bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Faktor yang berhubungan dengan kejadian Demam Berdarah Dengue di Kelurahan Bajo Kabupaten Luwu Tahun 2012
Authors: ISLAMIAH ISLAMIAH ISLAMIAH
Published: July 2018

Faktor yang berhubungan dengan kejadian Demam Berdarah Dengue di Kelurahan Bajo Kabupaten Luwu 2012
Performance-based Stable Matching using Gale-Shapley Algorithm
Authors: Siahaan Andysah Putera Utama
Published: July 2018

Performance is something that will be achieved at the institute. Everyone has different abilities in doing a task. Placement of an office position does not always result in satisfactory performance. Giving an assignment to people who are not qualified in their field will cause problems in the future. This problem arises from the inability of the person to overcome and complete the assignment. Position balancing is a terrible thing facing every institution. Many of the criteria that should be assessed for a person can be put in a specific position. Manual calculations will hinder the accuracy of employee placement in the company. The Gale-Shapley algorithm can solve this problem well by the expected criteria in a particular position. This algorithm determines the position of work based on the desire of the institution and the ability of the worker. The interchange between employees will occur if the weight changes. The optimal person will fill each job position in the field of work. Stable Matching will be implemented, and the institution will have qualified employees.
Inter-brain synchronization in the practice of Tibetan monastic debate
Authors: van Vugt Marieke K. , Pollock Joshua , Johnson Bryce , Gyatso Kalden , Norbu Ngawang , Lodroe Thabkhe , Gyaltsen Thupten , Aadhentsang Thokney , Thakchoe Jampa , Khechok Jampa , Gyaltsen Jampa , Moye Amir , Fresco David Marc
Published: July 2018

Objectives: Although mindfulness meditation is the familiar and researched form of mental training derived from Buddhism, it represents but one form of practice. Monastic debate is an interactive and dyadic analytical meditation practice that originates from the Tibetan Buddhist tradition where monastics seek to jointly deepen their understanding of complicated philosophical issues. To date, monastic debate and analytic meditation have yet to be examined in the context of scientific investigation. Methods: In the current study, we examined the neural correlates of this analytical meditation practice by means of hyperscanning electroencephalography, a method well-suited for examining social interactions. Results: Consistent with the idea that analytical meditation helps to train concentration, we observed that over the course of the debate, mid-frontal theta oscillations—a correlate of absorption—increased significantly. This increase was stronger for more experienced monks as compared to monks at the beginning of their education. In addition, we found evidence for increases in synchrony in frontal alpha oscillations between paired debaters during moments of agreement as compared to disagreement on a set of premises. Conclusions: Together, these findings provide an initial understanding of Tibetan monastic debate and analytical meditation using neuroscientific methods.
Empirische basis van conclusies: Handvatten voor de empirische taalonderzoeker
Authors: Eerland Anita , van den Bergh Huub
Published: July 2018

Empirically sound conclusions: A guide for language researchers Recently, there has been (and still is) a lot of discussion about the replicability of scientific findings. Hornikx and Batenburg (2016) try to explain the non- replicability in science, and discuss the situation for language research. We make the point that empirically sound conclusions will contribute to the replicability of science. In this commentary, we discuss several practices that will help the empirical language researcher to draw more solid conclusions from their data.
Psychology, Meaning Making, and the Study of Worldviews
Authors: Taves Ann , Asprem Egil , Ihm Elliott Daniel
Published: July 2018

To get beyond the solely negative identities signaled by atheism and agnosticism, we have to conceptualize an object of study that includes religions and non-religions. We advocate a shift from “religions” to “worldviews” and define worldviews in terms of the human ability to ask and reflect on “big questions” ([BQs], e.g., what exists? how should we live?). From a worldviews perspective, atheism, agnosticism, and theism are competing claims about one feature of reality and can be combined with various answers to the BQs to generate a wide range of worldviews. To lay a foundation for the multidisciplinary study of worldviews that includes psychology and other sciences, we ground them in humans’ evolved world-making capacities. Conceptualizing worldviews in this way allows us to identify, refine, and connect concepts that are appropriate to different levels of analysis. We argue that the language of enacted and articulated worldviews (for humans) and world-making and ways of life (for humans and other animals) is appropriate at the level of persons or organisms and the language of sense making, schemas, and meaning frameworks is appropriate at the cognitive level (for humans and other animals). Viewing the meaning making processes that enable humans to generate worldviews from an evolutionary perspective allows us to raise news questions for psychology with particular relevance for the study of nonreligious worldviews.
A Correlated Traits Correlated Methods Model for Thin-Slice Child Personality Assessment
Authors: Tackett Jennifer L , Lang Jonas W. B. , Markon Kristian Eric , Herzhoff Kathrin
Published: July 2018

Recent research has illustrated the utility and accuracy of a thin-slice (TS) approach to child personality assessment, whereby unacquainted observers provide personality ratings of children after exposure to brief behavioral episodes. The current study sought to expand on this approach by exploring formal multitrait-multimethod (MTMM) models for child TS data comprising ratings from a comprehensive set of TS situations. Results using data from a sample of 326 9-to-10-year-old community children indicate that a correlated traits, correlated methods (CTCM) model can be used to represent individual differences in children's behavior as manifest across different situations. Indicator variables derived from a CTCM differentially correlate with traditional parental ratings of behavior, moreover, and provide predictive and incremental validity with regard to child competencies and behavior. Results illustrate the utility of a TS approach in the assessment of childhood personality, and inform understanding of issues encountered in applying different MTMM models to these types of empirical data.
Improving the measurement of TMS-assessed voluntary activation in the knee extensors
Authors: Dekerle Jeanne , Greenhouse-Tucknott Aaron , Wrightson James Graeme , Schäfer lisa , Ansdell Paul
Published: July 2018

The present study was designed to test the accuracy, validity, reliability and sensitivity of the main outcomes of alternative methods for the measure of TMS-assessed voluntary activation (VATMS) in the knee extensors. Ten healthy recreationally active males (24 ± 5 years) completed a neuromuscular assessment protocol (NMA) before and immediately after a fatiguing isometric exercise, consisting of two sets of five contractions (50%, 62.5%, 75%, 87.5%, and 100% of Maximal Voluntary Contraction; MVC) with superimposed TMS-evoked twitches (SITs) for calculation of VATMS (1x5C vs. 2x5C). The protocol was performed on two separate occasions for the measurement of between-day reliability. Where deemed appropriate, comparisons were made with a routinely used protocol [i.e. 50%, 75%, and 100% of MVC (1x3C) performed three times (3x3C)] from re-analysed data (Dekerle et al., 2018). Confidence intervals for the measure of a key determinant of VATMS (estimated resting twitch) were similar between 1x5C and 2x5C but improved by six-fold when compared to 1x3C (P<0.05). Potentiated twitch force evoked via percutaneous electrical stimulation of the femoral nerve was unchanged from pre- to post-NMA at baseline for 1x5C (P>0.05) but decreased for 2x5C and 3x3C (P<0.05). Its recovery post-exercise was lesser for 1x5C compared to 2x5C and 3x3C (P<0.05), with no difference between the latter two (P>0.05). Absolute reliability was strong enough for both 1x5C and 2x5C to depict a true detectable change in the sample’s VATMS following the fatiguing exercise (TEM < 3% at rest, <9% post-exercise) but 2x5C was marginally more sensitive to individual’s changes at baseline. In conclusion, both 1x5C and 2x5C provide reliable measures of VATMS. However, the 1x5C protocol may hold stronger internal validity.
Neumomediastino y enfisema subcutáneo espontáneos posparto
Authors: Reyna-Villasmil Eduardo , Rondón Tapia Marta
Published: July 2018

La combinación de neumomediastino y enfisema subcutáneo espontáneo posparto es un evento muy raro, que puede ocurrir en la segunda fase del parto y los síntomas usualmente aparecen en el puerperio inmediato, presentándose como dolor torácico agudo, disnea, inflamación de cuello y enfisema subcutáneo. Es una condición benigna y los síntomas generalmente desaparecen en forma espontánea sin consecuencias a largo plazo. No obstante, estos síntomas pueden imitar condiciones fatales. La radiografía de tórax es la prueba diagnóstica más importante, aunque resultados normales no pueden excluir el diagnóstico. Se presenta un caso de primigesta de 20 años con dolor torácico pleurítico asociado a aumento de volumen en área de cara y cuello durante el puerperio inmediato. Tenía enfisema subcutáneo y neumomediastino sin compromiso cardiorrespiratorio significativo. La radiografía y tomografía computada de tórax confirmó ambos hallazgos. La paciente se recuperó con manejo conservador.
(كلام غير مباشر في سورة الكهف (دراسة تحليلية تداولية Tindak Tutur Tidak Langsung Dalam Surat Al-Kahfi (Kajian Analisis Pragmatik)
Authors: Muzakki Kholid Akhmad
Published: July 2018

Sentences by mode can be divided into three: sentence (declarative), interrogative, and command (imperative) sentences. Conventionally, declarative sentences are used if the speaker wants to declare or convey information to his or her opponent. Interrogative sentence is the sentence used if the speaker wants to get the information, the reaction or the expected answer. As for the imperative sentence, is if the speaker wants to enjoin or forbid his opponent to do something. But in pragmatic studies, there are times when the sentence is used non-conventionally. Declarative sentences, in addition to functioning to deliver the news, also enabled to ask; interrogative sentences other than enabled to ask is also enabled for the request or command. Meanwhile, the command line can only be used conventionally, and can not be used non-conventionally. When all three sentences are conventionally functioned, the speech is called direct speech act, whereas when used in a non-conventional way, it is called indirect speech act.

The use of sentences indirectly has a purpose, among others, in order to maintain politeness. A command that explanation by using the sentence news or sentence, will be felt by the opponent said lighter, even for the opponent said the command on him is not perceived as a command. In the Qur'an there are many unusually functional sentences, indicating that the Qur'an is a holy book that strongly upholds language-based pride. One of them is surah Al-Kahfi. In the surah Al-Kahfi, found some verses which are indirect speech. In Surah Al-Kahfi, the forms of indirect speech are as follows. First, Declarative texts mean imperative is found in the verse 16, 45, 52, 60 and 78. Second, Interrogative texts mean imperative is found in the verse 6, 9 and 50. Third, Interrogative texts mean declarative is found in the verses 15, 37, 57, 68, 75, 102 and 103.
Investigation of Combination Effect Between 6 MV X Ray Radiation and Polyglycerol Coated Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles on U87-MG Cancer Cells
Authors: Jafari S , Cheki M , Tavakoli M B , Zarrabi A , Ghazikhanlu Sani K , Afzalipour R
Published: July 2018

Background: Radiosensitization using nanoparticles is proposed as a novel strategy for treatment of different cancers. Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) have been reported to enhance effects of radiotherapy in several researches. The objective of this research is to investigate the radiosensitization properties of polyglycerol coated SPIONs (PG-SPIONs) on U87-MG cancer cells.Material and Methods: Polyglycerol coated SPIONs were synthesized by thermal decomposition method and characterized by FTIR, TEM and VSM analysis. Cellular uptake of nanoparticles by cells was examined via AAS. Cytotoxicity and radiosensitization of nanoparticles in combination with radiation were evaluated by MTT and colony assay, respectively.Results: Mean size of nanoparticles was 17.9±2.85 nm. FTIR verified SPIONs coating by Polyglycerol and VSM showed that they have superparamagnetic behaviour. Viability significantly (P < 0.001) decreased at concentrations above 100µg/ml for SPIONs but not for PG-SPIONs (P > 0.05). Dose verification results by TLD for doses of 2 and 4 Gy were 2±0/19 and 4±0/12 Gy respectively. The combination index for all situations was less than 1 and the effect is antagonism.Conclusion: However, PG-SPIONs combination with 6 MV X rays reduced survival of U87-MG cells compared to radiation alone but the effect is antagonism.
Editors' Note
Authors: Koff Harlan , Maganda Carmen
Published: July 2018

Since 2015, Regions & Cohesion, like many other observers of global affairs, has focused significantly on sustainable development. The passage of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) called attention to this issue. Its “transformative” or “universal” or “interconnected” perspective on development signified a paradigm shift in how we view development strategies in terms of focus, content, structure, agency, and responsibilities. Human rights were subsumed in these discussions on many ways.
Echocardiographic Assessment of Patient with Ischemic versus non-ischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Haque Mostashirul , Arzu Jahanara , Ahmed Chaudhury Meshkat , Chowdhury MSI Tipu , Singha Chayan Kumar , Kabir Faisal Ibn , Amin Md Rasul , Mandal Rayhan Masum , Khaled Md Fakhrul Islam , Joarder Ariful Islam , Mahbub SM Ear E
Published: July 2018

Abstract not availableUniversity Heart Journal Vol. 13, No. 2, July 2017; 62-64
Bruges as Symbolic Capital (Abstract)
Authors: Hibbitt Richard
Published: July 2018

This article proposes a new reading of the relationship between place and symbolic capital, arguing that certain loci are able to consecrate literary works through inspiration rather than reception, publication and circulation. Taking the city of Bruges as an exemplar, it examines its representation by Baudelaire, Rodenbach and Rilke, arguing that Rilke's poetic transformation enables it to transcend its status as a ‘dead city’ and Decadent trope. By combining the expressive possibilities of Symbolism with elements of the realist chronotope, Bruges can also be read as a future city that performs itself. It thereby provides a different illustration of Pierre Bourdieu's argument that habitus can function as a form of symbolic capital. If, as Pascale Casanova argues, Brussels was the ‘capital of Symbolism’, in this reading Bruges constitutes an alternative Symbolist capital: another example of the capital and its double.
Stochastic Response Analysis for a Floating Offshore Wind Turbine Integrated with a Steel Fish Farming Cage
Authors: Zheng Xiang Yuan , Lei Yu
Published: July 2018

A state-of-the-art concept integrating a deepwater floating offshore wind turbine with a steel fish-farming cage (FOWT-SFFC) is presented in this paper. The configurations of this floating structure are given in detail, showing that the multi-megawatt wind turbine sitting on the cage foundation possesses excellent hydrostatic stability. The motion response amplitude operators (RAOs) calculated by the potential-flow program WAMIT demonstrate that the hydrodynamic performance of FOWT-SFFC is much better than OC3Hywind spar and OC4DeepCwind semisubmersible wind turbines. The aero-hydro-servo-elastic modeling and time-domain simulations are carried out by FAST to investigate the dynamic response of FOWT-SFFC for several environmental conditions. The short-term extreme stochastic response reveals that the dynamic behavior of FOWT-SFFC outperforms its counterparts. From the seakeeping and structural dynamic views, it is a very competitive and promising candidate in offshore industry for both power exploitation and aquaculture in deep waters.
Editorial on the Special Issue of Applied Sciences on the Topic of Elastography
Authors: Dietrich Christoph F. , Bamber Jeffrey C.
Published: July 2018

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Effect of Surface Roughness on Ultrasonic Testing of Back-Surface Micro-Cracks
Authors: Wang Zhe , Cui Ximing , Ma Hongbao , Kang Yihua , Deng Zhiyang
Published: July 2018

Surface roughness is one of the main factors that affect the ultrasonic testing of micro-cracks. This article theoretically analyzes the relationship between the changes in the energy intensity of crack echo waves and roughness-modified transmission coefficients. A series of simulations are carried out using two-dimensional sinusoidal curves as rough surface. Then, parallel experiments are performed on sample surfaces with different arithmetic average heights (Ra). The signal amplitude ratio factor (SARF) is defined to assess the ultrasonic detection capacity for micro-cracks. Both finite element analysis and experimental results show that signal amplitude decreases with an increase in Ra, resulting in signal-to-noise ratio loss. Amplitude attenuation caused by the rough back surface is less than that caused by the rough front surface. It is difficult to identify the signal of micro-cracks with a depth less than 400 μm when the Ra of the front surface is larger than 15 μm. Cracks with depths of more than 200 μm can be distinguished when the back-surface roughness is less than 24 μm. Furthermore, the amplitude of the micro-crack signal increases slightly with variation in the horizontal parameter (Rsm). This study provides a valuable reference for the precision evaluation of micro-cracks using ultrasonic inspection.
The Determination of Dendrite Coherency Point Characteristics Using Three New Methods for Aluminum Alloys
Authors: Gómez Iban Vicario , Viteri Ester Villanueva , Montero Jessica , Djurdjevic Mile , Huber Gerhard
Published: July 2018

The aim of this work is to give an overview of existing methods and to introduce three new methods for the determination of the Dendrite Coherency Point (DCP) for AlSi10Mg alloys, as well as to compare the acquired values of DCP based on a thermal analysis and on the analysis of cooling curves working with only one thermocouple. Additionally, the impact of alloying and contaminant elements on the DCP will be also studied. The first two proposed methods employ the higher order derivatives of the cooling curves. The DCP was determined as the crossing point of the second and third derivative curves plotted versus time (method 1) or that of the temperature (method 2) with the zero line just after the maximum liquidus temperature. The third proposed method is based on the determination of the crossing point of the third solid fraction derivative curve with the zero line, corresponding to a minimum of the second derivative. A Taguchi design for the experiments was developed to study the DCP values in the AlSi10Mg alloy. The DCP temperature values of the test alloys were compared with the DCP temperatures predicted by the previous methods and the influence of the major and minor alloying elements and contaminants over the DCP. The new processes obtained a correlation factor r2 from 0.954 and 0.979 and a standard deviation from 1.84 to 2.6 °C. The obtained correlation values are higher or similar than those obtained using previous methods with an easier way to define the DCP, allowing for a better automation of the accuracy of DCP determination. The use of derivative curves plotted versus temperature employed in the last two proposed methods, where the test samples did not have an influence over the registration curves, is proposed to have a better accuracy than those of the previously described methods.
The Effect of Soundwaves on Foamability Properties and Sensory of Beers with a Machine Learning Modeling Approach
Authors: Gonzalez Viejo Claudia , Fuentes Sigfredo , Torrico Damir D. , Lee Mei Huii , Hu Yue Qin , Chakraborty Sanjit , Dunshea Frank R.
Published: July 2018

The use of ultrasounds has been implemented to increase yeast viability, de-foaming, and cavitation in foods and beverages. However, the application of low frequency audible sound to decrease bubble size and improve foamability has not been explored. In this study, three treatments using India Pale Ale beers were tested, which include (1) a control, (2) the application of audible sound during fermentation, and (3) the application of audible sound during natural carbonation. Five different audible frequencies (20 Hz, 30 Hz, 45 Hz, 55 Hz, and 75 Hz) were applied daily for one minute each (starting from the lowest frequency) during fermentation (11 days, treatment 2) and carbonation (22 days, treatment 3). Samples were measured in triplicates using the RoboBEER to assess color and foam-related parameters. A trained panel (n = 10) evaluated the intensity of sensory descriptors. Results showed that samples with sonication treatment had significant differences in the number of small bubbles, alcohol, and viscosity compared to the control. Furthermore, except for foam texture, foam height, and viscosity, there were non-significant differences in the intensity of any sensory descriptor, according to the rating from the trained sensory panel. The use of soundwaves is a potential treatment for brewing to improve beer quality by increasing the number of small bubbles and foamability without disrupting yeast or modifying the aroma and flavor profile.
Progress in Adenoviral Capsid-Display Vaccines
Authors: Vujadinovic Marija , Vellinga Jort
Published: July 2018

Adenoviral vectored vaccines against infectious diseases are currently in clinical trials due to their capacity to induce potent antigen-specific B- and T-cell immune responses. Heterologous prime-boost vaccination with adenoviral vector and, for example, adjuvanted protein-based vaccines can further enhance antigen-specific immune responses. Although leading to potent immune responses, these heterologous prime-boost regimens may be complex and impact manufacturing costs limiting efficient implementation. Typically, adenoviral vectors are engineered to genetically encode a transgene in the E1 region and utilize the host cell machinery to express the encoded antigen and thereby induce immune responses. Similarly, adenoviral vectors can be engineered to display foreign immunogenic peptides on the capsid-surface by insertion of antigens in capsid proteins hexon, fiber and protein IX. The ability to use adenoviral vectors as antigen-display particles, with or without using the genetic vaccine function, greatly increases the versatility of the adenoviral vector for vaccine development. This review describes the application of adenoviral capsid antigen-display vaccine vectors by focusing on their distinct advantages and possible limitations in vaccine development.
Physiochemical Characterization of α-Amylase as Crosslinked Enzyme Aggregates
Authors: Li Xiaodong , Yu Zefen , Bian Zhaohui , Xu Jianping , Zhang Li , Qiao Min
Published: July 2018

Starch is promising candidate material for enhancing the catalytic activity of α-amylase during the crosslinking process. To help meet industrial needs, here we tested the influence of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and starch on the performance of crosslinked α-amylase aggregates (CLEA), α-amylase-prepared as CLEA with starch (CLEA-S), and BSA (CLEA-BSA). Our results showed that the activities of CLEA, CLEA-S, and CLEA-BSA were 1.1-, 1.0-, and 0.74-fold higher than the free α-amylase, respectively. The stability of the immobilized enzyme slightly changed. After immobilization, the enzyme increased its pH and temperature ranges with the optimal pH values of 5.5, 7.5, 5.5, respectively for CLEA, CLEA-S, and CLEA-BSA, and an upper temperature limit of 50 °C for all three immobilized forms. Among the three immobilized forms, the CLEA-S was the most thermostable, losing only 3% of its initial activity during 390 min incubation at 50 °C. Our microscopic observations of CLEA-S showed that porous structures were formed and such structures could help substance diffusion. In addition, there was excellent affinity between CLEA-S and the substrate. The results suggest that CLEA-S have great potential for industrial application, including for use in starch-based alcohol fermentation.
The Value of Global Indigenous Knowledge in Planetary Health
Authors: Redvers Nicole
Published: July 2018

In order to fulfill a broader vision of health and wellness, the World Health Organization (WHO) 2014–2023 strategy for global health has outlined a culturally sensitive blending of conventional biomedicine with traditional forms of healing. At the same time, scientists working in various fields—from anthropology and ecology to biology and climatology—are validating and demonstrating the utility of Indigenous knowledge. There is a misperception that Indigenous peoples are in need of Westernized science in order to “legitimize” our knowledge systems. The Lancet Planetary Health Commission report calls for the “training of indigenous and other local community members” in order to “help protect health and biodiversity” (p. 2007). Such calls have merit but appear authoritarian when they sit (unbalanced) without equally loud calls for the training of (socially dominant) westernized in-groups by Indigenous groups “in order to help protect health and biodiversity.” The problems of planetary health are both profound and complex; solutions can be found in a greater understanding of the self and the universe and the land as a medicine place. The following message was delivered as part of a keynote at the inVIVO Planetary Health Conference in Canmore, Alberta, Canada—20 points of consideration for a planetary health science in its pure, raw form, on behalf of the Indigenous elders.
Phase Calibrated Ring Oscillator PUF Design and Application
Authors: Yan Wei , Chandy John
Published: July 2018

A Ring Oscillator Physical Unclonable Function (RO PUF) is an application-constrained hardware security primitive that can be used for authentication and key generation. PUFs depend on variability during the fabrication process to produce random outputs that are nevertheless stable across multiple measurements. Though industry has a growing need for PUF implementations on Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA) and Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASIC), the bit errors in PUF responses become a bottleneck and limit the usage. In this work, we comprehensively evaluate the RO PUF’s stability on FPGAs, and we propose a phase calibration process to improve the stability of RO PUFs. We also make full use of the instability of PUFs to provide a novel solution for authentication. The results show that the bit errors in our PUFs are reduced to less than 1%.
The Importance of a Multidisciplinary Approach in the Management of a Patient with Type I Gaucher Disease
Authors: Torralba-Cabeza Miguel-Ángel , Olivera-González Susana , Sierra-Monzón José-Luis
Published: July 2018

Managing the multisystemic symptoms of type I Gaucher Disease (GD) requires a multidisciplinary team approach that includes disease-specific treatments, as well as supportive care. This involves a range of medical specialists, general practitioners, supportive care providers, and patients. Phenotype classification and the setting of treatment goals are important for optimizing the management of type I GD, and for providing personalized care. The ability to classify disease severity using validated measurement tools allows the standardization of patient monitoring, and the measurement of disease progression and treatment response. Defining treatment goals is useful to provide a benchmark for assessing treatment response and managing the expectations of patients and their families. Although treatment goals will vary depending on disease severity, they include the stabilization, improvement or reversal (if possible) of clinical manifestations. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) is the standard care for patients with type I GD, but a novel substrate reduction therapy (SRT), Eliglustat, has demonstrated safety and efficacy in selected patients. To ensure that treatment goals are being achieved, regular and comprehensive follow up are necessary.
A Receiving Antenna Allocation Scheme for Downlink MU-MIMO-OFDM Transmission
Authors: Murakami Tomoki , Takatori Yasushi , Maehara Fumiaki
Published: July 2018

This paper proposes a novel receiving antenna allocation scheme for downlink multiuser multiple input multiple output orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (MU-MIMO-OFDM) transmission; an access point (AP) simultaneously transmits data frames to a combination of allocated receiving antennas on a subcarrier basis at each station (STA). The proposed scheme combines a limited channel state information (CSI) feedback sequence with a receiving antenna decision method. In the proposed scheme, each STA estimates the channel responses of all receiving antennas by using the training preamble transmitted from an AP, and then feeds the channel response of the antenna with maximum norm back to the AP when the spatial correlation value between receiving antennas is higher than a threshold. Otherwise, each STA feeds full channel responses back to the AP. This scheme decreases the amount of CSI fed back while exploiting the spatial diversity gain, and the AP’s computational complexity is also decreased regarding the antenna allocation. Moreover, the receiving antenna decision method eliminates the overhead to notify the allocated antenna information from the AP to each STA by simply comparing its own receiving antenna powers. We clarify the effectiveness of the proposed scheme in our computer simulations using channel responses measured in an indoor environment. The results show that the proposed scheme maintains the channel capacity of the downlink MU-MIMO-OFDM transmission while greatly reducing the overhead and computational complexity.
The Red Palm Weevil in the City of Bari: A First Damage Assessment
Authors: Sardaro Ruggiero , Grittani Rinaldo , Scrascia Maria , Pazzani Carlo , Russo Valentina , Garganese Francesca , Porfido Carlo , Diana Laura , Porcelli Francesco
Published: July 2018

Phoenix canariensis Chabaud (Canary Palm) is one of the most distinctive landscape elements of several coastal urban centers in Italy. However, over the past few years, international trade has increased the risk of the introduction of Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Red Palm Weevil) in the country, causing the death of numerous plants. In this work we assessed the damage caused by the insect to Canary Palm in the City of Bari, Apulia Region, furnishing useful information to decision makers and communities for proper preservation measures in favor of this important urban-green resource. The findings shed light on effective and efficient spending strategies of public funds for urban green inside areas affected by the Red Palm Weevil, also based on cost-benefit approaches.
The Real-Time Evolution of V4334 Sgr
Authors: Van Hoof Peter A. M. , Kimeswenger Stefan , Van de Steene Griet C. , Avison Adam , Zijlstra Albert A. , Guzman-Ramirez Lizette , Herwig Falk , Hajduk Marcin
Published: July 2018

V4334 Sgr (Sakurai’s object) is an enigmatic evolved star that underwent a very late thermal pulse a few years before its discovery in 1996. It ejected a new hydrogen-deficient nebula in the process. The source has been observed continuously since, at many wavelengths ranging from the optical to the radio regime. In this paper we evaluate these data and discuss the evolution of this object. We reach the conclusion that we have seen no evidence for photoionization of the nebula yet and that the spectral features we see are caused either by shocks or by dust. These shocks are an integral part of the hydrodynamic shaping that is now producing a new bipolar nebula inside the old planetary nebula (PN), implying that we have a detailed observational record of the very early stages of the shaping of a bipolar nebula.
A Time Series Model Comparison for Monitoring and Forecasting Water Quality Variables
Authors: Monteiro Magda , Costa Marco
Published: July 2018

The monitoring and prediction of water quality parameters are important tasks in the management of water resources. In this work, the performances of time series statistical models were evaluated to predict and forecast the dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration in several monitoring sites located along the main river Vouga, in Portugal, during the period from January 2002 to May 2015. The models being compared are a regression model with correlated errors and a state-space model, which can be seen as a calibration model. Both models allow the incorporation of water quality variables, such as time correlation or seasonality. Results show that, for the DO variable, the calibration model outperforms the regression model for sample modeling, that is, for a short-term forecast, while the regression model with correlated errors has a better performance for the forecasting h-steps ahead framework. So, the calibration model is more useful for water monitoring using an online or real-time procedure, while the regression model with correlated errors can be applied in order to forecast over a longer period of time.
Epidemiological Investigation of Type 2 Diabetes and Alzheimer’s Disease in a Pakistani Population
Authors: Noreen Zarish , DeJesus Jessica , Bhatti Attya , Loffredo Christopher A. , John Peter , Khan Jahangir S. , Nunlee-Bland Gail , Ghosh Somiranjan
Published: July 2018

The epidemic of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and the possibility of it contributing to the risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) have become important health concerns worldwide and in Pakistan, where the co-occurrence of T2DM and AD is becoming more frequent. To gain insights on this phenomenon, a cross-sectional study was initiated. We recruited and interviewed 820 research participants from four cities in Pakistan: 250 controls, 450 T2DM, 100 AD, and 20 with both diseases. Significant differences between groups were observed for age (p < 0.0001), urban vs. rural locality (p = 0.0472) and residing near industrial areas. The average HbA1c (%) level was 10.68 ± 2.34 in the T2DM group, and females had a lower level than males (p = 0.003). In the AD group, significant relationships existed between education and family history. Overall, the results suggest that T2DM and AD were associated with both socio-demographic and environmental factors in Pakistani participants. Detailed molecular investigations are underway in our laboratory to decipher the differential genetic pathways of the two diseases to address their increasing prevalence in this developing nation.
Household Food Insecurity and Mental Health Among Teenage Girls Living in Urban Slums in Varanasi, India: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Rani Divya , Singh Jitendra Kumar , Acharya Dilaram , Paudel Rajan , Lee Kwan , Singh Shri Prakash
Published: July 2018

This study was undertaken to investigate the relation between household food insecurity and mental health problems in teenage girls living in urban slums. This community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 5 urban slums in Varanasi, India, between September 2016 and July 2017. A probability proportion to size (PPS) method was employed to select 5 of 210 urban slums at a first stage, and in the second stage, 418 teenage girls were chosen randomly from selected households. The Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) and mental health inventory tools were employed to assess food insecurity and mental health status. Multivariable logistic regression analysis with at a 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to assess the association between household food insecurity and mental health status. Of 418 respondents, 47.6% were food insecure; 64.1%, 57.7%, and 58.4% had high levels of anxiety, depression, or psychological distress, respectively; and 57.2% exhibited a medium level of loss of behavioral control. Furthermore, teenage girls from food insecure households were more likely to have high levels of anxiety, depression, loss of behavioral control and psychological distress than those living in food secure households. This study shows food insecurity is independently associated with mental health problems among teenage girls. Food insecurity in Indian slums should be addressed by specific public health intervention programs that provide access to sufficient safe, nutritious food.
Dental Scaling Decreases the Risk of Parkinson’s Disease: A Nationwide Population-Based Nested Case-Control Study
Authors: Chen Chang-Kai , Huang Jing-Yang , Wu Yung-Tsan , Chang Yu-Chao
Published: July 2018

The protective effect of dental scaling in Parkinson’s disease (PD) remains inconclusive. The aim of this study was to analyze the association between dental scaling and the development of PD. A retrospective nested case-control study was performed using the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan. The authors identified 4765 patients with newly diagnosed PD from 2005 to 2013 and 19,060 individuals without PD by matching sex, age, and index year. In subgroup 1, with individuals aged 40–69 years, individuals without periodontal inflammatory disease (PID) showed a protective effect of dental scaling against PD development, especially for dental scaling over five consecutive years (adjusted odds ratio = 0.204, 95% CI = 0.047–0.886, p = 0.0399). In general, the protective effect of dental scaling showed greater benefit for individuals with PID than for those without PID, regardless of whether dental scaling was performed for five consecutive years. In subgroup 2, with patients aged ≥70 years, the discontinued (not five consecutive years) scaling showed increased risk of PD. This was the first study to show that patients without PID who underwent dental scaling over five consecutive years had a significantly lower risk of developing PD. These findings emphasize the value of early and consecutive dental scaling to prevent the development of PD.
The Critical Role of Pulp Density on Flotation Separation of Nickel-Copper Sulfide from Fine Serpentine
Authors: Gao Yawen , Zhang Guofan , Wang Mengtao , Liu Dezhi
Published: July 2018

A nickel-copper sulfide system usually coexists with serpentine in deposits. Low nickel-copper recovery and high content of serpentine in concentration adversely affects subsequent metallurgical processes. In this study, test data showed different rheological results at various densities. When the solid ratio of sulfide to serpentine was 1:1, lower pulp density (20 wt %) contributed to better rheological and flotation outcomes. Generally, the addition of SHMP (sodium hexametaphosphate) is beneficial to reduce the amount of serpentine mineral into the concentration as a depressant through changing the surface electrical behavior of serpentine. However, the different dosages of SHMP have little impact on pulp rheology at 40 wt % of slurry, but there is a huge difference on flow property at 20 wt % pulp. The results revealed that rheology, which is caused by pulp density, played a key role in flotation performance. The decline in density (from 40 wt % to 20 wt %) increased the nickel and copper recoveries from 70.7% to 79.5% and 82% to 85.4% respectively in the artificial mixture (1:1). The content of serpentine in concentration decreased by around 20% by using SHMP at the same time.
A Comprehensive Screening and Identification of Genistin Metabolites in Rats Based on Multiple Metabolite Templates Combined with UHPLC-HRMS Analysis
Authors: Liang Yaoyue , Zhao Wenjing , Wang Chenxiao , Wang Zijian , Wang Zhibin , Zhang Jiayu
Published: July 2018

Genistin, an isoflavone belonging to the phytoestrogen family, has been reported to possess various therapeutic effects. In the present study, the genistin metabolites in rats were investigated by UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap mass spectrometer in both positive and negative ion modes. Firstly, the data sets were obtained based on data-dependent acquisition method and then 10 metabolite templates were established based on the previous reports. Then diagnostic product ions (DPIs) and neutral loss fragments (NLFs) were proposed to efficiently screen and ascertain the major-to-trace genistin metabolites. Meanwhile, the calculated Clog P values were used to identify the positional isomers with different retention times. Consequently, a total of 64 metabolites, including prototype drug, were positively or putatively characterized. Among them, 40 metabolites were found according to the templates of genistin and genistein, which was the same as the previous research method. After using other metabolite templates, 24 metabolites were added. The results demonstrated that genistin mainly underwent methylation, hydrogenation, hydroxylation, glucosylation, glucuronidation, sulfonation, acetylation, ring-cleavage and their composite reactions in vivo biotransformation. In conclusion, the research not only revealed the genistein metabolites and metabolic pathways in vivo comprehensively, but also proposed a method based on multiple metabolite templates to screen and identify metabolites of other natural compounds.
Distribution of Paramagnetic Fe2O3/SiO2–Core/Shell Nanoparticles in the Rat Lung Studied by Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry: No Indication for Rapid Lipid Adsorption
Authors: Veith Lothar , Vennemann Antje , Breitenstein Daniel , Engelhard Carsten , Hagenhoff Birgit , Wiemann Martin
Published: July 2018

Amorphous silica nanoparticles comprise a class of widely used industrial nanomaterials, which may elicit acute inflammation in the lung. These materials have a large specific surface to which components of the pulmonary micro-milieu can bind. To conduct appropriate binding studies, paramagnetic Fe2O3/SiO2 core/shell nanoparticles (Fe-Si-NP) may be used as an easy-to-isolate silica surrogate, if several prerequisites are fulfilled. To this end, we investigated the distribution of Fe, Si, protein and phosphatidylcholine (PC) by Time-of-Flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) in cryo-sections from the rat lungs to which Fe-Si-NP had been administered for 30 min. Regions-of-interest were identified and analyzed with incident light and enhanced dark-field microscopy (DFM). Fe-Si-NP particles (primary particle size by electron microscopy: 10–20 nm; aggregate size by tracking analysis: 190 ± 20 nm) and agglomerates thereof were mainly attached to alveolar walls and only marginally internalized by cells such as alveolar macrophages. The localization of Fe-Si-NP by DFM was confirmed by ToF-SIMS signals from both, Fe and Si ions. With respect to an optimized signal-to-noise ratio, Fe+, Si+, CH4N+ and the PC head group (C5H15NO4P+) were the most versatile ions to detect iron, silica, protein, and PC, respectively. Largely congruent Fe+ and Si+ signals demonstrated that the silica coating of Fe-Si-NP remained stable under the conditions of the lung. PC, as a major lipid of the pulmonary surfactant, was colocalized with the protein signal alongside alveolar septa, but was not detected on Fe-Si-NP, suggesting that silica nanoparticles do not adsorb lipids of the lung surfactant under native conditions. The study shows that ToF-SIMS is a valuable technique with adequate spatial resolution to analyze nanoparticles together with organic molecules in the lung. The paramagnetic Fe-Si-NP appear well suited to study the binding of proteins to silica nanomaterials in the lung.
Fluorescent Nanoparticles for the Guided Surgery of Ovarian Peritoneal Carcinomatosis
Authors: Mangeolle Tristan , Yakavets Ilya , Marchal Sophie , Debayle Manon , Pons Thomas , Bezdetnaya Lina , Marchal Frédéric
Published: July 2018

Complete surgical resection is the ideal cure for ovarian peritoneal carcinomatosis, but remains challenging. Fluorescent guided surgery can be a promising approach for precise cytoreduction when appropriate fluorophore is used. In the presence paper, we review already developed near- and short-wave infrared fluorescent nanoparticles, which are currently under investigation for peritoneal carcinomatosis fluorescence imaging. We also highlight the main ways to improve the safety of nanoparticles, for fulfilling prerequisites of clinical application.
Polymerization of D-Ribose in Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma
Authors: Li Yingying , Atif Rida , Chen Ketao , Cheng Jiushan , Chen Qiang , Qiao Zhen , Fridman Gregory , Fridman Alex , Ji Hai-Feng
Published: July 2018

Dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma has been found to uniquely polymerize ribose that is not usually subject to polymerization since molecules that tend to polymerize almost always possess at least a π-bond. The polymer was analyzed via nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI TOF) mass spectroscopy and Fourier-Transform inferred spectroscopy (FTIR), and it was found that dehydration occurs during polymerization.
Clemency, A Neglected Aspect of Early Christian Philanthropy
Authors: Caner Daniel F.
Published: July 2018

In classical and early Christian usage the concept of philanthropia (philanthropy) rarely just meant “love for one’s fellow human beings” or generosity towards people whom one did not personally know. Classicists have pointed out that in both of these ancient traditions it was most synonymous with the Latin term clementia. As such, it had a concessive facet and a universalizing force: showing kindness to humans, even if doing so went against one’s natural or justified reluctance; being merciful, despite the fact that beneficiaries might not seem worthy of it. These observations have not informed prior scholarship on early Christian philanthropy. Based on a comprehensive survey of how the word philanthropia is used in church histories, hagiographies, monastic literature and church sermons written in the Greek language from the fourth to seventh centuries, this paper argues that the classical notion of philanthropy as clemency prevailed among Christian authors throughout late antiquity, and was fundamentally important in the early Christian promotion of universal almsgiving.
Transition towards Energy Efficiency: Developing the Nigerian Building Energy Efficiency Code
Authors: Geissler Susanne , Österreicher Doris , Macharm Ene
Published: July 2018

In Nigeria, there is an estimated deficit of 17 million housing units. Power supply is insufficient, and the electricity supply for about 60 million Nigerians relies on private generators, causing noise, pollution, and high expenditures for mainly imported fuel. Altogether, current challenges clearly demonstrate the need for effective energy efficiency policies targeting also the building sector. The Nigerian Energy Support Program began in 2013, among others, with the objective being to support the Nigerian Government in developing the Nigerian Building Energy Efficiency Code. This paper presents two preparatory activities carried out in order to come up with suggestions for a legal framework well suited for the situation on the ground: the Case Study Building Analysis carried out in collaboration with a Nigerian developer and the Nigerian Building Energy Efficiency Guideline, elaborated together with stakeholders. The results of preparatory activities pointed out that the code must put emphasis on climate adaptive design and must define requirements and procedures in a clear and simple way to allow for effective enforcement. Only then can energy-efficient mass housing be feasible in Nigeria. The paper concludes with a description of the Nigerian Building Energy Efficiency Code (BEEC), officially approved and launched by the Federal Minister of Power, Works and Housing on 29 August 2017.