bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimating Ocean Vector Winds and Currents Using a Ka-Band Pencil-Beam Doppler Scatterometer
Authors: Rodriguez Ernesto , Wineteer Alexander , Perkovic-Martin Dragana , Gál Tamás , Stiles Bryan , Niamsuwan Noppasin , Rodriguez Monje Raquel
Published: March 2018

Ocean surface currents and winds are tightly coupled essential climate variables, and, given their short time scales, observing them at the same time and resolution is of great interest. DopplerScatt is an airborne Ka-band scatterometer that has been developed under NASA's Instrument Incubator Program (IIP) to provide a proof of concept of the feasability of measuring these variables using pencil-beam scanning Doppler scatterometry. In the first half of this paper, we present the Doppler scatterometer measurement and processing principles, paying particular attention to deriving a complete measurement error budget. Although Doppler radars have been used for the estimation of surface currents, pencil-beam Doppler Scatterometry offers challenges and opportunities that require separate treatment. The calibration of the Doppler measurement to remove platform and instrument biases has been a traditional challenge for Doppler systems, and we introduce several new techniques to mitigate these errors when conical scanning is used. The use of Ka-band for airborne Doppler scatterometry measurements is also new, and, in the second half of the paper, we examine the phenomenology of the mapping from radar cross section and radial velocity measurements to winds and surface currents. To this end, we present new Ka-band Geophysical Model Functions (GMF's) for winds and surface currents obtained from multiple airborne campaigns. We find that the wind Ka-band GMF exhibits similar dependence to wind speed as that for Ku-band scatterometers, such as QuikSCAT, albeit with much greater upwind-crosswind modulation. The surface current GMF at Ka-band is significantly different from that at C-band, and, above 4.5 m/s has a weak dependence on wind speed, although still dependent on wind direction. We examine the effects of Bragg-wave modulation by long waves through a Modululation Transfer Function (MTF), and show that the observed surface current dependence on winds is consistent with past Ka-band MTF observations. Finally, we provide a preliminary validation of our geophysical retrievals, which will be expanded in subsequent publications. Our results indicate that Ka-band Doppler scatterometry could be a feasible method for wide-swath simultaneous measurements of winds and currents from space.
Fire Management in Mt. Kenya – case study of Gathiuru Forest Station
Authors: Nyongesa Kevin W. , Vacik Harald
Published: March 2018

This paper proposes an Integrated Fire Management (IFM) framework to address the challenges posed by both damaging and beneficial fires. Designing and implementing IFM approaches in Kenya calls for a systematic understanding of the various uses of fire and the underlying perceptions and traditional ecological knowledge of the local people. The proposed IFM framework allows evaluating the risks posed by fires, balancing them with the beneficial ecological and economic effects and developing effective fire management approaches. The IFM framework is applied in the case study Gathiuru forest that is part of the larger Mt. Kenya forest ecosystem. Focus group discussions were held with key resource persons, primary and secondary data on socio-economic activities were studied, fire and weather records were analysed and the current fire management plans were observed. Questionnaires were used to assess how the IFM is implemented in the Gathiuru forest station. The results show that the proposed IFM framework is scalable and can be applied in places with fire-dependent ecosystems as well as in places with fire-sensitive ecosystems in Kenya. The effectiveness is dependent on the active participation, formulation and implementation of the IFM activities by the main stakeholder groups (KFS, KWS, and CFA). The proposed IFM framework helps in implementing cost-effective approaches to prevent damaging fires and maintain desirable fire regimes in Kenya.
Forest Fire Danger Index Based on Static and Dynamic Parameters Using Satellite Datasets
Authors: KV Suresh Babu , Roy Arijit , P Ramachandra Prasad
Published: March 2018

Forest fire is a major ecological disaster, which has economic, social and environmental impacts on humans and also causes the loss of biodiversity. Forest officials issue the warnings to the public on the basis of fire danger index classes. There is no fire danger index for the country India due to the sparsely distributed meteorological stations. Previous studies suggest that Static Fire Danger Index (SFDI) as well as Dynamic Fire Danger Index (DFDI) have been derived from the satellite datasets. In this study, we have made an attempt to integrate both the Static and Dynamic fire danger indices and also used the Near Real Time (NRT) data sets that can be available for download through NASA FTP server after one hour of the satellite overpass. In this study, DFDI has been calculated from the MODIS Terra NRT Land Surface Temperature (MOD11_L2) and MODIS TERRA NRT surface reflectance MOD09. Finally, The Forest Fire Danger Index (FFDI) has been developed from the static and dynamic fire danger indices by the additive model and the overall accuracy was around 81.27%. Thus, the FFDI has been useful to predict the fire danger accurately and can be useful anywhere, where the meteorological stations are un-available.
The Association of Dietary Patterns with High-Risk Human Papillomavirus Infection and Cervical Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Study in Italy
Authors: Barchitta Martina , Maugeri Andrea , Quattrocchi Annalisa , Agrifoglio Ottavia , Scalisi Aurora , Agodi Antonella
Published: March 2018

Specific foods and nutrients help prevent the progression from persistent high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) infection to cervical cancer (CC). We aimed to focus on dietary patterns which may be associated with hrHPV status and risk of high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN2+). Overall, 539 eligible women, including 127 CIN2+, were enrolled in a cross-sectional study, and tested for hrHPV infection. Food intakes were estimated using a food frequency questionnaire. Logistic regression models were applied. Using the Mediterranean Diet Score, we demonstrated that, among 252 women with normal cervical epithelium, medium adherence to Mediterranean diet decreased odds of hrHPV infection when compared to low adherence (adjOR=0.40, 95%CI=0.22-0.73). Using principle component analysis, we also identified two dietary patterns which explained 14.31% of variance. Women in the 3rd and 4th quartiles of the “western pattern” had higher odds of hrHPV infection when compared with 1st quartile (adjOR=1.77, 95%CI=1.04-3.54 and adjOR=1.97, 95%CI=1.14-4.18, respectively). Adjusting for hrHPV status and age, women in the 3rd quartile of the “prudent pattern” had lower odds of CIN2+ when compared with 1st quartile (OR=0.50, 95%CI=0.26-0.98). Our study is the first to demonstrate the association of dietary patterns with hrHPV infection and CC, discouraging unhealthy habits in favour of Mediterranean-like diet.
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Technology and Cardiomyocyte Generation: Progress, Uncertainties and Challenges in the Biological Features and Clinical Applications
Authors: Di Baldassarre Angela , Cimetta Elisa , Bollini Sveva , Gaggi Giulia , Ghinassi Barbara
Published: March 2018

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) are reprogrammed cells that have hallmarks similar to embryonic stem cells including the capacity of self-renewal and differentiation into cardiac myocytes. The improvements in reprogramming and differentiating methods achieved in the past 10 years widened the use of hiPSCs, especially in cardiac research. hiPSC-derived cardiac myocytes (CMs) recapitulate phenotypic differences caused by genetic variations, making them human attractive disease models and useful tools for drug discovery and toxicology testing. In addition, hiPSCs can be used as source cells for cardiac regeneration in animal models. Here, we review the advances in the genetic and epigenetic control of cardiomyogenesis that underlies the significant improvement of the induced reprogramming of somatic cells to CMs. We also cover the phenotypic characteristics of the hiPSCs derived CMs, their ability to rescue injured CMs through paracrine effects, the novel approaches in tissue engineering for hiPSC-derived cardiac tissue generation, and finally, their potential use in biomedical applications.
Panax Notoginseng Saponins: A Review of Its Mechanisms of Antidepressant or Anxiolytic Effects and Network Analysis on Phytochemistry and Pharmacology
Authors: Xie Weijie , Meng Xiangbao , Zhai Yadong , Zhou Ping , Ye Tianyuan , Wang Zhen , Sun Guibo , Sun Xiaobo
Published: March 2018

Panax notoginseng, as traditional Chinese medicine, has a long history of high clinical value, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidation, inhibition of platelet aggregation, regulation of blood glucose and blood pressure, inhibition of neuronal apoptosis and neuronal protection, and its main ingredients are Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS). Currently, Panax notoginseng may improve mental function, have anti-insomnia and anti-depression effects, alleviate anxiety, and decrease neural network excitation. However, the underlying effects and the mechanisms of Panax notoginseng and its containing chemical constituents (PNS) on these depression-related or anxiety-related diseases has not been completely established. This review summarized the antidepressant or anxiolytic effects and mechanisms of PNS, and analyzed network targets of antidepressant or anxiolytic actions with network pharmacology tools to provide directions and references for further pharmacological studies and new ideas for clinical treatment of nervous system diseases and drug studies and development.
Machine Learning for the Design and Development of Biofilm Regulators
Authors: Stone Benjamin , Sapper Erik
Published: March 2018

Biofilms are congregations of bacteria on a surface, and they grow into obstacles for the functionalities of any device or machinery involves anything biological. Biofilms are developed through a biochemical system known as ‘Quorum Sensing’ that accounts for the chemical signaling that direct either biofilm formation or inhibition. Computational models that relate chemical and structural features of compounds to their performance properties have been used to aide in the discovery of active small molecules for many decades. These quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models are also important for predicting the activity of molecules that can have a range of effectiveness in biological systems. This study uses QSAR methodologies combined with and different machine learning algorithms to predict and assess the performance of several different compounds acting in Quorum Sensing. Through computational probing of the quorum sensing molecular interaction, new design rules can be elucidated for countering biofilms.
Molecular Diversity of The Tidal Swamp Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Germplasm of The South Kalimantan, Indonesia
Authors: Mursyidin Dindin H. , Purnomo Purnomo , Sumardi Issirep , Daryono Budi S.
Published: March 2018

Tidal swamp rice has long been cultivated by the local people of the South Kalimantan, Indonesia. This germplasm possess some important traits for adapted to a wide range of abiotic and biotic stresses. In this study, a total of sixteen cultivars of this germplasm, consisting of fifteen of the South Kalimantan Province and one of Sumatera Island, Indonesia (an outgroup) were analyzed, phylogenetically based on the chloroplast trnL-F and nuclear intergenic spacer region (IGS). The results showed that this germplasm has a relatively more extraordinary genetic diversity than other local rice germplasm. In a nucleotide level, this germplasm showed a genetic diversity of 0.61 for nuclear IGS and 0.58 for trnL-F. The phylogenetic reconstruction also exhibited that this germplasm has the unique illustration of phylogenetic trees, particularly for the combined sequence datasets. Thus, the results of our study would provide useful information for further understanding of evolutionary relationships of this germplasm and facilitate the efficient utilization of valuable genes for genetic improvement, particularly in the tidal swamp areas.
Accelerated Reported Battery Capacity Loss in 30 kWh Variants of the Nissan Leaf
Authors: Myall Daniel , Ivanov Dima , Larason Walter , Nixon Mark , Moller Henrik
Published: March 2018

Analysis of 1382 measures of battery State of Health (SoH) from 283 Nissan Leafs (“Leaf/s”), manufactured between 2011 and 2017, has detected a faster rate of decline in this measure of energy-holding capacity for 30 kWh variants. At two years of age, the mean rate of decline of SoH of 30 kWh Leafs was 9.9% per annum (95% uncertainty interval of 8.7% to 11.1%; n = 82). This was around three times the rate of decline of 24 kWh Leafs which at two years averaged 3.1% per annum (95% uncertainty interval of 2.9% to 3.3%; n = 201). For both variants there was evidence for an increasing rate of decline as they aged, although this was much more pronounced in the 30 kWh Leafs. Higher use of rapid DC charging was associated with a small decrease in SoH. Additionally, while 24 kWh cars with greater distances travelled showed a higher SoH, in 30 kWh cars there was a reduction in SoH observed in cars that had travelled further. The 30 kWh Leafs sourced from United Kingdom showed slower initial decline than those from Japan, but the rate of decline was similar at two years of age. Improvements in the battery health diagnostics, continuous monitoring of battery temperatures and state of charge, and verification of a fundamental model of battery health are needed before causes and remedies for the observed decline can be pinpointed. If the high rate of decline in battery capacity that we observed in the first 2.3 years of a 30 kWh Leaf’s lifetime were to continue, the financial and environmental benefits of this model may be significantly eroded. Despite 30 kWh Leafs accounting for only 14% of all light battery electric vehicles registered for use on New Zealand roads at the end of February 2018, there is also the potential for the relatively poor performance of this specific model to undermine electric vehicle uptake more generally unless remedies can be found.
Positioning Method of Weighted Centroid Aided Inertial Measurement
Authors: Liu Qiang , Xu Xiaosu , Zhang Tao
Published: March 2018

Aiming at the defects of low precision and time cumulative error, an external wireless signal weighted centroid localization algorithm aided inertial positioning method is designed in this paper. According to the signal strength of each anchor node received at the test point, the distance between the anchor node and the anchor node is obtained by using the attenuation model of the wireless signal. Three anchor nodes are used to measure the distance between the anchor node and the measured point. We can obtain the area to be measured according to the actual situation, the position of the measured point is obtained by the weighted centroid localization algorithm and a combined model of wireless signal aided inertial navigation system is established. The simulation results show that the method can greatly improve the positioning accuracy and restrain the divergence of the longitude error and latitude error.
Macrophage Biocompatibility of CoCr Wear Particles Produced under Polarization in Physiological Hyaluronic Acid Solution
Authors: Perez-Maceda Blanca Teresa , López-Fernández María Encarnación , Díaz Iván , kavanaugh Aaron , Billi Fabrizio , Escudero María Lorenza , García-Alonso María Cristina , Lozano Rosa María
Published: March 2018

Macrophages are cells involved in the primary response to debris derived from wear of implanted CoCr alloys. The biocompatibility of wear particles from a high carbon CoCr alloy produced under polarization in physiological hyaluronic acid (HA) solution was evaluated in J774A.1 mouse macrophages cultures. Polarization was applied to mimic the electrical interactions observed in living tissues. Wear tests were performed in a pin-on-disk tribometer integrating an electrochemical cell in phosphate buffer solution (PBS) and in PBS supplemented with 0.3% HA, physiological synovial fluid concentration, used as lubricant solution. Wear particles produced in 0.3% HA solution showed a higher biocompatibility in J774A.1 macrophages in comparison to those elicited by PBS. A considerable improvement in macrophages biocompatibility in the presence of 0.3 % of HA was further observed by the application of polarization at potentials having current densities typical of injured tissues suggesting that polarization produces an effect on the surface of the metallic material that leads to the production of wear particles that are macrophages biocompatible and less cytotoxic. The results showed the convenience to consider electric interactions together with other particles parameters, as are size and composition, to get a better understanding of the biological effects of the wear products.
Organochlorine Pesticides in Honey and Pollen Samples from Managed Colonies of the Honey Bee Apis mellifera Linnaeus and the Stingless Bee Scaptotrigona mexicana Guérin from Southern, Mexico
Authors: Ruiz-Toledo Jovani , Vandame Rémy , Castro-Chan Ricardo A. , Penilla-Navarro Rosa P. , Gómez Jaime , Sánchez Daniel
Published: March 2018

In this paper we show the results of investigating the presence of organochlorine pesticides in honey and pollen samples from managed colonies of the honey bee, Apis mellifera L. and of the stingless bee Scaptotrigona Mexicana Guérin. We found that 88.44% and 93.33% of honey samples, and 22.22% and 100% of pollen samples of S. mexicana and A. mellifera, respectively, resulted positive to at least one organochlorine. The most abundant pesticides were DDE, DDT, Endrin and heptaclor. Despite the low foraging range of S. mexicana the number of pesticides detected in the honey samples was similar to that of A. mellifera. Paradoxically we a found a small number of organochlorines in pollen samples of S. mexicana, perhaps indicating a rapid turnover of this material as compared to A. mellifera.
Association of Blood Pressure with Blood Lead and Cadmium Levels in Korean Adolescents: Analysis of Data from the 2010–2016 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Ahn Jaeouk , Kim Nam-Soo , Lee Byung-Kook , Park Jungsun , Kim Yangho
Published: March 2018

We evaluated the association of blood pressure with blood levels of cadmium, lead, and cadmium and lead together (cadmium+lead) in a representative sample of adolescents from Korea by use of 2010-2016 data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). This cross-sectional study enrolled adolescents aged at 10-18 years-old who completed a health examination survey and had blood measurements of lead and cadmium. The association of adjusted mean differences in diastolic and systolic blood pressure with doubling of blood lead and cadmium were estimated by regression of blood pressure against log2-transformed blood metals and their quartiles after covariate adjustment. Adjusted odds ratios for prehypertension were calculated for log2-transformed blood levels of lead and cadmium and their quartiles. Our analysis of adolescents in Korea indicated that blood levels of lead and cadmium were not significantly associated with increased blood pressure or risk of pre-hypertension. However, the cadmium+lead level was associated with pre-hypertension. Previous studies showed that blood levels of lead and cadmium were associated with increased blood pressure and risk of hypertension in adult populations. We found no such effect in Korean adolescents, although the cadmium+lead level was associated with prehypertension. These differences may be because adolescents generally have lower levels of these blood metals or because adolescents only rarely have hypertension.
Mathematical Modeling of Rogue Waves, a Review of Conventional and Emerging Mathematical Methods and Solutions
Authors: Manzetti Sergio
Published: March 2018

Anomalous waves and rogue events are closely associated with irregularities and unexpected events occurring at various levels of physics, such as in optics, in oceans and in the atmosphere. Mathematical modeling of rogue waves is a highly actual field of research, which has evolved over the last four decades into a specialized part of mathematical physics. The applications of the mathematical models for rogue events is directly relevant to technology development for prediction of rogue ocean waves, and for signal processing in quantum units. In this manuscript, a comprehensive view of the most recent development in conventional methods for representing rogue waves is carried out, along with discussion of the devised forms and solutions. The standard nonlinear Schrödinger equation, the Hirota equation, the MMT equation and further to other models are discussed, and their properties highlighted. This review shows that the most recent advancement in modeling rogue waves give models which can be used to establish methods for prediction of rogue waves at open seas, which is important for the safety and activity of marine vessels and installations. The study further puts emphasis on the difference between the methods, and how the resulting models form a basis for representing rogue waves.
Photoluminescence Study of the Influence of Additive Ammonium Hydroxide in Hydrothermally Grown ZnO Nanowires
Authors: Dahiya Abhishek , Boubenia Sarah , Giorgia Franzò , Poulin-Vittrant Guylaine , Mirabella Salvatore , Alquier Daniel
Published: March 2018

We report the influence of ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH), as growth additive, on zinc oxide nanomaterial through the optical response obtained by photoluminescence (PL). A low-temperature hydrothermal process is employed for the growth of ZnO nanowires (NWs) on seedless Au surface. A more than two order of magnitude change in ZnO NW density is demonstrated via careful addition of NH4OH in the growth solution. Further, we show by systematic experimental study and PL characterization data that the addition of NH4OH can degrade the optical response of ZnO NWs produced. The increase of growth solution basicity with the addition of NH4OH may slowly degrade the optical response of NWs by slowly etching its surfaces, increasing the point defects in ZnO NWs. The present study demonstrates the importance of growth nutrients to obtain quality controlled density tunable ZnO NWs on seedless conducting substrates.
Hydrological Simulation of Small River Basins in Northern Kyushu, Japan, During the Extreme Rainfall Event of July 5–6, 2017
Authors: P. C. Shakti ,   National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Resilience (NIED) 3-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0006, Japan, Nakatani Tsuyoshi , Misumi Ryohei
Published: March 2018

Extreme rainfall and associated flooding are common during the summer in Japan. Heavy rain caused extensive damage in many parts of Kyushu, Japan, on July 5–6, 2017. Many small mountainous river basins were subject to the core of this heavy rainfall event and were flooded, but no hydrological measurements were taken in most of these flooded basins during the event. There are few gauging stations in this mountainous region, and most that do exist are designed to monitor the larger watersheds. Consequently, it is difficult to determine the hydrological properties of the small subbasins within these larger watersheds. Therefore, to improve our understanding of the basic hydrological processes that affect small ungauged mountain river basins during periods of intense rainfall, a quasi-distributed model (i.e. the Hydrologic Engineering Center-Hydrologic Modeling System, HEC-HMS) was used in this study. The Hikosan (area: 65 km2) and Akatani (area: 21 km2) mountainous river basins were selected for the hydrological simulations. The model was validated using the Hikosan River basin because observational data are available from the outlet of this basin. However, there is no record of any hydrological observations for the Akatani River basin. Therefore, reference parameters from the Hikosan River basin were used for hydrological analysis of the Akatani River basin. This was possible because the basins are close to one another and have similar physiographic and topographic properties. The simulations of both basins, and the associated uncertainties, are discussed in detail in this paper. Based on the hydrological simulations, an attempt was made to analyze the maximum flood discharge caused by the event. The results generated using this approach to hydrological simulations in small ungauged basins could contribute to the management of water resources in these and other river basins during future extreme rain events.
Comparación de indicadores bibliométricos en las revistas de geografía indizadas en Web of Science
Authors: Salvador Oliván José Antonio , Escolano Utrilla Severino
Published: March 2018

La estimación de la calidad de las revistas científicas, necesaria para diversos propósitos, se realiza habitualmente a través de indicadores bibliométricos. En este trabajo se estudia el comportamiento de estos indicadores para las revistas de las categorías Geografía y Geografía Física de Web of Science en 2015. Los resultados muestran que las revistas de Geografía Física tienen mayor impacto que las de Geografía y que los indicadores presentan un alto grado de correlación y de concordancia en la clasificación de las revistas en cuartiles, siendo ocupados los primeros lugares por las mismas revistas. Para evaluar la influencia de las revistas de Geografía en la comunidad científica, es recomendable utilizar indicadores complementarios a los habituales que permitan obtener una visión más completa de su impacto.
El centro histórico de Orihuela (Alicante): de espacio patrimonial a espacio de rentas urbanas
Authors: Ponce Herrero Gabino
Published: March 2018

La ciudad de Orihuela reúne un rico patrimonio arquitectónico y urbanístico, heredado del Antiguo Régimen, muy afectado por la renovación impulsada por los primeros planes generales de ordenación urbana. Hasta 1994 no tuvo un plan especial que, no obstante, se vio alterado por la práctica del urbanismo de proyecto. Así, las estrategias desarrolladas sobre el centro histórico han podido orientarse hacia la producción de rentas urbanas. Son propuestas de rehabilitación selectiva junto a renovación masiva, apoyadas en las inversiones públicas en equipamientos para crear nuevas centralidades, que propician una recuperación aristocrática y tradicionalista, con una concepción muy sesgada de los paisajes históricos. Se mantiene la hipótesis de que la recuperación del centro histórico se orienta más hacia el negocio inmobiliario que hacia la rehabilitación de un espacio social. 
Pobreza y segregación racial en la financiación gubernamental de los servicios asistenciales estadounidenses
Authors: Ruiz-Varona Ana
Published: March 2018

Las políticas públicas en materia de servicios asistenciales diseñadas por el gobierno norteamericano no quedan exentas de cierta dimensión ideológica que fundamenta el sistema de prestación de dichos servicios. Tomando como punto de partida una revisión crítica de los conceptos de justicia espacial y segregación social, se diseña una metodología geoestadística multinivel para estudiar la distribución de dichas organizaciones financiadas por la administración en aras de evaluar la posible variación espacial en función de su relación con diferentes patrones de segregación social considerados.
Evaluación de la calidad de las estadísticas españolas de mortalidad a edades avanzadas
Authors: García González Juan Manuel , Grande Marín Rafael
Published: March 2018

El objetivo de este trabajo es evaluar la calidad de las estadísticas de mortalidad a edades superiores a 70 años en España desde 1910 hasta 2014. Se usan datos de mortalidad del INE y del Human Mortality Database (HMD) con los que se construyen dos tipos de indicadores de calidad: de exageración de edades y de redondeo de edades. Los resultados muestran que la calidad de las estadísticas de mortalidad a edades avanzadas mejora progresivamente en España a lo largo del siglo XX hasta que en la década de los ochenta se minimizan los errores, debido a la modernización y a la mejora en la recolección de datos del Registro civil.
High-speed rail and tourism destination choice: the role and significance of the Camp de Tarragona station for passengers visiting the Costa Daurada
Authors: Gutiérrez Aaron , Saladié Òscar , Anton Clavé Salvador
Published: March 2018

El artículo analiza la influencia de la disponibilidad de servicios de Alta Velocidad Ferroviaria en la elección del destino entre los turistas que utilizan este medio de transporte. A partir de datos provenientes de encuestas a viajeros de la estación del Camp de Tarragona se ha aplicado un método probabilístico que ha permitido medir el incremento de probabilidad de visitar la Costa Dorada causado por la existencia de esta estación. Los resultados demuestran un leve incremento de la probabilidad de visitar el destino (14,1 %). Se ha demostrado también que este incremento de probabilidad varia significativamente en función de las características sociodemográficas del turista, del viaje y de su estancia.
Intervenção psicológica em adultos obesos com o transtorno da compulsão alimentar periódica (TCAP)
Authors: Marçal Tatiane Aparecida Enside de Abreu , Jardim Júnior Elerson Gaetti
Published: March 2018

A obesidade é considerada, tanto em países em desenvolvimento quanto em países desenvolvidos, um importante problema de saúde pública,e, de acordo com a Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS), há mais de um bilhão de adultos com excesso de peso e pelo menos trezentos milhões são obesos.Associado à obesidade existe o transtorno da compulsão alimentar, o qual é caracterizado por um distúrbio persistente da alimentação ou comportamento relacionado com a alimentação, resultando em alterações no consumo ou na absorção do alimento. O presente estudo se propôs a identificar na literatura os principais aspectos do diagnóstico dos pacientes acometidos pelo transtorno da compulsão alimentar periódica (TCAP), apontar os impactos que este transtorno pode ter na qualidade emocional e de vida, bem como enfatizar a importância da terapia cognitivo-comportamental (TCC) como forma de tratamento para estes pacientes. Foram pesquisados nas bases de dados: SciELO (Scientific Electronic Library Online), CAPES, Embase, PubMed (National Library ofMedicine), MEDLINE e DECS artigos que tratassem da obesidade, do transtorno da compulsão alimentar em adultos e da terapia Cognitivo-Comportamental. Observou-se que o transtorno da compulsão alimentar periódica deve ser tratado como uma categoria distinta de transtorno alimentar, conforme o Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, atualmente em sua quinta edição, e a terapia cognitiva comportamental vem mostrando eficácia, proporcionando uma redução significativa da compulsão alimentar na maioria dos pacientes.Descritores: Obesidade; Transtorno da Compulsão Alimentar; Terapia Cognitiva.
Application of multivariate statistical methods in the assessment of water quality in selected locations in Jialing River basin in Guangyuan, China
Authors: Zhang Yiming , Li Yunxiang , Li Youping , Da Wenyi , Yu Maolei , Quan Qiumei
Published: March 2018

This study evaluated temporal and spatial variations in water quality to understand the characteristics of the Jialing River watershed in Guangyuan City, China. Data on 17 parameters obtained from seven sites from 2012 to 2015, with a total of 329 samples for each parameter, were analyzed using multivariate statistical techniques. Observation months were grouped into two periods (Period A, May–November; Period B, December–April) according to similarities in water quality characteristics through time analysis and cluster analysis (CA). Water temperature (TEMP), flow rate (Q), dissolved oxygen (DO), oils, fluoride (F) and cadmium (Cd) were the most significant parameters for discriminating between the two periods. Through a spatial analysis, the sites were classified into two groups (Groups 1 and 2). Q, total phosphorus (TP), oils, F and fecal coliform bacteria (F. coli) were the most significant parameters for discriminating between the two groups. Results suggested that TEMP, DO and Cd as functions of time, TP and F. coli as functions of space, and Q, oils and F as functions of both time and space should be monitored closely. The main sources of water pollutant were surface runoff and industrial wastewater, of time, and wastewater from agricultural irrigation, industrial wastewater, and municipal sewage, of space.
Determinação da Pressão Ambiental que o Uso da Terra Exerce sobre os Recursos Hídricos na Bacia Hidrográfica do Rio Juqueri, no Município de Mairiporã, Estado de São Paulo, Brasil
Authors: Ortega Diego Javier , Martins Pompêo Marcelo Luiz
Published: March 2018

O trabalho objetivou determinar as relações existentes entre o uso da terra e a qualidade da água, mediante correlações canônicas existem entre os parâmetros que compõem o IQA e as mudanças nos últimos 30 anos, a partir das imagens de satélite LANDSAT 5, 7 e 8 mediante classificação supervisionada se determinou 6 classes de uso. Para se determinar o IQA na bacia foram coletadas 8 amostras no período de verão e 8 no inverno nos anos de 2015 e 2016 em 3 pontos da bacia, na parte alta, média e na foz. Os resultados obtidos revelaram que os corpos de água sofreram uma diminuição de área que passou de 1,1% para 0,68 % diminuindo em total 0,42%. Referente ao IQA em alguns pontos amostrais foram observados valores abaixo de 51 que se classifica como regular para consumo humano. Encontrou-se correlações entre a diminuição nos valores de DBO pelas áreas urbanas. Diante do exposto, verifica-se a necessidade, de planejamento do uso e ocupação das terras na área da bacia.
Wpływ podstępu na ważność aktu prawnego (kan. 125 § 2 KPK)
Authors: DZIERŻON GINTER
Published: March 2018

W zaprezentowanym opracowaniu przedmiotem uwagi Autora stała się jedna z hipotez ujęta w kan. 125 § 2 KPK dotycząca wpływu podstępu na ważność aktu prawnego. Z przeprowadzonych analiz wynika, iż skutku prawnego określonego w kan. 125 § 2 KPK nie powoduje każda postać postępu, lecz jedynie podstęp akcydentalny. Ta forma bowiem u osoby doznającej podstępnego działania nie prowadzi do powstania błędu substancjalnego, lecz do powstania błędu akcydentalnego; ten zaś nie prowadzi do ograniczenia wolności decyzyjnej do tego stopnia, że stan ten powodowałby nieważność aktu.Według Autora, zasada generalna skodyfikowana w kan. 125 § 2 KPK posiada nie tyle ważkie znaczenie z punktu widzenia teoretycznoprawnego, ale z aspektu ochrony praw jednostki. Stworzona bowiem przez prawodawcę możliwość rozwiązania ważnego aktu wynika z tego, że pragnie on zapewnić ochronę interesów osoby poszkodowanej.
Short-term Clinical Results of Manipulation Under Ultrasound-Guided Brachial Plexus Block in Patients with Idiopathic Frozen Shoulder and Diabetic Secondary Frozen Shoulder
Authors: Ando Akira , Hamada Junichiro , Hagiwara Yoshihiro , Sekiguchi Takuya , Koide Masashi , Itoi Eiji
Published: March 2018

Purpose:

This study examined the effectiveness of manipulation under ultrasound-guided brachial plexus block in patients with recalcitrant idiopathic frozen shoulder and diabetic secondary frozen shoulder (diabetic frozen shoulder).

Methods:

Forty-four idiopathic frozen shoulders and 10 diabetic frozen shoulders with failed conservative treatment for at least 3 months were included in this study. The manipulation was performed under ultrasound-guided brachial plexus block and visual analogue scale, range of motion, and Constant scores were measured before manipulation and at the last follow-up examination.

Results:

No major complications were observed during the procedure. Sufficient improvement was not obtained in two patients during the procedure and to avoid complications, the procedure was discontinued and subsequently arthroscopic capsular release was performed. Visual analogue scale, range of motion towards all directions, and Constant scores were significantly improved after the manipulation in both the idiopathic frozen shoulder and diabetic frozen shoulder groups, however the diabetic group showed inferior results compared with those of the idiopathic group.

Conclusion:

This manipulation was effective and shortened the duration of symptoms in most of the idiopathic and diabetic frozen shoulders without major complications during the procedure. Diabetic frozen shoulder showed inferior clinical results and difficulty in recovery in range of motion, which indicated that diabetic frozen shoulder should be discussed as a different entity.
Daylighting and Readers' Satisfaction: Raja Tun Uda Public Library, Shah Alam
Authors: Othman Ahmad Ridzwan , Mohd Mazli Maz Aiera
Published: March 2018

Designing a library study environment is important to the mood, motivation and performance of individuals because interior design plays an important role in human mood and social behaviours. Lighting, as a control architectural tool, gives important influences on users' perception behaviour and visual comfort in libraries. A public library in Shah Alam was chosen as the main subject. The result found that library users prefer seats near daylighted areas, but the time spent in the library is not really affected by daylighting. Besides visual comfort, daylighting is not the only contributor to overall comfort and user satisfaction.
Comparing Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy With Standard Care for Women With Fear of Birth: A Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Rondung Elisabet , Ternström Elin , Hildingsson Ingegerd , Haines Helen M , Sundin Örjan , Ekdahl Johanna , Karlström Annika , Larsson Birgitta , Segeblad Birgitta , Baylis Rebecca , Rubertsson Christine
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

Although many pregnant women report fear related to the approaching birth, no consensus exists on how fear of birth (FOB) should be handled in clinical care.

OBJECTIVE

This randomized controlled trial (RCT) aimed to compare the efficacy of a guided internet-based self-help program based on cognitive behavioral therapy (guided ICBT) with standard care (SC) on the levels of FOB in a sample of pregnant women reporting FOB.

METHODS

This nonblinded, multicenter RCT with a parallel design was conducted at three study centers (hospitals) in Sweden. Recruitment commenced at the ultrasound screening examination during gestational weeks 17-20. The therapist-guided ICBT intervention was inspired by the Unified protocol for transdiagnostic treatment of emotional disorders (UP) and consisted of 8 treatment modules and 1 module for postpartum follow-up. The aim was to help participants observe and understand their FOB and find new ways of coping with difficult thoughts and emotions. SC was offered in the three different study regions. The primary outcome was self-assessed levels of FOB, measured using the Fear of Birth Scale (FOBS).

RESULTS

We included 258 pregnant women reporting clinically significant levels of FOB (guided ICBT group, 127; SC group, 131). Of the 127 women randomized to the guided ICBT group, 103 (81%) commenced treatment, 60 (47%) moved on to the second module, and only 13 (10%) finished ≥4 modules. The levels of FOB did not differ between the intervention groups postintervention. At 1-year postpartum follow-up, participants in the guided ICBT group exhibited significantly lower levels of FOB (U=3674.00, z=−1.97, P=.049, Cohen d=0.28, 95% CI –0.01 to 0.57). Using the linear mixed models analysis, an overall decrease in the levels of FOB over time was found (P=<.001), along with a significant interaction between time and intervention, showing a larger reduction in FOB in the guided ICBT group over time (F1,192.538=4.96, P=.03).

CONCLUSIONS

FOB decreased over time in both intervention groups; while the decrease was slightly larger in the guided ICBT group, the main effect of time alone, regardless of treatment allocation, was most evident. Poor treatment adherence to guided ICBT implies low feasibility and acceptance of this treatment.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02306434; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02306434 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/70sj83qat)
Basic Life Support Knowledge Among a Nonmedical Population in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: Cross-Sectional Study (Preprint)
Authors: Subki Ahmed Hussein , Mortada Hatan Hisham , Alsallum Mohammed Saad , Alattas Ali Taleb , Almalki Mohammed Ali , Hindi Muhab Mohammed , Subki Siham Hussein , Alhejily Wesam Awad
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

Providing basic life support (BLS) at the site of an accident is crucial to increase the survival rates of the injured people. It is especially relevant when health care is far away.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of our study is to assess the BLS knowledge level of the Saudi Arabian population and identify influencing factors associated with level of knowledge about BLS.

METHODS

Our study is a cross-sectional descriptive study, which was conducted using a self-administered online questionnaire derived from the BLS practice test. The Saudi population was the target population. The questionnaire was divided into two parts: one contained demographic data and the second part contained questions to test the population’s perception about how to perform BLS techniques properly. The data were collected between July and August 2017. Statistically significant differences were defined as those with a P value <.05, and a score of five or more was considered a passing score on the second part. We used SPSS version 21 for data analysis.

RESULTS

Our study included 301 participants. Our participants’ BLS online exam scores ranged from 0 to 10, with a mean of 4.1 (SD 1.7). Only 39.2% (118/301) of the participants passed the test. The percentage of bachelor’s degree or higher holders constituted 60.1% (181/301) of the study population. In addition, higher income was significantly associated with higher scores on the test (P=.04).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that the theoretical knowledge level of BLS among the general population in Jeddah was below average. There is a critical need to increase the public’s exposure to BLS education through raising awareness campaigns and government-funded training programs that aim to curb the incidence of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest mortalities in the Saudi community.
Assessing the Feasibility of a Social Media to Promote Weight Management Engagement in Adolescents with Severe Obesity: Pilot Study (Preprint)
Authors: Prout Parks Elizabeth , Moore Renee' H , Li Ziyi , Bishop-Gilyard Chanelle T , Garrett Andrew R , Hill Douglas L , Bruton Yasmeen P. , Sarwer David B
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

Severe obesity in adolescents has deleterious physical and psychological complications necessitating frequent multi-disciplinary clinic visits. Greater treatment engagement has been equated with weight-loss. However, traditional medical weight-loss programs for adolescents have high attrition rates. Social media is widely used by adolescents and may enhance medical weight management engagement and success.

OBJECTIVE

The first objective was to examine the acceptability and feasibility of using a private social media group as an adjunct to medical weight management in youth ages 14 to 20 years with severe obesity [body mass index (BMI) ≥ 35 kg/m2]. The second objective was to pilot test the use of social media to improve treatment engagement and decrease attrition rates.

METHODS

In this single arm, 12 week pre-post study, participants attended individual clinic visits and participated in a moderated private social media group that received nutrition, exercise, and behavior change social media communications or “posts” 3 to 4 times/week. Youth commented and/or liked posts from the moderator and each other. Social media engagement was measured with the number of likes and comments on social media. Clinic attrition was compared, measuring clinic visit attendance 12 weeks prior, during, and after the intervention with mixed linear regression models. Correlations of social media engagement with changes from baseline for BMI, BMI-z score, and psychosocial measures were fit.

RESULTS

All 13 enrolled youth completed the study and reported that the group was enjoyable, helpful, reinforced their weight management program, and would recommend using social media to support other youth. The pilot trial was acceptable and feasible. Youth mean weekly engagement (likes + comments) in social media was greater than once a day (8.6 ±3.6). Compared to 12 weeks prior to the intervention, there was no significant decrease in clinic visit attendance at the end of the intervention (M=.231, P=.69) or 12 weeks at the conclusion of the intervention (M=.589, P=.28). Increased social media comments correlated with weight change (r=–.633, P=.04).

CONCLUSIONS

This pilot trial demonstrated that the use of social media as an adjunct to medical weight management was feasible and acceptable to adolescents with severe obesity. Based upon these preliminary findings, social media may be an effective way to mitigate attrition from obesity treatment programs, and improve health outcomes in this high-risk population.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Stakeholders’Perception of Foreign Corporation in Ghana
Authors: Kasum Abubakar Sadiq , Aveh Kwame Felix Aveh Felix , Salman Ramat Titilayo
Published: March 2018

The study investigated the perception of Ghanaian stakeholders of the nature of CSR expected of foreign corporations, operating in Ghana. It is and empirical survey of opinion and perception, data for which was collected using questionnaires distributed to stakeholders. The operational data within the questionnaires were collected on a Likert scale of 5-1 (for strongly agree to strongly disagree) while relevant options were provided for demographic questions. Descriptive statistics like Mean, Median and Standard Deviation were computed for the operational data and Wilcoxon Sign Ranked Test was used to analyse the grouped data relevant to testing the hypotheses. The study found that stakeholders in Ghana are mindful of CSR of foreign corporations and they expect the corporations to be responsible and responsive. Also, the study showed that ethical, legal, environmental and corporate citizenship are highly favoured by Ghanaian stakeholders, while philanthropy is the least favoured. Specifically, quality and quantity of goods and services at a fair price, reward and welfare for employees topped the list favoured priorities, while stakeholders less favoured participation by foreign companies in philanthropy and politics and public policy. The study thus recommended a better focus on the favoured items.
Audit Committee Financial Expertise and Financial Reporting Timeliness in Emerging Market: Does Audit Committee Chair Matter?
Authors: Baatwah Saeed Rabea , Ahmad Norsiah , Salleh Zalailah
Published: March 2018

This study examines whether audit committee chair with financial expertise enhances the audit committee role in financial reporting quality in emerging market. We investigate this influence by employing the direct effect and moderating effect of audit committee chair with financial expertise on financial reporting timeliness. By using Omani data and the panel data method for two proxies for financial reporting timeliness, we find that audit committee chair with financial expertise enhances the timeliness of financial reporting through making the disclosure of annual reports timely. Further, we report evidence showing that both accounting and nonaccounting financial expertise on the audit committee have a positive and significant influence on the timeliness of financial reporting. We also document that the association between financial expertise and the timeliness of financial reporting is more pronounced when the chair of the audit committee has accounting expertise. This study is among the comprehensive evidence prove that audit committee chair with accounting expertise contributes to the quality of financial reporting in emerging market.