bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TREINO DE MARCHA MELHORA A CINÉTICA E CINEMÁTICA EM INDIVÍDUOS COM DOENÇA DE PARKINSON
Authors: Santos Eliziária Cardoso dos , Gonçalves Reggiani Vilela , Fernandes Elaine Cristina , Soares Evelise Aline , Novaes Rômulo Dias
Published: October 2015

Introdução: Uma importante estratégia para minimizar distúrbios motores em indivíduos com doença de Parkinson consiste no treino da marcha. Adicionalmente, existem propostas relatando que estímulos visuais podem direcionar e facilitar os movimentos corporais, constituindo uma estratégia potencialmente aplicável para melhorar o padrão da marcha em indivíduos com Parkinson. Objetivo: Investigar a aplicabilidade do treinamento de marcha associado à visualização de imagens como estratégia para aprimorar a cinética e a cinemática da marcha em indivíduos com doença de Parkinson. Casuística e Métodos: Trata-se de um relato de caso de cinco indivíduos com diagnóstico clínico da doença de Parkinson, admitidos para tratamento no Hospital Universitário Alzira Vellano, Alfenas, MG. Os voluntários realizaram treinamento de marcha com e sem pistas visuais uma vez por semana, durante doze semanas. Antes e após o treinamento, foram realizadas avaliações de rigidez, agilidade das pernas, marcha e estabilidade postural de acordo com a Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale, assim como análise da velocidade da marcha e dissociação dos cíngulos dos membros superiores e inferiores. As variáveis quantitativas foram apresentadas como média e desvio padrão. Para comparar os valores de velocidade, na presença e ausência de pistas visuais, foram utilizados o coeficiente de variação e o teste t pareado. Resultados: O treino de marcha com pistas visuais melhorou os parâmetros motores registrados com a Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale, a dissociação dos cíngulos dos membros superiores e inferiores, e reduziu significativamente o tempo de marcha dos voluntários do estudo. Não houve melhora temporal da marcha quando as pistas foram removidas. Conclusões: O treino de marcha com a utilização de pistas visuais pode ser um recurso útil para melhorar o status motor geral dos indivíduos com doença de Parkinson. Aparentemente, o treinamento proposto diminui transitoriamente o tempo da marcha, com efeito limitado ao período no qual as pistas visuais são fornecidas aos pacientes. O aprimoramento de parâmetros cinemáticos da marcha parece ser sustentado por período prolongado, mesmo quando os pacientes são privados dessas pistas visuais.
Concealed Repressions: Labor Organizing Campaigns and Antiunion Practices in the Apparel Industry of Guatemala*
Authors: Delpech Quentin
Published: October 2015

Research on antisweatshop mobilizations and labor-organizing campaigns in the countries of the global South has shown that under the pressure of transnational advocacy networks, notably NGOs and trade unions, US brands and retailers intervene in labor conflicts in their outsourced factories, in order to escape shaming campaigns. However, little attention has been paid to the responses of local employers to the emergence of labor organizations in their factories, partly as a result of these campaigns. This article, based on a two-year fieldwork project in the Guatemalan apparel sector, shows how the local managers of this industry manage to reconcile the demands of brands with the continuation of repressive labor control in the workplace by means of “concealed repression”; namely, preventive strategies, subtle antiunion discrimination, “opportune inaction,” and deliberate illicit transactions involving state officials.
Atribuciones causales del alumnado universitario de República Dominicana con alto y bajo rendimiento academico || Causal attributions in low and high academic achievement university students in the Dominican Republic
Authors: Fernández Amparo , Arnaiz Pilar , Mejía Radhamés , Barca Alfonso
Published: October 2015

El objetivo de este trabajo es conocer los estilos atribucionales dominantes en el alumnado de primer año de Universidad en República Dominicana y, a su vez, analizar cómo ocurren dichas atribuciones en este alumnado de rendimiento académico alto y bajo. La muestra fue de 787 sujetos (414 mujeres y 373 hombres), con una media de 18.31 años (desviación típica de 1.14) y cursando distintas titulaciones académicas en la universidad. Los resultados muestran que las atribuciones causales internas (a la capacidad o habilidad y esfuerzo) se asocian con el rendimiento académico alto, y poseen una alta capacidad predictiva del buen rendimiento del alumnado, facilitando la motivación de logro. Se  ha comprobado, además, que son los estilos atribucionales externos (a la tarea, al profesorado y a la suerte) los que mantienen un fuerte poder predictivo sobre el rendimiento académico bajo del alumnado. Finalmente, al contrario de lo que ocurre con las atribuciones causales internas, las atribuciones externas tienden a facilitar, en buena medida, la inhibición de la motivación de aprendizaje.
Reseña del libro: Neuropsicología del abandono y el maltrato infantil || Review of the book: Neuropsychology of infantile abandonment and mistreatment
Authors: Barca Alfonso
Published: October 2015

Reseña de: Fernández, R.M. (Coord.) (2014). Neuropsicología del abandono y el maltrato infantil. Barcelona: Hilo Rojo. 207 pp. ISBN: 978-84-941620-7-7. Depósito legal: B 4535-2014.Se trata de una obra que aborda uno de los temas importantes en la actualidad como es el abandono y el maltrato a menores de adopción básicamente internacional. Son 14 los capítulos de que consta y son 15 los autores responsables de los mismos. El problema central que se expone gira en torno al maltrato infantil, aunque lo que interesa a los autores es su explicación neurobio-psicológica, es decir, saber qué ocurre en el cerebro de un niño cuando hay maltrato y, lo más importante, cómo es su conducta durante y después del maltrato o abuso físico o psicológico. Hacia el final se exponen las principales medidas que deben de tomarse ante esta situación. En general, se abordan en su esencia los temas que se proponen estudiar y siempre se hace con un alto rigor científico y precisión terminológica y conceptual.
Políticas de avaliação em larga escala e institucional: perfil da produção na pós-graduação
Authors: Minhoto Maria Angélica Pedra
Published: October 2015

Este artigo apresenta análise da produção na área da política educacional, realizada em Programas de Pós-Graduação em Educação brasileiros, com foco na avaliação em larga escala e institucional. Foram examinados resumos de 81 teses e dissertações elaboradas no período de 2000 a 2010. Observou-se interesse crescente nessa temática, ainda que muito incipiente e disperso entre os programas de pós-graduação, as linhas de pesquisa e os orientadores. Foi constatada a inexistência de estudos comparados, tanto em nível nacional como internacional, bem como grande concentração de estudos nas regiões Sudeste e Sul, reiterando a presença de diferenças na produção e distribuição de conhecimento na área da educação. Identificaram-se problemas na redação dos resumos, pela pouca objetividade e ausência de informações básicas. Poucos mencionam referenciais teóricos, indicando fragilidade na produção de conhecimento na área diante do vigor das políticas em avaliação educacional.
Biometria e morfologia da semente e plântula de oiticica
Authors: Diniz Fábio Oliveira , Medeiros Filho Sebastião , Bezerra Antônio Marcos Esmeraldo , Moreira Francisco José Carvalho
Published: October 2015

A carência de trabalhos sobre plantas nativas da Caatinga nordestina é perceptível, sobretudo, no que se refere aos estudos de suas sementes. Dentre as referidas espécies, destaca-se por seus múltiplos usos, a oiticica (Licania rigida Benth). Objetivou-se com este trabalho determinar e descrever a biometria e morfologia da semente e plântula de oiticica. O trabalho foi conduzido no Laboratório de Análises de Sementes do Departamento de Fitotecnia/UFC. Foram realizadas, nas sementes, medições individuais de comprimento, largura e espessura e a determinação morfológica de suas partes internas e externas, além da caracterização da plântula com suas respectivas estruturas. A semente de oiticica é eurispérmica, apresenta comprimento de 3,1 a 5,0 cm, largura de 1,3 a 1,7 cm e espessura de 1,2 a 1,7 cm. O embrião é grande de formato linear, com cotilédones carnosos de cor branca amarelada, dobrados e apresentam nervuras e o eixo hipocótilo-radícula curto. Germinação inicia-se aos 15 dias, sendo hipógea criptocotiledonar. A plântula possui nas faces dos primórdios foliares, uma camada esbranquiçada com aspecto cotonoso.Biometry and morphology of seed and seedling of oiticicaAbstract: Lack of works in native plants of caatinga northeastern is obvious, especially, relating to study of seeds. Among these species, stands out for its multiple uses, the oiticica (Licania rigida Benth). The objective of present experiment was to determinate the biometry and morphology the seed and seedling of Licania rigida. The essay was conducted at the Laboratory of Analysis of Seeds of the Phytotechny Department/UFC. Used were what measurement referent this length, width end thickness as well as detailed description internal end external of seed. Results showed that the seeds are euryspermycs, has length 3.1 to 5.0 cm, width 1.3 to 1.7 cm and thickness 1.2 to 1.7 cm. The embryo is large linear format, with fleshy cotyledons yellowed, folded white and have short ribs and the hypocotyl-radicle axis. Germination starts after 15 days, hypogeal cryptocotylar. The seedling has the faces of the leaf primordia, a whitish layer cotonoso aspect.
Proliferation of Peripheral Blood-derived Endothelial Progenitor Cells from Stable Angina Subjects
Authors: Oktaviono Yudi Her , Sargowo Djanggan , Widodo Mohammad Aris , Dirgantara Yanni , Chouw Angliana , Sandra Ferry
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND: A population of circulating Endothelial Progenitor Cells (EPCs) has been reported to play important role in maintaining endothelial function and integrity. Since EPCs culture is crucial and an optimized medium is currently available. Therefore we conducted a study to investigate whether stable angina subjects peripheral blood-derived EPCs could be cultured in this medium. Here, we performed study to detect EPCs characteristics and extracellular signalregulated kinase (Erk)1/2 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) pathway as possible underlying pathway for EPCs proliferation.METHODS: Peripheral blood EPCs from 8 stable angina subjects were cultured in an optimized medium with/without addition of supplement for 1 or 3 days. Then, the membrane of cultured EPCs were detected with immunofluorescence method for CD34, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 2 (VEGFR-2) and CD133. Colony forming unit (CFU) enumeration was performed. XTT Cell proliferation assay was performed to assess EPCs growth after 1 and 3-days culture. The western blot analysis was performed to detect possible activation of Erk1/2 MAPK.RESULTS: Number of EPCs and CFU cultured for 3 days were significantly higher than the ones cultured for 1 day (p=0.012). EPCs membrane markers from stable angina subjects were detected as well as CFUs were formed. There were significant increase of EPCs number, CFUs number and phosphorylated-Erk2 amount when the groups with and without supplement were compared (p<0.05). Meanwhile U0126, a MAPK Erk1/2 (MEK1/2) inhibitor, significantly inhibited the supplement-induced EPCs number, CFUs number and phosphorylated-Erk2 amount (p<0.05).CONCLUSION: Our results showed that ERK2 MAPK signaling pathway might play an important role in supplement-induced peripheral blood EPCs proliferation in subjects with stable angina.KEYWORDS: endothelial progenitor cell, EPC, p42, Erk2, proliferation
Cardiovascular Disease Risk and Barriers to Physical Activity
Authors: Aditama Lisa , Rahmawati Dewi , Parfati Nani , Pratidina Astrid
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of obesity is increasing and tends to be higher in adult population groups who are also more educated and employed as a civil/military/police/oficers. This study aims to analyze cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, perceptions about physical activity and barriers experienced to perform physical activity, also stage of change to physical activity.METHODS: The study design was an observational study, use qualitative methods with in-depth interviews and quantitative analysis CVD risk also stage of change to physical activity questionnaire.RESULTS: Framingham 10-years CVD risk of obese men in University of Surabaya was 11.97% (1.70 to 29.90) based on lipid profile and 13.90% (2.30 to 30.00) based on body mass index. Perception of obese men in University of Surabaya regarding physical activity had findings several barriers that can be grouped into time constraint, facility constraint, low motivation, and knowledge about physical activities.CONCLUSION: In this study we found that 10-years CVD risk of obese men in University of Surabaya can be categorized as medium risk. There are several barriers regarding life style modification for physical activity and exercise, whereas the subjects included in this study are quite ready to start the program, but improvement for the readiness before starting the program will still be needed.KEYWORDS: CVD risk, obese men, physical activity
The Development of the Scale of Protective Factors: Resilience in a Violent Trauma Sample
Authors: Ponce-Garcia Elisabeth , Madewell Amy N. , Kennison Shelia M.
Published: October 2015

This research developed the Scale of Protective Factors (SPF-24) to measure protective factors contributing to resilience. We investigated the factor structure of 35 items. After exploratory factor analysis, we subjected 25 items representing 2 social-interpersonal and 2 cognitive-individual factors to confirmatory factor analysis. The sample consisted of 942 college students from 3 studies and 2 institutions. To examine the diagnostic function of the SPF, we used clinical criteria to identify a subsample of participants who had experienced violent trauma and scored low, moderate, or high on an established resilience scale. Results showed that the low-resilient group scored significantly lower on all subscales of the SPF with marked differences in prioritizing/planning behavior. Implications for the research and clinical settings are discussed.
Children’s Inductive Reasoning: Developmental and Educational Perspectives
Authors: Perret Patrick
Published: October 2015

Omnipresent in human thought, inductive reasoning consists in (a) detecting regularities, (b) abstracting relations, and (c) deriving general rules. In the first part of this article, I attempt to identify the basic mechanisms underpinning inductive reasoning and the reasons why it is so central to the workings of intelligence. I then go on to describe several factors that researchers in developmental psychology believe may contribute to the development of inductive reasoning. Each factor’s influence is illustrated by its potential contribution to the resolution of Raven’s Progressives Matrices. In the third and final part, I examine the issue from an educational perspective, showing how developmental hypotheses can inform different types of interventions designed to foster inductive reasoning in children.
Autonomous Inflow Control Devices (AICD): Application in Horizontal Wells Completions in Rubiales Area, Heavy Oil Reservoir
Authors: Gomez Max , Anaya A. Florez , Araujo Y. E. , Parra W.. , Uzcategui M.. , Bolaños V.. , Mayorga E.. , Porturas F. A.
Published: October 2015

Rubiales and Quifa fields are major heavy oilfields (oil gravity ranges from 11.3 to 14.4 °API) in Colombia with a current oil production of more than 264 MSTB and an oil viscosity range from 370 to 730 cP. Horizontal well technology used to drill through unconsolidated sandstones with an active and strong aquifer, under primary depletion, has been used to develop this field. Since 2006, 1,019 horizontal producer wells have been completed using slotted liners (conventional completion) because of the low cost and effectiveness in controlling the coarse-grained sand formation and low fines production.

The high water production rate from the beginning of the operation in the horizontal wells is the primary problem in these fields because of the high cost of produced water treatment and other factors. In formations in which high permeability, high oil viscosity, and strong aquifers are combined, early water influx can result. Water production is predictably associated with the oil production; however, one of the major challenges is to delay the water production for as long as possible. Currently, a large number of wells are closed in that have reached economic limits, primarily caused by high water cuts.

An autonomous inflow control device (AICD) was placed in each screen joint to balance the production influx profile across the entire lateral length and to compensate for the permeability variation and therefore the productivity of each zone.

In late 2012, a new technology project was designed and implemented as a pilot to help address the described issues in horizontal wells. AICDs would be used to maintain equilibrium of produced fluids along the horizontal section of the well, ultimately delaying water coning. After the first pilot is completed, a technical analysis could be conducted, based on the results obtained, and, if possible, the AICD technology could be implemented in additional prospect wells. The AICD pilot was implemented in geological conditions more adverse than wells previously completed with conventional completions and still other wells previously completed with passive but non-autonomous inflow control device (ICD) completions; the pilot will be evaluated with horizontal wells of the area. The main purpose of this paper is to provide details about the selection process, design, and evaluation results for the use of the AICDs in horizontal wells in both heavy oil fields.
A Systematic Review of School-Based Social-Emotional Interventions for Refugee and War-Traumatized Youth
Authors: Sullivan Amanda L. , Simonson Gregory R.
Published: October 2015

Refugees often experience significant psychological distress, but many do not receive necessary services. Among children and youth, most mental health services are provided by schools, so schools are an important service provider for young refugees. We conducted a systemic literature review to synthesize and evaluate the existing research on school-based interventions to improve mental health or social-emotional functioning of students who are refugees, asylum seekers, or immigrants with war trauma. Three types of school-based interventions were identified: cognitive behavioral therapy, creative expression, and multitiered or multimodal models. The review identified several interventions with positive effects, as well as multiple interventions that had null or negative effects. We address the implications of this body of intervention research for practice and research.
Developing a stem cell-based therapy for the treatment of hearing loss
Authors: Rivolta Marcelo N.
Published: October 2015

Hearing is fundamental to allow the effective development of spoken language, verbal communication and the enjoyment of music. For most people the loss of this sense is a catastrophic event with enormous personal, social, and economic consequences. Deafness is aggravated by its irreversible nature and the lack to date of a curative treatment. The latest advances in regenerative medicine and stem cell research, and the potential therapies ensuing as consequence of these new technologies have raised great expectations in almost every area of medicine, including otology. During the last few years, our field has witnessed very exciting discoveries which would suggest that a restorative repair of the damaged cochlea by using stem cells is conceptually possible. While the comprehensive development of a stem cell-based therapy to treat deafness is still several years into the future, it is no longer in the realm of science fiction and has become a clear possibility.
Fibro-Epithelial Hyperplasia Mimicking Mucocele
Authors: Jain K , Singh BD , Dubey A , Avinash A
Published: October 2015

The effects of chronic local irritation have been seen commonly in the form of fibroma or mucocele in children. We report a ten year old girl with the chief complaint of swelling in the lower right region of labial mucosa which was diagnosed clinically as mucocele and histologically as fibro-epithelial hyperplasia. Surgical excision was done under local anesthesia with no post-operative complication.Kathmandu University Medical Journal Vol.12(2) 2014: 146-148
Sustainable Freight
Authors: Broaddus Andrea , Browne Michael , Allen Julian
Published: October 2015

Assessments were made of the impacts on freight traffic and operations of two sustainability policies currently in effect in London, a congestion charge zone (CCZ) and a low emissions zone (LEZ). Responses by freight operators, including retiming, rerouting, reducing the number of trips and kilometers traveled, and replacing vehicles, was investigated. Trends from 1994 to 2012 were identified with the use of road traffic estimates, cordon counts, and vehicle speed data, supplemented by interviews with freight industry experts and operators. In this time frame, goods traffic increased throughout London but declined in the central CCZ. Findings indicate that freight traffic was largely insensitive to the congestion charge. Price elasticity of demand was estimated as 2.04 to 2.06 for light goods vehicles and as perfectly inelastic for medium and heavy goods vehicles in the long run. The congestion charge may have time-shifted some light goods vehicle trips. No evidence was found of rerouting of freight traffic or avoidance traffic around the CCZ. Freight operators likely benefited from travel time reductions and journey reliability improvements throughout Inner London, a wider area than the CCZ. Operational efficiencies may have been achieved through greater vehicle load consolidation but offset by the relocation of logistics depots and warehouses priced out of central London. The LEZ was effective at spurring vehicle replacement, including some substitution to smaller vehicles. Discussion recounts freight operators' perceptions of these policies and how their concerns have been addressed.
Identifying Freight Intermediaries
Authors: Jaller Miguel , Sánchez-Díaz Iván , Holguín-Veras Josέ
Published: October 2015

This study discusses freight trip generation of pure receiver establishments, establishments that only receive goods, and freight intermediaries, establishments that both receive and ship goods. In addition, freight trip attraction and freight trip production patterns of establishments in different industry sectors were compared by using freight generation models. The analyses indicated important differences between production and attraction between establishments across and within industry segments and between pure receivers and intermediaries. As a result, econometric models (discrete and discrete-continuous models) were estimated to identify intermediary establishments. External data were used to validate the estimated models. The analyses and models could be used to improve modeling of freight trip generation.
Practical Approach for Finding Optimum Routes for Fuel Delivery Trucks in Large Cities
Authors: Parsafard Mohsen , Esmaeel Ayati , Masoud Khodadadian , Mohammadreza Naghdizade , Li Xiaopeng
Published: October 2015

Fuel truck dispatch between a bulk terminal and gas stations as distribution centers is vital in large cities. This dispatch is considered a vehicle routing problem (VRP), a well-known class of combinatorial optimization problems, and is difficult to solve. Instead of focusing on the VRP, this study provides a practical framework to find an optimal solution for the routing of a fuel delivery truck between a bulk terminal and a large number of stations supplied by it. First, six important criteria were proposed; they were believed to be necessary to consider for assessing safety and cost of different routes. Some ArcGIS tools were used to quantify these criteria—a difficult task, especially in large-scale transportation networks. Then a shortest path model based on a multicriteria objective was proposed to solve the routing problem and find the optimum routes between bulk terminal and fuel stations. The case study considered the Tehran, Iran, metropolitan area, with more than 12 million inhabitants, and solved the dispatching problem for two types of fuel: gasoline and liquefied petroleum gas. Scenarios were defined by considering different criteria for solving the routing problem. Then each scenario was evaluated on the basis of safety and economic indexes defined in this study. The findings show that using the proposed approach for solving the routing problem could improve the safety and economic indexes compared with the existing situation.
Geographic Information System Tool for Enhancing Administration of Overweight-Vehicle Permits
Authors: Everett Stephanie , Athigakunagorn Nathee , Roshandeh Arash M. , Labi Samuel , Sinha Kumares C.
Published: October 2015

Highway agencies impose permit fees for overweight vehicles both to recuperate (partially) the consumption cost and to encourage the use of less-damaging loading patterns and vehicle configurations. To provide information for such policies, numerous state and national studies have investigated the impacts of overweight vehicles on the physical and operational condition of highway infrastructure, including the consumption (damage) because of overweight vehicles. These studies, which largely addressed truck size and weight, highway cost allocation, or damage cost estimation, have alluded to the onerous challenge of collating permit data with existing pavement and bridge inventory data. Most previous research has relied on aggregate data to overcome this difficulty. The current study details the use of a geographic information system (GIS) tool developed to determine the infrastructure consumption at a disaggregate level. The tool was used to estimate the infrastructure consumption for individual permit records as part of a larger study that analyzed highway infrastructure consumption and revenue generation associated with overweight-vehicle operations in Indiana. The tool may be used in other contexts to administer overweight-vehicle permits, in addition to its use in impact evaluation. Finally, benefits and implications of using GIS technology in the administration of overweight-vehicle permits are discussed.
Analysis of Data on Heavier Truck Weights
Authors: Owusu-Ababio Sam , Schmitt Robert
Published: October 2015

Knowledge of truck axle weights and distribution is critical for assessing the damaging effects of loading on pavements. A study was initiated in Wisconsin to investigate the impact of a new law that allows vehicle combinations up to 98,000 lb on six axles to transport raw forest products during the spring thaw suspension period. Analysis of truck weight data collected at two logging industrial facilities was done to determine whether certain logging trucks were more damaging than others. The data collected included truck axle weight and spacing from platform scales at two logging industrial facilities, plus scale operators' monthly supplied log truck reports covering the period of December 2011 to May 2012. Analysis revealed that a considerable proportion of trucks were overloaded at the two facilities, with overload averaging 31% and 24% in winter and 25% and 33% in spring. The magnitude of the overload, however, averaged less than 5% of the 98,000-lb limit permitted under the law for gross vehicle weight. FHWA Class 9 loaded trucks produced a higher damage factor compared with that of Class 10 loaded trucks. In addition, Class 9 loaded trucks resulted in a lower average relative log carrying efficiency of 15,400 lb per equivalent single-axle load compared with 22,000 lb per equivalent single-axle load for Class 10 loaded trucks. Better truck configuration choices can benefit both the industry and the highway agency by allowing the industry to haul more logs while inflicting less damage to the pavement.
Practical Approach for Determining Permit Fees for Overweight Trucks
Authors: Banerjee Ambarish , Prozzi Jorge A.
Published: October 2015

A practical approach is presented for determining permit fees for overweight (OW) trucks based on consumption of service life of highways. A mechanistic–empirical design philosophy is used to estimate deterioration of the pavement structure. The methodology uses permanent deformation, load-related fatigue damage, and roughness scores as descriptors to estimate service life consumption for flexible pavements and punchouts and roughness measures for rigid pavements. The experiment included flexible and rigid pavement sections with varying structural numbers and slab thicknesses from sections across Texas to account for climatic and geographical differences. Each pavement section was simulated under different loading conditions reflecting the full spectrum of axle weights characteristic of single, tandem, tridem, and quad axles. The exercise provided the basis for developing group equivalency factors and axle load factors for individual axle groups. Axle-specific parameters enabled a modular approach toward determining gross load equivalencies for any truck category without restriction on axle weights or configuration. Consumption of service life was calculated as the additional pavement structure required to accommodate OW traffic in excess of the design truck volume while ensuring the same terminal distress condition. The cost incurred in providing the additional structure to offset the accelerated consumption was assigned to the responsible truck fleet in proportion to the marginal load equivalency over the legal gross vehicle weight and axle weight tolerances. Permit fees of 3.7¢/mi per equivalent single-axle load for flexible pavements and 2.9¢/mi per equivalent single-axle load for rigid pavements were found to be practical.
Truck Body Configuration Volume and Weight Distribution
Authors: Hyun Kyung (Kate) , Hernandez Sarah , Tok Andre , Ritchie Stephen G.
Published: October 2015

Weigh-in-motion (WIM) systems measure truck volumes, assist in pavement design and management, and enforce truck size and weight regulations. Although WIM systems provide truck classification based on the FHWA axle configuration classification scheme, more specific vehicle characteristics such as body configuration are necessary for freight planning and pollution monitoring. A modified decision tree model was developed to estimate truck volumes and gross vehicle weight (GVW) distributions by body configuration for five-axle semi-tractor trailers (3S2) with the use of existing WIM system measurements such as axle spacing and vehicle length. This method allows more information to be extracted from axle-based measurement data to leverage the significant investments in existing WIM systems better. Data for model development were collected at three WIM sites spanning rural and urban locations in California and described more than 7,500 3S2 trucks stratified into five trailer body categories: vans, tanks, platforms, 40-ft intermodal containers, and other. Model estimates of trailer body configuration volumes differ by only 8% from actual volumes when averaged across all body configurations on an independent test data set. A normalization procedure was designed to improve the model's robustness against systematic and random calibration inaccuracies at WIM sites. An algorithm based on Gaussian mixture models was developed to estimate GVW distribution by body configuration. Results show that estimated GVW distributions statistically capture the actual GVW distribution of each body configuration and are temporally and spatially transferable.
Analysis of Freight Corridors Using GPS Data on Trucks
Authors: Flaskou Mania , Dulebenets Maxim A. , Golias Mihalis M. , Mishra Sabyasachee , Rock Robert M.
Published: October 2015

Trucks remain an important link for today's supply chains because the majority of goods in the United States and around the world are delivered to their final destination by trucks. With increasing roadway network congestion, obtaining detailed truck trip data to assist with freight transportation planning and operations is crucial. Recent advances in GPS devices enable various public and private transportation agencies to obtain more precise information about truck travel patterns. The main objective of this study was to develop a methodology for processing raw GPS data and to develop freight performance measures. Two algorithms were proposed to estimate bidirectional link speeds and to analyze truck trips. A case study for the state of Tennessee is presented to evaluate the proposed methodology.
Measuring Carrier Reservation Prices for Truckload Capacity in the Transportation Spot Market
Authors: Lindsey Christopher , Mahmassani Hani S.
Published: October 2015

An important element of the U.S. motor carrier industry is the transportation spot market. The transportation spot market consists of shipments handled on a one-time, load-by-load basis and exists to facilitate urgent or unfulfilled demand. This market is characterized by price volatility and uncertainty in the availability of capacity. These aspects of the spot market make it challenging for shippers who rely on it. Because of the severe shortage of spot market capacity and the relatively high and volatile prices, shippers must actively seek carrier capacity (i.e., conduct traditional transportation auctions). Often, shippers employ the help of third parties. This research yields insight into the spot market by presenting some results of a hypothetical field experiment on spot market transactions for truckload shipments. The assumption was that a shipper's efforts to secure truckload capacity could be improved with better information on how carriers valued potential transactions differently. The research demonstrated that given choice data, accurate estimation of the minimum amount of compensation various carriers require to provide capacity (i.e., the reservation price) was possible. Furthermore, the research explored the practice of sourcing multiple spot market loads simultaneously, or bundling. The insights from this study can lead to improved decision making and improved business outcomes for shippers and carriers alike.
Introduction to Special Issue on “Fluorescence-Based Sensing Technologies”
Authors: Holmes-Smith A. Sheila
Published: October 2015

The application of fluorescence-based technologies to sensing applications in biosciences and related industries is growing. [...]
Hedgehog Cholesterolysis: Specialized Gatekeeper to Oncogenic Signaling
Authors: Callahan Brian , Wang Chunyu
Published: October 2015

Discussions of therapeutic suppression of hedgehog (Hh) signaling almost exclusively focus on receptor antagonism; however, hedgehog’s biosynthesis represents a unique and potentially targetable aspect of this oncogenic signaling pathway. Here, we review a key biosynthetic step called cholesterolysis from the perspectives of structure/function and small molecule inhibition. Cholesterolysis, also called cholesteroylation, generates cholesterol-modified Hh ligand via autoprocessing of a hedgehog precursor protein. Post-translational modification by cholesterol appears to be restricted to proteins in the hedgehog family. The transformation is essential for Hh biological activity and upstream of signaling events. Despite its decisive role in generating ligand, cholesterolysis remains conspicuously unexplored as a therapeutic target.
Catalytic Cracking of Triglyceride-Rich Biomass toward Lower Olefins over a Nano-ZSM-5/SBA-15 Analog Composite
Authors: Vu Xuan Hoan , Nguyen Sura , Dang Tung Thanh , Phan Binh Minh Quoc , Nguyen Duc Anh , Armbruster Udo , Martin Andreas
Published: October 2015

The catalytic cracking of triglyceride-rich biomass toward C2–C4 olefins was evaluated over a hierarchically textured nano-ZSM-5/SBA-15 analog composite (ZSC-24) under fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) conditions. The experiments were performed on a fully automated Single-Receiver Short-Contact-Time Microactivity Test unit (SR-SCT-MAT, Grace Davison) at 550 °C and different catalyst-to-oil mass ratios (0–1.2 g∙g−1). The ZSC-24 catalyst is very effective for transformation of triglycerides to valuable hydrocarbons, particularly lower olefins. The selectivity to C2–C4 olefins is remarkably high (>90%) throughout the investigated catalyst-to-oil ratio range. The superior catalytic performance of the ZSC-24 catalyst can be attributed to the combination of its medium acid site amount and improved molecular transport provided by the bimodal pore system, which effectively suppresses the secondary reactions of primarily formed lower olefins.
Molybdenum Nitride Films: Crystal Structures, Synthesis, Mechanical, Electrical and Some Other Properties
Authors: Jauberteau Isabelle , Bessaudou Annie , Mayet Richard , Cornette Julie , Jauberteau Jean , Carles Pierre , Merle-Méjean Thérèse
Published: October 2015

Among transition metal nitrides, molybdenum nitrides have been much less studied even though their mechanical properties as well as their electrical and catalytic properties make them very attractive for many applications. The δ-MoN phase of hexagonal structure is a potential candidate for an ultra-incompressible and hard material and can be compared with c-BN and diamond. The predicted superconducting temperature of the metastable MoN phase of NaCl-B1-type cubic structure is the highest of all refractory carbides and nitrides. The composition of molybdenum nitride films as well as the structures and properties depend on the parameters of the process used to deposit the films. They are also strongly correlated to the electronic structure and chemical bonding. An unusual mixture of metallic, covalent and ionic bonding is found in the stoichiometric compounds.
Green Cosmetic Surfactant from Rice: Characterization and Application
Authors: Hanno Ibrahim , Centini Marisanna , Anselmi Cecilia , Bibiani Claudia
Published: October 2015

During recent years, microwave irradiation has been extensively used for performing green organic synthesis. The aim of this study was to synthesize, through a microwave-assisted irradiation process, a natural surfactant with O/W emulsifying properties. Our attention was focused on polyglycerol esters of fatty acids that are biocompatible and biodegradable non-ionic surfactants widely used in food and cosmetic products. The emulsifier was obtained using vegetable raw material from renewable sources: polyglycerol derived from vegetable glycerol and rice bran oil fatty acids. The natural emulsifier obtained was then characterized and evaluated for its emulsifying properties using different doses, oil phases, rheological additives, waxes, etc. The potential application in solar products, in comparison with other natural emulsifiers, was also evaluated.
Design Parameters Analysis of Point Absorber WEC via an evolutionary-algorithm-based Dimensioning Tool
Authors: Blanco Marcos , Moreno-Torres Pablo , Lafoz Marcos , Ramírez Dionisio
Published: October 2015

Wave energy conversion has an essential difference from other renewable energies since the dependence between the devices design and the energy resource is stronger. Dimensioning is therefore considered a key stage when a design project of Wave Energy Converters (WEC) is undertaken. Location, WEC concept, Power Take-Off (PTO) type, control strategy and hydrodynamic resonance considerations are some of the critical aspects to take into account to achieve a good performance. The paper proposes an automatic dimensioning methodology to be accomplished at the initial design project stages and the following elements are described to carry out the study: an optimization design algorithm, its objective functions and restrictions, a PTO model, as well as a procedure to evaluate the WEC energy production. After that, a parametric analysis is included considering different combinations of the key parameters previously introduced. A variety of study cases are analysed from the point of view of energy production for different design-parameters and all of them are compared with a reference case. Finally, a discussion is presented based on the results obtained, and some recommendations to face the WEC design stage are given.
Practical Experience of Operational Diagnostics and Defectoscopy on Photovoltaic Installations in the Czech Republic
Authors: Mastny Petr , Moravek Jan , Drapela Jiri
Published: October 2015

Fundamental changes concerning the development of photovoltaic (PV) installations in the Czech Republic (CR) have occurred after 2010. The limits (and subsequent termination) of support for the newly installed PV power plants (cancellation of purchase prices for produced electricity) were the most important. This change of approach was advised by the relevant state authorities before the end of the year 2010 and resulted in a massive increase in PV installations during 2010. The goal of investors was to get more favorable conditions for the purchase of the electricity produced. A considerable amount of PV installations had been registered by the end of 2010, which do not reach the projected operating performance—this is caused by errors during installation and in many cases by inappropriately used (poor quality) components. This paper is focused on the operation of PV power plants in the conditions of the CR. A final analysis of the operational measurements performed and potential approaches and methods applicable to operational diagnosis of defects on PV panels are presented. A brief mention is also made of the economic situation of PV systems operating in the current legislative conditions in the CR.
Investigation of High-Efficiency Wireless Power Transfer Criteria of Resonantly-Coupled Loops and Dipoles through Analysis of the Figure of Merit
Authors: Moorey Charles , Holderbaum William , Potter Ben
Published: October 2015

The efficiency of a Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) system is greatly dependent on both the geometry and operating frequency of the transmitting and receiving structures. By using Coupled Mode Theory (CMT), the figure of merit is calculated for resonantly-coupled loop and dipole systems. An in-depth analysis of the figure of merit is performed with respect to the key geometric parameters of the loops and dipoles, along with the resonant frequency, in order to identify the key relationships leading to high-efficiency WPT. For systems consisting of two identical single-turn loops, it is shown that the choice of both the loop radius and resonant frequency are essential in achieving high-efficiency WPT. For the dipole geometries studied, it is shown that the choice of length is largely irrelevant and that as a result of their capacitive nature, low-MHz frequency dipoles are able to produce significantly higher figures of merit than those of the loops considered. The results of the figure of merit analysis are used to propose and subsequently compare two mid-range loop and dipole WPT systems of equal size and operating frequency, where it is shown that the dipole system is able to achieve higher efficiencies than the loop system of the distance range examined.
Recent Advances in Ocean Nuclear Power Plants
Authors: Lee Kang-Heon , Kim Min-Gil , Lee Jeong , Lee Phill-Seung
Published: October 2015

In this paper, recent advances in Ocean Nuclear Power Plants (ONPPs) are reviewed, including their general arrangement, design parameters, and safety features. The development of ONPP concepts have continued due to initiatives taking place in France, Russia, South Korea, and the United States. Russia’s first floating nuclear power stations utilizing the PWR technology (KLT-40S) and the spar-type offshore floating nuclear power plant designed by a research group in United States are considered herein. The APR1400 and SMART mounted Gravity Based Structure (GBS)-type ONPPs proposed by a research group in South Korea are also considered. In addition, a submerged-type ONPP designed by DCNS of France is taken into account. Last, issues and challenges related to ONPPs are discussed and summarized.
Finite Element Modeling of GFRP-Reinforced Concrete Interior Slab-Column Connections Subjected to Moment Transfer
Authors: Gouda Ahmed , El-Salakawy Ehab
Published: October 2015

A finite element model (FEM) was constructed using specialized three-dimensional (3D) software to investigate the punching shear behavior of interior slab-column connections subjected to a moment-to-shear ratio of 0.15 m. The FEM was then verified against the experimental results of full-scale interior slab-column connections reinforced with glass fiber reinforcement polymer (GFRP) bars previously tested by the authors. The FEM results showed that the constructed model was able to predict the behavior of the slabs with reasonable accuracy. Afterward, the verified model was used to conduct a parametric study to investigate the effects of reinforcement ratio, perimeter-to-depth ratio, and column aspect ratio on the punching shear behavior of such connections. The test results showed that increasing the tested parameters enhanced the overall behavior of the connections in terms of decreasing deflections and reinforcement strain and increasing the ultimate capacity. In addition, the obtained punching shear stresses of the connections were compared to the predictions of the Canadian standard and the American guideline for FRP-reinforced concrete structures.
Hypermethylation of the VTRNA1-3 Promoter is Associated with Poor Outcome in Lower Risk Myelodysplastic Syndrome Patients
Authors: Helbo Alexandra , Treppendahl Marianne , Aslan Derya , Dimopoulos Konstantinos , Nandrup-Bus Cecilie , Holm Mette , Andersen Mette , Liang Gangning , Kristensen Lasse , Grønbæk Kirsten
Published: October 2015

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a heterogeneous group of clonal hematopoietic disorders. MDS is frequently associated with deletions on chromosome 5q as well as aberrant DNA methylation patterns including hypermethylation of key tumor suppressors. We have previously shown that hypermethylation and silencing of the non-coding RNA VTRNA2-1 are correlated with poor outcomes in acute myeloid leukemia patients. In this study, we find that VTRNA1-2 and VTRNA1-3, both located on chromosome 5q, can be regulated and silenced by promoter DNA methylation, and that the hypomethylating agent 5-aza-2-deoxycytidine causes reactivation these genes. In normal hematopoiesis, we find that vault RNAs (vtRNAs) show differential methylation between various hematopoietic cell populations, indicating that allele-specific methylation events may occur during hematopoiesis. In addition, we show that VTRNA1-3 promoter hypermethylation is frequent in lower risk MDS patients and is associated with a decreased overall survival.
Spiritual Pain in Meals on Wheels’ Clients
Authors: Boss Lisa , Branson Sandy , Cron Stanley , Kang Duck-Hee
Published: October 2015

Background: Meals on Wheels’ clients are at risk for spiritual pain due to advanced age, social isolation, and failing health. They are also prone to stress, depression, and loneliness, placing them at risk for adverse biological disruptions and health outcomes. The purpose of the study was to examine associations of spiritual pain with psychosocial factors (stress, depression, loneliness, religious coping) and salivary biomarkers of stress and inflammation (cortisol, IL-1β) in Meals on Wheels’ clients. Methods: Data were collected cross-sectionally from 88 elderly (mean age 75.4). Spiritual pain, stress, depression, loneliness, and religious coping were measured with standardized instruments, and salivary biomarkers were assessed with enzyme immunoassays. Results: Spiritual pain was significantly and positively correlated with stress (r = 0.35, p ≤ 0.001), depression (r = 0.27, p = 0.01), and negative religious coping (r = 0.27, p = 0.01). Correlations with loneliness, positive religious coping, and salivary biomarkers were non-significant. Conclusion: Spiritual pain is an important concept in this population. Research should be expanded to understand the significance of spiritual pain in conjunction with psychosocial and biological variables and its potential impact on physical, mental, and cognitive health outcomes in the elderly.