bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Briefing: The North Sea grid
Authors: Adeuyi Oluwole Daniel , Wu Jianzhong
Published: June 2015

It is estimated that ~33 GW of offshore wind capacity will be installed in the North Sea by 2020, and this is expected to increase to 83 GW by 2030. The North Sea grid is a concept that is intended to transfer the electricity generated from offshore wind farms installed in the North Sea to land, interconnect the grids of adjacent countries and facilitate the creation of a European internal electricity market. This briefing note explains the North Sea grid concept and the basic principles of high-voltage direct current submarine power transmission.
Briefing: Mental well-being and the influence of place
Authors: Burton Elizabeth
Published: June 2015

This extract is taken from one of the last pieces that Elizabeth (Libby) wrote – a chapter in The Routledge Handbook of Planning for Health and Well-being, edited by Hugh Barton, Susan Thompson, Sarah Burgess and Marcus Grant. We have selected the introductory material and part of the conclusion from Libby's Chapter. It is disarmingly unpretentious and that says a lot about the author. In a way, it summarises where Libby got to through complex research and trained intuition back, to a simple conclusion
El olor de la guayaba y el sabor del sorgo rojo: El realismo mágico en la literatura de China y de Latinoamérica
Authors: Ye Fan
Published: June 2015

A partir de la década de 1980, el autor de Cien años de soledad se convirtió en el gran ídolo y fuente de “angustia de las influencias” (en términos de Harold Bloom) para toda una generación de escritores chinos: Jia Pingwa, Yu Hua, Su Tong, Yan Lianke, Ma Yuan y Mo Yan, entre otros. En este artículo se propone una lectura paralela de Gabriel García Márquez y Mo Yan, el premio nobel chino, con el propósito de demostrar que el realismo mágico latinoamericano y su aventura en China ha formado parte de la historia de la literatura contemporánea del país asiático: a los escritores chinos no solo les avivó su memoria y les hizo adoptar otra actitud hacia su pasado; también les mostró el camino para escribir un nuevo tipo de novela (noveau roman).
Parasitosis intestinal y factores de riesgo en niños de los asentamientos subnormales, Florencia-Caquetá, Colombia
Authors: Lucero-Garzón Tarín A. , Álvarez-Motta Luis A. , Chicue-López Jeison F. , López-Zapata Deyirley , Mendoza-Bergaño Cristian A.
Published: June 2015

Objetivo: determinar la prevalencia de parásitos intestinales y factores de riesgo en niños de 0-5 años residentes de los asentamientos subnormales del sector conocido como Ciudadela Siglo XXI en Florencia-Caquetá, Colombia. Metodología: estudio descriptivo transversal, se recolectaron 193 muestras fecales de igual número de niños, la presencia de parásitos se evaluó por examen coprológico directo y otro por concentración mediante técnica Ritchie-Frick, se realizó coloración de Kinyoun modificada para identificación de coccidios, se aplicó una encuesta con datos socioepidemiológicos; el análisis estadístico se realizó mediante SPSS y EPIDADT. Resultados: la prevalencia fue del 90% de niños parasitados, la frecuencia mayor fue de protozoarios Blastocystis spp: 49%, Giardia duodenalis: 36%, E. histolitica/dispar: 29%, la prevalencia de coccidios fue del 19%; Cryptosporidium sp: 7% Cystoisospora sp: 8% y Cyclospora sp: 4%; respecto a los helmintos la prevalencia fue de Ascaris lumbricoides: 5%, Trichuris trichura: 1%, Uncinaria spp: 1%, el poliparasitismo fue del 53%. El 85% de los niños no presentaban un calzado adecuado, la ausencia de servicios de saneamiento básico en vivienda en 47%, paredes de vivienda con telas 41%, suelo en tierra 74% y presencia de mascotas en el 62%. Conclusiones: las condiciones socioeconómicas de la población evaluada la hacen susceptible a la enteroparasitosis tan alta estimada, por tal razón, es importante abordar este fenómeno con intervención médica y gubernamental para mejorar su calidad de vida.
Tendencias epistemológicas de las acciones de la salud pública. Una revisión desde la fisioterapia
Authors: Castro J. Laura E. , Rodríguez R. Yuber L.
Published: June 2015

Objetivo: analizar las tendencias epistemológicas de la salud pública frente a las acciones de la fisioterapia. Metodología: la identificación de la literatura se efectuó con los parámetros de revisión sistemática exploratoria propuestos por Manchado, en tres bases de datos. Los artículos fueron sometidos a evaluación de la calidad bajo las escalas Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network y JADAD. Las categorías centrales de análisis fueron los modelos del proceso salud-enfermedad. Se vincularon 39 artículos de los 118 que arrojó la búsqueda inicial. Resultados y discusión: se encontró que la salud pública ha tenido diferentes tendencias epistemológicas que se explican por cambios socio-políticos y normativos de los países y de las profesiones. Se observa una evolución conceptual que trasciende de lo biológico hacia enfoques sociales, interdisciplinarios y complejos; sin embargo, en las intervenciones aún se evidencia predominio del modelo epidemiológico. Lo anterior, puede asociarse con que profesiones jóvenes como la fisioterapia que aunque surgió con un enfoque netamente rehabilitador se ha preocupado por ampliar sus campos de ejercicio profesional logrando participar en acciones de salud pública, pero esta participación aún es incipiente, por cuanto no logra reflejarse en la práctica de una manera contundente; por consiguiente, se requiere desarrollar estrategias que permitan llevar el conocimiento a la práctica y de esta manera poder aportar desde su objeto de estudio en el abordaje integral de la salud de las poblaciones, con el ánimo de lograr que estas se apropien de sus condiciones de salud en pro de su bienestar y calidad de vida.
Observatorio de Discapacidad de Colombia
Authors: Gómez-Aristizábal Liliana Y. , Avella-Tolosa Andrea , Morales Luz A.
Published: June 2015

La Dirección de Epidemiología y Demografía (DED) y la Oficina de Promoción Social del Ministerio de Salud y Protección Social (MSPS), dando cumplimiento a las competencias y obligaciones de seguimiento, evaluación y gestión del conocimiento establecidas para el sector salud y desde el rol de esta cartera como rector del Sistema Nacional de Discapacidad (SND), ha priorizado el Observatorio de Discapacidad de Colombia como un instrumento técnico para la formulación, desarrollo y evaluación de acciones de inclusión social para la población con discapacidad en el marco del Sistema Nacional de la Discapacidad y el cumplimiento de la Convención sobre los Derechos de las Personas con Discapacidad. El propósito de este artículo es describir la experiencia del Ministerio de Salud y Protección Social en la implementación del Observatorio de Discapacidad de Colombia, describiendo las actividades de planeación, mejoramiento y estructuración requeridas, así como la recolección sistemática, el análisis e interpretación de datos e información sobre la situación de discapacidad en el país.
Pervasive NFC-based solution for the analysis of tourism data in an environment of smart cities
Authors: Concha Agredo Eliana Andrea , Martínez-Acosta Luis Carlos , Chantre Angela , Ramirez-Gonzalez Gustavo
Published: June 2015

Detailed recording and analysis of visitor paths and individual mouse movements in real time of tens-of-thousands of visitors is one of the most important areas of tourism research, and to observe tourist movements a variety of techniques are available. New tracking techniques are explored and due to the advance of technology we can have information at any time and from anywhere (pervasive computing). This has been used to record movement information of tourists with high resolution. In these environments (tags environments) where the user interacts with the environment, an emerging technology called NFC (Near Field Communication) is providing a natural means of interaction between the users and their environment. This paper shows the implementation of an NFC-based pervasive solution that allows tourist tracking data to be obtained in real time; it is simplified and analyzed with the Markov chains method by experimental and statistical testing. It is also demonstrated that the movement of a tourist is influenced by the state or tourist site where he or she is to move to another, corroborating the hypothesis "that if you can capture the information left by tourists through technological tools, thanks to the processing of such information you can obtain a trace that is a sample of the activity which, through its display, allows decisions that promote tourism as part of the regional and national economy".
Variation in recruitment and the establishment of alternative community states
Authors: Petraitis P. S. , Dudgeon S. R.
Published: June 2015

Mussel beds and rockweed stands (fucoid algae) have been shown to be alternative states on rocky intertidal shores in New England, and here the hypothesis that variation in recruitment provides opportunity for the development of alternative community states was tested. Disturbance by ice scour opens patches for development of alternative states, and in winter 1996–1997, 60 experimental clearings of differing sizes were established on Swan's Island, Maine, USA. Half of the plots were re‐cleared during the winter of 2010–2011. Recruitment data for barnacles, mussels, and fucoid algae collected from 1997 to 2012 were used to (1) test for persistence of scale‐dependent thresholds, (2) estimate the magnitudes and sources of variation, (3) fit a surface of alternative states as defined by the cusp catastrophe, and (4) test if 1997 recruitment would predict 2010–2011 recruitment in re‐scraped plots (i.e., a test of divergence, which is expected in systems with alternative states). For barnacles and mussels, recruitment varied enormously year to year and among sites, but showed consistent patterns over the long‐term with respect to clearing size. Average recruitment prior to re‐clearing was a good predictor of recruitment afterwards. In contrast, over 50% of the variance in fucoid recruitment was unexplained with weak effects among years and locations. Past fucoid recruitment was a poor predictor of subsequent recruitment. The cusp analysis indicated that fucoid recruitment defines the alternative states. Fucoid recruitment was largely unpredictable and suggests long‐term, small‐scale priority effects drive the development of alternative states. These observations strongly reinforce the notion that long‐term and well‐replicated experiments are necessary to develop robust tests of ecological theory.
A method for determining the optimal discretization of UV lamps for emission-based fluence rate models
Authors: Powell Colin , Lawryshyn Yuri
Published: June 2015

A method for optimizing the number of segment sources needed to discretize UV lamps for fluence rate modeling and dose calculations when using the multiple segment source summation (MSSS) fluence rate model (FRM) is presented. An ideal location for determining the optimal number of point or segment sources was found using the multiple point source summation (MPSS) method with no reflection and refraction. This location was then used to conduct a fast discretization study for the MSSS FRM. A lower than previously used number of segment sources was required. This method reduced the time needed to perform a discretization study and thus for fluence rate and dose distribution calculations in UV reactors.
Key issues to consider when using alum sludge as substrate in constructed wetland
Authors: Zhao Xiaohong , Zhao Yaqian , Wang Wenke , Yang Yongzhe , Babatunde Akintunde , Hu Yuansheng , Kumar Lordwin
Published: June 2015

Globally, alum sludge is an easily, locally and largely available by-product from water treatment plants where aluminium sulphate is used as the coagulant for raw water purification. Owing to the high content of Al ions (29.7 ± 13.3% dry weight) in alum sludge and the strong affinity of Al ions to adsorb various pollutants especially phosphorus (P), alum sludge (in the form of dewatered cakes) has been investigated in recent years as a low-cost alternative substrate in constructed wetland (CW) systems to enhance the treatment efficiency especially for high strength P-containing wastewater. Long-term trials in different scales have demonstrated that the alum sludge-based CW is a promising technique with a two-pronged feature of using ‘waste’ for wastewater treatment. Alum sludge cakes in CW can serve as a medium for wetland plant growth, as a carrier for biofilm development and as a porous material for wastewater infiltration. After the intensive studies of the alum sludge-based CW system, this paper aims to address the key issues and concerns pertaining to this kind of CW system. These include: (1) Is alum sludge suitable for reuse in CWs? (2) Is Al released from the sludge a concern? (3) What is the lifespan of the alum sludge in CWs? (4) How can P be recovered from the used alum sludge? (5) Does clogging happen in alum sludge-based CW systems and what is the solution?
Modeling the effects of point and non-point source pollution on a diversion channel from Yellow River to an artificial lake in China
Authors: Gao X. P. , Li G. N. , Li G. R. , Zhang C.
Published: June 2015

The Dragon lake diversion channel (DLDC) is the only river that recharges Dragon Lake, an artificial lake in China. This paper examines the main factors influencing water quality by investigating point source and non-point source pollutants along the main route. Based on the complicated system of rivers and desilting basins, a three-dimensional water quality model using environmental fluid dynamics code (EFDC) was developed. The model of DLDC was calibrated and verified using observed data. The error ranges of river water level, total phosphorus, total nitrogen and chemical oxygen demand were within 5%, 10%, 16% and 20%, respectively, all of which meet the precision requirement. The model was employed to predict the concentrations of pollutants in the main stream under current pollution loads within a year and a flood lasting for 24 hours. The results revealed that the main pollution sources that influence the water quality of waterways were the point sources followed by the non-point pollution sources. Water quality improved when large water quantities were delivered and this trend can be described as dilution. The water quality of the Dongfeng main channel meets the requirement; however, the water quality of the Dongfeng River is somewhat poor, and the water quality of the Wei River is seriously contaminated. To address these problems, we suggest that the Dongfeng River and Wei River adopt a culvert under its riverbeds.
Retraction: Pogacnik M, Znidarcic D, Strgar J. A school garden in biotechnical education. Arch biol sci. 2014; 66(2):785-92, DOI: 10.2298/ABS1402785P
Authors: Editorial E
Published: June 2015

This is a notice of retraction of the article: A school garden in
biotechnical education, published in the Archives of Biological Sciences in
2014, Vol. 66, Issue 2. Due to a printing error, caused by the journal, the
same paper has already been published in the Archives of Biological Sciences,
Vol. 66, Issue 1, 2014 (DOI: 10.2298/ABS1401393P). Therefore, the latter
article is being retracted. The corresponding author has been informed of
this error and retraction. We apologize to the authors and to the readers for
this error.

 Link to the retracted article <a
href="http://dx.doi.org/10.2298/ABS1402785P">10.2298/ABS1402785P
Measurement of CaO-SiO2-SaCl2 slag density by an improved Archimedean method
Authors: Wang Y. , Morita K.
Published: June 2015

In order to optimize the removal of boron during the refining of slag to
obtain solar grade silicon, the density of molten slag was measured by an
improved Archimedean method within a temperature range from 1073 to 1373 K.
It was found that the density of molten slag at 1723 K can be deduced by
linear fitting, and that the slag density decreases with increasing
temperature. However, a reduction in slag density occurs with decreasing CaO
concentration. An increase in the molar volume of slag was also observed with
increasing temperature.
A misdiagnosed myasthenia gravis with anti-muscle-specific tyrosine kinase antibodies with possible childhood onset
Authors: Nikolic Ana , Lavrnic Dragana , Basta Ivana , Nikolic Dimitrije , Apostolski Slobodan
Published: June 2015

Introduction. Childhood onset myasthenia gravis associated with
anti-muscle-specific tyrosine kinase antibodies is very rare and atypical in
presentation. Case report. As a baby, the pre-sented patient was choking and
sleeping with open eyes. She had weak cry and breathing difficulties. In
childhood, there were frequent falls and fluctuating swallowing difficulties.
At the age of 19 she was misdiagnosed with Miller Fisher syndrome due to the
presence of diplopia, ataxia and hyporeflexia with spontaneous recovery.
Repetitive nerve stimulation test was normal. Four years later, after several
relapses, there was significant decrement on facial muscles. Neostigmine test
was negative, provoking muscle fasciculations. Serum anti-muscle-specific
tyrosine kinase antibodies were positive. With cyclosporine therapy she
achieved the minimal manifestations status. Conclusion. The presented case
confirms that childhood onset myasthenia gravis associated with
anti-muscle-specific tyrosine kinase antibodies is often with atypical
presentation and spontaneous remissions, so it could be easily misdiagnosed.
Decompression as an effective primary approach to large radicular cyst in maxillary sinus: A case report
Authors: Biocanin Vladimir , Brajkovic Denis , Stevanovic Momir , Tatic Zoran , Andric Miroslav , Brkovic Bozidar
Published: June 2015

Introduction. Therapeutic approach to jaw cysts may depend on their
dimensions and localization. Enucleation of cystic lesion is not always
preferable in the first act, especially if large cysts are in close proximity
to important anatomical structures. The aim of this paper was to present the
outcome of the treatment protocol comprising preoperative decompression and
subsequent enucleation of a large maxillary cyst. Case report. A 21-year-old
male patient with large asymptomatic radicular cyst in the right maxillary
sinus was presented to our clinic. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT)
showed a large cyst, which perforated the right anterior maxillary wall by
1.5 cm, and was in the intimate contact with the orbital floor. Surgical
treatment of the cystic lesion comprised: preoperative decompression with
biopsy in the first act and enucleation, performed under general anesthesia,
6 months after the observation period. Conclusion. Decompression with
subsequent enucleation proved to be effective treatment of large radicular
cyst in maxillary sinus with low-morbidity.
Change in Sleep Duration and Type 2 Diabetes: The Whitehall II Study
Authors: Ferrie Jane E. , Kivimäki Mika , Akbaraly Tasnime N. , Tabak Adam , Abell Jessica , Davey Smith George , Virtanen Marianna , Kumari Meena , Shipley Martin J.
Published: June 2015

OBJECTIVE

Evidence suggests that short and long sleep durations are associated with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes. Using successive data waves spanning >20 years, we examined whether a change in sleep duration is associated with incident diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Sleep duration was reported at the beginning and end of four 5-year cycles: 1985–1988 to 1991–1994 (n = 5,613), 1991–1994 to 1997–1999 (n = 4,193), 1997–1999 to 2002–2004 (n = 3,840), and 2002–2004 to 2007–2009 (n = 4,195). At each cycle, change in sleep duration was calculated for participants without diabetes. Incident diabetes at the end of the subsequent 5-year period was defined using 1) fasting glucose, 2) 75-g oral glucose tolerance test, and 3) glycated hemoglobin, in conjunction with diabetes medication and self-reported doctor diagnosis.

RESULTS

Compared with the reference group of persistent 7-h sleepers, an increase of ≥2 h sleep per night was associated with a higher risk of incident diabetes (odds ratio 1.65 [95% CI 1.15, 2.37]) in analyses adjusted for age, sex, employment grade, and ethnic group. This association was partially attenuated by adjustment for BMI and change in weight (1.50 [1.04, 2.16]). An increased risk of incident diabetes was also seen in persistent short sleepers (average ≤5.5 h/night; 1.35 [1.04, 1.76]), but this evidence weakened on adjustment for BMI and change in weight (1.25 [0.96, 1.63]).

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that individuals whose sleep duration increases are at an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Greater weight and weight gain in this group partly explain the association.
Blurring the boundaries between frame-based and frameless stereotaxy: feasibility study for brain biopsies performed with the use of a head-mounted robot
Authors: Grimm Florian , Naros Georgios , Gutenberg Angelika , Keric Naureen , Giese Alf , Gharabaghi Alireza
Published: June 2015

OBJECT

Frame-based stereotactic interventions are considered the gold standard for brain biopsies, but they have limitations with regard to flexibility and patient comfort because of the bulky head ring attached to the patient. Frameless image guidance systems that use scalp fiducial markers offer more flexibility and patient comfort but provide less stability and accuracy during drilling and biopsy needle positioning. Head-mounted robot-guided biopsies could provide the advantages of these 2 techniques without the downsides. The goal of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of a robotic guidance device, affixed to the patient’s skull through a small mounting platform, for use in brain biopsy procedures.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of 37 consecutive patients who presented with supratentorial lesions and underwent brain biopsy procedures in which a surgical guidance robot was used to determine clinical outcomes and technical procedural operability.

RESULTS

The portable head-mounted device was well tolerated by the patients and enabled stable drilling and needle positioning during surgery. Flexible adjustments of predefined paths and selection of new trajectories were successfully performed intraoperatively without the need for manual settings and fixations. The patients experienced no permanent deficits or infections after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

The head-mounted robot-guided approach presented here combines the stability of a bone-mounted set-up with the flexibility and tolerability of frameless systems. By reducing human interference (i.e., manual parameter settings, calibrations, and adjustments), this technology might be particularly useful in neurosurgical interventions that necessitate multiple trajectories.
Is It Art or Knowledge? Deconstructing Australian Aboriginal Creative Making
Authors: Cameron Elizabeth
Published: June 2015

Australian Aboriginal symbols are visual forms of knowledge that express cultural intellect. Being classified by a Western interpretation of “art” devalues thousands of years of generational knowledge systems, where visual information has been respected, appreciated and valued. This article highlights how Aboriginal creativity has little concept of aesthetical value, but is a cultural display of meaning relating to Creational periods, often labelled as The Dreamings. With over 350 different Aboriginal Nations in Australia, this article focuses of the Dharug Nation, located around the northern Sydney area of New South Wales. The Dharug term for the Creational period is Gunyalungalung—traditional ritualized customary lores (laws). These symbols are permanently located within the environment on open rock surfaces, caves and markings on trees. Whilst some symbols are manmade, others are made by Creational ancestral beings and contain deep story lines of information in sacredness. Therefore, creative imagery engraved or painted on rock surfaces are forms of conscious narratives that emphasise deep insight.
Passive Decoy-State Quantum Key Distribution with Coherent Light
Authors: Curty Marcos , Jofre Marc , Pruneri Valerio , Mitchell Morgan
Published: June 2015

Signal state preparation in quantum key distribution schemes can be realized using either an active or a passive source. Passive sources might be valuable in some scenarios; for instance, in those experimental setups operating at high transmission rates, since no externally driven element is required. Typical passive transmitters involve parametric down-conversion. More recently, it has been shown that phase-randomized coherent pulses also allow passive generation of decoy states and Bennett–Brassard 1984 (BB84) polarization signals, though the combination of both setups in a single passive source is cumbersome. In this paper, we present a complete passive transmitter that prepares decoy-state BB84 signals using coherent light. Our method employs sum-frequency generation together with linear optical components and classical photodetectors. In the asymptotic limit of an infinite long experiment, the resulting secret key rate (per pulse) is comparable to the one delivered by an active decoy-state BB84 setup with an infinite number of decoy settings.
Towards a Carbon-Neutral Energy Sector: Opportunities and Challenges of Coordinated Bioenergy Supply Chains-A PSE Approach
Authors: Puigjaner Luis , Pérez-Fortes Mar , Laínez-Aguirre José
Published: June 2015

The electricity generation sector needs to reduce its environmental impact and dependence on fossil fuel, mainly from coal. Biomass is one of the most promising future options to produce electricity, given its potential contribution to climate change mitigation. Even though biomass is an old source of energy, it is not yet a well-established commodity. The use of biomass in large centralised systems requires the establishment of delivery channels to provide the desired feedstock with the necessary attributes, at the right time and place. In terms of time to deployment and cost of the solution, co-combustion/co-gasification of biomass and coal are presented as transition and short-medium term alternatives towards a carbon-neutral energy sector. Hence, there is a need to assess an effective introduction of co-combustion/co-gasification projects in the current electricity production share. The purpose of this work is to review recent steps in Process Systems Engineering towards bringing into reality individualised and ad-hoc solutions, by building a common but adjustable design platform to tailored approaches of biomass-based supply chains. Current solutions and the latest developments are presented and future needs under study are also identified.
Health-Related Quality of Life of the Roma in Greece: The Role of Socio-Economic Characteristics and Housing Conditions
Authors: Pappa Evelina , Chatzikonstantinidou Simela , Chalkiopoulos George , Papadopoulos Angelos , Niakas Dimitris
Published: June 2015

The aim was to assess the health-related quality of life (HRQL) of the Roma and further to detect the significant determinants that are associated with their HRQL. The cross-sectional study involved 1068 Roma adults living in settlements (mean age 36). HRQL was measured by the Greek version of SF-36 Health Survey and further socio-demographic characteristics (sex, age, marital status, education, permanent occupation etc.) and housing conditions (stable housing, access to basic amenities such as drinkable water, drainage, electricity which compose material deprivation) were involved. Non parametric tests and multiple linear regression models were applied to identify the factors that have significant association with HRQL. After controlling for socio-demographic characteristics, health status and housing conditions, sex, age, education, chronic diseases, stable housing and material deprivation were found to be significant determinants of the Roma’s HRQL. Men reported significantly better health than women as well as those who attended school compared to the illiterate. Chronic diseases were remarkably associated with poor HRQL from 10 units in MH (Mental Health) to 34 units in RP (Role Physical). Material deprivation was related to lower GH (General Health), and VT (Vitality) scores and higher RP (Role Physical) and RE (Role Emotional) scores. Chronic conditions and illiteracy are two key areas that contribute significantly to worse HRQL. Policies should be part of a comprehensive and holistic strategy for the Roma through intervention to education, housing and public health.
Association between Work-Family Conflict and Depressive Symptoms among Chinese Female Nurses: The Mediating and Moderating Role of Psychological Capital
Authors: Hao Junhui , Wu Di , Liu Li , Li Xirui , Wu Hui
Published: June 2015

Depressive symptoms have been in the limelight for many kinds of people, but few studies have explored positive resources for combating depressive symptoms among Chinese nurses. The purpose of this study is to explore the association between work-family conflict (WFC) and depressive symptoms among Chinese female nurses, along with the mediating and moderating role of psychological capital (PsyCap) in this relationship. This cross-sectional study was completed during the period of September and October 2013. A questionnaire that consisted of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, the Work-Family Conflict scale and the Psychological Capital Questionnair scale was distributed to nurses in Shenyang, China. A total of 824 individuals (effective response rate: 74.9%) participated. Asymptotic and resampling strategies explored the mediating role of PsyCap in the relationship between WFC and depressive symptoms. Hierarchical linear regression analyses were performed to explore the moderating role of PsyCap. Both WFC and family-work conflict (FWC) were positively related with depressive symptoms. PsyCap positively moderated the relationship of WFC with depressive symptoms. Self-efficacy and hope positively moderated the relationship of WFC with depressive symptoms. PsyCap partially mediated the relationship of FWC with depressive symptoms. Hope and optimism partially mediated the relationship of FWC with depressive symptoms. Work-family conflict, as the risk factor of depressive symptoms, can increase nurses’ depressive symptoms, and PsyCap is a positive resource to combat nurses’ depressive symptoms. PsyCap can aggravate the effects of WFC on depressive symptoms and FWC can impact PsyCap to increase nurses’ depressive symptoms.
An Evaluation of the British Columbia Asthma Monitoring System (BCAMS) and PM2.5 Exposure Metrics during the 2014 Forest Fire Season
Authors: McLean Kathleen , Yao Jiayun , Henderson Sarah
Published: June 2015

The British Columbia Asthma Monitoring System (BCAMS) tracks forest fire smoke exposure and asthma-related health outcomes, identifying excursions beyond expected daily counts. Weekly reports during the wildfire season support public health and emergency management decision-making. We evaluated BCAMS by identifying excursions for asthma-related physician visits and dispensations of the reliever medication salbutamol sulfate and examining their corresponding smoke exposures. A disease outbreak detection algorithm identified excursions from 1 July to 31 August 2014. Measured, modeled, and forecasted concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) were used to assess exposure. We assigned PM2.5 levels to excursions by choosing the highest value within a seven day window centred on the excursion day. Smoky days were defined as those with PM2.5 levels ≥ 25 µg/m3. Most excursions (57%–71%) were assigned measured or modeled PM2.5 concentrations of 10 µg/m3 or higher. Of the smoky days, 55.8% and 69.8% were associated with at least one excursion for physician visits and salbutamol dispensations, respectively. BCAMS alerted most often when measures of smoke exposure were relatively high. Better performance might be realized by combining asthma-related outcome metrics in a bivariate model.
Solvent Properties of Water in Aqueous Solutions of Elastin-Like Polypeptide
Authors: Ferreira Luisa , Cole James , Reichardt Christian , Holland Nolan , Uversky Vladimir , Zaslavsky Boris
Published: June 2015

The phase-transition temperatures of an elastin-like polypeptide (ELP) with the (GVGVP)40 sequence and solvent dipolarity/polarizability, hydrogen-bond donor acidity, and hydrogen-bond acceptor basicity in its aqueous solutions were quantified in the absence and presence of different salts (Na2SO4, NaCl, NaClO4, and NaSCN) and various osmolytes (sucrose, sorbitol, trehalose, and trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO)). All osmolytes decreased the ELP phase-transition temperature, whereas NaCl and Na2SO4 decreased, and NaSCN and NaClO4 increased it. The determined phase-transition temperatures may be described as a linear combination of the solvent’s dipolarity/polarizability and hydrogen-bond donor acidity. The linear relationship established for the phase-transition temperature in the presence of salts differs quantitatively from that in the presence of osmolytes, in agreement with different (direct and indirect) mechanisms of the influence of salts and osmolytes on the ELP phase-transition temperature.
Anti-Angiogenic Properties of BDDPM, a Bromophenol from Marine Red Alga Rhodomela confervoides, with Multi Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibition Effects
Authors: Wang Shuaiyu , Wang Li-Jun , Jiang Bo , Wu Ning , Li Xiangqian , Liu Shaofang , Luo Jiao , Shi Dayong
Published: June 2015

Bis-(2,3-dibromo-4,5-dihydroxy-phenyl)-methane (BDDPM) is a bromophenol first isolated from Rhodomelaceae confervoides. Our previous studies showed that BDDPM exerts PTP1B-inhibiting activity and anti-cancer activity against a wide range of tumor cells while it also showed lower cytotoxicity against normal cells. In the present study, we found that BDDPM exhibits significant activities toward angiogenesis in vitro. BDDPM inhibits multiple angiogenesis processes, including endothelial cell sprouting, migration, proliferation, and tube formation. Further kinase assays investigations found that BDDPM is a potent selective, but multi-target, receptor tyrosine kinase (RTKs) inhibitor. BDDPM (10 μM) inhibits the activities of fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 and 3 (FGFR2, 3), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) and platelet-derived growth factor receptor α (PDGFRα) (inhibition rate: 57.7%, 78.6%, 78.5% and 71.1%, respectively). Moreover, BDDPM also decreases the phosphorylation of protein kinase B (PKB/Akt) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), as well as nitric oxide (NO) production in a dose dependent manner. These results indicate that BDDPM can be exploited as an anti-angiogenic drug, or as a lead compound for the development of novel multi-target RTKs inhibitors.
Selenium-Mediated Synthesis of Tetrasubstituted Naphthalenes through Rearrangement
Authors: Tancock James , Wirth Thomas
Published: June 2015

New β-keto ester substituted stilbene derivatives have been synthesized and cyclized with selenium electrophiles in the presence of Lewis acids. This now allows access to 1,2,3,4-tetrasubstituted naphthalene derivatives as cyclization and rearrangement products.
Anti-Schistosomal Activity of Cinnamic Acid Esters: Eugenyl and Thymyl Cinnamate Induce Cytoplasmic Vacuoles and Death in Schistosomula of Schistosoma mansoni
Authors: Glaser Jan , Schurigt Uta , Suzuki Brian , Caffrey Conor , Holzgrabe Ulrike
Published: June 2015

Bornyl caffeate (1) was previously isolated by us from Valeriana (V.) wallichii rhizomes and identified as an anti-leishmanial substance. Here, we screened a small compound library of synthesized derivatives 1–30 for activity against schistosomula of Schistosoma (S.) mansoni. Compound 1 did not show any anti-schistosomal activity. However, strong phenotypic changes, including the formation of vacuoles, degeneration and death were observed after in vitro treatment with compounds 23 (thymyl cinnamate) and 27 (eugenyl cinnamate). Electron microscopy analysis of the induced vacuoles in the dying parasites suggests that 23 and 27 interfere with autophagy.
Synthesis of Bicyclic Isoxazoles and Isoxazolines via Intramolecular Nitrile Oxide Cycloaddition
Authors: Chen Wen-Chang , Kavala Veerababurao , Shih Yu-Hsuan , Wang Yu-Hsuan , Kuo Chun-Wei , Yang Tang-Hao , Huang Chia-Yu , Chiu Hao-Hsiang , Yao Ching-Fa
Published: June 2015

An efficient and straight forward procedure for the syntheses of bicyclic isoxazole/isoxazoline derivatives from the corresponding dimethyl-2-(2-nitro-1-aryl/alkyl)-2-(prop-2-yn-1yl)malonates or dimethyl 2-allyl-2-(2-nitro-1-aryl/alkyl ethyl)malonate is described. High yields and simple operations are important features of this methodology.
Origin and Future of Plasmonic Optical Tweezers
Authors: Huang Jer-Shing , Yang Ya-Tang
Published: June 2015

Plasmonic optical tweezers can overcome the diffraction limits of conventional optical tweezers and enable the trapping of nanoscale objects. Extension of the trapping and manipulation of nanoscale objects with nanometer position precision opens up unprecedented opportunities for applications in the fields of biology, chemistry and statistical and atomic physics. Potential applications include direct molecular manipulation, lab-on-a-chip applications for viruses and vesicles and the study of nanoscale transport. This paper reviews the recent research progress and development bottlenecks and provides an overview of possible future directions in this field.
An Evaluation of the Pedestrian Classification in a Multi-Domain Multi-Modality Setup
Authors: Miron Alina , Rogozan Alexandrina , Ainouz Samia , Bensrhair Abdelaziz , Broggi Alberto
Published: June 2015

The objective of this article is to study the problem of pedestrian classification across different light spectrum domains (visible and far-infrared (FIR)) and modalities (intensity, depth and motion). In recent years, there has been a number of approaches for classifying and detecting pedestrians in both FIR and visible images, but the methods are difficult to compare, because either the datasets are not publicly available or they do not offer a comparison between the two domains. Our two primary contributions are the following: (1) we propose a public dataset, named RIFIR , containing both FIR and visible images collected in an urban environment from a moving vehicle during daytime; and (2) we compare the state-of-the-art features in a multi-modality setup: intensity, depth and flow, in far-infrared over visible domains. The experiments show that features families, intensity self-similarity (ISS), local binary patterns (LBP), local gradient patterns (LGP) and histogram of oriented gradients (HOG), computed from FIR and visible domains are highly complementary, but their relative performance varies across different modalities. In our experiments, the FIR domain has proven superior to the visible one for the task of pedestrian classification, but the overall best results are obtained by a multi-domain multi-modality multi-feature fusion.
Spatial Signature Estimation with an Uncalibrated Uniform Linear Array
Authors: Cao Xiang , Xin Jingmin , Nishio Yoshifumi , Zheng Nanning
Published: June 2015

In this paper, the problem of spatial signature estimation using a uniform linear array (ULA) with unknown sensor gain and phase errors is considered. As is well known, the directions-of-arrival (DOAs) can only be determined within an unknown rotational angle in this array model. However, the phase ambiguity has no impact on the identification of the spatial signature. Two auto-calibration methods are presented for spatial signature estimation. In our methods, the rotational DOAs and model error parameters are firstly obtained, and the spatial signature is subsequently calculated. The first method extracts two subarrays from the ULA to construct an estimator, and the elements of the array can be used several times in one subarray. The other fully exploits multiple invariances in the interior of the sensor array, and a multidimensional nonlinear problem is formulated. A Gauss–Newton iterative algorithm is applied for solving it. The first method can provide excellent initial inputs for the second one. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithms is demonstrated by several simulation results.
Guaranteeing Isochronous Control of Networked Motion Control Systems Using Phase Offset Adjustment
Authors: Kim Ikhwan , Kim Taehyoun
Published: June 2015

Guaranteeing isochronous transfer of control commands is an essential function for networked motion control systems. The adoption of real-time Ethernet (RTE) technologies may be profitable in guaranteeing deterministic transfer of control messages. However, unpredictable behavior of software in the motion controller often results in unexpectedly large deviation in control message transmission intervals, and thus leads to imprecise motion. This paper presents a simple and efficient heuristic to guarantee the end-to-end isochronous control with very small jitter. The key idea of our approach is to adjust the phase offset of control message transmission time in the motion controller by investigating the behavior of motion control task. In realizing the idea, we performed a pre-runtime analysis to determine a safe and reliable phase offset and applied the phase offset to the runtime code of motion controller by customizing an open-source based integrated development environment (IDE). We also constructed an EtherCAT-based motion control system testbed and performed extensive experiments on the testbed to verify the effectiveness of our approach. The experimental results show that our heuristic is highly effective even for low-end embedded controller implemented in open-source software components under various configurations of control period and the number of motor drives.
Structural Decomposition Analysis of Carbon Emissions and Policy Recommendations for Energy Sustainability in Xinjiang
Authors: Wang Changjian , Wang Fei
Published: June 2015

Regional carbon dioxide emissions study is necessary for China to realize the emissions mitigation. An environmental input–output structural decomposition analysis (IO-SDA) has been conducted in order to uncover the driving forces for the increment in energy-related carbon dioxide emissions in Xinjiang from both production and final demands perspectives from 1997 to 2007. According to our research outcomes, emissions increase can be illustrated as a competition between consumption growth (per capita GDP) and efficiency improvement (carbon emission intensity). Consumption growth have caused an increase of 109.98 Mt carbon dioxide emissions during 1997 to 2007, and efficiency improvement have caused a 97.03 Mt decrease during the same period. Per capita GDP is the most important driver for the rapid emission growth, while carbon emission intensity is the significant contributor to offset these increments. In addition, production structure changes performed as a new major driver for the steep rise in carbon dioxide emissions in recent years (2002–2007), indicating that the rapid emission growth in Xinjiang is the result of structural changes in the economy making it more carbon-intensive. From the viewpoint of final demands, fixed capital formation contributed the highest carbon dioxide emission, followed by inter-provincial export and urban residential consumption; while inter-provincial imports had the biggest contributions to offset emission increments. Based on our analysis results, Xinjiang may face great challenges to curb carbon dioxide emissions in the near future. However, several concrete mitigation measures have been further discussed and then raised by considering the regional realities, aiming to harmonize regional development and carbon dioxide emissions reduction.
How National Culture and Parental Style Affect the Process of Adolescents’ Ecological Resocialization
Authors: Gentina Elodie , Singh Pallavi
Published: June 2015

The role of adolescents as influencers on their families’ environmental behavior is potentially a catalyst for change towards increasing eco-friendly actions. In this paper, the authors report on a cross-cultural study of ecological resocialization in France and India. Using in-depth dyadic interviews, they investigated parental styles, cultural attributes and extent of adolescents’ influence over parental eco-behavior. The study reveals that ecological resocialization across countries differs substantially, according to a combination of national cultural values, parental style and influence strategy. French teens exhibit a greater impact than Indian teens on their parents’ eco-behavior and use bilateral influence strategies. In India, not all mothers engage in ecological resocialization, but those who do are susceptible to unilateral strategies. The role of environmental knowledge, and the context and effectiveness of each kind of strategy is discussed. The findings have implications for how public policy officials and agencies can encourage adolescents as key resocialization agents to influence their parents’ pro-environmental consumption by using the most adapted influence strategy across cultures.
Cyanobacteria and Cyanotoxins Occurrence and Removal from Five High-Risk Conventional Treatment Drinking Water Plants
Authors: Szlag David , Sinclair James , Southwell Benjamin , Westrick Judy
Published: June 2015

An environmental protection agency EPA expert workshop prioritized three cyanotoxins, microcystins, anatoxin-a, and cylindrospermopsin (MAC), as being important in freshwaters of the United States. This study evaluated the prevalence of potentially toxin producing cyanobacteria cell numbers relative to the presence and quantity of the MAC toxins in the context of this framework. Total and potential toxin producing cyanobacteria cell counts were conducted on weekly raw and finished water samples from utilities located in five US states. An Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbant Assay (ELISA) was used to screen the raw and finished water samples for microcystins. High-pressure liquid chromatography with a photodiode array detector (HPLC/PDA) verified microcystin concentrations and quantified anatoxin-a and cylindrospermopsin concentrations. Four of the five utilities experienced cyanobacterial blooms in their raw water. Raw water samples from three utilities showed detectable levels of microcystins and a fourth utility had detectable levels of both microcystin and cylindrospermopsin. No utilities had detectable concentrations of anatoxin-a. These conventional plants effectively removed the cyanobacterial cells and all finished water samples showed MAC levels below the detection limit by ELISA and HPLC/PDA.
La mobilité des firmes et ses effets sur la population active. L'exemple de l'espace transfrontalier du Rhin supérieur (The mobility of the firms and the active population in the Upper Rhine area)
Authors: Wackermann Gabriel
Published: June 2015

Abstract. - The Upper Rhine multinational area allows to make an analysis of the different aspects of the firms mobility, owing to its various national and regional structures. We shall limit our paper to the observation of the behaviour of the first line firms wich are linking high technology production and services, as a witness of a deep social and economical change.
Transport combiné et ferroutage sur les grands axes européens (Intermodal itineraries and roadrailing in Europe)
Authors: Dezert Bernard
Published: June 2015

Résumé. - Cet article étudie le développement des modes de transport combiné en Europe sur longue distance, en particulier sur les axes N-S. Il envisage les problèmes techniques (gabarit) posés par le ferroutage, et la coopération qu'il requiert entre les Etats à l'échelle de l'Europe ; il évoque pour terminer les possibilités et les difficultés d'adoption du système américain de Roadrailer.
L'étude géographique des parcs et des jardins (A geographical approach of parks and gardens)
Authors: Claval Paul
Published: June 2015

Résumé. - L'étude des parcs et des jardins, trop négligée par les géographes, repose d'abord sur l'analyse des techniques et du matériel botanique disponibles. Elle implique alors que l'on explore les préoccupations et les modèles qu'avaient à l'esprit ceux qui les créaient. Elle se prolonge par l'évocation des pratiques auxquelles ils donnent lieu.