bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Linguistic geography of Breton and sociocultural motivations
Authors: Costaouec Denis
Published: May 2015

In this paper I discuss various issues directly related to the study of Breton dialects, and to the practice of linguistic geography. Some of the questions that will be considered are: Where does the border pass between two contiguous dialectal areas? How can the geographical distribution of the varieties of a language be explained? What factors (social, economic, cultural, religious, political, etc) can be correlated with this geographic distribution?
Identifying, Mapping, and Monitoring the Impact of Hybrid Firms
Authors: Holt Diane , Littlewood David
Published: May 2015

There is growing recognition that hybrid organizations can play a critical role in tackling intractable global sustainable development challenges. At the same time, acute social, environmental, and economic challenges are opening up “opportunity” spaces for hybrids. Different institutional contexts are also leading to variable hybrid forms linked to the focus of their mission and their profit-oriented status. This article presents a process for identifying, mapping, and building impact indicators based on a study of 20 hybrid organizations in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Hybrid Organizations as Shape-Shifters: Altering Legal Structure for Strategic Gain
Authors: Haigh Nardia , Kennedy Elena Dowin , Walker John
Published: May 2015

Social entrepreneurs navigate a complex landscape of legal structures in which they need to select among forprofit, nonprofit, and mixed-entity structures. This study of 48 hybrid organizations identifies why social entrepreneurs chose one legal structure over another and explains what motivates half of them to change their legal structure as they build their enterprise. It highlights the critical desire for flexibility among social entrepreneurs, discusses the implications that changes to legal structure may have for companies and hybrids in partnerships, and explores how companies can leverage hybrid structures to go beyond their current scope of CSR initiatives.
Experimental Analysis of Microchannel Condenser using R134a and Drop in Substitute Hydrocarbon Mixture of R290 and R600a
Authors: Bhatkar V.W. , Kriplani V.M. , Awari G.K.
Published: May 2015

Microchannel condensers are widely used in automobile and household air conditioners with R134a as a refrigerant. In order to reduce the global warming potential as well as the refrigerant charge, hydrocarbon mixture of R290 and R600a (50:50 % by mass) was used as a drop in substitute to R134a in the vapour compression refrigeration system. Versatile vapour compression refrigeration system of 1 ton of refrigeration capacity was designed, developed and fabricated for testing different refrigerants. Various parameters such as ambient temperature in the condenser cabin, different condensation and evaporation temperatures, different mass flow rates of refrigerant and air can be controlled precisely in the test rig. Experiments were performed using R134a and hydrocarbon mixture of R290 and R600a (50:50 % by mass) for condensation temperature of 44°C and evaporation temperature ranging from -15 to 15 °C. Refrigerant charge was reduced by 45 % with the hydrocarbon mixture of R290 and R600a (50:50 % by mass) over R134a. Performance parameters such as compressor power consumption increases by 13.3 %, coefficient of performance reduced by 43 %, refrigeration capacity increased by 140.8 %, condenser capacity increased by 185.4 % and the product of overall heat transfer coefficient and surface area of condenser was increased by 243.7 % by using hydrocarbon mixture of R290 and R600a (50:50 % by mass) over R134a with the microchannel condenser at condensation temperature of 44°C and evaporation temperature of 0°C. It is suggested to use an environmental friendly refrigerant, hydrocarbon mixture of R290 and R600a (50:50 % by mass) as a drop in substitute to the conventional refrigerant R134a in the automobile, household air conditioning and refrigeration systems.
An Experimental Study for Performance and Emissions of a Small Four-Stroke SI Engine for Modern Motorcycle
Authors: Khalaf I. Hamada  , Rahman M.M.
Published: May 2015

The performance and emissions of a spark-ignited, port-injected, gasoline-fuelled, water-cooled, small-size modern motorcycle engine were investigated. For this purpose, an experimental test-rig was built up utilizing a small motorcycle engine for carrying out the practical tests. Experimental tests were performed for a range of engine speeds, various air-fuel ratios with a WOT condition and fixed timing of injection and ignition events. The experimental test-rig results consist of torque, power, brake mean effective pressure (bmep), AFR and emissions of the exhaust gas for various engine-dynamometer speeds. The accuracy of the test-rig measurement was verified by comparing both torque and brake power with benchmark data, which appear in the motorcycle technical manual. The acquired results indicated that conservation of the conventional mode of small engine characteristics is the distinctive impression for the tested engine. Further achievements are planned based on utilizing the developed test-rig and the attractive potential of a dual-fuel technique for reducing emissions and producing acceptable levels of torque and power.
Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles by Chemical Reduction Method: Effect of Reducing Agent and Surfactant Concentration
Authors: Suriati G. , Mariatti M. , Azizan A.
Published: May 2015

Uniform, well-dispersed, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were prepared by a simple chemical reduction method. The particles were synthesized via the reduction of AgNO3 by trisodium citrate and ascorbic acid as a surfactant. The resulting AgNPs were characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. It was found that the size of the AgNPs ranged from 35–80 nm, with an average of 50 nm. In this study, the effects of trisodium citrate and ascorbic acid, which act as reducing agent and surfactant respectively on the morphology of the silver nanoparticles, were investigated. It was found that the increasing concentration of trisodium citrate resulted in decreasing size of silver nanoparticles, while increasing the concentration of ascorbic acid shows the opposite effect. Moreover, the quasi-spherical shape of as-synthesized silver nanoparticles is also more uniform with the increase of trisodium citrate. Meanwhile, a slight change in particle shape from quasi-spherical to polygonal was observed as the concentrations of ascorbic acid were increased.
Update on the safety and efficacy of commercial ultrasound contrast agents in cardiac applications
Authors: Appis Andrew W. , Tracy Melissa J. , Feinstein Steven B.
Published: May 2015

Ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs) are currently used throughout the world in both clinical and research settings. The concept of contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging originated in the late 1960s, and the first commercially available agents were initially developed in the 1980s. Today’s microbubbles are designed for greater utility and are used for both approved and off-label indications. In October 2007, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) imposed additional product label warnings that included serious cardiopulmonary reactions, several new disease-state contraindications, and a mandated 30 min post-procedure monitoring period for the agents Optison and Definity. These additional warnings were prompted by reports of cardiopulmonary reactions that were temporally related but were not clearly attributable to these UCAs. Subsequent published reports over the following months established not only the safety but also the improved efficacy of clinical ultrasound applications with UCAs. The FDA consequently updated the product labeling in June 2008 and reduced contraindications, although it continued to monitor select patients. In addition, a post-marketing program was proposed to the sponsors for a series of safety studies to further assess the risk of UCAs. Then in October 2011, the FDA leadership further downgraded the warnings after hearing the results of the post-marketing data, which revealed continued safety and improved efficacy. The present review focuses on the use of UCAs in today’s clinical practice, including the approved indications, a variety of off-label uses, and the most recent data, which affirms the safety and efficacy of UCAs.
Magnoliophyta species of restinga, state of Pernambuco, Brazil
Authors: Zickel Carmen Silvia , Almeida Jr. Eduardo Bezerra de , Medeiros Daniel Portela Wanderley de , Lima Patrícia Barbosa , Souza Tamara Menezes Soriano de , Lima Águida De Barros
Published: May 2015

Restinga vegetation occurs along the entire coast of Brazil. The 187 km of coastline of the state of Pernambuco demonstrates a diversity of habitats, such as beaches, dunes, and restingas. The present study sought to elaborate a checklist of the phanerogamic species found there. The species listed were compiled from surveys undertaken between 1951 and 2007, as well as from herbaria collections in that state. A total of 477 species distributed among 303 genera and 95 families were encountered. The families with the greatest numbers of species were Poaceae (39 species), Fabaceae (34), Cyperaceae (26), Euphorbiaceae (25), Myrtaceae (24), Rubiaceae (20), Caesalpiniaceae (17), Mimosaceae (16), Asteraceae (14), Orchidaceae (14), Bromeliaceae (9), Boraginaceae (8), Malvaceae (8), Solanaceae (8), and Annonaceae, Araceae, Chrysobalanaceae, Malpighiaceae, and Melastomataceae (7 each). Approximately 60 % of the species were common to other restinga areas in northeastern Brazil, and 39.3 % were restricted to the coast of Pernambuco.
Reptilia, Squamata, Colubridae, Clelia clelia: range extensions and new provincial records from Ecuador
Authors: Cisneros-Heredia Diego F. , Kuch Ulrich , Lascano Antonio Freire , Wüster Wolfgang
Published: May 2015

None
Fish, Sorocaba river sub-basin, state of São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Smith Welber Senteio , Petrere Jr. Miguel , Barrella Valter
Published: May 2015

In this paper we present a list of the fish fauna of Sorocaba river sub-basin. Fish were caught with gillnets, sieves and puçás, a sort of funnel net. We listed 71 species, distributed in 7 orders, 22 families and 50 genera. Characiformes are represented by 39 species, Siluriformes 21, Perciformes 4, Gymnotiformes 3, Cyprinodontiformes 2, and Synbranchiformes and Cypriniformes by a single species each. Five species are alien. Nine species remain as an indefinite taxonomical status.
A Robust Multilayer Dielectric Elastomer Actuator
Authors: Wolak Mason A. , Zhu Lei
Published: May 2015

We recently fabricated and characterized a new class of multilayer dielectric elastomer films comprising alternating layers of two different polymers, at least one of which is an elastomer. The films discussed here contain THV (a terpolymer of poly(vinylidene fluoride)) and poly(ethylene octene) [EO] elastomer. The multilayer structure provides improved dielectric and electromechanical performance relative to monolithic films of THV or EO. These properties are controlled by the composition and the layer structure. For example, increasing the concentration of the elastomeric EO component increases the maximum axial strain (sz). Layering EO with THV also increases the breakdown strength (EB ∼ 265 - 300 V/µm) relative to monolithic EO (EB ∼ 150 V/µm) or THV (EB ∼ 245 V/µm) control films. This enhancement in breakdown strength is consistent with a barrier effect that is also observed in multilayer polymer capacitor films. The increase in breakdown strength allows 512-layer 75 vol% EO / 25 vol% THV films to achieve maximum axial strains of sz nearly 4%, higher than can be attained by either EO or THV films alone. In addition, layering reduces remnant strain and electromechanical hysteresis by limiting the effective field within the THV layers. The 75% EO/ 25% THV films show robust operational longevity with little loss in axial strain when subjected to repeated actuation at Emax = 225 V/µm (producing sz = 2.2%). Under these conditions, we observe 3,000 consecutive actuation cycles with no electrical breakdown. In comparison, single component EO control films undergo electrical breakdown at this field and THV control films survive only a few hundred actuation cycles under these conditions. The results demonstrate that multilayering is an effective technique to increase the dielectric strength of elastomer materials and in turn improve upon strain and operational longevity (repeated actuation cycles) characteristics.
Thermomechanical Characterization of a Series of Crosslinked Poly[ethylene-co-(vinyl acetate)] (PEVA) Copolymers
Authors: Heuchel Matthias , Al-Qaisi Laith , Kratz Karl , Nöchel Ulrich , Behl Marc , Lendlein Andreas
Published: May 2015

Crosslinked poly[ethylene-co-(vinyl acetate)] (cPEVA) has been recently introduced as a polymer material, which can be functionalized with various shape-memory effects by solely altering the thermomechanical treatment called programming.

In this study two series of cPEVAs with different vinyl acetate contents of 18 wt% (cPEVA18) and 28 wt% (cPEVA28) comprising different crosslink densities were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) in the temperature range of -130 °C to 120 °C. DMTA tests were performed in torsion mode, because such movements are highly relevant in the context of complex shape changes in shape-memory polymer based devices. Finally, the obtained DMTA results were compared with DMTA conducted in tension mode. Swelling experiments revealed a gel content in the range from 81% to 90% for cPEVA18 samples while for cPEVA28s a complete conversion was observed. The degree of swelling was found to decrease substantially with increasing crosslink density for both cPEVA series.

The influence of VA content and extent of crosslinking on the appearance of the respective melting (Tm) and glass transition (Tg) as well as the thermomechanical properties of cPEVA systems could be demonstrated by discussing both DSC and DMTA results. The temperature range of mechanical stability correlates with the VA content and is determined by decreasing Tm values. The cross links do barely alter the stiffness of a PEVA up to the Tm rang, but lead to constant mechanical rigidity in the rubbery range above Tm.
A Companion to Bonaventure, edited by Jay Hammond, Wayne Hellmann and Jared Goff
Authors: Schwietzer Donald
Published: May 2015

A Companion to Bonaventure, edited by Jay Hammond, Wayne Hellmann and Jared Goff. Leiden/Boston: Brill, 2014. 588pp., Hb., $254. ISBN-13: 9789004260726.
La permanencia escolar en las redes educacionales desde comunidades periféricas
Authors: Leyva Noa Jónathan Jesús
Published: May 2015

Se aborda la influencia del sistema simbólico comunitario en relación con la incidencia de los procesos culturales comunitarios en los procesos educacionales, fundamentalmente en las comunidades de Raposo, Primero de Mayo y Sur Isleta, ya que la reproducción cultural que tiene lugar en ellas permite la persistencia de normas que pueden ser mal interpretadas por otros adolescentes o los mismos profesores del área. Se realiza un análisis de los principales códigos culturales que se encierran dentro del lenguaje y los vocablos que utilizan estos jóvenes como son las normas de convivencia grupales, la percepción estética de la vida cotidiana, señas de identidad comunes, representaciones sociales y prejuicios, estilos de participación social, además de los gestos, las representaciones sociales y esquematizadas. También se han identificado los factores socioculturales que promueven o estimulan el abandono escolar dentro del análisis general y se han agrupado en internos (personales) y externos (grupales e institucionales)
A Rasch analysis of a Grade 12 test written by mathematics teachers
Authors: Bansilal Sarah
Published: May 2015

There is much concern in South Africa about the low levels of mathematics achievement amongst learners. Aligned to this issue is that of mathematics teachers’ proficiency in mathematics. The purpose of this study was to explore mathematics teachers’ proficiency in the mathematics that they teach. A sample of 253 teachers’ responses to a shortened Grade 12 examination was analysed using the Rasch model. When the teachers’ proficiency and item location are represented on one scale, as is the case in Rasch measurement theory, it is expected that the teachers should be located beyond the difficulty level of the items as they teach the content to their learners. However, in this study, the teachers’ proficiency was located close to the mean of the item locations. Furthermore, the levels of almost one-third of the group were below that of all the Level 3 and Level 4 items in the test. If such a result holds across other groups of teachers, it may explain why higher levels of passes in mathematics are not achieved. A second aim of this study was to illustrate how the application of the Rasch model can be used to contribute to a more informative and fair assessment. In line with Rasch measurement theory, the test was subjected to various analyses and the results were used to improve the fit of the items and the test.
Unearthing a hidden treasure: 60 years of karst research in the Far West Rand, South Africa
Authors: Schrader Aljoscha , Winde Frank
Published: May 2015

Karstified dolomitic formations situated in the Far West Rand goldfield of the Witwatersrand Basin constitute a significant groundwater resource in semi-arid South Africa and would be of strategic importance for alleviating the increasing water stress in nearby metropolitan areas. The deep-level gold mines operating below the dolomites have suffered from large volumes of dolomitic groundwater flowing into the mine voids, rendering mining both expensive and hazardous. In order to secure safe and economical mining, the overlying dolomites were dewatered. Here we review research over 60 years, conducted in three of the four major dolomitic compartments affected by dewatering. After more than six decades of research, these aquifers are arguably the most investigated karst systems in South Africa, and possibly worldwide. The data generated are, in many respects, unique, as many measurements can never be repeated, covering stochastic events such as a major water inrush into mine workings and some of the most catastrophic sinkhole developments ever recorded. Given the potential value for improving the understanding of general and local karst hydrogeology, our main goal for this paper is to alert the scientific community to the existence of this resource of mostly unpublished data and research. A no less important aim is to support a systematic collation of these studies which are in danger of being irretrievably lost as mines increasingly close down. Ecological and economic impacts of the flooding of mines in and around Johannesburg emphasise the lack of reliable historical mine data to optimally address the matter. We provide the first comprehensive, yet not exhaustive, overview on the existing studies, briefly discussing scientific content as well as obstacles for utilising the scattered, and often non-peer reviewed, information sources.
Fruit waste streams in South Africa and their potential role in developing a bio-economy
Authors: Khan Nuraan , Le Roes-Hill Marilize , Welz Pamela J. , Grandin Kerry A. , Kudanga Tukayi , Van Dyk J. Susan , Ohlhoff Colin , Van Zyl W.H. (Emile) , Pletschke Brett I.
Published: May 2015

Current and previous studies on bio-based (fruit) wastes and wastewaters, with a particular emphasis on research in South Africa, were reviewed. Previous studies have focused predominantly on the beneficiation and application of fruit waste as a feedstock for renewable energy. A definite gap in knowledge and application of fruit waste streams with regard to enzyme production as a value-added product is identified. The characteristics and composition of each type of fruit waste are highlighted and their potential as feedstocks in the production of value-added products is identified. The conversion of agri-industrial wastewaters to bioenergy and value-added products is discussed, with special mention of the newly published South African Bio-Economy Strategy, and the potential production of biofuels and enzymes from waste streams using recombinant Aspergillus strains. Finally, to maximise utilisation of waste streams in South Africa and abroad, a conceptual model for an integrated system using different technologies is proposed.
Semiring of Sets
Authors: Coghetto Roland
Published: May 2015

Schmets [22] has developed a measure theory from a generalized notion of a semiring of sets. Goguadze [15] has introduced another generalized notion of semiring of sets and proved that all known properties that semiring have according to the old definitions are preserved. We show that this two notions are almost equivalent. We note that Patriota [20] has defined this quasi-semiring. We propose the formalization of some properties developed by the authors.
Forum. "Emozioni e linguaggio: dai modelli teorici ai dispositivi di intervento". Introduzione
Authors: Smorti Andrea
Published: May 2015

L'autore introduce il tema del nucleo sottolineando la complessità dei rapporti tra emozioni e linguaggio e mettendone in evidenza soprattutto due direzioni: una che va dalla emozione e si esprime nel linguaggio e l'altra che parte dal linguaggio e si riverbera sul vissuto emotivo. In questo contesto vengono soprattutto esaminati i concetti di memoria, narrazione e relazione considerati come nozioni chiave per poter studiare i rapporti bidirezionale tra emozione e linguaggio. Vengono alla fine anticipati i contenuti su cui si basano i quattro diversi contributi che concorrono alla composizione del nucleo monotematico
Ti racconto ancora la storia di mio figlio, così posso parlarti di me
Authors: Ciucci Enrica , Fioretti Chiara , Smorti Andrea
Published: May 2015

Il presente contributo si propone di illustrare e discutere, a partire da dati di ricerca, come la pratica della narrazione ripetuta possa aiutare il narratore a comprendere e fronteggiare l'esperienza di malattia. In particolare, verranno presi in esame casi di parental illness, ossia di storie raccontate dai genitori che riguardano la malattia dei propri figli. Verrà dapprima descritto il modello teorico sottostante che propone una circolarità tra processi narrativi, processi di memoria autobiografica e qualità della relazione. Tale modello, per la valorizzazione dell'atto narrativo si richiama ad un recente approccio alla cura, la Narrative Based Medicine. Viene, inoltre, presentato il paradigma della "scrittura espressiva" di Pennebaker centrato sulla ripetizione di storie di eventi emotivamente rilevanti, sottolineando il ruolo di alcuni indicatori linguistici e del loro cambiamento attraverso la narrazione ripetuta. Successivamente, vengono introdotte alcune evidenze di ricerca che dimostrano come la ri-narrazione fornisca il significato ed il contesto per fronteggiare l'esperienza di malattia.
Simulation of CO2 Fluxes in European Forest Ecosystems with the Coupled Soil-Vegetation Process Model “LandscapeDNDC”
Authors: Molina-Herrera Saúl , Grote Rüdiger , Santabárbara-Ruiz Ignacio , Kraus David , Klatt Steffen , Haas Edwin , Kiese Ralf , Butterbach-Bahl Klaus
Published: May 2015

CO2 exchange processes in forest ecosystems are of profound ecological and economic importance, meaning there is a need for generally applicable simulation tools. However, process-based ecosystem models, which are in principal suitable for the task, are commonly evaluated at only a few sites and for a limited number of plant species. It is thus often unclear if the processes and parameters involved are suitable for model application at a regional scale. We tested the LandscapeDNDC forest growth module PnET (derived from the Photosynthetic / EvapoTranspiration model) with site-specific as well as multi-site calibrated parameters using independent data sets of eddy covariance measurements across a European transect. Although site-specific parametrization is superior (r2 for pooled Gross Primary Production (GPP) during calibration period: site-specific = 0.93, multi-site = 0.88; r2 for pooled Net Ecosystem Exchange (NEE) during calibration period: site-specific = 0.81, multi-site = 0.73), we show that general parameters are able to represent carbon uptake over periods of several years. The procedure has been applied for the three most dominant European tree species i.e., Scots pine, Norway spruce and European beech. In addition, we discuss potential model improvements with regard to the sensitivity of parameters to site conditions differentiated into climate, nutrient and drought influences.
Sparse Density, Leaf-Off Airborne Laser Scanning Data in Aboveground Biomass Component Prediction
Authors: Kankare Ville , Vauhkonen Jari , Holopainen Markus , Vastaranta Mikko , Hyyppä Juha , Hyyppä Hannu , Alho Petteri
Published: May 2015

The demand for cost-efficient forest aboveground biomass (AGB) prediction methods is growing worldwide. The National Land Survey of Finland (NLS) began collecting airborne laser scanning (ALS) data throughout Finland in 2008 to provide a new high-detailed terrain elevation model. Similar data sets are being collected in an increasing number of countries worldwide. These data sets offer great potential in forest mapping related applications. The objectives of our study were (i) to evaluate the AGB component prediction accuracy at a resolution of 300 m2 using sparse density, leaf-off ALS data (collected by NLS) derived metrics as predictor variables; (ii) to compare prediction accuracies with existing large-scale forest mapping techniques (Multi-source National Forest Inventory, MS-NFI) based on Landsat TM satellite imagery; and (iii) to evaluate the accuracy and effect of canopy height model (CHM) derived metrics on AGB component prediction when ALS data were acquired with multiple sensors and varying scanning parameters. Results showed that ALS point metrics can be used to predict component AGBs with an accuracy of 29.7%–48.3%. AGB prediction accuracy was slightly improved using CHM-derived metrics but CHM metrics had a more clear effect on the estimated bias. Compared to the MS-NFI, the prediction accuracy was considerably higher, which was caused by differences in the remote sensing data utilized.
Socioeconomic Inequalities and Occupational Injury Disability in China: A Population-Based Survey
Authors: Wang Haochen , Chen Gong , Wang Zhenjie , Zheng Xiaoying
Published: May 2015

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of occupational injury disability (OID) and to examine the socioeconomic status of OID in China. Methods: The data derived from the China National Sample Survey on Disability in 2006 involving people aged 16–59 years old. Descriptive statistics are used to measure OID’s prevalence, and a binary logistic regression is used to identify the risk factors. Results: The population-weighted prevalence of OID is 1.81 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.67–1.94). Socioeconomic risk factors include male sex, older age, living in urban areas, junior high school education, income below the poverty line, a lack of occupational injury insurance, living in the western region and working in high-risk occupations. Conclusions: OID is common among Chinese people aged 16–59 years old. Being male or older and having a lower income are risk factors for OID, similar to the results of previous research, but education is different. More training and education needs to be implemented to prevent OID.
The Concept and the Epidemiology of Diabetic Nephropathy Have Changed in Recent Years
Authors: Martínez-Castelao Alberto , Navarro-González Juan , Górriz José , De Alvaro Fernando
Published: May 2015

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a growing worldwide epidemic. It was estimated that more than 366 million people would be affected. DM has spread its presence over the world due to lifestyle changes, increasing obesity and ethnicities, among others. Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the most important DM complications. A changing concept has been introduced from the classical DN to diabetic chronic kidney disease (DCKD), taking into account that histological kidney lesions may vary from the nodular or diffuse glomerulosclerosis to tubulointerstitial and/or vascular lesions. Recent data showed how primary and secondary prevention were the key to reduce cardiovascular episodes and improve life expectancy in diabetic patients. A stabilization in the rate of end stage kidney disease has been observed in some countries, probably due to the increased awareness by primary care physicians about the prognostic importance of chronic kidney disease (CKD), better control of blood pressure and glycaemia and the implementation of protocols and clinical practice recommendations about the detection, prevention and treatment of CKD in a coordinated and multidisciplinary management of the DM patient. Early detection of DM and DCKD is crucial to reduce morbidity, mortality and the social and economic impact of DM burden in this population.
Free Volume and Gas Permeation in Anthracene Maleimide-Based Polymers of Intrinsic Microporosity
Authors: Khan Muntazim , Filiz Volkan , Emmler Thomas , Abetz Volker , Koschine Toenjes , Rätzke Klaus , Faupel Franz , Egger Werner , Ravelli Luca
Published: May 2015

High free-volume copolymers were prepared via polycondensation with 2,3,5,6,-tetrafluoroterephthalonitrile (TFTPN) in which a portion of the 3,3,3',3'-tetramethyl-1,1'-spirobisindane (TTSBI) of PIM-1 was replaced with dibutyl anthracene maleimide (4bIII). An investigation of free volume using positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS), and gas permeation measurements was carried out for the thin film composite copolymer membranes and compared to PIM-1. The average free volume hole size and the gas permeance of the copolymer membranes increased with decreasing TTSBI content in the copolymer.
An Optimization-Driven Analysis Pipeline to Uncover Biomarkers and Signaling Paths: Cervix Cancer
Authors: Lorenzo Enery , Camacho-Caceres Katia , Ropelewski Alexander , Rosas Juan , Ortiz-Mojer Michael , Perez-Marty Lynn , Irizarry Juan , Gonzalez Valerie , Rodríguez Jesús , Cabrera-Rios Mauricio , Isaza Clara
Published: May 2015

Establishing how a series of potentially important genes might relate to each other is relevant to understand the origin and evolution of illnesses, such as cancer. High‑throughput biological experiments have played a critical role in providing information in this regard. A special challenge, however, is that of trying to conciliate information from separate microarray experiments to build a potential genetic signaling path. This work proposes a two-step analysis pipeline, based on optimization, to approach meta-analysis aiming to build a proxy for a genetic signaling path.
Synthesis and Characterization of Two Sulfonated Resorcinarenes: A New Example of a Linear Array of Sodium Centers and Macrocycles
Authors: Sanabria Edilma , Esteso Miguel , Pérez-Redondo Adrián , Vargas Edgar , Maldonado Mauricio
Published: May 2015

Two sulfonated resorcinarenes were synthesized by reacting C-tetra(butyl) resorcinarene or C-tetra(2-(methylthio)ethyl)resorcinarene with formaldehyde in the presence of sodium sulfite. Their structures were determined via FT-IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and mass spectrometry. Thermal gravimetric analyses of the derivatives were also carried out and revealed the presence of water molecules in the solid state. The sulfonated product of C-tetra(butyl)resorcinarene was characterized by an X-ray crystal structure determination. The asymmetric unit contains eight molecules of water and two of acetone, and analysis indicated that sulfonated resorcinarene prefers a cone configuration (rccc conformation) in the solid state. In the crystal array, classical hydrogen bond interactions O-H···O and intermolecular contacts were observed. In the crystal packing, a linear array of capsules of sulfonated resorcinarenes was generated for a chain of sodium atoms and sulfonate groups.
Diverse Scene Stitching from a Large-Scale Aerial Video Dataset
Authors: Yang Tao , Li Jing , Yu Jingyi , Wang Sibing , Zhang Yanning
Published: May 2015

Diverse scene stitching is a challenging task in aerial video surveillance. This paper presents a hybrid stitching method based on the observation that aerial videos captured in real surveillance settings are neither totally ordered nor completely unordered. Often, human operators apply continuous monitoring of the drone to revisit the same area of interest. This monitoring mechanism yields to multiple short, successive video clips that overlap in either time or space. We exploit this property and treat the aerial image stitching problem as temporal sequential grouping and spatial cross-group retrieval. We develop an effective graph-based framework that can robustly conduct the grouping, retrieval and stitching tasks. To evaluate the proposed approach, we experiment on the large-scale VIRATaerial surveillance dataset, which is challenging for its heterogeneity in image quality and diversity of the scene. Quantitative and qualitative comparisons with state-of-the-art algorithms show the efficiency and robustness of our technique.
Participer dans les scènes ritualisées du pouvoir. La Banca Abierta et le Concejo en los Barrios en Argentine
Authors: Annunziata Rocio
Published: May 2015

L’article propose une analyse de deux dispositifs participatifs mis en place en Argentine dans les villes de Morón et Rosario : la Banca Abierta et le Concejo en los Barrios . Ces outils sont organisés par les pouvoirs législatifs locaux, invitant à la participation dans des scènes ritualisées du pouvoir. Leur intérêt réside dans le fait qu’ils semblent cristalliser un nouveau rôle politique de la présence. Par le biais des présences inhabituelles, celle des citoyens dans les espaces des représentants et des représentants dans les espaces des citoyens, ils produisent un effet d’identification et de proximité entre les uns et les autres.
A Meshless Semi-Analytical Method for Solving Convection Problems in Complex-Shaped Closed Cavities
Authors: Basarab Mikhail , Matveev Valerii
Published: May 2015

Recently, a number of meshless techniques were proposed for solving convection-diffusion problems in arbitrarily shaped cavities. Unfortunately, most of them, including the finite difference or finite element methods, do not allow one to get a solution exactly satisfying boundary conditions for domains of irregular geometry. In this report a novel approach is proposed, which gives the possibility to avoid the necessity of constructing a complicated mesh in the neighborhood of the domain boundary. The technique is based on the R-function method combining the means of analytical geometry and projection techniques of mathematical physics, in particular the Galerkin method. Analytical expressions in the form of expansions in certain bases are obtained for the temperature, vorticity, and stream functions. Unlike other mesh and meshless techniques, these semi-analytical expressions satisfy boundary conditions exactly and approximate the temperature and velocity fields inside the cavity with accuracy depending on the number of terms of the expansion.
Design of Microstrip Triplexer Using Common Dual-Mode Resonator with Multi-Spurious Mode Suppression for Multiband Applications
Authors: Sugchai Tantiviwat , Nattapong Intarawiset , Apirun Chanthong
Published: May 2015

A triplexer is an important component for channel separation in microwave front-end systems. This paper proposes a triplexers designed with common dual mode resonator sections have been proposed. By exploiting the variable frequency response of the stepped-impedance resonator, resonators can be shared by the three filter channels of the desired triplexer if their fundamental and the first spurious resonant frequency are properly assigned. Triplexer design method for suppressing spurious responses in the stopband by choosing the constitutive resonators with the same fundamental frequency, but staggered higher order resonant frequencies. The design concept is demonstrated by three of third order parallel-coupled bandpass filters. The bandpass filter is composed of three different stepped impedance resonators for which a general design guideline had been provided in order have the same fundamental frequency and different spurious frequencies. The measured results are in good agreement with the simulated predictions, whereby the spurious responses in the upper stopband can be suppressed below-25dB up to 14 GHz, which can be quite useful for multiband and multiservice applications in future wireless communication systems.
Review of Single Cycle Shifter for Structured LDPC Encoder
Authors: Anggraeni Silvia , Hussin Fawnizu Azmadi , Jeoti Varun
Published: May 2015

Shifter has been used in encoder of structured low density parity check (LDPC) codes due to the nature of its structure. Single clock cycle time of shifter is selected for doing matrix-vector multiplication of LDPC encoding to minimize encoding latency. Among the shifters which complete the multiplication within one clock cycle, this paper suggests the cyclic shifter for structured LDPC encoder. It is shown that the implementation of the typical cyclic shifter has less logic gates and less bit controller than the other shifter.
Influence of Radiation-Induced Defects on Magnetic Properties of CoxNi1-xFe2O4  Nanomaterials
Authors: Omarov Serik , Baishan Shadeke , Nyssanbayeva Saltanat , Aldjambekova Guldana , Nurahmetova Kulzira , Turlybekova Gulzhan
Published: May 2015

This paper presents the investigation of the probability of changes in the magnetic properties of nanomaterials in strong fields of charged particles, neutrons and gamma rays. CoxNi1-xFe2O4 nanoparticles were obtained by the hydrothermal method using polyethylene glycol. Investigation of the properties of this material showed that its magnetic properties depend on the concentration of Со2+. In this work it is shown that the nuclear reactions taking place in the crystal lattice sites can change the relative concentration of the components of test material and, accordingly, its magnetic properties, including the coercive force.
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Authors: Kiourti Asimina , Osmani Venet
Published: May 2015

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Interacting with and via mobile devices and mobile robots in an assisted living setting
Authors: Dagioglou Maria , Lydakis Andreas , Kirstein Franziska , Dogruöz A. Seza , Konstantopoulos Stasinos
Published: May 2015

Using robotic home assistants as a platform for remote health monitoring offers several advantages, but also presents considerable challenges related to both the technical immaturity of home robotics and to user acceptance issues. In this paper we explore tablets and similar mobile devices as the medium of communication between robots and their users, presenting relevant current and planned research in humanrobot interaction that can help the telehealth community circumvent technical shortcomings, improve user acceptance, and maximize the quality of the data collected by robotic home assistants.
On Developing a Novel Versatile Framework for Heterogeneous Home Monitoring WSN networks
Authors: Antonopoulos Ch. P. , Panagiotakopoulos Th. , Panagiotou Ch. , Touliatos G. , Koubias S. , Kameas Achilles , Voros Nikolaos S.
Published: May 2015

The ability to deploy efficient and versatile WSN networks in the home environment is and will remain in the years to come a cornerstone objective in wireless networking. Respective services are continuously expanding requiring novel design and implementation approaches able to cover all relative present and even more importantly future requirements. This paper aims to present and convey knowledge and experience gained from such an effort in the context of home monitoring. Respective discussion covers all relative aspects and analyzes all critical challenges addressed ranging from identification and specification of the main requirements, to possible implementation approaches considered and finally the actual development undertaken. The final outcome considering the WSN home monitoring infrastructure as well as extracted knowledge and practical conclusions can be proven useful for further extending such an endeavour or even pursuing a different approach.
An Investigation into the Role of Mobile Technology in Collaborative Disease Management for Persons Living with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Sultan S. , Mohan P.
Published: May 2015

Diabetes and other chronic non-communicable diseases represent a leading threat to health care and human development. The authors discusses how mobile technology can achieve collaborative disease management (CDM) within a population living with Type 2 diabetes. We introduces a framework for CDM using mobile technologies. While it can be applied to the management of any disease, we describe a specific instance for diabetes peer-support. In this paper, we validate the framework through the development and testing of a Mobile Health initiative called Mobile Diabetes Self-Management Support (DSMS). It allows persons living with diabetes to learn from each others’ experiences through a virtual support group. The paper presents two user studies conducted. The first study captured the participants’ initial perceptions of the application in a controlled environment and the second study investigated system usage and collaboration when the application was used in their personal settings.
Rehabilitation after Stroke using Immersive User Interfaces in 3D Virtual and Augmented Gaming Environments
Authors: Vogiatzaki E. , Krukowski A.
Published: May 2015

Stroke is one of most common diseases of our modern societies with high socio-economic impact. Hence, rehabilitation approach involving patients in their rehabilitation process while lowering costly involvement of specialised human personnel is needed. This article describes a novel approach, offering an integrated rehabilitation training for stroke patients using a serious gaming approach based on a Unity3D virtual reality engine combined with a range of advanced technologies and immersive user interfaces. It puts patients and caretakers in control of the rehabilitation protocols, while leading physicians are enabled to supervise the progress of the rehabilitation via Personal Health Record. Possibility to perform training in a familiar home environment directly improves the effectiveness of the rehabilitation. The work presented herein has been conducted within the "StrokeBack" project co-funded by the European Commission under the Framework 7 Program in the ICT domain.
Percutaneous Mechanical Support in Cardiogenic Shock: A Review
Authors: Gilani Fahad Syed , Farooqui Sarah , Doddamani Rajiv , Gruberg Luis
Published: May 2015

Cardiogenic shock (CS) is a life-threatening condition associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Pharmacological therapy is often the first line of treatment but mechanical support can provide substantial hemodynamic improvement in refractory CS. Percutaneous mechanical support devices are placed in a minimally invasive manner and provide life-saving assistance to the failing myocardium. We review the percutaneous devices currently available, the evidence behind their use, and the new advances in percutaneous technology being evaluated for the treatment of CS.
Analytical Solutions for an Avian Influenza Epidemic Model incorporating Spatial Spread as a Diffusive Process
Authors: Thiuthad Phontita , Manoranjan Valipuram S. , Lenbury Yongwimon
Published: May 2015

We consider a theoretical model for the spread of avian influenza in a poultry population. An avian influenza epidemic model incorporating spatial spread as a diffusive process is discussed, where the infected individuals are restricted from moving to prevent spatial transmission but infection occurs when susceptible individuals come into contact with infected individuals or the virus is contracted from the contaminated environment (e.g. through water or food). The infection is assumed to spread radially and isotropically. After a stability and phase plane analysis of the equivalent system of ordinary differential equations, it is shown that an analytical solution can be obtained in the form of a travelling wave. We outline the methodology for finding such analytical solutions using a travelling wave coordinate when the wave is assumed to move at constant speed. Numerical simulations also produce the travelling wave solution, and a comparison is made with some predictions based on empirical data reported in the literature.
Assessment of Experiential Education in Prescribed Burning for Current and Future Natural Resource Managers
Authors: Scasta J. Derek , Weir John R. , Engle David M.
Published: May 2015

Acquiring experiential prescribed fire education is difficult for college students. In order to evaluate the effects of instruction on students, we surveyed those who were taking or had completed Oklahoma State University’s (OSU) prescribed fire courses since 2000. Of those surveyed, 32 were current students and 99 were former students. We assessed changes in their perception, knowledge, skills, abilities, the total area that they have prescribed burned since leaving OSU, their career trajectories, and how they rated the importance of different types of instruction. One third of the current students had never participated in a prescribed burn before the course; however, after the course, they had participated in seven burns on average. Current students had increased confidence in planning prescribed fire, operating a drip torch, and leading a prescribed fire program. Former students were employed in 20 US states and one Canadian province. Only one third of former students had participated in a prescribed burning association (or similar local cooperative), of which two thirds became federal government employees. Former students had conducted or assisted with 6247 prescribed fires on a total of 803 252 ha after taking the courses, from 2000 to 2013. Experiential learning such as conducting prescribed burns, writing burn plans, and spot fire and equipment training ranked higher in utility than passive types of instruction such as lectures. Of the 37 universities assessed, only eight offer any courses explicitly focused on prescribed fire. Based on our results that demonstrate that both current and former students value experiential fire ecology educational training, we recommend that university curricula should increase the focus on prescribed fire, emphasize experiential learning, and facilitate greater interaction between student and instructor.