bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gambaran Sosial Ekonomi Masyarakat Pesisir di Sulawesi Selatan
Authors: Agus Andi
Published: January 2019

AbstrakPenelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengamati gambaran kehidupan social ekonomi masyarakat pesisir di Kota Makassar, Daerah Galesong di Kabupaten Gowa dan Takalar serta Bira, Tana Beru dan Kajang, Kabupaten Bulukumba.  Metode penelitian yang dipakai dalam penelitian ini merupakan metode penelitian deskriptif dengan melakukan kunjungan lapangan (field work) dan wawancara.  Benteng Somba Opu adalah peninggalan sejarah Kerajaan Gowa-Tallo di Kabupaten Gowa dan Benteng Fort Rotterdam atau Ujung Pandang sering juga disebut Benteng Pannyua berada di Kota Makassar, sementara di Balla Lompoa masih bisa ditemui benda-benda peninggalan sejarah atau pusaka Kerajaan ini jaman dulu.  Galesong adalah daerah yang secara administrasi tergabung dalam Kabupaten Gowa dan Takalar, penduduknya bermata pencaharian petani dan nelayan dan menjadi salah satu penyuplai bahan pangan di Kota Makassar dari jaman dulu sampai sekarang serta menggunakan bahasa Makassar dalam berkomunikasi sehari-hari.  Penduduk Bira, Ara dan Tana Baru serta Kajang menggunakan Bahasa Konjo, sub bahasa dari Makassar dengan pekerjaan utama melaut dan membuat serta melayarkan perahu pada penduduk Bira, Ara dan Tana Beru.  Penduduk Kajang terdiri dari Kajang Dalam dan Luar dimana Kajang dalam masih mempertahankan aturan adat yang diketuai oleh Ammatoa dibantu oleh beberapa tetua adat dengan bekerja sesuai dengan aturan adat, sementara Kajang Luar sudah beradaptasi dengan perubahan.  Pekerjaan mereka umumnya bertani dan menjadi nelayan. Kata Kunci : Ammatoa, Gowa-Tallo, Kajang, Makassar, Sosial Ekonomi Abstract The purpose of this research are to observe description of social economic of coastal community in Makassar Manucipality, Galesong Region in Gowa District and Takalar District and also Bira, Tana Beru and Kajang in Bulukumba District.  Research method using at this research is research method description with collecting data through field work and interviews.  Somba Opu Bastiong is inheritancing history of Gowa-Tallo Empire at the Gowa District while Fort Rotterdam or Ujung Pandang and also called Pannyua Bastiong is locating at Makassar Manucipality.  Balla Lompoa or Called Home Bigger is found history inheritance of this empower since several centuries ago.  Galesong is region as an administrative including to Gowa District and Takalar district which its inhabitants are working as a farmer and fishermen whom they are supplying food to Makassar from former times to present and using Makassarese to communicate daily.  Bira, Ara, Tana Beru and also Kajang use Konjo, sub language of Makassarese to communicate as a working go to the see and building or shilling ship.  Kajang inhabitants consisted of In Kajang and off Kajang whom In Kajang was still using custom and traditions rules of it who leader an ammatoa namely.  He assisted several the oldest person customs and traditions who worked according its rules while Off Kajang have been changing of adaptation.  They worked as a farmer and fishermen generally. Key Word : Ammatoa, Gowa-Tallo, Kajang, Makassar, Social Economy
Determinación de cadmio, plomo y ocratoxina en la harina proveniente de las cascarillas de dos variedades de cacao en Ecuador
Authors: El Salous Ahmed , Pascual Alina
Published: January 2019

En la presente investigación, se evaluó la presencia de cadmio, plomo y ocratoxina en la harina proveniente de las cascarillas de las variedades de cacao Nacional Arriba (cacao nativo, fino o de aroma) y el cacao Colección Castro Naranjal (CCN 51) en Ecuador, para su uso en los procesos de elaboración de galletas y panes.

Se tomaron cinco muestras de 2000 g cada una, de 5 lotes diferentes para cada variedad de cacao en dos industrias cacaoteras en la provincia del Guayas. Se realizó la molienda con un molino marca Oster, se homogenizaron las muestras y se empacaron 700 g de las cáscaras molidas de cada variedad de cacao en fundas de polietileno de baja densidad, para poder realizar la determinación de cadmio, plomo y ocratoxina. Las muestras fueron enviadas a un laboratorio certificado para realizar los análisis correspondientes. Debido a que en Ecuador no existe alguna norma de calidad para la harina proveniente de las cascarillas de cacao, se aplicaron las normas INEN 616 e INEN 621, las cuales definen los requisitos que debe cumplir la harina de trigo y los chocolates respetivamente para que sean aptos para el consumo humano. Los resultados comprueban que la harina proveniente de las cascarillas de ambas variedades cumple con los criterios establecidos en la norma INEN 621 y por consiguiente se garantiza su uso para la elaboración de panes, pasteles o galletas de chocolate como alternativa del uso del cacao en polvo.
Caracterización bacteriológica y simulación con Visual Plumes en la descarga del emisario submarino de Gandía en la costa valenciana
Authors: Pascual Alina E.
Published: January 2019

La creciente demanda turística y el aumento de la contaminación en las zonas costeras exigen la realización de estudios muy precisos que consideren el uso de modelos numéricos capaces de simular el comportamiento de los agentes químico-biológicos en el medio y de cumplir con la normativa ambiental correspondiente. Tal es el caso del modelo Visual Plumes, el cual ha sido utilizado para simular la pluma del vertido procedente del emisario submarino de Gandia, en la costa valenciana. Para determinar la distribución espaciotemporal de la calidad bacteriológica del agua de mar en la zona del vertido, y en las playas cercanas al área de influencia, se realizaron una serie de medidas de campo en este emisario, cuyos resultados fueron evaluados dentro del marco de la Directiva Europea sobre política del agua que se encontraba vigente al momento de realizar las campañas. Los resultados indican que el contenido de coliformes fecales en la zona del vertido es superior al valor obligatorio (2000 UFC/100 ml), mientras que, en las playas cercanas al área de influencia, las concentraciones son inferiores a dicho valor, con algunos puntos que superan el valor guía (100 UFC/100 ml) establecido por la Directiva. Con la simulación numérica se determinó la dilución en la zona del campo cercano y la concentración de bacterias coliformes fecales y enterococos en la zona de playas fueron menores a los límites señalados en la normativa, estableciendo una simulación ideal con una dilución más alta y una menor concentración de bacterias en esta zona
Las Tecnologías de información y comunicación un gran reto para las PYMES del distrito de Changuinola, República de Panamá
Authors: Mendoza Avilés José
Published: January 2019

En este trabajo se analiza el nivel Académico-Técnico del Personal Administrativo y su relación con la aplicación de las Tecnologías de la Información y Comunicación en las Pequeñas y Medianas Empresas del distrito de Changuinola. Se aplicó un diseño no experimental, tipo descriptiva y transversal, en la cual participaron 114 PYMES del distrito de Changuinola, provincia de Bocas del Toro, República de Panamá que, para garantizar la presencia de los subgrupos de todos los corregimientos del distrito dentro de la muestra, se trabajó con el muestreo estratificado por conglomerado. Se utilizó la técnica de encuesta con el instrumento cuestionario. Los resultados indican que, existe relación entre nivel académico o capacitación técnica de los propietarios o/y administradores de las PYMES con la frecuencia de uso de las TIC en la empresa. Por lo tanto, se concluyó que, un alto nivel académico o capacitación técnica del personal administrativo y adecuado equipamiento en hardware, software y conectividad en las PYMES beneficia el uso eficiente de las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación.
Entrevista al Ing. Simón Villa Arango. Innovación Tecnológica en América Latina
Authors: Barazarte Ronald
Published: January 2019

Simón Villa es un científico innovador, colombiano - paisa, nacido en la ciudad de Medellín. Su formación profesional lo ha llevado de Colombia, donde obtuvo su grado como ingeniero biomédico en la Universidad EIA en colaboración con la Universidad CES, a Inglaterra, donde realiza un doctorado en ingeniería biomédica en el área de pruebas cerca al paciente con City, University of London, de vuelta a Colombia, donde luego de un par de años trabajando en investigación fundó la incubadora de patentes y tecnologías - Incubba y donde actualmente se desempeña como jefe de innovación tecnológica de la Universidad EIA.
Vehículos autónomos: Innovación en la logística urbana
Authors: Li Yohana , Díaz Marielis , Morantes Shantall , Dorati Yazmín
Published: January 2019

Un vehículo autónomo es aquel capaz de imitar las capacidades humanas de manejo en secuencia y control, mientras percibe el entorno que le rodea. Para la toma de decisiones se apoya en plataformas y sensores electrónicos. Algunas empresas han desarrollado y fabricado varios modelos que prometen ser una alternativa de solución para el tráfico y el medio ambiente. Algunos de los problemas de esta innovación es que carece de reglamentación y se requiere de una alta inversión de equipo e infraestructura vial indispensable para ponerlo en marcha lo que hace casi imposible su instauración en algunos países. Sin embargo, si se comparan los gastos de instalación de esta innovación contra los beneficios que se pueden obtener, estos últimos rebasan por mucho los primeros, ya que mejorará la gestión de la cadena de suministro. Este análisis bibliográfico pretende establecer el funcionamiento de estos vehículos, sus avances tecnológicos, posibles aplicaciones específicamente en el área de logística urbana y al final nos invita a una reflexión acerca de la toma de decisiones en caso de algún accidente.
Experimental Runaway Electron Current Estimation in COMPASS Tokamak
Authors: Vlainic Milos , Ficker Ondrej , Mlynar Jan , Macusova Eva ,   the COMPASS Tokamak Team
Published: January 2019

Runaway electrons present a potential threat to the safe operation of future nuclear fusion large facilities based on the tokamak principle (e.g., ITER). The article presents an implementation of runaway electron current estimations at COMPASS tokamak. The method uses a theoretical method developed by Fujita et al., with the difference in using experimental measurements from EFIT and Thomson scattering. The procedure was explained on the COMPASS discharge number 7298, which has a significant runaway electron population. Here, it was found that at least 4 kA of the plasma current is driven by the runaway electrons. Next, the method aws used on the set of plasma discharges with the variable electron plasma density. The difference in the plasma current was explained by runaway electrons, and their current was estimated using the aforementioned method. The experimental results are compared with the theory and simulation. The comparison presented some disagreements, showing the possible direction for the code development. Additional application on runaway electron energy limit is also addressed.
Exploring the Economic Potential of Sodium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Peters Jens F. , Peña Cruz Alexandra , Weil Marcel
Published: January 2019

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are a recent development being promoted repeatedly as an economically promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, only one detailed study about material costs has yet been published for this battery type. This paper presents the first detailed economic assessment of 18,650-type SIB cells with a layered oxide cathode and a hard carbon anode, based on existing datasheets for pre-commercial battery cells. The results are compared with those of competing LIB cells, that is, with lithium-nickel-manganese-cobalt-oxide cathodes (NMC) and with lithium-iron-phosphate cathodes (LFP). A sensitivity analysis further evaluates the influence of varying raw material prices on the results. For the SIB, a cell price of 223 €/kWh is obtained, compared to 229 €/kWh for the LFP and 168 €/kWh for the NMC batteries. The main contributor to the price of the SIB cells are the material costs, above all the cathode and anode active materials. For this reason, the amount of cathode active material (e.g., coating thickness) in addition to potential fluctuations in the raw material prices have a considerable effect on the price per kWh of storage capacity. Regarding the anode, the precursor material costs have a significant influence on the hard carbon cost, and thus on the final price of the SIB cell. Organic wastes and fossil coke precursor materials have the potential of yielding hard carbon at very competitive costs. In addition, cost reductions in comparison with LIBs are achieved for the current collectors, since SIBs also allow the use of aluminum instead of copper on the anode side. For the electrolyte, the substitution of lithium with sodium leads to only a marginal cost decrease from 16.1 to 15.8 €/L, hardly noticeable in the final cell price. On the other hand, the achievable energy density is fundamental. While it seems difficult to achieve the same price per kWh as high energy density NMC LIBs, the SIB could be a promising substitute for LFP cells in stationary applications, if it also becomes competitive with LFP cells in terms of safety and cycle life.
Recent Progress in Two-Dimensional Nanomaterials for Laser Protection
Authors: Liu Zhiwei , Zhang Bin , Chen Yu
Published: January 2019

The Nobel Prize in Physics 2018, “For groundbreaking inventions in the field of laser physics”, went to Arthur Ashkin and Gérard Mourou and Donna Strickland. Their inventions have revolutionized laser physics and greatly promoted the development of laser instruments, which have penetrated into many aspects of people’s daily lives. However, for the purpose of protecting human eyes or optical instruments from being damaged by both pulsed and continuous wave laser radiation, the research on laser protective materials is of particular significance. Due to the intriguing and outstanding physical, chemical, and structural properties, two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials have been extensively studied as optical limiting (OL) materials owing to their broadband nonlinear optical (NLO) response and fast carrier relaxation dynamics that are important for reducing the laser intensity. This review systematically describes the OL mechanisms and the recent progress in 2D nanomaterials for laser protection.
Thermal Analysis of a Functionally Graded Coating/Substrate System Using the Approximated Transfer Approach
Authors: Wang Hui , Qin Qinghua
Published: January 2019

As a heterogeneous material, functionally graded material (FGM) behaves as continuously changed material properties in certain directions from one composition to another, and hence it has received much more attention for biomedical applications and thermal protections to achieve innovative functions that conventional homogeneous material cannot accomplish. However, due to the particularly small thickness ratio of coating to substrate in practice, the conventional mesh discretization of the coating region is inefficient. To simplify the meshing procedure and increase the efficiency of analysis, the approximated transfer algorithm based on the concept of finite difference is developed for transferring boundary conditions applied on the coating surface to the interface of coating and substrate. As a result, only the substrate with transferred convection boundary conditions needs to be solved numerically, i.e., by the fundamental-solution based hybrid finite element method (HFS-FEM) with high accuracy and feasible polygonal element construction, in which only integrals along the element boundary are evaluated because of the application of fundamental solutions of the problem as kernel functions of interior approximated fields. Finally, numerical experiments including the single-layered, multi-layered and functionally graded coatings are carried out to verify the accuracy and applicability of the present method.
Uncertainty Assessment of Hyperspectral Image Classification: Deep Learning vs. Random Forest
Authors: Shadman Roodposhti Majid , Aryal Jagannath , Lucieer Arko , Bryan Brett A.
Published: January 2019

Uncertainty assessment techniques have been extensively applied as an estimate of accuracy to compensate for weaknesses with traditional approaches. Traditional approaches to mapping accuracy assessment have been based on a confusion matrix, and hence are not only dependent on the availability of test data but also incapable of capturing the spatial variation in classification error. Here, we apply and compare two uncertainty assessment techniques that do not rely on test data availability and enable the spatial characterisation of classification accuracy before the validation phase, promoting the assessment of error propagation within the classified imagery products. We compared the performance of emerging deep neural network (DNN) with the popular random forest (RF) technique. Uncertainty assessment was implemented by calculating the Shannon entropy of class probabilities predicted by DNN and RF for every pixel. The classification uncertainties of DNN and RF were quantified for two different hyperspectral image datasets—Salinas and Indian Pines. We then compared the uncertainty against the classification accuracy of the techniques represented by a modified root mean square error (RMSE). The results indicate that considering modified RMSE values for various sample sizes of both datasets, the derived entropy based on the DNN algorithm is a better estimate of classification accuracy and hence provides a superior uncertainty estimate at the pixel level.
Analysis and Forecasting of the Carbon Price in China’s Regional Carbon Markets Based on Fast Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition, Phase Space Reconstruction, and an Improved Extreme Learning Machine
Authors: Sun Wei , Duan Ming
Published: January 2019

With the development of the carbon market in China, research on the carbon price has received more and more attention in related fields. However, due to its nonlinearity and instability, the carbon price is undoubtedly difficult to predict using a single model. This paper proposes a new hybrid model for carbon price forecasting that combines fast ensemble empirical mode decomposition, sample entropy, phase space reconstruction, a partial autocorrelation function, and an extreme learning machine that has been improved by particle swarm optimization. The original carbon price series is decomposed using the fast ensemble empirical mode decomposition and sample entropy methods, which eliminate noise interference. Then, the phase space reconstruction and partial autocorrelation function methods are combined to determine the input and output variables in the forecasting models. An extreme learning machine optimized by particle swarm optimization was employed to forecast carbon prices. An empirical study based on carbon prices in three typical regional carbon markets in China found that this new hybrid model performed better than other comparable models.
Techno-Economic Mapping for the Improvement of Shallow Geothermal Management in Southern Switzerland
Authors: Perego Rodolfo , Pera Sebastian , Galgaro Antonio
Published: January 2019

Cantone Ticino, a mountainous region located in the southern part of Switzerland, is greatly affected by the continuous growth of subsurface exploitation through the use of both closed-loop and open-loop geothermal systems. In this study, techno-economic maps for shallow geothermal potential of Cantone Ticino are produced, considering closed-loop systems. The work starts with the identification of the main parameters affecting the techno-economic potential such as GST and thermal conductivity. Maps for different indicators of techno-economic feasibility are created and compared against real data/measurements. An empirical method is tailored to derive a map of the techno-economic geothermal potential, expressed as meters required to provide 1 kW of installed power. The produced map shows an overall discrepancy from real installed length data of approximately ±23%. Moreover, compared with current regulation, the produced maps show an unoptimized management of the shallow geothermal resource, since high potential zones are commonly located where the installation of BHE is not permitted and often closed-loop systems are installed where the estimated potential is lower, mainly in alluvial fans. In light of these considerations, the authorization process in Cantone Ticino for BHE should be revised taking into account the real techno-economic potential.
A Prediction Model for Methane Adsorption Capacity in Shale Gas Reservoirs
Authors: Zou Jie , Rezaee Reza
Published: January 2019

Estimation of methane adsorption capacity is crucial for the characterization of shale gas reservoirs. The methane adsorption capacity in shales is measured using high-pressure methane adsorption to obtain the adsorption isotherms, which can be fitted by Langmuir model. The determined Langmuir parameters can provide the methane adsorption capacity under actual reservoir conditions. In this study, a prediction model for the methane adsorption in shales was constructed based on 66 samples from 6 basins in China and Western Australia. The model was established in four steps: a model of Langmuir volume at experimental temperature, the temperature dependence of Langmuir volume, a model of Langmuir pressure, the temperature dependence of Langmuir pressure. In the model of Langmuir volume at experimental temperature, total organic carbon (TOC) and clay content (Vsh) were considered. A positive relationship was observed between the TOC and the temperature effect on the Langmuir volume. As the Langmuir pressure is sensitive to various factors, the Langmuir pressure at experimental temperature shows no trend with the TOC, clay content and thermal maturity, but a positive trend with the Langmuir volume. The results of this study can help log analysts to quantify adsorbed gas from well-log data since TOC and Vsh, which are the measure inputs of the introduced models, can be obtained from well-log data as well.
A Nonlinear Mixed-Effects Height-to-Diameter Ratio Model for Several Tree Species Based on Czech National Forest Inventory Data
Authors: Sharma Ram P. , Vacek Zdeněk , Vacek Stanislav , Kučera Miloš
Published: January 2019

Height-to-diameter at breast height (DBH) ratio (HDR) is an important tree and stand stability measure. Several factors such as stand dynamics, natural and anthropogenic disturbances, and silvicultural tending significantly affect HDR, and, therefore, in-depth investigation of HDR is essential for better understanding of ecological processes in a forest. A nonlinear mixed-effects HDR model applicable to several tree species was developed using the Czech national forest inventory data comprising 13,875 sample plots and 348,980 trees. The predictive performance of this model was evaluated using the independent dataset which was originated from 25,146 trees on 220 research sample plots. Among various tree- and stand-level variables describing tree size, site quality, stand development stage, stand density, inter-tree spacing, and competition evaluated, dominant height (HDOM), dominant diameter (DDOM), relative spacing index (RS), and DBH-to-quadratic mean DBH ratio (dq) were identified as the most important predictors of HDR variations. A random component describing sample plot-specific HDR variations was included through mixed-effects modelling, and dummy variables describing species-specific HDR variations and canopy layer-specific HDR variations were also included into the HDR model through dummy variable modelling. The mixed-effects HDR model explained 79% of HDR variations without any significant trends in the residuals. Simulation results showed that HDR for each canopy layer increased with increasing site quality and stand development stage (increased HDOM) and increasing competition (increased RS, decreased DDOM and dq). Testing the HDR model on the independent data revealed that more than 85% of HDR variations were described for each individual species (Norway spruce, Scots pine, European larch, and European beech) and group of species (fir species, oak species, birch and alder species) without significant trends in the prediction errors. The HDR can be predicted with a higher accuracy using the calibrated mixed-effects HDR model from measurements of its predictors that can be obtained from routine forest inventories. To improve the prediction accuracy, a model needs to be calibrated with the random effects estimated using one to four randomly selected trees of a particular species or group of species depending on the availability of their numbers per sample plot. The HDR model can be applied for stand stability assessment and stand density regulation. The HDR information is also useful for designing a stand density management diagram. Brief implications of the HDR model for designing silviculture strategies and forest management planning are presented in the article.
ESCAPE: Evacuation Strategy through Clustering and Autonomous Operation in Public Safety Systems
Authors: Fragkos Georgios , Apostolopoulos Pavlos Athanasios , Tsiropoulou Eirini Eleni
Published: January 2019

Natural disasters and terrorist attacks pose a significant threat to human society, and have stressed an urgent need for the development of comprehensive and efficient evacuation strategies. In this paper, a novel evacuation-planning mechanism is introduced to support the distributed and autonomous evacuation process within the operation of a public safety system, where the evacuees exploit the capabilities of the proposed ESCAPE service, towards making the most beneficial actions for themselves. The ESCAPE service was developed based on the principles of reinforcement learning and game theory, and is executed at two decision-making layers. Initially, evacuees are modeled as stochastic learning automata that select an evacuation route that they want to go based on its physical characteristics and past decisions during the current evacuation. Consequently, a cluster of evacuees is created per evacuation route, and the evacuees decide if they will finally evacuate through the specific evacuation route at the current time slot or not. The evacuees’ competitive behavior is modeled as a non-co-operative minority game per each specific evacuation route. A distributed and low-complexity evacuation-planning algorithm (i.e., ESCAPE) is introduced to implement both the aforementioned evacuee decision-making layers. Finally, the proposed framework is evaluated through modeling and simulation under several scenarios, and its superiority and benefits are revealed and demonstrated.
Modeling the Natural Drainage Network of the Grand River in Southern Ontario: Agriculture May Increase Total Channel Length of Low-Order Streams
Authors: Hanief Aslam , Laursen Andrew E.
Published: January 2019

The Grand River watershed is an important agricultural area in southern Ontario, with several large and growing municipalities. Based on digital elevation models (DEMs), the natural drainage network was modelled to predict flow paths. Channel lengths and locations of the predicted network were compared with a ground-truthed channel network to determine efficacy of the models. Approximately 5% of predicted channels lay >40 m from actual channel locations. This amounted to 388 km of channel that had no corresponding channels in reality. The model was unable to predict, based on topography, 2535 km of actual channel present in the watershed. Channels not anticipated by topography were mostly first-order, with low sinuosity, were most common in areas with high agricultural land use, and are likely excavated extensions to headwater streams to facilitate drainage. In addition, this study showed that Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) models produced using different DEM resolutions did not predict significantly different stream flows, even when resolution was as low as 200 m. However, these low resolution DEMs did result in under-prediction of sediment export entering Lake Erie, most likely because the low resolution maps failed to account for small localized areas of high slope that would have relatively higher rates of erosion.
Development of a Portable Dielectric Biosensor for Rapid Detection of Viscosity Variations and Its In Vitro Evaluations Using Saliva Samples of COPD Patients and Healthy Control
Authors: Soltani Zarrin Pouya , Ibne Jamal Farabi , Roeckendorf Niels , Wenger Christian
Published: January 2019

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a life-threatening lung disease affecting millions of people worldwide. Although the majority of patients with objective COPD go undiagnosed until the late stages of their disease, recent studies suggest that the regular screening of sputum viscosity could provide important information on the disease detection. Since the viscosity of sputum is mainly defined by its mucin–protein and water contents, dielectric biosensors can be used for detection of viscosity variations by screening changes in sputum’s contents. Therefore, the objective of this work was to develop a portable dielectric biosensor for rapid detection of viscosity changes and to evaluate its clinical performance in characterizing viscosity differences of saliva samples collected from COPD patients and Healthy Control (HC). For this purpose, a portable dielectric biosensor, capable of providing real-time measurements, was developed. The sensor performance for dielectric characterization of mediums with high water content, such as saliva, was evaluated using isopropanol–water mixtures. Subsequently, saliva samples, collected from COPD patients and HC, were investigated for clinical assessments. The radio frequency biosensor provided high repeatability of 1.1% throughout experiments. High repeatability, ease of cleaning, low-cost, and portability of the biosensor made it a suitable technology for point-of-care applications.
An Instrument to Measure Mental Health Professionals’ Beliefs and Attitudes towards Service Users’ Rights
Authors: Eiroa-Orosa Francisco José , Limiñana-Bravo Laura
Published: January 2019

We aimed at developing and validating a scale on the beliefs and attitudes of mental health professionals towards services users’ rights in order to provide a valid evaluation instrument for training activities with heterogeneous mental health professional groups. Items were extracted from a review of previous instruments, as well as from several focus groups which have been conducted with different mental health stakeholders, including mental health service users. The preliminary scale consisted of 44 items and was administered to 480 mental health professionals. After eliminating non-discriminant and low weighting items, a final scale of 25 items was obtained. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses produced a four-factor solution consisting of the following four dimensions; system criticism/justifying beliefs, freedom/coercion, empowerment/paternalism, and tolerance/discrimination. The scale shows high concordance with our theoretical model as well as adequate parameters of explained variance, model fit, and internal reliability. Additional work is required to assess the cultural equivalence and psychometrics of this tool in other settings and populations, including health students.
Dangers of Mixed Martial Arts in the Development of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy
Authors: Lim Lucas J.H. , Ho Roger C.M. , Ho Cyrus S.H.
Published: January 2019

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) was first discovered in professional boxers after they exhibited memory impairments, mood and behavioral changes after years of boxing. However, there is now a growing acceptance that CTE can develop in athletes of other sports due to the repetitive head trauma they receive. We present a case of a middle-aged male who presented with worsening memory, poor concentration, and behavioral changes for a year. On further cognitive testing, it was revealed that he had difficulties with short-term memory and processing speed as well as difficulties in organizing and multitasking. He had been practicing mixed martial arts (MMA) for 10 years, and later was an instructor of the sport. Through a detailed examination of his history, it was discovered that he sustained recurrent minor head concussions due to his line of work. To date, there has been limited large-scale research on head trauma in MMA. There is thus an urgent need for more studies in this area as CTE can be a chronic and debilitating illness with incapacitating neuropsychiatric sequelae. This case highlights the importance of public awareness of the risks of MMA and the dangers it poses to the brain, especially with more young people being attracted to this sport.
Bacterial Contamination on Latrine Surfaces in Community and Household Latrines in Kathmandu, Nepal
Authors: McGinnis Shannon , Marini Dianna , Amatya Prakash , Murphy Heather M.
Published: January 2019

A lack of sanitation infrastructure is a major contributor to the global burden of diarrheal disease, particularly in low-income countries. Access to basic sanitation was identified as part of the 2015 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. However, current definitions of “basic” sanitation infrastructure exclude community or shared sanitation, due to concerns around safety, equity, and cleanliness. The purpose of this study was to measure and compare bacterial contamination on community and household latrine surfaces in Kathmandu, Nepal. One hundred and nineteen swab samples were collected from two community and five household latrines sites. Community latrine samples were taken before and after daily cleaning, while household samples were collected at midday, to reflect normal conditions. Concentrations of total coliforms and Escherichia coli were measured using membrane filtration methods. Results found almost no differences between bacterial contamination on latrine surfaces in community and household latrines, with the exception of latrine slabs/seats that were more contaminated in the community latrines under dirty conditions. The study also identified surfaces with higher levels of contamination. Findings demonstrated that well-maintained community latrines may be as clean, or cleaner, than household latrines and support the use of community latrines for improving access to sanitation infrastructure in a low-income country setting.
A Predictive Model for Steady State Ozone Concentration at an Urban-Coastal Site
Authors: Alghamdi Mansour A. , Al-Hunaiti Afnan , Arar Sharif , Khoder Mamdouh , Abdelmaksoud Ahmad S. , Al-Jeelani Hisham , Lihavainen Heikki , Hyvärinen Antti , Shabbaj Ibrahim I. , Almehmadi Fahd M. , Zaidan Martha A. , Hussein Tareq , Dada Lubna
Published: January 2019

Ground level ozone (O3) plays an important role in controlling the oxidation budget in the boundary layer and thus affects the environment and causes severe health disorders. Ozone gas, being one of the well-known greenhouse gases, although present in small quantities, contributes to global warming. In this study, we present a predictive model for the steady-state ozone concentrations during daytime (13:00–17:00) and nighttime (01:00–05:00) at an urban coastal site. The model is based on a modified approach of the null cycle of O3 and NOx and was evaluated against a one-year data-base of O3 and nitrogen oxides (NO and NO2) measured at an urban coastal site in Jeddah, on the west coast of Saudi Arabia. The model for daytime concentrations was found to be linearly dependent on the concentration ratio of NO2 to NO whereas that for the nighttime period was suggested to be inversely proportional to NO2 concentrations. Knowing that reactions involved in tropospheric O3 formation are very complex, this proposed model provides reasonable predictions for the daytime and nighttime concentrations. Since the current description of the model is solely based on the null cycle of O3 and NOx, other precursors could be considered in future development of this model. This study will serve as basis for future studies that might introduce informing strategies to control ground level O3 concentrations, as well as its precursors’ emissions.
How Does CEO’s Environmental Awareness Affect Technological Innovation?
Authors: Huang Qinghua , Chen Xiding , Zhou Mi , Zhang Xiaoqin , Duan Lingling
Published: January 2019

In this paper, we conduct an empirical study on the impact of CEOs’ environmental awareness on technological innovation. To this end, we obtain a large sample with 7615 observations from Chinese A-share listed firms between the years of 2003 and 2014. Our empirical results show that a CEO’s environmental awareness has a significant positive impact on technological innovation of his/her enterprise. Environmentally conscious CEOs will invest more in R&D and obtain more patents. This will help their enterprises achieve higher efficiency of technological innovation. Furthermore, the environmental awareness of a CEO has a more significant impact on technological innovation if his/her enterprise is subject to a higher level of monitoring. We also conduct robustness check of our findings and provide managerial insights and proactive government policies to raise the environmental awareness of CEOs and improve the innovation vitality of enterprises.
Regulated Assembly of LPS, Its Structural Alterations and Cellular Response to LPS Defects
Authors: Klein Gracjana , Raina Satish
Published: January 2019

Distinguishing feature of the outer membrane (OM) of Gram-negative bacteria is its asymmetry due to the presence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the outer leaflet of the OM and phospholipids in the inner leaflet. Recent studies have revealed the existence of regulatory controls that ensure a balanced biosynthesis of LPS and phospholipids, both of which are essential for bacterial viability. LPS provides the essential permeability barrier function and act as a major virulence determinant. In Escherichia coli, more than 100 genes are required for LPS synthesis, its assembly at inner leaflet of the inner membrane (IM), extraction from the IM, translocation to the OM, and in its structural alterations in response to various environmental and stress signals. Although LPS are highly heterogeneous, they share common structural elements defining their most conserved hydrophobic lipid A part to which a core polysaccharide is attached, which is further extended in smooth bacteria by O-antigen. Defects or any imbalance in LPS biosynthesis cause major cellular defects, which elicit envelope responsive signal transduction controlled by RpoE sigma factor and two-component systems (TCS). RpoE regulon members and specific TCSs, including their non-coding arm, regulate incorporation of non-stoichiometric modifications of LPS, contributing to LPS heterogeneity and impacting antibiotic resistance.
Cellular Responses of Industrially Relevant Silica Dust on Human Glial Cells In Vitro
Authors: Arnoldussen Yke Jildouw , Kringlen Ervik Torunn , Baarnes Eriksen Mina , Kero Ida , Skaug Vidar , Zienolddiny Shanbeh
Published: January 2019

Despite the rigorous emission control measures in the ferroalloy industry, there are still emissions of dust during the production of various alloys. Dust particles were collected from laboratory scale processes where oxide particulate matter was formed from liquid silicon (metallurgical grade). The dust was produced in a dry air atmosphere to mimic industrial conditions. To investigate possible effects of ultrafine dust on the central nervous system, a human astrocytic cell line was employed to investigate inflammatory effects of particles as astrocytes play a number of active and neuron supporting roles in the brain. Toxicity on the astrocytes by amorphous silica generated in laboratory scale was compared to crystalline macro-sized silica using several doses to determine toxicological dose response curves. The cell viability experiments indicated that low particle doses of amorphous silica induced a small nonsignificant reduction in cell viability compared to crystalline silica which led to increased levels of toxicity. The gene expression of amyloid precursor protein (APP), a biomarker of neurodegenerative disease, was affected by particle exposure. Furthermore, particle exposure, in a dose-and time-dependent manner, affected the ability of the cells to communicate through gap junction channels. In conclusion, in vitro studies using low doses of particles are important to understand mechanisms of toxicity of occupational exposure to silica particles. However, these studies cannot be extrapolated to real exposure scenarios at work place, therefore, controlling and keeping the particle exposure levels low at the work place, would prevent potential negative health effects.
Combined Proteomic and Metabolomic Profiling of the Arabidopsis thaliana vps29 Mutant Reveals Pleiotropic Functions of the Retromer in Seed Development
Authors: Durand Thomas C , Cueff Gwendal , Godin Béatrice , Valot Benoît , Clément Gilles , Gaude Thierry , Rajjou Loïc
Published: January 2019

The retromer is a multiprotein complex conserved from yeast to humans, which is involved in intracellular protein trafficking and protein recycling. Selection of cargo proteins transported by the retromer depends on the core retromer subunit composed of the three vacuolar protein sorting (VPS) proteins, namely VPS26, VPS29, and VPS35. To gain a better knowledge of the importance of the plant retromer in protein sorting, we carried out a comparative proteomic and metabolomic analysis of Arabidopsis thaliana seeds from the wild-type and the null-retromer mutant vps29. Here, we report that the retromer mutant displays major alterations in the maturation of seed storage proteins and synthesis of lipid reserves, which are accompanied by severely impaired seed vigor and longevity. We also show that the lack of retromer components is counterbalanced by an increase in proteins involved in intracellular trafficking, notably members of the Ras-related proteins in brain (RAB) family proteins. Our study suggests that loss of the retromer stimulates energy metabolism, affects many metabolic pathways, including that of cell wall biogenesis, and triggers an osmotic stress response, underlining the importance of retromer function in seed biology.
AZD1208, a Pan-Pim Kinase Inhibitor, Has Anti-Growth Effect on 93T449 Human Liposarcoma Cells via Control of the Expression and Phosphorylation of Pim-3, mTOR, 4EBP-1, S6, STAT-3 and AMPK
Authors: Yadav Anil Kumar , Kumar Vinoth , Bailey David Bishop , Jang Byeong-Churl
Published: January 2019

Overexpression of Pim kinases has an oncogenic/pro-survival role in many hematological and solid cancers. AZD1208 is a pan-Pim kinase inhibitor that has anti-cancer and anti-adipogenic actions. Here, we investigated the effects of AZD1208 on the growth of 93T449 cells, a differentiated human liposarcoma cell line. At 20 µM, AZD1208 was cytotoxic (cytostatic) but not apoptotic, reducing cell survival without DNA fragmentation, caspase activation or increasing cells in the sub G1 phase; known apoptotic parameters. Notably, AZD1208 reduced phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT-3) in 93T449 cells. STAT-3 inhibition by AG490, a JAK2/STAT-3 inhibitor similarly reduced cell survival. AZD1208 down-regulated phosphorylation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and ribosomal S6 while up-regulated eukaryotic initiation factor-2α (eIF-2α). In addition, AZD1208 induced a LKB-1-independent AMPK activation, which was crucial for its cytostatic effect, as knock-down of AMPK greatly blocked AZD1208s ability to reduce cell survival. AZD1208 had no effect on expression of two members of Pim kinase family (Pim-1 and Pim-3) but inhibited phosphorylation of 4EBP-1, a downstream effector of Pim kinases. Importantly, a central role for Pim-3 in the actions of AZD1208 was confirmed by knock-down, which not only reduced 93T449 cell survival but also led to the inhibition of 4EBP-1, mTOR, eIF-2α and STAT-3, along with the activation of AMPK. In summary, this is the first report demonstrating that AZD1208 inhibits growth of liposarcoma cells and that this activity is mediated through Pim-3 kinase, STAT-3, mTOR, S6 and AMPK expression and phosphorylation pathways.
Stress Marks on the Genome: Use or Lose?
Authors: Bokhari Bayan , Sharma Sudha
Published: January 2019

Oxidative stress and the resulting damage to DNA are inevitable consequence of endogenous physiological processes further amplified by cellular responses to environmental exposures. If left unrepaired, oxidative DNA lesions can block essential processes such as transcription and replication or can induce mutations. Emerging data also indicate that oxidative base modifications such as 8-oxoG in gene promoters may serve as epigenetic marks, and/or provide a platform for coordination of the initial steps of DNA repair and the assembly of the transcriptional machinery to launch adequate gene expression alterations. Here, we briefly review the current understanding of oxidative lesions in genome stability maintenance and regulation of basal and inducible transcription.
Aquaporins in Renal Diseases
Authors: He Jinzhao , Yang Baoxue
Published: January 2019

Aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of highly selective transmembrane channels that mainly transport water across the cell and some facilitate low-molecular-weight solutes. Eight AQPs, including AQP1, AQP2, AQP3, AQP4, AQP5, AQP6, AQP7, and AQP11, are expressed in different segments and various cells in the kidney to maintain normal urine concentration function. AQP2 is critical in regulating urine concentrating ability. The expression and function of AQP2 are regulated by a series of transcriptional factors and post-transcriptional phosphorylation, ubiquitination, and glycosylation. Mutation or functional deficiency of AQP2 leads to severe nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. Studies with animal models show AQPs are related to acute kidney injury and various chronic kidney diseases, such as diabetic nephropathy, polycystic kidney disease, and renal cell carcinoma. Experimental data suggest ideal prospects for AQPs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in clinic. This review article mainly focuses on recent advances in studying AQPs in renal diseases.
Efficacy of Biophysical Energies on Healing of Diabetic Skin Wounds in Cell Studies and Animal Experimental Models: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kwan Rachel Lai-Chu , Lu Song , Choi Harry Ming-Chun , Kloth Luther C. , Cheing Gladys Lai-Ying
Published: January 2019

We have systematically assessed published cell studies and animal experimental reports on the efficacy of selected biophysical energies (BPEs) in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. These BPEs include electrical stimulation (ES), pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF), extracorporeal shockwave (ECSW), photo energies and ultrasound (US). Databases searched included CINAHL, MEDLINE and PubMed from 1966 to 2018. Studies reviewed include animal and cell studies on treatment with BPEs compared with sham, control or other BPEs. Information regarding the objective measures of tissue healing and data was extracted. Eighty-two studies were eventually selected for the critical appraisal: five on PEMF, four each on ES and ECSW, sixty-six for photo energies, and three about US. Based on the percentage of original wound size affected by the BPEs, both PEMF and low-level laser therapy (LLL) demonstrated a significant clinical benefit compared to the control or sham treatment, whereas the effect of US did not reveal a significance. Our results indicate potential benefits of selected BPEs in diabetic wound management. However, due to the heterogeneity of the current clinical trials, comprehensive studies using well-designed trials are warranted to confirm the results.