bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of acute and chronic submaximal exercise on plasma renin and aldosterone levels in football players
Authors: Patlar Suleyman
Published: October 2018

This study aimed to examine effects of acute and chronic submaximal exercise on plasma renin and aldosterone levels in football players.

Seven apparently healthy, male footballer subjects took part in the study. The subjects were exercised on ergometric bicycles for 20-min at 75% of Max VO $_{2}$ , 3 days a week for 4 weeks. Blood samples were collected on 4 occasions: before the exercise, immediately after the exercise, as well as 2 hours and 24 hours after the exercise. Plasma renin and aldosterone levels (RIA) were measured.

Exercise significantly increased plasma renin and aldosterone levels of the athletes before and after the exercise(p < 0.05). The levels at the 2nd hour following exercise dropped significantly in comparison to those immediately after the exercise(p< 0.05). Plasma values one day after the exercise were significantly lower than those after the 2nd hour (p < 0.05).

Consequently, acute and 4-week chronic submaximal exercise have significant effects on plasma renin and aldosterone levels in football players(p< 0.05).
Plyometric muscular action tests in judo- and non-judo athletes
Authors: Monteiro Luís Fernandes , Massuça Luís Miguel , García José García , Carratala Vicent , Proença Jorge
Published: October 2018

The majority of explosive actions during the Judo fight occur when the athlete is trying to overcome his/her adversary via rapid execution(s) of(isolated or chained) technical manoeuvres. The aim of this study was to compare the results of two plyometric muscular action tests (i.e., Squat Jump– SJ, and Countermovement Jump – CMJ) between judo- and non-judo- athletes.

The investigation involved a cross-sectional examination of 102 subjects (age, 21.9 ± 3.4 years) divided into 3 performance groups: a) Senior top elite judo athletes (n=50), b) Junior elite judo athletes (n=26) and c) Adult non-judo athletes(n=26). Thirteen biomechanical variables (including jump height, velocity, power, force in SJ and CMJ; time to peak force, to peak power and between peaks) were examined. The dataset was analysed using a Univariate analysis of variance.

No significant differences in anthropometric variables were observed between groups. However, significant differences were observed in: a) jump height and peak velocity (SJ, CMJ), b) peak power and peak force(SJ), and c) peak eccentric force, peak eccentric power and peak concentric power (CMJ). We conclude that: a) the center of mass displacement achieved in the CMJ is higher than in the SJ; b) the optimisation of coordination between the eccentric and concentric phases of muscle action is not the primary determinant of performance of Judo athletes; and c) the main pre-requisite for success in elite judo athletes is superior peak eccentric power.
Effects of ribose supplementation on anaerobic performance, plasma pH, lactate, ammonia and inorganic phosphate levels
Authors: Yaman Meltem , Colakoglu Muzaffer , Turgay Faruk , Ozkol Zeki , Akşit Tolga , Ozkaya Ozgur , Yapicioglu Bulent
Published: October 2018

The purpose of this study was to estimate the effects of ribose supplementation on interval anaerobic performance and fatiguing substance concentrations. The study cohort consisted of physically active, young male volunteers (n=15). With a double-blind cross over study design, each participant completed two all-out anaerobic exercise sessions, one week apart, one by supplementing maltodextrine and the other by supplementing ribose (150 mg/kg in each test). Two repetitions of 30-s maximal performance with a 4-min interval were completed. Blood samples were taken at rest and five minutes after the second sprint repetition. Neither the biochemical parameters: pH(−0.32 ± 0.09 vs. −0.26 ± 0.11), lactate (La) (13.8± 1.9 vs. 13.3 ± 2.7 mM, ammonia (423 ± 190 vs. 404± 166 μ mol/L), inorganic phosphate (Pi) (0.68 ± 0.53 vs. 0.72± 0.63 mM) nor the anaerobic output (746.2 ± 82.5 vs. 760.2± 86.8 watts) were affected by placebo and ribose supplementations significantly (p> 0.05). In conclusion, based on this protocol, anaerobic performance and/or biochemical status are not affected by ribose supplementation.
Isokinetic measurements of ankle strength and proprioception in patients with flatfoot
Authors: Yalcin Elif , Kurtaran Aydan , Selcuk Barin , Onder Burcu , Yildirim Makbule Ozge , Akyuz Mufit
Published: October 2018

Background: Flexible flatfoot deformity is likely to be caused by ligamentous laxity of the medial longitudinal arch, and this deformity could change the mechanics of other joints, ligaments and tendons as well as foot alignment.

Aim: We hypothesized that position sense and muscle strength could be impaired in patients with flatfoot compared to normal controls, therefore we investigated position sense and ankle eversion inversion strengths of individuals with flexible flatfoot.

Design: Cross sectional study.

Setting: A rehabilitation center.

Population: Twenty-six individuals with flexible flatfoot and 27 healthy control subjects were evaluated.

Methods: Absolute error (in degrees) for passive reproduction of joint position tests and peak isokinetic strength of ankle muscles for eversion and inversion were tested using the Biodex isokinetic dynamometer.

Results: For individuals with flatfoot, passive reproduction of joint position error scores in eversion were significantly higher for the dominant side compared with the control group. No significant differences in eversion and inversion muscle strength between flexible flatfoot and control groups were found.

Conclusion: We suggest that flexible flatfoot deformity may cause deficits in proprioception accuracy.

Clinical Rehabilitation Impact: In our opinion, clinicians must be aware and should take into account this possible deficit in the management of these patients.
Reconciliation as a Woman-Centered Approach to Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Toews Kelsi
Published: October 2018

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious and prevalent issue throughout the world (Devries et al. 2013, 1527). IPV takes place within an intersectional context that includes race, gender, culture, power, and sexuality. The types of actions taken to combat this violence vary greatly between different cultural contexts. The United States and Canada frequently take a law-based approach toward dealing with perpetrators and attempt to assist the victims through various social service sectors. Countries of reconciliation, such as Senegal, Trinidad and Tobago, and Kazakhstan, where individuals wish to keep the issue in the private sphere, often employ an approach aimed at maintaining the family system. Acts of reconciliation as a response to IPV have been deemed as inappropriate and oppressive reactions to the violence perpetuated against the victims (Coker, 2002; London, 1997). However, this criticism neglects the cleawr intersection of IPV responses and cultural contexts, thereby neglecting the autonomy of the woman to choose the response she believes most aligns with her cultural values. Through its emphasis on family, hospitality, respect, as well as religious texts and parables, the Society of Muslim Women (SMW) in Kazakhstan provides an example of a culturally and gender-appropriate reconciliation process. With the example of Kazakhstan, this paper shows that the reconciliation approach can allow the autonomy and cultural values of the female victim to be appreciated.
Recent Advances in Particle Swarm Optimization for Large Scale Problems
Authors: Yan Danping , Lu Yongzhong
Published: October 2018

Accompanied by the advent of current big data ages, the scales of real world optimization problems with many decisive design variables are becoming much larger. Up to date, how to develop new optimization algorithms for these large scale problems and how to expand the scalability of existing optimization algorithms have posed further challenges in the domain of bio-inspired computation. So addressing these complex large scale problems to produce truly useful results is one of the presently hottest topics. As a branch of the swarm intelligence based algorithms, particle swarm optimization (PSO) for coping with large scale problems and its expansively diverse applications have been in rapid development over the last decade years. This review paper mainly presents its recent achievements and trends, and also highlights the existing unsolved challenging problems and key issues with a huge impact in order to encourage further more research in both large scale PSO theories and their applications in the forthcoming years.
KORELASI PENGUASAAN STRUKTUR KALIMAT DENGAN KETERAMPILAN MENYUSUN KALIMAT EFEKTIF SISWA KELAS VIII SLTP KARYA BHAKTI MEDAN TAHUN PEMBELAJARAN 2017 - 2018
Authors: Hasibuan Abdullah
Published: October 2018

Penulisan ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui Korelasi Penguasaan Struktur Kalimat terhadap Keterampilan Menyusun Kalimat Efektif Siswa Kelas VIII SMP Karya Bhakti Tahun Pembelajaran 2017-2018. Populasi dalam Penelitian ini adalah seluruh siswa kelas VIII SMP Karya Bhakti Tahun Pembelajaran 2017-2018. yang berjumlah 226 siswa. Selanjutnya, untuk menentukan sampel individu yang dapat mewakili setiap kelas digunakan sistem simple random sampling (pengambilan sampel dengan cara acak sederhana). Dengan demikian, jumlah sampel yang diteliti dalam penelitian ini adalah sebanyak 20% x 226 = 45,2 digenapkan menjadi 45 orang. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode deskriptif yaitu metode penelitian yang berusaha mengungkapkan keadaan atau peristiwa sebagaimana mestinya dengan tujuan menjawab atau memecahkan dan menggambarkan gejala-gejala yang terjadi pada saat sekarang atau masalah yang aktual. Dalam penelitian ini, penulis menggunakan alat pengumpulan data berupa tes objektif dan tes menulis kalimat efektif.
ORGANISATION PATTERN OF MARTIN LUTHER KING JR’S ARGUMENTATIVE SPEECH
Authors: Sopha Diana
Published: October 2018

Penelitian ini mengkaji pola susunan ide pada pidato argumentasi Martin Luther King Jr. Tujuan penelitian ini yaitu untuk mengidentifikasi jenis pola susunan ide yang digunakan dalam pidato argumentasinya dan untuk mengetahui bagaimana ide pro dan kontra disusun sehingga menghasilkan suatu pidato argumentasi yang dapat dipahami, menarik perhatian dan mempengaruhi publik. Melalui metode penelitian qualitatif deskriptif, diperoleh hasil penelitian bahwa  pidato argumentasi tersebut menggunakan 2 pola susunan yaitu Thesisˆ CON+Refutationˆ PRO Ideaˆ Conclusion dan pola susunan Thesisˆ PRO IdeaˆCON + Refutationˆ Conclusion. Dengan demikian, ide dalam pidato tersebut disusun secara sistematis melalui tesis yang diikuti dengan ide pro atau kontra dan ditutup dengan kesimpulan. Selanjutnya, setiap ide pro dan kontra selalu didukung dengan contoh atau bukti untuk mendukung kebenaran ide yang disampaikan melalui pidato argumentasinya.
IMPLEMENTASI PENCATATAN KEUANGAN PADA USAHA KECIL DAN MENENGAH
Authors: Andarsari Pipit Rosita , Dura Justita
Published: October 2018

This study aims to determine the application of financial records on small and medium business units (SMEs) because the SME sector is currently the sector that became the government's flagship. The analytical technique used qualitative descriptive analysis, using intepretive paradigm. Data collected through observation and in-depth interviews to informants to see the practice of applying financial records has been presented properly and correctly and refers to the theory of accounting systems associated with general-purpose financial records. There are two forms of accounting practice in SME Sanan - Malang, which is accounting only practiced in the mind / memory and made some accounting records to the preparation of financial statements balance and L / R. The benefits of these two forms of accounting are limited to the control of some business activities. In this case, SMEs still do not have the ability to present complete and appropriate financial information.
PENGARUH STRUKTUR KEPEMILIKAN, STRUKTUR MODAL, DAN IOS TERHADAP NILAI PERUSAHAAN DENGAN KEBIJAKAN DIVIDEN SEBAGAI VARIABEL INTERVENING PADA PERUSAHAAN MANUFAKTUR TERDAFTAR DI BEI.
Authors: Alamsyah Agus Rahman , Muchlas Zainul
Published: October 2018

The long-term goal of this research is to test the effectiveness of financial management theory and research. The research method is explanatory (explanatory research) that research is done to confirm and test whether there is relationship or influence between variables, that is specifically will be tested hypothesis in structural equation. Causal research is a study designed to identify the cause and effect of each relationship between variables on a clearly defined research problem. This research uses data pooling that is merging between time series and cross section data. In this study, the analysis used to test the five hypotheses through path analysis technique and SPSS program version 23. Path coefficient is standardized regression coefficient. The path coefficient is calculated by making two structural equations ie the regression equation showing the hypothesized relationship. The result of this research is the ownership structure having negative and significant effect to the dividend policy; Capital structure has no effect on dividend policy; Capital structure has a positive and significant impact on firm value; The ownership structure affects firm value through dividend policy, or dividends mediating the influence of ownership structure on firm value. Capital structure does not affect the value of the company through dividend policy, but it directly affects the value of the company.
La oralidad procesal. De sus postulados teóricos a su reglamentación adecuada -especial referencia a las recientes reformas legislativas
Authors: Mestre Ordoñez José Fernando , Rojas Quiñones Sergio
Published: October 2018

La oralidad procesal. De sus postulados teóricos a su reglamentación adecuada -especial referencia a las recientes reformas legislativas
Procesos colectivos de interés público y función de garantía para la efectividad de los derechos fundamentales
Authors: Berizonce Roberto Omar
Published: October 2018

Procesos colectivos de interés público y función de garantía para la efectividad de los derechos fundamentales
La necesidad de fijar las incompatibilidades de las instituciones arbitrales en España
Authors: Alvarez Fernández Ana Belén
Published: October 2018

La necesidad de fijar las incompatibilidades de las instituciones arbitrales en España
Linkage between the Arctic Oscillation and summer climate extreme events over the middle reaches of Yangtze River Valley
Authors: Liu L , Zhou T , Ning L , Liu J , Yan M , Jin C , Sun W
Published: October 2018

The Arctic Oscillation (AO) is commonly recognized as a dominant large-scale mode influencing climate over the Northern Hemisphere. Here, the influences of May AO on summer (JJA) extreme precipitation events and summer extreme warm days over the middle reaches of Yangtze River Valley for the period 1961-2014 are investigated. Following a positive May AO, there are usually fewer summer extreme precipitation events but more summer extreme warm days over the middle reaches of Yangtze River Valley. Composite analyses show that positive May AO induces the northward displacement of the East Asian jet stream and northeastward displacement of the western Pacific subtropical high (WPSH), and causes a stronger, more northwestern subtropical northwest Pacific cyclone/anticyclone anomaly, as well as an anticyclonic circulation anomaly on the north side of the South China Sea, resulting in a northward shift of the rainfall belt and an enhancement of the East Asia summer monsoon. Therefore, the cumulative distribution probability of daily precipitation values shift significantly to a lower precipitation value, indicating lower probabilities of summer extreme precipitation events following positive May AO. A weakening of WPSH induces an anomalous sinking motion over the middle reaches of the Yangtze River Valley. The 850 hPa wind field shows southerly wind anomalies over the Jiang-Huai River Basin, which cause a decrease in total cloud cover, resulting in an increase in solar radiation flux. A significant shift of the daily maximum temperature probability distribution towards to higher values indicates higher probabilities of summer extreme warm day occurrences following positive May AO. This study will provide useful insights to help improve the understanding of the dynamics and projections of future regional extreme precipitation changes over the middle reaches of Yangtze River Valley.
The Political Significance of Spotify in Sweden – Analysing the #backaspotify Campaign using Twitter Data
Authors: Fleischer Rasmus , Kullenberg Christopher
Published: October 2018

This article discusses the political significance of the streaming music company Spotify in Sweden, taking as a case a coordinated campaign in late spring 2016, known by the hashtag #backaspotify (translated as “support Spotify!”), which was mainly played out on the social media platform Twitter. The campaign is analysed using a set of data retrieved from Twitter, examining both the content and the interactions in 1,791 messages. Results show that the main political issue concerned the lack of access to rented apartments in central Stockholm, and that the main actors in the campaign were predominantly associated with public affairs consultants and the youth wings of political parties belonging to the centre-right. The campaign, however, was very short-lived and had diminished significantly already after two days. We conclude that Spotify transcends its role as a streaming music company, and additionally can be used as a point of reference in political campaigns to promote issues that are of wider scope than the music industry alone.
Critical Future Studies - A thematic Introduction
Authors: Godhe Michael , Goode Luke
Published: October 2018

Our 2017 essay “Beyond Capitalist Realism – Why We Need Critical Future Studies” (Goode & Godhe 2017), published in this journal, was intended as both a provocation and an invitation to scholars concerned with the ways in which cultural texts not only represent the future, but also actively shape it by opening up or closing down imaginative possibilities. The essays collected in this special section are both responses to our invitation and provocations in their own right. From our point of view, they each take Critical Future Studies forward and collectively augur well for the further development of this field. This introductory essay contains three sections. First, we briefly situate Critical Future Studies within an intellectual and historical context. In the following section we discuss some relevant scholarship published very recently in cognate fields (specifically Anticipation Studies and Sociology) and which are pertinent to Critical Future Studies as a developing field of study. In the final section, we introduce the articles contained in this this special section: six diverse contributions on topics including green capitalism, artificial intelligence and automation, science fiction, post-scarcity societies and the future of work, and socialist futures.
On the Pending Robot Revolution and the Utopia of Human Agency
Authors: Bodén Daniel
Published: October 2018

A hallmark of modernist thought is the belief in science and technology as a socially revolutionary force. Consequently, new technologies have often been sequenced by pictures of another world to be. The birth of electronic data processing (EDP) was no exception. Provoking both hopes and anxieties, EDP and its subsequent process of automation has, ever since the launch of the first electronic data processing machines in the early 1950’s, been a cornerstone for countless extravagant visions of the future, such as the thought of an ever so impending “Robot Revolution”. This article builds from the basic assumption that visions of the future draw on notions of what at a given time is considered socially and politically desirable, unwanted or at all possible. It thus argues that the robot revolution could be studied as a form of reified anticipation through which possible social trajectories are made symbolically comprehensible. Focusing on the automation debate of the Swedish 1950’s, I argue that the robot revolution serves as a symbolic articulation of the social experiences of Swedish welfare society, and that it carries both ideological and utopian dimensions worth examining.
Female-Owned Innovative Startups in Italy: Status Quo and Implications
Authors: Paoloni Paola , Modaffari Giuseppe
Published: October 2018

The aim of the paper is to provide an overview of the current literature of this business phenomenon with regard to gender studies and to point out what is substantially happening and what has happened in the Italian economic context. The main research questions were RQ1: How is the phenomenon of female Startups treated from a scientific point of view? RQ2: Which is the Italian situation of this phenomenon? The methodology used is both qualitative and explorative. A bidirectional analysis has been carried out for this purpose. In order to expand the first research question (RQ1), an analysis was carried out of the articles in the EBSCO database on the topic of female startups. In order to expand the second question (RQ2), an analysis was carried out on the data concerning the phenomenon of female startups, using the register of companies held at the Chambers of Commerce which were territorially competent. Our research, carried out within the Italian economic context, demonstrates how the phenomenon of Woman Startups (WSU), even if it is widely expanding, is inherent in all the typical elements of female entrepreneurship, as reported in the literature by gender scholars. The main factors that emerge for the WSU are the small size and the undercapitalization in the startup phase. This work contributes to the expansion of studies on the topic of startups in the context of gender and can be useful to the social context, new entrepreneurs, and practitioners of the sector.
A New Metaheuristic Inspired by the Vapour-Liquid Equilibrium for Continuous Optimization
Authors: Cortés-Toro Enrique M. , Crawford Broderick , Gómez-Pulido Juan A. , Soto Ricardo , Lanza-Gutiérrez José M.
Published: October 2018

In this article, a novel optimization metaheuristic based on the vapour-liquid equilibrium is described to solve highly nonlinear optimization problems in continuous domains. During the search for the optimum, the procedure truly simulates the vapour-liquid equilibrium state of multiple binary chemical systems. Each decision variable of the optimization problem behaves as the molar fraction of the lightest component of a binary chemical system. The equilibrium state of each system is modified several times, independently and gradually, in two opposite directions and at different rates. The best thermodynamic conditions of equilibrium for each system are searched and evaluated to identify the following step towards the solution of the optimization problem. While the search is carried out, the algorithm randomly accepts inadequate solutions. This process is done in a controlled way by setting a minimum acceptance probability to restart the exploration in other areas to prevent becoming trapped in local optimal solutions. Moreover, the range of each decision variable is reduced autonomously during the search. The algorithm reaches competitive results with those obtained by other stochastic algorithms when testing several benchmark functions, which allows us to conclude that our metaheuristic is a promising alternative in the optimization field.
New Candidate Multicomponent Chalcogenide Glasses for Supercontinuum Generation
Authors: Goncalves Claudia , Kang Myungkoo , Sohn Byoung-Uk , Yin Gufan , Hu Juejun , Tan Dawn T. H. , Richardson Kathleen
Published: October 2018

Broadband supercontinuum (SC) generation requires host material attributes defined by both optical and physical properties and the material’s manufacturability. We review and define the trade-offs in these attributes as applied to fiber or planar film applications based on homogeneous glass property data, and provide a series of examples of how one might optimize such attributes through material compositional and morphology design. As an example, we highlight the role of varying composition, microstructure, and linear/nonlinear optical properties, such as transmittance, refractive index, and the multiphoton absorption coefficient, for a series of novel multicomponent chalcogenide glasses within a model GeSe2-As2Se3-PbSe (GAP-Se) system. We report key optical property variation as a function of composition and form, and discuss how such glasses, suitable for both fiber and planar film processing, could lend themselves as candidates for use in SC generation. We demonstrate the impact of starting glass composition and morphology and illustrate how tailoring composition and form (bulk versus film) leads to significant variation in linear, nonlinear, and dispersive optical property behavior within this system that enables design options that are attractive to optimization of desirable SC performance, based on optical composites.
Improving Convolutional Neural Networks’ Accuracy in Noisy Environments Using k-Nearest Neighbors
Authors: Gallego Antonio-Javier , Pertusa Antonio , Calvo-Zaragoza Jorge
Published: October 2018

We present a hybrid approach to improve the accuracy of Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) without retraining the model. The proposed architecture replaces the softmax layer by a k-Nearest Neighbor (kNN) algorithm for inference. Although this is a common technique in transfer learning, we apply it to the same domain for which the network was trained. Previous works show that neural codes (neuron activations of the last hidden layers) can benefit from the inclusion of classifiers such as support vector machines or random forests. In this work, our proposed hybrid CNN + kNN architecture is evaluated using several image datasets, network topologies and label noise levels. The results show significant accuracy improvements in the inference stage with respect to the standard CNN with noisy labels, especially with relatively large datasets such as CIFAR100. We also verify that applying the ℓ 2 norm on neural codes is statistically beneficial for this approach.
Deep Learning Case Study for Automatic Bird Identification
Authors: Niemi Juha , Tanttu Juha T.
Published: October 2018

An automatic bird identification system is required for offshore wind farms in Finland. Indubitably, a radar is the obvious choice to detect flying birds, but external information is required for actual identification. We applied visual camera images as external data. The proposed system for automatic bird identification consists of a radar, a motorized video head and a single-lens reflex camera with a telephoto lens. A convolutional neural network trained with a deep learning algorithm is applied to the image classification. We also propose a data augmentation method in which images are rotated and converted in accordance with the desired color temperatures. The final identification is based on a fusion of parameters provided by the radar and the predictions of the image classifier. The sensitivity of this proposed system, on a dataset containing 9312 manually taken original images resulting in 2.44 × 106 augmented data set, is 0.9463 as an image classifier. The area under receiver operating characteristic curve for two key bird species is 0.9993 (the White-tailed Eagle) and 0.9496 (The Lesser Black-backed Gull), respectively. We proposed a novel system for automatic bird identification as a real world application. We demonstrated that our data augmentation method is suitable for image classification problem and it significantly increases the performance of the classifier.
Consistency Properties for Fuzzy Choice Functions: An Analysis with the Łukasiewicz T-Norm
Authors: Díaz Susana , Alcantud José Carlos R. , Montes Susana
Published: October 2018

We focus on the relationships among some consistency axioms in the framework of fuzzy choice functions. In order to help disclose the role of the t-norm in existing analyses, we start to study the situation that arises when we replace the standard t-norm with other t-norms. Our results allow us to conclude that unless we impose further structure on the domain of application for the choices, the use of the Łukasiewicz t-norm as a replacement for the standard t-norm does not guarantee a better performance.
Measuring the Effect of Visual Exposure and Saliency of Museum Exhibits on Visitors’ Level of Contact and Engagement
Authors: Nubani Linda , Puryear Alyssa , Kellom Kristy
Published: October 2018

This paper examines visitors’ movement patterns at the Broad Museum designed by Zaha Hadid. Characterized with free, open, and generally unbound spaces, visitors explore a curated exhibition at their own pace, route, and agenda. Unlike most other public environments, a museum lends visitors greater choice and control, and does not hold the social or spatial expectations of other facility types that might subject the visitor’s path of travel. In this study, 72 visitors were observed. A space syntax-based visibility graph analysis (VGA) was then performed to compute the visibility exposure and the spatial position of each exhibit within the museum. Negative binomial regression was used to look at the effects of spatial variables on visitors’ wayfinding, contact, and engagement with the pieces. Results showed that both the amount of visibility area around each exhibit, and its spatial position measured using space syntax techniques explained why visitors established a contact with the piece and their wayfinding behavior. Interestingly, however, the saliency of exhibits along with spatial variables were both strong predictors for why people arriving in groups split to engage with that particular exhibit. The simulation used in this study could be useful in curatorial decisions.
In Vivo Evaluation of a New Recombinant Hyaluronidase to Improve Gene Electro-Transfer Protocols for DNA-Based Drug Delivery against Cancer
Authors: De Robertis Mariangela , Pasquet Lise , Loiacono Luisa , Bellard Elisabeth , Messina Luciano , Vaccaro Susanna , Di Pasquale Roberta , Fazio Vito Michele , Rols Marie-Pierre , Teissie Justin , Golzio Muriel , Signori Emanuela
Published: October 2018

Cancer vaccines based on plasmid DNA represent a good therapeutic perspective, despite their low potency. Animal-derived hyaluronidases (Hyals) are employed in oncological clinical practice. Hyal has been also demonstrated to be a good enhancer of intramuscular Gene Electro-Transfer (GET) efficiency in anti-cancer preclinical protocols, with increased transfected cells and higher expression of the encoded genes. Nevertheless, the use of animal-derived Hyals results limited respect to their potentialities, since such preparations could be affected by low purity, variable potency and uncertain safety. To improve the delivery of intramuscular GET-based protocols in mouse, we investigated a new recombinant Hyal, the rHyal-sk, to assess in vivo safety and activity of this treatment at cellular and biochemical levels. We evaluated the cellular events and the inflammation chemical mediators involved at different time points after rHyal-sk administration plus GET. Our results demonstrated the in vivo safety and efficacy of rHyal-sk when injected once intramuscularly in association with GET, with no toxicity, good plasmid in-take ability, useful inflammatory response activation, and low immunogenicity. Following these findings, we would recommend the use of the new rHyal-sk for the delivery of DNA-based vaccines and immunotherapy, as well as into clinical practice, for tumor disease treatments.
Cancer Associated Fibroblasts: Naughty Neighbors That Drive Ovarian Cancer Progression
Authors: Dasari Subramanyam , Fang Yiming , Mitra Anirban K.
Published: October 2018

Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecologic malignancy, and patient prognosis has not improved significantly over the last several decades. In order to improve therapeutic approaches and patient outcomes, there is a critical need for focused research towards better understanding of the disease. Recent findings have revealed that the tumor microenvironment plays an essential role in promoting cancer progression and metastasis. The tumor microenvironment consists of cancer cells and several different types of normal cells recruited and reprogrammed by the cancer cells to produce factors beneficial to tumor growth and spread. These normal cells present within the tumor, along with the various extracellular matrix proteins and secreted factors, constitute the tumor stroma and can compose 10–60% of the tumor volume. Cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a major constituent of the tumor microenvironment, and play a critical role in promoting many aspects of tumor function. This review will describe the various hypotheses about the origin of CAFs, their major functions in the tumor microenvironment in ovarian cancer, and will discuss the potential of targeting CAFs as a possible therapeutic approach.
PET Imaging Biomarkers of Anti-EGFR Immunotherapy in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Models
Authors: Lee Tae Sup , Song In Ho , Shin Jong Il , Park Yong Serk , Kim Jung Young , Kim Kwang Il , Lee Yong Jin , Kang Joo Hyun
Published: October 2018

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is overexpressed and considered as a proper molecular target for diagnosis and targeted therapy of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). This study evaluated the usefulness of PET imaging biomarkers with 64Cu-PCTA-cetuximab and 18F-FDG-PET for anti-EGFR immunotherapy in ESCC models. In vivo EGFR status and glucose metabolism by cetuximab treatment were evaluated using 64Cu-PCTA-cetuximab and 18F-FDG-PET, respectively. Therapeutic responses with imaging biomarkers were confirmed by western blot and immunohistochemistry. TE-4 and TE-8 tumors were clearly visualized by 64Cu-PCTA-cetuximab, and EGFR expression on TE-8 tumors showed 2.6-fold higher uptake than TE-4. Tumor volumes were markedly reduced by cetuximab in TE-8 tumor (92.5 ± 5.9%), but TE-4 tumors were refractory to cetuximab treatment. The SUVs in 64Cu-PCTA-cetuximab and 18F-FDG-PET images were statistically significantly reduced by cetuximab treatment in TE-8 but not in TE-4. 64Cu-PCTA-cetuximab and 18F-FDG-PET images were well correlated with EGFR and pAkt levels. 64Cu-PCTA-cetuximab immuno-PET had a potential for determining EGFR level and monitoring therapeutic response by anti-EGFR therapy. 18F-FDG-PET was also attractive for monitoring efficacy of anti-EGFR therapy. In conclusion, PET imaging biomarkers may be useful for selecting patients that express target molecules and for monitoring therapeutic efficacy of EGFR-targeted therapy in ESCC patients.
Majorana Fermions in One-Dimensional Structures at LaAlO3/SrTiO3 Oxide Interfaces
Authors: Mazziotti Maria Vittoria , Scopigno Niccolò , Grilli Marco , Caprara Sergio
Published: October 2018

We study one-dimensional structures that may be formed at the LaAlO 3 /SrTiO 3 oxide interface by suitable top gating. These structures are modeled via a single-band model with Rashba spin-orbit coupling, superconductivity and a magnetic field along the one-dimensional chain. We first discuss the conditions for the occurrence of a topological superconducting phase and the related formation of Majorana fermions at the chain endpoints, highlighting a close similarity between this model and the Kitaev model, which also reflects in a similar condition the formation of a topological phase. Solving the model in real space, we also study the spatial extension of the wave function of the Majorana fermions and how this increases with approaching the limit condition for the topological state. Using a scattering matrix formalism, we investigate the stability of the Majorana fermions in the presence of disorder and discuss the evolution of the topological phase with increasing disorder.
Evaluating the Maximal Violation of the Original Bell Inequality by Two-Qudit States Exhibiting Perfect Correlations/Anticorrelations
Authors: Khrennikov Andrei Y. , Loubenets Elena R.
Published: October 2018

We introduce the general class of symmetric two-qubit states guaranteeing the perfect correlation or anticorrelation of Alice and Bob outcomes whenever some spin observable is measured at both sites. We prove that, for all states from this class, the maximal violation of the original Bell inequality is upper bounded by 3 2 and specify the two-qubit states where this quantum upper bound is attained. The case of two-qutrit states is more complicated. Here, for all two-qutrit states, we obtain the same upper bound 3 2 for violation of the original Bell inequality under Alice and Bob spin measurements, but we have not yet been able to show that this quantum upper bound is the least one. We discuss experimental consequences of our mathematical study.
Tales from the Exam Room: Trialing an E-Exam System for Computer Education and Design and Technology Students
Authors: Pagram Jeremy , Cooper Martin , Jin Huifen , Campbell Alistair
Published: October 2018

The Centre for Schooling and Learning Technologies (CSaLT) at Edith Cowan University (ECU) was asked in 2016 to be the Western Australian arm of a national e-exam project. This project used a bespoke exam system installed on a USB-drive to deliver what would have been traditional paper-based exams in an enclosed computer-based environment that was isolated from the internet and any resources other than those provided by the lecturer. This paper looks at the two exams chosen by the Western Australian group for the trial; a programming exam for pre-service computing teachers and an occupational health and safety exam for pre-service design and technology teachers. Both groups were drawn from the Graduate Diploma in Education course at ECU. The paper looks at the nature of the exam environment and the procedure for creating e-exams. It also outlines the exam procedures used and examines the feedback provided by both the lecturers and students involved. Conclusions are drawn about the suitability of the e-exam system and improvements are recommended as well as a discussion about e-exams and digital assessment more generally.
Experimental Study on the Effects of Air Supply Control on Combustion and Emissions Performance at Medium and Low Load for a Dual-Fuel Diesel Engine
Authors: Peng Yu-Hui , Huang Yu-Peng , Tang Jia-You , Huang Qi-Feng , Huang Yi-Ran
Published: October 2018

Lowering the amount of excess air is believed to increase the density of the air-fuel mixture and help improve the combustion rate for compression ignition engines. This paper proposes an approach of adding a throttle body at the intake pipe to control the excess air ratio with reduction of air supply to achieve a better balance between the power, emissions and fuel efficiency at medium and low load of a natural gas dual-fuel diesel engine converted from a conventional diesel engine. Various experiments in both pure diesel and dual-fuel mode under intermediate engine speed are performed with the proposed critical method of excess air ratio control. The experimental results reveal that better excess air ratio is very beneficial for the power output and brake specific energy consumption in dual-fuel combustion under medium and low load conditions. Moreover, the substitution rate can reach as high as 40% under low load conditions with throttle control.
Mathematical Modeling of Non-Premixed Laminar Flow Flames Fed with Biofuel in Counter-Flow Arrangement Considering Porosity and Thermophoresis Effects: An Asymptotic Approach
Authors: Bidabadi Mehdi , Ghashghaei Nejad Peyman , Rasam Hamed , Sadeghi Sadegh , Shabani Bahman
Published: October 2018

Due to the safe operation and stability of non-premixed combustion, it can widely be utilized in different engineering power and medical systems. The current paper suggests a mathematical asymptotic technique to describe non-premixed laminar flow flames formed in organic particles in a counter-flow configuration. In this investigation, fuel and oxidizer enter the combustor from opposite sides separately and multiple zones including preheating, vaporization, flame and post-flame zones were considered. Micro-sized lycopodium particles and air were respectively applied as a biofuel and an oxidizer. Dimensionalized and non-dimensionalized mass and energy conservation equations were determined for the zones and solved by Mathematica and Matlab software by applying proper boundary and jump conditions. Since lycopodium particles have numerous spores, the porosity of the particles was involved in the equations. Further, significant parameters such as lycopodium vaporization rate and thermophoretic force corresponding to the lycopodium particles in the solid phase were examined. The temperature distribution, flame sheet position, fuel and oxidizer mass fractions, equivalence ratio and flow strain rate were evaluated for the counter-flow non-premixed flames. Ultimately, the thermophoretic force caused by the temperature gradient at different positions was computed for several values of porosity, fuel and oxidizer Lewis numbers.
A Passenger-Oriented Optimization Model for Implementing Energy-Saving Strategies in Railway Contexts
Authors: D’Acierno Luca , Botte Marilisa
Published: October 2018

Rail and metro systems are characterized by high-performing and environmentally friendly features that make them a crucial factor for driving modal split towards public transport modes, thus reducing private car use and related externalities (such as air and noise pollution, traffic congestion and accidents). Within this framework, the implementation of suitable energy-saving policies, allowing to reduce energy consumption, but, at the same time, preserving timetable stability and passengers’ satisfaction, may turn out to be imperative. In particular, this study aims to develop an analytical framework for properly supporting the implementation of eco-driving strategies in a passenger-oriented perspective. An application to a rail line in southern Italy is performed so as to demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed approach in determining the optimal compromise between energy reductions and travel time increases.
Design of a Concentrically Stacked Modular Actuator with Forced Air Cooling for Multi-DOF Robotic Systems
Authors: Noh Jaeho , Lee Jaeyong , Yang Woosung , Lee Sungon
Published: October 2018

This paper proposes a concentrically stacked modular (CoSMo) actuator with rotary electric motors to implement multi-degree-of-freedom (multi-DOF) robotic systems with high power densities. The CoSMo actuator shows a novel design concept, which enables the actuator module with an integrated radiator to be combined in series and cooled by a single fan. This unique system has elevated thermal characteristics owing to the heatsink sharing effect. This enables the module to carry higher current by decreasing the temperature-rise rate. Also, the proposed design concept reduces the number of components required for cooling and allows the actuator to be placed concentrically, which contributes to the system having low mechanical impedance and higher power output per unit mass. The thermal characteristics and feature of the CoSMo actuator were analytically and numerically verified by simulation using a simplified model. To advance the thermal characteristics of the system further, the adequate actuator types for the CoSMo actuator were analyzed and a prototype was fabricated based on the analysis. Through the experiment using the prototype, we verified that the maximum continuous current that can be applied to the CoSMo actuator is up to about three times greater than the rated current in a forced air-cooling environment.
Water Footprint (ISO 14046) in Latin America, State of the Art and Recommendations for Assessment and Communication
Authors: Martínez-Arce Andrés , Chargoy Juan Pablo , Puerto Maly , Rojas Diana , Suppen Nydia
Published: October 2018

Due to the importance of water management, and good governance for humanity’s wellbeing and future, the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda has established the global Water Goal (SDG 6). Mobilization of the different sectors is required. The private sector has an important role, and it is increasingly aware of the substantial water risks for business. Thus, it is timely to quantify and monitor potential environmental impacts with an international standard (ISO 14046:2014), in order to prioritize investments to reduce the direct and indirect impacts from water uses within the production of goods and services. The objectives of this project were: (1) To scale knowledge, networking and generate leadership through exchanges among 43 professionals from 14 Latin American countries; (2) to develop recommendations to improve coherence in the quantification, verification and communication of the water footprint in the region; and (3) to structure and publish the recommendations, available tools/methods and key challenges in open access guidelines. This effort resulted in an active and continuous-growth community for water footprint practice in Latin America. This article describes the process to achieve the Regional Guidelines and other results.
Fast Aqueous Biodegradation of Highly-Volatile Organic Compounds in a Novel Anaerobic Reaction Setup
Authors: García-Martínez Yonhara , Chirinos Judith , Bengoa Christophe , Stüber Frank , Font Josep , Fortuny Agustí , Fabregat Azael
Published: October 2018

The present work explores the biodegradation of some emerging pollutants (EPs) in an anaerobic slowly-agitated up-flow packed-bed reactor (USPBR) filled with biological activated carbon (BAC). Chlorobenzene (CB) and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) were selected as volatile organic compounds (VOC) and major constituents of many pesticides. Experiments carried out in continuous operation showed that bioconversion up to 90% was achieved for CB and 2,4-D, at space times below 0.6 h and 1.2 h, respectively, at ambient temperature. Overall, removal rates of 0.89 g L−1 d−1 and 0.46 g L−1 d−1 were obtained for CB and 2,4-D, respectively. These results revealed that the degradation of CB and 2,4-D in this anaerobic configuration of bioreactor is an efficient and fast process. The Michaelis–Menten model properly describes the degradation process for CB. Above initial concentrations of 100 mg L−1, 2,4-D presented a considerable inhibitory effect over the biofilm. For this reason, a substrate inhibition factor was included in the Michaelis–Menten equation; the expanded model presented a good fitting to the experimental data, regardless of the inlet concentration. Therefore, USPBR-BAC combination showed to be a highly efficient system for the biodegradation of such compounds.