bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intereses Geopolíticos de Colombia
Authors: Esquivel Triana Ricardo
Published: August 2017

Este artículo precisa los intereses geopolíticos de Colombia para el siglo XXI. Siguiendo los enfoques clásicos sobre el interés nacional, sustenta que los intereses geopolíticos de Colombia son los de preservar su actual territorio, asegurar el control de sús recursos naturales y asumir un liderazgo sobre sus áreas de influencia natural: el Pacífico Occidental; los Andes; la Amazonia; el Istmo centroamericano; el Caribe y la Orinoquia-Guayana. Con los postulados de la geopolítica de Cohén (1991) reafirma que esta no obedece a determinismos geográficos sino que se somete al Interés nacional. Dado que Colombia se ubica en la región geoestratégica marítima, dominada por Estados Unidos, sus intereses geopolíticos se orientan a tres reglones. Una es el Pacífico occidental, haciendo secundarla su integración con Asia-Pacífico, mientras fortalece su pertenencia a la Alianza Pacífico. Siendo Colombia el estado de mayor tamaño en la región Caribe, debe ejercer como la potencia mediana que es para disuadir las iniciativas de otros estados sobre ese mar. Hacia Suramérica Colombia también debe proyectar poder más allá de sus fronteras. En conclusión, los dirigentes colombianos deben asumir que la proyección del poder geopolítico es una necesidad para evitar las pérdidas de territorio o los desafíos al ejercicio del poder del estado.
THERMAL COMFORT STUDY OF TEACHERS' ROOM AT SEKOLAH BINA MULIA PONTIANAK
Authors: Suryajaya Albert , Caesariadi Tri Wibowo
Published: August 2017

Thermal comfort is one of the important aspects to ensure the comfort of a building. School building, e.g. Sekolah Bina Mulia, Pontianak is used for education activities for about eight hours a day. The teachersfourth floor and still applies the natural air ventilation system while other rooms use mechanical ventilation system. It is interesting to see thermal comfort condition in the ort of the room depends on the environment. Because of its position on the fourth floor, the wind circulation can flow freely and the application of air ventilation is possible. The average temperature is 29.599ºC, 71.216% for relative humidity and 0.143 m/s for wind speed, and 29.482ºC for MRT. The average value of PMV is 1.615. The thermal comfort value, based on the average of PPS*(PMV) calculation for three days observation is 0.130 and it is the neutral condition. This means the room is comfort for the users and it is mainly because  of the windows, sun shading, and the building materials which support the natural air ventilation of the school Kenyamanan termal merupakan salah satu aspek penting untuk memastikan suatu bangunan dapat memberikan kenyamanan bagi penggunanya. Bangunan sekolah, seperti Sekolah Bina Mulia Pontianak merupakan bangunan pendidikan yang digunakan kurang lebih delapan jam dalam satu hari. Ruang guru pada sekolah Bina Mulia, yang terletak pada lantai empat masih menggunakan sistem ventilasi udara alami sementara ruangan lain menggunakan sistem penghawaan mekanikal. Kenyamanan termal pada ruangan tentu sangat tergantung pada Keadaan lingkungan. Karena posisinya yang cukup tinggi, pergerakan udara pada ruangan juga lebih bebas. Artinya, aplikasi ventilasi udara alami sangat memungkinkan. Nilai temperatur udara rata-rata pada ruangan adalah 29,599 ºC, kelembaban 71,216%, kecepatan udara 0,143 m/det dan nilai temperatur radiasi 29,482ºC. Nilai PMV rata-rata pada ruangan adalah 1,615. Nilai PPS*(PMV) rata-rata pada ruangan tersebut dalam tiga hari pengamatan adalah 0,130 dan merupakan kondisi netral. Ini artinya ruangan tersebut nyaman bagi penggunanya, yang pada dasarnya dikarenakan sistem jendela, pelindung matahari, dan material bangunan dapat mendukung ventilasi udara alami pada bangunan
TIPOLOGI ARSITEKTUR TRADISIONAL MAMASA, SULAWESI BARAT
Authors: Mithen ,
Published: August 2017

Mamasa merupakan salah satu kabupaten di Provinsi Sulawesi Barat yang mempunyai budaya lokal tersendiri, dan permukimannya masih ada yang mempertahankan iklim tradisional. Hingga saat ini, populasi arsitektur tradisional Mamasa masih terdapat di 7 kecamatan, terdiri atas 30 situs kampung tradisional dengan kondisi yang semakin berkurang. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui tipologi rumah tradisional Mamasa sebagai upaya inventarisasi dan dokumentasi arsitektur tradisional Mamasa. Metode penelitian dilakukan secara kualitatif-eksploratif melalui survei dan observasi ke situs-situs populasi arsitektur tradisional yang masih ada di beberapa perkampungan, serta melakukan wawancara kepada orang-orang tua yang masih mengetahui seluk-beluk rumah tradisional. Teknik analisis data dilakukan secara tipologi dengan cara membandingkan hasil wawancara dengan responden serta penelitian sebelumnya. Produk pengumpulan data berupa hasil wawancara serta foto-foto lapangan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa ada lima jenis tipologi rumah tradisional Mamasa, terdiri atas: 1) banua longkarrin (rumah sederhana), 2) banua rapa’ (rumah yang berwarna alami), 3) banua disussuk (rumah yang diukir khusus), 4) banua bolong (rumah yang berwarna hitam), dan 5) banua sura’ (rumah ukir). Mamasa is one of a regency in West Sulawesi Province, which has a special local culture and part of the settlements were still maintain their traditional scene. Presently, the number of Mamasa traditional buildings is still exist in 7 districts, consist of 30 traditional village sites, but continue decreasing. This research aimed to find out the tipology of Mamasa traditional houses for inventory and documentation of Mamasa traditional architecture. This research was performed by qualitative-explorative technique through survey and observation at the site. Subsequently, this research carried out interview to the respondents which still have information about Mamasa traditional houses. Analysis was performed by making building typology, by comparing interview result and previous research. Product of data collection are interview transcripts  and  site images.  Findings  indicates  that there are five tipology  of Mamasa traditional houses, which are: 1) banua longkarrin (Simple house);  (natural colour house) 3) banua disussuk (Special carving house) 4) banua bolong; (black house); banua sura (Carving house)
POLA PEMANFAATAN RUANG PADA SELAMATAN DESA DI PERMUKIMAN PERKOTAAN, STUDI KASUS: SELAMATAN DESA RW IV KELURAHAN JAJAR TUNGGAL SURABAYA
Authors: Astari Dahlia , Nugroho Agung Murti
Published: August 2017

Selamatan desa adalah ritual yang bertujuan untuk mengucapkan rasa syukur atas panen yang melimpah dan menghindarkan diri dari mara bahaya. Di beberapa daerah di Kota Surabaya masih melaksanakan tradisi tersebut terutama di daerah pertanian. Meskipun demikian, RW IV Kelurahan Jajar Tunggal masih mempertahankan tradisi tersebut meskipun kondisi permukiman berada di wilayah padat perkotaan dengan penduduk yang mayoritas beragama Islam dan bekerja di sektor swasta dan bekerja sebagai tukang. Oleh karena itu, penelitian ini ingin mengetahui pola pemanfaatan ruang yang terjadi pada pelaksanaan selamatan desa dengan memanfaatkan jalan utama untuk melaksanakan tradisi tersebut. Metode yang digunakan adalah deskriptif kualitatif dengan pendekatan behavior mapping dengan pemetaan perilaku yaitu place centered maps. Hasil dari penelitian ini adalah bahwa pola pemanfaatan ruang di jalan utama kampung berbentuk menyebar dan mengelompok di daerah yang rindang dan dekat dengan warung/toko. Sedangkan pada saat selamatan desa, pusat aktivitas terjadi hampir di sepanjang jalan utama kampung Selamatan desa is a ritual that aims to create a sense of gratitude for a bountiful harvest and refrain from danger. In some areas in the city of Surabaya still  performs  this tradition, especially in the areas that still have agricultural land. However, RW IV Kelurahan Jajar Tunggal still performs this tradition even though the conditions in the settlements located in the dense urban area with a  Muslim  majority society and livelihood as private sector employees and craftmans. Therefore, this study wants to know the pattern of utilization of space that occurs in Selamatan desa that using the main street for the tradition. The Method used is descriptive qualitative with environment behavior study approach with behavior mapping by place centered maps. The results of this study indicate that the pattern of use of the street in everyday activities shaped with spread and clustered form in an area close to stall or shady areas. While at Selamatan desa, the concentration of activity spread all along the main street
S, M, L, XL: SEBUAH PANDANGAN PERALIHAN MODERN URBANISME MENUJU POSTMODERN URBANISME
Authors: Affrilyno ,
Published: August 2017

Teori Bigness yang digulirkan Rem Koolhaas merupakan teori yang menurut Rem Koolhaas mampu menghasilkan logika sendiri. Sekalipun teori ini dianggap sebagai bentuk yang berbeda dalam wacana arsitektur, namun keberadaannya memiliki pertumbuhan tersendiri. Ihwal teori ini berakar pada tatanan program Manhattanism yang ditulis Rem Koolhaas pada bukunya, Delirious New York (1978). Pada buku selanjutnya, S, M, L, XL (1995), Rem Koolhaas secara lebih terperinci memberikan implementasi aktual dari Manhattanism melalui berbagai proyek yang terealisasi maupun tidak terealisasi beserta tulisan-tulisan yang melingkupinya. Melalui karya tekstualnya, Rem Koolhaas telah mengembangkan pendekatan yang spesifik terhadap urbanisme dan arsitektur. Terkait problematika dalam arsitektur dan urbanisme yang menggulirkan permasalahan terhadap penolakan kompleksitas, kurangnya kontrol, oposisi, kontradiksi, dan skala yang besar, Rem Koolhaas justru merangkul kondisi ini dan menyatakannya sebagai titik awal untuk proyek-proyek mereka. Dalam konteks urban secara spesifik, Rem Koolhaas menyatakan permasalahan urban tidak lagi dapat dikendalikan dengan cara 'klasik' Modernisme. Permasalahan yang ada selanjutnya berfungsi sebagai sarana struktural untuk mengakomodasi permasalahan yang tidak dapat dikontrol. Isu-isu ini selanjutnya berperan sebagai instrumen baru dalam tatanan urbanisme dan arsitektur Theory of Bigness as Koolhaas refers to it generates its own logic. Although the concept suffers from neglect in architectural discourse, it has prospered on its own. The program for Manhattanism has been established in 'Delirious New York' (1978). Furthermore, in the next book, S, M, L, XL (1995), Rem Koolhaas gives a record of the actual implementation of Manhattanism throughout the various (un)realized projects and texts. Through his books, Rem Koolhaas has developed a very specific approach towards urbanism and architecture. Related to the scope of the problems in architecture and urbanism like instead of denial of complexity, lack of control, opposition, contradiction, and bigness, Koolhaas embrace these conditions and declare them as the starting point for their projects. The urban context specifically, Koolhaas stated, no longer can be controlled in the 'classical' manner of Modernism. These issues serve as the structural means to accommodate what cannot be controlled. They are the new instruments of urbanism and architecture.
POLA PERMUKIMAN TEPIAN AIR, STUDI KASUS: DESA SEPUK LAUT, PUNGUR BESAR DAN TANJUNG SALEH KECAMATAN SUNGAI KAKAP, KABUPATEN KUBU RAYA
Authors: Putro Jawas Dwijo , Nurhamsyah M
Published: August 2017

Proses terbentuknya lingkungan permukiman dimungkinkan karena adanya proses penciptaan lingkungan hunian sebagai wadah fungsional yang menampung segala kebutuhan manusia dan dilandasi oleh pola aktifitas serta merupakan hasil interaksi antara manusia atau kelompok masyarakat dengan setting (rona lingkungan) baik bersifat fisik maupun non fisik (sosial budaya). Manusia dalam menempati lingkungan huniannya disesuaikan dengan preferensi lingkungan yang menyangkut pemahaman karakteristik alam dan manusia serta hubungan timbal baliknya. Penyesuaian ini memunculkan konsep bermukim yang memperlihatkan cara masyarakat beradaptasi dengan lingkungan dan membentuk pola permukiman. Seperti halnya yang dibahas dalam penelitian ini dengan mengambil kasus masyarakat di tiga desa yaitu ; Desa Sepuk Laut, Desa Tanjung Saleh, dan Desa Punggur Besar Kecamatan Sungai Kakap Kabupaten Kubu Raya, yang beradaptasi dengan lingkungan dan membentuk pola pemukiman pada kawasan tepian air. Hasil penelitian ini memperlihatkan bahwa pola permukiman yang terbentuk pada tiga desa diatas mengacu pada tahapan perkembangan kawasan pinggiran sungai atau air, struktur pola permukiman kawasan yang linier, orientasi kearah tepian air, kepadatan dan kualitas bangunan, serta topografi tepian air The process of settlements formation was possibly made by the process of creating dwelling environment as a functional space that accommodate all human needs, These condition are based on the patterns of activity and interaction between people or society with the their environmen setting; both physical and non-physical (social and cultural). In occupied their environment, humans are adapt  to the  environment  preferences  concerning their understanding  to  the natural  characteristics  and  vice-versa.  This adaptation  led to  the concept of  living  that shows  how  people adapt  to the environment  and  creating  their settlement patterns. This study used case study from three villages, namely; Sepuk Laut village, Tanjung Saleh village, and Punggur Besar  village of Sungai Kakap Sub-district, Kubu Raya Regency, which adapt to the environment and form a pattern of settlement in the waterfront areas. The results of this study shown that the settlement pattern formed based on the stage of development of the river and waterfront areas. Besides, it also found that the structure of the settlement is in linear patterns, orientation to the water, the density and quality of the buildings, and the topography of the waterfront.
TIPE SETTING TERITORI TERAS AKIBAT AKTIVITAS TAMBAHAN PENGHUNI DI PERMUKIMAN PESISIR SUNGAI KAPUAS
Authors: Nurhamsyah Muhammad , Saputro Nicko Maindra
Published: August 2017

Teras merupakan ruang tambahan yang berfungsi untuk mewadahi aktivitas tambahanpenghuni rumah. Teras juga berperan sebagai ruang transisi yang bersifat publik. Pemakaianteras yang fleksibel merupakan salah satu alasan terbentuknya teras. Teritori teras dapattercipta dari pola perilaku penghuni yang melakukan kegiatan di teras yang berulang dankonstan. Lokasi penelitian berada di daerah pesisir kampung Bansir Laut, KecamatanPontianak tenggara, Kalimantan Barat. Topologi permukiman kampung Bansir yangmerupakan permukiman pinggiran sungai memiliki karakter permukiman yang dibangundiatas air. Teritori yang tidak jelas karena rumah yang didirikan berada diatas air merupakanalasan pemilik rumah membentuk suatu penanda atau batasan teritori rumahnya. Berdasarkanalasan tersebut dibentuklah teritori teras yang disesuaikan dengan kebutuhan dan mendukungaktivitas dalam teras. Permukiman kampung Bansir yang merupakan permukiman multi etnisdan berada di pesisir sungai, meciptakan pola perilaku yang khas dan dipengaruhi olehkeberadaan sungai Kapuas. Sehingga menciptakan karakteristik setting-setting tipe teras yangsama, namun memiliki fungsi teras yang berbeda. Penelitian ini hanya membahas khususterciptanya setting teritori teras yang dipengaruhi kebiasaan atau perilaku pemilik rumah danperuntukan teras sebagai ruang aktivitas tambahan. Dari hasil penelitian ini menghasilkandata mengenai karakteristik tipe setting teritori teras di pesisir sungai kampung Bansir The terrace is an additional space that serves to accommodate the additional residents. A flexible use of the terrace is one of the reasons for the formation of terraces. Territory patio can be created from the occupant behavior patterns that have activities in the patio repetitive and constant. The research location is at Bansir Laut village, sub-district of southeast Pontianak, West Kalimantan. Bansir village settlements topology which is a riverside settlement has the character of settlements built on the water. Territories that are not clearly established because the house is above the water is the reason homeowners form a boundary marker or their home territory. Based on these reasons, established territory of terrace tailored to the needs and support the activities of the terrace. Thus, creating the same characteristic of the porch/terrace setting, with a different function. This research only discusses the creation of setting that influenced by the habits or behaviors from the homeowners and the allocation of the terrace as an additional activity space. From the results of this study, it generates data on the characteristics of the territory setting type of the terraces at the river Bansir village
Masson’s tumor of the pineal region: case report
Authors: Charalambous Lefko T. , Penumaka Anirudh , Komisarow Jordan M. , Hemmerich Amanda C. , Cummings Thomas J. , Codd Patrick J. , Friedman Allan H.
Published: August 2017

Intracranial intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia (IPEH), also referred to as Masson’s tumor, is a condition that rarely occurs in the nervous system. IPEH most frequently occurs extracranially in the skin of the face, skull, neck, and trunk and can easily be mistaken clinically, radiologically, and histologically for angiosarcoma, organizing hematoma, or other vascular malformations. IPEH accounts for roughly 2% of all vascular tumors and is extremely rare intracranially, with only 23 reported cases compared with more than 300 cases of IPEH occurring in the skin and subcutaneous tissue. To date, it has never been reported to occur in the pineal region. The authors report the case of a patient with an IPEH in the pineal region who underwent complex resection and experienced reversal of neurological symptoms.
Turing Machines with One-sided Advice and Acceptance of the co-RE Languages
Authors: van Leeuwen Jan , Wiedermann Jiří
Published: August 2017

We resolve an old problem, namely to design a ‘natural’ machine model for accepting the complements of recursively enumerable languages. The model we present is based on non-deterministic Turing machines with ‘one-sided’ advice. We prove that these machines precisely accept the co-RE languages, without restriction on the advice functions that are used. We show that for accepting a co-RE language, one-sided advice is as powerful as arbitrary advice, but also that linearly bounded one-sided advice is sufficient. However, ‘long’ sublinear advice can make Turing machines with one-sided advice accept more co-RE languages than ‘short’ sublinear advice. We prove that infinite proper hierarchies of language classes inside co-RE can be devised, using suitable increasing sequences of bounding functions for the allowed advice. The machine model and the results dualize for the family of recursively enumerable languages.
GBA-Associated Parkinson’s Disease: Progression in a Deep Brain Stimulation Cohort
Authors: Lythe Vanessa , Athauda Dilan , Foley Jennifer , Mencacci Niccolò E. , Jahanshahi Marjan , Cipolotti Lisa , Hyam Jonathan , Zrinzo Ludvic , Hariz Marwan , Hardy John , Limousin Patricia , Foltynie Tom
Published: August 2017

Background:

Recent evidence suggests that glucosidase beta acid ( GBA) mutations predispose Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients to a greater burden of cognitive impairment and non-motor symptoms. This emerging knowledge has not yet been considered in patients who have undergone deep brain stimulation (DBS); a surgery that is generally contraindicated in those with cognitive deficits.

Objective:

To explore the long-term phenotypic progression of GBA-associated PD, in a DBS cohort.

Methods:

Thirty-four PD patients who had undergone DBS surgery between 2002 and 2011 were included in this study; 17 patients with GBA mutations were matched to 17 non-carriers. Clinical evaluation involved the administration of four assessments: The Mattis Dementia Rating Scale was used to assess cognitive function; non-motor symptoms were assessed using the Non-Motor Symptom Assessment Scale for PD; quality of life was measured using the Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire; and motor symptoms were evaluated using part III of the Movement Disorders Society Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale, in on-medication/on-stimulation conditions. Levodopa equivalent doses (LED) and DBS settings were compared with clinical outcomes.

Results:

At a mean follow-up of 7.5 years after DBS, cognitive impairment was more prevalent (70% vs 19%) and more severe in GBA mutation carriers compared to non-carriers (60% vs 6% were severely impaired). Non-motor symptoms were also more severe and quality of life more impaired in GBA-associated PD. Motor symptoms, LED, and stimulation settings were not significantly different between groups at follow-up.

Conclusions:

GBA status appears to be an important predictor for non-motor symptom disease progression, after deep brain stimulation surgery.
The Influence of Ethnic and Mainstream Cultures on African Americans’ Health Behaviors: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Swierad Ewelina , Vartanian Lenny , King Marlee
Published: August 2017

Background: Culture plays an important role in shaping individuals’ health behaviors. This qualitative research examines the relationship between African Americans’ ethnic and mainstream cultures and their health behaviors (i.e., food intake and physical activity). Methods: This study used in-depth semi-structured interview format with a group of 25 African Americans to examine the influence of ethnic and mainstream culture on African Americans’ food intake and physical activity. Thematic analysis was used to identify common themes and patterns related to African Americans’ health behaviors as well as to report these patterns within data. Results: The present study found that African Americans position both their ethnic and mainstream culture as important influences on their health behaviors pertaining to food intake and physical activity. Most participants reported taking advantage of “the best of both worlds” by engaging in picking and choosing healthy behaviors from both cultures to which they belong, and they perceived preparing healthy makeovers as a way to optimize their health. They also identified a range of practical considerations that can facilitate or hinder engagement in healthy eating and physical activity (e.g., affordability, social support). Participants discussed a number of other positive (e.g., resilience, spirituality) and negative (e.g., experience of discrimination) influences on health behaviors. Conclusions: African Americans consider both their ethnic and mainstream cultures important in shaping their health behaviors. These cultural influences need to be understood in the context of other psycho-socio-environmental factors that affect individuals’ health behaviors. The current study has practical implications for designing health promotion programs for African Americans.
Smart Integrated Renewable Energy Systems (SIRES): A Novel Approach for Sustainable Development
Authors: Maheshwari Zeel , Ramakumar Rama
Published: August 2017

Technical and economic aspects of the viability of SIRES (Smart Integrated Renewable Energy Systems) for sustainable development of remote and rural areas of the world are discussed. The hallmark of the proposed SIRES is the smart utilization of several renewable resources in an integrated fashion and matching of resources and needs a priori with the ultimate goal of “energization”, not just “electrification”. Historical background leading to this approach is succinctly presented along with a comprehensive schematic diagram. Modeling of various components and their collective use in optimizing SIRES with the aid of genetic algorithm are presented using a typical hypothetical example. SIRES is also compared with various approaches for rural development based on Annualized Cost of System (ACS) and installation costs. Implementation of SIRES will lead to overall sustainable development of rural communities.
Species Diversity, Stand Structure, and Species Distribution across a Precipitation Gradient in Tropical Forests in Myanmar
Authors: Khaine Inkyin , Woo Su Young , Kang Hoduck , Kwak MyeongJa , Je Sun Mi , You Hana , Lee Taeyoon , Jang Jihwi , Lee Hyun Kyung , Lee Euddeum , Yang Li , Kim Haenaem , Lee Jong Kyu , Kim Jieun
Published: August 2017

An understanding of how species diversity, structural pattern, and species distribution vary across different environmental regions is crucially important for tropical ecology. In this study, we explored how these ecological parameters vary across various rainfall regions in the tropics with annual rainfall levels ranging from 843 to 2035 mm. Diversity, similarity, structure, and forest classification, and their correspondence with rainfall regions were tested. We found that species diversity, site class, and structural complexity increased with rainfall, with differences of 1000 mm having significant effects on diversity. The structure and heterogeneity of forests were higher in the high rainfall regions than the low rainfall regions. The forest structure was significantly correlated with rainfall, and the structure differed substantially where annual rainfall differed among sites by approximately 200 or 400 mm. Forests could be classified into two types according to whether they had high annual rainfall (1411–2035 mm) or low annual rainfall (843–1029 mm). In addition, the dominance of species changed noticeably from high- to low-rainfall regions, with Tectona hamiltoniana and Terminalia oliveri only being abundant in the low rainfall region. Species diversity and richness were significantly correlated with rainfall and average temperature. These findings will provide invaluable information for forest management and ecological phytogeography.
Using Jazz as a Metaphor to Teach Improvisational Communication Skills
Authors: Haidet Paul , Jarecke Jodi , Yang Chengwu , Teal Cayla , Street Richard , Stuckey Heather
Published: August 2017

Metaphor helps humans understand complex concepts by “mapping” them onto accessible concepts. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of using jazz as a metaphor to teach senior medical students improvisational communication skills, and to understand student learning experiences. The authors designed a month-long course that used jazz to teach improvisational communication. A sample of fourth-year medical students (N = 30) completed the course between 2011 and 2014. Evaluation consisted of quantitative and qualitative data collected pre- and post-course, with comparison to a concurrent control group on some measures. Measures included: (a) Student self-reports of knowledge and ability performing communicative tasks; (b) blinded standardized patient assessment of students’ adaptability and quality of listening; and (c) qualitative course evaluation data and open-ended interviews with course students. Compared to control students, course students demonstrated statistically significant and educationally meaningful gains in adaptability and listening behaviors. Students’ course experiences suggested that the jazz components led to high engagement and creativity, and provided a model to guide application of improvisational concepts to their own communication behaviors. Metaphor proved to be a powerful tool in this study, partly through enabling increased reflection and decreased resistance to behaviors that, on the surface, tended to run counter to generally accepted norms. The use of jazz as a metaphor to teach improvisational communication warrants further refinement and investigation.
Anti-Atherosclerotic Action of Agmatine in ApoE-Knockout Mice
Authors: Wiśniewska Anna , Olszanecki Rafał , Totoń-Żurańska Justyna , Kuś Katarzyna , Stachowicz Aneta , Suski Maciej , Gębska Anna , Gajda Mariusz , Jawień Jacek , Korbut Ryszard
Published: August 2017

Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease in which dysfunction of mitochondria play an important role, and disorders of lipid management intensify this process. Agmatine, an endogenous polyamine formed by decarboxylation of arginine, exerts a protective effect on mitochondria and modulates fatty acid metabolism. We investigated the effect of exogenous agmatine on the development of atherosclerosis and changes in lipid profile in apolipoprotein E knockout (apoE-/-) mice. Agmatine caused an approximate 40% decrease of atherosclerotic lesions, as estimated by en face and cross-section methods with an influence on macrophage but not on smooth muscle content in the plaques. Agmatine treatment did not changed gelatinase activity within the plaque area. What is more, the action of agmatine was associated with an increase in the number of high density lipoproteins (HDL) in blood. Real-Time PCR analysis showed that agmatine modulates liver mRNA levels of many factors involved in oxidation of fatty acid and cholesterol biosynthesis. Two-dimensional electrophoresis coupled with mass spectrometry identified 27 differentially expressed mitochondrial proteins upon agmatine treatment in the liver of apoE-/- mice, mostly proteins related to metabolism and apoptosis. In conclusion, prolonged administration of agmatine inhibits atherosclerosis in apoE-/- mice; however, the exact mechanisms linking observed changes and elevations of HDL plasma require further investigation.
Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Inducer Tunicamycin Alters Hepatic Energy Homeostasis in Mice
Authors: Feng Bin , Huang Xiaohua , Jiang Dandan , Hua Lun , Zhuo Yong , Wu De
Published: August 2017

Disorders of hepatic energy metabolism, which can be regulated by endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, lead to metabolic diseases such as hepatic steatosis and hypoglycemia. Tunicamycin, a pharmacological ER stress inducer, is used to develop an anti-cancer drug. However, the effects of tunicamycin on hepatic energy metabolism have not been well elucidated. Mice were intraperitoneally injected with tunicamycin or vehicle. Twenty-four hours later, hepatic triglyceride and glycogen content and serum lipids profiles were analyzed, as well as the expression of lipogenic and gluconeogenic genes. Tunicamycin significantly induced hepatic a yellowish color and ER stress, as well as increasing serum levels of aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase. Besides, tunicamycin remarkably increased hepatic triglyceride content and suppressed the expression of apolipoprotein B100. In addition, tunicamycin-treated mice had lower serum levels of triglyceride, apolipoprotein B, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Gene expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α was decreased by tunicamycin, but the protein level was increased. Furthermore, blood glucose level and hepatic glycogen content were decreased in tunicamycin-treated mice. Protein kinase B signaling was attenuated in the tunicamycin-treated liver, but the expression and activities of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and glucose-6-phosphatase were unchanged. Tunicamycin alters hepatic energy homeostasis by increasing triglyceride accumulation and decreasing glycogen content.
Bee (Hymenoptera: Apoidea) Diversity and Sampling Methodology in a Midwestern USA Deciduous Forest
Authors: McCravy Kenneth , Ruholl Jared
Published: August 2017

Forests provide potentially important bee habitat, but little research has been done on forest bee diversity and the relative effectiveness of bee sampling methods in this environment. Bee diversity and sampling methodology were studied in an Illinois, USA upland oak-hickory forest using elevated and ground-level pan traps, malaise traps, and vane traps. 854 bees and 55 bee species were collected. Elevated pan traps collected the greatest number of bees (473), but ground-level pan traps collected greater species diversity (based on Simpson’s diversity index) than did elevated pan traps. Elevated and ground-level pan traps collected the greatest bee species richness, with 43 and 39 species, respectively. An estimated sample size increase of over 18-fold would be required to approach minimum asymptotic richness using ground-level pan traps. Among pan trap colors/elevations, elevated yellow pan traps collected the greatest number of bees (266) but the lowest diversity. Malaise traps were relatively ineffective, collecting only 17 bees. Vane traps collected relatively low species richness (14 species), and Chao1 and abundance coverage estimators suggested that minimum asymptotic species richness was approached for that method. Bee species composition differed significantly between elevated pan traps, ground-level pan traps, and vane traps. Indicator species were significantly associated with each of these trap types, as well as with particular pan trap colors/elevations. These results indicate that Midwestern deciduous forests provide important bee habitat, and that the performance of common bee sampling methods varies substantially in this environment.
Anti-Coagulant and Anti-Thrombotic Properties of Blacklip Abalone (Haliotis rubra): In Vitro and Animal Studies
Authors: Suleria Hafiz , Masci Paul , Zhao Kong-Nan , Addepalli Rama , Chen Wei , Osborne Simone , Gobe Glenda
Published: August 2017

Sulphated polysaccharides with anti-thrombotic and anti-coagulant activities have been found in various marine biota. In this study, a previously characterised anti-thrombotic and anti-coagulant extract from blacklip abalone was fractionated by anion exchange chromatography (AEC), pooled (on a sulphated polysaccharide basis) and administered to Wistar rats via oral gavage (N = 8) for assessment as an oral therapeutic. To ensure that the preparation had anti-coagulant activity prior to oral administration, it was assessed in rat blood by thromboelastography (TEG) significantly increasing reaction (R) time (or time until clot formation). Following in vitro confirmation of anti-coagulant activity, 40 mg of the preparation was orally administered to rats with blood samples collected at 2, 4, and 6 h post-gavage. Assessment of all blood samples by TEG showed some prolongation of R time from 355 to 380 s after 4 h. Dosing of the post-gavage blood samples with the abalone preparation to confirm anti-thrombotic activity in vitro revealed residual anti-coagulant activity, further suggesting that oral administration did increase anti-coagulant potential in the collected blood but that bioavailability was low. Assessment of tissues and haematological parameters showed no obvious harmful effects of the abalone preparation in animals. In summary, even though oral administration of fractionated and pooled blacklip abalone extract to rats delayed clotting after 4 h, bioavailability of the preparation appeared to be low and may be more appropriate for intravenous administration as an anti-thrombotic or anti-coagulant therapeutic.
Utilization of the MgO-Rich Residue Originated from Ludwigite Ore: Hydrothermal Synthesis of MHSH Whiskers
Authors: Li Guanghui , Fang Li , Zhang Xin , Liang Binjun , Rao Mingjun , Peng Zhiwei , Jiang Tao
Published: August 2017

In this work, from the MgO-enriched residue originated from ludwigite ore, value-added magnesium hydroxide sulfate hydrate (MHSH) whiskers were prepared via sulfuric acid leaching and leachate purification, followed by hydrothermal synthesis. During sulfuric acid leaching, 98.2% magnesium and 99.6% silica were removed under the optimal leaching conditions: sulfuric acid concentration of 40%, leaching temperature of 80 °C, leaching time of 90 min, and liquid to solid ratio of 4 mL/g. After purification of the acidic leachate via oxidation and precipitation to remove impurities including iron and aluminum, the Mg2+-rich solution was used to prepare magnesium hydroxide sulfate hydrate whiskers (5Mg(OH)2·MgSO4·2H2O, abbreviated as 512MHSH) via hydrothermal synthesis. Finally, 512MHSH whiskers were obtained with 30–100 μm in length, 0.5–1.0 μm in diameter and aspect ratio of approximately 100. The physicochemical characteristics of whiskers were further characterized by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Thermogravimetry-Differential Scanning Calorimetry (TG-DSC).
An Efficient Synthesis of Spiro[indoline-3,9′-xanthene]trione Derivatives Catalyzed by Magnesium Perchlorate
Authors: Chen Chunfeng , Lv Chunlei , Liang Jianfeng , Jin Jianqing , Wang Lijun , Wu Chunlei , Shen Runpu
Published: August 2017

A simple and efficient method for the synthesis of spiro[indoline-3,9′-xanthene]trione derivatives by means of condensation between isatins and 1,3-cyclohexanedione in the presence of a catalytic amount of magnesium perchlorate at 80 °C in 50% aqueous ethanol medium has been described. Notably, the present method offers desirable advantages of good yields, simplicity of workup procedure, easy purification, and reduced reaction times.
Five New Phenolic Compounds with Antioxidant Activities from the Medicinal Insect Blaps rynchopetera
Authors: Xiao Huai , Yin Tian-Peng , Dong Jian-Wei , Wu Xiu-Mei , Luo Qing , Luo Jian-Rong , Cai Le , Ding Zhong-Tao
Published: August 2017

Five new phenolic compounds rynchopeterines A–E (1–5), in addition to thirteen known phenolics, were isolated from Blaps rynchopetera Fairmaire, a kind of medicinal insect utilized by the Yi Nationality in Yunnan Province of China. Their structures were established on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analyses (1D and 2D NMR, HR-MS, IR) along with calculated electronic circular dichroism method. Rynchopeterines A–E (1–4) exhibited significant antioxidant activities with IC50 values of 7.67–12.3 μg/mL measured by the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Besides, rynchopeterines B (2) and C (3) showed mild cytotoxicity against tumor cell Caco-2 and A549.
Food Processing: The Influence of the Maillard Reaction on Immunogenicity and Allergenicity of Food Proteins
Authors: Teodorowicz Malgorzata , Van Neerven Joost , Savelkoul Huub
Published: August 2017

The majority of foods that are consumed in our developed society have been processed. Processing promotes a non-enzymatic reaction between proteins and sugars, the Maillard reaction (MR). Maillard reaction products (MRPs) contribute to the taste, smell and color of many food products, and thus influence consumers’ choices. However, in recent years, MRPs have been linked to the increasing prevalence of diet- and inflammation-related non-communicable diseases including food allergy. Although during the last years a better understanding of immunogenicity of MRPs has been achieved, still only little is known about the structural/chemical characteristics predisposing MRPs to interact with antigen presenting cells (APCs). This report provides a comprehensive review of recent studies on the influence of the Maillard reaction on the immunogenicity and allergenicity of food proteins.
Health Effects of Carotenoids during Pregnancy and Lactation
Authors: Zielińska Monika , Wesołowska Aleksandra , Pawlus Beata , Hamułka Jadwiga
Published: August 2017

Adequate nutrition is particularly important during pregnancy since it is needed not only for maintaining the health of the mother, but also determines the course of pregnancy and its outcome, fetus development as well as the child’s health after birth and during the later period of life. Data coming from epidemiological and interventions studies support the observation that carotenoids intake provide positive health effects in adults and the elderly population. These health effects are the result of their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Recent studies have also demonstrated the significant role of carotenoids during pregnancy and infancy. Some studies indicate a correlation between carotenoid status and lower risk of pregnancy pathologies induced by intensified oxidative stress, but results of these investigations are equivocal. Carotenoids have been well studied in relation to their beneficial role in the prevention of preeclampsia. It is currently hypothesized that carotenoids can play an important role in the prevention of preterm birth and intrauterine growth restriction. Carotenoid status in the newborn depends on the nutritional status of the mother, but little is known about the transfer of carotenoids from the mother to the fetus. Carotenoids are among the few nutrients found in breast milk, in which the levels are determined by the mother’s diet. Nutritional status of the newborn directly depends on its diet. Both mix feeding and artificial feeding may cause depletion of carotenoids since infant formulas contain only trace amounts of these compounds. Carotenoids, particularly lutein and zeaxanthin play a significant role in the development of vision and nervous system (among others, they are important for the development of retina as well as energy metabolism and brain electrical activity). Furthermore, more scientific evidence is emerging on the role of carotenoids in the prevention of disorders affecting preterm infants, who are susceptible to oxidative stress, particularly retinopathy of prematurity.
Theoretical Study on Decomposition Mechanism of Insulating Epoxy Resin Cured by Anhydride
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxing , Wu Yunjian , Chen Xiaoyu , Wen Hao , Xiao Song
Published: August 2017

High temperatures caused by partial discharge results in the decomposition of insulating epoxy resins in electrical equipment. In this paper, the ReaxFF force field is used to investigate the decomposition process of epoxy resins cured by anhydride and the formation mechanisms of small-molecule gases. Results show that the initiation reaction is the cleavage of an ester bond linked with an epoxy resin. Produced by the decomposition of ester groups, CO2 is the first and most abundant product. Meanwhile, CH2O can be generated through three main ways, although the process still depends on the decomposition of epoxy functional groups. H2O is produced by free radical collision and dehydration. The production of small-molecule gases has the following sequence: CO2, CH2O, CO, and H2O. The produced gases have the following order according to amount: CO2, CH2O, H2O, and CO.
Crosslinked Polyarylene Ether Nitrile Interpenetrating with Zinc Ion Bridged Graphene Sheet and Carbon Nanotube Network
Authors: Wei Renbo , Wang Jialing , Zhang Hongxing , Han Weihua , Liu Xiaobo
Published: August 2017

We report the fabrication and improved properties of crosslinked polyarylene ether nitrile (CPEN) interpenetrating with a zinc ion bridged graphene sheet (GS) and carbon nanotube (CNT) network (GS-Zn-CNT) (CPEN/GS-Zn-CNT). Graphene oxide (GO) and acidulated CNT were firstly prepared and then coordinated with zinc ions to form the zinc ion bridged GO and CNT network (GO-Zn-CNT). The mass ratio of GO and acidulated CNT in GO-Zn-CNT was controlled to be 1:3 and the optimized content of Zn2+ was Zn2+/C = 0.01 mmol/mg (mole of zinc acetate/total weight of GO and acidulated CNT). Phthalonitrile end-capped polyarylene ether nitrile (PEN-Ph) permeated into the GO-Zn-CNT in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) and the corresponding composite PEN/GO-Zn-CNT was fabricated through the solution-casting method. After thermal annealing at 230 °C for 1 h and further curing at 320 °C for 2 h, the GO in GO-Zn-CNT was partly reduced into GS, and PEN-Ph was crosslinked, offering the CPEN/GS-Zn-CNT. The mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of the obtained CPEN/GS-Zn-CNT were investigated in detail. The glass transition temperature, relative permittivity, and tensile strength of CPEN/GS-Zn-CNT with 2.0 wt % GS-Zn-CNT, compared to that of PEN, were increased by 18%, 181%, and 27%, respectively. The CPEN/GS-Zn-CNT based composite is a potential candidate as material in high performance electronic devices.
Adaptive Indoor Positioning Model Based on WLAN-Fingerprinting for Dynamic and Multi-Floor Environments
Authors: Alshami Iyad , Ahmad Noor , Sahibuddin Shamsul , Firdaus Firdaus
Published: August 2017

The Global Positioning System demonstrates the significance of Location Based Services but it cannot be used indoors due to the lack of line of sight between satellites and receivers. Indoor Positioning Systems are needed to provide indoor Location Based Services. Wireless LAN fingerprints are one of the best choices for Indoor Positioning Systems because of their low cost, and high accuracy, however they have many drawbacks: creating radio maps is time consuming, the radio maps will become outdated with any environmental change, different mobile devices read the received signal strength (RSS) differently, and peoples’ presence in LOS between access points and mobile device affects the RSS. This research proposes a new Adaptive Indoor Positioning System model (called DIPS) based on: a dynamic radio map generator, RSS certainty technique and peoples’ presence effect integration for dynamic and multi-floor environments. Dynamic in our context refers to the effects of people and device heterogeneity. DIPS can achieve 98% and 92% positioning accuracy for floor and room positioning, and it achieves 1.2 m for point positioning error. RSS certainty enhanced the positioning accuracy for floor and room for different mobile devices by 11% and 9%. Then by considering the peoples’ presence effect, the error is reduced by 0.2 m. In comparison with other works, DIPS achieves better positioning without extra devices.
RGCA: A Reliable GPU Cluster Architecture for Large-Scale Internet of Things Computing Based on Effective Performance-Energy Optimization
Authors: Fang Yuling , Chen Qingkui , Xiong Neal N. , Zhao Deyu , Wang Jingjuan
Published: August 2017

This paper aims to develop a low-cost, high-performance and high-reliability computing system to process large-scale data using common data mining algorithms in the Internet of Things (IoT) computing environment. Considering the characteristics of IoT data processing, similar to mainstream high performance computing, we use a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) cluster to achieve better IoT services. Firstly, we present an energy consumption calculation method (ECCM) based on WSNs. Then, using the CUDA (Compute Unified Device Architecture) Programming model, we propose a Two-level Parallel Optimization Model (TLPOM) which exploits reasonable resource planning and common compiler optimization techniques to obtain the best blocks and threads configuration considering the resource constraints of each node. The key to this part is dynamic coupling Thread-Level Parallelism (TLP) and Instruction-Level Parallelism (ILP) to improve the performance of the algorithms without additional energy consumption. Finally, combining the ECCM and the TLPOM, we use the Reliable GPU Cluster Architecture (RGCA) to obtain a high-reliability computing system considering the nodes’ diversity, algorithm characteristics, etc. The results show that the performance of the algorithms significantly increased by 34.1%, 33.96% and 24.07% for Fermi, Kepler and Maxwell on average with TLPOM and the RGCA ensures that our IoT computing system provides low-cost and high-reliability services.
Environmental and Socio-Economic Analysis of Naphtha Reforming Hydrogen Energy Using Input-Output Tables: A Case Study from Japan
Authors: Hienuki Shunichi
Published: August 2017

Comprehensive risk assessment across multiple fields is required to assess the potential utility of hydrogen energy technology. In this research, we analyzed environmental and socio-economic effects during the entire life cycle of a hydrogen energy system using input-output tables. The target system included hydrogen production by naphtha reforming, transportation to hydrogen stations, and FCV (Fuel Cell Vehicle) refilling. The results indicated that 31%, 44%, and 9% of the production, employment, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission effects, respectively, during the manufacturing and construction stages were temporary. During the continuous operation and maintenance stages, these values were found to be 69%, 56%, and 91%, respectively. The effect of naphtha reforming was dominant in GHG emissions and the effect of electrical power input on the entire system was significant. Production and employment had notable effects in both the direct and indirect sectors, including manufacturing (pumps, compressors, and chemical machinery) and services (equipment maintenance and trade). This study used data to introduce a life cycle perspective to environmental and socio-economic analysis of hydrogen energy systems and the results will contribute to their comprehensive risk assessment in the future.