the migration in different fruit juices was also evaluated and the results indicated that benzophenone migrated to a greater extent in comparison with the other two migrants in all beverages analyzed. To quantify the migrants, a high-performance liquid chromatographic method with a diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) was used. The separation was performed on an Ace 3 C18-HL column (30 × 3 mm, 3 μm particle size) and using a gradient elution system consisting of Milli-Q water and acetonitrile. The total analysis time did not exceed 8 min.
A New Chaotic System with Positive Topological Entropy
Authors: Wang Zhonglin , Ma Jian , Chen Zengqiang , Zhang Qing
Published: August 2015

This paper introduces a new simple system with a butterfly chaotic attractor. This system has rich and complex dynamics. With some typical parameters, its Lyapunov dimension is greater than other known three dimensional chaotic systems. It exhibits chaotic behavior over a large range of parameters, and the divergence of flow of this system is not a constant. The dynamics of this new system are analyzed via Lyapunov exponent spectrum, bifurcation diagrams, phase portraits and the Poincaré map. The compound structures of this new system are also analyzed. By means of topological horseshoe theory and numerical computation, the Poincaré map defined for the system is proved to be semi-conjugate to 3-shift map, and thus the system has positive topological entropy.
Entropy Minimization Design Approach of Supersonic Internal Passages
Authors: Sousa Jorge , Paniagua Guillermo
Published: August 2015

Fluid machinery operating in the supersonic regime unveil avenues towards more compact technology. However, internal supersonic flows are associated with high aerodynamic and thermal penalties, which usually prevent their practical implementation. Indeed, both shock losses and the limited operational range represent particular challenges to aerodynamic designers that should be taken into account at the initial phase of the design process. This paper presents a design methodology for supersonic passages based on direct evaluations of the velocity field using the method of characteristics and computation of entropy generation across shock waves. This meshless function evaluation tool is then coupled to an optimization scheme, based on evolutionary algorithms that minimize the entropy generation across the supersonic passage. Finally, we assessed the results with 3D Reynolds Averaged Navier Stokes calculations.
Numerical Analysis on Combustion Characteristic of Leaf Spring Rotary Engine
Authors: Zhang Yan , Zuo Zhengxing , Liu Jinxiang
Published: August 2015

The purpose of this paper is to investigate combustion characteristics for rotary engine via numerical studies. A 3D numerical model was developed to study the influence of several operative parameters on combustion characteristics. A novel rotary engine called, “Leaf Spring Rotary Engine”, was used to illustrate the structure and principle of the engine. The aims are to (1) improve the understanding of combustion process, and (2) quantify the influence of rotational speed, excess air ratio, initial pressure and temperature on combustion characteristics. The chamber space changed with crankshaft rotation. Due to the complexity of chamber volume, an equivalent modeling method was presented to simulate the chamber space variation. The numerical simulations were performed by solving the incompressible, multiphase Unsteady Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes Equations via the commercial code FLUENT using a transport equation-based combustion model; a realizable turbulence model and finite-rate/eddy-dissipation model were used to account for the effect of local factors on the combustion characteristics.
2,6-Bis(1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecan-1-ylmethyl)pyridine and Its Benzene Analog as Nonmetallic Cleaving Agents of RNA Phosphodiester Linkages
Authors: Lain Luigi , Lahdenpohja Salla , Lönnberg Harri , Lönnberg Tuomas
Published: August 2015

2,6-Bis(1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecan-1-ylmethyl)pyridine (11a) and 1,3-bis(1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecan-1-ylmethyl)benzene (11b) have been shown to accelerate at 50 mmol·L−1 concentration both the cleavage and mutual isomerization of uridylyl-3′,5′-uridine and uridylyl-2′,5′-uridine by up to two orders of magnitude. The catalytically active ionic forms are the tri- (in the case of 11b) tetra- and pentacations. The pyridine nitrogen is not critical for efficient catalysis, since the activity of 11b is even slightly higher than that of 11a. On the other hand, protonation of the pyridine nitrogen still makes 11a approximately four times more efficient as a catalyst, but only for the cleavage reaction. Interestingly, the respective reactions of adenylyl-3′,5′-adenosine were not accelerated, suggesting that the catalysis is base moiety selective.
Involvement of Ethylene in the Latex Metabolism and Tapping Panel Dryness of Hevea brasiliensis
Authors: Putranto Riza-Arief , Herlinawati Eva , Rio Maryannick , Leclercq Julie , Piyatrakul Piyanuch , Gohet Eric , Sanier Christine , Oktavia Fetrina , Pirrello Julien , Kuswanhadi  , Montoro Pascal
Published: August 2015

Ethephon, an ethylene releaser, is used to stimulate latex production in Hevea brasiliensis. Ethylene induces many functions in latex cells including the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The accumulation of ROS is responsible for the coagulation of rubber particles in latex cells, resulting in the partial or complete stoppage of latex flow. This study set out to assess biochemical and histological changes as well as changes in gene expression in latex and phloem tissues from trees grown under various harvesting systems. The Tapping Panel Dryness (TPD) susceptibility of Hevea clones was found to be related to some biochemical parameters, such as low sucrose and high inorganic phosphorus contents. A high tapping frequency and ethephon stimulation induced early TPD occurrence in a high latex metabolism clone and late occurrence in a low latex metabolism clone. TPD-affected trees had smaller number of laticifer vessels compared to healthy trees, suggesting a modification of cambial activity. The differential transcript abundance was observed for twenty-seven candidate genes related to TPD occurrence in latex and phloem tissues for ROS-scavenging, ethylene biosynthesis and signalling genes. The predicted function for some Ethylene Response Factor genes suggested that these candidate genes should play an important role in regulating susceptibility to TPD.
Combined Screening for Early Detection of Pre-Eclampsia
Authors: Park Hee , Shim Sung , Cha Dong
Published: August 2015

Although the precise pathophysiology of pre-eclampsia remains unknown, this condition continues to be a major cause of maternal and fetal mortality. Early prediction of pre-eclampsia would allow for timely initiation of preventive therapy. A combination of biophysical and biochemical markers are superior to other tests for early prediction of the development of pre-eclampsia. Apart from the use of parameters in first-trimester aneuploidy screening, cell-free fetal DNA quantification is emerging as a promising marker for prediction of pre-eclampsia. This article reviews the current research of the most important strategies for prediction of pre-eclampsia, including the use of maternal risk factors, mean maternal arterial pressure, ultrasound parameters, and biomarkers.
Zirconia as a Dental Biomaterial
Authors: Bona Alvaro , Pecho Oscar , Alessandretti Rodrigo
Published: August 2015

Ceramics are very important in the science of dental biomaterials. Among all dental ceramics, zirconia is in evidence as a dental biomaterial and it is the material of choice in contemporary restorative dentistry. Zirconia has been applied as structural material for dental bridges, crowns, inserts, and implants, mostly because of its biocompatibility, high fracture toughness, and radiopacity. However, the clinical success of restorative dentistry has to consider the adhesion to different substrates, which has offered a great challenge to dental zirconia research and development. This study characterizes zirconia as a dental biomaterial, presenting the current consensus and challenges to its dental applications.
New Rare Sinapoyl Acylated Flavonoid Glycosides Obtained from the Seeds of Lepidium apetalum Willd
Authors: Han Lifeng , Shi Pingping , Dong Yongzhe , Wang Tingting , Li Xiaoxia , Hao Jia , Zhang Yi , Wang Tao
Published: August 2015

Seven new rare sinapoyl acylated flavonoid glycosides, apetalumosides A1 (1), B8 (2), B9 (3), B10 (4), B11 (5), B12 (6), and C1 (7) were isolated from the seeds of Lepidium apetalum Willd. Their structures were elucidated by chemical and spectroscopic methods.
Palladium-Catalyzed One-Pot Approach to 3-(Diarylmethylene)oxindoles from Propiolamidoaryl Triflate
Authors: Lee Dahye , Park Sunhwa , Yu Yoseb , Shin Kye , Seo Jae
Published: August 2015

3-(Diarylmethylene)oxindoles have been synthesized from propiolamidoaryl triflate utilizing a palladium-catalyzed one-pot reaction consisting of three successive reactions: Sonogashira, Heck, and Suzuki-Miyaura. This method allows for the production of a complex skeleton of 3-(diarylmethylene)oxindole from propiolamidoaryl triflate using a commercially available aryl iodide and arylboronic acid in a simple and efficient way with moderate yield and stereoselectivity.
Vitamin D and Inflammatory Cytokines in Healthy and Preeclamptic Pregnancies
Authors: Barrera David , Díaz Lorenza , Noyola-Martínez Nancy , Halhali Ali
Published: August 2015

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy disease characterized by hypertension and proteinuria. Among several disorders, the imbalance of inflammatory cytokines and the alteration of vitamin D metabolism have been reported in preeclampsia. The effects of calcitriol upon inflammatory cytokines has been demonstrated. In healthy pregnant women there is a shift toward a Th2 cytokine profile, which is necessary for an adequate pregnancy outcome. As compared with normal pregnancy, high pro-inflammatory and low anti-inflammatory cytokine levels have been observed in preeclamptic women. Preeclampsia has been associated with low calcitriol levels and vitamin D deficiency is correlated with a higher risk of the development of this disease. It has been demonstrated that placenta is a source as well as the target of calcitriol and cytokines and placental dysfunction has been associated with preeclampsia. Therefore, the present manuscript includes a review about serum calcitriol levels in non-pregnant, pregnant, and preeclamptic women as well as a review on the fetoplacental vitamin D metabolism in healthy and preeclamptic pregnancies. In addition, circulating and fetoplacental inflammatory cytokines in healthy and preeclamptic pregnancies are reviewed. Finally, the effects of calcitriol upon placental pro-inflammatory cytokines are also explored. In conclusion, maternal and placental calcitriol levels are low in preeclampsia which may explain, at least in part, high pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in this disease.
UCP2 Modulates Cardioprotective Effects of Ru360 in Isolated Cardiomyocytes during Ischemia
Authors: Motloch Lukas , Reda Sara , Wolny Martin , Hoppe Uta
Published: August 2015

Introduction: Ruthenium 360 (Ru360) has been shown to induce cardioprotective mechanisms in perfused hearts. The agent is a specific blocker of the main cardiac mitochondrial uptake mechanism, the mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU). UCP2, a mitochondrial membrane protein, which influences cardiac ROS formation was reported to interact with the MCU. Methods: To prove whether Ru360 affects ischemic cell injury on the singular cell level, cell viability (CV) in isolated cardiomyocytes from wild type mice (WT) was measured in a model of pelleting hypoxia (PH). To explore a possible influence of UCP2 on cellular survival, as well as on Ru360 function, cardiomyocytes from UCP2−/− mice were investigated. Results: During PH, Ru360 significantly improved CV in WT cardiomyocytes (Control 26.32% ± 1.58% vs. PH 13.60% ± 1.20% vs. PH+Ru360 19.98% ± 0.98%, n = 6; p < 0.05). No differences in the rate of apoptosis were observed in UCP2−/− vs. WT. In UCP2−/− cardiomyocytes, Ru360 reduced the rate of cell death. However, the effect was less pronounced compared to WT cardiomyocytes. Conclusion: Ru360 significantly reduces hypoxic cell injury by preventing single cell apoptosis in WT cardiomyoctes. UCP2 does not affect cell survival in hypoxic cardiomyocytes, but it might modulate cardioprotective effects of Ru360 during ischemia.
Synthesis of High Performance Cyclic Olefin Polymers (COPs) with Ester Group via Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization
Authors: Cui Jing , Yang Ji-Xing , Li Yan-Guo , Li Yue-Sheng
Published: August 2015

Novel ester group functionalized cyclic olefin polymers (COPs) with high glass transition temperature, high transparency, good mechanical performance and excellent film forming ability have been achieved in this work via efficient ring-opening metathesis copolymerization of exo-1,4,4a,9,9a,10-hexahydro-9,10(1′,2′)-benzeno-l,4-methanoanthracene (HBM) and comonomers (5-norbornene-2-yl methylacetate (NMA), 5-norbornene-2-yl methyl 2-ethylhexanoate (NME) or 5-norbornene-2-yl methyldodecanoate (NMD)) utilizing the Grubbs first generation catalyst, Ru(CHPh)(Cl)2(PCy3)2 (Cy = cyclohexyl, G1), followed by hydrogenation of double bonds in the main chain. The fully hydrogenated copolymers were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance, FT-IR spectroscopy analysis, gel permeation chromatography, and thermo gravimetric analysis. Differential scanning calorimetry curves showed that the glass transition temperatures (Tg) linearly decreased with the increasing of comonomers content, which was easily controlled by changing feed ratios of HBM and comonomers. Static water contact angles tests indicate that hydrophilicity of copolymers can also be modulated by changing the comonomers incorporation. Additionally, the mechanical performances of copolymers were also investigated.
Monitoring of Weekly Sleep Pattern Variations at Home with a Contactless Biomotion Sensor
Authors: Hashizaki Masanori , Nakajima Hiroshi , Kume Kazuhiko
Published: August 2015

Many people find that their sleep is restricted or disturbed by social obligations, including work. Sleep phase delays can affect an individual’s circadian rhythms on the following day and cause daytime sleepiness and/or poor performance. In this study, to examine weekly variations in sleep patterns, we analyzed sleep data for seven-day periods (from Sunday to Saturday) that had been collected from 2914 subjects (aged 20–79 years) over a total of 24,899 subject-weeks using contactless biomotion sensors. On the weekend, the subjects’ mean sleep midpoint, bedtime, and wake-up time were delayed by 40, 26 and 53 min, respectively, compared with those seen on weekdays. In addition, on weekdays, the mean difference between the maximum and median sleep midpoint ranged from 35 to 47 min among the subjects in their 20 s–70 s. The weekend delay and weekday variation in the subjects’ sleep patterns tended to decrease with age. This study detected sleep pattern disturbances on both weekdays and weekends. The serial changes in weekday bedtimes detected in this study suggest that sleep habits are influenced by changes in the temporal patterns of social activities/duties. We need further study the advantages of getting extra sleep and the disadvantages of sleep pattern disturbances in daily lifestyle.