bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are Engineering and Social Justice (In)commensurable? A Theoretical Exploration of Macro-Sociological Frameworks
Authors: Leydens Jon A. , Lucena Juan C. , Schneider Jen
Published: April 2017

The degree to which engineering and social justice as fields of practice are (in)commensurable remains an open question. To illuminate important dimensions of that question, we explore intersections between those fields and two macro-sociological frameworks. Those theoretical frameworks—structural functionalism and social conflict—represent contrasting perspectives on how society should be organized. Specifically, we reveal conceptual alignments between structural functionalism and engineering/engineering education and between social conflict and social justice. Those alignments suggest some salient potential catalysts for tensions between engineering and social justice and provide a useful ideological mirror for reflection by all who are committed to the engineering profession and/or to social justice.
Engineers Engaging with Community: Negotiating Cultural Difference on Mine Sites
Authors: Armstrong Rita , Baillie Caroline
Published: April 2017

In this paper we scrutinize the concepts of culture and cultural relativism and argue that, despite difference in academic interpretations, they have relevance for engineers in their working lives. Engineers, particularly those who work for transnational resource companies, often confront different belief systems when they work on site. This article looks at the misunderstandings that can arise from superficial readings of cultural relativism, as well as the productive relationships that can emerge when engineers engage in a meaningful way with other cultures and epistemologies. This type of engagement has the potential to transform engineering knowledge and practice. We argue that it is important for engineers to understand not just why, but also how, culture matters when negotiating an equitable relationship with the communities in which they work.
Great Problems of Grand Challenges: Problematizing Engineering’s Understandings of its Role in Society
Authors: Cech Erin , NAE's Grand Challenges for Engineering" "Guest Introduction to Special Issue on
Published: April 2017

The U.S. National Academy of Engineering’s Grand Challenges for Engineering report has received a great deal of attention from legislators, policymakers, and educators, but what does it entail for social justice considerations in engineering? This article situates the Grand Challenges report as a cultural artifact of the engineering profession—an artifact that works to reinforce engineering’s professional culture, recruit new members, and reassert engineering’s legitimacy in the 21st century. As such, the Grand Challenges report provides a unique opportunity to understand and critique the role engineering envisions for itself in society. The articles in this special issue of IJESJP identify four central critiques of Grand Challenges: authorial particularism, double standards in engineering’s contributions to these challenges, bracketing of the “social” from “technical” realms, and deterministic definitions of progress. These critiques call for increased reflexivity and broadened participation in how engineers define problems and attempt to solve them.
Decline of coconut fruiting in Nepal
Authors: Adhikari M.K. , Sharma K.P.
Published: April 2017

Abstract available on the PDFBanko Janakari Vol.12(1) 2002: 82
Democratic functioning of community forest users group: a case of Shisawara Community Forest of Bardia District, Nepal
Authors: Joshi Krishna Babu
Published: April 2017

Abstract on the PDFBanko Janakari Vol.13(2) 2003: 21-24
Periodontal Status of Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis Therapy in a Tertiary Level Hospital of Nepal
Authors: Rana Sweta Rajya Laxmi , Sharma Arun
Published: April 2017

Introduction:  Periodontitis is a chronic inflammation of the supporting structures of the teeth. It has been shown to be associated with systemic diseases including cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, diabetes mellitus and preterm birth. Conflicting reports on the relationship of chronic renal failure patients and periodontal diseases are present in the literature. No previous study has been reported in renal patients in Nepalese population. Hence this study was done to assess the oral hygiene and periodontal conditions in hemodialysis patients in a Tertiary level hospital in Nepal.Methods: Descriptive observational study in which hemodialysis cases were assessed for periodontal parameters including Oral Hygiene- Simplified Index (OHI-S), Plaque Index (PI), Gingival Index (GI), Probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL).Results: A total of 30 patients (20 male, 10 female; mean age 51.06±14.37 years) were assessed. Mean OHI-S, PI, GI, PPD and CAL were 4.02±0.89, 1.93±0.27, 1.57±0.28, 2.09±0.19 and 2.18±0.42, respectively. The distribution of periodontitis was 10% severe, 46.66% moderate and 43.33% mild periodontitis.Conclusions: Hemodialysis patients showed poor oral hygiene and moderate and periodontitis. Hence periodic assessment and periodontal treatment may prevent further complications in these patients.
Adequacy of Undergraduate Orthopedic Training at a Nepalese Medical Academy
Authors: Tamrakar Rojan , Basnyat Sagun , Gyawali Bidur , Bhatta Toya Raj , Shah Gajendra Mani , Acharya Balakrishnan , Shrestha Suman Kumar , Pradhan Nabees Man Singh
Published: April 2017

Introduction: A basic familiarity with orthopaedic disorders is important for all medical school graduates. The purpose of this study is to assess the adequacy of undergraduate orthopaedic knowledge among the first batch interns of our academy.Methods: The validated basic cognitive examination designed by Freedman and Bernstein, consisting of 25 short answer questions was administered to the first batch interns. Overall scores and responses to the individual questions were analyzed. The recommended passing score of 73.1 per cent as suggested by Freedman and Bernstein was considered. The overall unweighted and weighted scores were calculated. The questions were also separated into anatomy, general orthopedics and trauma groups. The Microsoft Office Excel 2007 was used for the statistical analysis.Results: Forty eight interns appeared the examination with the mean scores obtained was 58.79 per cent. Forty five interns (94 per cent) failed to demonstrate basic competency on the examination. The overall weighted score for all interns was 61 per cent. Forty two (88 per cent) of the 48 interns failed the examination even when the questions were weighted. The average scores in the general orthopedics, trauma and anatomy groups were 49, 76 and 54.6 per cents respectively.Conclusion: Majority (94 percent) of the first batch interns failed the validated basic musculoskeletal examination. Curriculum and teaching methods is inadequate or inappropriate and should be re-evaluated to address this problem.
An Efficient Sixth-Order Newton-Type Method for Solving Nonlinear Systems
Authors: Wang Xiaofeng , Li Yang
Published: April 2017

In this paper, we present a new sixth-order iterative method for solving nonlinear systems and prove a local convergence result. The new method requires solving five linear systems per iteration. An important feature of the new method is that the LU (lower upper, also called LU factorization) decomposition of the Jacobian matrix is computed only once in each iteration. The computational efficiency index of the new method is compared to that of some known methods. Numerical results are given to show that the convergence behavior of the new method is similar to the existing methods. The new method can be applied to small- and medium-sized nonlinear systems.
An Improved Multiobjective Particle Swarm Optimization Based on Culture Algorithms
Authors: Jia Chunhua , Zhu Hong
Published: April 2017

In this paper, we propose a new approach to raise the performance of multiobjective particle swam optimization. The personal guide and global guide are updated using three kinds of knowledge extracted from the population based on cultural algorithms. An epsilon domination criterion has been employed to enhance the convergence and diversity of the approximate Pareto front. Moreover, a simple polynomial mutation operator has been applied to both the population and the non-dominated archive. Experiments on two series of bench test suites have shown the effectiveness of the proposed approach. A comparison with several other algorithms that are considered good representatives of particle swarm optimization solutions has also been conducted, in order to verify the competitive performance of the proposed algorithm in solve multiobjective optimization problems.
Influence of Composted Dairy Manure and Perennial Forage on Soil Carbon and Nitrogen Fractions during Transition into Organic Management
Authors: Mikha Maysoon , Widiastuti Dwi , Hurisso Tunsisa , Brummer Joe , Davis Jessica
Published: April 2017

Composted dairy manure (CDM) is among the management practices used in transitioning from a conventional to an organic agricultural system. The objectives of this study are to evaluate the impact of several organic nitrogen (N) sources on: (i) soil organic C (SOC) and soil total N (STN) content; (ii) soil C and N distribution among soil fractions; and (iii) N mineralization. This study was initiated in 2007 on a recently renovated alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) field located at the Agricultural Research, Development and Education Center near Fort Collins, Colorado. The soil type is a Fort Collins loam (fine-loamy, mixed, superactive, mesic Aridic Haplustalfs). Alfalfa and sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.) were interseeded with the grass mixtures as organic N sources. Three grass treatments were established with and without alfalfa or sainfoin. The CDM was also applied to the grass and to grass-alfalfa mixture at a rate of 22.4 Mg ha−1 in 2008 and at rates of 0, 11.2, and 22.4 Mg ha−1 in 2009. Soil samples were collected from the 0–5 cm and 5–10 cm depths in the fall of 2008 and 2009. Throughout the study period, SOC and STN were significantly influenced by depth, but not by treatment combinations. Averaged across the treatments, SOC was greater by 13.7% in 2008 and 24.2% in 2009 at 0–5 than the 5–10 cm depth. Similarly, STN was significantly higher by approximately 9.4% at 0–5 cm in 2008 and 18.7% in 2009 compared with the 5–10 cm depth. The C and N parameters studied and their distributions among various fractions (mineralizable, slow, and resistant) were influenced by the C and N contents of the added CDM. The low C and N contents of the CDM added in the second year of the study did not contribute to soil C and N build-up. The results generated from this study supported our hypothesis because the quality of CDM addition highly influenced C and N distribution among different fractions. Overall, for a transitioning system, CDM should to be added based on the manure-N content to ensure an adequate amount of N addition. To fully evaluate treatment benefits, a longer study period would be required to allow for system adjustment.
How Are Service Dogs for Adults with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Integrated with Rehabilitation in Denmark? A Case Study
Authors: Glintborg Chalotte , Hansen Tia
Published: April 2017

A severe mental illness like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is known to have psychosocial consequences that can lead to a decreased quality of life. Research in Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) has revealed that the presence of a dog can have a positive effect on health, e.g., increase quality of life and lessen depression and anxiety. However, canine companionship is not a catch-all solution. Previous research has revealed methodological limitations that prohibit any clear conclusions, as well as a sparsity of critical reflection in anecdotal reports and case studies, which means that more research is needed to contextualize the findings. There has been an increasing interest in animal-assisted intervention in Denmark in recent years. Previously, authorities could only grant service dogs to adults with physical disabilities, but now this has been extended to adults with mental illnesses. Therefore, it has become important to explore how these service dogs are incorporated into rehabilitation practices in mental health, and how rehabilitation professionals react to the use of service dogs. This paper is a case study of a person who suffers from PTSD. This study examines how the person describes the significance of having a dog during her rehabilitation process, and how this is integrated with existing rehabilitation. The case study has been developed based on a semi-structured interview. A Thematic Content analysis was used to reveal dominant patterns and categories. This study revealed a lack of communication and collaboration between public administration (social service), service dog providers, health rehabilitation services, and providers of psychological treatment. It also revealed limited access for the dog to public services, limited success in incorporating the dog into goal-directed treatment and rehabilitation procedures, a strongly felt emotional support from the dog, and a perceived stigma by having the dog wearing a vest with he words “mentally ill” printed on it.
Erythromycin Modification That Improves Its Acidic Stability while Optimizing It for Local Drug Delivery
Authors: Cyphert Erika , Wallat Jaqueline , Pokorski Jonathan , Von Recum Horst
Published: April 2017

The antibiotic erythromycin has limited efficacy and bioavailability due to its instability and conversion under acidic conditions via an intramolecular dehydration reaction. To improve the stability of erythromycin, several analogs have been developed—such as azithromycin and clarithromycin—which decrease the rate of intramolecular dehydration. We set out to build upon this prior work by developing a conjugate of erythromycin with improved pH stability, bioavailability, and preferential release from a drug delivery system directly at the low pH of an infection site. To develop this new drug conjugate, adamantane-1-carbohydrazide was covalently attached to erythromycin via a pH-degradable hydrazone bond. Since Staphylococcus aureus infection sites are slightly acidic, the hydrazone bond will undergo hydrolysis liberating erythromycin directly at the infection site. The adamantane group provides interaction with the drug delivery system. This local delivery strategy has the potential of reducing off-target and systemic side-effects. This work demonstrates the synthesis of a pH-cleavable, erythromycin conjugate that retains the inherent antimicrobial activity of erythromycin, has an increased hydrophobicity, and improved stability in acidic conditions; thereby enhancing erythromycin’s bioavailability while simultaneously reducing its toxicity.
A Resonantly Pumped Single-Longitudinal Mode Ho:Sc2SiO5 Laser with Two Fabry–Perot Etalons
Authors: Yang Xiao-Tao , Liu Long , Zhang Peng , Xie Wen-Qiang
Published: April 2017

We present a single-longitudinal-mode Ho:Sc2SiO5 (Ho:SSO) laser pumped by a Tm:YAP laser for the first time. Two intra-cavity Fabry–Perot etalons were used to realize the single-longitudinal mode of operation. The maximum output power of 590 mW at 2111.91 nm was obtained with the incident power of 10.2 W, when the slope efficiency was 9.7% and the optical conversion efficiency was 5.8%. The M2 factor of the single longitudinal mode Ho:SSO laser was measured to be 1.17.
A TSVD-Based Method for Forest Height Inversion from Single-Baseline PolInSAR Data
Authors: Lin Dongfang , Zhu Jianjun , Fu Haiqiang , Xie Qinghua , Zhang Bing
Published: April 2017

The random volume over ground (RVoG) model associates vegetation vertical structure parameters with multiple complex interferometric coherence observables. In this paper, on the basis of the RVoG model, a truncated singular value decomposition (TSVD)-based method is proposed for forest height inversion from single-baseline polarimetric interferometric synthetic aperture radar (PolInSAR) data. In addition, in order to improve the applicability of TSVD for this issue, a new truncation method is proposed for TSVD. Differing from the traditional three-stage method, the TSVD-based inversion method estimates the pure volume coherence directly from the complex interferometric coherence, and estimates the forest height from the estimated pure volume coherence with a least-squares method. As a result, the TSVD-based method can adjust the contributions of the polarizations in the estimation of the model parameters and avoid the null ground-to-volume ratio assumption. The simulated experiments undertaken in this study confirmed that the TSVD-based method performs better than the three-stage method in forest height inversion. The TSVD-based method was also applied to E-SAR P-band data acquired over the Krycklan Catchment, Sweden, which is covered with mixed pine forest. The results showed that the TSVD-based method improves the root-mean-square error by 48.6% when compared to the three-stage method, which further validates the performance of the TSVD-based method.
Bio-Inspired Multi-Functional Drug Transport Design Concept and Simulations
Authors: Pidaparti Ramana , Cartin Charles , Su Guoguang
Published: April 2017

In this study, we developed a microdevice concept for drug/fluidic transport taking an inspiration from supramolecular motor found in biological cells. Specifically, idealized multi-functional design geometry (nozzle/diffuser/nozzle) was developed for (i) fluidic/particle transport; (ii) particle separation; and (iii) droplet generation. Several design simulations were conducted to demonstrate the working principles of the multi-functional device. The design simulations illustrate that the proposed design concept is feasible for multi-functionality. However, further experimentation and optimization studies are needed to fully evaluate the multifunctional device concept for multiple applications.
Still Searching: A Meta-Synthesis of a Good Death from the Bereaved Family Member Perspective
Authors: Tenzek Kelly , Depner Rachel
Published: April 2017

The concept of a good death continues to receive attention in end-of-life (EOL) scholarship. We sought to continue this line of inquiry related to a good death by conducting a meta-synthesis of published qualitative research studies that examined a good death from the bereaved family member’s perspective. Results of the meta-synthesis included 14 articles with 368 participants. Based on analysis, we present a conceptual model called The Opportunity Model for Presence during the EOL Process. The model is framed in socio-cultural factors, and major themes include EOL process engagement with categories of healthcare participants, communication and practical issues. The second theme, (dis)continuity of care, includes categories of place of care, knowledge of family member dying and moment of death. Both of these themes lead to perceptions of either a good or bad death, which influences the bereavement process. We argue the main contribution of the model is the ability to identify moments throughout the interaction where family members can be present to the EOL process. Recommendations for healthcare participants, including patients, family members and clinical care providers are offered to improve the quality of experience throughout the EOL process and limitations of the study are discussed.
Magnetoresistance, Gating and Proximity Effects in Ultrathin NbN-Bi2Se3 Bilayers
Authors: Koren Gad
Published: April 2017

Ultrathin Bi 2 Se 3 -NbN bilayers comprise a simple proximity system of a topological insulator and an s-wave superconductor for studying gating effects on topological superconductors. Here we report on 3 nm thick NbN layers of weakly connected superconducting islands, overlayed with 10 nm thick Bi 2 Se 3 film which facilitates enhanced proximity coupling between them. Resistance versus temperature of the most resistive bilayers shows insulating behavior but with signs of superconductivity. We measured the magnetoresistance (MR) of these bilayers versus temperature with and without a magnetic field H normal to the wafer (MR = [R(H) − R(0)]/{[R(H) + R(0)]/2}), and under three electric gate-fields of 0 and ± 2 MV/cm. The MR results showed a complex set of gate sensitive peaks which extended up to about 30 K. The results are discussed in terms of vortex physics, and the origin of the different MR peaks is identified and attributed to flux-flow MR in the isolated NbN islands and the different proximity regions in the Bi 2 Se 3 cap-layer. The dominant MR peak was found to be consistent with enhanced proximity induced superconductivity in the topological edge currents regions. The high temperature MR data suggest a possible pseudogap phase or a highly extended fluctuation regime.
A Cost Optimized Fully Sustainable Power System for Southeast Asia and the Pacific Rim
Authors: Gulagi Ashish , Bogdanov Dmitrii , Breyer Christian
Published: April 2017

In this paper, a cost optimal 100% renewable energy based system is obtained for Southeast Asia and the Pacific Rim region for the year 2030 on an hourly resolution for the whole year. For the optimization, the region was divided into 15 sub-regions and three different scenarios were set up based on the level of high voltage direct current grid connections. The results obtained for a total system levelized cost of electricity showed a decrease from 66.7 €/MWh in a decentralized scenario to 63.5 €/MWh for a centralized grid connected scenario. An integrated scenario was simulated to show the benefit of integrating additional demand of industrial gas and desalinated water which provided the system the required flexibility and increased the efficiency of the usage of storage technologies. This was reflected in the decrease of system cost by 9.5% and the total electricity generation by 5.1%. According to the results, grid integration on a larger scale decreases the total system cost and levelized cost of electricity by reducing the need for storage technologies due to seasonal variations in weather and demand profiles. The intermittency of renewable technologies can be effectively stabilized to satisfy hourly demand at a low cost level. A 100% renewable energy based system could be a reality economically and technically in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Rim with the cost assumptions used in this research and it may be more cost competitive than the nuclear and fossil carbon capture and storage (CCS) alternatives.
A Short-Current Control Method for Constant Frequency Current-Fed Wireless Power Transfer Systems
Authors: Li Yanling , Duan Qichang , Li Weiyi
Published: April 2017

Frequency drift is a serious problem in Current-Fed Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) systems. When the operating frequency is drifting from the inherent Zero Voltage Switching (ZVS) frequency of resonant network, large short currents will appear and damage the switches. In this paper, an inductance-dampening method is proposed to inhibit short currents and achieve constant-frequency operation. By adding a small auxiliary series inductance in the primary resonant network, short currents are greatly attenuated to a safe level. The operation principle and steady-state analysis of the system are provided. An overlapping time self-regulating circuit is designed to guarantee ZVS running. The range of auxiliary inductances is discussed and its critical value is calculated exactly. The design methodology is described and a design example is presented. Finally, a prototype is built and the experimental results verify the proposed method.
Riparian Partial Harvesting and Upland Clear Cutting Alter Bird Communities in a Boreal Mixedwood Forest
Authors: Holmes Stephen , McIlwrick Ken , Kreutzweiser David , Venier Lisa
Published: April 2017

Forested buffer strips are typically prescribed around water bodies during forest harvesting operations to minimize effects on aquatic communities and to maintain fish and wildlife habitat. It has been argued that the systematic application of these buffer strips in the boreal forest results in the creation of an unnatural distribution of linear patterns of older-growth forest which is not consistent with the current emulating natural disturbance paradigm. We conducted a multi-year, temporally and spatially controlled, manipulative experiment to investigate the short-term impacts of an alternative practice of riparian partial harvesting and upland clear cutting on breeding and migrating forest birds. Effects on breeding bird community composition were assessed using a modified point counting method. Effects of harvesting on habitat utilization during fall migration were assessed by mist-netting. Breeding bird communities changed significantly post-harvest, but riparian communities diverged less from the pre-harvest condition than upland communities. Populations of early successional/edge species increased post-harvest and forest dependent species declined. Population declines tended to be smaller in the riparian partial cuts than in the upland clear cuts. Capture rates and movement patterns of fall migrants were unaffected by riparian partial harvesting, but catches of Tennessee Warbler (Oreothlypis peregrina), Nashville Warbler (Oreothlypis ruficapilla), Palm Warbler (Setophaga palmarum) and Yellow-rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata) increased in upland clear cuts. Our results suggest that partial harvesting in riparian reserves may be a viable management option that accommodates the needs of forest dependent birds.
The Effects of Taekwondo Training on Peripheral Neuroplasticity-Related Growth Factors, Cerebral Blood Flow Velocity, and Cognitive Functions in Healthy Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Cho Su-Youn , So Wi-Young , Roh Hee-Tae
Published: April 2017

Although regular Taekwondo (TKD) training has been reported to be effective for improving cognitive function in children, the mechanism underlying this improvement remains unclear. The purpose of the present study was to observe changes in neuroplasticity-related growth factors in the blood, assess cerebral blood flow velocity, and verify the resulting changes in children’s cognitive function after TKD training. Thirty healthy elementary school students were randomly assigned to control (n = 15) and TKD (n = 15) groups. The TKD training was conducted for 60 min at a rating of perceived exertion (RPE) of 11–15, 5 times per week, for 16 weeks. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels were measured by blood sampling before and after the training, and the cerebral blood flow velocities (peak systolic [MCAs], end diastolic [MCAd], mean cerebral blood flow velocities [MCAm], and pulsatility index [PI]) of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) were measured using Doppler ultrasonography. For cognitive function assessment, Stroop Color and Word Tests (Word, Color, and Color-Word) were administered along with other measurements. The serum BDNF, VEGF, and IGF-1 levels and the Color-Word test scores among the sub-factors of the Stroop Color and Word Test scores were significantly higher in the TKD group after the intervention (p < 0.05). On the other hand, no statistically significant differences were found in any factors related to cerebral blood flow velocities, or in the Word test and Color test scores (p > 0.05). Thus, 16-week TKD training did not significantly affect cerebral blood flow velocities, but the training may have been effective in increasing children’s cognitive function by inducing an increase in the levels of neuroplasticity-related growth factors.
Designing Fit for Purpose Health and Social Services for Ageing Populations
Authors: Woo Jean
Published: April 2017

Population ageing is occurring in all countries, regardless of the level of economic development. While the rising burden of chronic diseases and disabilities as a consequence of this demographic transition is well recognized, the increasing prevalence of geriatric syndromes as a public health issue is not as well recognized. Recently the World Health Organization’s World Health and Ageing Report emphasized functional ability as an important outcome for aging populations, highlighting the concept of raising intrinsic capacity throughout the life course. The complementary perspective is the prevention of frailty, which has physical, cognitive, social and psychological dimensions. Therefore, services for older people should encompass medical as well as social components. The need and evolution for a transition in health and social services in Hong Kong, a special administrative region of China which has a population with the world’s highest life expectancy, is presented as an example of how one developed economy attempts to meet the challenges of population ageing. There is a need to shift to integrated care in the community instead of specialty dominated hospital care, and to establish regular activities in the community to adopt and maintain a lifestyle that reduces frailty and disability (or promotes intrinsic capacity). A top down approach with financial incentives, together with public education to help drive policy changes, are key drivers of change. It is expected that there will be much heterogeneity between different countries in terms of barriers and facilitators, such that each country needs to document their needs and design appropriate services.
Immunization Strategies Targeting Newly Arrived Migrants in Non-EU Countries of the Mediterranean Basin and Black Sea
Authors: Giambi Cristina , Del Manso Martina , Dente Maria , Napoli Christian , Montaño-Remacha Carmen , Riccardo Flavia , Declich Silvia ,   Network for the control of cross-border health threats in the Mediterranean Basin and Black Sea for the ProVacMed project
Published: April 2017

Background: The World Health Organization recommends that host countries ensure appropriate vaccinations to refugees, asylum seekers and migrants. However, information on vaccination strategies targeting migrants in host countries is limited. Methods: In 2015–2016 we carried out a survey among national experts from governmental bodies of 15 non-EU countries of the Mediterranean and Black Sea in order to document and share national vaccination strategies targeting newly arrived migrants. Results: Four countries reported having regulations/procedures supporting the immunization of migrants at national level, one at sub-national level and three only targeting specific population groups. Eight countries offer migrant children all the vaccinations included in their national immunization schedule; three provide only selected vaccinations, mainly measles and polio vaccines. Ten and eight countries also offer selected vaccinations to adolescents and adults respectively. Eight countries provide vaccinations at the community level; seven give priority vaccines in holding centres or at entry sites. Data on administered vaccines are recorded in immunization registries in nine countries. Conclusions: Although differing among countries, indications for immunizing migrants are in place in most of them. However, we cannot infer from our findings whether those strategies are currently functioning and whether barriers to their implementation are being faced. Further studies focusing on these aspects are needed to develop concrete and targeted recommendations for action. Since migrants are moving across countries, development of on-line registries and cooperation between countries could allow keeping track of administered vaccines in order to appropriately plan immunization series and avoid unnecessary vaccinations.
Selection, Characterization and Interaction Studies of a DNA Aptamer for the Detection of Bifidobacterium bifidum
Authors: Hu Lujun , Wang Linlin , Lu Wenwei , Zhao Jianxin , Zhang Hao , Chen Wei
Published: April 2017

A whole-bacterium-based SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment) procedure was adopted in this study for the selection of an ssDNA aptamer that binds to Bifidobacterium bifidum. After 12 rounds of selection targeted against B. bifidum, 30 sequences were obtained and divided into seven families according to primary sequence homology and similarity of secondary structure. Four FAM (fluorescein amidite) labeled aptamer sequences from different families were selected for further characterization by flow cytometric analysis. The results reveal that the aptamer sequence CCFM641-5 demonstrated high-affinity and specificity for B. bifidum compared with the other sequences tested, and the estimated Kd value was 10.69 ± 0.89 nM. Additionally, sequence truncation experiments of the aptamer CCFM641-5 led to the conclusion that the 5′-primer and 3′-primer binding sites were essential for aptamer-target binding. In addition, the possible component of the target B. bifidum, bound by the aptamer CCFM641-5, was identified as a membrane protein by treatment with proteinase. Furthermore, to prove the potential application of the aptamer CCFM641-5, a colorimetric bioassay of the sandwich-type structure was used to detect B. bifidum. The assay had a linear range of 104 to 107 cfu/mL (R2 = 0.9834). Therefore, the colorimetric bioassay appears to be a promising method for the detection of B. bifidum based on the aptamer CCFM641-5.
Effects of 3D-Printed Polycaprolactone/β-Tricalcium Phosphate Membranes on Guided Bone Regeneration
Authors: Shim Jin-Hyung , Won Joo-Yun , Park Jung-Hyung , Bae Ji-Hyeon , Ahn Geunseon , Kim Chang-Hwan , Lim Dong-Hyuk , Cho Dong-Woo , Yun Won-Soo , Bae Eun-Bin , Jeong Chang-Mo , Huh Jung-Bo
Published: April 2017

This study was conducted to compare 3D-printed polycaprolactone (PCL) and polycaprolactone/β-tricalcium phosphate (PCL/β-TCP) membranes with a conventional commercial collagen membrane in terms of their abilities to facilitate guided bone regeneration (GBR). Fabricated membranes were tested for dry and wet mechanical properties. Fibroblasts and preosteoblasts were seeded into the membranes and rates and patterns of proliferation were analyzed using a kit-8 assay and by scanning electron microscopy. Osteogenic differentiation was verified by alizarin red S and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining. An in vivo experiment was performed using an alveolar bone defect beagle model, in which defects in three dogs were covered with different membranes. CT and histological analyses at eight weeks after surgery revealed that 3D-printed PCL/β-TCP membranes were more effective than 3D-printed PCL, and substantially better than conventional collagen membranes in terms of biocompatibility and bone regeneration and, thus, at facilitating GBR.
Correction: Chon-Kit Chou, et al. The Regulations of Deubiquitinase USP15 and Its Pathophysiological Mechanisms in Diseases. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2017, 18, 483
Authors: Chou Chon-Kit , Chang Yu-Ting , Korinek Michal , Chen Yei-Tsung , Yang Ya-Ting , Leu Steve , Lin I-Ling , Tang Chin-Ju , Chiu Chien-Chih
Published: April 2017

We would like to make a clariﬁcation to our article [1] entitled“ The Regulations of Deubiquitinase USP15 and Its Pathophysiological Mechanismsin Diseases” [...]
Of Oestrogens and Sperm: A Review of the Roles of Oestrogens and Oestrogen Receptors in Male Reproduction
Authors: Dostalova Pavla , Zatecka Eva , Dvorakova-Hortova Katerina
Published: April 2017

The crucial role that oestrogens play in male reproduction has been generally accepted; however, the exact mechanism of their action is not entirely clear and there is still much more to be clarified. The oestrogen response is mediated through oestrogen receptors, as well as classical oestrogen receptors’ variants, and their specific co-expression plays a critical role. The importance of oestrogen signalling in male fertility is indicated by the adverse effects of selected oestrogen-like compounds, and their interaction with oestrogen receptors was proven to cause pathologies. The aims of this review are to summarise the current knowledge on oestrogen signalling during spermatogenesis and sperm maturation and discuss the available information on oestrogen receptors and their splice variants. An overview is given of species-specific differences including in humans, along with a detailed summary of the methodology outcome, including all the genetically manipulated models available to date. This review provides coherent information on the recently discovered mechanisms of oestrogens’ and oestrogen receptors’ effects and action in both testicular somatic and germ cells, as well as in mature sperm, available for mammals, including humans.
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of an Ultrasonic Spot Welded Aluminum Alloy: The Effect of Welding Energy
Authors: Peng He , Chen Daolun , Jiang Xianquan
Published: April 2017

The aim of this study is to evaluate the microstructures, tensile lap shear strength, and fatigue resistance of 6022-T43 aluminum alloy joints welded via a solid-state welding technique–ultrasonic spot welding (USW)–at different energy levels. An ultra-fine necklace-like equiaxed grain structure is observed along the weld line due to the occurrence of dynamic crystallization, with smaller grain sizes at lower levels of welding energy. The tensile lap shear strength, failure energy, and critical stress intensity of the welded joints first increase, reach their maximum values, and then decrease with increasing welding energy. The tensile lap shear failure mode changes from interfacial fracture at lower energy levels, to nugget pull-out at intermediate optimal energy levels, and to transverse through-thickness (TTT) crack growth at higher energy levels. The fatigue life is longer for the joints welded at an energy of 1400 J than 2000 J at higher cyclic loading levels. The fatigue failure mode changes from nugget pull-out to TTT crack growth with decreasing cyclic loading for the joints welded at 1400 J, while TTT crack growth mode remains at all cyclic loading levels for the joints welded at 2000 J. Fatigue crack basically initiates from the nugget edge, and propagates with “river-flow” patterns and characteristic fatigue striations.
On the Mechanical Properties and Uncertainties of Jute Yarns
Authors: Ullah AMM , Shahinur Sweety , Haniu Hiroyuki
Published: April 2017

Products made from natural materials are eco-friendly. Therefore, it is important to supply product developers with reliable information regarding the properties of natural materials. In this study, we consider a widely used natural material called jute, which grows in Bangladesh, India, and China. We described the results of tensile tests on jute yarns, as well as the energy absorption patterns leading to yarn failure. We have also used statistical analyses and possibility distributions to quantify the uncertainty associated with the following properties of jute yarn: tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, and strain to failure. The uncertainty and energy absorption patterns of jute yarns were compared with those of jute fibers. We concluded that in order to ensure the reliability and durability of a product made from jute, it is good practice to examine the material properties of yarns rather than those of fibers.
Fabrication of Micro-Scale Gratings by Nanosecond Laser and Its Applications for Deformation Measurements
Authors: Yang Guanbao , He Wei , Zhu Jianguo , Chen Lei
Published: April 2017

This paper experimentally investigated the fabrication and optimization of micro-scale gratings formed by nanosecond laser etching. The mechanism of nanosecond laser processing and the geometric phase analysis (GPA) are discussed, and the factors influencing the fabrication process including laser energy, laser fluence, and ablation threshold of material, are experimentally studied. In order to eliminate the dependence of the processing parameters on the samples, depositing Al film on a sample before laser processing is proposed for the fabrication of high-quality gratings. The energy of the laser pulse is optimized for clear line etching on Al film considering the distance between adjacent lines of parallel gratings. The optimal energy of the laser pulse is 9.8 μJ, and the optimum fluence is 9.5 J/mm2 with the waist radius of the laser beam 25.7 μm. With the optimal parameters, experimental results indicate that the highest frequency of parallel gratings is about 30 lines/mm, with a line width of 29 μm, and the distance between two adjacent laser pulses being of 10 μm. By performing tensile tests, micro-scale gratings fabricated on specimens are experimentally verified. The verification tests prove that the proposed fabrication method for the micro-scale gratings in GPA measurements is reliable and applicable, and the micro-scale gratings can be fabricated in many areas of interest, such as the crack tip, for deformation measurements. Furthermore, the adhesion between the Al film and the tested sample is strong enough so that the pattern sticks well to the sample.
High-Throughput Determination of Sodium Danshensu in Beagle Dogs by the LCMS/MS Method, Employing Liquid-Liquid Extraction Based on 96-Well Format Plates
Authors: Jiang Jingjing , Zhao Xin , Li Xiuxiu , Wu Shengyuan , Yu Shidan , Lou Yuefen , Fan Guorong
Published: April 2017

Sodium Danshensu (sodium d-(+)-β-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl) lactate), one of the water-soluble ingredients in Salvia miltiorrhiza, exhibits potent relaxation of the coronary artery and anticoagulation effection. A high-throughput, rapid, and sensitive method combining liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry to determine the sodium danshensu in beagle dog plasma was developed and validated, using gallic acid as an internal standard (IS). Acidified plasma samples were extracted using 96-well liquid-liquid extraction, and were eluted on a CNW Athena C18 column (3 μm, 2.1 × 100 mm) by using a gradient mobile phase system of methanol and water (containing 0.2% formic acid). The mass spectrometric detection was achieved using negative ion electrospray ionization mode and monitoring the precursor→production combinations of m/z 197→135 for sodium danshensu and 169→125 for IS, in multiple reaction monitoring modes. Good linearity was achieved, and the linear range was 10–1000 ng/mL (R2 > 0.996) with a quantification limit of 10 ng/mL for sodium danshensu in beagle dog plasma. The intra- and inter-day precision (RSD) ranged from 2.1% to 9.0%. The accuracy (RE) was between −8.6% and 5.7% at all quality control levels. The validated method was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetics study of sodium danshensu in beagle dog plasma after intravenous injection and oral administration of sodium danshensu.
Synthesis and Bioactivity Evaluation of Novel 2-Salicyloylbenzofurans as Antibacterial Agents
Authors: Phan Phuong-Thuy , Nguyen Thu-Trang , Nguyen Hong-Nhung , Le Bao-Khanh , Vu Thao , Tran Dong , Pham Tuan-Anh
Published: April 2017

In order to discover new antibacterial agents, series of 2-salicyloylbenzofuran derivatives were designed, synthesized and evaluated for their antibacterial activities against three Gram-(+) strains (methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) ATCC 29213, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) ATCC 43300, and Streptococcus faecalis (S. faecalis) ATCC 29212) and one Gram-(−) strain (Escherichia coli (E. coli) ATCC 25922). The 2-salicyloylbenzofuran heterocycles were generated by Rap–Stoermer condensation of salicylaldehydes with phenacyl bromides and then converted to diverse O-ether derivatives by Williamson synthesis. The targeted products were screened for in vitro qualitative (zone of inhibition) and quantitative (MIC) antibacterial activities by agar well diffusion assay and agar dilution method. Amongst the compounds, those bearing carboxylic acid functional group were found to exhibit reasonable activity against Gram-(+) bacterial strains including S. faecalis, MSSA and MRSA with the most potent antibacterial agent 8h (MICs = 0.06–0.12 mM). Besides, the 2-salicyloylbenzofurans partly displayed inhibitory activity against MRSA with the best MICs = 0.14 mM (8f) and 0.12 mM (8h). Finally, the antibacterial results preliminarily suggested that the substituent bearing carboxylic acid group at salicyloyl-C2 and the bromine atoms on the benzofuran moiety seem to be the functionality necessary for antibacterial activities.
Evaluation of Multiple Downscaled Microwave Soil Moisture Products over the Central Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Jiang Hongtao , Shen Huanfeng , Li Huifang , Lei Fangni , Gan Wenxia , Zhang Liangpei
Published: April 2017

Downscaled microwave soil moisture (SM) products with a fine resolution are of great importance for both local and regional studies. However, few studies have explored the merits of multiple downscaled microwave SM products. An evaluation of the different products could help to advance knowledge of the downscaled microwave SM products and help researchers to choose the appropriate downscaled SM products for use in further studies. In this research, five microwave SM products derived from Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer–Earth Observing System (AMSR-E), AMSR2, and Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) data were downscaled via the back-propagation neural network (BPNN). The BPNN was chosen because it can effectively simulate the nonlinear relationship between SM and the land surface temperature (LST)/vegetation index (VI). The different downscaled SM products were evaluated with in-situ SM data from the central Tibetan Plateau Soil Moisture/Temperature Monitoring Network (SMTMN) during the period from 1 August 2010 to 31 December 2012. Compared with the regression technique, the downscaled correlation coefficient (r) is significantly improved by the BPNN. The downscaled root-mean-square error (RMSE) and bias are comparable for the two techniques. As expected, LST and enhanced VI (EVI) are physically related to SM, and this is the most suitable combination for SM downscaling. Except for the ascending node of SMOS and AMSR2, the downscaled r is closely related to the original RMSE, and a lower original RMSE for the SM product results in a higher downscaled r. The BPNN-downscaled SMOS product in descending node is the closest to the in-situ SM among the different downscaled microwave SM products. The temporal variations and ranges of the microwave SM products are well maintained by the BPNN downscaling. Furthermore, the evaluations against in-situ SM reveal that the overall accuracies of the BPNN-downscaled SM products are very close to the original microwave SM products.