bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
C-REAKTİF PROTEİN BAKTERİYEL ENFEKSİYON TANISINDA GÜVENİLİR BİR BELİRTEÇ MİDİR?
Authors: TEKİN Mehmet , ÇALIŞKAN Muhammed Nebi , KAYAK Davut , KONCA Çapan
Published: February 2018

Amaç: Bu
çalışmada, hastanede yatan süt çocuğu hastalarında, kesinleşmiş tanılar ile C-reaktif
protein (CRP) düzeylerinin karşılaştırılması ve CRP’nin bakteriyel enfeksiyon
tanısında güvenilir bir belirteç olup olmadığının incelenmesi amaçlandı.  Materyal ve metot: Yaşları
bir-24 ay arası değişen 192 hastanın dosyaları geriye dönük olarak incelendi. Olguların yaş, cinsiyet, tanı gibi
demografik verileri; lökosit, lenfosit, nötrofil, trombosit sayıları, hemoglobin,
CRP düzeyleri ve eğer alınmışsa akciğer grafisi raporları, tam idrar tahlili,
idrar kültürü, gayta mikroskopisi, gayta kültrü, kan kültürü, beyin omurilik
sıvısı (BOS) mikroskopisi ve BOS kültürü sonuçları kaydedildi.Bulgular: Olguların
83’ü (% 43,2) kız ve 109’u (% 56,8) erkek idi. Olguların 78’i (% 40,6)
bakteriyel enfeksiyon tanısı alırken, 114’ü (% 59,4) viral enfeksiyon tanısı
aldı. Bakteriyel enfeksiyon grubunda ortalama CRP düzeyleri 1,94±3,28 mg/dl
iken viral enfeksiyon grubunda 1,13±1,51 mg/dl idi (p = 0,001). İki grup arasında
istatistiksel olarak anlamlı fark saptandı. ROC analizinde CRP’nin bakteriyel
enfeksiyon saptamadaki duyarlılığı % 60,26, özgüllüğü % 45,61 (AUC [%95 Cl]
0,534 ve p = 0,429), pozitif öngörücü değeri % 43,09 ve
negatif öngörücü değeri % 62,67 olarak hesaplandı.

Sonuç: CRP
değerlerinin bakteriyel enfeksiyonlarda viral enfeksiyonlara göre anlamlı
düzeyde arttığı ancak bakteriyel enfeksiyonu viral enfeksiyondan ayırt etmedeki
duyarlılık ve özgüllüğünün zayıf olduğu gözlendi.
A New Inocybe (Fr.) Fr. Record for Turkish Macrofungi
Authors: Uzun Yusuf , Acar İsmail
Published: February 2018

Inocybe (Fr.) Fr. is a very complicated and mostly mycorrhizal genus with a large number of species. A typical member of the genus, Inocybe decipiens Bres., was collected from Hani (Diyarbakır) district and recorded for the first from Turkey. Short description and the photographs of the determined taxon was given and discussed briefly.
Flammulina fennae Bas, A New Record For Physalacriaceae from Karz Mountain (Bitlis)
Authors: Sadullahoğlu Cemil , Demirel Kenan
Published: February 2018

Flammulina fennae Bas (Physalacriaceae) is recorded for the first time from Turkey. Ecology, distribution, locality, and photographs related to macro and micromorphologies and a short description of the new record were given.
Revenue and Expenditure Structure of Vyas Municipality
Authors: Sharma Devi Lal
Published: February 2018

The local governments or the municipalities are responsible to provide administrative services to the local level and to develop infrastructures to provide physical facilities to municipal people. Thus, the major functions of the municipalities are the building up the infrastructure and supra structure and protecting public places and so on. To conduct such philanthropic works it is essential to sustain themselves financially. This study has intense relation with revenue and expenditure of Vyas Municipalities regarding the objectives to analyze, examine and interpret the Revenue and Expenditure. Descriptive research design has been adopted to conduct present study. Under the descriptive research design this study focuses on analyzing income and expenditure pattern of Vyas municipality thus case study approach has been followed to conduct this research. There are 243 municipalities in Nepal which are considered as the population of this study. Among them Vyas municipality is taken as sample using convenience sampling method. This study focuses on municipal revenue and expenditure thus based on secondary data. Vyas municipality largely depends upon the revenue raised from external sources to fulfill the financial requirements. The total revenue has been occupied by internal revenue and external revenue. The average growth rate of internal revenue has been greater than external revenue during the study period. Vyas municipality itself has been suffering from financial inadequacy. So unnecessary expenditure made for the consumption purpose should be cut off. Expenditure made for unproductive sectors should be minimized and utilized effectively. The Journal of Nepalese Business Studies Vol. X No. 1 December 2017, Page: 42-55
Credit Portfolio Management in Nepalese Commercial Banks
Authors: Malla Buddhi Kumar
Published: February 2018

Credit portfolio management is a key function for banks (and other financial institutions, including insurers and institutional investors) with large, multifaceted portfolios of credit, often including illiquid loans (Nario, Pfister, Poppensieker & Stegemann, 2016). After global financial crisis of 2007-2008, the credit portfolio management function has become most crucial functions of the bank and financial institutions. The Basel III, third installment of Basel accord was developed after crisis to strengthen bank capital requirements by increasing bank liquidity and decreasing bank leverage that encourages banks to measure credit risk of bank's portfolios. The Basel committee also raises an issue concerning the application of the risk weights used in the capital adequacy framework to determine exposure to risk assets for the purpose of determining large credit exposure (Morris, 2001).The portfolio management of the Nepalese banking sector has been improved remarkably during last 10 years due to the strict regulation of Nepal Rastra Bank. This journal will try to describe the present credit portfolio management practice of Nepalese commercial banks by using qualitative and quantitative methods. In this study, concentration of banks for credit portfolio management has been studied by analyzing security wise loan, product wise loan and sector wise concentration of loan where the researcher has found assorted outcomes. This research also aims to provide some suggestions to overcome with problems associated with credit portfolio.The Journal of Nepalese Business Studies Vol. X No. 1 December 2017, Page: 101-109
Surgical Outcomes of Varicose Veins at Universal College of Medical Sciences, Bhairahawa, Nepal
Authors: Shah Santosh , Koirala Sumod , Pradhan Saroj , Pradhan Ashok
Published: February 2018

INTRODUCTION: This study was conducted to analyse the surgical outcomes of varicose vein at Universal College of Medical Sciences (UCMS), Bhairahawa. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A hospital based prospective study done at UCMS, Bhairahwa, Nepal over the period of one year, where all the patients who had lower limb varicose vein underwent surgery were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 25 cases of varicose vein were operated at UCMS from August 2015 to July 2016. The post-operative complications like pain, wound abscess, aching, itching were minimal.  CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment by SFJ ligation with stripping long and short saphenous vein is an established effective treatment of varicose vein in our center with minimal post-operative complications. Journal of Universal College of Medical Sciences (2016) Vol.04 No.02 Issue 14, page: 14-16
Effectiveness of Self Instructional Module (Sim) on Knowledge Regarding Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Neupane Nira , Vijaya lakshmi M.
Published: February 2018

INTRODUCTION: Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that causes severe deterioration of functional and cognitive abilities. As the leading cause of dementia in adults, it affects one in every 10 people who are more than 65 years of age. There is a vital need for student nurses with knowledge of Alzheimer's disease to provide high quality care for the growing number of patients. The use of effective nursing interventions for the management of Alzheimer's disease can help student nurses promote independence and quality of life for Alzheimer's disease patients. Thus this study is under taken to assess the effectiveness of the self instructional module (SIM) on nursing management of client with Alzheimer's disease among 4th year B. Sc. (N) students.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A quantitative evaluative research approach with pre experimental one group pre test and post test research design & non probability purposive sampling technique was used to select the 60 samples of B.Sc. (N) 4th year students. Self administered structured knowledge questionnaire were used to collect the information from the study samples. The prepared tool was validated by the experts and the reliability was established. The study was conducted in R.V. College of Nursing and Vidyakirana Institute of Nursing Sciences, Bangalore. The data was analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS version 19.RESULTS: Findings of the study shown that, the overall mean percentage pre test level of knowledge of B.Sc. Nursing 4th year studentswas 62.08%, and the pre test knowledge score was 35(58.33%) respondents were having moderately adequate knowledge, 13(21.67%) had inadequate knowledge and 12(20%) were having adequate knowledge regarding nursing management of clients with Alzheimer's disease. In the post test overall mean percentage post test level of knowledge was 84.37%. The post test knowledge score was 54(90%) respondents were having adequate knowledge and 06(10%) had moderately adequate knowledge after the administration of SIM. The overall obtained ''t'' value of knowledge 15.6 is highly significant at P< 0.01 level. The obtained chi-square value showed significant association between the pre test level of knowledge and certain socio demographical variables; gender (χ2 =5.12, df =1, p<0.05) and sources of information (χ2 =4.82, df=1, p<0.05). However, it did not show any significant association with other demographic variables of 4th Year B. Sc. (N) students.CONCLUSION: Findings of the study showed that majority of the student nurses were moderately adequate knowledge before administering the SIM. The SIM facilitated them to gain more knowledge regarding nursing management of client's with Alzheimer's disease which was evident in post test knowledge scores. Hence SIM was an effective strategy for providing information and to improve knowledge of students' nurses.Journal of Universal College of Medical Sciences (2016)Vol.04 No.02 Issue 14, page: 25-29
Enteric Parasitic Infections among School Children at Rupandehi, Nepal
Authors: Khanal Rita , Upadhaya Sweety , Lamichhane Pramila , Karn Subash Lal , Pokhrel Sandeep , Pahwa V. K.
Published: February 2018

INTRODUCTION: Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs), are the common intestinal parasites among school age children in Nepal. Periodic epidemiological studies and transmission dynamics in parasitic infections will provide accurate understanding. The aim of this study is to find out the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among primary school children at Rupandehi district Nepal.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a school based cross-sectional descriptive study including 217 students studying at primary level in two Government School in Rupandehi. The demographic data and anthropometric data was collected. Routine Stool examination was done and concentration techniques were used for maximum recovery of parasites.RESULTS: The prevalence of parasitic infection was 60% (130/217). Statistically significant association was found between parasitic infection and source of drinking water (p<0.05) A. lumbricoides was most common followed by Taenia spp, Hymenolepsis nana and others. Parasitic infection was highest 70% (21/30) in age group 13-15 years and lowest i.e. 38.1% (8/21) in age group 4-6 years. The mean height and weight of children was found to be 1.28 m and 26.5 kg respectively. Among total children 90.8% (197/217) of the children were malnourished (BMI<18.5 kg/m2) and among infected children 90% (117/130) were malnourished.CONCLUSION: The intestinal parasitosis was found comparatively higher in school children in this region. Higher rate of infection was found in malnourished children.Journal of Universal College of Medical Sciences (2016) Vol.04 No.02 Issue 14, page: 30-34
New Remedies from Natural Products in Brain Stroke
Authors: Pandey Haushila Prasad , Mishra Vaibhav , Akanksha Dr.
Published: February 2018

Acute ischemic stroke is the third leading cause of death and the most frequent cause of permanent disability. Despite advances in the understanding of the pathophysiology of cerebral ischemia, therapeutic options remain limited. Only recombinant tissue-plasminogen activator (rt-PA) for thrombolysis is currently approved for use in the treatment of stroke. However, its use is limited by its short therapeutic window (three hours), complications derived essentially from the risk of haemorrhage, and the potential damage from reperfusion/ischemic injury. Two important pathophysiological mechanisms involved during ischemic stroke are oxidative stress and inflammation3. On the basis of pre existing literatures, brain tissue is not well equipped with antioxidant defenses. So for a future candidate drug that may able to cure the stroke it must have anti oxidant and anti inflammatory properties. This review will discuss the molecular and biochemical aspects of oxidative stress and inflammation in ischemic stroke that targets neuro-inflammation through natural products.Journal of Universal College of Medical Sciences (2016) Vol.04 No.02 Issue 14, page: 35-39
Calcifying Odontogenic Cyst - A Case Report
Authors: Yadav Deepak , Tripathi Shashank , Mishra Ravish , Panthee Anuja , Kandel Santosh , Chakroborty Bijan Kumar
Published: February 2018

The calcifying odontogenic cyst (cocc) is a developmental odontogenic cyst,which was first categorized as a distinct entity by Gorlin in 1962.It is an unusual and unique lesion,which may show characteristics of both a solid neoplasm and a cyst. It usually occurs as an intraosseouslesion but may occasionally occur as an extraosseous or peripheral variant.It shows a newly equal distribution between the maxilla and mandible and is commonly seen anterior to the first molar.The clinical and radiographic features of this lesion are not pathognomic,and it is characterized by its histological diversity,with the most characteristic feature being the presence of a variable number of ghost cells within the epithelial component.Treatment of choice for COC is surgical enucleation which is done in a conservative mannerand recurrences are unlikely. This report describes a case of COC of a 26yrs old female in association with swelling on left side of maxilla since 2 years. Journal of Universal College of Medical Sciences (2016)Vol.04 No.02 Issue 14, page:40-42
Lateral Closing Wedge Osteotomy for Cubitus Varus: A Case Report
Authors: Kandel Prakriti Raj , Baral Rajiv , Chitrakar Niva , Singh Gyaneshwar Prasad , Pathak Laxmi
Published: February 2018

Supracondylar fracture is the most common fracture in children and yet are not treated timely or properly leading to various complications, cubitusvarus being the most common delayed complication1-5. There are various osteotomies that have been proposed for correcting cubitusvarus, but they all have their limitations. In this case study, we have reviewed the functional and cosmetic results of a simple lateral closing wedge osteotomy. A lateral closing wedge osteotomy was done for cubitusvarus of the right elbow of a 17 years old girl following a neglected supracondylar fracture of the right humerus.The carrying angle which was 18⁰ preoperatively became 12⁰ postoperatively following which the patient did not have any difficulty in fully flexing the elbow and could swing her upper limb freely while walking. Closing wedge supracondylar osteotomy is an effective treatment for cubitusvarus both functionally and cosmetically. Journal of Universal College of Medical Sciences (2016) Vol.04 No.02 Issue 14, page: 43-45
Re-Visioning American Literary Naturalism
Authors: Egnal Marc
Published: February 2018

Today, two characteristics define literary naturalism, and both are problematic. One is the emphasis on four male writers: Theodore Dreiser, Frank Norris, Stephen Crane, and Jack London. This focus emerged in the 1930s and stemmed from biases against white women and African Americans. The other defining trait is the temporal reach of naturalism. Extrapolating from traits in the works of Dreiser et al., this school now includes the “proletarian writers” of the 1930s and many recent authors. This article presents a new definition, one that emphasizes the distinct nature of the period from 1893 to 1913, when authors and social scientists believed that immutable “laws” of heredity and environment determined human behaviour. This approach broadens the naturalist canon during the classic era, 1893–1913, dethroning those four white males, and excludes most later works.
The Challenge of “Fixing the Debt”: Recommendations from the Summit
Authors: Harris Donna L. , Chaddock Harry M.
Published: February 2018

With education debt repayment taking up a significant amount of veterinarians' salaries, for a significant time into the working years, concern has been building that the current debt to starting salary ratio in the veterinary profession is not sustainable. The current ratio is 1.99:1, but it can be significantly higher for students who attend schools as an out-of-state resident. In April, 180 people concerned about this issue gathered at Michigan State University's College of Veterinary Medicine for a Fix the Debt Summit, which focused on actions that would reduce this ratio to a more sustainable level. Attendees were students; new graduates; those working in veterinary academia; employers of veterinarians; and those affiliated with the profession, such as professional associations. As solutions were proposed, participants also committed to taking action within their field of influence.
Surrogacy and the Motherhood Question in Yoruba Culture
Authors: Oluwaseyi Oyekan Adeolu , Esther Ani Amara
Published: February 2018

One of the arguments against surrogacy is that it is harmful to both the surrogate mother and the child. Numerous strands of this argument are collectively referred to as the ‘harm factor’. A version of the argument says that surrogacy interrupts the Mother-fetal affection which develops between the surrogate mother and the child. If this is true, what implication does it have for the concept of motherhood? Does the biological connection between the fetus and the surrogate put the latter in a better position as a mother than the commissioning mother? This paper examines the relationship between surrogacy and motherhood within the context of Yoruba culture. It argues that the culture emphasizes the sociological dimension of motherhood more than the biological. This, the paper argues, is because of the culture’s emphasis on the significance of nurture and care to the development of a meaningful and stable life. The paper thus concludes that while Yoruba traditional society lacked the scientific wherewithal to undertake a successful surrogacy procedure, its conception of motherhood, prevalently held even in contemporary time, is normatively compatible with surrogacy.
High-Power, Solid-State, Deep Ultraviolet Laser Generation
Authors: Xuan Hongwen , Igarashi Hironori , Ito Shinji , Qu Chen , Zhao Zhigang , Kobayashi Yohei
Published: February 2018

At present, deep ultraviolet (DUV) lasers at the wavelength of fourth harmonics of 1 μm (266 nm/258 nm) and at the wavelength of 193 nm are widely utilized in science and industry. We review the generation of these DUV lasers by nonlinear frequency conversion processes using solid-state/fiber lasers as the fundamental frequency. A DUV laser at 258 nm by fourth harmonics generation (FHG) could achieve an average power of 10 W with a beam quality of M2 < 1.5. Moreover, 1 W of average power at 193 nm was obtained by sum-frequency generation (SFG). A new concept of 193-nm DUV laser generation by use of the diamond Raman laser is also introduced. A proof-of-principle experiment of the diamond Raman laser is reported with the conversion efficiency of 23% from the pump to the second Stokes wavelength, which implies the potential to generate a higher power 193 nm DUV laser in the future.
Repeater Insertion for Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube Interconnects
Authors: Liu Peng-Wei , Cheng Zi-Han , Zhao Wen-Sheng , Lu Qijun , Zhu Zhangming , Wang Gaofeng
Published: February 2018

Closed-form expressions for the optimized number and size of repeaters in multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) interconnects are presented. The contact resistance and inductive effects are taken into account. It is found that the propagation delay of MWCNT interconnects can be reduced effectively by inserting repeaters. However, the contact resistance has a significant influence on the optimized number and size of repeaters. Moreover, it is found that both the optimal number of repeaters and the minimum propagation delay are kept almost unchanged with the variation of carbon nanotube (CNT) kinetic inductance. The optimal number of repeaters in the MWCNT interconnect is much smaller than that in its Cu counterpart, thus saving chip area and power consumption.
Robotic Motion Learning Framework to Promote Social Engagement
Authors: Burns Rachael , Jeon Myounghoon , Park Chung Hyuk
Published: February 2018

Imitation is a powerful component of communication between people, and it poses an important implication in improving the quality of interaction in the field of human–robot interaction (HRI). This paper discusses a novel framework designed to improve human–robot interaction through robotic imitation of a participant’s gestures. In our experiment, a humanoid robotic agent socializes with and plays games with a participant. For the experimental group, the robot additionally imitates one of the participant’s novel gestures during a play session. We hypothesize that the robot’s use of imitation will increase the participant’s openness towards engaging with the robot. Experimental results from a user study of 12 subjects show that post-imitation, experimental subjects displayed a more positive emotional state, had higher instances of mood contagion towards the robot, and interpreted the robot to have a higher level of autonomy than their control group counterparts did. These results point to an increased participant interest in engagement fueled by personalized imitation during interaction.
Interpolating Spline Curve-Based Perceptual Encryption for 3D Printing Models
Authors: Pham Giao N. , Lee Suk-Hwan , Kwon Ki-Ryong
Published: February 2018

With the development of 3D printing technology, 3D printing has recently been applied to many areas of life including healthcare and the automotive industry. Due to the benefit of 3D printing, 3D printing models are often attacked by hackers and distributed without agreement from the original providers. Furthermore, certain special models and anti-weapon models in 3D printing must be protected against unauthorized users. Therefore, in order to prevent attacks and illegal copying and to ensure that all access is authorized, 3D printing models should be encrypted before being transmitted and stored. A novel perceptual encryption algorithm for 3D printing models for secure storage and transmission is presented in this paper. A facet of 3D printing model is extracted to interpolate a spline curve of degree 2 in three-dimensional space that is determined by three control points, the curvature coefficients of degree 2, and an interpolating vector. Three control points, the curvature coefficients, and interpolating vector of the spline curve of degree 2 are encrypted by a secret key. The encrypted features of the spline curve are then used to obtain the encrypted 3D printing model by inverse interpolation and geometric distortion. The results of experiments and evaluations prove that the entire 3D triangle model is altered and deformed after the perceptual encryption process. The proposed algorithm is responsive to the various formats of 3D printing models. The results of the perceptual encryption process is superior to those of previous methods. The proposed algorithm also provides a better method and more security than previous methods.
Numerical Study on the Effect of Air–Sea–Land Interaction on the Atmospheric Boundary Layer in Coastal Area
Authors: Yang Zixuan , Calderer Antoni , He Sida , Sotiropoulos Fotis , Doyle James D. , Flagg David D. , MacMahan Jamie , Wang Qing , Haus Brian K. , Graber Hans C. , Shen Lian
Published: February 2018

We have performed large-eddy simulations (LES) to study the effect of complex land topography on the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) in coastal areas. The areas under investigation are located at three beaches in Monterey Bay, CA, USA. The sharp-interface immersed boundary method is employed to resolve the land topography down to grid scale. We have considered real-time and what-if cases. In the real-time cases, measurement data and realistic land topographies are directly incorporated. In the what-if cases, the effects of different scenarios of wind speed, wind direction, and terrain pattern on the momentum flux at the beach are studied. The LES results are compared with simulations using the Coupled Ocean/Atmosphere Mesoscale Prediction System (COAMPS) and field measurement data. We find that the land topography imposes a critical influence on the ABL in the coastal area. The momentum fluxes obtained from our LES agree with measurement data. Our results indicate the importance of capturing the effects of land topographies in simulations.
PIM Kinases and Their Relevance to the PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway in the Regulation of Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Aziz Aziz , Farid Sumbal , Qin Kairong , Wang Hanqin , Liu Bo
Published: February 2018

Ovarian cancer is a medical term that includes a number of tumors with different molecular biology, phenotypes, tumor progression, etiology, and even different diagnosis. Some specific treatments are required to address this heterogeneity of ovarian cancer, thus molecular characterization may provide an important tool for this purpose. On a molecular level, proviral-integration site for Moloney-murine leukemia virus (PIM) kinases are over expressed in ovarian cancer and play a vital role in the regulation of different proteins responsible for this tumorigenesis. Likewise, the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is also a central regulator of the ovarian cancer. Interestingly, recent research has linked the PIM kinases to the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in several types of cancers, but their connection in ovarian cancer has not been studied yet. Once the exact relationship of PIM kinases with the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is acquired in ovarian cancer, it will hopefully provide effective treatments on a molecular level. This review mainly focuses on the role of PIM kinases in ovarian cancer and their interactions with proteins involved in its progression. In addition, this review suggests a connection between the PIM kinases and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and their parallel mechanism in the regulation of ovarian cancer.
What is Developmental Dyslexia?
Authors: Stein John
Published: February 2018

Until the 1950s, developmental dyslexia was defined as a hereditary visual disability, selectively affecting reading without compromising oral or non-verbal reasoning skills. This changed radically after the development of the phonological theory of dyslexia; this not only ruled out any role for visual processing in its aetiology, but it also cast doubt on the use of discrepancy between reading and reasoning skills as a criterion for diagnosing it. Here I argue that this theory is set at too high a cognitive level to be explanatory; we need to understand the pathophysiological visual and auditory mechanisms that cause children’s phonological problems. I discuss how the ‘magnocellular theory’ attempts to do this in terms of slowed and error prone temporal processing which leads to dyslexics’ defective visual and auditory sequencing when attempting to read. I attempt to deal with the criticisms of this theory and show how it leads to a number of successful ways of helping dyslexic children to overcome their reading difficulties.
The Vertical Farm: A Review of Developments and Implications for the Vertical City
Authors: Al-Kodmany Kheir
Published: February 2018

This paper discusses the emerging need for vertical farms by examining issues related to food security, urban population growth, farmland shortages, “food miles”, and associated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Urban planners and agricultural leaders have argued that cities will need to produce food internally to respond to demand by increasing population and to avoid paralyzing congestion, harmful pollution, and unaffordable food prices. The paper examines urban agriculture as a solution to these problems by merging food production and consumption in one place, with the vertical farm being suitable for urban areas where available land is limited and expensive. Luckily, recent advances in greenhouse technologies such as hydroponics, aeroponics, and aquaponics have provided a promising future to the vertical farm concept. These high-tech systems represent a paradigm shift in farming and food production and offer suitable and efficient methods for city farming by minimizing maintenance and maximizing yield. Upon reviewing these technologies and examining project prototypes, we find that these efforts may plant the seeds for the realization of the vertical farm. The paper, however, closes by speculating about the consequences, advantages, and disadvantages of the vertical farm’s implementation. Economic feasibility, codes, regulations, and a lack of expertise remain major obstacles in the path to implementing the vertical farm.
Electrocrystallization of CaCO3 Crystals Obtained through Phosphorylated Chitin
Authors: Butto Nicole , Cabrera-Barjas Gustavo , Neira-Carrillo Andrónico
Published: February 2018

A phosphorylated chitin (Chi-P) derivative was synthesized and its chemical structure was verified with Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), elemental analysis, and thermogravimetric techniques (TGA). The influence of Chi-P used as a solid template through in vitro electrocrystallization (EC) supported on an indium zinc oxide (ITO) surface on the growth of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) was studied. CaCO3 crystals through EC essays were also compared with crystals obtained with the gas diffusion (GD) method. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS), chronopotentiometry, Raman, and powder X-ray diffractometry (XRD) characterized all resultant inorganic particles. Our findings revealed that the EC method selectively controlled the coexistence of truncate calcite and the metastable phase of vaterite. The crystals’ morphology reflects the electrostatic interaction of phosphate moieties from Chi-P onto CaCO3 crystals through both EC and GD crystallization methods. We believe that the EC method represents a viable electrochemical approach for studying different inorganic minerals and could be useful as an in vitro classical crystallization method for the design of advanced inorganic materials with desirable shapes and properties.
Febuxostat-Minoxidil Salt Solvates: Crystal Structures, Characterization, Interconversion and Solubility Performance
Authors: Li Li-Yang , Du Rong-Kai , Du You-Li , Zhang Chun-Jing , Guan Su , Dong Chang-Zhi , Zhang Lei
Published: February 2018

Three febuxostat-minoxidil salt solvates with acetone (ACE), tetrahydrofuran (THF) and isopropanol (IPA) are synthesized by solvent-assisted grinding and characterized by infrared (IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR), single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), thermogravimetry (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). These febuxostat-minoxidil salt solvates feature isostructural with the same stoichiometries (1:1:1 molecule ratio). The proton transfers from the carboxylic group of febuxostat (FEB) to imino N atom of minoxidil (MIN), which forms the motif with combined R 2 2 (9) R 4 2 (8) R 2 2 (9) graph set in the three solvates. The solvents occupy the different positions related to the motif, which results in the apparent differences in PXRD patterns before/after desolvation although they are isostructures. The FEB-MIN·THF was more thermostable than FEB-MIN·ACE and FEB-MIN·IPA relative to solvent removal from DSC patterns, which is different from the results from the solvent-exchange experiments in chemical kinetics. All three salt solvates exhibit increased equilibrium solubility compared to FEB in aqueous medium.
Point Divergence Gain and Multidimensional Data Sequences Analysis
Authors: Rychtáriková Renata , Korbel Jan , Macháček Petr , Štys Dalibor
Published: February 2018

We introduce novel information-entropic variables—a Point Divergence Gain ( Ω α ( l → m ) ), a Point Divergence Gain Entropy ( I α ), and a Point Divergence Gain Entropy Density ( P α )—which are derived from the Rényi entropy and describe spatio-temporal changes between two consecutive discrete multidimensional distributions. The behavior of Ω α ( l → m ) is simulated for typical distributions and, together with I α and P α , applied in analysis and characterization of series of multidimensional datasets of computer-based and real images.
What Determines Lean Manufacturing Implementation? A CB-SEM Model
Authors: Ng Tan , Ghobakhloo Morteza
Published: February 2018

This research aims to ascertain the determinants of effective Lean Manufacturing (LM). In this research, Covariance-based Structural Equation Modeling (CB-SEM) analysis will be used in order to analyze the determinants. Through CB-SEM analysis, the significant key determinants can be determined and the direct relationships among determinants can be analyzed. Thus, the findings of this research can act as guidelines for achievement of LM effectiveness, not only providing necessary steps for successful implementation of lean, but also helping lean companies to achieve higher level of lean cost and time savings.
A Prediction Mechanism of Energy Consumption in Residential Buildings Using Hidden Markov Model
Authors: Ullah Israr , Ahmad Rashid , Kim DoHyeun
Published: February 2018

Internet of Things (IoT) is considered as one of the future disruptive technologies, which has the potential to bring positive change in human lifestyle and uplift living standards. Many IoT-based applications have been designed in various fields, e.g., security, health, education, manufacturing, transportation, etc. IoT has transformed conventional homes into Smart homes. By attaching small IoT devices to various appliances, we cannot only monitor but also control indoor environment as per user demand. Intelligent IoT devices can also be used for optimal energy utilization by operating the associated equipment only when it is needed. In this paper, we have proposed a Hidden Markov Model based algorithm to predict energy consumption in Korean residential buildings using data collected through smart meters. We have used energy consumption data collected from four multi-storied buildings located in Seoul, South Korea for model validation and results analysis. Proposed model prediction results are compared with three well-known prediction algorithms i.e., Support Vector Machine (SVM), Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and Classification and Regression Trees (CART). Comparative analysis shows that our proposed model achieves 2.96 % better than ANN results in terms of root mean square error metric, 6.09 % better than SVM and 9.03 % better than CART results. To further establish and validate prediction results of our proposed model, we have performed temporal granularity analysis. For this purpose, we have evaluated our proposed model for hourly, daily and weekly data aggregation. Prediction accuracy in terms of root mean square error metric for hourly, daily and weekly data is 2.62, 1.54 and 0.46, respectively. This shows that our model prediction accuracy improves for coarse grain data. Higher prediction accuracy gives us confidence to further explore its application in building control systems for achieving better energy efficiency.
Impact of Energy Losses Due to Failures on Photovoltaic Plant Energy Balance
Authors: Lillo-Bravo Isidoro , González-Martínez Pablo , Larrañeta Miguel , Guasumba-Codena José
Published: February 2018

Photovoltaic (PV) plant failures have a significant influence on PV plant security, reliability, and energy balance. Energy losses produced by a PV plant are due to two large causes: failures and inefficiencies. Knowing the relative influence of energy losses due to failures and energy losses due to inefficiencies on the PV plant energy balance contribute to the optimization of its design, commissioning, and maintenance tasks. This paper estimates the failure rates, grouped by components, and the relative impact of the failures on the PV plant energy balance through real operation and maintenance follow-up data of 15 PV plants in Spain and Italy for 15 months. Results show that the influence of failures in energy losses of all analysed PV plants is low, reaching a maximum value of 0.96% of the net energy yield. Solar field energy losses only represent 4.26% of all failure energy losses. On the other hand, energy losses due to inefficiencies have represented between 22.34% and 27.58% of the net energy yield.
Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy Analysis of Transformer Paper in Mineral Oil-Paper Composite Insulation under Accelerated Thermal Aging
Authors: Munajad Abi , Subroto Cahyo , Suwarno
Published: February 2018

Mineral oil is the most popular insulating liquid for high voltage transformers due to its function as a cooling liquid and an electrical insulator. Kraft paper has been widely used as transformer solid insulation for a long time already. The degradation process of transformer paper due to thermal aging in mineral oil can change the physical and chemical structure of the cellulose paper. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis was used to identify changes in the chemical structure of transformer paper aged in mineral oil. FTIR results show that the intensity of the peak absorbance of the O–H functional group decreased with aging but the intensity of the peak absorbance of the C–H and C=O functional groups increased with aging. Changes in the chemical structure of the cellulose paper during thermal aging in mineral oil can be analyzed by an oxidation process of the cellulose paper and the reaction process between the carboxylic acids in the mineral oil and the hydroxyl groups on the cellulose. The correlation between the functional groups and the average number of chain scissions of transformer paper gives initial information that the transformer paper performance can be identified by using a spectroscopic technique as a non-destructive diagnostic technique.
Improving the Energy Efficiency of Direct Formate Fuel Cells with a Pd/C-CeO2 Anode Catalyst and Anion Exchange Ionomer in the Catalyst Layer
Authors: Miller Hamish , Ruggeri Jacopo , Marchionni Andrea , Bellini Marco , Pagliaro Maria , Bartoli Carlo , Pucci Andrea , Passaglia Elisa , Vizza Francesco
Published: February 2018

This article describes the development of a high power density Direct Formate Fuel Cell (DFFC) fed with potassium formate (KCOOH). The membrane electrode assembly (MEA) contains no platinum metal. The cathode catalyst is FeCo/C combined with a commercial anion exchange membrane (AEM). To enhance the power output and energy efficiency we have employed a nanostructured Pd/C-CeO2 anode catalyst. The activity for the formate oxidation reaction (FOR) is enhanced when compared to a Pd/C catalyst with the same Pd loading. Fuel cell tests at 60 °C show a peak power density of almost 250 mW cm−2. The discharge energy (14 kJ), faradic efficiency (89%) and energy efficiency (46%) were determined for a single fuel charge (30 mL of 4 M KCOOH and 4 M KOH). Energy analysis demonstrates that removal of the expensive KOH electrolyte is essential for the future development of these devices. To compensate we apply for the first time a polymeric ionomer in the catalyst layer of the anode electrode. A homopolymer is synthesized by the radical polymerization of vinyl benzene chloride followed by amination with 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO). The energy delivered, energy efficiency and fuel consumption efficiency of DFFCs fed with 4 M KCOOH are doubled with the use of the ionomer.
Solar Energy Potentials and Benefits in the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries: A Review of Substantial Issues
Authors: Mas’ud Abdullahi Abubakar , Wirba Asan Vernyuy , Alshammari Saud J. , Muhammad-Sukki Firdaus , Abdullahi Mu’azu Mohammed , Albarracín Ricardo , Hoq Mohammed Ziaul
Published: February 2018

It is a well-known fact that the fossil fuel industry has dominated the economy of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries during the last few decades. However, recent developments show that most of the GCC countries plan to increase the share of renewable energy (RE) in their future electrical power production. To ensure realistic increase in the share of RE in the production of electricity in the future, firm policies must be laid down with the objective to promote and market the benefit of RE to their citizens. Due to the high-solar radiation in the GCC region, the focus is now on solar energy development. This paper presents an up-to-date review of the progress made on solar energy in the GCC together with the challenges and the way forward. Some of the challenges and barriers hindering the development of RE in the GCC are in the area of technological know-how, policy development, and insufficient application of RE technology integrated in the buildings among others. Areas of improvement include promoting research and development, public/private initiatives, legislation and regulatory framework, solutions to technical issues and exchange of knowledge, scientific advice, and last but not the least is the issue of building integration with RE.
Comparing the Quantity and Structure of Deadwood in Selection Managed and Old-Growth Forests in South-East Europe
Authors: Keren Srđan , Diaci Jurij
Published: February 2018

The knowledge about the impact of selection silviculture on deadwood components is fairly scarce. This study compared two Dinaric old-growth forests (OGFs) with adjacent managed forests (MFs) in which the single-tree selection system has been applied for a century. The comparisons were made in terms of the current amounts of coarse woody debris (CWD), distribution of its decay stages, and diameter structure of different CWD types (snags, logs, stumps). The relationship between the volume of live and dead trees was also examined. In both OGFs and MFs, the most snags were found in the third decay stage, while the volume of logs and stumps increased from the first to fifth decay class. The study showed the clear advantage of OGFs over adjacent selection MFs in terms of CWD volume, whereas the basal area of live trees and growing stock were not always reliable indicators for distinguishing between MFs and OGFs. The diameter distribution of individual CWD types (snags, logs, stumps) also differed significantly between selection MFs and OGFs in all tested pairs. This fact, along with the significant differences in CWD volume, indicates that selection silviculture should be amended to incorporate practices that ensure more natural management of deadwood components.
Influence of Stem Diameter on Fiber Diameter and the Mechanical Properties of Technical Flax Fibers from Linseed Flax
Authors: Alcock Mercedes , Ahmed Shabbir , DuCharme Shawna , Ulven Chad
Published: February 2018

The continued search for sustainable and eco-friendly materials has led to the integration of bio-fibers, such as flax fiber, as reinforcement in composite materials; however, a wide variation in their diameters and mechanical properties poses a considerable challenge for their incorporation in load bearing and structural bio-composite materials. In this paper, a rigorous experimental investigation was performed using two varieties of linseed flax from two growing locations to determine if the variations observed in ultimate tensile strength, Young’s modulus, failure strain and diameter could be attributed to the diameters of the stems that produced the fibers. Tests were performed in two different facilities and the results were compared and analyzed using Welch’s t-tests. Results showed that samples which differed by stem diameter had statistically significant positive correlation with fiber diameter and negative correlation with tensile strength. No correlations for tensile strength, Young’s modulus or fiber diameter were found in samples with the same stem diameter range that were grown in different locations or were of different varieties, that is the effect of location and variety is not statistically significant. Failure strain did not show any statistical significance with respect to differences in stem diameter and only showed one statistically significant result between both facilities for one of the two growing location comparisons.
Optimal Incentives in a Principal–Agent Model with Endogenous Technology
Authors: Marini Marco , Polidori Paolo , Teobaldelli Désirée , Ticchi Davide
Published: February 2018

One of the standard predictions of the agency theory is that more incentives can be given to agents with lower risk aversion. In this paper, we show that this relationship may be absent or reversed when the technology is endogenous and projects with a higher efficiency are also riskier. Using a modified version of the Holmstrom and Milgrom’s framework, we obtain that lower agent’s risk aversion unambiguously leads to higher incentives when the technology function linking efficiency and riskiness is elastic, while the risk aversion–incentive relationship can be positive when this function is rigid.
Review of the Dinosaur Remains from the Middle Jurassic of Scotland, UK
Authors: Clark Neil
Published: February 2018

Dinosaurs are rare from the Middle Jurassic worldwide. The Isle of Skye, is the only place in Scotland thus far to have produced dinosaur remains. These remains consist mainly of footprints, but also several bones and teeth. These Bajocian and Bathonian remains represent an important collection of a basal eusauropod, early examples of non-neosauropod and possible basal titanosauriform eusauropods, and theropod remains that may belong to an early coelurosaur and a possible megalosaurid, basal tyrannosauroid, or dromaeosaurid. The footprints from here also suggest a rich and diverse dinosaur fauna for which further better diagnosable remains are likely to be found.
Adapting, Pilot Testing and Evaluating the Kick.it App to Support Smoking Cessation for Smokers with Severe Mental Illness: A Study Protocol
Authors: Lawn Sharon , Van Agteren Joseph , Zabeen Sara , Bertossa Sue , Barton Christopher , Stewart James
Published: February 2018

(1) Background: While the prevalence of tobacco smoking in the general population has declined, it remains exceptionally high for smokers with severe mental illness (SMI), despite significant public health measures. This project aims to adapt, pilot test and evaluate a novel e-health smoking cessation intervention to assist relapse prevention and encourage sustained smoking cessation for young adults (aged 18–29 years) with SMI. (2) Methods: Using co-design principles, the researchers will adapt the Kick.it smartphone App in collaboration with a small sample of current and ex-smokers with SMI. In-depth interviews with smokers with SMI who have attempted to quit in the past 12 months and ex-smokers (i.e., those having not smoked in the past seven days) will explore their perceptions of smoking cessation support options that have been of value to them. Focus group participants will then give their feedback on the existing Kick.it App and any adaptations needed. The adapted App will then be pilot-tested with a small sample of young adult smokers with SMI interested in attempting to cut down or quit smoking, measuring utility, feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary outcomes in supporting their quit efforts. (3) Conclusions: This pilot work will inform a larger definitive trial. Dependent on recruitment success, the project may extend to also include smokers with SMI who are aged 30 years or more.