bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
APOE Polymorphisms Contribute to Reduced Atorvastatin Response in Chilean Amerindian Subjects
Authors: Lagos Jenny , Zambrano Tomás , Rosales Alexy , Salazar Luis
Published: April 2015

Genetic factors can determine the high variability observed in response to lipid-lowering therapy with statins. Nonetheless, the frequency of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and their impact can vary due to ethnicity. Because the Chilean population carries a strong Amerindian background, the objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of apolipoprotein E (APOE) variants (rs429358, rs7412) and the 1959C>T SNP (rs5925) in the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) in response to atorvastatin treatment in hypercholesterolemic individuals. A hundred and thirty nine subjects undergoing statin therapy were included. Identification of Amerindian mtDNA haplogroups was determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and PCR followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), respectively. SNPs were determined by PCR-RFLP. Out of the 139 individuals studied, 84.4% had an Amerindian background, according to mtDNA analysis. In relation to APOE variants, carriers of the E3/4 genotype presented lower cholesterol reduction compared to genotype E3/3 (LDL-C: −18% vs. −29%, p ˂ 0.001). On the other hand, the LDLR rs5925 SNP was not related to atorvastatin response (p = 0.5760). Our results suggest that APOE SNPs are potential predictors to atorvastatin therapy in Amerindian Chilean subjects.
Synthesis of Spongy-Like Mesoporous Hydroxyapatite from Raw Waste Eggshells for Enhanced Dissolution of Ibuprofen Loaded via Supercritical CO2
Authors: Ibrahim Abdul-Rauf , Li Xiangyun , Zhou Yulan , Huang Yan , Chen Wenwen , Wang Hongtao , Li Jun
Published: April 2015

The use of cheaper and recyclable biomaterials (like eggshells) to synthesize high purity hydroxyapatite (HAp) with better properties (small particle size, large surface area and pore volume) for applications (in environmental remediation, bone augmentation and replacement, and drug delivery systems) is vital since high-purity synthetic calcium sources are expensive. In this work, pure and mesoporous HAp nanopowder with large pore volume (1.4 cm3/g) and surface area (284.1 m2/g) was produced from raw eggshells at room temperature using a simple two-step procedure. The control of precursor droplets could stabilize the pH value of the reaction solution, because of the size of the needle (of the syringe pump used for precursor additions) leading to production of HAp with high surface area and pore size. The as-produced HAp revealed high ibuprofen (as a model drug) loading (1.38 g/g HAp), enhanced dissolution and controllable release of the drug via solute-saturated supercritical carbon dioxide.
RNA Sequencing Identifies Upregulated Kyphoscoliosis Peptidase and Phosphatidic Acid Signaling Pathways in Muscle Hypertrophy Generated by Transgenic Expression of Myostatin Propeptide
Authors: Miao Yuanxin , Yang Jinzeng , Xu Zhong , Jing Lu , Zhao Shuhong , Li Xinyun
Published: April 2015

Myostatin (MSTN), a member of the transforming growth factor-β superfamily, plays a crucial negative role in muscle growth. MSTN mutations or inhibitions can dramatically increase muscle mass in most mammal species. Previously, we generated a transgenic mouse model of muscle hypertrophy via the transgenic expression of the MSTN N-terminal propeptide cDNA under the control of the skeletal muscle-specific MLC1 promoter. Here, we compare the mRNA profiles between transgenic mice and wild-type littermate controls with a high-throughput RNA sequencing method. The results show that 132 genes were significantly differentially expressed between transgenic mice and wild-type control mice; 97 of these genes were up-regulated, and 35 genes were down-regulated in the skeletal muscle. Several genes that had not been reported to be involved in muscle hypertrophy were identified, including up-regulated myosin binding protein H (mybph), and zinc metallopeptidase STE24 (Zmpste24). In addition, kyphoscoliosis peptidase (Ky), which plays a vital role in muscle growth, was also up-regulated in the transgenic mice. Interestingly, a pathway analysis based on grouping the differentially expressed genes uncovered that cardiomyopathy-related pathways and phosphatidic acid (PA) pathways (Dgki, Dgkz, Plcd4) were up-regulated. Increased PA signaling may increase mTOR signaling, resulting in skeletal muscle growth. The findings of the RNA sequencing analysis help to understand the molecular mechanisms of muscle hypertrophy caused by MSTN inhibition.
Virulence of BotaniGard® to Second Instar Brown Marmorated Stink Bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae)
Authors: Parker Bruce , Skinner Margaret , Gouli Svetlana , Gouli Vladimir , Kim Jae
Published: April 2015

The brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (BMSB) is an exotic invasive insect originating in East Asia, currently causing significant damage to fruits, vegetables and other crops throughout most of the Mid-Atlantic states of the U.S. It also is a nuisance pest, entering homes in the fall in search of suitable overwintering sites. Two formulations of BotaniGard® with a strain of Beauveria bassiana (GHA) as the active ingredient were tested against second instar BMSB. Both the wettable powder and the emulsifiable suspension formulations were efficacious at 1 × 107 conidia mL−1, causing 67%–80% mortality 9 days post treatment and 95%–100% after 12 days. The wettable powder formulation was slightly more efficacious.
Number Determination of Successfully Packaged Dies Per Wafer Based on Machine Vision
Authors: Chang Hsuan-Ting , Pan Ren-Jie , Peng Hsiao-Wei
Published: April 2015

Packaging the integrated circuit (IC) chip is a necessary step in the manufacturing process of IC products. In general, wafers with the same size and process should have a fixed number of packaged dies. However, many factors decrease the number of the actually packaged dies, such as die scratching, die contamination, and die breakage, which are not considered in the existing die-counting methods. Here we propose a robust method that can automatically determine the number of actual packaged dies by using machine vision techniques. During the inspection, the image is taken from the top of the wafer, in which most dies have been removed and packaged. There are five steps in the proposed method: wafer region detection, wafer position calibration, dies region detection, detection of die sawing lines, and die number counting. The abnormal cases of fractional dies in the wafer boundary and dropped dies during the packaging are considered in the proposed method as well. The experimental results show that the precision and recall rates reach 99.83% and 99.84%, respectively, when determining the numbers of actual packaged dies in the 41 test cases.
Biological Activities and Cytotoxicity of Diterpenes from Copaifera spp. Oleoresins
Authors: De S. Vargas Fabiano , D. O. de Almeida Patrícia , Aranha Elenn , De A. Boleti Ana , Newton Peter , De Vasconcellos Marne , Junior Valdir , Lima Emerson
Published: April 2015

Copaifera spp. are Amazonian species widely studied and whose oleoresins are used by local people for various medicinal purposes. However, a detailed study of the activity of the main phytochemical components of these oleoresins remains to be done. Here, we studied the cytotoxicity and in vitro anti-inflammatory effects of six diterpene acids: copalic, 3-hydroxy-copalic, 3-acetoxy-copalic, hardwickiic, kolavic-15-metyl ester, and kaurenoic, isolated from the oleoresins of Copaifera spp. The diterpenes did not show cytotoxicity in normal cell lines, nor did they show significant changes in viability of tumoral line cells. The 3-hydroxy-copalic was able to inhibit the enzyme tyrosinase (64% ± 1.5%) at 250 µM. The kolavic-15-metyl ester at 200 µM showed high inhibitory effect on lipoxygenase (89.5% ± 1.2%). Among the diterpenes tested, only kaurenoic and copalic acids showed significant hemolytic activities with 61.7% and 38.4% at 100 µM, respectively. In addition, it was observed that only the copalic acid (98.5% ± 1.3%) and hardwickiic acid (92.7% ± 4.9%) at 100 mM inhibited nitric oxide production in macrophages activated by lipopolysaccharide. In this assay, the diterpenes did not inhibit tumor necrosis factor-α production. The acids inhibited the production of IL-6, 3-acetoxy-copalic (23.8% ± 8.2%), kaurenoic (11.2% ± 5.7%), kolavic-15-methyl ester (17.3% ± 4.2%), and copalic (4.2% ± 1.8%), respectively, at 25 µM. The kaurenoic, 3-acetoxy-copalic and copalic acids increased IL-10 production. This study may provide a basis for future studies on the therapeutic role of diterpenic acids in treating acute injuries such as inflammation or skin disorders.
Magneto-Plasmonics and Resonant Interaction of Light with Dynamic Magnetisation in Metallic and All-Magneto-Dielectric Nanostructures
Authors: Maksymov Ivan
Published: April 2015

A significant interest in combining plasmonics and magnetism at the nanoscale gains momentum in both photonics and magnetism sectors that are concerned with the resonant enhancement of light-magnetic-matter interaction in nanostructures. These efforts result in a considerable amount of literature, which is difficult to collect and digest in limited time. Furthermore, there is insufficient exchange of results between the two research sectors. Consequently, the goal of this review paper is to bridge this gap by presenting an overview of recent progress in the field of magneto-plasmonics from two different points of view: magneto-plasmonics, and magnonics and magnetisation dynamics. It is expected that this presentation style will make this review paper of particular interest to both general physical audience and specialists conducting research on photonics, plasmonics, Brillouin light scattering spectroscopy of magnetic nanostructures and magneto-optical Kerr effect magnetometry, as well as ultrafast all-optical and THz-wave excitation of spin waves. Moreover, readers interested in a new, rapidly emerging field of all-dielectric nanophotonics will find a section about all-magneto-dielectric nanostructures.
Enhanced Human Neutrophil Vitamin C Status, Chemotaxis and Oxidant Generation Following Dietary Supplementation with Vitamin C-Rich SunGold Kiwifruit
Authors: Bozonet Stephanie , Carr Anitra , Pullar Juliet , Vissers Margreet
Published: April 2015

Neutrophils are the body’s primary defenders against invading pathogens. These cells migrate to loci of infection where they engulf micro-organisms and subject them to an array of reactive oxygen species and antimicrobial proteins to effect killing. Spent neutrophils subsequently undergo apoptosis and are cleared by macrophages, thereby resolving the inflammatory episode. Neutrophils contain high concentrations of vitamin C (ascorbate) and this is thought to be essential for their function. This may be one mechanism whereby vitamin C enhances immune function. The aim of our study was to assess the effect of dietary supplementation with vitamin C-rich SunGold kiwifruit on four important functions of neutrophils: chemotaxis, oxidant generation, extracellular trap formation, and apoptosis. Fourteen young men (aged 18–30 years) with suboptimal plasma vitamin C status (<50 μmol/L) were supplemented for four weeks with two SunGold kiwifruit/day. Plasma vitamin C status was monitored weekly and neutrophil vitamin C levels were assessed at baseline and post-intervention. Neutrophil function assays were carried out on cells isolated at baseline and post-intervention. Plasma vitamin C levels increased to >70 μmol/L (p < 0.001) within one week of supplementation and there was a significant increase in neutrophil vitamin C status following four weeks’ intervention (p = 0.016). We observed a significant 20% increase in neutrophil chemotaxis post-intervention (p = 0.041) and also a comparable increase in oxidant generation (p = 0.031). Supplementation did not affect neutrophil extracellular trap formation or spontaneous apoptosis. Our data indicate that supplementation with vitamin C-rich kiwifruit is associated with improvement of important neutrophil functions, which would be expected to translate into enhanced immunity.
Inflammaging and Cancer: A Challenge for the Mediterranean Diet
Authors: Ostan Rita , Lanzarini Catia , Pini Elisa , Scurti Maria , Vianello Dario , Bertarelli Claudia , Fabbri Cristina , Izzi Massimo , Palmas Giustina , Biondi Fiammetta , Martucci Morena , Bellavista Elena , Salvioli Stefano , Capri Miriam , Franceschi Claudio , Santoro Aurelia
Published: April 2015

Aging is considered the major risk factor for cancer, one of the most important mortality causes in the western world. Inflammaging, a state of chronic, low-level systemic inflammation, is a pervasive feature of human aging. Chronic inflammation increases cancer risk and affects all cancer stages, triggering the initial genetic mutation or epigenetic mechanism, promoting cancer initiation, progression and metastatic diffusion. Thus, inflammaging is a strong candidate to connect age and cancer. A corollary of this hypothesis is that interventions aiming to decrease inflammaging should protect against cancer, as well as most/all age-related diseases. Epidemiological data are concordant in suggesting that the Mediterranean Diet (MD) decreases the risk of a variety of cancers but the underpinning mechanism(s) is (are) still unclear. Here we review data indicating that the MD (as a whole diet or single bioactive nutrients typical of the MD) modulates multiple interconnected processes involved in carcinogenesis and inflammatory response such as free radical production, NF-κB activation and expression of inflammatory mediators, and the eicosanoids pathway. Particular attention is devoted to the capability of MD to affect the balance between pro- and anti-inflammaging as well as to emerging topics such as maintenance of gut microbiota (GM) homeostasis and epigenetic modulation of oncogenesis through specific microRNAs.
Teaching Socrates, Aristotle, and Augustine on Akrasia
Authors: Clanton J.
Published: April 2015

A long-standing debate among moral philosophers centers on the question of whether ignorance is always at the root of moral wrongdoing, or whether, in certain cases, wrongdoing stems from something else—namely akrasia. This paper is a discussion of how undergraduate core curriculum teachers can incorporate Augustine’s work into this debate. I begin by briefly reconstructing Socrates’ and Aristotle’s accounts of wrongdoing, and then I sketch an Augustinian approach to the issue. Socrates contends that ignorance is the fundamental source of all wrongdoing; hence, akrasia is illusory. Though Aristotle’s view can seem more roundabout than Socrates’, it, too, is plausibly interpreted as entailing that robust, open-eyed akrasia is impossible. For Augustine, prior to receiving the illumination that comes with God’s grace, an individual’s sinfulness can be characterized as being the result of ignorance concerning the proper focus of one’s love. However, after receiving this illuminating grace, sinful action can be characterized as an instance of akrasia.
Vineyard Yield Estimation Based on the Analysis of High Resolution Images Obtained with Artificial Illumination at Night
Authors: Font Davinia , Tresanchez Marcel , Martínez Dani , Moreno Javier , Clotet Eduard , Palacín Jordi
Published: April 2015

This paper presents a method for vineyard yield estimation based on the analysis of high-resolution images obtained with artificial illumination at night. First, this paper assesses different pixel-based segmentation methods in order to detect reddish grapes: threshold based, Mahalanobis distance, Bayesian classifier, linear color model segmentation and histogram segmentation, in order to obtain the best estimation of the area of the clusters of grapes in this illumination conditions. The color spaces tested were the original RGB and the Hue-Saturation-Value (HSV). The best segmentation method in the case of a non-occluded reddish table-grape variety was the threshold segmentation applied to the H layer, with an estimation error in the area of 13.55%, improved up to 10.01% by morphological filtering. Secondly, after segmentation, two procedures for yield estimation based on a previous calibration procedure have been proposed: (1) the number of pixels corresponding to a cluster of grapes is computed and converted directly into a yield estimate; and (2) the area of a cluster of grapes is converted into a volume by means of a solid of revolution, and this volume is converted into a yield estimate; the yield errors obtained were 16% and −17%, respectively.
Portable and Reusable Optofluidics-Based Biosensing Platform for Ultrasensitive Detection of Sulfadimidine in Dairy Products
Authors: Hao Xiu-Juan , Zhou Xiao-Hong , Zhang Yan , Long Feng , Song Lei , Shi Han-Chang
Published: April 2015

Sulfadimidine (SM2) is a highly toxic and ubiquitous pollutant which requires rapid, sensitive and portable detection method for environmental and food monitoring. Herein, the use for the detection of SM2 of a portable optofluidics-based biosensing platform, which was used for the accurate detection of bisphenol A, atrazine and melamine, is reported for the first time. The proposed compact biosensing system combines the advantages of an evanescent wave immunosensor and microfluidic technology. Through the indirect competitive immunoassay, the detection limit of the proposed optofluidics-based biosensing platform for SM2 reaches 0.05 μg·L−1 at the concentration of Cy5.5-labeled antibody of 0.1 μg·mL−1. Linearity is obtained over a dynamic range from 0.17 μg·L−1 to 10.73 μg·L−1. The surface of the fiber probe can be regenerated more than 300 times by means of 0.5% sodium dodecyl sulfate solution (pH = 1.9) washes without losing sensitivity. This method, featuring high sensitivity, portability and acceptable reproducibility shows potential in the detection of SM2 in real milk and other dairy products.
A Method to Accurately Estimate the Muscular Torques of Human Wearing Exoskeletons by Torque Sensors
Authors: Hwang Beomsoo , Jeon Doyoung
Published: April 2015

In exoskeletal robots, the quantification of the user’s muscular effort is important to recognize the user’s motion intentions and evaluate motor abilities. In this paper, we attempt to estimate users’ muscular efforts accurately using joint torque sensor which contains the measurements of dynamic effect of human body such as the inertial, Coriolis, and gravitational torques as well as torque by active muscular effort. It is important to extract the dynamic effects of the user’s limb accurately from the measured torque. The user’s limb dynamics are formulated and a convenient method of identifying user-specific parameters is suggested for estimating the user’s muscular torque in robotic exoskeletons. Experiments were carried out on a wheelchair-integrated lower limb exoskeleton, EXOwheel, which was equipped with torque sensors in the hip and knee joints. The proposed methods were evaluated by 10 healthy participants during body weight-supported gait training. The experimental results show that the torque sensors are to estimate the muscular torque accurately in cases of relaxed and activated muscle conditions.
The Economic Costs of Climate Change: A Multi-Sector Impact Assessment for Vietnam
Authors: Arndt Channing , Tarp Finn , Thurlow James
Published: April 2015

We adopt a multi-sectoral approach and consider the full range of climate projections. Biophysical damages are translated into economic costs using a dynamic economy-wide model. Our results indicate that the negative impacts on agriculture and roads are modest to 2050. Larger costs are caused by rising sea levels and cyclone strikes. Overall, climate change is likely to reduce national income by between one and two percent by 2050 (relative to a historical baseline). Damages double under more extreme projections. Our findings suggest that there are net benefits from selected pre-emptive actions though careful consideration of opportunity costs is required.
Variation in Fractal Symmetry of Annual Growth in Aspen as an Indicator of Developmental Stability in Trees
Authors: Sinclair Jordan , Kashian Daniel , Bradford John , Freeman D.
Published: April 2015

Fractal symmetry is symmetry across scale. If one looks at a branch of a tree its branching pattern is reminiscent of the tree as a whole. Plants exhibit a number of different symmetries, including bilateral, rotational, translational, and fractal; deviations from each of these types has been associated with organisms developing in stressful environments. Here, we explore the utilization and meaning of fractal analysis on annual growth ring production in woody plants. Early detection of stress in plants is difficult and the compounding effects of multiple or severe stressors can lead to irreversible damage or death. Annual wood production was used to produce a time series for individuals from stands classified as either high vigor or low vigor (a general measure of health). As a measure of symmetry over time, the fractal dimension of each time series was determined and compared among vigor classes. We found that individuals obtained from low vigor sites had a significantly lower fractal dimension than those from high vigor sites. These results agree with patterns found in a variety of other organisms, and we argue that the reduced fractal dimension is related to a loss in system complexity of stressed individuals.
Integrative Monitoring of Marine and Freshwater Harmful Algae in Washington State for Public Health Protection
Authors: Trainer Vera , Hardy F.
Published: April 2015

The more frequent occurrence of both marine and freshwater toxic algal blooms and recent problems with new toxic events have increased the risk for illness and negatively impacted sustainable public access to safe shellfish and recreational waters in Washington State. Marine toxins that affect safe shellfish harvest in the state are the saxitoxins that cause paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP), domoic acid that causes amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP) and the first ever US closure in 2011 due to diarrhetic shellfish toxins that cause diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP). Likewise, the freshwater toxins microcystins, anatoxin-a, cylindrospermopsins, and saxitoxins have been measured in state lakes, although cylindrospermopsins have not yet been measured above state regulatory guidance levels. This increased incidence of harmful algal blooms (HABs) has necessitated the partnering of state regulatory programs with citizen and user-fee sponsored monitoring efforts such as SoundToxins, the Olympic Region Harmful Algal Bloom (ORHAB) partnership and the state’s freshwater harmful algal bloom passive (opportunistic) surveillance program that allow citizens to share their observations with scientists. Through such integrated programs that provide an effective interface between formalized state and federal programs and observations by the general public, county staff and trained citizen volunteers, the best possible early warning systems can be instituted for surveillance of known HABs, as well as for the reporting and diagnosis of unusual events that may impact the future health of oceans, lakes, wildlife, and humans.
Les décors peints du logis de Châtillon-sur-Indre
Authors: Davy Christian
Published: April 2015

Plusieurs zones de peintures murales ont été repérées dans l’ensemble des pièces du logis du château. Elles sont pour l’instant visibles dans leurs parties supérieures et présentent des états de conservation variés. Plusieurs campagnes de peinture murale y ont été exécutées et toutes appartiennent au répertoire du décor couvrant à bordure héraldique, bien connu au XIIIe et au XIVe siècle. Initiées par Pierre de la Broce et achevées par le roi Philippe III le Hardi, les peintures murales se complètent les unes les autres en unifiant les différents espaces du logis dans une même ambiance colorée et formelle, tout en soulignant leur hiérarchisation par des jeux de motifs végétaux et géométriques. Malgré quelques écus armoriés identifiés, l’organisation et les motivations des commandes de ce vaste armorial, sans doute le plus important réalisé en peinture monumentale à l’époque, restent obscures pour le moment.
Les pratiques logistiques des entreprises québécoises
Authors: Rebolledo Claudia , Roy Jacques
Published: April 2015

Cet article présente un bilan de l’utilisation des meilleures pratiques logistiques au Québec. Les résultats se basent sur une enquête réalisée auprès des 173 entreprises manufacturières et du commerce de gros et de détail de plus de 30 employés. Les résultats montrent que les entreprises québécoises font une utilisation modérée de la plupart des meilleures pratiques, utilisation comparable à celle qu’en font d’autres régions ailleurs dans le monde. Nos analyses confirment le lien entre l’utilisation des meilleures pratiques et une meilleure performance. Nous constatons que la famille des pratiques les moins utilisées, les technologies de l’information (TI), est aussi celle qui a le lien le plus fort avec la performance.
Mesurer les résultats de la gestion des ressources humaines : principes, état des lieux et défis à surmonter pour les professionnels RH
Authors: Cossette Michel , Lépine Cédric , Raedecker Marie
Published: April 2015

La fonction ressources humaines a suivi une évolution constante à travers le temps. Son prochain stade de développement : être en mesure de démontrer la valeur ajoutée de la fonction ressources humaines par le suivi d’indicateurs clés de performance. L’objectif de l’article est triple : présenter les principes de mesure en ressources humaines et les types d’indicateurs, dresser un portrait des pratiques de mesures au Québec chez les professionnels RH et donner un aperçu des défis tout en suggérant des recommandations aux professionnels RH quant aux façons de faire en mesure afin d’élaborer des indicateurs pertinents.
Comment implanter une stratégie omnicanal : illustration dans le secteur de l’alimentation au Québec
Authors: Salle Audrey , Lacerte Marie-Claude , Dupont Timothée , Grégoire Yany
Published: April 2015

Le récent essor des technologies mobiles permet aux entreprises d’utiliser davantage de canaux (Web, téléphone mobile, réseaux sociaux, etc.) afin de rejoindre un maximum de consommateurs en fonction de leurs exigences. Or, trop souvent ces technologies sont utilisées dans le cadre de stratégies multicanal pour réaliser une transaction donnée plutôt que créer une expérience globale. Là où les stratégies multicanal se contentent de proposer plusieurs canaux de vente indépendants aux consommateurs, la stratégie dite « omnicanal » implique une intégration complète et transparente de l’ensemble des canaux et des points de contact afin d’offrir une expérience d’achat optimisée et personnalisée. Nous en avons plusieurs exemples actuellement dans le monde, particulièrement dans le commerce de détail alimentaire. Au Québec, bien que ce secteur accuse un retard dans l’application de la stratégie omnicanal, la récente multiplication des canaux utilisés pour rejoindre le consommateur laisse à penser que ces détaillants sont prêts à prendre ce virage important. Dans cet article, nous expliquons les défis auxquels cette industrie fait face et formulons des recommandations qui pourraient être utiles à ces détaillants.
Les entreprises peuvent-elles gérer les risques climatiques ?
Authors: Moreau Rémi
Published: April 2015

Le premier volet de cet article met en évidence l’ensemble des risques liés au climat, en identifiant les causes et les impacts sur les entreprises. L’auteur est d’avis que l’assurance peut être mise à contribution, mais la solution idéale passe aussi par la gestion des risques climatiques. Le second volet examine si les risques climatiques sont gérables. Les entreprises, tant privées que publiques, de plus en plus interpellées par les enjeux du développement durable, doivent se doter de moyens financiers et technologiques pour prévoir les risques liés au climat ou en atténuer les effets. Il est encore temps d’agir, avant de frapper un mur, par des solutions aisées et qui risquent de devenir très coûteuses si nous retardons leur mise en place.
A Roadmap on Awareness of Others in Accessible Collaborative Rich Internet Applications
Authors: Almeida Leonelo D. A. , Baranauskas M. Cecília C.
Published: April 2015

Web 2.0 represents a shift from static to highly dynamic, participative, and collaborative Web. However, most of Rich Internet Applications (RIAs) are still not accessible; as a consequence, universal participation is still far from being a reality. Providing accessible means for “awareness of others” (i.e. a perception of the activities of others in the system) is essential in RIAs to enable collaboration among all users. This chapter explores, through a systematic literature review, studies approaching the topic in accessible collaborative RIAs. The authors also identify the technologies proposed, extended, or used by those studies. As results they characterize the studies in the area and clarify the state-of-the-art of technologies for supporting awareness of others. Finally, the authors propose a set of guidelines aiming at supporting the design of mechanisms for awareness of others in collaborative RIAs.
Creating a Community of Practice in Learning
Authors: Uy Ebenezer , Yu Eusebio
Published: April 2015

Social media plays a huge part in Filipinos' lives. In the area of learning, the proponents observed the emergence of an online community of practice using Facebook groups that has over 350 members. The aim of the chapter is to answer the question: How do online communities of practice engage students to learn and build new knowledge? The objective is to propose a framework that will guide readers to build their own online community of practice based on its learning context. To achieve the objective, the proponents use the inductive approach of grounded theory using action research. Results show that community members used different Facebook features to support their ongoing community of practice. Further studies may also assess the applicability of the framework in other areas of development.
Composites as TRIBO Materials in Engineering Systems
Authors: Parikh Hiral H. , Gohil Piyush P.
Published: April 2015

This chapter starts with the importance of composite materials over single-phase materials and further explores the importance of natural fiber reinforced composites over synthetic fiber reinforced composites followed by chemical and physical modifications of the fiber surface to enhance the adhesion between the fiber and the matrix. The chapter also focuses on the different types of wear mechanisms that lead to shutting down the industries and types of different wear test rings to measure the wear rate of a material. Current work also represents a comprehensive literature study on tribological characterisation of composite materials. In addition, it focuses composites as TRIBO material in engineering systems. The effect of tribological operating parameters like load, sliding velocity, sliding distance, temperature, and other influential parameters like fiber length, fiber volume fraction, fiber orientation, and surface treatment on friction and wear rate of composites are also described. Over the past few years composites have been dominant in the emerging materials. The applications areas of composite materials have grown steadily in the various systems of Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Medical Engineering, and Automobile Engineering. In engineering systems, failure of parts may occur due to different types of wear mechanisms. The availability of a range of fiber reinforcements, fillers, matrices, and processing techniques offers ample scope for tailoring properties in composites as required for specific applications.
Articulating Biomaterials
Authors: Balla Vamsi Krishna , Das Mitun , Datta Someswar , Kundu Biswanath
Published: April 2015

This chapter examines the importance of surface characteristics such as microstructure, composition, crystallographic texture, and surface free energy in achieving desired biocompatibility and tribological properties thereby improving in vivo life of artificial articulating implants. Current implants often fail prematurely due to inadequate mechanical, tribological, biocompatibility, and osseointegration properties, apart from issues related to design and surgical procedures. For long-term in vivo stability, artificial implants intended for articulating joint replacement must exhibit long-term stable articulation surface without stimulating undesirable in vivo effects. Since the implant's surface plays a vital and decisive role in their response to biological environment, and vice versa, surface modification of implants assumes a significant importance. Therefore, overview on important surface modification techniques, their capabilities, properties of modified surfaces/implants are presented in the chapter. The clinical performance of surface modified implants and new surfaces for potential next-generation articulating implant applications are discussed at the end.
Social Media as Persuasive Technology for Business in Malaysia
Authors: Hassan Shahizan , Shiratuddin Norshuhada , Salam Sobihatun Nur Ab
Published: April 2015

The use of social media for business purposes has been growing exponentially due to its great potential as an effective marketing tool. Nonetheless, studies which assess how effective social media can be as a persuasive technology are limited, especially in the context of developing countries. Therefore, this study attempts to evaluate the perceived impact of social media as a persuasive technology for businesses in Malaysia. To accomplish this, a questionnaire survey was conducted with 1,196 social media users. Geographical clustering sampling was used, together with simple random sampling to select participants for the survey, which was based in five regions in Malaysia. The outcome of the survey shows that social media can have a significant impact on business and that the majority of social media users perceive that social media content can indeed persuade people to purchase products or services offered. Furthermore, it was found that social media content can also significantly influence purchasing decisions.
Benchmarking CNC Machine Tool Using Hybrid-Fuzzy Methodology
Authors: Sahu Anoop Kumar , Sahu Nitin Kumar , Sahu Atul Kumar
Published: April 2015

In today's era, managerial decision making has become a very momentous component due to the leverage of attention on achieving organizational goal i.e. enhancing effective utilization of input assets, satisfying customers' demand and minimizing loss (maximize profit). The evaluation of the most appropriate Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine tool has become one of the key factors for sustaining the organization/manufacturing sectors/production units at competitive global market place. Productivity, precision and accuracy etc. are the most important issues behind adaptation/exploration of CNC machine tools. So, in such a cases, subjective indices are considered beside the objective indices and complexity of the CNC machine tool evaluation decision problems is solved via subjective assessments (judgment) of expert panel, also called the decision-making group. In this reporting, TOPSIS (technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution) based Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) approach has fruitfully applied to emphasize the decision making scenario at the subjective information evaluation index (indices) platform. So, TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) analytical methodology conjunction with Trapezoidal Fuzzy Number (TFN) has been explored for assessing and benchmarking the most preferable CNC machine tool from a group of preferred options/alternatives. Finally, an empirical case study has been carried out check the feasibility, efficiency and validity of proposed methodology and the benchmarking of preferred alternative machine tool has been derived in accordance with descending value of the ‘collective index'. Higher value of ‘collective index' reflects higher degree of performance extent.
Recursive Immuno-Inspired Algorithm for Time Variant Discrete Multivariable Dynamic System State Space Identification
Authors: Giesbrecht Mateus , Bottura Celso Pascoli
Published: April 2015

In this paper a recursive immuno inspired algorithm is proposed to identify time variant discrete multivariable dynamic systems. The main contribution of this paper has as starting point the idea that a multivariable dynamic system state space model can be seen as a point in a space defined by all possible matrices quadruples that define a state space model. With this in mind, the time variant discrete multivariable dynamic system modeling is transformed in an optimization problem and this problem is solved with an immuno inspired algorithm. To do that the inputs given to the system and the resulting outputs are divided in small sets containing data from small time intervals. These sets are defined as time windows, and for each window an immuno inspired optimization algorithm is applied to find the state space model that better represents the system at that time interval. The initial candidate solutions of each time interval are the ones of the last interval. The immuno inspired algorithm proposed in this paper has some modifications to the original Opt-AINet algorithm to deal with the constraints that are natural from the system identification problem and these modifications are also contributions of this paper. The method proposed in this paper was applied to identify a time variant benchmark system, resulting in a time variant model. The outputs estimated with this model are closer to the benchmark system outputs than the outputs estimated with models obtained by other known identification methods. The Markov parameters of the variant benchmark system are also reproduced by the time variant model found with the new method.
Barriers, Challenges and Possible Solutions in Establishing Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) in India
Authors: Sathyanarayana T. N. , Babu Giridhara R. , Kadam Shridhar
Published: April 2015

The number of diabetic people in India is increasing. A vast gap of health service need and provision exists. However, the proposed agenda of promotion and recognition of diabetes educators may translate into diabetes effective management at individual level to the maximum possibility. Managing diabetes is a unique and on-going process. As such, self-management of the disease is crucial. Diabetes patients should receive support to help them to manage diabetic condition as effectively as possible. This study proposes conceptual approach to diabetes self-management education. This framework further articulates the short term and long term outcomes. DSME promotion through educational intervention in a sustained manner has long-term benefits. DSME in an Indian context as optimally trained, effective, efficient, viable health human resource allocation across different levels is not a feasible solution in a low resource setting. This study proposes that a need exists for further research in an Indian context about the scientific credibility of DSME, financial feasibility, cultural acceptability and operation stability of the policy initiative.
Do Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) Programs Merit more Consideration in the Indian Setting?
Authors: Selvaraj Vijairam
Published: April 2015

Many individuals in India are nowadays either being diagnosed early with type 2 diabetes or lack optimal control of their diabetes. Reducing the burden and impact of diabetes mellitus in India is a major priority among the healthcare system. Diabetes educators, through DPP models, have shown to reduce the risk of developing diabetes among pre-diabetics through lifestyle changes. Among diabetics, DSME is seen as an essential intervention and as a cornerstone of diabetes care. Short-lived benefits and presence of barriers & challenges limit the inclusion of sufficient numbers of health educators or trained individuals in resource limited Indian settings to educate high risk individuals and improve self-management behaviors.
The Relationship between User Satisfaction, System Attributes and the Motivating Potential of System Use
Authors: Cohen Jason F. , Kangethe James Matheri
Published: April 2015

User satisfaction (US) is an important information systems success measure. This paper contributes to our understanding of US in workplace settings by conceptualizing US as resulting from user evaluations of both the attribute level performance of the system and its impacts on the motivating potential of their work. Data was collected from a sample of 154 nurses in a regional public hospital in South Africa who are users of an integrated hospital information system. The authors considered that use of the system has implications for the motivating potential of work through its impacts on skill variety, task identity, significance, autonomy, and work performance. Their results show that a system's impact on motivating potential is significant for US. Moreover, system quality, information quality, and user support attributes of the IS have significant direct effects on US as well as indirect effects through motivating potential. A high performing system is thus important for US as it provides a platform to increase the motivating potential of work.
DNA-Mediated Cyclic GMP–AMP Synthase–Dependent and –Independent Regulation of Innate Immune Responses
Authors: Motani Kou , Ito Shinji , Nagata Shigekazu
Published: April 2015

Cytoplasmic DNA activates cyclic GMP–AMP synthase (cGAS) to produce cyclic 2′-5′3′-5′GMP–AMP dinucleotide (2′5 ′cGAMP). The binding of 2′5′cGAMP to an adaptor protein, stimulator of IFN genes (STING), activates a transcription factor, IFN regulatory factor 3, leading to the induction of IFN and chemokine gene expression. In this study, we found that the 2′5′cGAMP-dependent STING activation induced highly upregulated CXCL10 gene expression. Formation of a distinct STING dimer, which was detected by native PAGE, was induced by 2′5′cGAMP, but not 3′-5′3′-5′cGAMP. Analysis of DNase II−/− mice, which constitutively produce IFN-β and CXCL10, showed the accumulation of 2′5′cGAMP in their fetal livers and spleens, suggesting that the undigested DNA accumulating in DNase II−/− cells may have leaked from the lysosomes into the cytoplasm. The DNase II−/− mouse embryonic fibroblasts produced 2′5′cGAMP in a cGAS-dependent manner during apoptotic cell engulfment. However, cGAS deficiency did not impair the STING-dependent upregulation of CXCL10 in DNase II−/− mouse embryonic fibroblasts that was induced by apoptotic cell engulfment or DNA lipofection. These results suggest the involvement of a cGAS-independent additional DNA sensor(s) that induces the STING-dependent activation of innate immunity.
Venous leakage treatment revisited: pelvic venoablation using aethoxysclerol under air block technique and Valsalva maneuver
Authors: Herwig Ralf , Sansalone Salvatore
Published: April 2015

Objective: We evaluated the effectiveness of pelvic vein embolization with aethoxysclerol in aero-block technique for the treatment of impotence due to venous leakage in men using sildenafil for intercourse. The aim of the procedure was to reduce the use of sildenafil. Methods: A total of 96 patients with veno-occlusive dysfunction, severe enough for the need of PDE5 inhibitors for vaginal penetration, underwent pelvic venoablation with aethoxysclerol. The mean patient age was 53.5 years. Venous leaks were identified by Color Doppler Ultrasound after intracavernous alprostadil injection. Under local anesthesia a 20-gauge needle was inserted into the deep dorsal penile vein. The pelvic venogram was obtained through deep dorsal venography. Aethoxysclerol 3% as sclerosing agent was injected after air-block under Valsalva manoeuver. Success was defined as the ability to achieve vaginal insertion without the aid of any drugs, vasoactive injections, penile prosthesis, or vacuum device. Additionally, a pre- and post- therapy IIEF score and a digital overnight spontaneous erections protocol (OSEP) with the NEVA™-system was performed. Results: At 3 month follow-up 77 out of 96 patients (80.21%) reported to have erections sufficient for vaginal insertion without the use of any drug or additional device. Four (4.17%) patients did not report any improvement. Follow up with color Doppler ultrasound revealed a new or persistent venous leakage in 8 (8.33%) of the patients. No serious complications occurred. Conclusions: Our new pelvic venoablation technique using aethoxysclerol in air-block technique was effective, minimally invasive, and cost-effective. All patients were able to perform sexual intercourse without the previously used dosage of PDE5 inhibitor. This new method may help in patients with contra-indications against PDE5 inhibitors, in patients who cannot afford the frequent usage of expensive oral medication or those who do not fully respond to PDE5-inhibitors.
Plasma pharmacokinetics, tissue concentrations and urine elimination after cephalothin intravenous administration to cats under surgical conditions
Authors: Albarellos Gabriela A. , Montoya Laura , Lupi Martín P. , Passini Sabrina M. , Lorenzini Paula , Landoni María Fabiana
Published: April 2015

Pharmacokinetic profile, tissue concentrations and urine elimination of cephalothin in cats under surgical conditions after a single intravenous dose (30 mg/kg) were studied. Initial plasma concentrations were high [Cp(0), 353.79±118.92 μg/mL], with fast and moderately wide distribution [T1⁄2(d) 0.14±0.10 h] [V(d(ss)) 0.19±0.03 L/kg] and rapid elimination (ClB, 0.16±0.03 L/h.kg; T1⁄2, 1.07±0.23 h; MRT, 1.16±0.21 h). Thirty to 60 minutes after intravenous administration, cephalothin tissue concentrations were in the range of 3.73 μg/g (testicle tissue) to 25.63 μg/g (uterus). Tissue/plasma concentrations rate was in a range of 0.04 (testicle) to 0.21 (uterus). Cephalothin urine elimination was 66.49% in the first 6 hours after administration. Cephalothin plasma concentrations remained above a MIC≥1 μg/mL up to 5.5 hours in all the studied cats. However, for MIC≥8 –μg/mL (MIC breakpoint) this time is reduced to 2.5 hours. This suggests that proper perioperative prophylactic use of cephalothin in cats requires a dose interval not longer than 2 hours.