bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crecimiento económico y flujos de efectivo: aplicación al sector industrial de los departamentos de Antioquia y Valle del Cauca (Colombia)
Authors: Escobar Arias Gabriel Eduardo
Published: March 2018

Objetivos: determinar la relación entre el crecimiento económico y los flujos de efectivo de las empresas del sector industrial de los departamentos Antioquia y Valle del Cauca.Metodología: se partió de los estados financieros que las empresas industriales de Antioquia y Valle del Cauca reportaron a la Superintendencia de Sociedades de 1995 a 2103. El análisis se aplicó a 102 empresas de Antioquia y 65 del Valle, que hicieron este reporte de forma continua. A estas empresas se les calculó los flujos de efectivo de operación y financiación con los cuales se estableció la relación estadística con el crecimiento de la economía regional durante el mismo periodo con datos del Departamento Nacional de Estadística de Colombia.Resultados: la relación estadística entre los flujos de efectivo de operación y el crecimiento de la economía regional aumentó en Antioquia en 0,389 y en el Valle del Cauca en 0,879; se encontró insatisfactorio este resultado para realizar predicciones, pero al sumarle los flujos de efectivo de operación a la financiación la relación estadística aumentó a 0,740 en Antioquia y en el Valle de Cauca a 0,818; dato más preciso para hacer la predicción de los flujos de efectivo.Conclusiones: por la relación directa entre los flujos de efectivo de las empresas del sector industrial de Antioquia y Valle del Cauca y el crecimiento económico regional, se pueden hacer predicciones de los futuros flujos de efectivo para las empresas del sector.
Del aula a las redes sociales: Cyberbullying en dos universidades de Pachuca, Hidalgo (México)
Authors: Azul Kikey Castelli Olvera , Valles Ruiz Rosa María
Published: March 2018

Objetivos: determinar los alcances del bulliyng para estudiar el traspaso de este fenómeno de las aulas de clase a las redes sociales digitales e identificar el comportamiento de las agresiones que derivan de esas prácticas.Metodología: se aplicaron entrevistas semiestructuradas a 124 estudiantes de primer grado de licenciatura de escuelas de un establecimiento público y uno privado. Las entrevistas se integraron por 16 preguntas, que abarcaron desde el conocimiento de la definición de bullying hasta la intervención de las autoridades, para detectar y detener el acoso escolar.Resultados: hay un traslado de la práctica de bullying del aula a las redes sociales. Se observó una modificación en el contínuum en el tiempo de agresión y un incrementó entre las y los observadores que legitiman al agresor o agresora. Se trascienden los muros del aula escolar y se magnifica la humillación al compartirla en redes sociales, no sólo con el grupo escolar sino con redes de amistades más amplias.Conclusiones: el problema del acoso, la difamación y las amenazas en el aula va en aumento y pese a la existencia de programas dentro y fuera de las escuelas para detener el bullying, los estudios señalan que las llamadas víctimas psíquicas se incrementan. Los comportamientos de agresión entre pares no sólo aumentan sino que se modifican  conforme se incrementa la edad de las víctimas o victimarios. También se concluye que la edad y el sexo resultan variables que podrían orientar más estudios sobre la temática, pues de acuerdo con los resultados del estudio el fenómeno podría extenderse a edades más avanzadas.
Do International Students Appreciate Active Learning in Lectures?
Authors: Marrone Mauricio , Taylor Murray , Hammerle Mara
Published: March 2018

Active learning has been linked with increased student motivation, engagement and understanding of course material. It promotes deep learning, helping to develop critical thinking and writing skills in students. Less well understood, however, are the responses of international students to active learning. Using social constructivist theory, the purpose of this study is to examine domestic and international student perceptions of active learning introduced into large undergraduate Accounting Information Systems lectures. Several active learning strategies were implemented over one semester and examined through the use of semi-structured interviews as well as pre- and post- implementation surveys. Our results suggest broad improvements for international students in student engagement and understanding of unit material when implementing active learning strategies. Other key implications include international student preference for active learning compared with passive learning styles, and that international students may receive greater benefits from active learning strategies than domestic students due to social factors. Based on these findings this paper proposes that educators should seek to implement active learning to better assist and integrate students of diverse backgrounds.
Towards a product independent ERP training model: An Insight from a literature review
Authors: Motahar Seyed Mohammad , Mukhtar Muriati , Safie Nurhizam , Ma'arif Muhamad Yusnorizam , Mostafavi Shima
Published: March 2018

ERP can be called as one of the most significant contributions of computer science and particularly information systems for the business environment which can support all complicated business process of an organisation including sale, purchase, warehouse and manufacturing into a single database. For such complex system like ERP, implementation involves much collaboration which raises the concern of the success of the project. Among most significant success and failure factors of ERP implementation cited in the literature are training and consultation. For many years the majority of ERP vendors promote their product specific training models as long-term and expensive allowing the organisation to gain knowledge of the ERP system and the way it handles the business process. However, recent studies showed that ERP training can be conducted in the short term and with minimum investment and yet to be effective. Findings triggered a signal and opened a new door for research to investigate vendor-independent training models that require limited investment in training and consultancy. This paper aims to provide an overview of the literature; highlighting the research methods and theories used by authors towards building ERP training models and methods.
Current Practices and Priority Issues Regarding Nutritional Assessment and Patient Satisfaction with Hospital Menus
Authors: Greig Susan , Hekmat Sharareh , Garcia Alicia C.
Published: March 2018

Purpose: Patient satisfaction with hospital food enhances consumption and adequate intake of nutrients required for recovery from illness/injury and maintenance of health; accordingly, the nutrient content of the menu must balance patient preferences. This study of Ontario hospital foodservice departments collected data on current practices of analyzing the nutritional adequacy and assessing patient satisfaction with menus, and it explored perceptions of priority issues.

Methods: Foodservice managers/directors from 57 of 140 (41%) hospitals responded to cross-sectional in-depth telephone interviews. Deductive analysis of responses to open-ended questions supplemented quantitative data from closed-ended questions.

Results: The hospitals without long-term care facilities (LTCFs) assessed regular (58%), therapeutic (53%), and texture-modified (47%) menus for nutritional adequacy. This differed from hospitals governing LTCFs where there was a higher frequency of assessment of regular (75%), therapeutic (75%), and textured-modified (66%) menus. Most departments (86%–94%) obtained patient satisfaction feedback at the departmental/corporate levels. Many identified budget and labour issues as priorities rather than assessing menus for nutritional adequacy and patient satisfaction.

Conclusions: Hospital menus were not consistently assessed for nutritional adequacy and patient satisfaction; common assessment methodologies and standards were absent. Compliance standards seem to increase the frequency of menu assessment as demonstrated by hospitals governing LTCFs.
Introduction
Authors: Corcoran Mary P. , Salomon Cavin Joëlle
Published: March 2018

This special issue comprises articles by social and environmental scientists, most of whom participated in a working group on governance models and policy contexts of the COST Action TD1106 Urban Agriculture Europe during the period 2012–2016. All have a particular interest in the potentialities of urban agriculture as mediated through civil society actors to contribute to, shape, and transform urban policies in the intersecting fields of land use and access; food and urban ecosystems; education and environment; and history, heritage, and cultural practice. The collaborative, interdisciplinary, and bottom- up character of the contributions broadens and deepens our knowledge of urban agricultural practice across Europe.
The Modus Operandi of Urban Agriculture Initiatives
Authors: Prové Charlotte , Kemper Denise , Loudiyi Salma
Published: March 2018

Urban agriculture (UA) has turned into a diverse and complex
movement. Important challenges will be to set accurate expectations by civil
society in relation to UA development, and to find ways to discuss UA in
governance and collaboration networks from an aggregate point of view.
However, analytical tools that allow comprehensive study of UA initiatives
(UAIs) are absent. This article elaborates on a conceptual framework from
the COST Action Urban Agriculture Europe (Prové et al. 2015) and evaluates
findings that result from applying the framework to four UAIs. We found
that, analytically, the framework generates in-depth information on UAIs,
and argue that it can be a useful tool in networks that are responsible for
collaboration, support, or governance within the UA movement. We also
discuss its usability issues and discuss future research.
Endoscopic endonasal surgery for epidermoid and dermoid cysts: a 10-year experience
Authors: Vaz-Guimaraes Francisco , Koutourousiou Maria , de Almeida John R. , Tyler-Kabara Elizabeth C. , Fernandez-Miranda Juan C. , Wang Eric W. , Snyderman Carl H. , Gardner Paul A.
Published: March 2018

OBJECTIVE

Epidermoid and dermoid cysts may be found along the cranial base and are commonly resected via open transcranial approaches. The use of endoscopic endonasal approaches for resection of these tumors has been rarely reported.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 21 patients who underwent endoscopic endonasal surgery for epidermoid and dermoid cyst resection at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center between January 2005 and June 2014. Surgical outcomes and variables that might affect the extent of resection and complications were analyzed.

RESULTS

Total resection (total removal of cyst contents and capsule) was achieved in 8 patients (38.1%), near-total resection (total removal of cyst contents, incomplete removal of cyst capsule) in 9 patients (42.9%), and subtotal resection (incomplete removal of cyst contents and capsule) in 4 patients (19%). Larger cyst volume (≥ 3 cm3) and intradural location (15 cysts) were significantly associated with nontotal resection (p = 0.008 and 0.0005, respectively). In the whole series, surgical complications were seen in 6 patients (28.6%). No complications were observed in patients with extradural cysts. Among the 15 patients with intradural cysts, the most common surgical complication was postoperative CSF leak (5 patients, 33.3%), followed by postoperative intracranial infection (4 patients, 26.7%). Larger cysts and postoperative CSF leak were associated with intracranial infection (p = 0.012 and 0.028, respectively). Subtotal resection was marginally associated with intracranial infection when compared with total resection (p = 0.091). All patients with neurological symptoms improved postoperatively with the exception of 1 patient with unchanged abducens nerve palsy.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic endonasal approaches may be effectively used for resection of epidermoid and dermoid cysts in carefully selected cases. These approaches are recommended for cases in which a total or near-total resection is possible in addition to a multilayer cranial base reconstruction with vascularized tissue to minimize the risk of intracranial infection.
Analysis of various tracts of mastoid air cells related to CSF leak after the anterior transpetrosal approach
Authors: Tamura Ryota , Tomio Ryosuke , Mohammad Farrag , Toda Masahiro , Yoshida Kazunari
Published: March 2018

OBJECTIVE

The anterior transpetrosal approach (ATPA) was established in 1984 and has been particularly effective for petroclival tumors. Although some complications associated with this approach, such as venous hemorrhage in the temporal lobe and nervous disturbances, have been resolved over the years, the incidence rate of CSF leaks has not greatly improved. In this study, some varieties of air cell tracts that are strongly related to CSF leaks are demonstrated. In addition, other pre- and postoperative risk factors for CSF leakage after ATPA are discussed.

METHODS

Preoperative and postoperative target imaging of the temporal bone was performed in a total of 117 patients who underwent ATPA, and various surgery-related parameters were analyzed.

RESULTS

The existence of air cells at the petrous apex, as well as fluid collection in the mastoid antrum detected by a postoperative CT scan, were possible risk factors for CSF leakage. Tracts that directly connected to the antrum from the squamous part of the temporal bone and petrous apex, rather than through numerous air cells, were significantly related to CSF leak and were defined as “direct tract.” All patients with a refractory CSF leak possessed “unusual tracts” that connected to the attic, tympanic cavity, or eustachian tube, rather than through the mastoid antrum.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative assessment of petrous pneumatization types is necessary to prevent CSF leaks. Direct and unusual tracts are particularly strong risk factors for CSF leaks.
Prognostic role of mitochondrial pyruvate carrier in isocitrate dehydrogenase–mutant glioma
Authors: Karsy Michael , Guan Jian , Huang L. Eric
Published: March 2018

OBJECTIVE

Gliomas are one of the most common types of primary brain tumors. Recent studies have supported the importance of key genetic alterations, including isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutations and 1p19q codeletion, in glioma prognosis. Mutant IDH produces 2-hydroxyglutarate from α-ketoglutarate, a key metabolite of the Krebs cycle. The mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC) is composed of MPC1 and MPC2 subunits and is functionally essential for the Krebs cycle. The authors sought to explore the impact of MPC1 and MPC2 expression on patient prognosis.

METHODS

Genomic and clinical data in patients with lower-grade glioma (WHO grades II and III) from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier analysis and hazards modeling. Validation was conducted with additional data sets, including glioblastoma.

RESULTS

A total of 286 patients with lower-grade glioma (mean age 42.7 ± 13.5 years, 55.6% males) included 54 cases of IDH–wild type (18.9%); 140 cases of IDH-mutant, 1p19q-intact (49.0%); and 85 cases of IDH-mutant, 1p19q-codeleted (29.7%) tumors. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that an MPC1 z-score > 0 distinguished better survival, particularly in IDH-mutant (p < 0.01) but not IDH–wild type tumors. Conversely, an MPC2 z-score > 0 identified worsened survival, particularly in IDH-mutant (p < 0.01) but not IDH–wild type tumors. Consistently, neither MPC1 nor MPC2 was predictive in a glioblastoma data set containing 5% IDH-mutant cases. Within the IDH-stratified lower-grade glioma data set, MPC1 status distinguished improved survival in 1p19q-codeleted tumors (p < 0.05), whereas MPC2 expression delineated worsened survival in 1p19q-intact tumors (p < 0.01). A hazards model identified IDH and 1p19q status, age (p = 0.01, HR = 1.03), Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) score (p = 0.03, HR = 0.97), and MPC1 (p = 0.003, HR = 0.52) but not MPC2 (p = 0.38) as key variables affecting overall survival. Further validation confirmed MPC1 as an independent predictor of lower-grade glioma. A clinical risk score using IDH and 1p19q status, age, KPS score, and MPC1 and MPC2 z-scores defined 4 risk categories for lower-grade glioma; this score was validated using a secondary glioma data set.

CONCLUSIONS

These results support the importance of MPC, especially MPC1, in improving prognostication of IDH-mutant tumors. The generation of a risk score system directly translates this finding to clinical application; however, further research to improve the molecular understanding of the role of MPC in the metabologenomic regulation of gliomas is warranted.
Comparison of three human-murine heteromyeloma cell lines for formation of human hybridomas after electrofusion with human peripheral blood lymphocytes from meningococcal cases and carriers
Authors: Delvig Alexei A. , Koumare Brehima , Glasert Ralf W. , Wang Jian-Fu , Jahn Sigbert , Achtman Mark
Published: March 2018

Peripheral blood lymphocytes from meningitis patients and healthy meningococcal carriers were fused by electro fusion with the three human-murine heteromyeloma cell lines CB-F7, K6H6B5 and H7NS. 934 hybridomas producing human immunoglobulins were obtained in 30 fusions. Heteromyeloma K6H6B5 yielded a significantly higher proportion of hybridomas producing IgG antibodies than did the two other cell lines. CB-F7 and K6H6B5 yielded comparable numbers of hybridomas whose supernatants reacted with homologous bacteria, whereas the cell line H7NS was less efficient.
Dual recognition of lipid A and DNA by human antibodies encoded by the VH4-21 gene: A possible link between infection and lupus
Authors: Spellerberg Myfanwy B. , Chapman Caroline J. , Mockridge C. Ian , Isenberg David A. , Stevenson Freda K.
Published: March 2018

The VH4-21 (V4-34) gene segment, a member of the VH4 family, is expressed early in B-cell maturation and is utilized by approximately 6% of normal adult B lymphocytes. This prevalence indicates an importance of VH4-21 in the B-cell repertoire. The gene also encodes certain autoantibodies being mandatory for pathological IgM anti-red cell antibodies directed against the Iii antigen, and also capable of encoding anti-DNA antibodies. Recognition of I/i antigen or DNA appears to be via two distinct sites on VH, with I/i binding mediated by sequences in the framework region, and DNA binding correlating with the presence of positively charged amino acids in complementarity-determining region 3. However, these positively charged residues appear to suppress the ability of the framework region to interact with Iii, rendering a single sequence monospecific for I/i or DNA. The IgM anti-DNA antibodies also recognize bacterial lipid A, whereas the anti-I/i antibodies do not, indicating that CDR3 may be involved in binding the negatively charged lipid A. Structural similarities between the DNA backbone and lipid A provide a possible explanation for this cross-reactivity. This dual recognition of bacterial antigen and autoantigen provides a potential link between infection and autoimmunity.
A human–mouse chimeric Lym-1 monoclonal antibody with specificity for human lymphomas expressed in a baculovirus system
Authors: Hu Peisheng , Glasky Michelle S. , Yun Aoyun , Alauddin Mian M. , Hornick Jason L. , Khawli Leslie A. , Epstein Alan L.
Published: March 2018

A murine anti-human B-cell monoclonal antibody, Lym-1, has shown considerable promise for the treatment of human malignant lymphomas and has been utilized as a new radioimmunotherapy for refractory lymphoma. In order to enhance its clinical potential, a genetically engineered chimeric Lym-1 (chLym-1) with murine variable reyions and human γl and κ constant reyions was constructed and expressed. The goal of this study was to yenerate a Lym-1 reayent with decreased immunoyenicity and improved effector functions. Murine Lym-1 variable region cDNAs were isolated from the murine Lym-1 hybridoma cell line, fused to γl and κ constant region cDNAs, and expressed in an insect cell expression system with the baculovirus transfer vector pAcUW31. The chLym-1 antibody expressed in this system was correctly processed and assembled into the expected immunoglobulin monomer. Chimeric Lym-1 bound to both target antigen-bearing Raji cells and a Lym-1 anti-idiotype antibody and had a similar binding affinity as murine Lym-1. The chimeric and murine versions of Lym-1 were assayedfor their ability to mediate antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and to induce complement-mediated cytotoxicity (CMC) against Raji targets. Chimeric Lym-1 mediated a two-fold hiyher level of ADCC than murine Lym-1 and slightly lower levels of CMC than murine Lym-1. In addition, in Raji lymphoma-bearing nude mice, chLym-1 localized to the tumor with approximately equal uptake at 24 and 72 hours. Chimeric Lym-1, however, cleared from the blood of non tumor-bearing mice approximately 5 times faster than murine Lym-1 (20h vs. 5 days), as expected for a xenogeneic protein. The improved in vitro and in vivo activities of this genetically enyineered monoclonal antibody render it a new potential immunotherapeutic reagent for the treatment of human malignant lymphomas.
A fast 4D cone beam CT reconstruction method based on the OSC-TV algorithm
Authors: Mascolo-Fortin Julia , Matenine Dmitri , Archambault Louis , Després Philippe
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND:

Four-dimensional cone beam computed tomography allows for temporally resolved imaging with useful applications in radiotherapy, but raises particular challenges in terms of image quality and computation time.

OBJECTIVE:

The purpose of this work is to develop a fast and accurate 4D algorithm by adapting a GPU-accelerated ordered subsets convex algorithm (OSC), combined with the total variation minimization regularization technique (TV).

METHODS:

Different initialization schemes were studied to adapt the OSC-TV algorithm to 4D reconstruction: each respiratory phase was initialized either with a 3D reconstruction or a blank image. Reconstruction algorithms were tested on a dynamic numerical phantom and on a clinical dataset. 4D iterations were implemented for a cluster of 8 GPUs.

RESULTS:

All developed methods allowed for an adequate visualization of the respiratory movement and compared favorably to the McKinnon-Bates and adaptive steepest descent projection onto convex sets algorithms, while the 4D reconstructions initialized from a prior 3D reconstruction led to better overall image quality.

CONCLUSION:

The most suitable adaptation of OSC-TV to 4D CBCT was found to be a combination of a prior FDK reconstruction and a 4D OSC-TV reconstruction with a reconstruction time of 4.5 minutes. This relatively short reconstruction time could facilitate a clinical use.
The Use of Biosensors to Explore the Potential of Probiotic Strains to Reduce the SOS Response and Mutagenesis in Bacteria
Authors: Chistyakov Vladimir , Prazdnova Evgeniya , Mazanko Maria , Bren Anzhelica
Published: March 2018

A model system based on the Escherichia coli MG1655 (pRecA-lux) Lux-biosensor was used to evaluate the ability of the fermentates of eight probiotic strains to reduce the SOS response stimulated by ciprofloxacin in bacteria and mutagenesis mediated by it. Preliminary attempts to estimate the chemical nature of active components of the fermentates were conducted.
The Dynamic Environment of Crypto Markets: The Lifespan of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) and Vendors Selling NPS
Authors: Wadsworth Elle , Drummond Colin , Deluca Paolo
Published: March 2018

The Internet has played a major role in the distribution of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS), and crypto markets are increasingly used for the anonymous sale of drugs, including NPS. This study explores the availability of individual NPS and vendors on the crypto markets and considers whether crypto markets are a reliable platform for the sale of NPS. Data was collected from 22 crypto markets that were accessed through the hidden web using the Onion Router (Tor). Data collection took place bimonthly from October 2015 to October 2016 as part of the CASSANDRA (Computer Assisted Solutions for Studying the Availability aNd DistRibution of novel psychoActive substances) project. In seven snapshots over 12 months, 808 unique vendors were found selling 256 unique NPS. The total number of individual NPS and vendors increased across the data collection period (increase of 93.6% and 71.6%, respectively). Only 24% (n = 61) of the total number of NPS and 4% (n = 31) of vendors appeared in every snapshot over the 12 months, whereas 21% (n = 54) of NPS and 45% (n = 365) of vendors only appeared once throughout the data collection. The individual NPS and vendors did not remain the same over the 12 months. However, the availability of NPS and vendors selling NPS grew. NPS consistently available on crypto markets could indicate popular substances.
Modulation Signal Recognition Based on Information Entropy and Ensemble Learning
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Li Yibing , Jin Shanshan , Zhang Zhaoyue , Wang Hui , Qi Lin , Zhou Ruolin
Published: March 2018

In this paper, information entropy and ensemble learning based signal recognition theory and algorithms have been proposed. We have extracted 16 kinds of entropy features out of 9 types of modulated signals. The types of information entropy used are numerous, including Rényi entropy and energy entropy based on S Transform and Generalized S Transform. We have used three feature selection algorithms, including sequence forward selection (SFS), sequence forward floating selection (SFFS) and RELIEF-F to select the optimal feature subset from 16 entropy features. We use five classifiers, including k-nearest neighbor (KNN), support vector machine (SVM), Adaboost, Gradient Boosting Decision Tree (GBDT) and eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) to classify the original feature set and the feature subsets selected by different feature selection algorithms. The simulation results show that the feature subsets selected by SFS and SFFS algorithms are the best, with a 48% increase in recognition rate over the original feature set when using KNN classifier and a 34% increase when using SVM classifier. For the other three classifiers, the original feature set can achieve the best recognition performance. The XGBoost classifier has the best recognition performance, the overall recognition rate is 97.74% and the recognition rate can reach 82% when the signal to noise ratio (SNR) is −10 dB.
Comparative Study of Energy Performance between Chip and Inlet Temperature-Aware Workload Allocation in Air-Cooled Data Center
Authors: Bai Yan , Gu Lijun , Qi Xiao
Published: March 2018

Improving the energy efficiency of data center has become a research focus in recent years. Previous works commonly adopted the inlet temperature constraint to optimize the thermal environment in the data center. However, the inlet temperature-aware method cannot prevent the servers from over-cooling. To cope with this issue, we propose a thermal-aware workload allocation strategy with respect to the chip temperature constraint. In this paper, we conducted a comparative evaluation of the performance between the chip and inlet temperature-aware workload allocation strategies. The workload allocation strategies adopt a POD-based heat recirculation model to characterize the thermal environment in data center. The contribution of the temperature-dependent leakage power to server power consumption is also considered. We adopted a sample data center under constant-flow and variable-flow cooling air supply to evaluate the performance of these two different workload allocation strategies. The comparison results show that the chip temperature-aware workload allocation strategy prevents the servers from over-cooling and significantly improves the energy efficiency of data center, especially for the case of variable-flow cooling air supply.
Comparison of the Net Work Output between Stirling and Ericsson Cycles
Authors: Costa Rui , MacDonald Brendan
Published: March 2018

In this paper, we compare Stirling and Ericsson cycles to determine which engine produces greater net work output for various situations. Both cycles are for external heat engines that utilize regenerators, where the difference is the nature of the regeneration process, which is constant volume for Stirling and constant pressure for Ericsson. This difference alters the performance characteristics of the two engines drastically, and our comparison reveals which one produces greater net work output based on the thermodynamic parameters. The net work output equations are derived and analysed for three different scenarios: (i) equal mass and temperature limits; (ii) equal mass and pressure or volume; and (iii) equal temperature and pressure or volume limits. The comparison is performed by calculating when both cycles produce equal net work output and then analysing which one produces greater net work output based on how the parameters are varied. In general, the results demonstrate that Stirling engines produce more net work output at higher pressures and lower volumes, and Ericsson engines produce more net work output at lower pressures and higher volumes. For certain scenarios, threshold values are calculated to illustrate precisely when one cycle produces more net work output than the other. This paper can be used to inform the design of the engines and to determine when a Stirling or Ericsson engine should be selected for a particular application.
Prediction and Analysis of CO2 Emission in Chongqing for the Protection of Environment and Public Health
Authors: Yang Shuai , Wang Yu , Ao Wengang , Bai Yun , Li Chuan
Published: March 2018

Based on the consumption of fossil energy, the CO2 emissions of Chongqing are calculated and analyzed from 1997 to 2015 in this paper. Based on the calculation results, the consumption of fossil fuels and the corresponding CO2 emissions of Chongqing in 2020 are predicted, and the supporting data and corresponding policies are provided for the government of Chongqing to reach its goal as the economic unit of low-carbon emission in the ‘13th Five-Year Plan’. The results of the analysis show that there is a rapid decreasing trend of CO2 emissions in Chongqing during the ‘12th Five-Year Plan’, which are caused by the adjustment policy of the energy structure in Chongqing. Therefore, the analysis and prediction are primarily based on the adjustment of Chongqing’s coal energy consumption in this paper. At the initial stage, support vector regression (SVR) method is applied to predict the other fossil energy consumption and the corresponding CO2 emissions of Chongqing in 2020. Then, with the energy intensity of 2015 and the official target of CO2 intensity in 2020, the total fossil energy consumption and CO2 emissions of Chongqing in 2020 are predicted respectively. By the above results of calculation, the coal consumption and its corresponding CO2 emissions of Chongqing in 2020 are determined. To achieve the goal of CO2 emissions of Chongqing in 2020, the coal consumption level and energy intensity of Chongqing are calculated, and the adjustment strategies for energy consumption structure in Chongqing are proposed.
Trends and the Economic Effect of Asbestos Bans and Decline in Asbestos Consumption and Production Worldwide
Authors: Allen Lucy , Baez Jorge , Stern Mary , Takahashi Ken , George Frank
Published: March 2018

Although some countries have reduced asbestos consumption and instituted bans, other countries continue to produce and consume asbestos even as asbestos-related deaths mount and the associated societal costs are high. Asbestos production and consumption has declined globally; the number of bans has increased; and the speed at which countries have tapered off consumption has increased. Using country-level data, we study the economic impact of historical changes in the production and use of asbestos. We compare changes in gross domestic product (GDP) following the enactment of asbestos bans. We do not find any significant effect on GDP following an asbestos ban. In a regional case study, we compare changes in GDP and employment with changes in asbestos production. Regional-level data revealed a temporary employment decline at the local level that was then reversed.
A Multiresolution Grid Structure Applied to Seafloor Shape Modeling
Authors: Maleika Wojciech , Koziarski Michał , Forczmański Paweł
Published: March 2018

This paper proposes a method of creating a multiresolution depth grid containing bathymetric data describing a stretch of sea floor. The included literature review presents current solutions in the area of the creation of digital terrain models (DTMs) focusing on methods employing regular grids, with a discussion on the strong and weak points of such an approach. As a basis for the investigations, some important recommendations from the International Hydrographic Organization are provided and are related to the accuracy of created models. The authors propose a novel method of storing DTM data, involving multiresolution depth grids. The paper presents the characteristics of this method, numerical algorithms of a conversion between a regular grid and the multiresolution one, and experiments on typical seafloor surfaces. The results are discussed, focusing on the data reduction rate and the variable resolution of the grid structure. The proposed method can be applied in Geographical Information Systems, especially for the purposes of solving sea survey problems.
Non-Negative Tensor Factorization for Human Behavioral Pattern Mining in Online Games
Authors: Sapienza Anna , Bessi Alessandro , Ferrara Emilio
Published: March 2018

Multiplayer online battle arena is a genre of online games that has become extremely popular. Due to their success, these games also drew the attention of our research community, because they provide a wealth of information about human online interactions and behaviors. A crucial problem is the extraction of activity patterns that characterize this type of data, in an interpretable way. Here, we leverage the Non-negative Tensor Factorization to detect hidden correlated behaviors of playing in a well-known game: League of Legends. To this aim, we collect the entire gaming history of a group of about 1000 players, which accounts for roughly 100K matches. By applying our framework we are able to separate players into different groups. We show that each group exhibits similar features and playing strategies, as well as similar temporal trajectories, i.e., behavioral progressions over the course of their gaming history. We surprisingly discover that playing strategies are stable over time and we provide an explanation for this observation.
Sunscreen-Based Photocages for Topical Drugs: A Photophysical and Photochemical Study of A Diclofenac-Avobenzone Dyad
Authors: Aparici-Espert Isabel , Miranda Miguel , Lhiaubet-Vallet Virginie
Published: March 2018

Photosensitization by drugs is a problem of increasing importance in modern life. This phenomenon occurs when a chemical substance in the skin is exposed to sunlight. Photosensitizing drugs are reported to cause severe skin dermatitis, and indeed, it is generally advised to avoid sunbathing and to apply sunscreen. In this context, the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) diclofenac is a photosensitive drug, especially when administered in topical form. In this work, efforts have been made to design and study an innovative pro-drug/pro-filter system containing diclofenac and the UVA filter avobenzone in order to develop a safer use of this topical drug. The design is based on the presence of a well-established photoremovable phenacyl group in the avobenzone structure. Steady-state photolysis of the dyad in hydrogen-donor solvents, monitored by UV-Vis spectrophotometry and HPLC, confirms the simultaneous photorelease of diclofenac and avobenzone. Laser flash photolysis and phosphorescence emission experiments allow us to gain insight into the photoactive triplet excited-state properties of the dyad. Finally, it is shown that avobenzone provides partial photoprotection to diclofenac from photocyclization to carbazole derivatives.
Heterodimer Binding Scaffolds Recognition via the Analysis of Kinetically Hot Residues
Authors: Perišić Ognjen
Published: March 2018

Physical interactions between proteins are often difficult to decipher. The aim of this paper is to present an algorithm that is designed to recognize binding patches and supporting structural scaffolds of interacting heterodimer proteins using the Gaussian Network Model (GNM). The recognition is based on the (self) adjustable identification of kinetically hot residues and their connection to possible binding scaffolds. The kinetically hot residues are residues with the lowest entropy, i.e., the highest contribution to the weighted sum of the fastest modes per chain extracted via GNM. The algorithm adjusts the number of fast modes in the GNM’s weighted sum calculation using the ratio of predicted and expected numbers of target residues (contact and the neighboring first-layer residues). This approach produces very good results when applied to dimers with high protein sequence length ratios. The protocol’s ability to recognize near native decoys was compared to the ability of the residue-level statistical potential of Lu and Skolnick using the Sternberg and Vakser decoy dimers sets. The statistical potential produced better overall results, but in a number of cases its predicting ability was comparable, or even inferior, to the prediction ability of the adjustable GNM approach. The results presented in this paper suggest that in heterodimers at least one protein has interacting scaffold determined by the immovable, kinetically hot residues. In many cases, interacting proteins (especially if being of noticeably different sizes) either behave as a rigid lock and key or, presumably, exhibit the opposite dynamic behavior. While the binding surface of one protein is rigid and stable, its partner’s interacting scaffold is more flexible and adaptable.
Study of the Navigation Method for a Snake Robot Based on the Kinematics Model with MEMS IMU
Authors: Zhao Xu , Dou Lihua , Su Zhong , Liu Ning
Published: March 2018

A snake robot is a type of highly redundant mobile robot that significantly differs from a tracked robot, wheeled robot and legged robot. To address the issue of a snake robot performing self-localization in the application environment without assistant orientation, an autonomous navigation method is proposed based on the snake robot’s motion characteristic constraints. The method realized the autonomous navigation of the snake robot with non-nodes and an external assistant using its own Micro-Electromechanical-Systems (MEMS) Inertial-Measurement-Unit (IMU). First, it studies the snake robot’s motion characteristics, builds the kinematics model, and then analyses the motion constraint characteristics and motion error propagation properties. Second, it explores the snake robot’s navigation layout, proposes a constraint criterion and the fixed relationship, and makes zero-state constraints based on the motion features and control modes of a snake robot. Finally, it realizes autonomous navigation positioning based on the Extended-Kalman-Filter (EKF) position estimation method under the constraints of its motion characteristics. With the self-developed snake robot, the test verifies the proposed method, and the position error is less than 5% of Total-Traveled-Distance (TDD). In a short-distance environment, this method is able to meet the requirements of a snake robot in order to perform autonomous navigation and positioning in traditional applications and can be extended to other familiar multi-link robots.
Toward a Common Ontology of Scaling Up in Development
Authors: Frake April , Messina Joseph
Published: March 2018

Scaling up development measures to target global food insecurity has a distinctly spatial character and is often cited as a solution to the global hunger crisis. Development does not occur without scaling and consensus on the ontological meaning of scaling up is a vital component to developing sustainable solutions to the global hunger crisis across geographical scales. Yet ‘scaling up’, while frequently used throughout Research and Development (R&D) and Natural Resource Management (NRM) literature, lacks ontological agreement. We begin by considering the noun, ‘scale’ and existing literature on scaling up, then present a visual analysis of definitions provided for scaling up across development institutions. Our study finds that the organization of terms used across these definitions falls into three distinct categories: Interventions, Mechanisms, and Outcomes. Further, we contend that the continued uncertainty is linked to scale being applied in two fashions: as a noun (outcome) and verb (process). Rather than calling for reformed definitions, we argue for precision of definitions. To that end, we present a conceptual framework of scaling up that gives greater emphasis on separating the noun scale, from the verb, to scale. Further, Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) in our model complements scaling efforts beginning with how scaling up is defined by program, through to final evaluation of success.
Parasite Specific Antibody Levels, Interferon-γ and TLR2 and TLR4 Transcripts in Blood from Dogs with Different Clinical Stages of Leishmaniosis
Authors: Montserrat-Sangrà Sara , Ordeix Laura , Martínez-Orellana Pamela , Solano-Gallego Laia
Published: March 2018

Canine leishmaniosis has a wide range of disease severity from mild (stage I), to severe (stages II–III), or very severe disease (stage IV). The objective of the study was to evaluate and compare serum antibody levels, Leishmania infantum specific IFN-γ production and TLR2 and TLR4 transcripts in non-stimulated blood from dogs with different clinical stages at the time of diagnosis as well as blood parasitemia. Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISAs) were performed to determine serum antibody levels and IFN-γ production and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCRs) in order to determine blood parasite load and TLR2 and TLR4 transcripts. Older dogs were significantly affected by more severe disease with higher antibody levels and blood parasitemia than dogs with mild disease. IFN-γ production was significantly higher in dogs with stage I disease when compared to dogs with more severe disease. Relative quantification of TLR2 in dogs with mild disease was similar to that of control dogs. On the other hand, TLR2 transcripts were significantly higher in dogs with severe disease as compared with that from control healthy dogs. No differences were found in TLR4 relative quantification between groups. This study demonstrates that dogs with different clinical stages of leishmaniosis present different levels of biological markers indicative of different immune responses.
Nanoscale mapping of dielectric properties based on surface adhesion force measurements
Authors: Wang Ying , Shen Yue , Wang Xingya , Shen Zhiwei , Li Bin , Hu Jun , Zhang Yi
Published: March 2018

The detection of local dielectric properties is of great importance in a wide variety of scientific studies and applications. Here, we report a novel method for the characterization of local dielectric distributions based on surface adhesion mapping by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The two-dimensional (2D) materials graphene oxide (GO), and partially reduced graphene oxide (RGO), which have similar thicknesses but large differences in their dielectric properties, were studied as model systems. Through direct imaging of the samples with a biased AFM tip in PeakForce Quantitative Nano-Mechanics (PF-QNM) mode, the local dielectric properties of GO and RGO were revealed by mapping their surface adhesion forces. Thus, GO and RGO could be conveniently differentiated. This method provides a simple and general approach for the fast characterization of the local dielectric properties of graphene-based materials and will further facilitate their applications in energy generation and storage devices.
Therapeutic Challenge in a Severely Atrophic Mandible
Authors: Janev Edvard , Janeva Nadica , Peeva-Petreska Marija , Mitic Kristina
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND: After tooth loss, however, severely atrophic residual alveolar ridges are fairly common, especially in patients who have been edentulous for a long period. Anterior area of the mandible is areas where clinicians have greater anatomical limitations. Reduced alveolar bone height very often represents a contraindication to implant therapy, unless a procedure such as a ridge augmentation is performed.CASE REPORT: This study aims to present two separate cases in highly selected edentulous anterior mandibular sites, where one stage, mini implants were used to support total prostheses. Small diameter implants have been used for retention of complete removable mandibular overdentures. This is an excellent option for those who suffer from the inconvenience and embarrassment of loose lower dentures and are tired of having to use sticky pastes and creams to make their dentures stay in place.CONCLUSION: Small diameter implants, when used multiples may offer adequate support for a removable prosthesis and overcome this problem.
Is the rs1801282 (G/C) Polymorphism of PPAR - Gamma Gene Associated with T2DM in Iraqi People?
Authors: Al-Naemi Amjad Hazim , Ahmad Akram Jarjees
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND: Pro12Ala (rs1801282) is a common polymorphism of the human PPAR-γ gene. Studies have demonstrated conflicting results about its association with T2DM worldwide. There are no reports about such possible association among Iraqi people. OBJECTIVES:  This study aims at finding out whether having the mutant allele (Ala12) might be associated with T2DM among Iraqi people.METHODS: One hundred and ninety-two Arabic Iraqi adult subjects (97 with T2DM and 95 controls) were genotyped using PCR- RFLP. Clinical, anthropometrical and biochemical variables were compared regarding the Pro12Ala genotypes.RESULTS: About 5.67% of people with diabetes were carriers of the (Ala12) allele versus 9.47% of controls. Allelic and genotypic frequencies were not statistically different among diabetics and controls [(c2= 1.99, p= 0.16) and (c2= 2.17, p= 0.14)]. Age, BMI and smoking- but not Pro12Ala - were independent risk factors for T2DM in our subjects. Pro12Ala was not associated with T2DM (Odd's ratio 0.55, 95% CI 0.23- 1.32, p= 0.14).CONCLUSIONS: Our study revealed a relatively high frequency of the Ala12 allele among Arabic Iraqis. These frequencies did not significantly differ between diabetics and controls indicating the absence of association of Pro12Ala with T2DM among Iraqis.
Vansoniella chirindensis gen. n., sp. n. – an unusual taxon with translucent wings from Zimbabwe (Lepidoptera, Limacodidae)
Authors: Mey Wolfram
Published: March 2018

The genus Vansoniella gen. n. is established to accommodate the species V.chirindensis sp. n., collected in Zimbabwe by Van Son in 1937. The new species differs externally from other African taxa by translucent fore- and hindwings in the male sex. The wing venation is highly derived and the male genitalia are also structurally different from other genera. The genus occupies an isolated position within the family.
Être un thérapeute d’analyse transactionnelle pour enfants : en quoi travailler avec des enfants est différent
Authors: Pierini Alessandra , Blondel Agnès
Published: March 2018

Consacré à l’utilisation de l’analyse transactionnelle avec les enfants – en particulier, celle de la théorie des états du moi, du contrat, ainsi que des processus et techniques thérapeutiques – cet article met l’accent sur ce qui différencie ce travail d’avec la psychothérapie d’adultes. Il y est fait référence à la théorie des états du moi de Maria Teresa Romanini, ainsi qu’à ses concepts d’ego réel et à son influence sur la thérapie d’analyse transactionnelle pour enfant.