bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hemodynamic studies for prediction of acute myocardial infarction outcomes
Authors: Macas Andrius , Kriščiukaitis Algimantas , Buivydaitė Kristina , Bakšytė Giedrė , Žaliūnas Remigijus
Published: July 2018

Prediction of outcomes after acute myocardial infarction was initiated more than 40 years ago. Improvement of the management options significantly reduced mortality of patients with acute myocardial infarction. In the 1960s, the mortality rate of inpatients was around 25–30%, whereas in 2007, according to the guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes, issued by the European Society of Cardiology, hospital mortality in patients with ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction was 7%, while in patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome just 5%, but at 6 months, mortality rates were very similar in both conditions (12% vs. 13%, respectively). There are different criteria for prediction of acute myocardial infarction: demographic, clinical, laboratory, instrumental, and epidemiological. Data of hemodynamic studies are ones of the possible criteria for prediction of outcomes after acute myocardial infarction. Methods and findings of hemodynamic studies used for prediction of the outcomes are presented in this article.
Optimisation of the Microwave-Assisted Ethanol Extraction of Saponins from Gac (Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng.) Seeds
Authors: Le Anh , Parks Sophie , Nguyen Minh , Roach Paul
Published: July 2018

Background: Gac (Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng.) seeds contain saponins that are reportedly medicinal. It was hypothesised that the extraction of saponins from powdered Gac seed kernels could be optimised using microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) with ethanol as the extraction solvent. The aim was to determine an appropriate ethanol concentration, ratio of solvent to seed powder and microwave power and time for extraction. Whether or not defatting the Gac seed powder had an impact on the extraction of saponins, was also determined. Methods: Ethanol concentrations ranged from 60–100% were used to compare total saponins content (TSC) extracted from full-fat and defatted Gac seeds. Ratios of solvent to Gac seeds ranged from 10 to 100 mL g−1 and microwave conditions ranged from 1–4 cycles at power levels ranged from 360–720 W, were examined successively to evaluate their efficiency in extracting saponins from full-fat Gac seeds. Results: A four-fold higher of TSC was obtained in extracts from full-fat Gac seed powder than from defatted powder (100 vs. 26 mg aescin equivalents (AE) per gram of Gac seeds). The optimal parameters for the extraction of saponins were a ratio of 30 mL of 100% absolute ethanol per g of full-fat Gac seed powder with the microwave set at 360Wfor three irradiation cycles of 10 s power ON and 15 s power OFF per cycle. Conclusions: Gac seed saponins could be efficiently extracted using MAE. Full-fat powder of the seed kernels is recommended to be used for a better yield of saponins. The optimised MAE conditions are recommended for the extraction of enriched saponins from Gac seeds for potential application in the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries.
Adaptive Backstepping Design of a Microgyroscope
Authors: Fang Yunmei , Fei Juntao , Yang Yuzheng
Published: July 2018

This paper presents a novel algorithm for the design and analysis of an adaptive backstepping controller (ABC) for a microgyroscope. Firstly, Lagrange–Maxwell electromechanical equations are established to derive the dynamic model of a z-axis microgyroscope. Secondly, a nonlinear controller as a backstepping design approach is introduced and deployed in order to drive the trajectory tracking errors to converge to zero with asymptotic stability. Meanwhile, an adaptive estimator is developed and implemented with the backstepping controller to update the value of the parameter estimates in the Lyapunov framework in real-time. In addition, the unknown system parameters including the angular velocity may be estimated online if the persistent excitation (PE) requirement is met. A robust compensator is incorporated in the adaptive backstepping algorithm to suppress the parameter variations and external disturbances. Finally, simulation studies are conducted to prove the validity of the proposed ABC scheme with guaranteed asymptotic stability and excellent tracking performance, as well as consistent parameter estimates in the presence of model uncertainties and disturbances.
Hybrid Molecules Composed of 2,4-Diamino-1,3,5-triazines and 2-Imino-Coumarins and Coumarins. Synthesis and Cytotoxic Properties
Authors: Makowska Anna , Sączewski Franciszek , Bednarski Patrick J. , Sączewski Jarosław , Balewski Łukasz
Published: July 2018

A series of 2-imino-2H-chromen-3-yl-1,3,5-triazine compounds 5–12, which are namely hybrids of 2,4-diamino-1,3,5-triazines and 2-imino-coumarins, was synthesized by reacting 2-(4,6-diamine-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)acetonitriles 1–4 with 2-hydroxybenzaldehydes. After this, upon heating in aqueous DMF, 2-imino-2H-chromen-3-yl-1,3,5-triazines 10 and 12 were converted into the corresponding 2H-chromen-3-yl-1,3,5-triazines 13 and 14, which are essentially hybrids of 2,4-diamino-1,3,5-triazines and coumarins. The in vitro anticancer activity of the newly prepared compounds was evaluated against five human cancer cell lines: DAN-G, A-427, LCLC-103H, SISO and RT-4. The greatest cytotoxic activity displayed 4-[7-(diethylamino)-2-imino-2H-chromen-3-yl]-6-(4-phenylpiperazin-1-yl)-1,3,5-triazin-2-amine (11, IC50 in the range of 1.51–2.60 μM).
Effect of Red Ginseng Extract on the Pharmacokinetics and Efficacy of Metformin in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Nam So Jeong , Han You Jin , Lee Wonpyo , Kang Bitna , Choi Min-Koo , Han Yong-Hae , Song Im-Sook
Published: July 2018

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of red ginseng extract on the pharmacokinetics (PK) and efficacy of metformin in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The diabetes mellitus rat model was established by intraperitoneally administering multiple doses of streptozotocin (30 mg/kg, twice on day 1 and 8), and diabetic rats received metformin 50 mg/kg with or without single or multiple administration of Korean red ginseng extract (RGE, 2 g/kg/day, once or for 1 week). RGE administration did not affect the plasma concentration and renal excretion of metformin. Further, diabetic rats were administered metformin (50 mg/kg) and RGE (2 g/kg) alone or concomitantly for 5 weeks, and both regimens decreased the fasting blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin (Hb-A1c) levels. Furthermore, fasting blood glucose levels were reduced by metformin or RGE administered alone but recovered to the control level following co-administration, suggesting that the effect was additive. However, triglyceride and free fatty acid levels were not different with metformin and RGE treatment alone or in combination. Biochemical parameters such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels were not different among the three treatment groups. In conclusion, RGE and metformin showed an additive effect in glycemic control. However, the co-administration of RGE and metformin did not cause PK interactions or affect biochemical parameters including the free fatty acid, triglyceride, AST, ALT, or cholesterol levels.
Synthesis, Structure–Activity Relationships and In Vitro Toxicity Profile of Lactose-Based Fatty Acid Monoesters as Possible Drug Permeability Enhancers
Authors: Lucarini Simone , Fagioli Laura , Cavanagh Robert , Liang Wanling , Perinelli Diego Romano , Campana Mario , Stolnik Snjezana , Lam Jenny K. W. , Casettari Luca , Duranti Andrea
Published: July 2018

Permeability enhancers are receiving increased attention arising from their ability to increase transepithelial permeability and thus, bioavailability of orally or pulmonary administered biopharmaceutics. Here we present the synthesis and the in vitro assaying of a series of lactose-based non-ionic surfactants, highlighting the relationship between their structure and biological effect. Using tensiometric measurements the critical micelle concentrations (CMCs) of the surfactants were determined and demonstrate that increasing hydrophobic chain length reduces surfactant CMC. In vitro testing on Caco-2 intestinal and Calu-3 airway epithelia revealed that cytotoxicity, assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assays, is presented for most of the surfactants at concentrations greater than their CMCs. Further biological study demonstrates that application of cytotoxic concentrations of the surfactants is associated with depolarizing mitochondrial membrane potential, increasing nuclear membrane permeability and activation of effector caspases. It is, therefore, proposed that when applied at cytotoxic levels, the surfactants are inducing apoptosis in both cell lines tested. Importantly, through the culture of epithelial monolayers on Transwell® supports, the surfactants demonstrate the ability to reversibly modulate transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), and thus open tight junctions, at non-toxic concentrations, emphasizing their potential application as safe permeability enhancers in vivo.
Thermal Decomposition of Kraft Lignin under Gas Atmospheres of Argon, Hydrogen, and Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Yan Qiangu , Li Jinghao , Zhang Jilei , Cai Zhiyong
Published: July 2018

The behaviors of thermal decomposition of kraft lignin under three different gases (Ar, CO2, or H2) were analyzed and compared using a temperature-programmed decomposition-mass spectrometry (TPD-MS) system. Experimental results indicated that Ar atmosphere produced the highest yield of solid chars, while H2 atmosphere generated the highest yield of liquids and CO2 atmosphere had the highest yield of gases. TPD-MS results showed that H2 atmosphere was consumed at the temperature range from 205 to 810 °C and CO2 atmosphere was consumed at the temperature range from 185 to 1000 °C. The H2 promoted the cleavage of lignin side chains and significantly enhanced the formation of CH4, C6H6, HCHO, C6H5OH, CH3OH, and tars. The percentages of water in produced liquids were 90.1%, 85.3%, and 95.5% for Ar, H2, and CO2 as atmosphere, respectively. The H2 yielded more organic chemicals in produced liquids compared to the other two gases. The observed organic chemicals were mainly acetic acid, phenols, ketones, alcohols, aldehydes, and esters. BET surface areas of solid products were 11.3, 98.5, and 183.9 m2/g for Ar., H2, and CO2 as the atmosphere, respectively. C–H–O–N–S elemental and morphology analyses on solid products indicated that the lowest carbon content and the highest oxygen content were obtained if Ar atmosphere was used, while H2 and CO2 yielded more carbon in final solid products. Solid products obtained under CO2 or H2 atmosphere contained sphere-shaped nanoparticles.
Protective Bleaching of Camel Hair in a Neutral Ethanol–Water System
Authors: Xia Liangjun , Zhang Chunhua , Xu Wenfang , Zhu Kundi , Wang Aming , Tian Ye , Wang Yunli , Xu Weilin
Published: July 2018

As conventional bleaching under alkaline conditions is chemically damaging to protein fibers, a three-stage protective bleaching process in neutral ethanol–water mixtures was proposed for camel hair using mordanting with ferrous salts, oxidative bleaching with hydrogen peroxide, and reductive bleaching with sodium hydrosulfite. The aim of this work was to improve the whiteness degree of camel hair without substantial tenacity loss. In addition, the roles of ethanol during the bleaching treatment were also examined by characterizing the fibers using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The whiteness degree and mechanical properties of camel hair bleached in the neutral ethanol–water system were significantly superior to those of fibers bleached by a conventional method. SEM images showed no visible cracks on the scales of fibers bleached in the ethanol–water system, whereas large grooves were observed on fibers bleached in aqueous solution. TEM images confirmed the positive influence of ethanol on the mordanting process, and FTIR spectra suggested that ethanol reduced the breakage of hydrogen bonds in the fibers during the oxidative bleaching process. These findings indicate the potential of this protective bleaching method for application to a broad range of other natural protein fibers.
Biomass Extraction Using Non-Chlorinated Solvents for Biocompatibility Improvement of Polyhydroxyalkanoates
Authors: Jiang Guozhan , Johnston Brian , Townrow David E. , Radecka Iza , Koller Martin , Chaber Paweł , Adamus Grażyna , Kowalczuk Marek
Published: July 2018

An economically viable method to extract polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) from cells is desirable for this biodegradable polymer of potential biomedical applications. In this work, two non-chlorinated solvents, cyclohexanone and γ-butyrolactone, were examined for extracting PHA produced by the bacterial strain Cupriavidus necator H16 cultivated on vegetable oil as a sole carbon source. The PHA produced was determined as a poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) homopolyester. The extraction kinetics of the two solvents was determined using gel permeation chromatography (GPC). When cyclohexanone was used as the extraction solvent at 120 °C in 3 min, 95% of the PHB was recovered from the cells with a similar purity to that extracted using chloroform. With a decrease in temperature, the recovery yield decreased. At the same temperatures, the recovery yield of γ-butyrolactone was significantly lower. The effect of the two solvents on the quality of the extracted PHB was also examined using GPC and elemental analysis. The molar mass and dispersity of the obtained polymer were similar to that extracted using chloroform, while the nitrogen content of the PHB extracted using the two new solvents was slightly higher. In a nutshell, cyclohexanone in particular was identified as an expedient candidate to efficiently drive novel, sustainable PHA extraction processes.
Poly(3-Hydroxybutyrate-co-3-Hydroxyvalerate): Enhancement Strategies for Advanced Applications
Authors: Rivera-Briso Ariagna L. , Serrano-Aroca Ángel
Published: July 2018

Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate), PHBV, is a microbial biopolymer with excellent biocompatible and biodegradable properties that make it a potential candidate for substituting petroleum-derived polymers. However, it lacks mechanical strength, water sorption and diffusion, electrical and/or thermal properties, antimicrobial activity, wettability, biological properties, and porosity, among others, limiting its application. For this reason, many researchers around the world are currently working on how to overcome the drawbacks of this promising material. This review summarises the main advances achieved in this field so far, addressing most of the chemical and physical strategies to modify PHBV and placing particular emphasis on the combination of PHBV with other materials from a variety of different structures and properties, such as other polymers, natural fibres, carbon nanomaterials, nanocellulose, nanoclays, and nanometals, producing a wide range of composite biomaterials with increased potential applications. Finally, the most important methods to fabricate porous PHBV scaffolds for tissue engineering applications are presented. Even though great advances have been achieved so far, much research needs to be conducted still, in order to find new alternative enhancement strategies able to produce advanced PHBV-based materials able to overcome many of these challenges.
Marketing Missions: Material Culture, Theological Convictions, and Empire in 18th-Century Christian Philanthropy
Authors: Koch Philippa
Published: July 2018

In the 18th century, Halle Pietists were part of a global missionary network that reached into North America and that anticipated later developments in worldwide evangelical missions; Pietists made critical alliances with other Protestants, they were savvy in their use of media, and they worked alongside different empires in their efforts to reach and convert the world. Recent scholarship on religion and humanitarianism in the United States has focused predominantly on the Anglo-American story and the Post-Revolutionary period. This article argues that the Pietists highlight an earlier—and crucial—colonial era of global missionary connections, philanthropy, media, and empire. Attending to their writings and the images they used reveals important and continuing themes in the study of Christian philanthropy in America, including the significance of theological convictions, financial necessities, political allegiances, and racialized imaginings of potential, “uncivilized” converts. This article looks at the image of ascending eagles from the orphan house in Halle, which the Francke Foundations (earlier the Glauchasche Anstalten) used for their seal on books and medicines, and also considers an engraving of Tomochichi, a leader of Yamasee and Lower Creek descent, who appeared in the first report from the Pietist mission in colonial Georgia. The article argues, finally, that images were used to sell a particular vision of missionary work, albeit one that was not always true to experience on the ground and that appealed to colonialist objectives.
Combining Linear Pixel Unmixing and STARFM for Spatiotemporal Fusion of Gaofen-1 Wide Field of View Imagery and MODIS Imagery
Authors: Cui Jintian , Zhang Xin , Luo Muying
Published: July 2018

Spatiotemporal fusion of remote sensing data is essential for generating high spatial and temporal resolution data by taking advantage of high spatial resolution and high temporal resolution imageries. At present, the Spatial and Temporal Adaptive Reflectance Fusion Model (STARFM) is one of the most widely used spatiotemporal fusion technologies of remote sensing data. However, the quality of data acquired by STARFM depends on temporal information from homogeneous land cover patches at the MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) imagery, and the estimation accuracy of STARFM degrades in highly fragmentated and heterogeneous patches. To address this problem, we developed an innovative method to improve fusion accuracy, especially in areas of high heterogeneity, by combining linear pixel unmixing and STARFM. This method derived the input data of STARFM by downscaling the MODIS data with a linear spectral mixture model. Through this fusion method, the complement effect of the advantages of remote sensing information can be realized, and the multi-source remote sensing data can be realized for visual data mining. The developed fusion method was applied in Bosten Lake, the largest freshwater lake in China, and our analysis of results suggests that (1) after introducing the linear spectral mixture model, the fusion images illustrated improved spatial details to a certain extent and can be employed to identify small objects, as well as their texture distribution information; (2) for fragmented and highly heterogeneous areas, a stronger correlation between the predicted results and the real images was observed when compared to STARFM with small bias; and (3) the predicted red band and near infrared band can generate high-precision 16-m NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) data with advantages in both spatial resolution and temporal resolution. The results are generally consistent with the Gaofen-1 wide field of view cameras (GF-1 WFV) NDVI in the same period and therefore can reflect the spatial distribution of NDVI in detail.
Effects of Dynamic Range and Sampling Rate of an Infrared Thermometer to the Accuracy of the Cloud Detection
Authors: Won Hye Young , Ahn Myoung Hwan
Published: July 2018

Cloud detection using downwelling radiation measured by infrared thermometer (IRT) has been utilized for many applications. The current study investigates the effects of disparate IRT specifications, including the dynamic range and sampling rates on the performance of cloud detection, which utilizes the spectral and temporal characteristics of cloudy radiation. To analyze the effects, the detection algorithm that was prepared with and applied to the IRT data with different specifications is compared with reference data, a ceilometer, and micro-pulse lidar (MPL). The comparison results show that the low-altitude clouds are detected with a sufficient accuracy: better than 97% probability of detection (POD). This is due to the much warmer brightness temperature (Tb) of the low clouds compared with the clear sky in the atmospheric window region where the IRT measurement was made. Conversely, the high-altitude cold clouds are hard to detect with the spectral test due to the much-reduced Tb contrast between cloudy and clear sky. Thus, the algorithm performance is largely dependent on the performance of the temporal test. Since the lower measurement noise provides a better estimation of the temporal variability of clear sky Tb with less estimation uncertainty, the IRT data having a better noise performance shows a better POD value by as much as 52.2% compared with the MPL result. However, the improvement is realized only when the dynamic range of IRT covers sufficiently cold Tb, such as −100 °C.
Animal Detection Using Thermal Images and Its Required Observation Conditions
Authors: Oishi Yu , Oguma Hiroyuki , Tamura Ayako , Nakamura Ryosuke , Matsunaga Tsuneo
Published: July 2018

Information about changes in the population sizes of wild animals is extremely important for conservation and management. Wild animal populations have been estimated using statistical methods, but it is difficult to apply such methods to large areas. To address this problem, we have developed several support systems for the automated detection of wild animals in remote sensing images. In this study, we applied one of the developed algorithms, the computer-aided detection of moving wild animals (DWA) algorithm, to thermal remote sensing images. We also performed several analyses to confirm that the DWA algorithm is useful for thermal images and to clarify the optimal conditions for obtaining thermal images (during predawn hours and on overcast days). We developed a method based on the algorithm to extract moving wild animals from thermal remote sensing images. Then, accuracy was evaluated by applying the method to airborne thermal images in a wide area. We found that the producer’s accuracy of the method was approximately 77.3% and the user’s accuracy of the method was approximately 29.3%. This means that the proposed method can reduce the person-hours required to survey moving wild animals from large numbers of thermal remote sensing images. Furthermore, we confirmed the extracted sika deer candidates in a pair of images and found 24 moving objects that were not identified by visual inspection by an expert. Therefore, the proposed method can also reduce oversight when identifying moving wild animals. The detection accuracy is expected to increase by setting suitable observation conditions for surveying moving wild animals. Accordingly, we also discuss the required observation conditions. The discussions about the required observation conditions would be extremely useful for people monitoring animal population changes using thermal remote sensing images.
Measurement of Urinary Bladder Pressure: A Comparison of Methods
Authors: Clausen Ingelin , W. Tvedt Lars Geir , Glott Thomas
Published: July 2018

Pressure is an essential parameter for the normal function of almost all organs in the human body. Measurement of pressure is therefore highly important in clinical practice and medical research. In clinical practice, pressures are often measured indirectly through a fluid line where the pressure is transmitted from the organ of interest to a remote, externally localized transducer. This method has several limitations and is prone to artefacts from movements. Results from an in vitro bench study comparing the characteristics of two different sensor systems for bladder assessment are presented; a new cystometry system using a MEMS-based in-target organ sensor was compared with a conventional system using water-filled lines connected to external transducers. Robustness to measurement errors due to patient movement was investigated through response to forced vibrations. While the new cystometry system detected real changes in applied pressure for excitation frequencies ranging from 5 Hz to 25 Hz, such small and high-frequency stimuli were not transmitted through the water-filled line connected to the external transducer. The new sensor system worked well after a resilient test at frequencies up to 70 Hz. The in-target organ sensor system will offer new possibilities for long-term monitoring of in vivo pressure in general. This opens up the possibility for future personalized medical treatment and renders possible new health services and, thereby, an increased patient empowerment and quality of life.
An Optical Fiber Refractive Index Sensor Based on the Hybrid Mode of Tamm and Surface Plasmon Polaritons
Authors: Zhang Xian , Zhu Xiao-Song , Shi Yi-Wei
Published: July 2018

A novel high performance optical fiber refractive index (RI) sensor based on the hybrid transverse magnetic (TM) mode of Tamm plasmon polariton (TPP) and surface plasmon polariton (SPP) is proposed. The structure of the sensor is a multi-mode optical fiber with a one dimensional photonic crystal (1 DPC)/metal multi-films outer coated on its fiber core. A simulation study of the proposed sensor is carried out with the geometrical optical model to investigate the performance of the designed sensor with respect to the center wavelength, bilayer period and the thickness of silver layer. Because the lights transmitted in the fiber sensor have much larger incident angles than those in the prism based sensors, the center wavelength of the 1 DPC should shift to longer wavelength. When the coupling between TM-TPP and SPP is stronger, the sensor exhibits better performance because the electromagnetic field of the TPP-SPP hybrid mode is enhanced more in the analyte. Compared to most conventional fiber surface plasmon resonance sensors, the figure of merit of the proposed sensor is much higher while the sensitivity is comparable. The idea of utilizing TPP-SPP hybrid mode for RI sensing in the solid-core optical fiber structure presented in this paper could contribute to the study of the fiber RI sensor based on TPP.
Development of a Modular Board for EEG Signal Acquisition
Authors: Uktveris Tomas , Jusas Vacius
Published: July 2018

The increased popularity of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) has created a new demand for miniaturized and low-cost electroencephalogram (EEG) acquisition devices for entertainment, rehabilitation, and scientific needs. The lack of scientific analysis for such system design, modularity, and unified validation tends to suppress progress in this field and limit supply for new low-cost device availability. To eliminate this problem, this paper presents the design and evaluation of a compact, modular, battery powered, conventional EEG signal acquisition board based on an ADS1298 analog front-end chip. The introduction of this novel, vertically stackable board allows the EEG scaling problem to be solved by effectively reconfiguring hardware for small or more demanding applications. The ability to capture 16 to 64 EEG channels at sample rates from 250 Hz to 1000 Hz and to transfer raw EEG signal over a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi interface was implemented. Furthermore, simple but effective assessment techniques were used for system evaluation. While conducted tests confirm the validity of the system against official datasheet specifications and for real-world applications, the proposed quality verification methods can be further employed for analyzing other similar EEG devices in the future. With 6.59 microvolts peak-to-peak input referred noise and a −97 dB common mode rejection ratio in 0–70 Hz band, the proposed design can be qualified as a low-cost precision cEEG research device.
Smart Vest for Respiratory Rate Monitoring of COPD Patients Based on Non-Contact Capacitive Sensing
Authors: Naranjo-Hernández David , Talaminos-Barroso Alejandro , Reina-Tosina Javier , Roa Laura M. , Barbarov-Rostan Gerardo , Cejudo-Ramos Pilar , Márquez-Martín Eduardo , Ortega-Ruiz Francisco
Published: July 2018

In this paper, a first approach to the design of a portable device for non-contact monitoring of respiratory rate by capacitive sensing is presented. The sensing system is integrated into a smart vest for an untethered, low-cost and comfortable breathing monitoring of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients during the rest period between respiratory rehabilitation exercises at home. To provide an extensible solution to the remote monitoring using this sensor and other devices, the design and preliminary development of an e-Health platform based on the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) paradigm is also presented. In order to validate the proposed solution, two quasi-experimental studies have been developed, comparing the estimations with respect to the golden standard. In a first study with healthy subjects, the mean value of the respiratory rate error, the standard deviation of the error and the correlation coefficient were 0.01 breaths per minute (bpm), 0.97 bpm and 0.995 (p < 0.00001), respectively. In a second study with COPD patients, the values were −0.14 bpm, 0.28 bpm and 0.9988 (p < 0.0000001), respectively. The results for the rest period show the technical and functional feasibility of the prototype and serve as a preliminary validation of the device for respiratory rate monitoring of patients with COPD.
Analysis of Corporate Entrepreneurship in Public R&D Institutions
Authors: Agapie Alexandru , Vizitiu Cristian , Cristache Silvia Elena , Năstase Marian , Crăciun Liliana , Molănescu Anca Gabriela
Published: July 2018

This paper aimed at establishing a Corporate Entrepreneurship diagnosis model within public R&D institutions. We based our analysis on empirical identification of a generalized set of organizational factors, perceived as intrapreneurship vectors. The quantitative research targeted 50 experienced public entities and was based on validating one of the most popular psychometric instruments in the entrepreneurial literature: the Corporate Entrepreneurship Assessment Instrument (CEAI)—originally intended for the North American economic environment. As recent literature questioned the cross-cultural portability of psychometric instruments, this study intended to validate the five-factor intrinsic structure of CEAI. The five factors deduced by our statistical analysis were: support for opportunity investigations and reinforcement; dynamic environment and recognition; decreased formalization; knowledge sharing; time availability and strategic awareness. Next, the factor scores were used as input variables for a logistic regression procedure, with the output variable being the intrapreneurial value of the respondents’ institutions. Two factors contribute considerably to the predicted intrapreneurial value: support for opportunity investigations and reinforcement and decreased formalization. The validity of the whole approach is supported by the relevance of the original CEAI questionnaire, able to reveal intrapreneurial characteristics, and by the prediction power of the logistic regression model over the intrapreneurial propensity of public institutions.
Effects on Willingness to Pay for Marine Conservation: Evidence from Zhejiang Province, China
Authors: Yu Bing , Cai Yuying , Jin Laiqun , Du Bisheng
Published: July 2018

The willingness to pay (WTP) for marine conservation is an important basis for the design of market-based marine protection strategies and sustainable marine environment development. Whether the individual was willing to pay and how much they would prefer to pay may be affected separately by different factors. Thus, we investigated the probability of paying for marine conservation and the payment amount to obtain evidence regarding the factors that influence the preferences of stakeholders. We considered two marine protected areas in Zhejiang Province, China, where we combined contingent valuation with logit and tobit models to measure the differences in the WTP for marine conservation between tourists and residents. The results showed that most respondents were willing to pay for marine conservation, but they were affected by different factors. The average amounts that the respondents were willing to pay were 216.20 CNY ($34.3) and 172.43 CNY ($27.4) in the Nanji Islands MPA and Putuo Islands MPA, respectively. The probability of respondents’ WTP was closely related to their individual environmental awareness, whereas the payment amount was influenced mainly by personal income. Thus, our results suggest that increasing human environmental cognition and developing differential payment schemes for the marine environment among stakeholders may promote sustainable marine protection development and management.
From Integrated to Integrative: Delivering on the Paris Agreement
Authors: Doukas Haris , Nikas Alexandros , González-Eguino Mikel , Arto Iñaki , Anger-Kraavi Annela
Published: July 2018

In pursuit of the drastic transformations necessary for effectively responding to climate change, the Paris Agreement stresses the need to design and implement sustainable, robust, and socially acceptable policy pathways in a globally coordinated and cooperative manner. For decades, the scientific community has been carrying out quantitative modelling exercises in support of climate policy design, primarily by means of energy systems and integrated assessment modelling frameworks. Here, we describe in detail the context of a hitherto ineffective scientific contribution to policymaking, highlight the available means to formulate a new paradigm that overcomes existing and emerging challenges, and ultimately call for change. In particular, we argue that individual modelling exercises alone widen the gap between formal representation and real-life context in which decisions are taken, and investigate major criticisms to which formalised modelling frameworks are subject. We essentially highlight the importance of employing diverse modelling ensembles, placing the human factor at the core of all modelling processes, and enhancing the robustness of model-driven policy prescriptions through decision support systems. These altogether compose a truly integrative approach to supporting the design of effective climate policy and sustainable transitions and, therefore, strengthen the modelling–policymaking interface.
Mycotoxin Biosensor Based on Optical Planar Waveguide
Authors: Al-Jawdah Ali , Nabok Alexei , Jarrah Radhyah , Holloway Alan , Tsargorodska Anna , Takacs Eszter , Szekacs Andras
Published: July 2018

The research aim of this work is to develop a simple and highly sensitive optical biosensor for detection of mycotoxins. This sensor is built on a planar waveguide operating on the polarization interferometry principle, i.e., detecting a phase shift between p- and s-components of polarized light developed during the binding of analyte molecules. The operation of the proposed sensor is similar to that of a Mach–Zehnder interferometer, while its design is much simpler and it does not require splitting the waveguide into two arms. The refractive index sensitivity of the polarization interferometer sensor was in the range of 5200 radians per refractive index unit (RIU). Several tests were conducted to detect ochratoxin A (OTA) at different concentrations in direct immunoassay with specific antibodies immobilized in the sensing window. The lowest concentration of OTA of 0.01 ng/mL caused a phase shift of nearly one period. The results obtained prove high sensitivity of the sensors, which are capable of detecting even lower concentrations of mycotoxins at the ppt (part-per-trillion) level.
Effect of Suspended Particulate Matter on the Accumulation of Dissolved Diarrhetic Shellfish Toxins by Mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) under Laboratory Conditions
Authors: Li Aifeng , Li Meihui , Qiu Jiangbing , Song Jialiang , Ji Ying , Hu Yang , Wang Shuqin , Che Yijia
Published: July 2018

In recent years, detection of trace amounts of dissolved lipophilic phycotoxins in coastal waters has been possible using solid phase adsorption toxin tracking (SPATT) samplers. To explore the contribution of dissolved diarrhetic shellfish toxins (DST) to the accumulation of toxins by cultivated bivalves, mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) were exposed to different concentrations of purified okadaic acid (OA) and dinophysistoxin-1 (DTX1) in filtered (0.45 µm) seawater for 96 h. Accumulation and esterification of DST by mussels under different experimental conditions, including with and without the addition of the food microalga Isochrysis galbana, and with the addition of different size-fractions of suspended particulate matter (SPM) (<75 µm, 75–150 µm, 150–250 µm) were compared. Results showed that mussels accumulated similar amounts of OA and DTX1 from seawater with or without food microalgae present, and slightly lower amounts when SPM particles were added. Mussels preferentially accumulated OA over DTX1 in all treatments. The efficiency of the mussel’s accumulation of OA and DTX1 from seawater spiked with low concentrations of toxins was higher than that in seawater with high toxin levels. A large proportion of OA (86–94%) and DTX1 (65–82%) was esterified to DTX3 by mussels in all treatments. The proportion of I. galbana cells cleared by mussels was markedly inhibited by dissolved OA and DTX1 (OA 9.2 µg L−1, DTX1 13.2 µg L−1) in seawater. Distribution of total OA and DTX1 accumulated in the mussel tissues ranked in all treatments as follows: digestive gland > gills > mantle > residual tissues. However, the percentage of total DST in the digestive gland of mussels in filtered seawater (67%) was higher than with the addition of SPM particles (75–150 µm) (51%), whereas the gills showed the opposite trend in filtered seawater with (27%) and without (14.4%) SPM particles. Results presented here will improve our understanding of the mechanisms of DST accumulation by bivalves in marine aquaculture environments.
Response of Sediment Load to Hydrological Change in the Upstream Part of the Lancang-Mekong River over the Past 50 Years
Authors: He Yanhu , Gui Zihan , Su Chengjia , Chen Xiaohong , Chen Dongwei , Lin Kairong , Bai Xiaoyan
Published: July 2018

Sediment load and its response to the variations of the hydrological elements are important for the healthy utilization of a river. In this study, the response of sediment load to hydrological change was explored in the upstream part of the Lancang-Mekong River, a major transboundary river originating from the Tibetan Plateau and running through China, over the past 50 years. A sediment rating curve for the Jiuzhou Station was developed based on the available SSC-Q (suspended sediment concentration (SSC) and flow) data and trends in annual precipitation, runoff, peak flow (PF), low flow (LF), maximum water level (MWL), and sediment load were analyzed from 1957 to 2006. The correlation analysis method and Random Forest (RF) were adopted to qualitatively and quantitatively quantify the contribution of each hydrological element to the sediment load change. Results indicated that both the runoff and sediment load showed a significantly upward trend, especially after 1979, at the 95% confidence level. The sediment load had significantly positive correlations with runoff, PF, and MWL at the 99% confidence level, respectively. In particular, the sediment load had the largest significant positive correlation with runoff since 1980. Runoff had the largest variable importance to the sediment load change, followed by PF, MWL, precipitation, and LF. The increasing trend in the sediment load was mainly attributed to the increase of runoff in the upstream part of the Lancang-Mekong River since the mid-1980s.
Selection of men for investigation of possible testicular cancer in primary care: a large case–control study using electronic patient records
Authors: Shephard Elizabeth A , Hamilton William T
Published: July 2018

Background

Testicular cancer incidence has risen over the last two decades and is expected to continue to rise. There are no primary care studies on the clinical features of testicular cancer, with recent National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance based solely upon clinical consensus.

Aim

To identify clinical features of testicular cancer and to quantify their risk in primary care patients, with the aim of improving the selection of patients for investigation.

Design and setting

A matched case–control study in males aged ≥17 years, using Clinical Practice Research Datalink records.

Method

Putative clinical features of testicular cancer were identified and analysed using conditional logistic regression. Positive predictive values (PPVs) were calculated for those aged <50 years.

Results

In all, 1398 cases were available, diagnosed between 2000 and 2012, with 4956 age-, sex-, and practice-matched controls. Nine features were independently associated with testicular cancer, the top three being testicular swelling (odds ratio [OR] 280, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 110 to 690), testicular lump (OR 270, 95% CI = 100 to 740), and scrotal swelling (OR 170, 95% CI = 35 to 800). The highest PPV for 17–49-year-olds was testicular lump, at 2.5% (95% CI = 1.1 to 5.6). Combining testicular lump with testicular swelling or testicular pain produced PPVs of 17% and 10%, respectively.

Conclusion

Testicular enlargement carries a risk of cancer of 2.5% — close to the current 3% threshold in UK referral guidance. Contrary to traditional teaching, painful testicular enlargement may signify cancer. Some initial hydrocele diagnoses appear to be wrong, with missed cancers, suggesting an ultrasound may be useful when a hydrocele diagnosis is uncertain. These results support the existing NICE guidelines, and help to characterise when an ultrasound should be considered in symptomatic men.
SPATIAL NARRATIVE AS FEATURE OF SINGULARITY IN SACRAL ARCHITECTURE / ERDVĖS NARATYVAS FORMUOJANT SAKRALINĖS ARCHITEKTŪROS SAVASTĮ
Authors: Oržikauskas Gytis
Published: July 2018

The paper analyses architectural compositions of various religious complexes – historical and contemporary – apart from their stylistic features. The most prominent ensembles under analysis have one noticeably common feature – spatial narrative. The foreseen sequence of forms of experience and spatial structure tell different religious narratives depending on which different aspects of faith were actualized in a given period. The analyzed examples stand in proof that suggestibility of religious aspects in sacral architecture are inseparable from their artistic suggestibility aspects. In some cases, these aspects are less related to architectural stylistic means, but have a direct connection to such components of architectural compositions as foreseen sequence of a visitor’s experience and semantics of particular forms, i.e. architectural narrative, which is achieved not only through the means of perception of space, but also by the relationship to social and cultural meanings and subtext of architecture.
Straipsnyje aptariama įvairių religinės architektūros kompleksų – istorinių ir šiuolaikinių – kompozicija atsietai nuo jų stilistinių bruožų. Pasirinkti būdingieji žinomiausi įvairių laikotarpių ansambliai pasižymi viena kompozicine ypatybe – erdvės naratyvu. Numatyta formų patyrimo seka, erdvės sandara pasakoja skirtingą religinį pasakojimą, priklausomai nuo to, kokie tikėjimo aspektai buvo aktualizuoti konkrečiu metu. Analizuojami pavyzdžiai įrodo, kad religinių aspektų įtaigumas sakralinėje architektūroje yra neatsiejamas nuo meninės įtaigos aspektų. Kita vertus, tam tikrais atvejais šie aspektai yra mažiau susiję su stilistinėmis architektūros priemonėmis, bet turi tiesioginį ryšį su tokiomis kompozicinėmis priemonėmis, kaip numatyta lankytojo patyrimo seka ir formų semantika, t. y. erdvės naratyvo, kuriamo ne tik erdvės percepcijos priemonėmis, bet ir santykiu su socialinėmis ir kultūrinėmis reikšmėmis.
THE SOCIAL ASPECT OF OPEN SPACE IN REHABILITATION GARDENS AND PARKS / REABILITACIJOS CENTRŲ SODŲ IR PARKŲ ATVIRŲJŲ ERDVIŲ SOCIALINIS ASPEKTAS
Authors: Balode Linda
Published: July 2018

In the research process the landscape space of Latvian rehabilitation centers was inspected and analyzed within the social context. The centers were singled out not only by their aesthetical quality, but also by their functional landscape values contained. Rehabilitation gardens and parks are spaces, where people do more than receive medical treatment, they can relax surrounded by nature, engage in physical activities and rest without taking into account ones social status, age, gender, nationality, political views and religion. The goal is to summarize how Latvian rehabilitation gardens and parks promote patients’ physical activities in open space and analyze the functional quality of landscape of Latvian rehabilitation gardens and parks. Considering the quality of rehabilitation center environment, it is important to evaluated their accessibility and usability by possibly greater user spectrum that is characterized as a universal design. In Latvia a conceptual direction of design like this is relatively new, but already positively accepted and applied by specialists. Open space designs of rehabilitation center landscaping directly influence how a person feels and lives in the landscape. They sculpt not only the material quality of the environment, but also improve people’s communication facility and attitude towards one another. It is important for the environment of Latvian rehabilitation institutions to be friendly, because they are created for the use by all social groups and individuals by applying universal standard principles for open space improvement.
Tiriant Latvijos reabilitacijos centrų sodų ir parkų erdves, pagrindinis dėmesys buvo skiriamas socialiniam aspektui, gilinantis ne tik į estetines savybes, bet ir į funkcines kraštovaizdžio vertes. Reabilitacijos centrų sodų ir parkų erdvėse žmonės ne tik mediciniškai gydomi, bet ir turi galimybę atsipalaiduoti gamtoje, užsiimti fizine veikla ir ilsėtis nepaisant asmens socialinio statuso, amžiaus, lyties, tautybės, politinių pažiūrų ar religijos. Straipsnio tikslas – apibendrinti, kaip Latvijos reabilitacijos centrų sodai ir parkai skatina pacientų fizinę veiklą atvirame ore analizuojant reabilitacijos centrų sodų ir parkų kraštovaizdžio funkcinę kokybę. Kalbant apie reabilitacijos centrų aplinkos kokybę, būtina pabrėžti jų prieinamumą ir naudojimą galimam platesniam veiklos spektrui, įvardijamam projekto universalumu. Latvijoje ši konceptuali projektavimo kryptis yra reliatyviai nauja, bet jau pripažinta ir palankiai vertinama specialistų. Reabilitacijos centrų sodų ir parkų erdvės daro tiesioginę įtaką žmogus savijautai kraštovaizdyje. Jos formuoja ne tik materialią aplinkos kokybę, bet kartu lengvina žmonių gebėjimą bendrauti ir tarpusavio nusistatymą. Svarbu, kad Latvijos reabilitacijos centrų institucijos kurtų palankias sąlygas naudoti jų sodų ir parkų erdves bet kuriai socialinei grupei ar asmeniui pagal universalius standartinius atvirųjų erdvių tobulinimo principus.