bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on Influence of Clopidogrel on Life Quality in Patients with Transient Ischemic Attack and its Influencing Factors
Authors: Chen Lanbo , Gu Xiaohong , Dong Bo
Published: April 2018

Purpose: To analyze the basic situation and health related quality of life (HRQOL) results of patients with transient ischemic attack (TIA), and to study the influencing factors of health related quality of life in patients receiving clopidogrel. Method: Divide the TIA patients into clopidogrel group, aspirin group and untreated group. Measure HRQOL scores of TIA patients using the short form 36 questionnaire (SF-36) scale and analyze influencing factors of HRQOL with one-way ANOVA and multivariate stepwise linear regression statistical methods. Results: The differences of HRQOL scores among three groups are of statistical significance (F = 4.29, P = 0.00). There is no difference in HRQOL score between clopidogrel group and aspirin group (t = 5.35, P = 0.00), but HRQOL scores of clopidogrel group and aspirin group are higher than those of the untreated group (t = 6.14, P = 0.00; t = 5.16, P = 0.00). The HRQOL scores of clopidogrel group are positively correlated with diet, exercise, gender and family harmony (P < 0.05), but negatively correlated with diabetes, hypertension, smoking, drinking, hyperlipidemia, age, career and ABCD2 score (P < 0.05). Conclusion: TIA patients who received secondary prevention with clopidogrel and aspirin show better life quality results than those who did not. There were many factors influencing clopidogrel's treatment effect. Paying attention to middle-aged and elderly, the obese, mental workers and female TIA patients, teach TIA patients to quit smoking, drinking and eating low-salt and low-fat food, actively treating their hypertension, hyperlipidemia and diabetes and laying emphasis on psychological counseling and exercise can significantly improve the treatment effect of clopidogrel.
Investigation on Occupational Disease Inductive Factors of Automobile Manufacturing Enterprises and Evaluation of Control Effect
Authors: Wang Xin
Published: April 2018

The automobile manufacturing industry has a complex process and various processes, so it has buried many occupational-disease-related safety hazards and is the industry of high incidence of occupational diseases. Accurate identifcation and effective control of hazards in automobile manufacturing are an important guarantee for effective prevention of occupational disease. In orderto investigate the types and status of occupational-disease-inductive factors of a car manufacturer, and evaluate the control effect, the general situation of the enterprise is collected from August 2016 to October 2017. And then the targeted treatment, including management measures, engineering protection and personal protection. The occupational-disease-inductive factors that are mainly produced in automobile manufacturing are productive dust, chemical substance and physical factors.
Impact of Financial Constraint on Efforts for Achieving Universal Primary Education in Pakistan
Authors: Qureshi Altaff
Published: April 2018

see full text attached
Testing Mcgregors Theories X and Y in the Management of Public Post Primary Schools Teachers
Authors: Josephine Chika
Published: April 2018

see full text attached
STRATEGI KEBERHASILAN USAHA DENGAN PENDEKATAN MOTIVASI USAHA SERTA KEMAMPUANUSAHA PADA INDUSTRI MIKRO, KECIL DAN MENENGAH (IMKM) MAKANAN RINGAN DI KOTA SERANG
Authors: Ramadoni Qoditul Asrof , Silaningsih Endang
Published: April 2018

This research aims at identifying the strategic of business succes through business motivation approach and entrepreneurship ability in snack’s small-medium industries (SMIs) in Serang City. There were 50 SMIs sampled. The methods used in this research are survey method. The result showed that business motivation (X1) and entrepreneurship ability (X2) simultaneously influencing the business succes of snack’s small-medium industries (SMIs) in Serang City (Y). Whereas, partially all the indicators give both positive and significant affect the business succes of snack’s small-medium industries (SMIs) in Serang City. All the indicators have a contribution factor in this research. Based on Importance and Performance Analysis (IPA) there are three atributte that must be prioritised, which are is practical knowledge of design, processing, accounting, administration and idea, proud to be independet (capital and management), and profit.Keywords : Business Success, Business Motivation and Entrepreneurship ability.
PENGARUH MODAL SENDIRI DAN MODAL PINJAMAN TERHADAP SISA HASIL USAHA (SHU) KOPERASI KOTA SUKABUMI
Authors: Rohmansyah Tria , Sudarijati Sudarijati
Published: April 2018

This research purpose how the influence of their own capital and loan capital of net income cooperative in Sukabumi City. This research is quantitative descriptive study using multiple regression analysis. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling where the sampling is based on certain criteria. From the established criteria, obtained 11 (eleven) sample cooperative in sukabumi city with the observation period of 2 (two) years for each sample cooperative. The research analysis tools using multiple regression analysis. Simultaneous hypothesis testing using the F and partial test using t-test with a probability level of 5 percent (0,05). F-test result explain that the own capital and loan capital Simultaneous have a positive and significant effect on net income cooperative. t-test results showed that the own capital have a positive and significant effect on net income. While loan capital is not have significant impact on net income cooperative in Sukabumi City.Key words : Equity, Loan Capital, Net Profit Margin
A Technical Comment on Li and Koedel (2017): Author Response
Authors: Li Diyi , Koedel Cory
Published: April 2018

In this short note we respond to Judson Laughter’s technical comment on our 2017 published article in Educational Researcher.
Prediksi cadangan air tanah berdasarkan hasil pendugaan geolistrik di Kabupaten Grobogan, Jawa Tengah
Authors: Jaka Yuwana Ngudi Aji , Pandjaitan Nora Herdiana , Waspodo Roh Santoso Budi
Published: April 2018

Pendayagunaan air tanah menjadi salah satu solusi dalam mengatasi masalah kekurangan air di Kabupaten Grobogan. Pengambilan air tanah yang berlebihan akan menyebabkan penurunan muka air tanah dan turunnya permukaan tanah, sehingga perlu dilakukan kajian hidrogeologi untuk mengetahui besarnya cadangan air tanah di daerah tersebut. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui kondisi hidrogeologi, karakteristik akuifer serta potensi cadangan air tanah di Kabupaten Grobogan. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode geolistrik dengan konfigurasi schlumberger untuk mengidentifikasi karakteristik batuan. Berdasarkan hasil analisis diketahui bahwa Kabupaten Grobogan terbentuk dari satuan geologi yang terdiri dari formasi Qa, Tmpk, Tmpl, Tps, Tmw dan Qp. Kabupaten Grobogan terdiri dari daerah dengan kategori akuifer produktif kecil, sedang, setempat, akuifer produktif dengan penyebaran luas dan daerah air tanah langka. Lapisan akuifer tersusun oleh lapisan pasir, napal pasiran, pasir lempungan dan pasir gampingan. Akuifer bebas berada pada kedalaman antara 1,2 - 58 m bmt dengan ketebalan rata-rata sebesar 13,54 m dan konduktivitas hidraulik sebesar 3,54 m/hari. Akuifer tertekan berada pada kedalaman antara 29 - 174 m bmt dengan ketebalan rata-rata sebesar 37,4 m dan konduktivitas hidraulik sebesar 3,87 m/hari. Prediksi potensi cadangan air tanah pada akuifer bebas adalah 401,33 l/dt dan pada akuifer tertekan adalah 1.804,95 l/dt.
Perencanaan lokasi mini sabodam untuk pengendalian sedimentasi pada Calon Waduk Ciawi, DAS Ciliwung, Indonesia
Authors: Putra Santosa Sandy , Soewarno Soewarno , Kristianto Dwi
Published: April 2018

Pengelolaan sedimentasi pada Daerah Aliran Sungai (DAS) Ciliwung hulu adalah salah satu kunci keberhasilan rencana pembangunan Waduk Ciawi. Sedimen yang dibawa oleh aliran sungai dapat ditampung menggunakan konstruksi mini sabodam. Kapasitas tampung yang kecil dari mini sabodam membuat struktur tersebut ramah lingkungan dan mudah dibangun. Namun demikian, letak dari mini sabodam perlu direncanakan agar dapat berfungsi secara maksimal (menampung sedimen yang akan masuk ke calon Waduk Ciawi). Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk memprediksi volume sedimen yang akan tertahan serta lokasi usulan pembangunan mini sabodam di DAS Ciliwung Hulu. Analisis potensi sedimen dilakukan dengan pemodelan numeris SWAT (Soil and Water Assessment Tool) dan didasarkan pada karakteristik tanah, kelerengan,  dan tutupan lahan yang ada. Kawasan DAS Ciliwung hulu diklasifikasikan ke dalam beberapa HRU (Hydrological Response Unit). Masing-masing HRU merepresentasikan respon kawasan tersebut terhadap kejadian hujan. Model yang telah divalidasi kemudian digunakan untuk mengukur laju sedimentasi pada lokasi usulan mini sabodam. Penelitian ini menghasilkan tata letak, kapasitas tampung minimum, dan pola pemeliharaan (pengerukan sedimen) yang harus dilakukan agar mini sabodam dapat terus berfungsi dengan baik. Hasil akhir penelitian ini merupakan rekomendasi penting bagi penyusunan rencana induk pengendalian sedimentasi Calon Waduk Ciawi.
DÜŞÜNCE HAREKETLERİNİN TARİHSEL EKSENİ VE DÜŞÜNCE TARİHİ YAZIMI
Authors: ŞAHİN Tahir Erdoğan
Published: April 2018

The number of studies of idea history which are considered in the
whole ofsocial or natural phenomena cannot be underestimated. However, fate, eclectic
and encyclopedic effort are encountered in such studies. Considering the way of thinking;
simultaneous development of various disciplines in different countries and civilizations
should be seen as a whole. Moreover, thinking; it is not a limited phenomenon
such as science, philosophy, religion and art. The common material of all these phenomena
or disciplines, the expression that every science field refers to itself and the
result
TÜRK KÜLTÜRÜNDE “ALKARISI” İNANCI VE BU İNANCA BAĞLI OLARAK ANLATILAN EFSANELER
Authors: ŞİMŞEK Esma
Published: April 2018

Cinler taifesinden olduğuna inanılan alkarısı ile ilgili inanış ve efsanelere başta Anadolu sahası olmak üzere bütün Türk dünyasında rastlanmaktadır. Bu yaratık, çeşitli bölgelerde; al, albastı, alkarısı, al kızı, al anası, al avradı, albıs, almış, alpas, alpata, albalı, hal karısı, alvastı, albarstı, albaslı, hal henesi, albaslı katın, al apar, almaştı, kayış ayak, taun (mencikli), rusali vb. adlarla bilinir.  Alkarısının, uzun boylu, uzun parmaklı ve uzun/bakır tırnaklı olduğuna, yüzünün çok çirkin ve iri, saçlarının siyah, uzun ve darmadağınık, dişlerinin at dişi gibi iri ve seyrek, ayaklarının ise ters olduğuna inanılır. Genellikle kırmızı (sarı veya kara da olabilir) elbise giyen alkarısının, loğusaların  veya yeni doğan çocukların ciğerlerini yiyerek beslendiği, subaşında ve ağaçlık yerlerde yaşadığı rivayet edilir. İnsanlar, al basmasından korunmak için bir kısmı İslami, bir kısmı ise eski Türk inancıyla bağlantılı olan çeşitli tedbirler alırlar. Bu tür varlıklar, gerekli tedbirler alınmadığı takdirde başta loğusalar olmak üzere diğer kadınları, genç kızları, erkekleri ve atları/kısrakları da rahatsız etmektedirler. Halk arasında, genellikle erkekler tarafından, göğsüne iğne saplanarak yakalanan bu yaratıkların, yakalayan kişinin evinde hizmetkâr olarak çalıştığına dair çeşitli efsaneler anlatılmaktadır. 
SOSYO- EKONOMİ POLİTİĞİN GENEL VE TÜRKİYE ÖRNEĞİ ÜZERİNDEN BİR ELEŞTİRİSİ (YA DA; “EKONOMİ POLİTİĞİN ELEŞTİRİSİ’NE KATKI” YA KATKI)
Authors: Şahin Tahir Erdoğan
Published: April 2018

Modern dönem, üretici mekanizmaların  nicel olarak gelişmesi ve iri-leşmesi, insan bilincinin derin bir yabancılaşmaya uğradığı ve adeta parçalanıp yırtıldığı bir  zamana tekabül eder. Geleneksel yapıların taşıdığı ahlakın, anlam ve dinî  değerlerin dışına savrulan toplum, biri birinden kopmuş bireylerin  yığını durumuna dönüşmeye başlamıştır. Yığınsal karaktere evrilen toplum içinde yal-nızlaşan bireyler, yeni ortaya çıkan toplumsal gerçeklikleri analitik biçimde ele alıp anlamak yerine, o gerçeklikleri bulanık ve yabancı/ötede varlıklar olarak görmeye başlayacaktır.  Oysa ki ayrışık bireylerin içinde olduğu toplum ve o top-lumda ortaya çıkan mekanizmalar, bizzat o bireylerin var ettiği, var ettikçe  de yabancılaştığı bir dünyadır.
BİR DÜZYAZI AĞLATISI / AĞIDI OLAN “TOPRAK ANA” ROMANINI ÇÖZÜMLEME DENEMESİ
Authors: DURUKOĞLU Salim , YURTTAŞ Zeynep
Published: April 2018

Famous Kyrgyz writer Cenghis Aytmatov, in his novel called Mother Earth, he profoundly told his readers the story of a  heroic mother who lost her spouse and three children at a battle field, the mysterious relationship established between soil and humans, and her pouring out grief to the soil which she irrigated with her sweat and blood, tooth to nail through out hard times. Being one of the gripping and one more beautiful than the other of his novels, Mother Earth superficially reflecting to the reader the hard times of the Kyrgyz villagers who even not keeping  of a handfull wheat for themselves and sending it to the soldiers at the battle field during the second World War. In this study, Cenghis Aytmatov's novel Mother Earth was viewed in terms of material and technical ele-ments by benefiting from the author's life and literary personality.
NECİP FAZIL’IN “TOHUM” ADLI ESERİNDE DEĞERLER EĞİTİMİ
Authors: ÖZTÜRK Deniz
Published: April 2018

Bu çalışmada Necip Fazıl’ın tiyatro eserlerinden "Tohum" değerler eğitimi açısından incelenmiştir. İnceleme sonucunda dördü bireysel yedisi sosyal olmak üzere toplamda on bir değer tespit edilmiştir. Tespit edilen değerler “Bireysel ve Sosyal Değerler” başlıkları altında sınıflandırılıp eserden seçilen örneklerle açıklanmaya çalışılmıştır. Çalışmada edebi eserlerin değer aktarımındaki işlevlerine değinilmiştir. Araştırmaya konu olan eserin muhtevasında bulundurduğu zengin içerikten dolayı ortaokul, lise ve daha sonraki kademelerde eğitim alan öğrencilere, milli ve evrensel değerlerin kazandırılmasında faydalı olabileceği kanısına varılmıştır. 
ŞAİRLERDE VE ŞİİRLERİNDE BOŞLUK, SONSUZLUK VE FANİLİK DUYGUSU İLE İÇKİ TEMİ
Authors: DURUKOĞLU Salim
Published: April 2018

Şiir; sözü güzelleştirme sanatını icranın yanında, tarih boyunca, insanın içindeki karmaşayı ve çözümsüzlüğü, ayıklama, aklama ve açıklama işlevini de üstlenmiştir. İçinde boşluğun, sonsuzluğun, faniliğin ayak seslerini duyan ve bunu başkalarına duyuran şairler, insan karanlığını aydınlığa çıkarmada bilim insanlarını bile geride ve gölgede bırakmışlardır. Bu yazıda Türk şiirinde işlendiği şekliyle insanın kaotik yanı ve bu karmaşa ile baş etme yolları arasındaki ilişki, az ve belli sayıdaki örnek üzerinden incelenmiştir. İnceleme sonucunda, yıkıcı ve yıpratıcı duyguların, özelde şairleri, genelde insanları, teselli arayışı içinde ya din duygusuna, ya da içki ve türevleri olan uyuşturucu ve uyuşma ihtiyacına yönelttiği saptanmıştır.
Capacity of Bernoulli-Gaussian Interference Channels in Rayleigh Fading with Full CSI
Authors: D. Le Anh , V. Vu Hung , H. Tran Nghi , Quoc Bao Vo Nguyen
Published: April 2018

In this paper, we investigate the channel capacity of a Bernoulli-Gaussian (BG) interference channel in Rayleigh fading when the channel state information (CSI) is known at both the transmitter and receiver via tight lower and upper bounds. Specifically, we first derive an upper bound on the channel capacity assuming a Gaussian-distributed output. Under this assumption, an optimal power adaptation scheme is established and the upper-bound is obtained in closed-form. By assuming a Gaussian-distributed input, we then adopt the derived power adaptation scheme to establish a lower bound on channel capacity. A simple approximation of the instantaneous output entropy using a piecewise-linear curve fitting(PWLCF)-based scheme is then developed, which provides a closed-form estimation of the lower bound with a predetermined error level. Finally, a comparison between the derived upper and lower bounds are made. Both analytical and numerical results show that these two bounds are tight in a wide range of input power levels and they can be used effectively to estimate the channel capacity.
Secrecy Rate and Optimal Power Allocation of the Amplify-and-Forward Relay Wire-Tap System
Authors: Dang Cuong , J. Rodr´ıguez Leonardo , H. Tran Nghi , Bao Forrest Sheng , Sastry Shivakumar
Published: April 2018

In this research work, we investigate the secrecy rate and optimal power allocation schemes for a half-duplex (HD) wire-tap Rayleigh fading channel in which a source wishes to communicate securely to a destination in the presence of an eavesdropper and under the aid of an amplify-and-forward (AF) relay. The secrecy capacity and the corresponding optimal power allocation schemes are examined under both individual and joint power constraints. Due to the absence of an insightful expression of the secrecy rate for a given power allocation scheme, determining such secrecy capacity is challenging. To overcome this issue, we first propose a novel method to calculate the expectation of an exponentially distributed random variable using the exponential integral function. By exploiting this calculation, we then establish the average secrecy rate of the considered AF relay channel in closed-form. By examining the quasi-concavity of the optimal power allocation problem, it is then concluded that the problem is quasi-concave. As such, the globally optimal solution exists and is unique for both individual and joint power constraints. A simple root finding method then can be applied into the derived close-formed formula to approximately calculate the optimal power allocation scheme to achieve the secrecy capacity. Numerical results are then provided to confirm the accuracy of the derived formula and the optimality of the proposed power allocation.
Redeemers or Destroyers of Empire? The Irish, State-Directed Colonization, and the Fight for a British-Canadian West, 1880–1883
Authors: Forest Timothy S.
Published: April 2018

This article analyzes a proposal to have impoverished western Irish families then suffering from famine and distress colonize the Canadian prairies. London and Ottawa hoped that this “New Ireland” would solve several problems simultaneously. Their masculine, yeoman, loyal, “British” character would be rejuvenated as they pioneered homesteads. A state-directed colonization would ensure that this redemption occurred under the watchful eye of London and Ottawa. As they were rehabilitated, they would serve simultaneously as pioneer producers, consumers of British-made goods, “kith and kin” bolsterers of “Britishness,” and as soldier-settlers defending Canada and the Empire against Irish nationalism, the United States, French Canadians, the Métis, First Peoples, and immigrants from continental Europe.

Yet this scheme never materialized. The British were publicly torn between rehabilitating the Irish and ridding itself of a poor, rebellious population. This led Canadians to believe the British would “shovel paupers” onto their shores. The Irish regarded the scheme as nothing more than “transportation” wrapped in a more benign guise. They were also caught between the ethos of self-help and the “New Imperialism” and growing state paternalism. If they could not be redeemed, as Social Darwinism and continued Irish unrest was arguing, then they might actually debase Britishness, and even potentially join the Métis and First Peoples in their disaffection. A growing Canadian identity led many to believe Canada would be better off settling seasoned American and New Immigrant farmers instead. The assisted Irish might undercut western Canadians' hard-won economic and social status as yeomen. Employers too routinely dismissed the Irish as unreliable, lazy, impertinent, and irredeemable.
Strategic Evaluation Utilization in the Canadian Federal Government
Authors: Bourgeois Isabelle , Whynot Jane
Published: April 2018

Abstract: Given the potential of the federal program evaluation function to inform decision-making at the highest levels of government, this project sought to investigate the nature and extent to which program evaluation findings are used as part of spending reviews and other reallocation exercises in selected government organizations. The multiple case study design used in this investigation included a qualitative content analysis of evaluation reports published between 2010 and 2013, as well as a series of key informant interviews conducted with evaluation staff and program managers. The findings show very little evidence of strategic evaluation utilization by organizational leaders. This is thought to be due to a few key factors: (a) the requirements of the 2009 Policy on Evaluation that was in effect at the time of the study; (b) the program-level focus of the evaluations; and (c) the public nature of the evaluation reports.
Expenditure Reviews and the Federal Experience: Program Evaluation and Its Contribution to Assurance Provision
Authors: Shepherd Robert P.
Published: April 2018

Abstract: Various forms of assurance are being demanded by different constituencies in the federal public administration. One form of assurance is that of financial accountability, and spending reviews are an essential input to processes that contribute to federal budgetary and expenditure management decisions. Program evaluation has also been an important contributor, but it may be the case that this federal function is overextended in that contribution. It may be time to consider removing this responsibility and attaching it to other functions, thereby affording the function to better focus on what it does best: contribute to program improvement, including effectiveness. This would also mean a shift in evaluation culture to one of learning, rather than accountability.
Long-term tumor control following stereotactic radiosurgery for jugular paraganglioma using 3D volumetric segmentation
Authors: Patel Neil S. , Carlson Matthew L. , Pollock Bruce E. , Driscoll Colin L. W. , Neff Brian A. , Foote Robert L. , Lohse Christine M. , Link Michael J.
Published: April 2018

OBJECTIVE

The morbidity of gross-total resection of jugular paraganglioma (JP) is often unacceptable due to the potential for irreversible lower cranial neuropathy. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has been used at the authors’ institution since 1990 for the treatment of JP and other benign intracranial tumors. Conventional means of assessing tumor progression using linear measurements or elliptical approximations are imprecise due to the irregular shape and insinuating growth pattern of JP. The objective of this study was to assess long-term tumor control in these patients by using slice-by-slice 3D volumetric segmentation of serial MRI data.

METHODS

Radiographic data and clinical records were reviewed retrospectively at a single, tertiary-care academic referral center for patients treated from 1990 to 2017. Volumetric analyses by integration of consecutive tumor cross-sectional areas (tumor segmentation) of serial MRI data were performed. Tumor progression was defined as volumetric growth of 15% or greater over the imaging interval. Primary outcomes analyzed included survival free of radiographic and clinical progression. Secondary outcomes included new or worsened cranial neuropathy.

RESULTS

A total of 85 patients were treated with Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) for JP at the authors’ institution over the last 27 years. Sixty patients had pretreatment and serial posttreatment contrast-enhanced MRI follow-up suitable for volumetric analysis. A total of 214 MR images were analyzed to segment tumor images in a slice-by-slice fashion to calculate integral tumor volume. The median follow-up duration was 66 months (range 7–202 months). At 5 years the tumor progression-free survival rate was 98%. Three tumors exhibited progression more than 10 years after GKRS. Estimated survival free of radiographic progression rates (95% confidence interval [CI]; n = number still at risk) at 5, 10, and 15 years following radiosurgery were 98% (95% CI 94%–100%; n = 34), 94% (95% CI 85%–100%; n = 16), and 74% (95% CI 56%–98%; n = 6), respectively. One patient with tumor progression required treatment intervention using external beam radiation therapy, constituting the only case of clinical progression. Two patients (3%) without preexisting lower cranial nerve dysfunction developed new ipsilateral vocal fold paralysis following radiosurgery.

CONCLUSIONS

SRS achieves excellent long-term tumor control for JP without a high risk for new or worsened cranial neuropathy when used in primary, combined modality, or recurrent settings. Long-term follow-up is critical due to the potential for late radiographic progression (i.e., more than 10 years after SRS). As none of the patients with late progression have required salvage therapy, the clinical implications of this degree of tumor growth have yet to be determined.
Transposition of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve
Authors: Hanna Amgad
Published: April 2018

OBJECTIVE

Meralgia paresthetica causes pain, burning, and loss of sensation in the anterolateral thigh. Surgical treatment traditionally involves neurolysis or neurectomy of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN). After studying and publishing data on the anatomical feasibility of LFCN transposition, the author presents here the first case series of patients who underwent LFCN transposition.

METHODS

Nineteen patients with meralgia paresthetica were treated in the Department of Neurological Surgery at University of Wisconsin between 2011 and 2016; 4 patients underwent simple decompression, 5 deep decompression, and 10 medial transposition. Data were collected prospectively and analyzed retrospectively. No randomization was performed. The groups were compared in terms of pain scores (based on a numeric rating scale) and reoperation rates.

RESULTS

The numeric rating scale scores dropped significantly in the deep-decompression (p = 0.148) and transposition (p < 0.0001) groups at both the 3- and 12-month follow-up. The reoperation rates were significantly lower in the deep-decompression and transposition groups (p = 0.0454) than in the medial transposition group.

CONCLUSIONS

Both deep decompression and transposition of the LFCN provide better results than simple decompression. Medial transposition confers the advantage of mobilizing the nerve away from the anterior superior iliac spine, giving it a straighter and more relaxed course in a softer muscle bed.
Dorsal rhizotomy for children with spastic diplegia of cerebral palsy origin: usefulness of intraoperative monitoring
Authors: Georgoulis George , Brînzeu Andrei , Sindou Marc
Published: April 2018

OBJECTIVE

The utility of intraoperative neuromonitoring (ION), namely the study of muscle responses to radicular stimulation, remains controversial. The authors performed a prospective study combining ventral root (VR) stimulation for mapping anatomical levels and dorsal root (DR) stimulation as physiological testing of metameric excitability. The purpose was to evaluate to what extent the intraoperative data led to modifications in the initial decisions for surgical sectioning established by the pediatric multidisciplinary team (i.e., preoperative chart), and thus estimate its practical usefulness.

METHODS

Thirteen children with spastic diplegia underwent the following surgical protocol. First, a bilateral intradural approach was made to the L2–S2 VRs and DRs at the exit from or entry to their respective dural sheaths, through multilevel interlaminar enlarged openings. Second, stimulation—just above the threshold—of the VR at 2 Hz to establish topography of radicular myotome distribution, and then of the DR at 50 Hz as an excitability test of root circuitry, with independent identification of muscle responses by the physiotherapist and by electromyographic recordings. The study aimed to compare the final amounts of root sectioning—per radicular level, established after intraoperative neuromonitoring guidance—with those determined by the multidisciplinary team in the presurgical chart.

RESULTS

The use of ION resulted in differences in the final percentage of root sectioning for all root levels. The root levels corresponding to the upper lumbar segments were modestly excitable under DR stimulation, whereas progressively lower root levels displayed higher excitability. The difference between root levels was highly significant, as evaluated by electromyography (p = 0.00004) as well as by the physiotherapist (p = 0.00001). Modifications were decided in 11 of the 13 patients (84%), and the mean absolute difference in the percentage of sectioning quantity per radicular level was 8.4% for L-2 (p = 0.004), 6.4% for L-3 (p = 0.0004), 19.6% for L-4 (p = 0.00003), 16.5% for L-5 (p = 0.00006), and 3.2% for S-1 roots (p = 0.016). Decreases were most frequently decided for roots L-2 and L-3, whereas increases most frequently involved roots L-4 and L-5, with the largest changes in terms of percentage of sectioning.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of ION during dorsal rhizotomy led to modifications regarding which DRs to section and to what extent. This was especially true for L-4 and L-5 roots, which are known to be involved in antigravity and pelvic stability functions. In this series, ION contributed significantly to further adjust the patient-tailored dorsal rhizotomy procedure to the clinical presentation and the therapeutic goals of each patient.
Bi-directional Association of Cerebrospinal Fluid Immune Markers with Stage of Alzheimer’s Disease Pathogenesis
Authors: Meyer Pierre-François , Savard Melissa , Poirier Judes , Labonté Anne , Rosa-Neto Pedro , Weitz Tara M. , Town Terrence , Breitner John ,   for the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative,   the PREVENT-AD Research Group
Published: April 2018

Immune mechanisms may be important in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Yet, studies comparing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma immune marker levels of healthy and demented individuals have yielded conflicting results. We analyzed CSF from 101 members of the parental history-positive PREVENT-AD cohort of healthy aging adults, and 237 participants without dementia from the initial cohort of the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI-1). Following recent practice, we used the biomarkers total- tau and amyloid-β1-42 to allocate participants from each study into four stages of AD pathogenesis: Stage 0 (no abnormality), Stage 1 (reduced amyloid-β1-42), Stage 2 (reduced amyloid-β1-42 and increased total-tau), or “Suspected Non-Alzheimer Pathology” (elevated total-tau only). Investigating the PREVENT-AD participants’ CSF assay results for 19 immune/inflammatory markers, we found six that showed a distinct bi-directional relationship with pathogenetic stage. Relative to Stage 0, these were diminished at Stage 1 but strongly increased at Stage 2. Among the ADNI participants (90 healthy controls and 147 with mild cognitive impairment), we found that 23 of 83 available CSF markers also showed this distinct pattern. These results support recent observations that immune activation may become apparent only after the onset of both amyloid and tau pathologies. Unexpectedly, they also suggest that immune marker activity may diminish along with earliest appearance of amyloid-β plaque pathology. These findings may explain discordant results from past studies, and suggest the importance of characterizing the extent of AD pathology when comparing clinical groups.
Systematic parsing of X.509: Eradicating security issues with a parse tree
Authors: Barenghi Alessandro , Mainardi Nicholas , Pelosi Gerardo
Published: April 2018

X.509 certificate parsing and validation is a critical task which has shown consistent lack of effectiveness, with practical attacks being reported with a steady rate during the last 10 years. In this work we analyze the X.509 standard and provide a grammar description of it amenable to the automated generation of a parser with strong termination guarantees, providing unambiguous input parsing. We report the results of analyzing a 11M X.509 certificate dump of the HTTPS servers running on the entire IPv4 space, showing that 21.5% of the certificates in use are syntactically invalid. We compare the results of our parsing against 7 widely used TLS libraries showing that 631k to 1,156k syntactically incorrect certificates are deemed valid by them (5.7%–10.5%), including instances with security critical mis-parsings. We prove the criticality of such mis-parsing exploiting one of the syntactic flaws found in existing certificates to perform an impersonation attack.
Intervento terapeutico sulla crisi in contesti di guerra: uno studio sul caso di una famiglia palestinese traumatizzata
Authors: Veronese Guido , Said Mahmud
Published: April 2018

- The aim of this work is to analyze an innovative intervention of in vivo exposure in all its phases in which all the family is involved in the traumatic inci103 dent. Narratives and reconstructive of meanings techniques are matching with cognitive-behavioural techniques. The clinical practice has underpinned the efficacy of family intervention and the benefits in individuals and family groups who are traumatised. A case of a traumatised Palestinian family in a missilistic attack during the Israeli-Lebanese war in summer 2006 is discussed. Limitations and future developments of the integrated intervention in crisis are highlighted toward an evidence based modellization.

Key words: early and crisis intervention, war context, family process and trauma.

Parole chiave: intervento precoce e sulla crisi, contesto di guerra, processi familiari e trauma.
Selenium-Rich Ricegrass Juice Improves Antioxidant Properties and Nitric Oxide Inhibition in Macrophage Cells
Authors: Chomchan Rattanamanee , Puttarak Panupong , Brantner Adelheid , Siripongvutikorn Sunisa
Published: April 2018

Ricegrass juice (Oryza sativa L.) was introduced as a functional food as the consumption of sprouts or seedlings has been claimed to provide high nutritive value. Selenium (Se) is a trace mineral that plays a key role in the human antioxidation scheme. Supplementation of Se into plants is one strategy to enhance plant bioactivities, and the consumption of Se plant foods may confer superior health benefits. In this study, ricegrass juice extract was analyzed for its major phenolic components. The effect of ricegrass juice extracts bio-fortified with 0, 10 and 40 mg Se/L named as RG0, RG10, and RG40, respectively, were investigated for a percentage of cell viability, changes of endogenous antioxidant enzymes, lipid peroxidation, and nitric oxide inhibition in RAW264.7 macrophage cells. Flavone glycosides, namely chrysoeriol arabinosyl arabinoside derivatives, were found to be the foremost bioactive components in ricegrass juice extract indicated by UHPLC-MS. The results of cell culture assessment revealed that RG40 showed an ability to promote macrophage cell proliferation at low concentration. Ricegrass juice extract in all treatments possessed the ability to reduce malondialdehyde content, which may be regarded as the bioactivity of phenolic compounds. Moreover, Se also played a role in this effect since RG40 showed the greatest ability via increasing the level of GPx enzyme. It was also discovered that phenolic compounds in the extracts played a role in inhibiting nitric oxide in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. Furthermore, RG40 expressed significantly higher NO inhibition properties at IC50 118.76 µg/mL compared to RG0 and RG10, at 147.02 and 147.73 µg/mL, respectively. Se bio-fortified ricegrass juice could be considered as a new potent functional food that can lower the risk of oxidative stress and chronic inflammation diseases.
New Definitions about

A
I

-Statistical Convergence with Respect to a Sequence of Modulus Functions and Lacunary Sequences
Authors: Kişi Ömer , Gümüş Hafize , Savas Ekrem
Published: April 2018

In this paper, using an infinite matrix of complex numbers, a modulus function and a lacunary sequence, we generalize the concept of

I

-statistical convergence, which is a recently introduced summability method. The names of our new methods are

A
I

-lacunary statistical convergence and strongly

A
I

-lacunary convergence with respect to a sequence of modulus functions. These spaces are denoted by

S
θ
A

I
,
F

and

N
θ
A

I
,
F

,

respectively. We give some inclusion relations between

S
A

I
,
F

,

S
θ
A

I
,
F

and

N
θ
A

I
,
F

. We also investigate Cesáro summability for

A
I

and we obtain some basic results between

A
I

-Cesáro summability, strongly

A
I

-Cesáro summability and the spaces mentioned above.
Characterization of Chlorella sorokiniana, UTEX 1230
Authors: Lizzul Alessandro Marco , Lekuona-Amundarain Aitor , Purton Saul , Campos Luiza Cintra
Published: April 2018

This paper characterizes the strain Chlorella sorokiniana UTEX 1230 within a laboratory setting using a 1 L bubble column. The findings show that productivity can be trebled under mixotrophic conditions (from 0.2 g·L−1·d−1 to 0.66 g·L−1·d−1) with the addition of sodium acetate. The results also indicate that both the growth rate and final yield increase with the cultivation temperature, with most parameters showing an optimum in the range of 30–35 °C. The maximum specific growth rate was found to be in the region of 0.12 h−1 at a surface irradiance between 100–500 µE·m−2·s−1. This high growth rate makes the strain particularly suited to the rapid production of biomass, suitable for either whole cell bioprocessing or bioremediation. However, the relatively low lipid productivity (9.2 mg·L−1·d−1) confirms previous findings which would indicate poor applicability for biodiesel production. The strain shows greater promise in wastewater treatment applications with removal rates of nitrogen and phosphorus in the region of 37 and 30 mg·L−1·d−1 respectively. Furthermore, the findings show that a fed-batch strategy to inorganic nutrient loading can increase the final yield by around 50% compared to a conventional batch run. This is particularly interesting as fed-batch production techniques are rarely used within microalgal cultivation, so provide an interesting avenue for further investigation. Overall, the findings show that C. sorokiniana UTEX 1230 is a robust and fast-growing microalgal strain suitable both for the laboratory and scale-up.
Catalytic Role of H2O Molecules in Oxidation of CH3OH in Water
Authors: Inaba Satoshi
Published: April 2018

We have examined the catalytic role of H2O molecules in the oxidation of CH3OH in water by quantum chemical simulations. A CH3OH is decomposed into molecules, a formaldehyde and an H2, in water, while it is converted into radicals in a gas phase reaction at a high temperature. H2O molecules located near a CH3OH form a first hydration shell and act as catalyst for the oxidation of CH3OH in water. The oxidation process of a CH3OH in water begins when a proton is delivered to a neighbor H2O molecule from a hydroxyl of a CH3OH. The H2O molecule transfers an extra proton to a second H2O molecule, a proton of which is combined with a proton detached from the methyl of the CH3OH, forming an H2. The energy barrier to decompose a CH3OH is significantly reduced by the catalyst of H2O molecules in water. A cluster of H2O molecules arise in water as an enclosed chain of hydrogen bonds between H2O molecules. A proton is transferred with less energy between H2O molecules within a cluster of H2O molecules. A cluster of five H2O molecules further reduces the energy barrier. The calculated oxidation rate of CH3OH with the transition state theory agrees well with that determined by experiments.
Lanthanum-Silica Sol-Gel Coatings for Protecting Metallic Materials in Museums: Approaches to Copper, Bronze, Lead and Steel
Authors: Peña-Poza Javier , Agua Fernando , Gil Cristina , Villegas María-Ángeles , García-Heras Manuel
Published: April 2018

Museum objects made from metals face the challenge of delaying corrosion in exhibition rooms, showcases and holdings. This study examined some innovative solutions used to protect such items based on sol-gel coatings doped with lanthanum. These coatings were prepared from sols based on TEOS as a precursor. Lanthanum acetate/nitrate was added as a doping agent and corrosion inhibitor. The coatings were deposited upon slabs of copper, bronze, lead and steel, since they are among the most common metals present in museums items. The coatings application was accomplished by immersion-extraction, and the remaining sols were gelled and characterized by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy and differential thermal analysis and thermogravimetry. To evaluate the behaviour and resistance of the coatings, tests of accelerated aging were carried out in climatic and Kesternich chambers, as well as under an atmosphere saturated with organic acids and under UV irradiation. The simulated conditions tested were undertaken to approach real conditions inside a conventional museum showcase. The microstructure of the coatings before and after accelerated aging tests was observed through optical and field emission scanning electron microscopies. The results indicated that these coatings can be a useful preventive, conservation avenue to protect copper, bronze and lead items exhibited in museums.
Effect of Reaction Conditions on the Surface Modification of Cellulose Nanofibrils with Aminopropyl Triethoxysilane
Authors: Robles Eduardo , Csóka Levente , Labidi Jalel
Published: April 2018

Nine different surface modifications of cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) with 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (ATS) by using three different solvent systems (water, ethanol, and a mixture of both) were investigated. The effect of reaction conditions, such as silane to cellulose ratio and solvent type were evaluated to determine their contribution to the extent of the silane modification. Nanofibril properties were evaluated by infrared spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, surface free energy, thermogravimetry, 13C and 29Si nuclear magnetic resonance, and electronic microscopy. The influence of the solvent in the solvolysis of the silane was reflected in the presence or absence of ethoxy groups in the silane. On the other hand, whereas the surface modification was increased directly proportionally to silane ratio on the reaction, the aggregation of nanofibrils was also increased, which can play a negative role in certain applications. The increment of silane modification also had substantial repercussions on the crystallinity of the nanofibrils by the addition of amorphous components to the crystalline unit; moreover, silane surface modifications enhanced the hydrophobic character of the nanofibrils.
Effect of Solidification on Microstructure and Properties of FeCoNi(AlSi)0.2 High-Entropy Alloy Under Strong Static Magnetic Field
Authors: Wang Jiaxiang , Li Jinshan , Wang Jun , Bu Fan , Kou Hongchao , Li Chao , Zhang Pingxiang , Beaugnon Eric
Published: April 2018

Strong static magnetic field (SSMF) is a unique way to regulate the microstructure and improve the properties of materials. FeCoNi(AlSi)0.2 alloy is a novel class of soft magnetic materials (SMMs) designed based on high-entropy alloy (HEA) concepts. In this study, a strong static magnetic field is introduced to tune the microstructure, mechanical, electrical and magnetic properties of FeCoNi(AlSi)0.2 high-entropy alloy. Results indicate that, with the increasing magnetic field intensity, the Vickers hardness and the saturation magnetization (Ms) increase firstly, and then decrease and reach the maximum at 5T, while the yield strength, the residual magnetization (Mr) and the coercivity (Hc) take the opposite trend. The resistivity values (ρ) are found to be enhanced by the increasing magnetic field intensity. The main reasons for the magnetic field on the above effects are interpreted by microstructure evolution (phase species and volume fraction), atomic-level structure and defects (vacancy and dislocation density).
Contextuality Analysis of the Double Slit Experiment (with a Glimpse into Three Slits)
Authors: Dzhafarov Ehtibar N. , Kujala Janne V.
Published: April 2018

The Contextuality-by-Default theory is illustrated on contextuality analysis of the idealized double-slit experiment. The experiment is described by a system of contextually labeled binary random variables each of which answers the question: Has the particle hit the detector, having passed through a given slit (left or right) in a given state (open or closed)? This system of random variables is a cyclic system of rank 4, formally the same as the system describing the Einsten-Podolsky-Rosen-Bell paradigm with signaling. Unlike the latter, however, the system describing the double-slit experiment is always noncontextual, i.e., the context-dependence in it is entirely explainable in terms of direct influences of contexts (closed-open arrangements of the slits) upon the marginal distributions of the random variables involved. The analysis presented is entirely within the framework of abstract classical probability theory (with contextually labeled random variables). The only physical constraint used in the analysis is that a particle cannot pass through a closed slit. The noncontextuality of the double-slit system does not generalize to systems describing experiments with more than two slits: in an abstract triple-slit system, almost any set of observable detection probabilities is compatible with both a contextual scenario and a noncontextual scenario of the particle passing though various combinations of open and closed slits (although the issue of physical realizability of these scenarios remains open).
A Novel Off-Grid Optimal Hybrid Energy System for Rural Electrification of Tanzania Using a Closed Loop Cooled Solar System
Authors: Khan Muhammad , Zeb Kamran , Sathishkumar P. , Himanshu  , Rao S. , Gopi Chandu , Kim Hee-Je
Published: April 2018

A large proportion of the world’s populations live in developing countries. Rural areas in many of these countries are isolated geographically from grid connections and they have a very low rate of electrification. The uninterrupted power supply (UPS) in these regions is a considerable challenge. The use of renewable energy resources (RER) in an off-grid hybrid energy system can be a pathway to solving this problem. Tanzania has a very low electrification rate (rural 16.9%, urban 65.3%). This paper discussed, described, designed a novel uninterruptible, and environmental friendly solar-wind hybrid energy system (HES) for remote area of Tanzania having closed loop cooled-solar system (CLC-SS). An optimized configuration for the proposed HES was obtained by Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewable (HOMER) analysis software using local solar and wind resources. The designed CLC-SS improved the efficiency of the hybrid solar-wind systems by extracting more power from the solar modules. An evaluation of CLC-SS revealed a 10.23% increase in power output from conventional solar PV modules. The results validate that the optimized system’s energy cost (COE) is 0.26 $/kWh and the net present cost (NPC) of the system is $7110.53. The enhanced output solar wind hybrid system, designed in this paper is cost-effective and can be applied easily to other regions of the world with similar climate conditions.