bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Hedyotis diffusa Willd. (Rubiaceae): A Review on Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, Quality Control and Pharmacokinetics
Authors: Chen Rui , He Jingyu , Tong Xueli , Tang Lan , Liu Menghua
Published: May 2016

Hedyotis diffusa Willd (H. diffusa) is a well-known Chinese medicine with a variety of activities, especially its anti-cancer effect in the clinic. Up to now, 171 compounds have been reported from H. diffusa, including 32 iridoids, 26 flavonoids, 24 anthraquinones, 26 phenolics and their derivatives, 50 volatile oils and 13 miscellaneous compounds. In vitro and in vivo studies show these phytochemicals and plant extracts to exhibit a range of pharmacological activities of anti-cancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-fibroblast, immunomodulatory and neuroprotective effects. Although a series of methods have been established for the quality control of H. diffusa, a feasible and reliable approach is still needed in consideration of its botanical origin, collecting time and bioactive effects. Meanwhile, more pharmacokinetics researches are needed to illustrate the characteristics of H. diffusa in vivo. The present review aims to provide up-to-date and comprehensive information on the phytochemistry, pharmacology, quality control and pharmacokinetic characteristics of H. diffusa for its clinical use and further development.
Molecular Genetic Characterization of an Anthrabenzoxocinones Gene Cluster in Streptomyces Sp. FJS31-2 for the Biosynthesis of BE-24566B and Zunyimycin Ale
Authors: Lü Yuhong , Yue Changwu , Shao Meiyun , Qian Shengyan , Liu Ning , Bao Yuxin , Wang Miao , Liu Minghao , Li Xiaoqian , Wang Yinyin , Huang Ying
Published: May 2016

Genome mining is an effective tool used to discover novel natural products from actinomycetes. Genome sequence analysis of Streptomyces sp. FJS31-2 revealed the presence of one putative type II polyketide gene cluster (ABX), which may correspond to type II polyketide products including BE-24566B and its chloro-derivatives. The addition of natural humus acid successfully activated the biosynthsis of the abx gene cluster. BE-24566B and its chloro-derivatives, named zunyimycin A, were also detected. The targeted deletion of the polyketide skeleton synthesis genes such as abxp, abxk, and abxs was performed in the wild strain to identify the gene cluster for BE-24566B biosynthesis.
Iron, Anemia, and Iron Deficiency Anemia among Young Children in the United States
Authors: Gupta Priya , Perrine Cria , Mei Zuguo , Scanlon Kelley
Published: May 2016

Iron deficiency and anemia are associated with impaired neurocognitive development and immune function in young children. Total body iron, calculated from serum ferritin and soluble transferrin receptor concentrations, and hemoglobin allow for monitoring of the iron and anemia status of children in the United States. The purpose of this analysis is to describe the prevalence of iron deficiency (ID), anemia, and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) among children 1–5 years using data from the 2007–2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Prevalence of ID, anemia, and IDA among children 1–5 years was 7.1% (5.5, 8.7), 3.9% (2.0, 4.3), and 1.1% (0.6, 1.7), respectively. The prevalence of both ID and anemia were higher among children 1–2 years (p < 0.05). In addition, 50% of anemic children 1–2 years were iron deficient. This analysis provides an update on the prevalence of ID, anemia, and IDA for a representative sample of US children. Our results suggest little change in these indicators over the past decade. Monitoring of ID and anemia is critical and prevention of ID in early childhood should remain a public health priority.
Parameters Affecting the Upcycling of Waste Cotton and PES/CO Textiles
Authors: Vats Shameek , Rissanen Marja
Published: May 2016

Textile wastes in landfills are a major concern and offer wide scope in terms of waste management. The process of upcycling which aims at converting the waste into products of higher value is a feasible option. The research aims to explore factors to improve the process of upcycling. A set of mixed polyester/cotton (PES/CO) and cotton waste textiles from hospitals were examined for their properties. There are some physical parameters such as the mechanical properties and degree of polymerization that govern the process of upcycling. It was concluded that the textiles are degraded unevenly, so that it is difficult to predict their pattern of degradation. However, there are other possibilities and processes of using the waste textiles to reduce the waste in landfills.
Application of Remote Sensing Data to Constrain Operational Rainfall-Driven Flood Forecasting: A Review
Authors: Li Yuan , Grimaldi Stefania , Walker Jeffrey , Pauwels Valentijn
Published: May 2016

Fluvial flooding is one of the most catastrophic natural disasters threatening people’s lives and possessions. Flood forecasting systems, which simulate runoff generation and propagation processes, provide information to support flood warning delivery and emergency response. The forecasting models need to be driven by input data and further constrained by historical and real-time observations using batch calibration and/or data assimilation techniques so as to produce relatively accurate and reliable flow forecasts. Traditionally, flood forecasting models are forced, calibrated and updated using in-situ measurements, e.g., gauged precipitation and discharge. The rapid development of hydrologic remote sensing offers a potential to provide additional/alternative forcing and constraint to facilitate timely and reliable forecasts. This has brought increasing interest to exploring the use of remote sensing data for flood forecasting. This paper reviews the recent advances on integration of remotely sensed precipitation and soil moisture with rainfall-runoff models for rainfall-driven flood forecasting. Scientific and operational challenges on the effective and optimal integration of remote sensing data into forecasting models are discussed.
Effects of Per-Pixel Variability on Uncertainties in Bathymetric Retrievals from High-Resolution Satellite Images
Authors: Botha Elizabeth , Brando Vittorio , Dekker Arnold
Published: May 2016

Increased sophistication of high spatial resolution multispectral satellite sensors provides enhanced bathymetric mapping capability. However, the enhancements are counter-acted by per-pixel variability in sunglint, atmospheric path length and directional effects. This case-study highlights retrieval errors from images acquired at non-optimal geometrical combinations. The effects of variations in the environmental noise on water surface reflectance and the accuracy of environmental variable retrievals were quantified. Two WorldView-2 satellite images were acquired, within one minute of each other, with Image 1 placed in a near-optimal sun-sensor geometric configuration and Image 2 placed close to the specular point of the Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF). Image 2 had higher total environmental noise due to increased surface glint and higher atmospheric path-scattering. Generally, depths were under-estimated from Image 2, compared to Image 1. A partial improvement in retrieval error after glint correction of Image 2 resulted in an increase of the maximum depth to which accurate depth estimations were returned. This case-study indicates that critical analysis of individual images, accounting for the entire sun elevation and azimuth and satellite sensor pointing and geometry as well as anticipated wave height and direction, is required to ensure an image is fit for purpose for aquatic data analysis.
Evaluation of MODIS LAI/FPAR Product Collection 6. Part 2: Validation and Intercomparison
Authors: Yan Kai , Park Taejin , Yan Guangjian , Liu Zhao , Yang Bin , Chen Chi , Nemani Ramakrishna , Knyazikhin Yuri , Myneni Ranga
Published: May 2016

The aim of this paper is to assess the latest version of the MODIS LAI/FPAR product (MOD15A2H), namely Collection 6 (C6). We comprehensively evaluate this product through three approaches: validation with field measurements, intercomparison with other LAI/FPAR products and comparison with climate variables. Comparisons between ground measurements and C6, as well as C5 LAI/FPAR indicate: (1) MODIS LAI is closer to true LAI than effective LAI; (2) the C6 product is considerably better than C5 with RMSE decreasing from 0.80 down to 0.66; (3) both C5 and C6 products overestimate FPAR over sparsely-vegetated areas. Intercomparisons with three existing global LAI/FPAR products (GLASS, CYCLOPES and GEOV1) are carried out at site, continental and global scales. MODIS and GLASS (CYCLOPES and GEOV1) agree better with each other. This is expected because the surface reflectances, from which these products were derived, were obtained from the same instrument. Considering all biome types, the RMSE of LAI (FPAR) derived from any two products ranges between 0.36 (0.05) and 0.56 (0.09). Temporal comparisons over seven sites for the 2001–2004 period indicate that all products properly capture the seasonality in different biomes, except evergreen broadleaf forests, where infrequent observations due to cloud contamination induce unrealistic variations. Thirteen years of C6 LAI, temperature and precipitation time series data are used to assess the degree of correspondence between their variations. The statistically-significant associations between C6 LAI and climate variables indicate that C6 LAI has the potential to provide reliable biophysical information about the land surface when diagnosing climate-driven vegetation responses.
Enzyme Biosensors for Biomedical Applications: Strategies for Safeguarding Analytical Performances in Biological Fluids
Authors: Rocchitta Gaia , Spanu Angela , Babudieri Sergio , Latte Gavinella , Madeddu Giordano , Galleri Grazia , Nuvoli Susanna , Bagella Paola , Demartis Maria , Fiore Vito , Manetti Roberto , Serra Pier
Published: May 2016

Enzyme-based chemical biosensors are based on biological recognition. In order to operate, the enzymes must be available to catalyze a specific biochemical reaction and be stable under the normal operating conditions of the biosensor. Design of biosensors is based on knowledge about the target analyte, as well as the complexity of the matrix in which the analyte has to be quantified. This article reviews the problems resulting from the interaction of enzyme-based amperometric biosensors with complex biological matrices containing the target analyte(s). One of the most challenging disadvantages of amperometric enzyme-based biosensor detection is signal reduction from fouling agents and interference from chemicals present in the sample matrix. This article, therefore, investigates the principles of functioning of enzymatic biosensors, their analytical performance over time and the strategies used to optimize their performance. Moreover, the composition of biological fluids as a function of their interaction with biosensing will be presented.
Indoor Multi-Sensor Acquisition System for Projects on Energy Renovation of Buildings
Authors: Armesto Julia , Sánchez-Villanueva Claudio , Patiño-Cambeiro Faustino , Patiño-Barbeito Faustino
Published: May 2016

Energy rehabilitation actions in buildings have become a great economic opportunity for the construction sector. They also constitute a strategic goal in the European Union (EU), given the energy dependence and the compromises with climate change of its member states. About 75% of existing buildings in the EU were built when energy efficiency codes had not been developed. Approximately 75% to 90% of those standing buildings are expected to remain in use in 2050. Significant advances have been achieved in energy analysis, simulation tools, and computer fluid dynamics for building energy evaluation. However, the gap between predictions and real savings might still be improved. Geomatics and computer science disciplines can really help in modelling, inspection, and diagnosis procedures. This paper presents a multi-sensor acquisition system capable of automatically and simultaneously capturing the three-dimensional geometric information, thermographic, optical, and panoramic images, ambient temperature map, relative humidity map, and light level map. The system integrates a navigation system based on a Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) approach that allows georeferencing every data to its position in the building. The described equipment optimizes the energy inspection and diagnosis steps and facilitates the energy modelling of the building.
Adaptive Particle Filter for Nonparametric Estimation with Measurement Uncertainty in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Li Xiaofan , Zhao Yubin , Zhang Sha , Fan Xiaopeng
Published: May 2016

Particle filters (PFs) are widely used for nonlinear signal processing in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). However, the measurement uncertainty makes the WSN observations unreliable to the actual case and also degrades the estimation accuracy of the PFs. In addition to the algorithm design, few works focus on improving the likelihood calculation method, since it can be pre-assumed by a given distribution model. In this paper, we propose a novel PF method, which is based on a new likelihood fusion method for WSNs and can further improve the estimation performance. We firstly use a dynamic Gaussian model to describe the nonparametric features of the measurement uncertainty. Then, we propose a likelihood adaptation method that employs the prior information and a belief factor to reduce the measurement noise. The optimal belief factor is attained by deriving the minimum Kullback–Leibler divergence. The likelihood adaptation method can be integrated into any PFs, and we use our method to develop three versions of adaptive PFs for a target tracking system using wireless sensor network. The simulation and experimental results demonstrate that our likelihood adaptation method has greatly improved the estimation performance of PFs in a high noise environment. In addition, the adaptive PFs are highly adaptable to the environment without imposing computational complexity.
Four Sustainability Paradigms for Environmental Management: A Methodological Analysis and an Empirical Study Based on 30 Italian Industries
Authors: Zagonari Fabio
Published: May 2016

This paper develops an empirical methodology to consistently compare alternative sustainability paradigms (weak sustainability (WS), strong sustainability (SS), a-growth (AG), and de-growth (DG)) and different assessment approaches (LCA, CBA, and MCA) within alternative relationship frameworks (economic general equilibrium (EGE) and ecosystem services (ESS)). The goal is to suggest different environmental interventions (e.g., projects vs. policies) for environmental management at national, regional, or local levels. The top-down methodology is then applied to 30 interdependent industries in Italy for three pollutants and four resources during two periods. The industries were prioritized in terms of interventions to be taken to diminish pollution damage and resource depletion, whereas sustainability paradigms were compared in terms of their likelihood (i.e., WS > AG = DG > SS), robustness (i.e., AG > SS > DG > WS), effectiveness (i.e., SS > AG > DG > WS), and feasibility (i.e., SS > DG > WS > AG). Proper assessment approaches for projects are finally identified for situations when policies are infeasible (e.g., LCA in WS and SS, MCA in DG and SS within ESS, CBA in WS, and AG within EGE), by suggesting MCA in WS within ESS once ecological services are linked to sustainability criteria.
China’s Water Utilization Efficiency: An Analysis with Environmental Considerations
Authors: Ma Hailiang , Shi Chenling , Chou Nan-Ting
Published: May 2016

This paper estimates China’s water utilization efficiency using the directional distance function to take into account the environmental degradation affecting the economy. We further analyze the spatial correlation and the factors influencing the utilization efficiency using spatial panel data models. The results show that water utilization efficiency in China differs between provinces and regions. For example, water utilization efficiency in the eastern coastal provinces is significantly higher than that of inland provinces. The pattern of spatial auto-correlation Moran’s I index presents significant spatial auto-correlation and evident cluster tendencies in China’s inter-provincial water utilization. Factors that contribute to water utilization efficiency include economic development, technological progress, and economic openness. Negative factors affecting water utilization efficiency arise from industrial structure, government interference, and water resources endowment. In addition, the price of water resources is insignificant. The improvement of water utilization efficiency is essential to sustainable economic development. To raise the utilization efficiency of water resources, China should focus on transforming its industrial restructure, advancing technological development, enhancing economic openness, and encouraging entrepreneurial innovations. Moreover, establishing a mechanism to encourage water conservation and reduce wastewater pollution will further increase water utilization efficiency.
A Balanced Scorecard of Sustainable Management in the Taiwanese Bicycle Industry: Development of Performance Indicators and Importance Analysis
Authors: Chung Chih-Chao , Chao Li-Chung , Chen Chih-Hong , Lou Shi-Jer
Published: May 2016

The main purpose of this study is to investigate the development of the performance indicators of sustainable management in the Taiwanese bicycle industry and to perform an importance analysis. Based on the Balanced Scorecard concept, the framework of sustainable management is added. Ten experts evaluated the performance indicators of a sustainable Balanced Scorecard in the Taiwanese bicycle industry using five major categories: (1) Financial, (2) Customer, (3) Internal Business Processes, (4) Learning and Growth, and (5) Sustainable Development, and a total of 21 performance indicators were used. The analytic network process (ANP) was used to perform an importance analysis of the various performance indicators. Most of the experts suggested that for the introduction of a sustainable management strategy into the bicycle industry in Taiwan, it is necessary to include the definition of sustainable management and to improve five performance indicators: innovation process, customer satisfaction, operations process, after-sales service, and market share. According to the analysis results, this study proposed relevant management definitions and suggestions to be used as important references for decision-makers to understand the introduction of sustainable management strategies to the current bicycle industry in Taiwan.
Addressing the Security Concerns of Locals and Visitors for the Sustainable Development of Tourist Destinations
Authors: Mawby Rob , Tecău Alina , Constantin Cristinel , Chițu Ioana , Tescașiu Bianca
Published: May 2016

Tourism has long been recognized as a crime generator. This poses a dilemma in the sustainable development context: is continued tourist expansion sustainable if it generates increased law and order problems? Using the example of Brașov, Romania, this article considers the ways in which criminal justice agencies and the tourism sector have operated in partnership to ensure the security of both local residents and visitors. We argue that the success of the initiative depends on multi-agency working at the local level, but that the involvement of local residents is also crucial. This commitment may be tested as the nature of tourism changes. The research consists of an analysis of primary and secondary data. The results revealed that among the main security issues mentioned by tourists are not only robberies and other social and situational features that contributed to tourists feeling anxious or unsafe, but also the need to have access to good health services and easy access to money changing facilities, information centers, etc. Some improvements are suggested for the local Sustainable Development Strategy of Brașov.
Clinical Efficacy and Changes of Urothelial Dysfunction after Repeated Detrusor Botulinum Toxin A Injections in Chronic Spinal Cord-Injured Bladder
Authors: Chen Sheng-Fu , Chang Chia-Hwei , Kuo Hann-Chorng
Published: May 2016

Chornic spinal cord injury (SCI) will induce bladder urothelium dysfunction. This study investigated the therapeutic effects on urothelial dysfunction after repeated detrusor injections of onabotulinumtoxinA (BoNT-A) in SCI patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO). Twenty chronic suprasacral SCI patients with NDO were enrolled. The patients received 300 U BoNT-A injection into the detrusor every six months. The urothelium was assessed by cystoscopic biopsy at baseline and six months after each BoNT-A treatment. Immunofluorescence staining for urothelial dysfunction, including E-cadherin, zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), tryptase for mast cell activity, and urothelial apoptosis were investigated. The outcome of urothelial dysfunction parameters after BoNT-A injection were compared between baseline and six months after each treatment. Repeated 300 U BoNT-A injections showed a sustained decrease of detrusor pressure compared with baseline. After three repeated BoNT-A detrusor injections, significantly greater distributions of E-cadherin (p = 0.042) and ZO-1 (p = 0.003) expressions, but no significant changes, of urothelial apoptosis and mast cell activation were found after repeated BoNT-A therapy. Urothelial dysfunction, such as adhesive and junction protein concentrations in SCI patients’ bladders, recovered after three repeated cycles of BoNT-A treatment. The therapeutic effects sustained. However, urothelial inflammation and apoptosis after SCI were not significantly improved after three repeated BoNT-A injections.
Virial Theorem in Nonlocal Newtonian Gravity
Authors: Mashhoon Bahram
Published: May 2016

Nonlocal gravity is the recent classical nonlocal generalization of Einstein’s theory of gravitation in which the past history of the gravitational field is taken into account. In this theory, nonlocality appears to simulate dark matter. The virial theorem for the Newtonian regime of nonlocal gravity theory is derived and its consequences for “isolated” astronomical systems in virial equilibrium at the present epoch are investigated. In particular, for a sufficiently isolated nearby galaxy in virial equilibrium, the galaxy’s baryonic diameter D 0 —namely, the diameter of the smallest sphere that completely surrounds the baryonic system at the present time—is predicted to be larger than the effective dark matter fraction f D M times a universal length that is the basic nonlocality length scale λ 0 ≈ 3 ± 2 kpc.
Climate and Land Use Changes on Streamflow and Subsurface Recharge in the Fluvià Basin, Spain
Authors: Candela Lucila , Tamoh Karim , Olivares Gonzalo , Gómez Manuel
Published: May 2016

Climate change impact on water resources (streamflow and deep natural recharge) based on the downscaled outputs from the ECHAM5 general circulation model (GCM) has been investigated in the Mediterranean basin (Fluvià, Spain) for the A2, B1 greenhouse scenarios and 2000–2024/2025–2050 time slices. The HEC-HMS 3.4 rainfall-runoff numerical model was the basic tool used to generate streamflow for the historical period, and deep natural recharge was calculated from Visual-BALAN 2.0, a water-soil-plant distributed model. The hydrologic and recharge models were employed to generate future climate change hydrographs and the deep recharge amount. Furthermore, the selected future climate scenarios, subject to possible changes in the land use/land cover forecast, were integrated into the models, and water resource impacts were assessed. The multiple combinations of climate model, time slices, greenhouse scenarios, land use/land cover scenarios and hydrological estimation methods resulted in six scenarios. The obtained results estimate an increase in temperature (1.5 °C), a decline in precipitation (17%) and a maximum decrease of 49.5% and 16.8% in runoff and groundwater recharge, respectively, for 2050 (A2) compared to the historical values. Planned land cover scenarios, implying small changes of agricultural and forested land, show no major contribution to future water resource changes. According to the results, the most sensitive parameters conditioning future water resources are changes in temperature and precipitation.
Estimation of Polder Retention Capacity Based on ASTER, SRTM and LIDAR DEMs: The Case of Majdany Polder (West Poland)
Authors: Walczak Zbigniew , Sojka Mariusz , Wróżyński Rafał , Laks Ireneusz
Published: May 2016

This study compares four digital elevation models (DEMs), based on various data sources, to define polder retention capacities. Two commercial and two publically available, free of charge data sources were used. Commercial sources are DEMs based on aerial images and LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) data. Free data source DEMs generated are based on: SRTM (Shuttle Radar Topography Mission) and ASTER GDEM (ASTER Global Digital Elevation Model). In addition, the impact of the spatial resolution of the numerical terrain model on the calculated polder volume was evaluated. A DEM based on LIDAR data was used as the reference model and was supplemented with our own geodetic GPS (Global Positioning System) measurements. In flood modeling and management, including retention of river valleys and polders, it is necessary to properly estimate their capacity and the relation between capacity and water level. The study showed the impact of quantitative and qualitative data sources in determining the retention capacity of a polder.
L’identité grecque de Naucratis. Enquête sur la fabrication de la mémoire d’une cité grecque d’Égypte aux époques hellénistique et romaine
Authors: Redon Bérangère
Published: May 2016

La question du statut de Naucratis, première implantation grecque pérenne en Égypte, aux époques archaïque et classique est toujours ardemment débattue ; en revanche, l’histoire de la cité du Delta aux époques hellénistique et romaine n’a suscité que peu de recherches, alors que, paradoxalement, son statut de polis est avéré. Pourtant, la place occupée par la Naucratis tardive, à l’intersection entre le monde des cités grecques et le royaume lagide, est originale. Les sources décrivent, certes, une cité en repli sur le plan commercial, confrontée à la double concurrence des Lagides et d’Alexandrie. Cependant, les Naucratites choisissent – sans doute sciemment et dès le IIIe s. av. J.-C. – d’invoquer l’ancienneté de leur implantation en Égypte, pour conserver leur prestige et résister à un effacement total. Nous analyserons, dans cet article, les moyens qu’ils ont utilisés pour fabriquer (à l’époque hellénistique) et conserver (à l’époque impériale) une mémoire naucratite, à la fois vénérable et illustre, garantissant leur identité grecque et rappelant la gloire ancienne de leur cité.
Les Saintes-Claires d'Amiens au XVIIIe siècle
Authors: Bliaux Fabienne
Published: May 2016

De Clarissen van Amiens in de XVIIIde eeuw.

De Clarissen van Amiens leefden in de xvmde eeuw nog naar de Constitutions van hun stichteres, de heilige Colette. Zelfs toen zij afhingen van de capucijnen, voor hun geestelijke leiding, van wie zij de naam overnamen, ble- ven zij een intens spiritueel leven en een voortdurende zorg voor de individuele en collectieve armoede in acht nemen. Hun voornaamste bezigheid was de heiligverklaring van Colette te bekomen.

Haast allemaal afkomstig uit het bisdom Amiens kozen de nonnen voor het klooster van de Clarissen uit eigen keuze en uit roeping. Op het einde van de xvmde eeuw stelt Juffrouw de Louvencourt een altijddurende verering van het Heilig Sacrement in, met de hulp van monseigneur de la Motte, en richt, in het gedeelte voor de externen, een hospitaal in voor de ongeneeslijken.
Quarante ans d'Action catholique ouvrière dans le diocèse de Lille (1950-1990)
Authors: Gille Christelle
Published: May 2016

Le 5 mars 1950, l'Eglise crée l'Action catholique ouvrière (ACO), mouvement qui se réfère à la fois au courant social qu'est le mouvement ouvrier et au courant confessionnel qu'est le mouvement d'Eglise. Assimiler ces deux courants dans un seul mouvement apostolique était loin d'être chose facile. Aussi, certaines difficultés inhérentes à la mentalité de ses militants et à des facteurs externes ou internes au mouvement construisent, au fil des années, dans l'ACO du diocèse de Lille, une dynamique que retrace son évolution. Le développement de l'ACO, à Lille, doit passer par l'assimilation d'une classe ouvrière sans cesse en mouvement, par la maîtrise du contexte socio-économico-politique et par la compréhension d'une restructuration difficile du mouvement. Mais surtout, l'ACO lilloise dut équilibrer ses courants de pensée (l'un temporel, l'autre apostolique) et la diversité des engagements de ses militants dans le monde ouvrier afin de construire une ACO équilibrée par les partages, les actions et les réflexions au cœur même de la vie ouvrière.
Efficient Engraftment of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Hepatocyte-Like Cells in uPA/SCID Mice by Overexpression of FNK, a Bcl-xLMutant Gene
Authors: Nagamoto Yasuhito , Takayama Kazuo , Tashiro Katsuhisa , Tateno Chise , Sakurai Fuminori , Tachibana Masashi , Kawabata Kenji , Ikeda Kazuo , Tanaka Yasuhito , Mizuguchi Hiroyuki
Published: May 2016

Human liver chimeric mice are expected to be applied for drug toxicity tests and human hepatitis virus research. Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived hepatocyte-like cells (iPSC-HLCs) are a highly attractive donor source for the generation of human liver chimeric mice because they can be produced on a large scale and established from an individual. Although these cells have been successfully used to generate human liver chimeric mice, there is still room for improvement in the repopulation efficiency. To enhance the repopulation efficacy, the human iPSC-HLCs were transduced with an adenovirus vector (Ad-FNK) expressing FNK, a hyperactive mutant gene from Bcl-xL, which was expected to inhibit apoptosis in the process of integration into liver parenchyma. We then transplanted Ad-FNK-transduced human iPSC-HLCs into urokinase-type plasminogen activator-transgenic severe combined immunodeficiency (uPA/SCID) mice (FNK mice) and evaluated the repopulation efficacy. The antiapoptotic effects of the human iPSC-HLCs were enhanced by FNK overexpression in vitro. Human albumin levels in the transplanted mice were significantly increased by transplantation of Ad-FNK-transduced human iPSC-HLCs (about 24,000 ng/ml). Immunohistochemical analysis with an anti-human αAT antibody revealed greater repopulation efficacy in the livers of FNK mice than control mice. Interestingly, the expression levels of human hepatocyte-related genes in the human iPSC-HLCs of FNK mice were much higher than those in the human iPSC-HLCs before transplantation. We succeeded in improving the repopulation efficacy of human liver chimeric mice generated by transplanting the Ad-FNK-transduced human iPSC-HLCs into uPA/SCID mice. Our method using ectopic expression of FNK was useful for generating human chimeric mice with high chimerism.
Thermo-voltage measurements of atomic contacts at low temperature
Authors: Ofarim Ayelet , Kopp Bastian , Möller Thomas , Martin León , Boneberg Johannes , Leiderer Paul , Scheer Elke
Published: May 2016

We report the development of a novel method to determine the thermopower of atomic-sized gold contacts at low temperature. For these measurements a mechanically controllable break junction (MCBJ) system is used and a laser source generates a temperature difference of a few kelvins across the junction to create a thermo-voltage. Since the temperature difference enters directly into the Seebeck coefficient S = −ΔV/ΔT, the determination of the temperature plays an important role. We present a method for the determination of the temperature difference using a combination of a finite element simulation, which reveals the temperature distribution of the sample, and the measurement of the resistance change due to laser heating of sensor leads on both sides next to the junction. Our results for the measured thermopower are in agreement with recent reports in the literature.
Integrating design management concept in entrepreneurial practices: evidence from the cross-border project
Authors: Gerlitz Laima
Published: May 2016

Innovation is the key-driving factor for the economic grow and social wealth. Innovative products
and services emerge more often as a result of cross-sectorial combination of technologies, design and
business models. The European Union approved in summer 2011 within the South Baltic Programme the
INTERREG IVA project ‘Design EntrepreneurSHIP’. The project work follows the evolutionary approach
that is supported by semi-structured interviews, qualitative and quantitative surveys and expert assessments.
The paper presents accumulated results by highlighting expectations and needs of entrepreneurs
concerning a SME-suitable design management concept and desired design management skills in SMEs,
forging innovation and sustainable entrepreneurship growth.
Product-level analysis of relationship between Czech koruna and Czech foreign trade
Authors: Šimáková Jana
Published: May 2016

Paper is aimed to evaluate effects of exchange rates on the Czech bilateral trade divided into
product categories. Paper assumes that different traded product categories are characterized by different
price elasticity and every market consists of different consumer and producer behavior patterns, so the
study applies territorial and commodity approach to foreign trade disaggregation. Long term effects are assessed
by Johansen cointegration and short term effects by vector error correction model. Analysis for the
period 1999 -2014 on the SITC 1 and 2 digit data shows that bilateral and majority of commodity trade
balances are cointegrated with bilateral exchange rate.
Future labour market demand in Vidzeme region, Latvia
Authors: Rozentale Sarmite , Livina Agita , Brigsa Sandra , Andersons Aigars , Kreituze Ieva
Published: May 2016

The objective of the study was to identify employers’ needs of the future labour market in 5–7
years in Vidzeme Region. The data were obtained from a quantitative survey of employers and expert interviews
according to Delphi method. Experts believe that some brand new profession may appear, but
mostly changes will affect the contents of the professions and the required skills.
As regards the topicality of occupations within the next five years, the experts all agree on priority of information
and communication services and related professions. The second most frequently mentioned is
the processing industry, since a change in the working specifics will require employees, able to use complicated
equipment.
Integrating business start-up indicators in the flexicurity concept to cover the alternative forms of employment
Authors: Vaivade Agnese , Brekis Edgars , Sumilo Erika
Published: May 2016

The flexicurity concept created in the Netherlands and Denmark in the early 1990s has become
the main stepping-stone in improving the performance of labour markets across the European Union
Member States. The European Commission has therefore taken a leading role on broader flexicurity concept
development and creation of the data analysis methodology. However, the analysis proposed by the
European Commission Joint Research Centre on flexicurity indicators in 2010 only partly includes business
start-ups as a flexible form of employment. This research starts the discussion on whether additional
indicators should be integrated in the flexicurity analysis, because of the rising need for employment security
through entrepreneurial activity.
Analysis of global financial markets and its future perspectives
Authors: Kvietkauskienė Alina , Martinkutė-Kaulienė Raimonda
Published: May 2016

The authors concentrate their attention on the future perspectives of financial markets. But on
the other hand the investors, in order to make efficient investment decisions, should know the real situation
in financial markets. The purpose of the article is to analyze the situation in the global financial
markets, as well as their development trends in the future. In order to reach the purpose the authors perform
the analysis of financial markets, considering results of main asset classes, evaluating the EPS
growth and the level of risk in global equity and commodity markets and examining other important factors,
which affect the financial markets and the investments in different financial instruments.
Prerequisites for undertaking and developing cooperation by industrial and construction companies
Authors: Wasiluk Anna
Published: May 2016

The text is devoted to the prerequisites for undertaking cooperation by competitive industrial
and construction enterprises in the perspective of formation and development of cluster structures. The research
problem was formulated in the form of four key questions concerning both present and future cooperation
between competing companies. Quantitative research, conducted in late 2014 and early 2015
covered 381 enterprises, including 305 industrial and 76 construction companies. The conducted analysis
showed a large deficit in terms of both the existing cooperation and readiness to strengthen it in the near
future. Under such conditions, it is therefore difficult to talk about the real possibilities of creation and development
of effective cluster structures.
Managing stakeholders in complex investments projects
Authors: Tamošiūnas Andrius
Published: May 2016

The article presents the stakeholder management model for complex investment projects. The
proposed model is aimed at strengthening in essence the justification of managerial decisions subject to
the choice of the stakeholders and their subsequent coaction throughout the whole investment project
management cycle. Respectively the model concerned is regarded as multiple criteria ranking task of possible
variants of choice of stakeholders (as a one of indispensable factors) needed when seeking for effective
implementation of complex investments. In order to solve this task the cooperation-targethomogeneity
function and three-stage-criteria system is adapted. The latter measures are also supported by
the quantitative methods to be used when assessing potential stakeholders and forming basis for objective
decision making.
Third-party facilitation of supply chain linkages: evidence from the Armenian vegetable industry
Authors: Shanoyan A. , Ross R.B. , Gow H.R. , Peterson H.C. , Black R.
Published: May 2016

This paper presents an empirical examination of investment responses to external facilitation of supply chain linkages between agricultural producers and processors. Specifically, it analyzes the impact of participation in the USDA Marketing Assistance Program (MAP) facilitated formal marketing channel on farm-level investments in tomato production. The analysis involves mixed method approach utilizing a case of the USDA MAP in the Armenian vegetable industry and the survey data from 427 Armenian tomato growers. The main results indicate that the tomato growers linked to USDA MAP facilitated formal marketing channel (i.e. processors) invested significantly more in expanding tomato planting area compared to growers in informal channel (i.e. direct-to-consumer markets, middleman, and barter). The lessons from the USDA MAP’s supply chain facilitation strategy and the results of quantitative analysis provide insights on incentive structures and enforcement mechanisms for designing more effective supply chain linkages.
Knowledge, attitude and practice of contraceptive use among female students of Dilla secondary and preparatory school, Dilla town, South Ethiopia, 2014
Authors: Katama Samuel Kusheta , Hibstu Desalegn Tsegaw
Published: May 2016

Family planning is known not only as a fundamental intervention for improving the health of women but also as a human right. The aim of this study was to assess the current knowledge, attitude and practice of contraceptive use among female students in Dilla secondary and preparatory school, Dilla, South Ethiopia, 2014. A cross sectional study was conducted among 288 female students in Dilla secondary and preparatory school, south Ethiopia, June 19- 29/2014. A simple random sampling technique was used to select the study subjects. The data was collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire. The data was analyzed by SPSS 20. Chi-square test was used to identify associated factors. A total of 263 female students were involved in this study, of which 249 (94.7%) had good knowledge about contraception. The three most frequently identified methods were injectable form (83.9%), oral contraceptive pills (72.7%) and condom (48.6%). A total of 15.7% respondents ever used contraceptive. Among the users, 56.4% used oral contraceptive pills, and 23.1 and 10.2% used injectable form and condom, respectively. In spite of the fact that most respondents had good knowledge of contraception, their attitude and practice was low. Emphasis needs to be given on disseminating health information concerning the attitude and practice of contraceptive method.
Assessing the reliability of microscopy and rapid diagnostic tests in malaria diagnosis in areas with varying parasite density among older children and adult patients in Nigeria
Authors: Ayogu EE , Ukwe CV , Nna EO
Published: May 2016

Background:

Current malaria control strategies are based on early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of malaria cases. The study aimed at comparing the performance of blood film microscopy and rapid diagnostic test (RDT) in Plasmodium falciparum detection in patients ≥6 years of age.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 154 consecutive pyretic patients aged 6-62 years were enrolled, sampled, and tested for malaria using RDT (first response) and microscopy by Giemsa staining. Genomic DNA was extracted after saponin hemolysis and nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect Plasmodium falciparum. The endpoints were sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV).

Results:

Of the 154 patients, 80 (51.9%) had fever of ≥37.5°C. 106 (68.8%) were positive by First response®, 132 (85.7%) by microscopy, and 121 (78.6%) by PCR. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of first response compared to microscopic method were 82.2%, 100.0%, 100.0%, and 34.3%, respectively, while it was 75.4%, 75.0%, 95.3%, and 31.2%, respectively, when compared to PCR. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of the microscopic method compared to PCR were 92.3%, 50.0%, 90.91%, and 54.5%, respectively. There was a significant difference in the performance of RDT and film microscopy methods (P ≤ 0.05).

Conclusion:

Microscopy performed better and is more reliable than first response (RDT) in areas with low parasite density among patients ≥6 years of age. Rapid diagnostic tests could be useful in aareas with high parasite density as an alternative to smear microscopy
Accessing completeness of pregnancy, delivery, and death registration by Accredited Social Health Activists [ASHA] in an innovative mHealth project in the tribal areas of Gujarat
Authors: Modi D , Patel J , Desai S , Shah P
Published: May 2016

Background:

The Innovative Mobile-phone Technology for Community Health Operation (ImTeCHO) is a mobile-phone application that helps Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) in complete registration through the strategies employed during implementation that is linking ASHAs’ incentives to digital records, regular feedback, onsite data entry, and demand generation among beneficiaries.

Objective:

To determine the proportion of pregnancies, deliveries, and infant deaths (events) being registered through the ImTeCHO application against actual number of events in a random sample of villages.

Materials and Methods:

Five representative villages were randomly selected from the ImTeCHO project area in the tribal areas of Gujarat, India to obtain the required sample of 98 recently delivered women. A household survey was done in the entire villages to enumerate each family and create a line-listing of events since January 2014; the line-listing was compared with list of women registered through the ImTeCHO application. The proportion of events being registered through the ImTeCHO application was compared against the actual number of events to find sensitivity of the ImTeCHO application.

Result:

A total of 844 families were found during household enumeration. Out of actual line-listing of pregnancies (N = 39), deliveries (N = 102), and infant deaths (N = 5) found during household enumeration, 38 (97.43%), 101 (99.01%), and 5 (100%) were registered by ASHAs through the ImTeCHO application.

Conclusion:

The use of mobile-phone technology and strategies applied during the ImTeCHO implementation should be upscaled to supplement efforts to improve the completeness of registration.
Mixed method approach for determining factors associated with late presentation to HIV/AIDS care in southern India
Authors: Yadav UN , Chandrasekharan V , Guddattu V , Gruiskens JRJH
Published: May 2016

Background:

Early diagnosis and treatment of human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is not only beneficial for the people living with HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) (PLHA) but for the public and society as well. The study was aimed to identify the factors associated with late presentation to HIV/AIDS care.

Materials and Methods:

A facility-based unmatched case-control (1:1) study along with in-depth qualitative assessment was conducted at an ART Plus center at a district hospital, Udupi, southern India. A sample of 320 HIV patients (160 cases and 160 controls) was selected randomly between February and July 2014. Information regarding the patients were collected using an interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire. The qualitative component was assessed by in-depth interviews of 4 health professionals and 12 HIV-positive patients who were late for HIV care. The quantitative data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 15.0. The technique of thematic analysis was adopted for the analysis of qualitative data.

Results:

HIV-positive individuals who lived with families [odds ratio (OR) = 5.11], the patients having non-AIDS comorbidities [OR= 2.19, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.09-4.40], the patients who perceived fear of losing family [OR = 5.00, 95% CI: 2.17-11.49], the patients who perceived fear that their status will be ruined in the community [OR= 2.00, 95% CI: 1.01-3.97], the patients who perceived fear of side effects of ART medications [OR = 4.3, 95% CI: 2.65-11.33], the patients who perceived fear of losing confidentiality [OR = 4.94, 95% CI: 2.54-9.59], the patients those who lack information available on government services [OR = 4.12, 95% CI: 2.127-8.005], and the patients who consumed alcohol [OR= 3.52, 95% CI: 1.83-6.77] were found to be independently associated with the late presentation to HIV/AIDS care after adjusting for all known confounders in a multivariable analysis. The qualitative summary showed that the perceived HIV stigma, inadequate health education, lack of awareness on available government services, psychological problems, alcohol use, asymptomatic conditions, and financial problems are major barriers to access care early for the late presenters.

Conclusion:

The identified factors can be utilized for the formulation of policies and interventions by promoting early diagnoses and addressing special concerns such as stigma, disclosure, health education, and awareness.
Does midline coincidence of upper and lower teeth affect smile aesthetics?
Authors: Jajoo Atul
Published: May 2016

The extraction of single mandibular incisor has always led to debate regarding midline and smile esthetics. The current case report describes the effect of mesiodens in worsening the Class II Division 1 malocclusion and its correction by extraction of mesiodens, upper first premolars, and single mandibular incisor. Satisfactory functional and esthetic results were achieved with well-settled Class II molar, Class I canine relationship, ideal overjet, and overbite. Two years postretention records show stable results.