bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transformationskern und kulturelle Hülle
Authors: Becker Egon
Published: November 2018

Wissenschaft ist in zweifacher Weise in ökologische und soziale Krisen verstrickt: Auf der einen Seite sind es wissenschaftliche und technologische Innovationen, die direkt für die Zerstörung natürlicher Umwelten und sozialer Milieus verantwortlich sind, auf der anderen Seite werden wissenschaftlich-technische »Modernisierungen« nach wie vor als der entscheidende Ausweg aus dem sozial-ökologischen Krisenzusammenhang der industriekapitalistischen Moderne und des zerfallenden Realsozialismus angesehen - ohne daß die Wissenschaften in ihrer derzeitigen Verfassung solchem Erwartungsdruck gewachsen wären. Wissenschaft ist also zentrale Krisenursache und gilt gleichwohl als umfassende »Problemlösung«. Die Frage nach den Voraussetzungen, Möglichkeiten und Grenzen einer sozial-ökologischen (Um)-Orientierung des Wissenschaftssystems und seiner einzelnen Disziplinen gewinnt vor diesem Hintergrund doppelte Brisanz und Dringlichkeit. Bisher aber wird sie nur in den unzureichenden gesellschaftstheoretischen und wissenschaftssoziologischen Konzepten eines funktionalistischen »common sense« gestellt und bearbeitet. Die »ökologische Krise« als Brennpunkt wissenschaftlicher und wissenschaftskritischer Diskurse reicht weit über das hinaus, was gewöhnlich als »Umweltkrise« thematisiert wird. Sie kann als eine Krise der Verwissenschaftlichung der gesellschaftlichen Naturverhältnisse beschrieben werden, sie ist eine Krise der Organisationsform des gesellschaftlich relevanten Wissens als disziplinär spezialisierte Experten- Wissenschaft.
Bildung, Herrschaft und Widerstand
Authors: Axmacher Dirk
Published: November 2018

Die neuzeitliche Bildungstheorie hat auch dort, wo sie sich ausdrücklich auf die Seite der arbeitenden Klassen geschlagen hat, der Vorstellung nie etwas abgewinnen können, daß gegen die Herrschaft der Bildung Widerstand möglich und legitim sein könne. Dieser Beitrag geht den Gründen dafür nach und unternimmt den Versuch, die Umrisse einer historisch-materialistischen Theorie des »Widerstands gegen Bildung« zu skizzieren - in kritischer Auseinandersetzung mit Marx und Max Weber. Er beruht auf Überlegungen, die der Verfasser ausführlich in seinem Buch »Widerstand gegen Bildung. Zur Rekonstruktion einer verdrängten Welt des Wissens« (Weinheim 1990) dargestellt hat.
Editorial: Internationalisierung und Migration
Authors: Redaktion PROKLA
Published: November 2018

Ein neues Gespenst geht um im reichen Europa: das Gespenst einer uns verschlingenden Einwanderungsflut. Heerscharen ausgehungerter, politisch verfolgter, ihrer ökologischen und ökonomischen Existenzgrundlagen beraubter Massen aus allen Ecken der Welt dringen in unsere Wohngebiete ein, nehmen uns die Arbeitsplätze weg, treiben unseren Wohlfahrtsstaat in den Bankrott! Kulturell Fremdartige, möglicherweise sogar islamische Fundamentalisten bedrohen unsere zivile Gesellschaft, üben einen nach unten gerichteten Nivellierungsdruck auf das Bildungssystem aus und gefährden durch ihre kriminellen Machenschaften die innere Sicherheit!
ROBOTIC IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MODEL PRACTICE ORIENTED PROBLEM OF OPTIMAL UNMANNED CARGO TRANSPORTATION
Authors: Alekseevsky P. I. , Aksenova O. V. , Bodryakov V. Yu.
Published: November 2018

The article presents the robotic implementation of the practice oriented problem of optimal unmanned cargo transportation. In the problem it is necessary for unmanned cargo track to go through the specified path in the shortest possible time (taking into account the specified technical conditions (for example, the speed limitation) according to the predefined conditions (acceleration, constant speed, braking).A mathematical model of moving the object and the solution of the corresponding optimization problem are presented. A description of the implementation of the model for a particular device is given, including preliminary test and calibration experiments. The conducted approbation showed wide pedagogical perspectives of the approach when teaching motivated schoolchildren and students of both information and other directions of learning (mathematics, physics, natural and engineering sciences).
РОБАСТНОЕ УПРАВЛЕНИЕ БЕСПИЛОТНЫМ ЛЕТАТЕЛЬНЫМ АППАРАТОМ ПРИ НЕОПРЕДЕЛЕННЫХ СКОРОСТЯХ
Authors: Уиссам Будиба
Published: November 2018

This paper presents the method for implementing robust control using a nominal model of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The operation of a classical controller in a nonlinear control system in the event of disturbing influences does not satisfy the specified quality criteria. This changes the aerodynamic parameters, and the system becomes unstable. To eliminate unwanted deviations in the control system of the aircraft introduced robust control. The introduction of such a correction control signal allows you to fend off all sorts of failures and disturbances that lead to uncontrolled control. Changes in the aerodynamic lift coefficients, coefficient of resistance, and moments affect the model of the object. The nominal model is calculated by calculating the coefficients with the ANSYS-CFX software and the calculation is confirmed experimentally. Errors are also modeled by this software, and the ranges of variation of each coefficient are a set of failures.
ГРАНИЧНЫЕ УСЛОВИЯ КОНТАКТНОГО ТИПА В ЗАДАЧЕ О КРУГОВОЙ ЦИЛИНДРИЧЕСКОЙ ПОЛОСТИ В УПРУГОМ ПРОСТРАНСТВЕ
Authors: Мирошников В. Ю. , Денисова Т. В. , Проценко В. С.
Published: November 2018

A three-dimensional problem of the theory of elasticity is considered, when contact-type conditions (normal displacements and tangential stresses) are given on a cylindrical cavity in elastic space. The solution is obtained on the basis of the Fourier method with respect to the Lame equations in cylindrical coordinates. The solvability and uniqueness of the problem for these boundary conditions is proved. Normal and tangential stresses are found in the elastic body. A numerical comparison is made of the influence of the boundary conditions in the form of displacements and boundary conditions of the contact type on the stressed state of the elastic space.
Analisis Jaringan Saraf Tiruan Pengenalan Pola Huruf Hiragana dengan Model Jaringan Perceptron
Authors: Ramadhani Irfan , Pratiwi Selly Handik , Handayani Anik Nur
Published: November 2018

Artikel ini membahas mengenai program visual basic untuk mengenali dan menganalisis pola huruf hiraganaMa Mi Mu Me dan Mo Pengenalan pola huruf hiragana tersebut memiliki tujuan untuk pengembangan pengenalan pola huruf hiragana yang dimana dalam pendidikan bahasa jepang sudah banyak masuk ke dalam susunan mata pelajaran muatan lokal dalam tingkat sekolah menengah atas sehingga dapat membantu siswa dalam pengenalan pola-pola huruf hiragana. Selain itu tujuan penelitian ini adalah membandingkan keakuratan perhitunga excel dengan hasil program. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah model jaringan perceptron. Analisis dilakukan dengan berdasarkan nilai alpha dan threshold dari tiap-tiap pola yang dilakukan menggunakan excel dan implementasinya dalam program visual basicHasil dari penelitian ini adalah keakuratan nilai dari excel dan juga program
Evaluasi Proses Amdal Sebagai Dasar Penerbitan Izin Lingkungan Dalam Rangka Mewujudkan Pembangunan Berkelanjutan Di Jawa Tengah
Authors: Sriyanto Agus
Published: November 2018

Any business activity having a significant impact on the environment shall have Amdal. The problem is the Amdal process is complicated and takes a long time. The objective of the study was to evaluate the Amdal process as the basis for the issuance of environmental permit on the Amdal Appraisal Commission, Central Java Province. The research method is descriptive qualitative through in-depth interviews, study documents, questionnaires and Focus Group Discussion (FGD). The conclusion of the research is the performance of the technical team of Amdal Appraisal Commission (KPA) of Central Java Province in assessing the Amdal is faster than the standard time set, while the performance of Amdal LPJP / individual consultant is very slow and less professional.
Sclerostin Serum Concentration in Patients with Predialysis Ckd Stage 3-5
Authors: Pura Lukman , Bandiara Ria , Gondodiputro Rubin S
Published: November 2018

Sclerostin is a glycoprotein expressed by osteocytes and plays a role in bone turnover in themetabolism of the bone. Sclerostin blocks the formation of a ligand with its receptor on theWnt/β-catenin pathway, and influences the activity of osteoblasts. Sclerostin also influencesmineral and bone disturbances in CKD via the interaction between kidney, bone and vascularaxis. The concentration of sclerostin will rise especially in patients with ESRD undergoingdialysis. Concentration of sclerostin has not been reported yet in non-dialysis CKD patientstage 3-5 and the aim of this study is to see sclerostin concentration on those population. Methods This is a descriptive and cross-sectional study designed to measure sclerostinconcentration in non dialysis patients with CKD stage 3-5. The sclerostin concentration ismeasured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. CKD stages are diagnosed usingthe KDIGO-2012 criteria which measures the estimated GFR (eGFR) with the formulation of EPICKD. Fifty six patients with CKD stage 3-5 were enrolled in this study and one way ANOVA comparative test followed with a post hoc analysis using Benferroni test to analysethe data. Results The mean concentration level of serum sclerostin in this population is (79.7+ 41.2) pmol/L, and in patients with CKD stage 3, CKD stage 4, and CKD stage 5 are (59.6 +28.5) pmol/L, (71.9 + 42.2) pmol/L and (96.7 + 39.8) pmol/L respectively. The comparativetest of mean concentrations of the serum sclerostin between stages of CKD are statisticallysignificant with a p=0.022. The post hoc analysis of serum sclerostin concentration betweenCKD stage 3 and CKD stage 5 have a significant difference with a mean of 37 pmol/L andp=0.037. Conclusion, The serum sclerostin concentration rise in accordance with the declineof kidney function in patients with pre-dialysis CKD stage 3-5.
Modern rehabilitation systems based on textiles
Authors: Szmyt Joanna
Published: November 2018

The article presents examples of rehabilitation solutions in which textiles play an important role. They are a fully functional garment, an element of clothing adapted to a given part of the body or a product intended for use in improving health. They are designed with the use of modern production technologies that utilize various raw materials to support the health aspects of the user with their structure and properties.
Liquid Crystal Tunable Dielectric Metamaterial Absorber in the Terahertz Range
Authors: Zhou Shenghang , Shen Zhixiong , Kang Ruiyun , Ge Shijun , Hu Wei
Published: November 2018

In this paper, we propose a tunable dielectric metamaterial absorber in the terahertz (THz) range. The absorber is composed of a silicon pillar array embedded in a liquid crystal (LC) layer, which is sandwiched by two graphene electrodes. By way of varying the applied bias, the LC orientation can be continuously tuned. At a saturated bias, all LCs are vertically driven, and an absorption peak of 0.86 is achieved at 0.79 THz. When the bias is turned off, the same LCs are horizontally aligned, and the absorption peak degenerates into two smaller ones. A 47% modulation depth at 0.79 THz is obtained via numerical simulation with experimental feasibility considered. Such an active THz dielectric absorber may be utilized as part of various active THz apparatuses in THz imaging, sensing, switching, and filtering.
Boosting Second Harmonic Radiation from AlGaAs Nanoantennas with Epsilon-Near-Zero Materials
Authors: Rocco Davide , Vincenti Maria Antonietta , De Angelis Costantino
Published: November 2018

Enhancing the second harmonic conversion efficiency at the nanoscale is a critical challenge in nonlinear optics. Here we propose the use of epsilon-near-zero materials to boost the nonlinear radiation in the far field. Here, a comparison of the second harmonic behavior of a cylindrical AlGaAs nanoantenna placed over different semi-infinite layers is presented. In particular, we observed that the second harmonic generation is strongly enhanced and redirected by the simultaneous presence of a resonance at the fundamental wavelength and a low-permittivity condition in the substrate at the harmonic wavelength. Our results pave the way for a novel approach to enhance optical nonlinearities at the nanoscale.
Sorption of Ag+ and Cu2+ by Vermiculite in a Fixed-Bed Column: Design, Process Optimization and Dynamics Investigations
Authors: Długosz Olga , Banach Marcin
Published: November 2018

Vermiculite has been used for the removal of Cu 2 + and Ag + from aqueous solutions in a fixed-bed column system. The effects of initial silver and copper ion concentrations, flow rate, and bed height of the adsorbent in a fixed-bed column system were investigated. Statistical analysis confirmed that breakthrough curves depended on all three factors. The highest inlet metal cation concentration (5000 mg/dm3), the lowest bed height (3 cm) and the lowest flow rate (2 and 3 cm3/min for Ag + and Cu 2 + , respectively) were optimal for the adsorption process. The maximum total percentage of metal ions removed was 60.4% and 68.7% for Ag+ and Cu2+, respectively. Adsorption data were fitted with four fixed-bed adsorption models, namely Clark, Bohart–Adams, Yoon–Nelson and Thomas models, to predict breakthrough curves and to determine the characteristic column parameters. The adsorbent was characterized by SEM, FTIR, EDS and BET techniques. The results showed that vermiculite could be applied as a cost-effective sorbent for the removal of Cu 2 + and Ag + from wastewater in a continuous process.
Numerical Analysis for Thermal Performance of a Photovoltaic Thermal Solar Collector with SiO2-Water Nanofluid
Authors: Chamkha Ali J. , Selimefendigil Fatih
Published: November 2018

Numerical analysis of a photovoltaic-thermal (PV/T) unit with SiO 2 -water nanofluid was performed. The coupled heat conduction equations within the layers and convective heat transfer equations within the channel of the module were solved by using the finite volume method. Effects of various particle shapes, solid volume fractions, water inlet temperature, solar irradiation and wind speed on the thermal and PV efficiency of the unit were analyzed. Correlation for the efficiencies were obtained by using radial basis function neural networks. Cylindrical shape particles were found to give best performance in terms of efficiency enhancements. Total efficiency enhances by about 7.39% at the highest volume fraction with cylindrical shape particles. Cylindrical shape particle gives 3.95% more enhancement as compared to spherical ones for the highest value of solid particle volume fraction. Thermal and total efficiency enhance for higher values of solid particle volume fraction, solar irradiation and lower values of convective heat transfer coefficient and inlet temperature. The performance characteristics of solar PV-thermal unit with radial basis function artificial neural network are found to be in excellent agreement with the results obtained from computational fluid dynamics modeling.
A High-Resolution Texture Mapping Technique for 3D Textured Model
Authors: Lai Jiing-Yih , Wu Tsung-Chien , Phothong Watchama , Wang Douglas W. , Liao Chao-Yaug , Lee Ju-Yi
Published: November 2018

We proposed a texture mapping technique that comprises mesh partitioning, mesh parameterization and packing, texture transferring, and texture correction and optimization for generating a high-quality texture map of a three-dimensional (3D) model for applications in e-commerce presentations. The main problems in texture mapping are that the texture resolution is generally worse than in the original images and considerable photo inconsistency exists at the transition of different image sources. To improve the texture resolution, we employed an oriented boundary box method for placing mesh islands on the parametric (UV) map. We also provided a texture size that can keep the texture resolution of the 3D textured model similar to that of the object images. To improve the photo inconsistency problem, we employed a method to detect and overcome the missing color that might exist on a texture map. We also proposed a blending process to minimize the transition error caused by different image sources. Thus, a high-quality 3D textured model can be obtained by applying this series of processes for presentations in e-commerce.
Rumex japonicus Houtt. Ethanol Extract and Its Active Component on Prevention of Dyslipidemia and Hyperglycemia in Diet-Induced C57BL/6J Obese Mice
Authors: Kwon Eun-Young , Yu Mi Kyeong , Woo Je Tae , Cho Su-Jung , Yamano Aki , Choi Myung-Sook
Published: November 2018

Obesity is a continuous chronic metabolic disorder and has adverse effects on health, such as dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, and insulin resistance. This study evaluated whether Rumex japonicus Houtt. ethanol extract (RU) and its active component nepodin (NE) affect obesity and its related complications, such as dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed obese mice. The NE and RU supplements did not produce significant differences in body weight and adipose tissue weight compared to HFD group, while plasma lipid profiles were only improved by the RU supplement. However, both the NE and RU supplement had beneficial effects on glucose homeostasis and insulin resistance through reduction of plasma free fatty acid (FFA) (p < 0.05), insulin (p < 0.05), homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (p < 0.05), and C-peptide (p < 0.05) levels. In particular, the RU supplement decreased the area under the curve (AUC) of intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT) (p < 0.05), and improved glucose intolerance. Taken together, NE and RU supplements can contribute to improvements in HFD-induced hyperglycemia, while dyslipidemia was only improved by the RU supplement.
MiR-375 Regulation of LDHB Plays Distinct Roles in Polyomavirus-Positive and -Negative Merkel Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Kumar Satendra , Xie Hong , Scicluna Patrick , Lee Linkiat , Björnhagen Viveca , Höög Anders , Larsson Catharina , Lui Weng-Onn
Published: November 2018

MicroRNA-375 (miR-375) is deregulated in multiple tumor types and regulates important targets involved in tumorigenesis and metastasis. This miRNA is highly expressed in Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) compared to normal skin and other non-MCC skin cancers, and its expression is high in Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV)-positive (MCPyV+) and low in MCPyV-negative (MCPyV−) MCC tumors. In this study, we characterized the function and target of miR-375 in MCPyV+ and MCPyV− MCC cell lines. Ectopic expression of miR-375 in MCPyV− MCC cells resulted in decreased cell proliferation and migration, as well as increased cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. However, in MCPyV+ MCC cells, inhibition of miR-375 expression reduced cell growth and induced apoptosis. Additionally, the expression of lactate dehydrogenase B (LDHB), a known target of miR-375, was inversely correlated with miR-375. Silencing of LDHB reduced cell growth in MCPyV− cell lines, while its silencing in MCPyV+ cell lines rescued the cell growth effect mediated by miR-375 inhibition. Together, our results suggest dual roles of miR-375 and LDHB in MCPyV and non-MCPyV-associated MCCs. We propose that LDHB could be a therapeutic target in MCC and different strategies should be applied in virus- and non-virus-associated MCCs.
The Relationship between Sleep and Cognitive Performance in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A Pilot Study
Authors: Al Backer Nouf , Alzawad Malak , Habibullah Hafiz , Bashir Shahid
Published: November 2018

Background: Sleep concerns are common in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The impact of poor sleep on cognitive performance in ASD children is not well-established. We investigated the possible correlation between sleep quality in ASD children and cognitive performance. The Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) was administered to examine specific components of non-verbal cognition. Methods: The Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) and actigraphy-measured data from 18 children with diagnosis of ASD were evaluated. Motor planning task (MOT), simple reaction time task (SRT) and the intradimensional/extradimensional shift (IED) of CANTAB were administered. Results: ASD good sleeper (ASD-GS) showed significant better response time for SRT task as compared to ASD poor sleeper (ASD-PS) based on CSHQ score. Parameters of bedtime resistance (r = 0.531, p = 0.023), sleep anxiety (r = 0.474, p = 0.047) from CSHQ and actigrapgy dependent (wake after sleep onset (WASO) (r = 0.430, p = 0.024) were significantly correlate with response time of SRT task. Conclusion: We conclude that some signs reflecting the presence of poor sleep in ASD correlate with various aspects of motor output on non-verbal performance tasks. The question is raised whether poor sleep in non-complaining persons with autism should be treated.
An Efficient Bioemulsifier-Producing Bacillus subtilis UCP 0146 Isolated from Mangrove Sediments
Authors: Maia Patrícia , Santos Vanessa , Fereira Adriana , Luna Marcos , Silva Thayse , Andrade Rosileide , Campos-Takaki Galba
Published: November 2018

In this work, we investigated the potential of Bacillus subtilis UCP 0146 in the bioconversion of a medium containing 100% cassava flour wastewater to obtain a bioemulsifier. The evaluation of the production was carried out by the emulsification index (IE24) and the surface tension (ST). The ionic charge, stability (temperature, salinity, and pH measured by IE24 and viscosity), and ability to remove and disperse oil and textile dye were investigated. B. subtilis produced an anionic bioemulsifier in the medium containing 100% cassava wastewater under Condition 4 of the factorial design (inoculum 9% at a temperature of 35 °C and shaken at 100 rpm), and showed a surface tension of 39 mN/m, an IE24 of 95.2%, and a yield of 2.69 g·L−1. The bioemulsifier showed stability at different pH (2–8), temperatures (0–120 °C), and NaCl concentrations, a dispersion oil displacement area (ODA) test of 55.83 cm2, and a reduction of the viscosity of the burned engine oil (90.5 Cp). The bioemulsifier was able to remove petroleum (94.4%) and methylene blue azo dye (62.2%). The bioemulsifier and its synthesis from bacteria also emphasizes the role of surfactants in oil remediation.
Pattern Formation in a Model Oxygen-Plankton System
Authors: Sekerci Yadigar , Petrovskii Sergei
Published: November 2018

Decreasing level of dissolved oxygen has recently been reported as a growing ecological problem in seas and oceans around the world. Concentration of oxygen is an important indicator of the marine ecosystem’s health as lack of oxygen (anoxia) can lead to mass mortality of marine fauna. The oxygen decrease is thought to be a result of global warming as warmer water can contain less oxygen. Actual reasons for the observed oxygen decay remain controversial though. Recently, it has been shown that it may as well result from a disruption of phytoplankton photosynthesis. In this paper, we further explore this idea by considering the model of coupled plankton-oxygen dynamics in two spatial dimensions. By means of extensive numerical simulations performed for different initial conditions and in a broad range of parameter values, we show that the system’s dynamics normally lead to the formation of a rich variety of patterns. We reveal how these patterns evolve when the system approaches the tipping point, i.e., the boundary of the safe parameter range beyond which the depletion of oxygen is the only possibility. In particular, we show that close to the tipping point the spatial distribution of the dissolved oxygen tends to become more regular; arguably, this can be considered as an early warning of the approaching catastrophe.
Trustworthiness of Dynamic Moving Sensors for Secure Mobile Edge Computing
Authors: Yoon John
Published: November 2018

Wireless sensor network is an emerging technology, and the collaboration of wireless sensors becomes one of the active research areas for utilizing sensor data. Various sensors collaborate to recognize the changes of a target environment, to identify, if any radical change occurs. For the accuracy improvement, the calibration of sensors has been discussed, and sensor data analytics are becoming popular in research and development. However, they are not satisfactorily efficient for the situations where sensor devices are dynamically moving, abruptly appearing, or disappearing. If the abrupt appearance of sensors is a zero-day attack, and the disappearance of sensors is an ill-functioning comrade, then sensor data analytics of untrusted sensors will result in an indecisive artifact. The predefined sensor requirements or meta-data-based sensor verification is not adaptive to identify dynamically moving sensors. This paper describes a deep-learning approach to verify the trustworthiness of sensors by considering the sensor data only. The proposed verification on sensors can be done without having to use meta-data about sensors or to request consultation from a cloud server. The contribution of this paper includes (1) quality preservation of sensor data for mining analytics. The sensor data are trained to identify their characteristics of outliers: whether they are attack outliers, or outlier-like abrupt changes in environments; and (2) authenticity verification of dynamically moving sensors, which was possible. Previous unknown sensors are also identified by deep-learning approach.
Growth and Survival of Endemic Cacti under Different Substrate Types and Sun Exposures for Their Optimal Establishment in Northeastern Mexico
Authors: Lidia Rosaura Salas Cruz , Rahim Foroughbakhch Pournabav , Lourdes Díaz Jiménez , Maginot Ngangyo Heya
Published: November 2018

Cactaceae are subject to strong anthropogenic pressure, which motivates the search of strategies for its conservation. This paper aimed to evaluate the survival and growth of eight native species from northeastern Mexico, in order to propose their in-situ conservation, applying three substrates (perlite/peat-moss, zeolite/peat-moss and natural soil), in two sun exposures (west and east). The variability of both survival and growth resulted dependent on substrate type and sun exposure. Astrophytum myriostigma presented higher diameter at eastern aspects (51.20 and 42.63 mm on zeolite/peat-moss and perlite/peat-moss, respectively), and the higher heights were also registered at eastern aspects, with Sclerocactus scheeri (7.38.cm on perlite/peat-moss and 6.98 cm on natural soil) and A. myriostigma (6.8 cm on zeolite/peat-moss and 6.08 cm on perlite/peat-moss). As for survival, the highest value (100%) was recorded with the treatments of West-Zeolite/peat-moss and East-Perlite/peat-moss, in six of the eight species evaluated (A. myriostigma, Acharagma roseana, Escobaria dasyacantha, S. scheeri and Mammillaria prolifera), while the lowest value (0%) was recorded with M. plumosa in the three western combinations. The best growth and survival responses were observed in A. myriostigma and S. scheeri under east exposure and zeolite, being the best combination, to be considered for their optimal establishment.
ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction in Coronary Ectasia: A Case Report
Authors: Choi Hye Ji (Sally) , Luong Christina , Fung Anthony , Tsang Teresa S. M.
Published: November 2018

Coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is localized or diffuse dilatation of the coronary artery lumen exceeding the diameter of adjacent healthy reference segments by 1.5 times. It is a rare phenomenon and incidence ranges from 1 to 5% in patients undergoing angiography. We report a case of a 58-year-old man with atherosclerotic CAE who experienced ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) despite prophylactic antiplatelet therapy. He was successfully treated with IV eptifibatide and aspiration thrombectomy. We reviewed the literature of CAE presentation, etiology and treatment and discussed the most appropriate antithrombotic therapy to prevent STEMIs in patients with CAE. While the current literature appears to favour prophylactic antiplatelet and anticoagulant in these patients, more studies are needed to determine the optimal form and duration of antithrombotic therapy. Currently, there is no gold standard treatment for CAE and further prospective and randomized-controlled studies are needed to guide recommendations.
Modeling and Synchronous Optimization of Pump Turbine Governing System Using Sparse Robust Least Squares Support Vector Machine and Hybrid Backtracking Search Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Chu , Li Chaoshun , Peng Tian , Xia Xin , Xue Xiaoming , Fu Wenlong , Zhou Jianzhong
Published: November 2018

In view of the complex and changeable operating environment of pumped storage power stations and the noise and outliers in the modeling data, this study proposes a sparse robust least squares support vector machine (LSSVM) model based on the hybrid backtracking search algorithm for the model identification of a pumped turbine governing system. By introducing the maximum linearly independent set, the sparsity of the support vectors of the LSSVM model are realized, and the complexity is reduced. The robustness of the identification model to noise and outliers is enhanced using the weighted function based on improved normal distribution. In order to further improve the accuracy and generalization performance of the sparse robust LSSVM identification model, the model input variables, the kernel parameters, and the regularization parameters are optimized synchronously using a binary-real coded backtracking search algorithm. Experiments on two benchmark problems and a real-world application of a pumped turbine governing system in a pumped storage power station in China show that the proposed sparse robust LSSVM model optimized by the hybrid backtracking search algorithm can not only obtain higher identification accuracy, it also has better robustness and a higher generalization performance compared with the other existing models.
Intelligent Environment Monitoring System for University Laboratories
Authors: Zhai Linbo , Jiang Wenwen
Published: November 2018

In recent years, the laboratory security of universities has become an important issue for students and devices. To solve this security issue, this paper proposes an intelligent monitoring system to realize environment detection in university laboratories. The main purpose of this system is to monitor the laboratory environment data in time and improve the laboratory inspection efficiency. The system consists of a single chip microcomputer, which is the core of this system, a sensor function module and GPRS wireless communication, realizing data monitoring and short message warning. Therefore, three features, front-end data acquisition, data wireless transmission and a security alarm, are achieved by the proposed system. The real experiments show that front-end data acquisition is effective, data transmission is reliable, and the alarm message is received in time. Furthermore, the system, with the modified function modules, can be used in other scenarios to detect environments, and thus has a significant applied value in other areas.
Call to Action: Intrinsic Motives and Material Interests
Authors: Kotsidis Vasileios
Published: November 2018

We provide a game-theoretic account of endogenous intrinsic motivation within a principal–agent framework. We explore the incentives of an altruistic principal who, by exerting costly effort, can intrinsically motivate a present-biased agent to exhibit a direct preference for more far-sighted behaviour. We characterize the conditions under which this happens. We show that allowing for endogenous intrinsic motivation generates interesting interplays between exogenous economic incentives and endogenous motivation, including the possibility of crowding out. Our model can be applied in a wide variety of contexts, including public policy, self-control, and cultural transmission.
Comment on Schosser (2018) “Incentive Systems for Risky Investment Decisions under Unknown Preferences: Ortner et al. Revisited”
Authors: Ortner Julia
Published: November 2018

Schosser (Games 2018, 9, 26) claims to have found an alternative solution to design appropriate performance measures than the State-Contingent Relative Benefit Cost Allocation (RBCA) introduced by Ortner et al. (Management Accounting Research 2017, 36, 43–50), which he states is simpler and more powerful. However, this note reveals that the performance measures proposed by Schosser are, in fact, a specific subset of State-Contingent Robust RBCA performance measures and thus do not represent a new solution.
Pathogenesis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Basic Science in the Light of Real-World Epidemiology
Authors: Ribaldone Davide Giuseppe , Pellicano Rinaldo , Actis Giovanni C.
Published: November 2018

Major advances in the last few decades have favored the view of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) as a disease of hyper- or, more often, paradoxical hyporesponsiveness of the gut-associated immune system. The relevant pivot seems to be the loss of the balance between gut-associated pro-inflammatory lymphocytes and the indwelling microbiome species, with inner regulatory circuits (regulatory T-lymphocytes, T-reg) and outer factors (such as drugs, tobacco, diet components) contributing to complicate the matter. Light might be shed by the observation of the real-world IBD epidemiology, which may help unveil the factors that tend to cluster IBD cases to certain geographical areas. A transitional mind frame between bench and real-world gastroenterology could hopefully contribute to restrain the mounting epidemic of IBD in the Western world and to halt the more recent increases seen in many Eastern countries.
Understanding Visitor Motivations at Jimmy Carter National Historic Site: A Principal Components Approach
Authors: Miller Zachary D. , Rice William L. , Taff B. Derrick , Newman Peter
Published: November 2018

National park sites draw tourism all across the United States. Although large natural parks see much attention, most national park units are actually designed to protect and interpret unique cultural and historic resources. As an example of this, the National Park Service administers numerous presidential historic sites. However, we know very little about the people who visit them. Understanding visitor motivations to presidential historic sites can help to provide for better visitor experiences of presidential resources. This research uses intercept surveys at the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site in Plains, Georgia, to gain an understanding of visitor motivations. From the results, seven motivation types are identified. The information in this article can be used to better understand public values related to presidential resources, and to help the managers of these resources to improve on-site experiences by addressing visitor motivations.
Yield, Quality, Antioxidants and Elemental Composition of New Leek Cultivars under Organic or Conventional Systems in a Greenhouse
Authors: Golubkina Nadezhda A. , Seredin Timofey M. , Antoshkina Marina S. , Kosheleva Olga V. , Teliban Gabriel C. , Caruso Gianluca
Published: November 2018

Leek (Allium porrum) is known for its high antioxidant activity and the ability to accumulate significant amounts of potassium and iron. We assessed yield, quality indicators, antioxidants and elemental composition of nine leek cultivars grown in greenhouses under organic or conventional systems in the Moscow region. The management system did not affect yield, which attained the highest value with the cultivar Giraffe and the lowest with Premier and Cazimir. Pseudo-stem dry matter and sugars were higher with organic management, whereas nitrate concentration was higher with conventional management. The cultivars Vesta and Summer Breeze showed the highest dry matter and total sugar content, whereas Goliath had the highest antioxidant, selenium and potassium concentrations. Among the antioxidants, ascorbic acid attained higher values with organic management. The antioxidant system of leek was characterized by highly significant positive correlations between: Se and polyphenols, Se and ascorbic acid, Se and K, ascorbic acid and polyphenols, ascorbic acid and K, polyphenols and K (r = 0.94, 0.94, 0.95, 0.94, 0.95, 0.96, respectively, at P ≤ 0.001). Negative correlations were recorded between leaf and pseudo-stem Se and between leaf and pseudo-stem polyphenols (r = −0.922 and −0.976, respectively, at P ≤ 0.001). Among the mineral elements, only K was significantly affected by the management system, showing a higher content in organically grown pseudo-stems. Varietal differences in pseudo-stem element composition showed strong positive correlations of: Al with As, Co, Li, Pb and V; Cr with I, Mg, Si, Ca; V with As, Co and Fe; negative correlations of Se with Cr and I. Compared to related species such as garlic (A. sativum), leek accumulated levels equal to garlic of K, Mg, P, Cd, Cu, Mn, Se, Zn, lower levels of Si and significantly higher amounts of Ca, Na, Al, As, Cr, Ni, Pb, Sr, V, Sn, B, Co, Fe, I, Li. The strong relationships between quality, antioxidant and mineral components in leek plants may give wide possibilities in breeding programs for both conventional and organic management systems in greenhouses.
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease among Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients in Abha City, South Western Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alsabaani Abdullah A. , Mahfouz Ahmed A. , Awadalla Nabil J. , Musa Mustafa Jafar , Al Humayed Suliman M.
Published: November 2018

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and the factors associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) among type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients in Abha City, Southwestern Saudi Arabia. Using a cross-sectional study design, a representative sample of 245 T2DM patients were recruited from all primary healthcare centers in Abha city. A detailed medical history as well as laboratory investigations were done. NAFLD was diagnosed using abdominal ultrasound examination. The overall prevalence of NAFLD was 72.8% (95% CI: 66.6%–78.1%). In a multivariable regression analysis, the risk of NAFLD was significantly higher among overweight T2DM patients (aOR = 6.112, 95% CI: 1.529–4.432), Obese (aOR = 10.455, 95% CI: 2.645–41.326), with high ALT of more than 12 IU/L (aOR = 2.335, 95% CI: 1.096–5.062), moderate diet-compliant patients (aOR = 2.413, 95% CI: 1.003–5.805) and poor diet-compliant patients (aOR = 6.562, 95% CI: 2.056–20.967). On the other hand, high HDL (high density cholesterol) (in mg/dL) was a protective factor for NAFLD (aOR = 0.044, 95% CI: 0.005–0.365). It was concluded that NAFLD is a common association of T2DM. Increasing BMI (Body mass index), lower HDL level, and poor dietary control are significant factors associated with NAFLD among T2DM patients. Health education to improve dietary control and avoid excessive weight gain, testing for NAFLD among diabetic patients, especially those with abnormal BMI and HDL, are recommended for early detection and to ensure optimal levels of HDL.
Effects of the Application of a Program of Adapted Utilitarian Judo (JUA) on the Fear of Falling Syndrome (FOF) for the Health Sustainability of the Elderly Population
Authors: Toronjo-Hornillo Luis , Castañeda-Vázquez Carolina , Campos-Mesa María del Carmen , González-Campos Gloria , Corral-Pernía Juan , Chacón-Borrego Fátima , DelCastillo-Andrés Óscar
Published: November 2018

This research analyzes the fall history of a group of elderly people and studies the effects of an intervention program based on Adapted Utilitarian Judo (JUA) to teach fall control in subjects with fear of falling syndrome (FOF). We adopted a quasi-experimental research design with pre-post measurement of the experimental group, in a healthy, pre-fragile sample of 12 women aged 71.5 ± 8 years, chosen using non-probabilistic-incidental accessibility sampling. The WHO questionnaire was used for the functional assessment of the fall. To evaluate FOF, we applied the 16-item version of the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I), (pretest and posttest). This intervention program was based on Adapted Utilitarian Judo and conducted over 8 weeks, with two 60-minute sessions each week. After analyzing the scores obtained by the subjects in the pre and post FES-I, we found that the intervention with the JUA program had been significant for the experimental group with p ≤ 0.004, and there was an 11.9% decrease in the fear of falling (FES-I pos = 18.17). The results show that after the application of the JUA program there were significant improvements in subjects’ perception of FOF, with this being greater in those who had the highest levels of fear of falling before the intervention.
Global Identification of HIF-1α Target Genes in Benzene Poisoning Mouse Bone Marrow Cells
Authors: Man Zhaodi , Meng Xing , Sun Fengxia , Pu Yunqiu , Xu Kai , Sun Rongli , Zhang Juan , Yin Lihong , Pu Yuepu
Published: November 2018

Benzene is a hematopoietic toxicant, and hematopoietic cells in bone marrow (BM) are one of the main targets for its action, especially hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) is associated with the metabolism and physiological functions of HSCs. We previously found that the mechanism of regulation of HIF-1α is involved in benzene-induced hematopoietic toxicity. In this study, chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-Seq) technologies were used to analyze the genome-wide binding spectrum of HIF-1α in mouse BM cells, and specific HIF-1α target genes and pathways associated with benzene toxicity were screened and validated. By application of the ChIP-Seq technique, we identified target genes HIF-1α directly binds to and regulates. Forty-two differentially down-regulated genes containing the HIF-1α specific binding site hypoxia response element (HRE) were found, of which 25 genes were with biological function. Moreover, the enrichment analysis of signal pathways indicated that these genes were significantly enriched in the Jak-STAT signaling pathway, Natural killer cell mediated cytotoxicity, the Fc epsilon RI signaling pathway, Pyrimidine metabolism, the T cell receptor signaling pathway, and Transcriptional misregulation in cancer. After verification, 11 genes involved in HSC self-renewal, cell cycle, differentiation, and apoptosis pathways were found to be significantly reduced, and may participate in benzene-induced hematotoxicity. Our study provides a new academic clue for the mechanism of benzene hematotoxicity.
Understanding #WorldEnvironmentDay User Opinions in Twitter: A Topic-Based Sentiment Analysis Approach
Authors: Reyes-Menendez Ana , Saura José Ramón , Alvarez-Alonso Cesar
Published: November 2018

The main objective of this exploratory study is to identify the social, economic, environmental and cultural factors related to the sustainable care of both environment and public health that most concern Twitter users. With 336 million active users as of 2018, Twitter is a social network that is increasingly used in research to get information and to understand public opinion as exemplified by Twitter users. In order to identify the factors related to the sustainable care of environment and public health, we have downloaded n = 5873 tweets that used the hashtag #WorldEnvironmentDay on the respective day. As the next step, sentiment analysis with an algorithm developed in Python and trained with data mining was applied to the sample of tweets to group them according to the expressed feelings. Thereafter, a textual analysis was used to group the tweets according to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), identifying the key factors about environment and public health that most concern Twitter users. To this end, we used the qualitative analysis software NVivo Pro 12. The results of the analysis enabled us to establish the key factors that most concern users about the environment and public health such as climate change, global warming, extreme weather, water pollution, deforestation, climate risks, acid rain or massive industrialization. The conclusions of the present study can be useful to companies and institutions that have initiatives related to the environment and they also facilitate decision-making regarding the environment in non-profit organizations. Our findings will also serve the United Nations that will thoroughly review the 17 SDGs at the High-level Political Forum in 2019.
Assessment of Health-Related Quality of Life between People with Parkinson’s Disease and Non-Parkinson’s: Using Data Drawn from the ‘100 for Parkinson’s’ Smartphone-Based Prospective Study
Authors: Fan Xiaojing , Wang Duolao , Hellman Bruce , Janssen Mathieu F. , Bakker Gerben , Coghlan Rupert , Hursey Amelia , Matthews Helen , Whetstone Ian
Published: November 2018

Background: This study aims to assess the specific difference of the health-related quality of life between people with Parkinson’s and non-Parkinson’s. Methods: A total of 1710 people were drawn from a prospective study with a smartphone-based survey named ‘100 for Parkinson’s’ to assess health-related quality of life. The EQ-5D-5L descriptive system and the EQ visual analogue scale were used to measure health-related quality of life and a linear mixed model was used to analyze the difference. Results: The mean difference of EQ-5D-5L index values between people with Parkinson’s and non-Parkinson’s was 0.15 (95%CI: 0.12, 0.18) at baseline; it changed to 0.17 (95%CI: 0.14, 0.20) at the end of study. The mean difference of EQ visual analogue scale scores between them increased from 10.18 (95%CI: 7.40, 12.96) to 12.19 (95%CI: 9.41, 14.97) from baseline to the end of study. Conclusion: Data can be captured from the participants’ own smart devices and support the notion that health-related quality of life for people with Parkinson’s is lower than non-Parkinson’s. This analysis provides useful evidence for the EQ-5D instrument and is helpful for public health specialists and epidemiologists to assess the health needs of people with Parkinson’s and indirectly improve their health status.
Greenspace and Atopic Sensitization in Children and Adolescents—A Systematic Review
Authors: Lambert Katrina A. , Bowatte Gayan , Tham Rachel , Lodge Caroline J. , Prendergast Luke A. , Heinrich Joachim , Abramson Michael J. , Dharmage Shyamali C. , Erbas Bircan
Published: November 2018

In the last decade, studies investigating greenspace have highlighted several benefits to human health. However, the effect of greenspace on allergies and atopic sensitization in children was not clear. While several studies have investigated this link, the evidence has not been systematically synthesized. We conducted a systematic search of eight databases. Study characteristics and findings were extracted from five articles covering 11 cohorts published between 2012 and 2016, and study quality assessments were performed. Due to significant heterogeneity, meta-analysis was not conducted. Findings were not consistent, possibly due to variations in exposure measurements, study populations and location, the specific allergens tested, and inclusion of confounders. Protective effects from greenspace were reported in four cohorts, while two cohorts showed an increase in sensitization related to greenspace. The other five cohorts found no significant effect of greenspace on atopic sensitization. There is limited understanding of the contributions of greenspace to specific allergens. Future research should consider amount and type of greenspace, as well as the specific allergens tested.