bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Analysis of Flatback Trailing Edge Airfoil to Reduce Noise in Power Generation Cycle
Authors: Shin Hyungki , Kim Hogeon , Kim Taehyung , Kim Soo-Hyun , Lee Soogab , Baik Young-Jin , Lee Gilbong
Published: June 2017

Turbo machinery is an essential part in the power generation cycle. However, it is the main source of noise that annoys workers and users, and contributes to environmental problems. Thus, it is important to reduce this noise when operating the power generation cycle. This noise is created by a flow instability on the trailing edge of the rotor blade—an airfoil that becomes a section of the rotor blade of the rotating machine—manufactured as a blunt trailing edge (T.E.), with a round or flatback shape, rather than the ideal sharp T.E. shape, for the purposes of production and durability. This increases the tonal noise and flow-induced vibrations at a low frequency, owing to vortex shedding behind T.E. when compared with a sharp T.E. In order to overcome this problem, the present study investigates the oblique T.E. shape using numerical simulations. In order to do so, flow was simulated using large eddy simulation (LES) and the noise was analyzed by acoustic analogy coupled with the LES result. Once the simulation results were verified using the flatback airfoil measurements of the Sandia National Laboratories, numerical prediction was performed to analyze the flow and the noise characteristics for the airfoils, which were modified to have oblique trailing edge angles of 60°, 45°, and 30°. From the simulation results of the oblique T.E. airfoil, it could be seen that the vortex shedding frequency moves in accordance with the oblique angle and that the vortex shedding noise characteristics change according to the angle, when compared to the flatback T.E. airfoil. Therefore, it is considered that modifying the flatback T.E. airfoil with an appropriate oblique angle can reduce noise and change the tonal frequency to a bandwidth that is suitable for mechanical systems.
Nutrition Transition and Biocultural Determinants of Obesity among Cameroonian Migrants in Urban Cameroon and France
Authors: Cohen Emmanuel , Amougou Norbert , Ponty Amandine , Loinger-Beck Juliette , Nkuintchua Téodyl , Monteillet Nicolas , Bernard Jonathan , Saïd-Mohamed Rihlat , Holdsworth Michelle , Pasquet Patrick
Published: June 2017

Native of rural West Cameroon, the Bamiléké population is traditionally predisposed to obesity. Bamiléké who migrated to urban areas additionally experience the nutrition transition. We investigated the biocultural determinants of obesity in Bamiléké who migrated to urban Cameroon (Yaoundé), or urban France (Paris). We conducted qualitative interviews (n = 36; 18 men) and a quantitative survey (n = 627; 266 men) of adults using two-stage sampling strategy, to determine the association of dietary intake, physical activity and body weight norms with obesity of Bamiléké populations in these three socio-ecological areas (rural Cameroon: n = 258; urban Cameroon: n = 319; urban France: n = 50). The Bamiléké valued overweight and traditional energy-dense diets in rural and urban Cameroon. Physical activity levels were lower, consumption of processed energy-dense food was frequent and obesity levels higher in new migrants living in urban Cameroon and France. Female sex, age, duration of residence in urban areas, lower physical activity and valorisation of overweight were independently associated with obesity status. This work argues in favour of local and global health policies that account for the origin and the migration trajectories to prevent obesity in migrants.
Antibiotic Resistance and Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Escherichia coli Isolates from Hospital Wastewater in Vietnam
Authors: Lien La , Lan Pham , Chuc Nguyen , Hoa Nguyen , Nhung Pham , Thoa Nguyen , Diwan Vishal , Tamhankar Ashok , Stålsby Lundborg Cecilia
Published: June 2017

The environmental spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has been recognised as a growing public health threat for which hospitals play a significant role. The aims of this study were to investigate the prevalence of antibiotic resistance and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in Escherichia coli isolates from hospital wastewater in Vietnam. Wastewater samples before and after treatment were collected using continuous sampling every month over a year. Standard disk diffusion and E-test were used for antibiotic susceptibility testing. Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) production was tested using combined disk diffusion. ARGs were detected by polymerase chain reactions. Resistance to at least one antibiotic was detected in 83% of isolates; multidrug resistance was found in 32%. The highest resistance prevalence was found for co-trimoxazole (70%) and the lowest for imipenem (1%). Forty-three percent of isolates were ESBL-producing, with the blaTEM gene being more common than blaCTX-M. Co-harbouring of the blaCTX-M, blaTEM and qepA genes was found in 46% of isolates resistant to ciprofloxacin. The large presence of antibiotic-resistant E. coli isolates combined with ARGs in hospital wastewater, even post-treatment, poses a threat to public health. It highlights the need to develop effective processes for hospital wastewater treatment plants to eliminate antibiotic resistant bacteria and ARGs.
Association between Excessive Use of Mobile Phone and Insomnia and Depression among Japanese Adolescents
Authors: Tamura Haruka , Nishida Tomoko , Tsuji Akiyo , Sakakibara Hisataka
Published: June 2017

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between mobile phone use and insomnia and depression in adolescents. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 295 high school students aged 15–19 in Japan. Insomnia and depression were assessed using Athene Insomnia Scales (AIS) and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), respectively. Mobile phones were owned by 98.6% of students; 58.6% used mobile phones for over 2 h per day and 10.5% used them for over 5 h per day. Overall mobile phone use of over 5 h per day was associated with shorter sleep duration and insomnia (OR: 3.89 [[95% CI: 1.21–12.49]), but not with depression. Mobile phone use of 2 h or more per day for social network services (OR: 3.63 [[1.20–10.98]) and online chats (OR: 3.14 [[1.42–6.95]), respectively, was associated with a higher risk of depression. Mobile phone overuse can be linked to unhealthy sleep habits and insomnia. Moreover, mobile phone overuse for social network services and online chats may contribute more to depression than the use for internet searching, playing games or viewing videos.
Determination of Trace Metal Levels in the General Population of Korea
Authors: Kim Hyun-Jun , Lim Hwan-Sub , Lee Kyoung-Ryul , Choi Mi-Hyun , Kang Nam Mi , Lee Chang Hoon , Oh Eun-Jung , Park Hyun-Kyung
Published: June 2017

The purpose of this study was to determine the levels of trace metals in the blood of the general Korean population. A total of 258 healthy individuals, according to their regular medical check-ups, (119 males and 139 females, age ranging from 12 to 78 years old) were enrolled from December 2014 to December 2016. Levels of 10 trace elements were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The geometric mean (GM) levels for lead, arsenic, cesium, mercury, aluminum, cadmium, copper, manganese, selenium, and zinc were 15.97 μg/L, 7.19 μg/L, 2.39 μg/L, 3.41 μg/L, 10.57 μg/L, 0.78 μg/L, 979.8 μg/L, 11.06 μg/L, 111.37 μg/L, and 872.7 μg/L, respectively. There were significant gender-related differences in the levels of several metals; male individuals had higher Pb, As, Cs, Hg, and Se than females, while females had higher Cd, Cu, and Mn than males. We noticed remarkably high blood levels of Hg, As and Al in the Korean population. The element concentrations reported represent a new contribution to the knowledge of the blood chemistry for the Korea population. The data can be used to assess the clinical health of this population.
Colonization and Maize Growth Promotion Induced by Phosphate Solubilizing Bacterial Isolates
Authors: Li Yongbin , Liu Xiaomeng , Hao Tianyi , Chen Sanfeng
Published: June 2017

Phosphorus (P) limits the production of maize, one of the major food crops in China. Phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) have the capacity to solubilize phosphate complexes into plant absorbable and utilizable forms by the process of acidification, chelation, and exchange reactions. In this study, six bacteria, including one Paenibacillus sp. B1 strain, four Pseudomonas sp. strains (B10, B14, SX1, and SX2) and one Sphingobium sp. SX14 strain, were those isolated from the maize rhizosphere and identified based on their 16S rRNA sequences. All strains could solubilize inorganic P (Ca3(PO4)2, FePO4 and AlPO4), and only B1 and B10 organic P (lecithin). All strains, except of SX1, produced IAA, and SX14 and B1 showed the highest level. B1 incited the highest increase in root length and the second increase in shoot and total dry weight, shoot length, and total P and nitrogen (N), along with increased root length. In addition, by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), we found that green fluorescent protein (GFP)-labeled B1 mainly colonized root surfaces and in epidermal and cortical tissue. Importantly, B1 can survive through forming spores under adverse conditions and prolong quality guarantee period of bio-fertilizer. Therefore, it can act as a good substitute for bio-fertilizer to promote agricultural sustainability.
Induction of miR-3648 Upon ER Stress and Its Regulatory Role in Cell Proliferation
Authors: Rashid Farooq , Awan Hassaan , Shah Abdullah , Chen Liang , Shan Ge
Published: June 2017

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles under multiple cellular conditions including endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. We found that miR-3648, a human specific microRNA, was induced under ER stress. Moreover, Adenomatous polyposis coli 2 (APC2), a tumor suppressor and a negative regulator of Wnt signaling, was found to be the direct target of miR-3648. Levels of APC2 were downregulated when cells were under ER stress or after overexpressing miR-3648. Inhibition of miR-3648 by antagomir increased APC2 levels and decreased cell proliferation. Conversely, when miR-3648 was overexpressed, APC2 levels were decreased and the cell growth increased. Our data demonstrated that ER stress mediated induction of miR-3648 in human cells, which then downregulated APC2 to increase cell proliferation.
Oral Supplementation of Melatonin Protects against Fibromyalgia-Related Skeletal Muscle Alterations in Reserpine-Induced Myalgia Rats
Authors: Favero Gaia , Trapletti Valentina , Bonomini Francesca , Stacchiotti Alessandra , Lavazza Antonio , Rodella Luigi , Rezzani Rita
Published: June 2017

Fibromyalgia is a chronic syndrome characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain and an extensive array of other symptoms including disordered sleep, fatigue, depression and anxiety. Important factors involved in the pathogenic process of fibromyalgia are inflammation and oxidative stress, suggesting that ant-inflammatory and/or antioxidant supplementation might be effective in the management and modulation of this syndrome. Recent evidence suggests that melatonin may be suitable for this purpose due to its well known ant-inflammatory, antioxidant and analgesic effects. Thus, in the current study, the effects of the oral supplementation of melatonin against fibromyalgia-related skeletal muscle alterations were evaluated. In detail, 90 Sprague Dawley rats were randomly treated with reserpine, to reproduce the pathogenic process of fibromyalgia and thereafter they received melatonin. The animals treated with reserpine showed moderate alterations at hind limb skeletal muscles level and had difficulty in moving, together with significant morphological and ultrastructural alterations and expression of inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in the gastrocnemius muscle. Interestingly, melatonin, dose and/or time dependently, reduced the difficulties in spontaneous motor activity and the musculoskeletal morphostructural, inflammatory, and oxidative stress alterations. This study suggests that melatonin in vivo may be an effective tool in the management of fibromyalgia-related musculoskeletal morphofunctional damage.
Macrophages and Phospholipases at the Intersection between Inflammation and the Pathogenesis of HIV-1 Infection
Authors: Spadaro Francesca , Cecchetti Serena , Fantuzzi Laura
Published: June 2017

Persistent low grade immune activation and chronic inflammation are nowadays considered main driving forces of the progressive immunologic failure in effective antiretroviral therapy treated HIV-1 infected individuals. Among the factors contributing to this phenomenon, microbial translocation has emerged as a key driver of persistent immune activation. Indeed, the rapid depletion of gastrointestinal CD4+ T lymphocytes occurring during the early phases of infection leads to a deterioration of the gut epithelium followed by the translocation of microbial products into the systemic circulation and the subsequent activation of innate immunity. In this context, monocytes/macrophages are increasingly recognized as an important source of inflammation, linked to HIV-1 disease progression and to non-AIDS complications, such as cardiovascular disease and neurocognitive decline, which are currently main challenges in treated patients. Lipid signaling plays a central role in modulating monocyte/macrophage activation, immune functions and inflammatory responses. Phospholipase-mediated phospholipid hydrolysis leads to the production of lipid mediators or second messengers that affect signal transduction, thus regulating a variety of physiologic and pathophysiologic processes. In this review, we discuss the contribution of phospholipases to monocyte/macrophage activation in the context of HIV-1 infection, focusing on their involvement in virus-associated chronic inflammation and co-morbidities.
The “Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology” Journal Club Series: Highlights on Recent Papers in Exercise and Nutrition for Health
Authors: Willems Mark , Hue Olivier , Stefani Laura , Lorenzetti Silvio , Assanelli Deodato , Szychlinska Marta
Published: June 2017

We are glad to introduce the new Journal Club. This edition is focused on several relevant studies published in recent years in the field of Exercise and Nutrition for Health, chosen by our Editorial Board members. We hope to stimulate your curiosity in this field and to share with you the importance of aspects of exercise and nutrition seen also from the scientific point of view.
Olive Polyphenols and the Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Saibandith Bandhita , Spencer Jeremy , Rowland Ian , Commane Daniel
Published: June 2017

Here, the effects of consuming polyphenol-rich olive products, including olive leaves, their crude extract, and extra virgin olive oil, on aspects of the metabolic syndrome are reviewed. We have sought to summarize the available scientific evidence from dietary intervention trials demonstrating a role for these phytochemicals in ameliorating aberrant glucose metabolism, high blood pressure and elevated blood lipids, and we discuss the potential mechanisms underpinning these observations. Searches for relevant literature published in English were conducted via PubMed and Science Direct. Based on published dietary intervention studies, there is convincing evidence to show that olive polyphenols, independently of olive lipids, reduce risk factors for metabolic syndrome, in particular by improving blood sugar and blood pressure control, and in reducing low density lipoprotein oxidation. There is more limited evidence to suggest that the consumption of olive polyphenols or related products can reduce body weight and visceral fat or impede weight gain, and similarly there are some limited data suggesting improved lipid profiles. There is some mechanistic data to support observations made in human volunteers, but further work is needed in this area. The consumption of olive polyphenols within the context of a healthy pattern of food intake may, in part, explain the reduced risk of metabolic disease associated with adherence to the Mediterranean diet.
Water-soluble Manganese and Iron Mesotetrakis(carboxyl)porphyrin: DNA Binding, Oxidative Cleavage, and Cytotoxic Activities
Authors: Shi Lei , Jiang Yi-Yu , Jiang Tao , Yin Wei , Yang Jian-Ping , Cao Man-Li , Fang Yu-Qi , Liu Hai-Yang
Published: June 2017

Two new water-soluble metal carboxyl porphyrins, manganese (III) meso-tetrakis (carboxyl) porphyrin and iron (III) meso-tetrakis (carboxyl) porphyrin, were synthesized and characterized. Their interactions with ct-DNA were investigated by UV-Vis titration, fluorescence spectra, viscosity measurement and CD spectra. The results showed they can strongly bind to ct-DNA via outside binding mode. Electrophoresis experiments revealed that both complexes can cleave pBR322 DNA efficiently in the presence of hydrogen peroxide, albeit 2-Mn exhibited a little higher efficiency. The inhibitor tests suggest the oxidative DNA cleavage by these two complexes may involve hydroxyl radical active intermediates. Notably, 2-Mn exhibited considerable photocytotoxicity against Hep G2 cell via triggering a significant generation of ROS and causing disruption of MMP after irradiation.
Synthesis and In Vitro Anticancer Activity of Novel Dehydroabietic Acid-Based Acylhydrazones
Authors: Li Fang-Yao , Wang Xiu , Duan Wen-Gui , Lin Gui-Shan
Published: June 2017

In order to develop novel chemotherapeutic agents with potent anticancer activities, a series of dehydroabietic acid (DHA) derivatives bearing an acylhydrazone moiety were designed and synthesized by the condensation between dehydroabietic acylhydrazide (3) and a variety of substituted arylaldehydes. The inhibitory activities of these compounds against CNE-2 (nasopharynx), HepG2 (liver), HeLa (epithelial cervical), and BEL-7402 (liver) human carcinoma cell lines were evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay in vitro. The screening results revealed that many of the compounds showed moderate to high levels of anticancer activities against the tested cancer cell lines and some displayed similar potent inhibitory activities to the commercial anticancer drug cisplatin, while they exhibited lower cytotoxicity against normal human liver cell (HL-7702). Particularly, compound 4w, N’-(3,5-difluorobenzylidene)-2-(dehydroabietyloxy)acetohydrazide, with an IC50 (50% inhibitory concentration) value of 2.21 μM against HeLa cell, was about 17-fold more active than that of the parent compound, and showed remarkable cytotoxicity with an IC50 value of 14.46 μM against BEL-7402 cell. These results provide an encouraging framework that could lead to the development of potent novel anticancer agents.
Online Recognition of Daily Activities by Color-Depth Sensing and Knowledge Models
Authors: Crispim-Junior Carlos , Gómez Uría Alvaro , Strumia Carola , Koperski Michal , König Alexandra , Negin Farhood , Cosar Serhan , Nghiem Anh , Chau Duc , Charpiat Guillaume , Bremond Francois
Published: June 2017

Visual activity recognition plays a fundamental role in several research fields as a way to extract semantic meaning of images and videos. Prior work has mostly focused on classification tasks, where a label is given for a video clip. However, real life scenarios require a method to browse a continuous video flow, automatically identify relevant temporal segments and classify them accordingly to target activities. This paper proposes a knowledge-driven event recognition framework to address this problem. The novelty of the method lies in the combination of a constraint-based ontology language for event modeling with robust algorithms to detect, track and re-identify people using color-depth sensing (Kinect® sensor). This combination enables to model and recognize longer and more complex events and to incorporate domain knowledge and 3D information into the same models. Moreover, the ontology-driven approach enables human understanding of system decisions and facilitates knowledge transfer across different scenes. The proposed framework is evaluated with real-world recordings of seniors carrying out unscripted, daily activities at hospital observation rooms and nursing homes. Results demonstrated that the proposed framework outperforms state-of-the-art methods in a variety of activities and datasets, and it is robust to variable and low-frame rate recordings. Further work will investigate how to extend the proposed framework with uncertainty management techniques to handle strong occlusion and ambiguous semantics, and how to exploit it to further support medicine on the timely diagnosis of cognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease.
BIOCHAR AS A TOOL TO REDUCE THE AGRICULTURAL GREENHOUSE-GAS BURDEN – KNOWNS, UNKNOWNS AND FUTURE RESEARCH NEEDS
Authors: KAMMANN Claudia , IPPOLITO Jim , HAGEMANN Nikolas , BORCHARD Nils , CAYUELA Maria Luz , ESTAVILLO José M. , FUERTES-MENDIZABAL Teresa , JEFFERY Simon , KERN Jürgen , NOVAK Jeff , RASSE Daniel , SAARNIO Sanna , SCHMIDT Hans-Peter , SPOKAS Kurt , WRAGE-MÖNNIG Nicole
Published: June 2017

Agriculture and land use change has significantly increased atmospheric emissions of the non-CO2 green-house gases (GHG) nitrous oxide (N2O) and methane (CH4). Since human nutritional and bioenergy needs continue to increase, at a shrinking global land area for production, novel land management strategies are required that reduce the GHG footprint per unit of yield. Here we review the potential of biochar to reduce N2O and CH4 emissions from agricultural practices including potential mechanisms behind observed effects. Furthermore, we investigate alternative uses of biochar in agricultural land management that may significantly reduce the GHG-emissions-per-unit-of-product footprint, such as (i) pyrolysis of manures as hygienic alternative to direct soil application, (ii) using biochar as fertilizer carrier matrix for underfoot fertilization, biochar use (iii) as composting additive or (iv) as feed additive in animal husbandry or for manure treatment. We conclude that the largest future research needs lay in conducting life-cycle GHG assessments when using biochar as an on-farm management tool for nutrient-rich biomass waste streams.
Characterizing the Stellar Population of NGC 1980
Authors: Kounkel Marina , Hartmann Lee , Calvet Nuria , Megeath Tom
Published: June 2017

NGC 1980 is a young cluster that is located about 0.°5 south of the Orion Nebula Cluster (ONC). Recent studies by Bouy et al. and Pillitteri et al. have suggested that NGC 1980 contains an older population of stars compared to a much younger ONC, and that it belongs to a foreground population that may be located in front of the Orion A molecular gas by as much as 40 pc. In this work, we present low-resolution spectra toward 148 young stars found toward the NGC 1980 region. We determine the spectral types of these stars, examine accretion signatures and measure the extinction toward them. We determine that based on these observations, the age of the population of NGC 1980 is indistinguishable from L1641, estimated to be ∼3 Myr, comparable with the study by Fang et al.
Observation of the Crab Nebula with the HAWC Gamma-Ray Observatory
Authors: Abeysekara A. U. , Albert A. , Alfaro R. , Alvarez C. , Álvarez J. D. , Arceo R. , Arteaga-Velázquez J. C. , Solares H. A. Ayala , Barber A. S. , Bautista-Elivar N. , Becerril A. , Belmont-Moreno E. , BenZvi S. Y. , Berley D. , Braun J. , Brisbois C. , Caballero-Mora K. S. , Capistrán T. , Carramiñana A. , Casanova S. , Castillo M. , Cotti U. , Cotzomi J. , León S. Coutiño de , Fuente E. de la , León C. De , DeYoung T. , Dingus B. L. , DuVernois M. A. , Díaz-Vélez J. C. , Ellsworth R. W. , Fiorino D. W. , Fraija N. , García-González J. A. , Gerhardt M. , Munöz A. González , González M. M. , Goodman J. A. , Hampel-Arias Z. , Harding J. P. , Hernandez S. , Hernandez-Almada A. , Hinton J. , Hui C. M. , Hüntemeyer P. , Iriarte A. , Jardin-Blicq A. , Joshi V. , Kaufmann S. , Kieda D. , Lara A. , Lauer R. J. , Lee W. H. , Lennarz D. , Vargas H. León , Linnemann J. T. , Longinotti A. L. , Raya G. Luis , Luna-García R. , López-Coto R. , Malone K. , Marinelli S. S. , Martinez O. , Martinez-Castellanos I. , Martínez-Castro J. , Martínez-Huerta H. , Matthews J. A. , Miranda-Romagnoli P. , Moreno E. , Mostafá M. , Nellen L. , Newbold M. , Nisa M. U. , Noriega-Papaqui R. , Pelayo R. , Pretz J. , Pérez-Pérez E. G. , Ren Z. , Rho C. D. , Rivière C. , Rosa-González D. , Rosenberg M. , Ruiz-Velasco E. , Salazar H. , Greus F. Salesa , Sandoval A. , Schneider M. , Schoorlemmer H. , Sinnis G. , Smith A. J. , Springer R. W. , Surajbali P. , Taboada I. , Tibolla O. , Tollefson K. , Torres I. , Ukwatta T. N. , Villaseñor L. , Weisgarber T. , Westerhoff S. , Wisher I. G. , Wood J. , Yapici T. , Yodh G. B. , Younk P. W. , Zepeda A. , Zhou H.
Published: June 2017

The Crab Nebula is the brightest TeV gamma-ray source in the sky and has been used for the past 25 years as a reference source in TeV astronomy, for calibration and verification of new TeV instruments. The High Altitude Water Cherenkov Observatory (HAWC), completed in early 2015, has been used to observe the Crab Nebula at high significance across nearly the full spectrum of energies to which HAWC is sensitive. HAWC is unique for its wide field of view, nearly 2 sr at any instant, and its high-energy reach, up to 100 TeV. HAWC’s sensitivity improves with the gamma-ray energy. Above ∼1 TeV the sensitivity is driven by the best background rejection and angular resolution ever achieved for a wide-field ground array. We present a time-integrated analysis of the Crab using 507 live days of HAWC data from 2014 November to 2016 June. The spectrum of the Crab is fit to a function of the form

. The data is well fitted with values of α = 2.63 ± 0.03, β = 0.15 ± 0.03, and

when E
0 is fixed at 7 TeV and the fit applies between 1 and 37 TeV. Study of the systematic errors in this HAWC measurement is discussed and estimated to be ±50% in the photon flux between 1 and 37 TeV. Confirmation of the Crab flux serves to establish the HAWC instrument’s sensitivity for surveys of the sky. The HAWC all-sky survey will be the deepest survey of the northern sky ever conducted in the multi-TeV band.
Effects of Uncertainty on Perceived and Physiological Stress in Caregivers of Stroke Survivors: A 6-Week Longitudinal Study
Authors: Byun Eeeseung , Riegel Barbara , Sommers Marilyn , Tkacs Nancy , Evans Lois
Published: June 2017

Caregivers' stress following a family member's stroke is likely accentuated by its associated uncertainty. The purpose of the current study was to examine the effect of uncertainty on caregivers' perceived and physiological stress (i.e., salivary cortisol). A prospective, longitudinal observational study was conducted with a convenience sample of 40 caregivers and stroke survivors recruited from acute care settings. Linear mixed models were used. Greater uncertainty was associated with higher perceived stress (
p
< 0.001), but not with physiological stress (
p
= 0.32 on waking,
p
= 0.06 evening), over the first 6 weeks post-stroke. A significant association between uncertainty and evening salivary cortisol level was found at 6 weeks post-stroke (
p
= 0.009). Recognition of uncertainty early in the caregiving period and targeted interventions may be useful in reducing perceived stress for this group. [
Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 43
(11), 30–40.]
Surgeons' Perspectives on Premium Implants in Total Joint Arthroplasty
Authors: Wasterlain Amy S. , Bello Ricardo J. , Vigdorchik Jonathan , Schwarzkopf Ran , Long William J.
Published: June 2017

Declining total joint arthroplasty reimbursement and rising implant prices have led many hospitals to restrict access to newer, more expensive total joint arthroplasty implants. The authors sought to understand arthroplasty surgeons' perspectives on implants regarding innovation, product launch, costs, and cost-containment strategies including surgeon gain-sharing and patient cost-sharing. Members of the International Congress for Joint Reconstruction were surveyed regarding attitudes about implant technology and costs. Descriptive and univariate analyses were performed. A total of 126 surgeons responded from all 5 regions of the United States. Although 76.9% believed new products advance technology in orthopedics, most (66.7%) supported informing patients that new implants lack long-term clinical data and restricting new implants to a small number of investigators prior to widespread market launch. The survey revealed that 66.7% would forgo gain-sharing incentives in exchange for more freedom to choose implants. Further, 76.9% believed that patients should be allowed to pay incremental costs for “premium” implants. Surgeons who believed that premium products advance orthopedic technology were more willing to forgo gain-sharing (
P
=.040). Surgeons with higher surgical volume (
P
=.007), those who believed implant companies should be allowed to charge more for new technology (
P
<.001), and those who supported discussing costs with patients (
P
=.004) were more supportive of patient cost-sharing. Most arthroplasty surgeons believe technological innovation advances the field but support discussing the “unproven” nature of new implants with patients. Many surgeons support alternative payment models permitting surgeons and patients to retain implant selection autonomy. Most respondents prioritized patient beneficence and surgeon autonomy above personal financial gain. [
Orthopedics.
2017; 40(5):e825–e830.]
Issues Influencing Success: Comparing the Perspectives of Nurse Educators and Diverse Nursing Students
Authors: Fuller Bonnie L. , Mott-Smith Jennifer A.
Published: June 2017

Background:

Research has shown that diverse nursing students report experiencing numerous issues that affect their progression through nursing programs. At the same time, research has also shown that nurse educators find it challenging to meet the needs of these students. What is missing is an analysis of how these two perspectives intersect.

Method:

A mixed-methods parallel study compared the perceptions of diverse nursing students (
n
=13) and nurse educators (
n
= 22) regarding the learning environment in a baccalaureate nursing program.

Results:

Important differences existed between the students' and nurse educators' perspectives on hindrances to the students' success. Nurse educators saw the biggest hindrance as language proficiency, whereas students saw it as lack of relationships with faculty and classmates.

Conclusion:

Nursing programs should encourage faculty to build relationships with diverse nursing students not only because students appreciate them, but also because such relationships play a role in helping students overcome hindrances to success. [
J Nurs Educ.
2017;56(7):389–396.]
Assessing Student Perceptions of Quality and Safety Education for Nurses Competencies in a Baccalaureate Curriculum
Authors: Peterson-Graziose Virginia , Bryer Jennifer
Published: June 2017

Background:

Nursing programs must ensure that graduate competencies in quality and patient safety are sufficient to meet practice needs. Student perceptions of the extent to which they acquired the knowledge, skills, and attitudes, as well as the importance and levels of preparedness associated with the Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) competencies, were measured.

Method:

Using a descriptive cross-sectional design, a convenience sample of 73 nursing students was surveyed using the QSEN Student Evaluation Survey tool.

Results:

Students perceived being the least knowledgeable about, and least prepared to, engage in quality improvement (QI) activities. This competency was perceived as being the least important. Students reported they were somewhat prepared to perform all other skills related to QSEN competencies.

Conclusion:

Redesign of curricula emphasizing QI competencies is needed. A gap analysis identifying where in the curricula QI teaching is conducted and where it can be added may help ensure that students enter the workforce prepared to provide safe, quality care. [
J Nurs Educ.
2017;56(7):435–438.]
Le territoire de l’expulsion
Authors: Fischer Nicolas
Published: June 2017

Héritiers des camps d’internement, les centres de rétention administrative sont aujourd’hui des relais essentiels du contrôle de l’immigration irrégulière. Ils relèvent d’un schéma répressif inhabituel en démocratie : ils permettent en effet, sur décision d’un préfet, l’enfermement extra-judiciaire d’étrangers, qu’il ne s’agit pas de sanctionner mais seulement de maintenir sous contrôle pour mieux préparer leur «  éloignement  ». Sommés de respecter « l’État de droit », les centres doivent également veiller au quotidien aux droits fondamentaux des personnes. C’est à ce titre que des militants associatifs spécialisés dans le droit des étrangers y interviennent depuis 1984. En s’appuyant sur les résultats d’une enquête ethnographique inédite de cinq mois dans un centre de rétention, cet ouvrage revient sur les paradoxes engendrés par cette configuration spécifique. Comment le droit est-il mobilisé en rétention, avec quels effets sur la mise en œuvre ordinaire de la force publique ? Que dire de l’activité critique d’acteurs associatifs tout à la fois militants et partie intégrante de l’institution ? Autant d’interrogations qui concernent les sociologues de l’État et du droit, et plus largement le public intéressé par les politiques migratoires et les conditions du contrôle des étrangers en France.

Illustration de couverture : © Bertrand Gaudillère, item. Photographie tirée de la série « Les chiffres ont un visage »
Institutional design and utilisation of evaluation results in Uganda’s public universities: Empirical findings from Kyambogo University
Authors: Kabuye James , Basheka Benon C.
Published: June 2017

Background: The need for evidence-based decision-making scaled up the need for monitoring and evaluation systems in Africa. The education sector has received increasing scrutiny, owing to its centrality in promoting the national agenda of countries. The higher education sub-sector has expanded in its drive to increase accessibility, albeit with numerous challenges and doubts, especially about the quality of education. Numerous evaluations in this sub-sector in Uganda have been carried out, but their results have not been used for effective decision-making. In this regard, the non-utilisation trend of evaluation findings is attributable to the design of the institutions where these evaluations are carried out.Objectives: The study examined the relationship between institutional design (procedural rules, evaluation processes and institutional capacity) and utilisation of evaluation results at Kyambogo University.Methodology: This was a cross-sectional survey involving a sample of 118 respondents whose views were obtained through the use of questionnaires and key informant interviews triangulated with documentary analysis.Results: The study found that procedural rules, evaluation processes and evaluation capacity had a positive (0.459, 0.486 and 0.765, respectively) and a statistically significant (sig. = 0.000) effect on utilisation of evaluation results. This means that the dimensions of institutional design were important predictors of utilisation of evaluation results by a public sector agency.Conclusion: Strengthening of the evaluation competences and capacity of the university by empowering the Directorate of Planning and Development to coordinate and harmonise all evaluations and be charged with the follow-up of utilisation of the results is an emerging recommendation from this study.
Of Eden and Nazareth: Stories to capture the imagination
Authors: Steenkamp Yolande
Published: June 2017

In pursuit of counter-traditions that have read the Eden narrative without subscribing to the Christian fall�redemption paradigm, this article engages Richard Kearney�s hermeneutical� phenomenological reading of the imagination to explore new avenues for imagining sin and salvation along post-metaphysical lines. The first section provides insights proceeding from an intratextual reading of the Eden narrative. The second section proceeds to incorporate the biblical and rabbinical concept of the yetser to elaborate the reading described above. The section follows Kearney�s reading of the Eden narrative to elicit the imagination along ethical lines as humanity�s passion for the possible. The third section reads the annunciation narrative along these same lines, illustrating how a divine kingdom of justice and love is possibilised by an imagination captured by divine promise and hospitality. By reading these two narratives together through the lense of the imagination, novel ways of rethinking sin and salvation along post-metaphysical lines emerge that portray salvation as human participation in God�s ongoing creation of justice and love, thus enabling the God Who May Be.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: This article is relevant to the fields of philosophy, philosophy of religion and theology. The narratives of fall and promise, previously read by philosopher Richard Kearney in different contexts and not in relation to one another, are read here from a decidedly theological point of view.
Análise espacial da ocorrência de leishmaniose visceral no estado do Tocantins, Brasil
Authors: Fontoura Iolanda Graepp , Fontoura Volmar Morais , Nascimento Luiz Fernando Costa
Published: June 2017

O Brasil e outros quatro países detêm 90% dos casos de leishmaniose visceral, que é uma doença grave que acarreta óbito, se não tratada. Este estudo teve por objetivo identificar padrões espaciais de distribuição da leishmaniose visceral no estado do Tocantins, Brasil, de 2008 a 2011. Trata-se de estudo ecológico e exploratório com dados obtidos do Datasus e realizada análise por município. Foram estimados os índices de Moran global e construídos mapas temáticos das taxas por 100 mil habitantes, mapa de Moran e de Kernel. Foram georreferenciados 1778 casos de leishmaniose visceral representando uma taxa de 31,75 casos/100 mil habitantes sendo a taxa variou entre 0,00 e 343,16 por 100.000 habitantes com a microrregião de Araguaína, no norte do estado, a mais atingida. O índice de Moran foi Im = 0,20 (p-valor < 0,01). Constatou-se que as microrregiões com maior necessidade de intervenção são as de Araguaína e do Bico do Papagaio, onde foi identificada maior densidade de casos notificados por local de residência, assim como os municípios vizinhos a Juarina, pertencentes à microrregião de Miracema do Tocantins.
Smooth geometry of the noncommutative pillow, cones and lens spaces
Authors: Brzeziński Tomasz , Sitarz Andrzej
Published: June 2017

This paper proposes a new notion of smoothness of algebras, termed
differential smoothness
, that combines the existence of a top form in a differential calculus over an algebra together with a strong version of the Poincaré duality realized as an isomorphism between complexes of differential and integral forms. The quantum two- and three-spheres, disc, plane and the noncommutative torus are all smooth in this sense. Noncommutative coordinate algebras of deformations of several examples of classical orbifolds such as the pillow orbifold, singular cones and lens spaces are also differentially smooth. Although surprising this is not fully unexpected as these algebras are known to be homologically smooth. The study of Riemannian aspects of the noncommutative pillow and Moyal deformations of cones leads to spectral triples that satisfy the orientability condition that is known to be broken for classical orbifolds.
Finiteness and paradoxical decompositions in C*-dynamical systems
Authors: Rainone Timothy
Published: June 2017

We discuss the interplay between

K

-theoretical dynamics and the structure theory of certain \cstar-algebras arising from crossed products. In the presence of sufficiently many projections we associate to each noncommutative \cstar-system

(A,G,\alpha)

a type semigroup

S(A,G,\alpha)

which reflects much of the spirit of the underlying action. We characterize purely infinite as well as stably finite crossed products in terms of finiteness and infiniteness in the type semigroup. We explore the dichotomy between stable finiteness and pure infiniteness in certain classes of reduced crossed products by means of paradoxical decompositions.
The Novikov conjecture on Cheeger spaces
Authors: Albin Pierre , Leichtnam Eric , Mazzeo Rafe , Piazza Paolo
Published: June 2017

We prove the Novikov conjecture on oriented Cheeger spaces whose fundamental group satisfies the strong Novikov conjecture. A Cheeger space is a stratified pseudomanifold admitting, through a choice of ideal boundary conditions, an

L^2

-de Rham cohomology theory satisfying Poincaré duality. We prove that this cohomology theory is invariant under stratified homotopy equivalences and that its signature is invariant under Cheeger space cobordism. Analogous results, after coupling with a Mischenko bundle associated to any Galois covering, allow us to carry out the analytic approach to the Novikov conjecture: we define higher analytic signatures of a Cheeger space and prove that they are stratified homotopy invariants whenever the assembly map is rationally injective. Finally we show that the analytic signature of a Cheeger space coincides with its topological signature as defined by Banagl.
Riemannian curvature of the noncommutative 3-sphere
Authors: Arnlind Joakim , Wilson Mitsuru
Published: June 2017

In order to investigate to what extent the calculus of classical (pseudo-)Riemannian manifolds can be extended to a noncommutative setting, we introduce pseudo-Riemannian calculi of modules over noncommutative algebras. In this framework, it is possible to prove an analogue of Levi-Civita’s theorem, which states that there exists at most one torsion-free and metric connection for a given (metric) module, satisfying the requirements of a real metric calculus. Furthermore, the corresponding curvature operator has the same symmetry properties as the classical Riemannian curvature. As our main motivating example, we consider a pseudo-Riemannian calculus over the noncommutative 3-sphere and explicitly determine the torsion-free and metric connection, as well as the curvature operator together with its scalar curvature.
The Ext algebra of a Brauer graph algebra
Authors: Green Edward L. , Schroll Sibylle , Snashall Nicole , Taillefer Rachel
Published: June 2017

In this paper we study finite generation of the Ext algebra of a Brauer graph algebra by determining the degrees of the generators. As a consequence we characterize the Brauer graph algebras that are Koszul and those that are

{\mathcal K}_2

.
The Gauss–Manin connection for the cyclic homology of smooth deformations, and noncommutative tori
Authors: Yashinski Allan
Published: June 2017

Given a smooth deformation of topological algebras, we define Getzler’s Gauss–Manin connection on the periodic cyclic homology of the corresponding smooth field of algebras. Basic properties are investigated including the interaction with the Chern–Connes pairing with

K

-theory. We use the Gauss–Manin connection to prove a rigidity result for periodic cyclic cohomology of Banach algebras with finite weak bidimension. Then we illustrate the Gauss–Manin connection for the deformation of noncommutative tori. We use the Gauss–Manin connection to identify the periodic cyclic homology of a noncommutative torus with that of the commutative torus via a parallel translation isomorphism.We explicitly calculate the parallel translation maps and use them to describe the behavior of the Chern–Connes pairing under this deformation.
Задача с интегральными условиями для эллиптико-параболического уравнения
Authors: Urinov Akhmadzhon Kushakovich , Nishonova Sh T
Published: June 2017

Сформулирована задача с интегральными условиями
для одного дифференциального уравнения
эллиптико-параболического типа в смешанной области,
состоящей из прямоугольника и полукруга.
Доказана однозначная разрешимость поставленной задачи.
Библиография: 29 названий.
Обобщенные квазиизометрии на гладких римановых многообразиях
Authors: Afanaseva Elena Sergeevna
Published: June 2017

В работе изучается граничное поведение
конечно билипшицевых отображений на гладких римановых многообразиях.
Библиография: 23 названия.
Об одном классе косых произведений, заданных на клетках в $\mathbb R^n$, $n\ge 2$, обладающих свойством полной топологической транзитивности
Authors: Fil'chenkov Andrei Sergeevich
Published: June 2017

В настоящей работе получены достаточные условия полной топологической транзитивности
(транзитивности всех итераций рассматриваемого отображения)
$C^3$-гладких косых произведений одного класса, действующих
на клетках в $\mathbb R^n$, $n\ge 2$.
Библиография: 16 названий.
Задача Дарбу для уравнения Бианки третьего порядка
Authors: Mironov Alexei Nikolaevich
Published: June 2017

Доказаны существование и единственность решения задачи Дарбу.
Построено решение задачи Дарбу в терминах функции,
аналогичной функции Римана-Адамара.
Библиография: 15 названий.
$\varphi$-Сильная аппроксимация функций тригонометрическими полиномами
Authors: Lasuriya Robert Andreevich
Published: June 2017

В работе рассматривается скорость $\varphi$-сильной
аппроксимации периодических функций тригонометрическими
полиномами, построенными на базе интерполяционных полиномов
с равноотстоящими узлами.
Библиография: 14 названий.
Analysis of lightning outliers in the EUCLID network
Authors: Poelman Dieter R. , Schulz Wolfgang , Kaltenboeck Rudolf , Delobbe Laurent
Published: June 2017

Abstract. Lightning data as observed by the European Cooperation for Lightning Detection network EUCLID are used in combination with radar data to retrieve the temporal and spatial behaviour of lightning outliers, i.e. discharges located on a wrong place, over a 5-year period from 2011 to 2016. Cloud-to-ground stroke and intracloud pulse data are superimposed on corresponding 5-min radar precipitation fields in two topographically different areas, being Belgium and Austria, in order to extract lightning outliers based on the distance between each lightning event and the nearest precipitation. It is shown that the percentage of outliers is sensitive to changes in the network and to the location algorithm itself. The total percentage of outliers for both regions varies over the years between 0.8 % and 1.7 % for a distance to the nearest precipitation of 2 km, with an average of approximately 1.2 % in Belgium and Austria. Outside the European summer thunderstorm season the percentage of outliers tends to increase somewhat and could result from the fact that more sensor upgrades occur during winter or that precipitation of winter thunderstorms is underestimated compared to the vertically extended summer storms. The majority of all the outliers are low peak current events with absolute values falling between 0 to 10 kA. More specifically, positive cloud-to-ground strokes are more likely to be classified as outliers compared to all other type of discharges. Furthermore, it turns out that the number of sensors participating in locating a lightning discharge is different for outliers versus correctly located events, with outliers having the least amount of sensors participating. In addition, it is shown that in most cases the semi-major axis assigned to a lightning discharge as a confidence indicator in the location accuracy is smaller for correctly located events compared to the semi-major axis of outliers.