bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PENDAMPINGAN TERPADU BERBASIS KAJI TINDAK PEMBELAJARAN BAGI GURU-GURU SAMA DI KABUPATEN KLUNGKUNG DAN KARANGASEM
Authors: Suardana I Nyoman
Published: February 2017

Mutu pendidikan pada jenjang SMA di Kabupaten Klungkung dan Karangasem masih rendah. Hal ini tercermin dari hasil capaian ujian nasional yang belum optimal, yaitu beberapa kompetensi siswa < 60. Untuk meningkatan mutu pendidikan ini dilakukan Penerapan Model Pendampingan Terpadu Berbasis Kaji Tindak Pembelajaran. Sasaran progam pengabdian PM-PMP ini meliputi guru-guru mata pelajaran SMA yang di-UN- kan, kepala SMA, dan pengawas SMA di Kabupaten Klungkung dan  Karangasem. Model pendampingan ini mencakup empat kegiatan pokok, yaitu: (1) diklat pendalaman materi pelajaran, pembelajaran inovatif dan asesmen, lesson study, manajemen sekolah, dan supervisi pendidikan; (2) lesson study di sekolah sampel; (3) evaluasi keefektivan model; dan (4) FGD tindak lanjut pengembangan mutu pendidikan. Hasil penerapan model ini adalah sebagai berikut. Guru, kepala sekolah, dan pengawas memberi respon positif terhadap pelaksanan diklat dan lesson study. Guru-guru dapat melaksanakan lesson study dengan baik. Guru-guru sudah mulai terbuka dengan pembelajaran yang dilakukan. Mereka sangat merasakan manfaat lesson study bahwa pembelajaran yang dirancang dan direfleksikan secara bersama-sama akan lebih baik dibandingkan apabila dilakukan sendiri. Efektivitas pembelajaran, juga ditunjukkan oleh respon positif dari sebagian besar siswa. Melalui lesson study, kepala sekolah dan pengawas dapat mengadakan supervisi langsung terhadap dokumen perangkat pembelajaran dan pembelajaran riil  di  kelas.  Untuk  itu,  direkomendasikan  agar  model  ini dapat dilanjutkan dan diperluas sasarannya mencakup pendidikan dasar dan menengah.
PELATIHAN PENELITIAN TINDAKAN SEKOLAH MELALUI IMPLEMENTASI REFLECTIVE MODEL PADA PENGAWAS DAN KEPALA SEKOLAH SD DI KECAMATAN BULELENG
Authors: Nitiasih Putu Kerti
Published: February 2017

Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat ini bertujuan untuk memberikan pelatihan kepada Pengawas dan Kepala Sekolah di kecamatan Buleleng tentang Penelitian Tindakan Kelas dengan menggunakan model pelatihan Reflektif. Hasil pelatihan ini dapat meningkatkan kemampuan Pengawas dan Kepala Sekolah dalam : (1) menentukan permasalahan- permasalahan sekolah, (2) menemukan cara memperbaiki (treatment) terhadap masalah-masalah  yang dihadapi sekolah, (3)menyusun usulan  Penelitian Tindakan Sekolah dan melaksanakannya sebagai kegiatan pengembangan profesinya sebagai pengawas dan kepala sekolah. Hasil pengabdian ini dapat Meningkatkan   kemampuan Pengawas dan Kepala Sekolah dalam memberikan informasi yang benar dan memotivasi guru untuk mampu melaksanakan Penelitian Tindakan Kelas sebagai kegiatan pengembangan  profesi guru.
Äänittäminen, autoeroottisuus ja mikrofoni-iho
Authors: Riikonen Taina
Published: February 2017

Artikkeliin liittyvät äänitteet ovat kuunneltavissa sivulta: http://www.etnomusikologia.fi/p/av2016.html
Simulation Based Medical Education (SBME)
Authors: Mishra S. M.
Published: February 2017

JNGMC Vol. 13 No. 2 December 2015, Page : 1-1
Correlation Between MERI and Hearing After Tympanoplasty
Authors: Sharma Anshu , Saxena R. K. , Verma Lok Ram , Bhandari Shama
Published: February 2017

Background: Chronic otitis media is otological challenge in the developing countries it is particularly single most common cause of hearing impairement.Objective: The objective of this study was to observe the impact of prognostic factor middle ear risk index on hearing of patients undergoing tympanoplasty for chronic otitis media.Methods: This was a prospective analytical study conducted in 50 patients planned for tympanoplasty for chronic otitis media and evaluation done by MERI (Middle Ear Risk Index) and pure tone audiometry.Results: This study shows that most of the patients had mild MERI (64%), followed by severe MERI (20%) and then moderate MERI (16%). The mean preoperative PTA average was 44.34 dB (SD 8.01 dB) for patient with mild MERI, 44.75 dB (SD 5.87 dB) for patient with moderate MERI, and 54.9 dB (SD 14.05 dB) for patient with severe MERI and the mean preoperative A-B gap was 37.36 dB (SD 5.73 dB). Post operatively for mild MERI mean hearing gain is 12-14dB, for moderate MERI mean hearing gain is 10-13dB and for severe MERI mean hearing gain is 10-13dB and post operative mean A-B gap was improved by 10-11dB. There is a statistically significant hearing improvement in A-B gap with different types of MERI.Conclusion: MERI scoring is useful for predicating the outcome of hearing after tympanoplasty.JNGMC Vol. 13 No. 2 December 2015, Page: 6-9
Prospective Analysis of Surgical Treatment For Displaced Midshaft Clavicle Fractures in Adults
Authors: Gurung Sandeep , K.C. Dipendra
Published: February 2017

Background:  The  traditional  view  that  the  vast  majority  of  midshaft  clavicular  fractures  heal  with  good  functional  outcomes following non-operative treatment may be no longer valid for all midshaft clavicular fractures. And it is becoming increasingly apparent that clavicular malunion is a distinct clinical entity with radiographic, orthopedic, neurologic, and cosmetic features. Recent studies have shown a high prevalence of symptomatic malunion and nonunion after nonoperative treatment of displaced midshaft clavicular fractures.Objective: To analyze the demography of midshaft clavicular fracture and to observe union time, DASH score, and complication of surgical treatment.  Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study of 34 cases with midshaft clavicle fracture was conducted in Nepalgunj medical college, Kohalpur in a time span of one year. Patients were treated operatively with plating and followed up at 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 18 weeks, 6 and 12 month.Results: Thirty four patients (Male: 29 Female: 5) with average age 32.95 years (range: 19 to 59 years) were operated for clavicular fracture with male predominance (85.30%). The mean time for fracture healing was 16.24 weeks and mean DASH score was 13.58.Conclusions: Displaced midshaft clavicular fracture can be effectively managed with plating and have improved functional outcome and shorter time for union.JNGMC Vol. 13 No. 2 December 2015, Page: 17-20
Results of Displaced Lisfranc Injuries with Open Reduction and Fixation with K-Wires
Authors: Shrestha Dinesh Kumar , Dhungel Binayak , Lakhanpal V. P. , Mishra S. M.
Published: February 2017

Background: The Lisfranc injury is an injury of the foot in which one or more metatarsal bones are displaced from the tarsal bones. Due to their low incidence and complexity, these injuries are often missed on initial evaluation. Prompt recognition and then anatomic reduction and stabilization gives best outcomes post treatment.Aim: The study aimed to compare short-term treatment results for tarso-metatarsal joint injuries with treatment outcomes and compare it with type of injury per classification.Methods: This was a prospective observational, analytical hospital based study. The subjects included in the study were classified according to radiological findings and treated with open reduction and K-wire fixation. Study subjects were immobilized for six weeks. Weight bearing was progressed slowly. Short term result was calculated by American orthopaedic foot and ankle society score (AOFAS) at six months.  Results: Of the nine cases included in the study, low energy fall, five (55.55%) was commoner cause for injury followed by high energy road traffic accident (RTA) in four (44.44%) patients. Six fractures (66.67%) were of type A while, three (33.3%) were type B. Average day from injury to surgery was 3.11 (range 2-5). AOFAS Score calculated in six months average was 82.44(SD±12.79). In patients with type A injury mean AOFAS score was 89(SD±2.6), while in patients with type B injury had mean of 69.33(SD±15.82). The AOFAS score difference for the group A and B was statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusions: Lisfranc injuries are life changing injuries as scores of AOFAS get lower even after 6 months of injury. Patients with type B injuries have poorer outcome than type A injuries.JNGMC Vol. 13 No. 2 December 2015, Page: 35-37
Study of Ovarian Masses in Young Females: A Hospital Based Study
Authors: Paul B. J. , Lamsal B. , Sinha K. , Das C. R.
Published: February 2017

Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyze various clinical presentations, and the management of ovarian lesion in the young girls.Materials and methods: All the patients within the age limit of 20, who were admitted in the department of obstetrics and gynecology in NGMC between October 2011 to September 2015 with a diagnosis of an ovarian mass were analyzed. Age, presenting  symptoms,  duration  of  symptoms,  physical  examination  findings  and  radiological  imaging  results  were  obtained. Ultrasonography was the gold standard for the diagnosis. The preliminary and final diagnoses were recorded.Results:  25 patients were identified, diagnosis of functional cyst was accounted for 9, 5 were hemorrhagic cyst and chocolate cyst and neoplastic tumors were accounted for 11 patients during the same period. The most common presenting complaint was abdominal pain. On physical examination 8 girls had abdominal tenderness and 15 patients had palpable masses.Conclusion: Ovarian masses presenting with abdominal complaint can mimic other diseases. Ultrasound examination is one of the most important diagnostic tools. Preoperative diagnostic  approach  of  the  patient  includes  careful  history  taking, physical  examination,  imaging  and  evaluation  of  biological markers in selective cases. Conservative surgery is advocated to preserve the fertility potential of these patients.JNGMC Vol. 13 No. 2 December 2015, Page: 38-41
DFT Investigation of the Kinetics and Mechanism of the Thermal Decomposition of Oxalic Acid
Authors: Khavani Mohammad , Izadyar Mohammad , Jamsaz Azam
Published: February 2017

Density functional theory calculations with different functionals have been performed to investigate the kinetics and mechanism of the thermal decomposition of oxalic acid in the gas phase and in solution in aniline, N-methylaniline, quinoline and DMSO. Five major possible mechanisms for this reaction have been proposed. Comparison between the theoretical data and experimental results shows that in the most probable path of this reaction CO, CO2 and H2O are produced. Moreover, this reaction is a little faster in the gas phase than in solvents. Quantum theory of atoms in molecules analysis indicates that C–C and O–H bond formations in the transition states have a covalent nature, because the ratios of kinetic energy density to potential energy density at the corresponding bond critical points are smaller than 0.5. Based on natural bond orbital analysis, during transition state formation, the interaction energy between the lone pair of electrons of the oxygen atom and the π* molecular orbital of the critical C–O bond is reduced and solvents affect the charge transfer process.
Proanthocyanidin Characterization and Bioactivity of Extracts from Different Parts of Uncaria tomentosa L. (Cat’s Claw)
Authors: Navarro-Hoyos Mirtha , Lebrón-Aguilar Rosa , Quintanilla-López Jesús , Cueva Carolina , Hevia David , Quesada Silvia , Azofeifa Gabriela , Moreno-Arribas M. , Monagas María , Bartolomé Begoña
Published: February 2017

Apart from alkaloids, bioactive properties of Uncaria tomentosa L. have been attributed to its phenolic constituents. Although there are some reports concerning low-molecular-weight polyphenols in U. tomentosa, its polymeric phenolic composition has been scarcely studied. In this study, phenolic-rich extracts from leaves, stems, bark and wood (n = 14) of Uncaria tomentosa plants from several regions of Costa Rica were obtained and analysed in respect to their proanthocyanidin profile determined by a quadrupole-time-of-flight analyser (ESI-QTOF MS). Main structural characteristics found for U. tomentosa proanthocyanidins were: (a) monomer composition, including pure procyanidins (only composed of (epi)catechin units) and propelargonidins (only composed of (epi)afzelechin units) as well as mixed proanthocyanidins; and (b) degree of polymerization, from 3 up to 11 units. In addition, U. tomentosa phenolic extracts were found to exhibit reasonable antioxidant capacity (ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) values between 1.5 and 18.8 mmol TE/g) and antimicrobial activity against potential respiratory pathogens (minimum IC50 of 133 µg/mL). There were also found to be particularly cytotoxic to gastric adenocarcinoma AGS and colon adenocarcinoma SW620 cell lines. The results state the particularities of U. tomentosa proanthocyanidins and suggest the potential value of these extracts with prospective use as functional ingredients.
A Novel Optical Morse Code-Based Electronic Lock Using the Ambient Light Sensor and Fuzzy Controller
Authors: Lee Chin-Tan , Shen Tung-Chun , Lee Win-Der
Published: February 2017

In this work, a novel electronic lock that can encode and decode optical signals, modulated using Morse code conventions, was developed to build a smart home security system based on the Internet of Things (IoT). There are five topics of interest in this research: (1) optical Morse code encoder; (2) optical Morse code decoder; (3) ambient light sensor circuit; (4) fuzzy controller; (5) cloud monitoring system. We take advantage of the light-emitting components as the encoder, which are readily available in hand-held mobile devices (e.g., Smart phones) and photoresistors and a microcontroller as the decoder. By Wi-Fi transferring, even without a personal computer, real-time information about this lock can be uploaded to the cloud service platform, and helps users to ensure home safety on the remote monitoring system. By using the ambient light sensor and fuzzy controller in this novel optical Morse code-based electronic lock, experimental results show that the reliability of this system is much improved from 65% to 100%. That means that it is highly resistant to different illumination conditions in the work environment, and therefore all functions, including coding, emitting, receiving, decoding, uploading and cloud monitoring, can work well. Furthermore, besides the convenience and cost reduction, by incorporating traditional keys into smart phones, as a consumer electronics, our proposed system is suitable for users of all ages because of a user-friendly operation interface.
Steady-State Creep of Asphalt Concrete
Authors: Iskakbayev Alibai , Teltayev Bagdat , Oliviero Rossi Cesare
Published: February 2017

This paper reports the experimental investigation of the steady-state creep process for fine-grained asphalt concrete at a temperature of 20 ± 2 °С and under stress from 0.055 to 0.311 MPa under direct tension and was found to occur at a constant rate. The experimental results also determined the start, the end point, and the duration of the steady-state creep process. The dependence of these factors, in addition to the steady-state creep rate and viscosity of the asphalt concrete on stress is satisfactorily described by a power function. Furthermore, it showed that stress has a great impact on the specific characteristics of asphalt concrete: stress variation by one order causes their variation by 3–4.5 orders. The described relations are formulated for the steady-state of asphalt concrete in a complex stressed condition. The dependence is determined between stress intensity and strain rate intensity.
Description of Anomalous Noise Events for Reliable Dynamic Traffic Noise Mapping in Real-Life Urban and Suburban Soundscapes
Authors: Alías Francesc , Socoró Joan
Published: February 2017

Traffic noise is one of the main pollutants in urban and suburban areas. European authorities have driven several initiatives to study, prevent and reduce the effects of exposure of population to traffic. Recent technological advances have allowed the dynamic computation of noise levels by means of Wireless Acoustic Sensor Networks (WASN) such as that developed within the European LIFE DYNAMAP project. Those WASN should be capable of detecting and discarding non-desired sound sources from road traffic noise, denoted as anomalous noise events (ANE), in order to generate reliable noise level maps. Due to the local, occasional and diverse nature of ANE, some works have opted to artificially build ANE databases at the cost of misrepresentation. This work presents the production and analysis of a real-life environmental audio database in two urban and suburban areas specifically conceived for anomalous noise events’ collection. A total of 9 h 8 min of labelled audio data is obtained differentiating among road traffic noise, background city noise and ANE. After delimiting their boundaries manually, the acoustic salience of the ANE samples is automatically computed as a contextual signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The analysis of the real-life environmental database shows high diversity of ANEs in terms of occurrences, durations and SNRs, as well as confirming both the expected differences between the urban and suburban soundscapes in terms of occurrences and SNRs, and the rare nature of ANE.
Circadian Rhythms and Hormonal Homeostasis: Pathophysiological Implications
Authors: Gnocchi Davide , Bruscalupi Giovannella
Published: February 2017

Over recent years, a deeper comprehension of the molecular mechanisms that control biological clocks and circadian rhythms has been achieved. In fact, many studies have contributed to unravelling the importance of the molecular clock for the regulation of our physiology, including hormonal and metabolic homeostasis. Here we will review the structure, organisation and molecular machinery that make our circadian clock work, and its relevance for the proper functioning of physiological processes. We will also describe the interconnections between circadian rhythms and endocrine homeostasis, as well as the underlying consequences that circadian dysregulations might have in the development of several pathologic affections. Finally, we will discuss how a better knowledge of such relationships might prove helpful in designing new therapeutic approaches for endocrine and metabolic diseases.
Morphology-Dependent Properties of Cu/CeO2 Catalysts for the Water-Gas Shift Reaction
Authors: Ren Zhibo , Peng Fei , Li Jianwei , Liang Xin , Chen Biaohua
Published: February 2017

CeO2 nanooctahedrons, nanorods, and nanocubes were prepared by the hydrothermal method and were then used as supports of Cu-based catalysts for the water-gas shift (WGS) reaction. The chemical and physical properties of these catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), N2 adsorption/desorption, UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), hydrogen temperature-programmed reduction (H2-TPR) and in situ diffuse reflectance infra-red fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) techniques. Characterization results indicate that the morphology of the CeO2 supports, originating from the selective exposure of different crystal planes, has a distinct impact on the dispersion of Cu and the catalytic properties. The nanooctahedron CeO2 catalyst (Cu-CeO2-O) showed the best dispersion of Cu, the largest amount of moderate copper oxide, and the strongest Cu-support interaction. Consequently, the Cu-CeO2-O catalyst exhibited the highest CO conversion at the temperature range of 150–250 °C when compared with the nanocube and nanorod Cu-CeO2 catalysts. The optimized Cu content of the Cu-CeO2-O catalysts is 10 wt % and the CO conversion reaches 91.3% at 300 °C. A distinctive profile assigned to the evolution of different types of carbonate species was observed in the 1000–1800 cm−1 region of the in situ DRIFTS spectra and a particular type of carbonate species was identified as a potential key reaction intermediate at low temperature.
ChemEngineering—Inaugural Editorial
Authors: Rodrigues Alírio
Published: February 2017

I am pleased to introduce ChemEngineering, a new peer-reviewed, open access journal, on behalf of the Editorial Board members. [...]
Selectivity and Efficiency of Conductive Molecularly Imprinted Polymer (c-MIP) Based on 5-Phenyl-Dipyrromethane and 5-Phenol-Dipyrromethane for Quorum Sensing Precursors Detection
Authors: Susmel Sabina , Comuzzi Clara
Published: February 2017

Functional polymers that selectively recognize target compounds are developed by imprinting polymerization. In the present paper, two different dipyrromethanes, 5-phenol-dipyrromethane (5-pOH-DP) and 5-phenyl-dipyrromethane (5-ph-DP), are synthetized and investigated to develop conductive molecularly imprinted polymer (cMIP) sensors. As target molecules, two homoserine lactone derivatives were templated by an electrochemically driven polymerization process. Acyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs), also called homoserine lactones (HS), are a class of signaling molecules involved in bacterial quorum sensing (QS), which is a strategy of coordination among bacteria mediated by population density. The preparation of cMIP from 5-pOH-DP and 5-ph-DP in the presence of acetyl-homoserine lactone (Acetyl-HS) or carboxybenzyl-homoserine lactone (Cbz-HS) was performed by cyclic voltammetry (CV). The cMIP selectivity and sensitivity were assessed by microgravimetry (QCM). Both series of measurements were performed with the aid of an Electrochemical Quartz Crystal Microbalance (EQCM/QCM). The experimental evidences are discussed with respect to NMR measurements that were conducted to gain insight into the interactions established between monomers and templates. The NMR data interpretation offers preliminary information about the most probable positions involved in interaction development for both molecules and highlights the role of the hydration shell. The QCM-cMIP sensor was able to detect the analyte in the linear range from 10−8 mol·L−1 to 10−6 mol·L−1 and a limit of detection (LOD) of 22.3 ng (3σ of the blank signal) were evaluated. QCM rebinding tests demonstrated that cMIP selectivity was driven by the pendant group of dipyrromethane, which was also confirmed by the NMR data.
Evidence-Based Psychological Interventions for the Management of Pediatric Chronic Pain: New Directions in Research and Clinical Practice
Authors: Coakley Rachael , Wihak Tessa
Published: February 2017

Over the past 20 years our knowledge about evidence-based psychological interventions for pediatric chronic pain has dramatically increased. Overall, the evidence in support of psychological interventions for pediatric chronic pain is strong, demonstrating positive psychological and behavioral effects for a variety of children with a range of pain conditions. However, wide scale access to effective psychologically-based pain management treatments remains a challenge for many children who suffer with pain. Increasing access to care and reducing persistent biomedical biases that inhibit attainment of psychological services are a central focus of current pain treatment interventions. Additionally, as the number of evidence-based treatments increase, tailoring treatments to a child or family’s particular needs is increasingly possible. This article will (1) discuss the theoretical frameworks as well as the specific psychological skills and strategies that currently hold promise as effective agents of change; (2) review and summarize trends in the development of well-researched outpatient interventions over the past ten years; and (3) discuss future directions for intervention research on pediatric chronic pain.
Parameter Identification with the Random Perturbation Particle Swarm Optimization Method and Sensitivity Analysis of an Advanced Pressurized Water Reactor Nuclear Power Plant Model for Power Systems
Authors: Wang Li , Zhao Jie , Liu Dichen , Lin Yi , Zhao Yu , Lin Zhangsui , Zhao Ting , Lei Yong
Published: February 2017

The ability to obtain appropriate parameters for an advanced pressurized water reactor (PWR) unit model is of great significance for power system analysis. The attributes of that ability include the following: nonlinear relationships, long transition time, intercoupled parameters and difficult obtainment from practical test, posed complexity and difficult parameter identification. In this paper, a model and a parameter identification method for the PWR primary loop system were investigated. A parameter identification process was proposed, using a particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm that is based on random perturbation (RP-PSO). The identification process included model variable initialization based on the differential equations of each sub-module and program setting method, parameter obtainment through sub-module identification in the Matlab/Simulink Software (Math Works Inc., Natick, MA, USA) as well as adaptation analysis for an integrated model. A lot of parameter identification work was carried out, the results of which verified the effectiveness of the method. It was found that the change of some parameters, like the fuel temperature and coolant temperature feedback coefficients, changed the model gain, of which the trajectory sensitivities were not zero. Thus, obtaining their appropriate values had significant effects on the simulation results. The trajectory sensitivities of some parameters in the core neutron dynamic module were interrelated, causing the parameters to be difficult to identify. The model parameter sensitivity could be different, which would be influenced by the model input conditions, reflecting the parameter identifiability difficulty degree for various input conditions.
Surface Assisted Combustion of Hydrogen-Oxygen Mixture in Nanobubbles Produced by Electrolysis
Authors: Prokaznikov Alexander , Tas Niels , Svetovoy Vitaly
Published: February 2017

The spontaneous combustion of hydrogen–oxygen mixture observed in nanobubbles at room temperature is a puzzling phenomenon that has no explanation in the standard combustion theory. We suggest that the hydrogen atoms needed to ignite the reaction could be generated on charged sites at the gas–liquid interface. Equations of chemical kinetics augmented by the surface dissociation of hydrogen molecules are solved, keeping the dissociation probability as a parameter. It is predicted that in contrast with the standard combustion, the surface-assisted process can proceed at room temperature, resulting not only in water, but also in a perceptible amount of hydrogen peroxide in the final state. The combustion time for the nanobubbles with a size of about 100 nm is in the range of 1–100 ns, depending on the dissociation probability.
Interpolating and Estimating Horizontal Diffuse Solar Irradiation to Provide UK-Wide Coverage: Selection of the Best Performing Models
Authors: Palmer Diane , Cole Ian , Betts Tom , Gottschalg Ralph
Published: February 2017

Plane-of-array (PoA) irradiation data is a requirement to simulate the energetic performance of photovoltaic devices (PVs). Normally, solar data is only available as global horizontal irradiation, for a limited number of locations, and typically in hourly time resolution. One approach to handling this restricted data is to enhance it initially by interpolation to the location of interest; next, it must be translated to PoA data by separately considering the diffuse and the beam components. There are many methods of interpolation. This research selects ordinary kriging as the best performing technique by studying mathematical properties, experimentation and leave-one-out-cross validation. Likewise, a number of different translation models has been developed, most of them parameterised for specific measurement setups and locations. The work presented identifies the optimum approach for the UK on a national scale. The global horizontal irradiation will be split into its constituent parts. Divers separation models were tried. The results of each separation algorithm were checked against measured data distributed across the UK. It became apparent that while there is little difference between procedures (14 Wh/m2 mean bias error (MBE), 12 Wh/m2 root mean square error (RMSE)), the Ridley, Boland, Lauret equation (a universal split algorithm) consistently performed well. The combined interpolation/separation RMSE is 86 Wh/m2).
Discrete Fracture Network Modelling in a Naturally Fractured Carbonate Reservoir in the Jingbei Oilfield, China
Authors: Fang Junling , Zhou Fengde , Tang Zhonghua
Published: February 2017

This paper presents an integrated approach of discrete fracture network modelling for a naturally fractured buried-hill carbonate reservoir in the Jingbei Oilfield by using a 3D seismic survey, conventional well logs, and core data. The ant tracking attribute, extracted from 3D seismic data, is used to detect the faults and large-scale fractures. Fracture density and dip angle are evaluated by observing drilling cores of seven wells. The fracture density distribution in spatiality was predicted in four steps; firstly, the ant tracking attribute was extracted as a geophysical log; then an artificial neural network model was built by relating the fracture density with logs, e.g., acoustic, gamma ray, compensated neutron, density, and ant tracking; then 3D distribution models of acoustic, gamma ray, compensated neutron and density were generated by using a Gaussian random function simulation; and, finally, the fracture density distribution in 3D was predicted by using the generated artificial neural network model. Then, different methods were used to build the discrete fracture network model for different types of fractures of which large-scale fractures were modelled deterministically and small-scale fractures were modelled stochastically. The results show that the workflow presented in this study is effective for building discrete fracture network models for naturally fractured reservoirs.
Model to Evaluate Pro-Environmental Consumer Practices
Authors: Aguilar-Salinas Wendolyn , Ojeda-Benitez Sara , Cruz-Sotelo Samantha , Castro-Rodríguez Juan
Published: February 2017

The consumer plays a key role in resource conservation; therefore, it is important to know consumer behavior to identify consumer profiles and to promote pro-environmental practices in society that encourage resource conservation and reductions in waste generation. The purpose of this paper is to implement a fuzzy model to evaluate consumer behavior in relation to three pro-environmental practices that can be implemented at the household level, including reductions in resource consumption (reduce), reuse of resources (reuse), and recycling (recycle). To identify socio-demographic profiles that characterize an environmentally responsible consumer, 2831 surveys were applied on a representative sample of consumers residing in a Mexican city. Fuzzy logic and neural networks were applied using a Sugeno-type subtractive clustering to determine each profile. The model input variables were socioeconomic status, age, education level, monthly income, occupation and the type of organizations with which the consumer is affiliated. The output variables were represented by pro-environmental practices. Results show that the consumer practices are performed independently of each other, with the most frequent pro-environmental consumer practices being reduction and reuse.
Examining the Effects of Ambient Temperature on Pre-Term Birth in Central Australia
Authors: Mathew Supriya , Mathur Deepika , Chang Anne , McDonald Elizabeth , Singh Gurmeet , Nur Darfiana , Gerritsen Rolf
Published: February 2017

Preterm birth (born before 37 completed weeks of gestation) is one of the leading causes of death among children under 5 years of age. Several recent studies have examined the association between extreme temperature and preterm births, but there have been almost no such studies in arid Australia. In this paper, we explore the potential association between exposures to extreme temperatures during the last 3 weeks of pregnancy in a Central Australian town. An immediate effect of temperature exposure is observed with an increased relative risk of 1%–2% when the maximum temperature exceeded the 90th percentile of the summer season maximum temperature data. Delayed effects are also observed closer to 3 weeks before delivery when the relative risks tend to increase exponentially. Immediate risks to preterm birth are also observed for cold temperature exposures (0 to –6 °C), with an increased relative risk of up to 10%. In the future, Central Australia will face more hot days and less cold days due to climate change and hence the risks posed by extreme heat is of particular relevance to the community and health practitioners.
Characteristics of Traditional Chinese Medicine Use in Pediatric Dislocations, Sprains and Strains
Authors: Lu Chung-Yen , Chang Hen-Hong , Sung Fung-Chang , Chen Pei-Chun
Published: February 2017

Background and Objectives: Dislocations, sprains and strains are common childhood musculoskeletal injuries, requiring medical attention. We investigated the characteristics associated with using traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for children suffering from these injuries. Methods: From a nationwide representative insurance database of Taiwan, this cross-sectional study identified 50,769 children with dislocations, sprains and strains under 18 years of age, newly diagnosed between 1999 and 2009, without previous TCM experience. Children who initiated treatment with TCM (n = 24,063, 47.4%) were defined as TCM users, others were in the non-TCM group. Multivariable logistic regression models estimated odds ratios (ORs) of TCM use. Results: Girls and children living in central Taiwan (vs. northern) were associated with higher TCM use. The adjusted ORs (95% confidence interval (CI)) of TCM uses were 1.60 (1.42–1.79) for patients of 3–5 years, 2.20 (1.99–2.42) of 6–12 years and 1.82 (1.64–2.01) of 13–17 years, compared with those of the <2 years group. TCM users were less likely to have outpatient visits for Western medicine care and hospitalizations in the previous year. The TCM group was nearly twice more likely than the non-user group to receive treatments at local clinics (99.1% vs. 53.3%, p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study reveals important demographic and medical factors associated with TCM uses for children with dislocations, sprains and strains. Interestingly, local clinics are the main healthcare facilities providing TCM services. Further studies are needed to evaluate the outcomes of TCM treatment for these musculoskeletal injuries.
Mosquitocidal Activity and Mode of Action of the Isoxazoline Fluralaner
Authors: Jiang Shiyao , Tsikolia Maia , Bernier Ulrich , Bloomquist Jeffrey
Published: February 2017

Mosquitoes, such as Aedes aegypti and Anopheles gambiae, are important vectors of human diseases. Fluralaner, a recently introduced parasiticide, was evaluated as a mosquitocide in this study. On Ae. aegypti and An. gambiae fourth-instar larvae, fluralaner had 24-h LC50 (lethal concentration for 50% mortality) values of 1.8 ppb and 0.4 ppb, respectively. Following topical application to adult Ae. aegypti, fluralaner toxicity reached a plateau in about 3 days, with 1- and 3-day LD50 (lethal dose for 50% mortality) values of 1.3 ng/mg and 0.26 ng/mg, suggesting a slowly developing toxicity. Fipronil outperformed fluralaner by up to 100-fold in adult topical, glass contact, and feeding assays on Ae. aegypti. These data show that fluralaner does not have exceptional toxicity to mosquitoes in typical exposure paradigms. In electrophysiological recordings on Drosophila melanogaster larval central nervous system, the effectiveness of fluralaner for restoring nerve firing after gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) treatment, a measure of GABA antagonism, was similar in susceptible Oregon-R and cyclodiene-resistant rdl-1675 strains, with EC50 (half maximal effective concentration) values of 0.34 µM and 0.29 µM. Although this finding suggests low cross resistance in the presence of rdl, the moderate potency, low contact activity, and slow action of fluralaner argue against its use as an adult mosquitocide for vector control.
A 27-Intersection Model for Representing Detailed Topological Relations between Spatial Objects in Two-Dimensional Space
Authors: Shen Jingwei , Zhou Tinggang , Chen Min
Published: February 2017

Determining the spatial relations between objects is a primary function of a geographic information system (GIS). One important aspect of spatial relations is topological relations, which remain constant under topological transformations. Describing the geometry of a spatial object using the OpenGIS Simple Features Specification requires only simple features: the interior, boundary and exterior of a spatial object are defined. This paper proposes a comprehensive model, the 27-intersection model (27IM), which considers both the dimensions and the number of intersections. Some propositions are presented to exclude relations that the 27IM cannot implement. The 27IM describes six groups of topological relations: point/point, point/line, point/region, line/line, line/region and region/region. The formalism of the 27IM and the corresponding geometric interpretations between spatial objects are illustrated and then compared to the topological relations represented by the existing models, the nine-intersection model (9IM), the dimensionally-extended nine-intersection matrix (DE-9IM) and the separation number extended nine-intersection matrix (SNE-9IM). The results show that (1) the 27IM can represent the topological relations between two-dimensional spatial objects, (2) the 27IM can distinguish more topological relations than can the 9IM, DE-9IM or the SNE-9IM and that (3) the interoperability of the 27IM with the 9IM, DE-9IM and SNE-9IM is good.
Locating Automated External Defibrillators in a Complicated Urban Environment Considering a Pedestrian-Accessible Network that Focuses on Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrests
Authors: Kwon Pil , Kim Min-Jun , Lee Youngmin , Yu Kiyun , Huh Yong
Published: February 2017

Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are portable devices that defibrillate and diagnose sudden-cardiac-arrest patients. Therefore, AEDs are widely installed in public places such as airports, schools, sport complexes, etc., and the installation of AEDs is required by law in these places. However, despite their usefulness, AEDs are mostly installed indoors with limited coverage outdoors. Hence, this study conducts research in the placement of AEDs in outdoor locations. This study considers a complicated urban environment using a pedestrian network dataset and network barriers. We draw on the Teitz and Bart’s (1968) heuristic method that was built in the location-allocation solver in ArcMap. The results of this study found that a total of 455 AEDs, including 227 pre-installed AEDs, could be placed in the study area, thus providing an additional 228 devices. Compared with 10 different installation methods that were set as experimental groups, our test results found that additional installations were able to cover 10% to 30% more actual out-of-hospital cardiac-arrest cases. The main contribution of this study is the proposal of a new method in locating AEDs in optimal areas while considering complicated urban environments. We predict that the cardiac-arrest-related mortality rate would be reduced through implementing the findings of this study.
The Fungal Mycobiome and Its Interaction with Gut Bacteria in the Host
Authors: Sam Qi , Chang Matthew , Chai Louis
Published: February 2017

The advent of sequencing technology has endowed us with the capacity to study microbes constituting the human commensal community that were previously non-culturable. Much of the initial works have concentrated on the bacterial flora constituting the gut microbiome, since specimens are readily accessible in health and disease. Less, however, is understood of the “silent population”—the fungal species, also known as the mycobiome. Living in symbiosis with bacteria as commensals in our body, it is perceivable that the mycobiome exerts an inadvertent influence on the microbiome. We review here the recent knowledge gained from study of the interaction between the mycobiome and microbiome in health and disease susceptibility, immunity, and consequences from antimicrobial treatment.
The Current State of Nanoparticle-Induced Macrophage Polarization and Reprogramming Research
Authors: Miao Xiaoyuan , Leng Xiangfeng , Zhang Qiu
Published: February 2017

Macrophages are vital regulators of the host defense in organisms. In response to different local microenvironments, resting macrophages (M0) can be polarized into different phenotypes, pro-inflammatory (M1) or anti-inflammatory (M2), and perform different roles in different physiological or pathological conditions. Polarized macrophages can also be further reprogrammed by reversing their phenotype according to the changed milieu. Macrophage polarization and reprogramming play essential roles in maintaining the steady state of the immune system and are involved in the processes of many diseases. As foreign substances, nanoparticles (NPs) mainly target macrophages after entering the body. NPs can perturb the polarization and reprogramming of macrophages, affect their immunological function and, therefore, affect the pathological process of disease. Optimally-designed NPs for the modulation of macrophage polarization and reprogramming might provide new solutions for treating diseases. Systematically investigating how NPs affect macrophage polarization is crucial for understanding the regulatory effects of NPs on immune cells in vivo. In this review, macrophage polarization by NPs is summarized and discussed.
Exogenous PTHrP Repairs the Damaged Fracture Healing of PTHrP+/− Mice and Accelerates Fracture Healing of Wild Mice
Authors: Wang Yinhe , Fang Xin , Wang Chun , Ding Congzhu , Lin Hua , Liu Anlong , Wang Lei , Cao Yang
Published: February 2017

Bone fracture healing is a complicated physiological regenerative process initiated in response to injury and is similar to bone development. To demonstrate whether an exogenous supply of parathyroid hormone–related protein (PTHrP) helps in bone fracture healing, closed mid-diaphyseal femur fractures were created and stabilized with intramedullary pins in eight-week-old wild-type (WT) PTHrP+/+ and PTHrP+/− mice. After administering PTHrP for two weeks, callus tissue properties were analyzed at one, two, and four weeks post-fracture (PF) by various methods. Bone formation–related genes and protein expression levels were evaluated by real-time reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction and Western blots. At two weeks PF, mineral density of callus, bony callus areas, mRNA levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), type I collagen, Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx-2), and protein levels of Runx-2 and insulin-like growth factor-1 decreased in PTHrP+/− mice compared with WT mice. At four weeks PF, total collagen-positive bony callus areas, osteoblast number, ALP-positive areas, and type I collagen-positive areas all decreased in PTHrP+/− mice. At both two and four weeks PF, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase–positive osteoclast number and surface decreased a little in PTHrP+/− mice. The study indicates that exogenous PTHrP provided by subcutaneous injection could redress impaired bone fracture healing, leading to mutation of activated PTHrP by influencing callus areas, endochondral bone formation, osteoblastic bone formation, and bone turnover.
Learning to Recommend Point-of-Interest with the Weighted Bayesian Personalized Ranking Method in LBSNs
Authors: Guo Lei , Jiang Haoran , Wang Xinhua , Liu Fangai
Published: February 2017

Point-of-interest (POI) recommendation has been well studied in recent years. However, most of the existing methods focus on the recommendation scenarios where users can provide explicit feedback. In most cases, however, the feedback is not explicit, but implicit. For example, we can only get a user’s check-in behaviors from the history of what POIs she/he has visited, but never know how much she/he likes and why she/he does not like them. Recently, some researchers have noticed this problem and began to learn the user preferences from the partial order of POIs. However, these works give equal weight to each POI pair and cannot distinguish the contributions from different POI pairs. Intuitively, for the two POIs in a POI pair, the larger the frequency difference of being visited and the farther the geographical distance between them, the higher the contribution of this POI pair to the ranking function. Based on the above observations, we propose a weighted ranking method for POI recommendation. Specifically, we first introduce a Bayesian personalized ranking criterion designed for implicit feedback to POI recommendation. To fully utilize the partial order of POIs, we then treat the cost function in a weighted way, that is give each POI pair a different weight according to their frequency of being visited and the geographical distance between them. Data analysis and experimental results on two real-world datasets demonstrate the existence of user preference on different POI pairs and the effectiveness of our weighted ranking method.
Inside Honeybee Hives: Impact of Natural Propolis on the Ectoparasitic Mite Varroa destructor and Viruses
Authors: Drescher Nora , Klein Alexandra-Maria , Neumann Peter , Yañez Orlando , Leonhardt Sara
Published: February 2017

Social immunity is a key factor for honeybee health, including behavioral defense strategies such as the collective use of antimicrobial plant resins (propolis). While laboratory data repeatedly show significant propolis effects, field data are scarce, especially at the colony level. Here, we investigated whether propolis, as naturally deposited in the nests, can protect honeybees against ectoparasitic mites Varroa destructor and associated viruses, which are currently considered the most serious biological threat to European honeybee subspecies, Apis mellifera, globally. Propolis intake of 10 field colonies was manipulated by either reducing or adding freshly collected propolis. Mite infestations, titers of deformed wing virus (DWV) and sacbrood virus (SBV), resin intake, as well as colony strength were recorded monthly from July to September 2013. We additionally examined the effect of raw propolis volatiles on mite survival in laboratory assays. Our results showed no significant effects of adding or removing propolis on mite survival and infestation levels. However, in relation to V. destructor, DWV titers increased significantly less in colonies with added propolis than in propolis-removed colonies, whereas SBV titers were similar. Colonies with added propolis were also significantly stronger than propolis-removed colonies. These findings indicate that propolis may interfere with the dynamics of V. destructor-transmitted viruses, thereby further emphasizing the importance of propolis for honeybee health.
Enhanced Trapping of Yellowjacket Wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) via Spatial Partitioning of Attractants
Authors: Liang Dangsheng , Pietri Jose
Published: February 2017

Several yellowjacket species are important pests in both their native habitat and in areas where they are invasive. Traps that contain one or more chemical attractants to lure insects inside are commonly used to combat these yellowjackets in urban environments. Usually, attractants are placed within the trap and combined indiscriminately, though little is known about how this design influences trap attractiveness or efficacy. Here, using the common attractant heptyl butyrate in combination with chicken extract, we demonstrate that spatial partitioning of attractants results in increased capture of the western yellowjacket Vespula pensylvanica—a widespread pestiferous species. Specifically, we show that partitioning of these attractants results in increased visitation of yellowjackets to a trap while also leading to more individuals entering the trap. Further, we provide evidence that this effect is driven by the ability of heptyl butyrate to function as an attractant to the general location of the trap while also blocking the effects of meat extract as a trap-entering stimulus. Thus, our data challenge the current paradigm of combining attractants inside yellowjacket traps, and suggest that these methods can be improved through the consideration of spatial variables and interactions. Our results not only provide novel insight into the mechanisms of yellowjacket attraction, but are also likely to be applicable to the control of other insects for which attractant-based traps are used.