bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CAD/CAM Polymer vs Direct Composite Resin Core Buildups for Endodontically Treated Molars Without Ferrule
Authors: Güth J-F , Edelhoff D , Goldberg J , Magne P
Published: August 2015

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the restoration of broken-down endodontically treated molars without ferrule effect using glass ceramic crowns on different composite resin core buildups.

Methods and Materials

Forty-five decoronated endodontically treated teeth (no ferrule) were restored with a semidirect buildup using an experimental computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) high-performance polymer (HPP group) or with light-curing composite core buildups of Tetric EvoCeram with (TECP group) or without (TEC group) a glass-fiber-reinforced post. All teeth were prepared to receive bonded glass ceramic crowns (Empress CAD luted with Variolink II) and were subjected to accelerated fatigue testing. Cyclic isometric loading was applied to the palatal cusp at an angle of 30° and a frequency of 5 Hz, beginning with a load of 200 N (×5000 cycles) and followed by stages of 400, 600, 800, 1000, 1200, and 1400 N at a maximum of 30,000 cycles each. Specimens were loaded until failure or to a maximum of 185,000 cycles. Groups were compared using the life-table survival analysis (log rank test at p=0.05). Average fracture loads and number of survived cycles were compared with one-way analysis of variance (Scheffé post hoc at p=0.05).

Results

None of the tested specimen withstood all 185,000 load cycles. There was a significant difference in mean fracture load, survived cycles, and survival; the HPP group (fracture load 975.27N±182.74) was significantly higher than the TEC (716.87N±133.43; p=0.001) and TECP (745.67±156.34; p=0.001) groups, and the TEC and TECP groups showed no difference (p=0.884). Specimens in the TECP group were affected by an initial failure phenomenon (wide gap at the margin between the buildup/crown assembly and the root).

Conclusions

Semidirect core buildup made from high-performance polymer enhanced the performance of all-ceramic leucite-reinforced glass ceramic crowns compared with direct light-curing composite resin buildups. The use of a fiber-reinforced post system did not influence the fatigue strength of all-ceramic crowns.
Influence of Light-curing Parameters on Biofilm Development and Flexural Strength of a Silorane-based Composite
Authors: Brambilla E , Ionescu A , Cazzaniga G , Ottobelli M
Published: August 2015

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences in biological and mechanical performances of a silorane-based and a methacrylate-based composite. Another aim was to assess the influence of light-curing time and light-curing intensity on in vitro biofilm formation and flexural strength of the two tested composites.

Methods: Experiment 1: 432 specimens obtained from a silorane-based composite and from a standard methacrylate-based composite were divided into six groups and light-cured for 10, 20, 30, 40, 60, or 80 seconds, using one of two light-curing intensities, 400 mW/cm2 or 800 mW/cm2. At 24 hours, a monospecific Streptococcus mutans biofilm adherent to the surfaces of the samples was obtained. Then, a colorimetric technique (MTT assay) was used to evaluate the adherent viable biomass. Two samples per group were observed using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey tests were used to analyze the results (p<0.05). Experiment 2: 192 bar-shaped specimens were obtained and light-cured as in the previous experiment. A three-point bend test using a universal testing machine was performed to obtain flexural strength values. ANOVA and Tukey tests were used to analyze the results (p<0.05).

Results: In experiment 1, a highly significant difference (p<0.0001) in biofilm development was shown between silorane-based and methacrylate-based composites. In fact, the silorane-based composite exhibited better biological performance. Significant differences were also found between the two light-curing intensities (p<0.018) and for curing times (p<0.0001): silorane-based composite light-cured for 80 seconds at 800 mW/cm2 light-curing intensity showed the lowest biofilm development. In experiment 2, a significant difference in flexural strength (p<0.0318) was only found between the different composites. Nevertheless, both resin composites showed flexural strength values in accordance with International Organization for Standardization guidelines even after 10 seconds of light-curing time.

Conclusions: Silorane-based composite was less prone to biofilm development compared with a methacrylate-based composite. Acceptable flexural strength values for both composites were obtained after 10 seconds of light-curing time.
Influence of Staining Solution and Bleaching on Color Stability of Resin Used for Caries Infiltration
Authors: Araújo GSA , Naufel FS , Alonso RCB , Lima DANL , Puppin-Rontani RM
Published: August 2015

Objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate the color stability of Icon-infiltrated white spot lesions after staining and the bleaching effect on the infiltrated and stained surfaces.

Methods and Materials

Enamel-dentin specimens (N=30, 5 × 5 × 3 mm, 1-mm enamel + 2-mm dentin thickness) were prepared from bovine incisors and randomly allocated into three groups (n=10): control, demineralized, and infiltrated. Artificial enamel subsurface lesions were created using 50 mL of 0.05 M acetate buffer solution. Specimens were produced by Icon application in enamel caries-like lesions, according to the manufacturer's instruction. Baseline color readings were assessed using a spectrophotometer, and CIE L*a*b* measurements of each specimen were performed using a white background. To simulate extrinsic dietary staining, specimens were placed into a 4-mL coffee infusion, three times daily for 15 minutes, for 14 days. After the staining procedure, color measurements were performed again. Then, bleaching procedures were performed using 16% carbamide peroxide gel for four hours daily for 21 days, and a final color assessment was performed. To compare the baseline and final measurements, t-test was used (α =0.05). The statistical comparison between the groups was performed using the one-way analysis of variance and Tukey tests (α =0.05).

Results

Coffee staining provided a significant reduction of L* values and an increase of a* and b* in all groups (control, decayed, and infiltrated). The bleaching procedure provided a significant increase in L* and decrease of a* and b* values in all groups. There was no significant difference in ΔE values between decayed and infiltrated groups before bleaching, and after bleaching, the infiltrated group showed the lowest ΔE values.

Conclusion

It can be concluded that enamel infiltrated with Icon presents significant alteration of color after staining when compared with sound enamel. However, if there is discoloration of the infiltrant, the bleaching treatment can be used successfully.
Strengthening of Porcelain Provided by Resin Cements and Flowable Composites
Authors: Spazzin AO , Guarda GB , Oliveira-Ogliari A , Leal FB , Correr-Sobrinho L , Moraes RR
Published: August 2015

This study evaluated the effect of mechanical properties of resin-based luting agents on the strength of resin-coated porcelain. The luting agents tested were two flowable resin composites (Filtek Z350 Flow and Tetric-N Flow), a light-cured resin cement (Variolink Veneer [VV]), and a dual-cured resin cement (Variolink II) in either light-cured (base paste) or dual-cured (base + catalyst pastes [VD]) mode. Flexural strength (σf) and modulus of elasticity (Ef) of the luting agents were measured in three-point bending mode (n=5). Porcelain discs (Vita VM7) were tested either untreated (control) or acid etched, silanized, and coated with the luting agents. Biaxial flexural strength (σbf) of the porcelain discs was tested using a ball-on-ring setup (n=30). The σbf of the resin-coated specimens was calculated at z-axial positions for multilayer specimens in the ball-on-ring test: position z = 0 (ceramic surface at the bonded interface) and position z = −t2 (luting agent surface above ring). The σf and Ef data were subjected to analysis of variance and the Student-Newman-Keuls test (α=0.05). A Weibull analysis was performed for σbf data. Weibull modulus (m) and characteristic strength (σ0) were calculated. Linear regression analyses investigated the relationship between mechanical properties of the luting agents and the strengthening of porcelain. VD had higher and VV had lower mechanical strength than the other materials. At z = 0, all resin-coated groups had higher σbf than the control group. No significant differences between the luting agents were observed for σbf and σ0. At z = −t2, VD had the highest σbf and σ0, whereas VV had the poorest results. No significant differences in m were observed across groups. A linear increase in flexural strength of the porcelain was associated with increased σf and Ef of the luting agents at position z = −t2. In conclusion, resin coating and use of luting agents with better physical properties generally improved the mechanical performance of porcelain.
The stance of stalking: a corpus-based analysis of grammatical markers of stance in threatening communications
Authors: Gales Tammy
Published: August 2015

Threats made by stalkers have tremendous negative effects on the more than one million victims who receive them every year – from experiencing ‘psychological terrorism’ to undergoing physical harm ( Burgess and Marchetti, 2009 ). However, stalking, a criminal offence within the law, is ill-defined and difficult to prosecute, since the victim of stalking must demonstrate the stalker's intent to intimidate or cause ‘substantial emotional distress’ ( Black et al., 1990 : 717).

Linguistically, such indicators of emotion and intent are manifested by markers of ‘stance’, a speaker/writer's culturally organised feelings, judgments or assessments about a recipient or proposition ( Biber et al., 1999 ). Through a corpus analysis of 397 authentic threats, I examine variation in the manifestation and function of overt grammatical markers of stance (adverbials, modals, and that- and to-complement clauses) between threats to stalk, harass and defame. Specifically, certainty verbs + that-complement clause constructions and prediction modals occurred at a significantly higher rate (p<0.001) in stalking threats – those in which the victims reported feeling intense fear or distress. In addition, strong co-occurrence patterns were found between these stance markers and pronouns. And, when using a qualitative social constructionist approach to examine distinctions in stance meaning and reveal underlying functional patterns, ( Precht, 2003 : 255), three distinctive functional patterns were revealed with the trigrams ‘I will be’, ‘I will have’ and ‘you know that’, wherein the stalking threatener is in complete volitional control of his or her own actions, demonstrates possession over the victim or an object related to the threat, and accuses the victim of a behaviour thought to be wrong, respectively.

Therefore, while it has been demonstrated that there is not a one-to-one correspondence between linguistic markers and threateners' actions ( Gales, 2010 ; and Lord et al., 2008 ), through a closer examination of overt grammatical markers of stance – in combination with social psychology theories connecting speaker role, power and fear (e.g., Burgess and Marchetti, 2009 ) – linguists can help hone an understanding of stance in stalking threats and potentially contribute to the demonstration of a victim's claim of feeling fear.
The Impact of Selected Parameters on Visibility: First Results from a Long-Term Campaign in Warsaw, Poland
Authors: Majewski Grzegorz , Rogula-Kozłowska Wioletta , Czechowski Piotr , Badyda Artur , Brandyk Andrzej
Published: August 2015

The aim of this study was to investigate how atmospheric air pollutants and meteorological conditions affected atmospheric visibility in the largest Polish agglomeration. The correlation analysis, principal component analysis (PCA) and generalized regression models (GRMs) were used to accomplish this objective. The meteorological parameters (temperature, relative humidity, precipitation, wind speed and insolation) and concentrations of the air pollutants (PM10, SO2, NO2, CO and O3) were recorded in 2004–2013. The data came from the Ursynów-SGGW, MzWarszUrsynów and Okęcie monitoring stations, located in the south of Warsaw (Poland). It was shown that the PM10 concentration was the most important parameter affecting the visibility in Warsaw. The concentration, and indirectly the visibility, was mainly affected by the pollutant emission from the flat/building heating (combustion of various fuels). It changed intensively during the research period. There were also periods in which this emission type did not have a great influence on the pollutant concentrations (mainly PM10) and visibility. In such seasons, the research revealed the influence of the traffic emission and secondary aerosol formation processes on the visibility.
Energy Consumption Prediction for Electric Vehicles Based on Real-World Data
Authors: De Cauwer Cedric , Van Mierlo Joeri , Coosemans Thierry
Published: August 2015

Electric vehicle (EV) energy consumption is variable and dependent on a number of external factors such as road topology, traffic, driving style, ambient temperature, etc. The goal of this paper is to detect and quantify correlations between the kinematic parameters of the vehicle and its energy consumption. Real-world data of EV energy consumption are used to construct the energy consumption calculation models. Based on the vehicle dynamics equation as underlying physical model, multiple linear regression is used to construct three models. Each model uses a different level of aggregation of the input parameters, allowing predictions using different types of available input parameters. One model uses aggregated values of the kinematic parameters of trips. This model allows prediction with basic, easily available input parameters such as travel distance, travel time, and temperature. The second model extends this by including detailed acceleration data. The third model uses the raw data of the kinematic parameters as input parameters to predict the energy consumption. Using detailed values of kinematic parameters for the prediction in theory increases the link between the statistical model and its underlying physical principles, but requires these parameters to be available as input in order to make predictions. The first two models show similar results. The third model shows a worse fit than the first two, but has a similar accuracy. This model has great potential for future improvement.
Direct Exchange of Oxygen and Selenium Atoms in the 1,2,5-Oxadiazoles and 1,2,5-Selenadiazoles by Action of Sulfur Monochloride
Authors: Konstantinova Lidia , Knyazeva Ekaterina , Rakitin Oleg
Published: August 2015

A short synthetic approach to fused 1,2,5-thiadiazoles from the corresponding 1,2,5-oxadiazoles and 1,2,5-selenadiazoles has been developed. Mono- and bis(1,2,5-thiadiazoles) were selectively obtained in high yields. The pathways for these novel reactions were discussed.
Prazosin-Conjugated Matrices Based on Biodegradable Polymers and α-Amino Acids—Synthesis, Characterization, and in Vitro Release Study
Authors: Oledzka Ewa , Sawicka Anna , Sobczak Marcin , Nalecz-Jawecki Grzegorz , Skrzypczak Agata , Kolodziejski Waclaw
Published: August 2015

Novel and promising macromolecular conjugates of the α1-adrenergic blocker prazosin were directly synthesized by covalent incorporation of the drug to matrices composed of biodegradable polymers and α-amino acids for the development of a polymeric implantable drug delivery carrier. The cyto- and genotoxicity of the synthesized matrices were evaluated using a bacterial luminescence test, protozoan assay, and Salmonella typhimurium TA1535. A new urethane bond was formed between the hydroxyl end-groups of the synthesized polymer matrices and an amine group of prazosin, using 1,1′-carbonyldiimidazole (CDI) as a coupling agent. The structure of the polymeric conjugates was characterized by various spectroscopy techniques. A study of hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) thermodiagrams indicated that the presence of prazosin pendant groups in the macromolecule structures increased the polymer’s rigidity alongside increasing glass transition temperature. It has been found that the kinetic release of prazosin from the obtained macromolecular conjugates, tested in vitro under different conditions, is strongly dependent on the physicochemical properties of polymeric matrices. Furthermore, the presence of a urethane bond in the macromolecular conjugates allowed for obtaining a relatively controlled release profile of the drug. The obtained results confirm that the pharmacokinetics of prazosin might be improved through the synthesis of polymeric conjugates containing biomedical polymers and α-amino acids in the macromolecule.
Synthesis of Antibacterial Silver–Poly(ɛ-caprolactone)-Methacrylic Acid Graft Copolymer Nanofibers and Their Evaluation as Potential Wound Dressing
Authors: Al-Omair Mohammed
Published: August 2015

Electrospun polycaprolacyone/polymethacrylic acid graft copolymer nanofibers (PCL/MAA) containing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized for effective wound disinfection. Surface morphology, AgNPs content, water uptake of electrospun PCL/MAA graft copolymer nanofibers without and with AgNPs, and levels of AgNPs leaching from the nanofibers in water as well as antimicrobial efficacy were studied. Scanning electron microscope images revealed that AgNPs dispersed well in PCL/MAA copolymer nanofibers with mean fiber diameters in the range of 200–579 nm and the fiber uniformity and diameter were not affected by the AgNPs. TEM images showed that AgNPs are present in/on the electrospun PCL/MAA graft copolymer nanofibers. The diameter of the electrospun nanofibers containing AgNPs was in the range of 200–579 nm, however, the diameter of AgNPs was within the range of 20–50 nm and AgNPs were observed to be spherical in shape. The PCL/MAA copolymer nanofibers showed a good hydrophilic property and the nanofibers containing AgNPs had excellent antimicrobial activity against the Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and against the Gram-positive bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis and Staphylococcus aureus, with a clear inhibition zone with a diameter between 22 and 53 mm. Moreover, electrospun PCL/MAA copolymer nanofibers sustained the release of AgNPs into water over 72 h.
Retrieval of Seasonal Leaf Area Index from Simulated EnMAP Data through Optimized LUT-Based Inversion of the PROSAIL Model
Authors: Locherer Matthias , Hank Tobias , Danner Martin , Mauser Wolfram
Published: August 2015

The upcoming satellite mission EnMAP offers the opportunity to retrieve information on the seasonal development of vegetation parameters on a regional scale based on hyperspectral data. This study aims to investigate whether an analysis method for the retrieval of leaf area index (LAI), developed and validated on the 4 m resolution scale of six airborne datasets covering the 2012 growing period, is transferable to the spaceborne 30 m resolution scale of the future EnMAP mission. The widely used PROSAIL model is applied to generate look-up-table (LUT) libraries, by which the model is inverted to derive LAI information. With the goal of defining the impact of different selection criteria in the inversion process, different techniques for the LUT based inversion are tested, such as several cost functions, type and amount of artificial noise, number of considered solutions and type of averaging method. The optimal inversion procedure (Laplace, median, 4% inverse multiplicative noise, 350 out of 100,000 averages) is identified by validating the results against corresponding in-situ measurements (n = 330) of LAI. Finally, the best performing LUT inversion (R2 = 0.65, RMSE = 0.64) is adapted to simulated EnMAP data, generated from the airborne acquisitions. The comparison of the retrieval results to upscaled maps of LAI, previously validated on the 4 m scale, shows that the optimized retrieval method can successfully be transferred to spaceborne EnMAP data.
Temporal-Spatial Evolution Analysis of Lake Size-Distribution in the Middle and Lower Yangtze River Basin Using Landsat Imagery Data
Authors: Li Lin , Xia Hui , Li Zheng , Zhang Zhijun
Published: August 2015

Four natural lakes in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River—Dongting Lake, Poyang Lake, Chaohu Lake and Taihu Lake—play a key role in the climate, environment, and ecology of this area. Upstream of these lakes, the Three Gorges Dam Project has been storing water for 12 years. Future monitoring and management of rivers and lakes can certainly benefit from research on the patterns of variation of natural lakes downstream of the Three Gorges Project. This research applies Landsat TM/ETM data to evaluate water area changes in the four lakes from 2002 to 2013. The water area is estimated using AWEI (Automated Water Extraction Index) from satellite images. The average areas decreased respectively 452, 11, and 5 km2 (29.6%, 1.4% and 0.2%) from 2002 to 2013 for Dongting, Chaohu, and Taihu Lakes. Meanwhile, it increased 300 km2 (11.0%) for Poyang Lake. Precipitation and changes in river inflow may account for the fluctuation in the surface area to a large degree, especially between 2009 and 2013. The present study was undertaken to characterize the evolution of lakes and to explore the potential driving force of variation in order to assist the management of dams upstream in the river basin.
Review on Mycotoxin Issues in Ruminants: Occurrence in Forages, Effects of Mycotoxin Ingestion on Health Status and Animal Performance and Practical Strategies to Counteract Their Negative Effects
Authors: Gallo Antonio , Giuberti Gianluca , Frisvad Jens , Bertuzzi Terenzio , Nielsen Kristian
Published: August 2015

Ruminant diets include cereals, protein feeds, their by-products as well as hay and grass, grass/legume, whole-crop maize, small grain or sorghum silages. Furthermore, ruminants are annually or seasonally fed with grazed forage in many parts of the World. All these forages could be contaminated by several exometabolites of mycotoxigenic fungi that increase and diversify the risk of mycotoxin exposure in ruminants compared to swine and poultry that have less varied diets. Evidence suggests the greatest exposure for ruminants to some regulated mycotoxins (aflatoxins, trichothecenes, ochratoxin A, fumonisins and zearalenone) and to many other secondary metabolites produced by different species of Alternaria spp. (e.g., AAL toxins, alternariols, tenuazonic acid or 4Z-infectopyrone), Aspergillus flavus (e.g., kojic acid, cyclopiazonic acid or β-nitropropionic acid), Aspergillus fuminatus (e.g., gliotoxin, agroclavine, festuclavines or fumagillin), Penicillium roqueforti and P. paneum (e.g., mycophenolic acid, roquefortines, PR toxin or marcfortines) or Monascus ruber (citrinin and monacolins) could be mainly related to forage contamination. This review includes the knowledge of mycotoxin occurrence reported in the last 15 years, with special emphasis on mycotoxins detected in forages, and animal toxicological issues due to their ingestion. Strategies for preventing the problem of mycotoxin feed contamination under farm conditions are discussed.
Phage ΦPan70, a Putative Temperate Phage, Controls Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Planktonic, Biofilm and Burn Mouse Model Assays
Authors: Holguín Angela , Rangel Guillermo , Clavijo Viviana , Prada Catalina , Mantilla Marcela , Gomez María , Kutter Elizabeth , Taylor Corinda , Fineran Peter , Barrios Andrés , Vives Martha
Published: August 2015

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the Multi-Drug-Resistant organisms most frequently isolated worldwide and, because of a shortage of new antibiotics, bacteriophages are considered an alternative for its treatment. Previously, P. aeruginosa phages were isolated and best candidates were chosen based on their ability to form clear plaques and their host range. This work aimed to characterize one of those phages, ΦPan70, preliminarily identified as a good candidate for phage-therapy. We performed infection curves, biofilm removal assays, transmission-electron-microscopy, pulsed-field-gel-electrophoresis, and studied the in vivo ΦPan70 biological activity in the burned mouse model. ΦPan70 was classified as a member of the Myoviridae family and, in both planktonic cells and biofilms, was responsible for a significant reduction in the bacterial population. The burned mouse model showed an animal survival between 80% and 100%, significantly different from the control animals (0%). However, analysis of the ΦPan70 genome revealed that it was 64% identical to F10, a temperate P. aeruginosa phage. Gene annotation indicated ΦPan70 as a new, but possible temperate phage, therefore not ideal for phage-therapy. Based on this, we recommend genome sequence analysis as an early step to select candidate phages for potential application in phage-therapy, before entering into a more intensive characterization.
A novel and widespread class of ketosynthase is responsible for the head-to-head condensation of two acyl moieties in bacterial pyrone biosynthesis
Authors: Kresovic Darko , Schempp Florence , Cheikh-Ali Zakaria , Bode Helge B
Published: August 2015

The biosynthesis of photopyrones, novel quorum sensing signals in Photorhabdus, has been studied by heterologous expression of the photopyrone synthase PpyS catalyzing the head-to-head condensation of two acyl moieties. The biochemical mechanism of pyrone formation has been investigated by amino acid exchange and bioinformatic analysis. Additionally, the evolutionary origin of PpyS has been studied by phylogenetic analyses also revealing homologous enzymes in Pseudomonas sp. GM30 responsible for the biosynthesis of pseudopyronines including a novel derivative. Moreover this novel class of ketosynthases is only distantly related to other pyrone-forming enzymes identified in the biosynthesis of the potent antibiotics myxopyronin and corallopyronin.
Modeling and Optimization of Complex Service Delivery Systems
Authors: Diao Yixin , Heching Aliza
Published: August 2015

The services delivery business is highly dynamic and highly competitive, with thin profit margins. Strict service quality targets coupled with highly variable service request arrival patterns and ever increasing cost containment targets make it challenging for a service delivery provider to deliver consistent quality and remain profitable. In this chapter we present a modeling and optimization framework that provides a solution to this challenge. A discrete event simulation model is used as a proxy for the real world service delivery environment, containing the interaction among dynamic customer workload and strict service level constraints. Afterwards, an optimization model provides recommended staffing levels while considering the skills required to respond to different types of service requests, and the shift schedules that the service agents must follow. We demonstrate the applicability of the modeling and optimization framework in a large IT services delivery environment.
Improving Application Management Services through Ticket Data Clustering
Authors: Li Ying
Published: August 2015

In the area of Application Management Services (AMS), good resource planning and effective cross-skill training are critical to success. Meeting these objectives would require systematic and repeatable approaches for determining the best way of forming resource pools and identifying who to train for what skills under a constrained budget. This chapter presents a methodology that aims to achieve above goals based on an optimal clustering of service request data (aka. ticket data). Specifically, tickets that require similar problem-solving skills are first clustered using a statistical clustering technique into groups, which are then used to assist resource pooling and cross-skill training plan generation. Preliminary results have shown that an average 40% of resource saving can be achieved in our simulation scenario, while maintaining the same Service-Level Agreements (SLA) with the customer. Encouraging feedback on the cross-skill training recommendation has also been received from several real AMS customers.
Service Delivery Resource Management Using a Socially Enhanced Resource Model
Authors: Liu Rong , Agarwal Shivali , Sindhgatta Renuka R , Lee Juhnyoung
Published: August 2015

Executing knowledge-intensive business processes often requires knowledge workers to collaborate effectively on complex activities. Social network analysis is increasingly being applied to understand the underlying interaction patterns between teams and foster meaningful collaboration. The social positions of workers in such networks can be identified and used to assist effective collaboration. Resource synergies are another important factor considered during team formulation. In this chapter, we present a novel resource model that incorporates the concept of communities, social positions, and resource synergies together. We demonstrate our model and approach through real industry processes - IT incident management and software development projects. This resource model can be used to accelerate the collaboration between work groups by dedicating a collaborative unit to each incoming incident during incident resolution. For software development projects, this extended resource model can be used to formulate a synergetic team to handle tasks with a complex dependency structure.
Optimization Model for IT Change Management
Authors: Diao Yixin , Rosu Daniela , Zia Leila
Published: August 2015

Today's enterprises face the challenge of managing large, complex information technology (IT) systems consisting of software applications, servers, network routers, and other type of resources. Change management, and especially change scheduling, is known to be one of the most challenging problems in managing IT operations. Change scheduling must comply with strict availability Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and tackle complex IT environments. Various challenges arise from complex IT component dependencies, unpredictable durations of work processes, and large volume of concurrent changes and affected IT components. In this chapter, we address the problem of optimal IT change scheduling. We illustrate how the optimization problem can be formulated and solved using a mixed integer programming technique so that IT change management practitioners can efficiently schedule large change volumes and determine schedules that are robust to uncertainty in durations and costs with lower risks of SLA violations.
The Evolution of Logistics Hubs and a Conceptual Framework for Logistics Hubs Location Decisions
Authors: Erol Serpil , Duyguvar Aykut Süreyya
Published: August 2015

Hubs are special centers that used for switching, transferring and handling freight or passengers in transportation systems. The hub location problem deals with locating hub facilities and allocating demand nodes to hubs in order to route the traffic between origin–destination pairs. Aiming at minimizing the total costs, maximizing utilization of transporters, maximizing the service level, etc., the flow between O–D pairs is dispatched through some selected intermediate logistics centers (called hub nodes) and links connecting the hubs. In this work, a conceptual framework is proposed for hub location decision problem in transportation networks since the previous reviews are out of date. Several models, methods and decision tools are evaluated. Also future trends are added to represent a new point of view for global scale. Since the models and solution approaches are complicated, it is not practical to catch optimum results, and some relevant algorithms will be represented to solve hub models in this chapter.
Understanding Accessibility
Authors: Ertugay Kivanc , Duzgun Sebnem H.
Published: August 2015

Accessibility measures are generally concerned with equity and a better distribution of services in a territory and can be accepted as key variables for supporting supply/demand, location/allocation and service/catchment area related planning policies and strategies at national, regional, and local levels. Since accessibility measures need organization of huge and complex spatial data sets, accessibility modeling often lends itself to Geographical Information Systems (GIS) for analysis and presentation. Since numerous accessibility measures and modeling techniques ranging from simple to sophisticated can be found in the literature, this work aim to provide an overview of the theoretical framework and relevant background about GIS-based accessibility modeling process. The results could provide a significant support for the decision makers who are supposed to deal with transportation planning, accessibility modeling, location/allocation and service/catchment area related issues.
Sustainable Transport System
Authors: Spichkova Maria , Hamilton Margaret
Published: August 2015

Transport systems are major emitters of greenhouse gases, which makes environmental sustainability of any transport a crucial issue. Another issue is the lack of a systematic approach to the modeling and implementation of public transport systems. Finally, there are problems with the human interfaces to public transport systems, which do not encourage, and many do not allow, comfortable and simple interaction with the system. In this chapter, the authors discuss their solutions for these problems, explaining how to cover the existing gaps in a methodological and systematic way. The main contribution of this chapter is a model of an on-demand transport system that covers all the points mentioned above and focuses on spatial planning and optimizations including environmental issues in transport planning.
Smart Technologies for Sustainable Mobility
Authors: Ercoskun Ozge Yalciner
Published: August 2015

The emergence of easy mapping tools, widespread cellular network, declining costs of smartphones and increasing internet use by public agencies provide new opportunities towards the betterment of public transport management. Applying decision support systems such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to public transportation tailors transit services to urban dwellers' needs, reducing eco-footprint while making them more accessible. This chapter aims to explore how GIS and ICT can be used for more eco-friendly public transport and improved sense of community. The chapter posits the positive impact of mobile phones and social media towards sustainable mobility. Multi-modal journey planners, mobile bus ticketing, demand responsive transit systems, eco-taxis, electric car and bicycle sharing are explained with examples from the world. The chapter concludes with a discussion of challenges and future options for using smartphones, social networking and the position of disadvantaged groups in sustainable mobility.
Designing Business Models for Creating and Capturing Shared Value
Authors: Najmaei Arash , Sadeghinejad Zahra
Published: August 2015

Business models define configurations of activities that jointly enable a firm to create and capture value. The value paradigm is shifting from sharing created value to creating shared value in which firms and societies jointly create and share value to nurture more benefits for a sustainable business-environment symbiosis. Drawing on this logic, we develop a framework for designing business models that enable creation and capture of shared value. Our model builds on the practice theory and activity system and depicts business models as complex adaptive systems that co-evolve with markets. Using the shared value framework proposed by Porter and Kramer (2011) we propose three design themes namely the Product-Market Design (PMD), the Value Chain Design (VCD) and the Social Cluster Design (SCD). We specify features of each school from the activity perspective. Subsequently, we will discuss implications of our framework for theory, practice and management education and illuminate some directions for future research.
The Youth and Social Entrepreneurship
Authors: Naidoo Vannie
Published: August 2015

In today's world where the global economy is shrinking and the people of the world are constantly being plaque by recession, natural disasters, poverty and war the youth have to grapple with all these stressful influences. Due to the recession the job markets have become saturated as recession has hit the global economies throughout the world. The youth now are tasked with becoming involved in entrepreneurial activities to survive in these complex world economies. However entrepreneurship is not an easy endeavour. It is not for the faint hearted either. Entrepreneurism involves drive, perseverance, emotional intelligence and risk taking. A way forward for young people is social entrepreneurship as it offers them very viable opportunities within the backdrop of such a volatile economy.
Individual Characteristics and Hacking, Piracy, Online Gambling and Pornography Use among Students
Authors: Jafarkarimi Hosein , Sim Alex Tze Hiang , Saadatdoost Robab , Hee Jee Mei
Published: August 2015

In this study, 441 Universiti Teknologi Malaysia students participated as respondents. Through a questionnaire respondents were asked how frequently they engage in specific behaviors, including hacking, using pirated software, music and movies in addition to use of gambling and pornography sites. The aim was to investigate which individual characteristics including age, gender, religion, citizenship, level of education, ego strength and locus of control are among determinants of these behaviors. The results of these questions were used to report the ratio of frequent users of these materials based on different categories. Logistic regression was used to see what the influential factors in the investigated behaviors are. The results suggest that males are more engaged with almost all of the investigated behaviors. In addition, citizenship, ego strength, age and religion reflected a statistically significant difference among people in certain activities. Level of education and locus of control did not reflect any significance in engaging in aforementioned behaviors.
Life stories of young women who experience rejection from their mothers
Authors: Mosman Selina C. , Poggenpoel Marie , Myburgh Chris
Published: August 2015

Background: When a daughter perceives rejection from her mother, she is bound to be sensitive to rejection for most if not all of her life. Such an experience influences almost all future relationships.Objectives: The purpose of this research was to explore and describe the life stories of young women who perceived rejection from their mothers and to formulate guidelines to assist them.Method: A phenomenological interpretive method that is explorative, descriptive, and contextual was used to explore everyday life experiences. Network sampling was used. In-depth phenomenological interviews were conducted with the young women so that they could define the most important dimensions of their life stories and elaborate on what is relevant to them. They were asked: ‘Tell me your life story.’ One of the authors also had a life story of perceived maternal rejection; hence an auto-ethnography was critical and was included in the study. Thematic data analysis was applied.Results: Themes that emerged from the data were that the young women: (1) perceive ongoing challenges in forming and sustaining relationships in their lives; (2) experience their lives as conflicted because their relationship with the central core of their existence, their mother, is perceived as tumultuous; and (3) experience fundamental links to be missing in their ‘motherdaughter relationship’.Conclusion: Only a few women were interviewed regarding perceived rejection from their mothers. Further research in this regard is imperative.
Butorphanol with oxygen insufflation improves cardiorespiratory function in field-immobilised white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum)
Authors: Haw Anna , Hofmeyr Markus , Fuller Andrea , Buss Peter , Miller Michele , Fleming Gregory , Meyer Leith
Published: August 2015

Opioid-induced immobilisation results in severe respiratory compromise in the white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum). The effectiveness of oxygen insufflation combined with butorphanol in alleviating respiratory depression in free-ranging chemically immobilised white rhinoceroses was investigated. In this prospective intervention study 14 freeranging white rhinoceroses were immobilised with a combination of etorphine, azaperone and hyaluronidase. Six minutes (min) after the animals became recumbent, intravenous butorphanol was administered and oxygen insufflation was initiated. Previous boma trial results were used for comparison, using repeated measures two-way analysis of variance. The initial immobilisation-induced hypoxaemia in free-ranging rhinoceroses (arterial partial pressure of oxygen [PaO2] 35.4 mmHg ± 6.6 mmHg) was similar to that observed in bomaconfined rhinoceroses (PaO2 31 mmHg ± 6 mmHg, n = 8). Although the initial hypercapnia (PaCO2 63.0 mmHg ± 7.5 mmHg) was not as severe as that in animals in the boma trial (79 mmHg ± 7 mmHg), the field-immobilised rhinoceroses were more acidaemic (pH 7.10 ± 0.14) at the beginning of the immobilisation compared with boma-immobilised rhinoceroses (pH 7.28 ± 0.04). Compared with pre-intervention values, butorphanol with oxygen insufflation improved the PaO2 (81.2 mmHg ± 23.7 mmHg, p 0.001, 5 min vs 20 min), arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (55.3 mmHg ± 5.2 mmHg, p 0.01, 5 min vs 20 min), pH (7.17 ± 0.11, p 0.001, 5 min vs 20 min), heart rate (78 breaths/min ± 20 breaths/min, p 0.001, 5 min vs 20 min) and mean arterial blood pressure (105 mmHg ± 14 mmHg, p 0.01, 5 min vs 20 min). Oxygen insufflation combined with a single intravenous dose of butorphanol improved oxygenation and reduced hypercapnia and acidaemia in immobilised free-ranging white rhinoceroses.
PneumocystisPneumonia in Human Immunodeficiency Virus–infected Adults and Adolescents: Current Concepts and Future Directions
Authors: Tasaka Sadatomo
Published: August 2015

Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) is one of the most common opportunistic infections in human immunodeficiency virus–infected adults. Colonization of Pneumocystis is highly prevalent among the general population and could be associated with the transmission and development of PCP in immunocompromised individuals. Although the microscopic demonstration of the organisms in respiratory specimens is still the golden standard of its diagnosis, polymerase chain reaction has been shown to have a high sensitivity, detecting Pneumocystis DNA in induced sputum or oropharyngeal wash. Serum β-D-glucan is useful as an adjunctive tool for the diagnosis of PCP. High-resolution computed tomography, which typically shows diffuse ground-glass opacities, is informative for the evaluation of immunocompromised patients with suspected PCP and normal chest radiography. Trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) is the first-line agent for the treatment of mild to severe PCP, although it is often complicated with various side effects. Since TMP-SMX is widely used for the prophylaxis, the putative drug resistance is an emerging concern.
Emerging and Evolving Ovarian Cancer Animal Models
Authors: Bobbs Alexander S. , Cole Jennifer M. , Dahl Karen D. Cowden
Published: August 2015

Ovarian cancer (OC) is the leading cause of death from a gynecological malignancy in the United States. By the time a woman is diagnosed with OC, the tumor has usually metastasized. Mouse models that are used to recapitulate different aspects of human OC have been evolving for nearly 40 years. Xenograft studies in immunocompromised and immunocompetent mice have enhanced our knowledge of metastasis and immune cell involvement in cancer. Patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) can accurately reflect metastasis, response to therapy, and diverse genetics found in patients. Additionally, multiple genetically engineered mouse models have increased our understanding of possible tissues of origin for OC and what role individual mutations play in establishing ovarian tumors. Many of these models are used to test novel therapeutics. As no single model perfectly copies the human disease, we can use a variety of OC animal models in hypothesis testing that will lead to novel treatment options. The goal of this review is to provide an overview of the utility of different mouse models in the study of OC and their suitability for cancer research.
Phenobarbital and Phototherapy Combination Enhances Decline of Total Serum Bilirubin and May Decrease the Need for Blood Exchange Transfusion in Newborns with Isoimmune Hemolytic Disease
Authors: Kaabneh Mahmoud A. F. , Salama Ghassan S. A. , Shakkoury Ayoub G. A. , Al-Abdallah Ibrahim M. H. , Alshamari Afrah , Halaseh Ruba A. A.
Published: August 2015

Objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of phenobarbital and phototherapy combination on the total serum bilirubin of the newborn infants with isoimmune hemolytic disease (IHD) and its impact on blood exchange transfusion rates.

Patients and Method

This single-blinded, prospective, randomized, controlled trial was conducted between March 2013 and December 2014 at the pediatric ward of two Military Hospitals in Jordan. A total of 200 full-term neonates with IHD were divided randomly into two groups: (1) the phenobarbital plus phototherapy group ( n = 103), and (2) the phototherapy-only group ( n = 97). Infants in group 1 received an oral dose of 2.5 mg/kg phenobarbital every 12 hours for 3 days in addition to phototherapy. The total serum bilirubin was observed.

Results

Of the total 200 included newborn infants, 186 infants completed the study: 97 infants were included in group 1 and 89 infants in group 2. The difference between the mean total serum bilirubin levels at 24, 48, and 72 hours after starting the trial was clinically and statistically significant at P < 0.05. The differences between the two groups were also statistically significant at P < 0.05. Of the total 186 who completed the study, only 22 underwent blood exchange transfusion [7 from group 1, and 15 from group 2 ( P = 0.0478)].

Conclusion

In a limited-resources setting, phenobarbital in combination with phototherapy may be helpful to newborn infants with IHD, as it results in a faster decline in total serum bilirubin, thus decreasing the need for blood exchange transfusion than phototherapy alone.