bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Problematika Tugu Yogyakarta dari Aspek Fungsi dan Makna
Authors: Daniel Morin Lutse Lambert
Published: March 2017

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk memahami fungsi dan makna bangunan TuguYogyakarta. Tugu Yogyakarta adalah bangunan berbentuk prisma segi empatdan menggunakan unsur-unsur seni rupa berupa garis, titik, warna, dan bidangsebagai dasar pembuatannya yang memiliki makna-makna yang dapat dipahamiberdasarkan telaah filosofi masyarakat Jawa. Penelitian ini menggunakan metodepenelitian kualitatif dengan pendekatan ikonografi. Pemaknaan Tugu Yogyakartamengalami pergeseran setiap generasi seiring dengan perubahan budaya masyarakatYogyakarta. Tugu telah berubah dan mulai kehilangan nilai kesakralannya ataumengalamai disakralisasi. Filosofi manunggaling kawula lan Gusti telah hilangdan tidak tercermin pada tugu saat ini. Sehingga bagi Keraton, tugu saat ini tidakbermakna. Tugu bukan lagi menjadi salah satu simbol keraton tetapi lebih padaikon Kota Yogyakarta saja. Tugu Yogyakarta and its Problems on the Aspects of Function and Meaning. Theresearch is aimed to understand the function and meaning of Tugu Yogyakarta. TuguYogyakarta is a rectangular prism-shaped building and uses the meanings implied in thevisual art elements such as lines, dots, color, and the surfaces as they are the basis in themaking process that can be understood by scrutinizing the Javanese society philosophy. Itis a qualitative research using the iconographic approach. The shifting meaning of TuguYogyakarta has gradually been experienced by Yogyakarta people which goes along withthe cultural changes. It has unfortunately changed and started losing its sacred value.‘Manunggaling kawulo lan Gusti’ as its philosophy has gone and no longer reflected bythe monument. Therefore, Tugu Yogyakarta has no meaning today. It is no longer one ofthe Keraton Yogyakarta symbols, but merely as the icon of Yogyakarta city instead.
Transformasi Sinkretisma Indonesia dan Karya Seni Islam
Authors: Sucitra I Gede Arya
Published: March 2017

Tulisan ini membahas aspek sosio-historis dan pencapaian kebudayaan pada masa peradaban seni (rupa) Hindu dan Islam di Indonesia, perkembangan terkini seni rupa kontemporer Islami, dan karya seni KH. M. Fuad Riyadi, seniman dan Kyai Kontemporer yang aktif sebagai pelaku kesenian dalam seni sastra, musik dan seni rupa. Karya seni selalu merupakan cerminan pengamatan serta perasaan dan pikiran pembuatnya. Karya seni terlahir dari proses pergulatan panjang yang kompleks atas berbagai unsur kebudayaan yang saling mempengaruhi. Pada tahapan ini terjadilah transformasi budaya melalui proses sinkretisasi yang membentuk tradisi seni di Indonesia sesuai dengan peranan unsur budaya terutama persentuhan dengan agama yang datang dari luar. Tulisan ini dikaji melalui studi sejarah, transformasi budaya dan estetika. Berdasarkan penelitian dapat disimpulkan bahwa karya seni yang diciptakan seniman tidak berdiri sendiri atas nafas tunggal konsep dan dogtrin agama namun sudah dielaborasi dengan kebutuhan budaya setempat serta local genius masyarakat yang ditempati. This paper is intended to discuss the socio-historical aspect and the cultural achievement of the civilization of Hinduism and Islamic fine art in Indonesia, the updated development of Islamic contemporary fine art, and the artwork of KH. M. Fuad Riyadi, artists and contemporary mufti who are active as art doers of literary art, music, and fine art. The artwork is always a reflection of the observations and feelings and thoughts of the author. The artwork was born by the long struggle of complex processes on various cultural elements which influenced to each other. At this stage there was a cultural transformation through the process of syncretization which formed a tradition of art in Indonesia in accordance with the role of cultural elements, especially the contiguity with the religion coming from the outside. This paper was analyzed through the historical study, cultural and aesthetics transformation. Based on the research it can be concluded that the artworks created by the artist do not stand alone based on the single breath of concept and religion doctrine but the ones which have been elaborated with the needs of the local culture and the local genius of that intended society.
Creative by Way of Adaption: Ramayana Relief of Prambanan Temple
Authors: Soedjono Soeprapto
Published: March 2017

Artikel ini membahas tentang proses penciptaan karya seni berdasarkan teori adaptasi sebagaimana yang didiskusikan oleh Linda Hutcheon dalam bukunya yang berjudul: A Theory of Adaptation. Penekanan pembahasan lebih diletakkan pada aspek-aspek estetis visual yang terdapat pada karya seni relief naratif yang mengelilingi sepanjang dinding bagian dalam candi Prambanan di Kalasan, Yogyakarta. Sebagaimana tema relief yang diadaptasi dari ceritera legenda Ramayana yang ditulis oleh Walmiki pada waktu silam, maka proses penciptaan relief tersebut pada masa berikutnya diyakini mengikuti prosedur teori adaptasi tersebut. This article aims to discuss the creation of arts based upon the theory of adaptation that had been laid on by Linda Hutcheon in her book called A Theory of Adaptation. The discussion has put emphasis on the elaboration of any visual aesthetics aspects embodied within the Ramayana sculptural program in the narrative relief which is encircling along Prambanan temple inner wall in Kalasan, Yogyakarta. Since the relief’s theme is derived from the ancient epic story of Ramayana legend (by Valmiki), it is plausible that the later creative process of the relief work was created through the adaptation theory procedure.
ANALISIS KONTRASTIF DALAM STUDI BAHASA
Authors: Nur Tajudin
Published: March 2017

Contrastive analysis is aimed to identify aspects of the differences or dissimilarities between two or more languages being contrasted. There are two kinds of approach in contrastive analysis, applied contrastive analysis and pure contrastive analysis. Both approaches contrast the first and second language, but different in the objective. Applied contrastive analysis is aimed to solve pedagogical problems, while the pure one is aimed to study language typology. Through contrastive approach there will be characteristic of every language and it is known that cultural diversity (the culture between first and second language) implicates on language forms. There are four steps to get through to contrast the components of the two languages being compared, namely (1) collecting the desired data (2) displaying a comparison in the same units of language through  language transfer, (3) identifying the different elements that exist in the language, and (4) formulating the contrasts in the rule.
Left Atrial Size and Left Ventricular Mass Index in Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Thakur Kartikesh Kumar , Gajurel Ratna Mani , Shakya Sheelendra , Bhattarai Aseem , Raut Mithileshwor , Sayami Arun
Published: March 2017

Background: This study was conducted with the objective of evaluation of the occurrence of left atrial enlargement (LAE) in hypertensive patients and its relationship with left ventricular mass index (LVMI).Methods: This single centre study was carried out at the Manmohan Cardiothoracic Vascular and Transplant Center, where total of 99 patients with hypertension who had left ventricular hypertrophy on echocardiography defined by left ventricular septal wall thickness > 9mm for female and >10 mm for male, were selected  from May 2015 to August 2015.Results: In the study, the left atrium was enlarged in 31% of the selected patients. A total of 44% of patients having left atrial enlargement had increased left ventricular mass index as well, while a positive correlation (r = 0.3) was observed between the left atrial size and the left ventricular mass index (p= 0.001). The mean Left Ventricular Mass Index was 98 ± 32.7 g/m2 as compared to 115.34 ± 40.2 in patients with left atrial enlargement. The mean systolic blood pressure with left atrial enlargement was 146.70 ± 21.64 g/m2. Out of 99 patients, 80% of patients with left atrial enlargement had elevated body mass indexes, 48% had a history of smoking, 32% had diabetes mellitus, 22% had other complications of hypertension, and 12% had dyslipidemia.Conclusions: We concluded that the Left Atrial Size correlates significantly with the Left Ventricular Mass Index. In addition, the presence of left atrial enlargement should raise the suspicion of other metabolic derangements in hypertensive patients.Ann. Clin. Chem. Lab. Med. 2016:2(2);21-25
Evaluation of Serum Lipids and C-peptide among Breast Cancer Patients with Chemotherapy
Authors: Basnyat Anil Singh , Prabin Gyawali Prabin , Jha Abimanyu , Risal Prabodh , Shrestha Bhupal Govinda
Published: March 2017

Background: Chemotherapy agents alter serum lipids and C-peptide in cancer patients increased incidence of cardiovascular disorders and diabetes, although mechanisms for these are not known. Diabetes and cardiovascular riskis the highly concerned chemotherapy induced complications among cancer patients. This study is aimed to evaluate the serum lipids and C-peptide in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.Methods: This cross-sectional study includes160 individuals comprising 80 breast cancer patients and 80 controls with age ranges from 24 to 76 years. Patients received at least 3 cycles of chemotherapy. Serum Total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) andC-peptide level was measuredin random blood sampleswhereas,other lipid parameters like Non HDL (TC-HDL),cardiac risk ratio (TC: HDL) and Non-HDL: HDL werecalculated.Results: SerumTC, Non-HDL, TC: HDL, Non-HDL: HDL and C-peptide were significantly increased in breast cancer patients as compared to control group (p<0.001). HDL cholesterol level inpremenopausal and postmenopausalpatients was decreased but was not statistically significant different.Conclusions: Altered serum lipid parameters and C-peptide indicated the risk of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes in cancer patients. Routine assessments of these parameters are necessary for follow up care during breast cancer management.Clin. Chem. Lab. Med. 2016:2(2); 8-14
Elevated serum uric acid and triglycerides level in the patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus- a Nepalese case control study
Authors: Parajuli Hridaya , Shakya Jyotsna , Pardhe Bashu Dev , Khanal Puspa Raj , Parajuli Narayan Prasad , Maharjan Pooja , Joshi Govardhan , Hamza Alneil Mohamad , Pandeya Dipendra Raj
Published: March 2017

Background: Hyperuricemia is associated with type 2 diabetes, which is a metabolic disorder of multiple etiologies resulting from defects in insulin action. The present study wascarried out to look for any association between uric acid and Type II Diabetes Mellitus and also status of triacylglycerol level among those patients.Methods: The blood samples were collected 100 diabetic and 100 non-diabetic individuals in the department of biochemistry and then analyzed for estimation of blood glucose, Uric Acid and Triacylglycerol level.Results: The average level of serum uric acid in diabetic patients was higher (5.706±1.617) in comparison to non diabetic subjects (4.322±0.784) with statistically significant difference (p≤0.05). For female the result indicate there was a positive correlation between (FBS and triglycerides) and (triglycerides and uric acids) which was statistically significant (r =-0.465, n = 41, p = 0.002) and(r =-0.370, n = 41, p = 0.017) respectively.Conclusions: This study documents that hyperuricemia is associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Furthermore, the serum triacylglycerol and serum uric acid is also found to be associated risk factors for diabetic complications. Hence, timely diagnosis and management of diabetes is vital to control the complications related to diabetes.Ann. Clin. Chem. Lab. Med. 2016:2(1); 26-34
Medicine's Great Journey
Authors: Das C.R.
Published: March 2017

No abstract availableBirat Journal of Health Sciences Vol.1(1) 2016 p.i-ii
Spontaneous Expulsion of Ingested Foreign Bodies: Case Series and Review of Literature
Authors: Yadav A.K. , Shrestha R.S. , Sharma R. , Khadka B. , Awale L. , Malla G.B.
Published: March 2017

Foreign body ingestion is a commonly seen event in emergencies, usually in children, psychiatric patients, chronic alcoholics, drug abusers and the elderly patients with poor fitting dentures as well as the mentally challenged individuals. While ingestion of foreign bodies into Gastrointestinal Tract (GIT) may be accidental (especially in children), or experimental (anal insertion by adults), it may be purely intentional as in smugglers of illicit drugs, jewels and other valuables so as to evade detection by the security. About, 90% of ingested foreign bodies pass through the gastrointestinal tract without complications, 1020% necessitate endoscopic removal, while only 1% of them will finally need surgical intervention. In clinical practice we often face the dilemma of choosing the appropriate treatment modality. We present five cases treated in the emergency ward of B P Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal, emphasizing in a "waiting and close observation" policy. Among these cases, all expelled the foreign body spontaneously in their stool without any complications.Birat Journal of Health Sciences 2016 1(1): 78-82
Management of Spontaneous Rectal Perforation at Up-Coming Medical College Hospital: A Rare Occurrence
Authors: Singh R.K.
Published: March 2017

Spontaneous perforation of large bowel compare to small bowel is very uncommon and among them “spontaneous rectal perforation” is very rare cause of acute abdomen in surgical practice. The presentation of such entity is similar to any other cause of peritonitis & pre-operatively definite diagnosis remain a diagnostic dilemma and require an emergency surgical intervention to have the best outcome. We report a case of a 83 years male presented to our Emergency Department referred from B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences with feature suggestive of peritonitis, hollow viscous perforation with evidence of free air under right dome of diaphragm in chest X-ray PA view. An emergency exploratory laparotomy was performed with provisional diagnosis of duodenal ulcer perforation as being commonest in this region with differential diagnosis of appendicular perforation or small bowel perforation with peritonitis. But on exploration no perforation was found in duodenum, small bowel, appendix and large bowel etc. Lastly with much difficulty the rectal perforation could be located while removing the plaques adhered to the rectal wall. Seeing such cases a surgeon should be aware of the possibility of this fatal disease despite rare incidence. It is very important to recognize such condition at an early stage because it carries high mortality if surgical intervention is not done at early stage. Intra-operatively too a thorough search should be made towards rectum if perforation is not found easily at other sites. Hence the better prognosis is with early surgical intervention; worst the prognosis with late intervention.Birat Journal of Health Sciences 2016 1(1): 87-90
Reoperations within 48 hours following 7942 pediatric neurosurgery procedures
Authors: Roy Anil K. , Chu Jason , Bozeman Caroline , Sarda Samir , Sawvel Michael , Chern Joshua J.
Published: March 2017

OBJECTIVE

Various indicators are used to evaluate the quality of care delivered by surgical services, one of which is early reoperation rate. The indications and rate of reoperations within a 48-hour time period have not been previously reported for pediatric neurosurgery.

METHODS

Between May 1, 2009, and December 30, 2014, 7942 surgeries were performed by the pediatric neurosurgery service in the operating rooms at a single institution. Demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical characteristics associated with each of the operations were prospectively collected. The procedures were grouped into 31 categories based on the nature of the procedure and underlying diseases. Reoperations within 48 hours at the conclusion of the index surgery were reviewed to determine whether the reoperation was planned or unplanned. Multivariate logistic regression was employed to analyze risk factors associated with unplanned reoperations.

RESULTS

Cerebrospinal fluid shunt–and hydrocephalus-related surgeries accounted for 3245 (40.8%) of the 7942 procedures. Spinal procedures, craniotomy for tumor resections, craniotomy for traumatic injury, and craniofacial reconstructions accounted for an additional 8.7%, 6.8%, 4.5%, and 4.5% of surgical volume. There were 221 reoperations within 48 hours of the index surgery, yielding an overall incidence of 2.78%; 159 of the reoperation were unplanned. Of these 159 unplanned reoperations, 121 followed index operations involving shunt manipulations. Using unplanned reoperations as the dependent variable (n = 159), index operations with a starting time after 3 pm and admission through the emergency department (ED) were associated with a two- to threefold increase in the likelihood of reoperations (after-hour surgery, odds ratio [OR] 2.01 [95% CI 1.43–2.83, p < 0.001]; ED admission, OR 1.97 (95% CI 1.32–2.96, p < 0.05]).

CONCLUSIONS

Approximately 25% of the reoperations within 48 hours of a pediatric neurosurgical procedure were planned. When reoperations were unplanned, contributing factors could be both surgeon related and system related. Further study is required to determine the extent to which these reoperations are preventable. The utility of unplanned reoperation as a quality indicator is dependent on proper definition, analysis, and calculation.
Utilization of open government data: A systematic literature review of types, conditions, effects and users
Authors: Safarov Igbal , Meijer Albert , Grimmelikhuijsen Stephan
Published: March 2017

This paper presents a comprehensive overview of the literature on the types, effects, conditions and user of Open Government Data (OGD). The review analyses 101 academic studies about OGD which discuss at least one of the four factors of OGD utilization: the different types of utilization, the effects of utilization, the key conditions, and the different users. Our analysis shows that the majority of studies focus on the OGD provisions while assuming, but not empirically testing, various forms of utilization. The paper synthesizes the hypothesized relations in a multi-dimensional framework of OGD utilization. Based on the framework we suggest four future directions for research: 1) investigate the link between type of utilization and type of users (e.g. journalists, citizens) 2) investigate the link between type of user and type of effect (e.g. societal, economic and good governance benefits) 3) investigate the conditions that moderate OGD effects(e.g. policy, data quality) and 4) establishing a causal link between utilization and OGD outcomes.
Charles Waterton (1782–1865) and wourali
Authors: Padfield A.
Published: March 2017

Charles Waterton was the eccentric “Lord of Walton Hall” near Wakefield in Yorkshire. His Wanderings in South America was first published in 1826; translated into French, German and Spanish, it was a best seller. He brought back wourali used by the Macoushi natives of British Guiana (now Guyana) for killing prey; there is a piece of it in the Wakefield Museum. This paper traces the history of wourali which paralyses its victims; its attempted medical use for rabies and tetanus and, though different from curare, its belated use in modern anaesthesia.
Berlioz’ Memoirs and Delacroix's Journal : Context, Personality, Ethos
Authors: Lansdown Richard
Published: March 2017

Berlioz’ Mémoires (1870) and Delacroix's Journal (1893) are commonly seen as two of the greatest records of Romantic creativity. They also share a common background in French Romanticism, and are powerful instances of two great forms of autobiographical writing. This essay takes these features into account, but also contrasts the two Romantic artists — and human individuals — recorded in these books.
Pet Fiber Reinforced Wet-Mix Shotcrete with Walnut Shell as Replaced Aggregate
Authors: Cheng Weimin , Liu Guoming , Chen Lianjun
Published: March 2017

In the rapidly developing modern society, many raw materials, such as crushed limestone and river sand, which are limited, are consumed by the concrete industry. Naturally, the usage of waste materials in concrete have become an interesting research area in recent years, which is used to reduce the negative influence of concrete on the environment. Hence, this paper presents the development of a sustainable lightweight wet-mix shotcrete by replacing natural coarse gravel with a kind of byproduct, nut shell (walnut). Fibers made from dumped polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles were mixed in the composite to improve the properties of the lightweight wet-mix shotcrete. The initial evaluation of the fresh concrete mixed with different volume fraction of walnut shell was carried out in terms of its performance capacities of mechanical properties (i.e., tensile and compressive strength), pumpability and shootability (i.e., slump, pressure drop per meter and rebound rate) and the results were compared with plain concrete. With increase of walnut shell, compressive and splitting tensile strength of casting concrete decreased, while slump and pressure drop reduced slightly. Additionally, appropriate dosage of walnut shell can improve the shootability of fresh concrete with low rebound rate and larger build-up thickness. In the second series tests, polypropylene (PP) fiber and multi-dimension fiber were also mixed in composite for comparative analysis. After mixing fibers, the splitting tensile strength had obtained marked improvement with slight reduction of compressive strength, along with acceptable fluctuation in terms of pumpability and shootability. Furthermore, relation of density and compressive strength, relation of rebound and density, build-up thickness and relation of compressive and splitting tensile strength were discussed. This study found wet-mix shotcrete incorporating PET fiber with walnut shell of about 35% coarse aggregate replacement could be used for roadway support as lightweight shotcrete per requirements of mine support.
NG2 Proteoglycan Enhances Brain Tumor Progression by Promoting Beta-1 Integrin Activation in both Cis and Trans Orientations
Authors: Stallcup William B.
Published: March 2017

By physically interacting with beta-1 integrins, the NG2 proteoglycan enhances activation of the integrin heterodimers. In glioma cells, co-localization of NG2 and 31 integrin in individual cells (cis interaction) can be demonstrated by immunolabeling, and the NG2-integrin interaction can be confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation. NG2-dependent integrin activation is detected via use of conformationally sensitive monoclonal antibodies that reveal the activated state of the beta-1 subunit in NG2-positive versus NG2-negative cells. NG2-dependent activation of beta-1 integrins triggers downstream activation of FAK and PI3K/Akt signaling, resulting in increased glioma cell proliferation, motility, and survival. Similar NG2-dependent cis activation of beta-1 integrins occurs in microvascular pericytes, leading to enhanced proliferation and motility of these vascular cells. Surprisingly, pericyte NG2 is also able to promote beta-1 integrin activation in closely apposed endothelial cells (trans interaction). Enhanced beta-1 signaling in endothelial cells promotes endothelial maturation by inducing the formation of endothelial junctions, resulting in increased barrier function of the endothelium and increased basal lamina assembly. NG2-dependent beta-1 integrin signaling is therefore important for tumor progression by virtue of its affects not only on the tumor cells themselves, but also on the maturation and function of tumor blood vessels.
Unsupervised Symbolization of Signal Time Series for Extraction of the Embedded Information
Authors: Li Yue , Ray Asok
Published: March 2017

This paper formulates an unsupervised algorithm for symbolization of signal time series to capture the embedded dynamic behavior. The key idea is to convert time series of the digital signal into a string of (spatially discrete) symbols from which the embedded dynamic information can be extracted in an unsupervised manner (i.e., no requirement for labeling of time series). The main challenges here are: (1) definition of the symbol assignment for the time series; (2) identification of the partitioning segment locations in the signal space of time series; and (3) construction of probabilistic finite-state automata (PFSA) from the symbol strings that contain temporal patterns. The reported work addresses these challenges by maximizing the mutual information measures between symbol strings and PFSA states. The proposed symbolization method has been validated by numerical simulation as well as by experimentation in a laboratory environment. Performance of the proposed algorithm has been compared to that of two commonly used algorithms of time series partitioning.
Screening Mississippi River Levees Using Texture-Based and Polarimetric-Based Features from Synthetic Aperture Radar Data
Authors: Dabbiru Lalitha , Aanstoos James , Ball John , Younan Nicolas
Published: March 2017

This article reviews the use of synthetic aperture radar remote sensing data for earthen levee mapping with an emphasis on finding the slump slides on the levees. Earthen levees built on the natural levees parallel to the river channel are designed to protect large areas of populated and cultivated land in the Unites States from flooding. One of the signs of potential impending levee failure is the appearance of slump slides. On-site inspection of levees is expensive and time-consuming; therefore, a need to develop efficient techniques based on remote sensing technologies is mandatory to prevent failures under flood loading. Analysis of multi-polarized radar data is one of the viable tools for detecting the problem areas on the levees. In this study, we develop methods to detect anomalies on the levee, such as slump slides and give levee managers new tools to prioritize their tasks. This paper presents results of applying the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL)’s Uninhabited Aerial Vehicle Synthetic Aperture Radar (UAVSAR) quad-polarized L-band data to detect slump slides on earthen levees. The study area encompasses a portion of levees of the lower Mississippi River in the United States. In this paper, we investigate the performance of polarimetric and texture features for efficient levee classification. Texture features derived from the gray level co-occurrence (GLCM) matrix and discrete wavelet transform were computed and analyzed for efficient levee classification. The pixel-based polarimetric decomposition features, such as entropy, anisotropy, and scattering angle were also computed and applied to the support vector machine classifier to characterize the radar imagery and compared the results with texture-based classification. Our experimental results showed that inclusion of textural features derived from the SAR data using the discrete wavelet transform (DWT) features and GLCM features provided higher overall classification accuracies compared to the pixel-based polarimetric features.
Decentralized Blind Spectrum Selection in Cognitive Radio Networks Considering Handoff Cost
Authors: Chen Yongqun , Zhou Huaibei , Kong Ruoshan , Zhu Li , Mao Huaqing
Published: March 2017

Due to the spectrum varying nature of cognitive radio networks, secondary users are required to perform spectrum handoffs when the spectrum is occupied by primary users, which will lead to a handoff delay. In this paper, based on the multi-armed bandit framework of medium access in decentralized cognitive radio networks, we investigate blind spectrum selection problem of secondary users whose sensing ability of cognitive radio is limited and the channel statistics are a priori unknown, taking the handoff delay as a fixed handoff cost into consideration. In this scenario, secondary users have to make the choice of either staying foregoing spectrum with low availability or handing off to another spectrum with higher availability. We model the problem and investigate the performance of three representative policies, i.e., ρPRE, SL(K), kth-UCB1. The simulation results show that, despite the inclusion of the fixed handoff cost, these policies achieve the same asymptotic performance as that without handoff cost. Moreover, through comparison of these policies, we found the kth-UCB1 policy has better overall performance.
Severe Pneumonia Caused by Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Successfully Managed with Extracorporeal Life Support in a Comorbid Former Preterm Infant
Authors: Raffaeli Genny , Cavallaro Giacomo , Pugni Lorenza , Leva Ernesto , Artoni Andrea , Neri Simona , Baracetti Chiara , Cotza Mauro , Gentilino Valerio , Terranova Leonardo , Esposito Susanna , Mosca Fabio
Published: March 2017

Influenza A (H1N1) virus infection is a global health burden, leading to significant pediatric morbidity and mortality. Prematurity, young age and comorbidities are important risk factors for unfavorable outcomes. Preventive strategies, such as healthcare workers and household contacts vaccination as well as the implementation of infection control practices during the epidemic season, are crucial to protect the most vulnerable populations. Early diagnosis, timely administration of antiviral drugs and supportive therapy are crucial to lead to a complete recovery. When conventional treatment fails, extracorporeal life support (ECLS) may be employed. In neonates and young infants, this high-tech support is burdened by specific technical complexity. Despite the potential risks related to this aggressive approach, ECLS is a life-saving procedure in 65% of pediatric viral pneumonia and in 73% of sepsis cases. Here, we report the successful outcome of a 51-day formerly preterm infant, suffering from a surgical necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), complicated with hospital-acquired pneumonia due to influenza A (H1N1) virus. She developed a severe respiratory failure, unresponsive to conventional therapy, and successfully treated with ECLS. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the use of ECLS in a formerly preterm infant, suffering from NEC complicated by influenza A (H1N1) virus infection.
Socio-Economic Position and Suicidal Ideation in Men
Authors: Pirkis Jane , Currier Dianne , Butterworth Peter , Milner Allison , Kavanagh Anne , Tibble Holly , Robinson Jo , Spittal Matthew
Published: March 2017

People in low socio-economic positions are over-represented in suicide statistics and are at heightened risk for non-fatal suicidal thoughts and behaviours. Few studies have tried to tease out the relationship between individual-level and area-level socio-economic position, however. We used data from Ten to Men (the Australian Longitudinal Study on Male Health) to investigate the relationship between individual-level and area-level socio-economic position and suicidal thinking in 12,090 men. We used a measure of unemployment/employment and occupational skill level as our individual-level indicator of socio-economic position. We used the Index of Relative Socio-Economic Disadvantage (a composite multidimensional construct created by the Australian Bureau of Statistics that combines information from a range of area-level variables, including the prevalence of unemployment and employment in low skilled occupations) as our area-level indicator. We assessed suicidal thinking using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). We found that even after controlling for common predictors of suicidal thinking; low individual-level and area-level socio-economic position heightened risk. Individual-level socio-economic position appeared to exert the greater influence of the two; however. There is an onus on policy makers and planners from within and outside the mental health sector to take individual- and area-level socio-economic position into account when they are developing strategic initiatives.
Time Trend and Demographic and Geographic Disparities in Childhood Obesity Prevalence in China—Evidence from Twenty Years of Longitudinal Data
Authors: Jia Peng , Xue Hong , Zhang Ji , Wang Youfa
Published: March 2017

Childhood overweight and obesity (ow/ob) has become a serious threat to many countries, including China. However, limited evidence was obtained from longitudinal data in China. This study examined the secular trends and geographic variation in the prevalence of ow/ob and obesity only, and age, gender, and urban-rural disparities among school-aged children across China. Data from children aged 6–17 surveyed in China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) from 1991 (n = 2712) to 2011 (n = 1054) were used. Overweight and obesity were defined based on the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) recommended Asian age-sex-specific BMI cut-off-points. We found that: (1) childhood ow/ob and obesity prevalence increased from 11.7% to 25.2% and from 2.8% to 10.1% during 1991–2011, respectively; (2) children aged 6–12 experienced a 1.3 and 1.6 times increase in ow/ob and obesity prevalence than children aged 13–17, respectively; (3) the urban-rural gap in ow/ob prevalence widened; (4) ow/ob prevalence in boys was higher and increased faster than in girls, especially in an urban setting; and (5) geographic variation was observed with faster increases in more economically developed east, central and northeast regions than in the less developed west. The findings added more nuances to the picture of temporal changes in ow/ob prevalence among Chinese children.
Resilience and Vulnerability to Pain and Inflammation in the Hippocampus
Authors: Vasic Verica , Schmidt Mirko
Published: March 2017

Increasing evidence demonstrates the importance of hippocampal neurogenesis, a fundamental mechanism of neuroplasticity associated with cognition and emotion, in correlation to neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. Neuropsychiatric disorders are often a result of chronic stress or pain followed by inflammation; all these conditions manifest cognitive deficits and impairments in neurogenesis. However, while some individuals are more susceptible to stress, others are able to adapt to new environments via mechanisms of resilience. In light of this emerging field and based on extensive research, the role of neurogenesis is summarized and presented as a potentially powerful therapeutic tool.
Controlling Oxygen Mobility in Ruddlesden–Popper Oxides
Authors: Lee Dongkyu , Lee Ho
Published: March 2017

Discovering new energy materials is a key step toward satisfying the needs for next-generation energy conversion and storage devices. Among the various types of oxides, Ruddlesden–Popper (RP) oxides (A2BO4) are promising candidates for electrochemical energy devices, such as solid oxide fuel cells, owing to their attractive physicochemical properties, including the anisotropic nature of oxygen migration and controllable stoichiometry from oxygen excess to oxygen deficiency. Thus, understanding and controlling the kinetics of oxygen transport are essential for designing optimized materials to use in electrochemical energy devices. In this review, we first discuss the basic mechanisms of oxygen migration in RP oxides depending on oxygen nonstoichiometry. We then focus on the effect of changes in the defect concentration, crystallographic orientation, and strain on the oxygen migration in RP oxides. We also briefly review their thermal and chemical stability. Finally, we conclude with a perspective on potential research directions for future investigation to facilitate controlling oxygen ion migration in RP oxides.
Manufacturing Technology of Composite Materials—Principles of Modification of Polymer Composite Materials Technology Based on Polytetrafluoroethylene
Authors: Panda Anton , Dyadyura Kostiantyn , Valíček Jan , Harničárová Marta , Zajac Jozef , Modrák Vladimír , Pandová Iveta , Vrábel Peter , Nováková-Marcinčínová Ema , Pavelek Zdeněk
Published: March 2017

The results of the investigations into the technological formation of new wear-resistant polymer composites based on polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) filled with disperse synthetic and natural compounds are presented. The efficiency of using PTFE composites reinforced with carbon fibers depends on many factors, which influence the significant improvement of physicomechanical characteristics. The results of this research allow stating that interfacial and surface phenomena of the polymer–solid interface and composition play a decisive role in PTFE composites properties. Fillers hinder the relative movement of the PTFE molecules past one another and, in this way, reduce creep or deformation of the parts, reducing the wear rate of parts used in dynamic applications as well as the coefficient of thermal expansion. The necessary structural parameters of such polymer composites are provided by regimes of process equipment.
Barbatic Acid Offers a New Possibility for Control of Biomphalaria Glabrata and Schistosomiasis
Authors: Martins Mônica , Silva Monique , Silva Hianna , Silva Luanna , Albuquerque Mônica , Aires André , Falcão Emerson , Pereira Eugênia , De Melo Ana , Da Silva Nicácio
Published: March 2017

This study evaluated the biological activity of an ether extract and barbatic acid (BAR) from Cladia aggregata on embryos and adult mollusks of Biomphalaria glabrata, cercariae of Schistosoma mansoni and the microcrustacean Artemia salina. The ether extract and BAR were obtained by successive extractions with diethyl ether. The obtained extracts were analyzed using thin-layer chromatography (TLC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) and infrared (IR) spectroscopy. The results demonstrated that the ether extract exerted embryotoxic effects at 50 and 100 µg/mL and molluscicidal effects at 20 and 25 µg/mL. BAR exhibited no embryotoxicity, and its molluscicidal concentration was equal to that of the ether extract. However, after 60 min of exposure, 1 µg/mL BAR presented cercaricidal activity against the parasite S. mansoni at the second larval stage. Neither substance induced toxicity against A. salina. These results indicate the potential molluscicidal activities of the ether extract and BAR against B. glabrata and S. mansoni cercariae. In addition to these effects, there was a lack of toxicity against the aquatic environment and no damage to the biota, indicating the potential of these products for large-scale control and/or eradication of schistosomiasis.
Preparation and Characterization of Water-Soluble Xylan Ethers
Authors: Hettrich Kay , Drechsler Ulrich , Loth Fritz , Volkert Bert
Published: March 2017

Xylan is a predominant hemicellulose component that is found in plants and in some algae. This polysaccharide is made from units of xylose (a pentose sugar). One promising source of xylan is oat spelt. This feedstock was used for the synthesis of two xylan ethers. To achieve water soluble products, we prepared dihydroxypropyl xylan as a non-ionic ether on the one hand, and carboxymethyl xylan as an ionic derivative on the other hand. Different preparation methods like heterogeneous, pseudo-homogeneous, and homogeneous syntheses were compared. In the case of dihydroxypropyl xylan, the synthesis method did not significantly affect the degree of substitution (DS). In contrast, in the case of carboxymethyl xylan, clear differences of the DS values were found in dependence on the synthesis method. Xylan ethers with DS values of >1 could be obtained, which mostly show good water solubility. The synthesized ionic, as well as non-ionic, xylan ethers were soluble in water, even though the aqueous solutions showed slight turbidity. Nevertheless, stable, transparent, and stainable films could be prepared from aqueous solutions from carboxymethyl xylans.
The Observed Impacts of Wind Farms on Local Vegetation Growth in Northern China
Authors: Tang Bijian , Wu Donghai , Zhao Xiang , Zhou Tao , Zhao Wenqian , Wei Hong
Published: March 2017

Wind farms (WFs) can affect the local climate, and local climate change may influence underlying vegetation. Some studies have shown that WFs affect certain aspects of the regional climate, such as temperature and rainfall. However, there is still no evidence to demonstrate whether WFs can affect local vegetation growth, a significant part of the overall assessment of WF effects. In this research, based on the moderate-resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) vegetation index, productivity and other remote-sensing data from 2003 to 2014, the effects of WFs in the Bashang area of Northern China on vegetation growth and productivity in the summer (June–August) were analyzed. The results showed that: (1) WFs had a significant inhibiting effect on vegetation growth, as demonstrated by decreases in the leaf area index (LAI), the enhanced vegetation index (EVI), and the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) of approximately 14.5%, 14.8%, and 8.9%, respectively, in the 2003–2014 summers. There was also an inhibiting effect of 8.9% on summer gross primary production (GPP) and 4.0% on annual net primary production (NPP) coupled with WFs; and (2) the major impact factors might be the changes in temperature and soil moisture: WFs suppressed soil moisture and enhanced water stress in the study area. This research provides significant observational evidence that WFs can inhibit the growth and productivity of the underlying vegetation.
Tracking a Non-Cooperative Target Using Real-Time Stereovision-Based Control: An Experimental Study
Authors: Shtark Tomer , Gurfil Pini
Published: March 2017

Tracking a non-cooperative target is a challenge, because in unfamiliar environments most targets are unknown and unspecified. Stereovision is suited to deal with this issue, because it allows to passively scan large areas and estimate the relative position, velocity and shape of objects. This research is an experimental effort aimed at developing, implementing and evaluating a real-time non-cooperative target tracking methods using stereovision measurements only. A computer-vision feature detection and matching algorithm was developed in order to identify and locate the target in the captured images. Three different filters were designed for estimating the relative position and velocity, and their performance was compared. A line-of-sight control algorithm was used for the purpose of keeping the target within the field-of-view. Extensive analytical and numerical investigations were conducted on the multi-view stereo projection equations and their solutions, which were used to initialize the different filters. This research shows, using an experimental and numerical evaluation, the benefits of using the unscented Kalman filter and the total least squares technique in the stereovision-based tracking problem. These findings offer a general and more accurate method for solving the static and dynamic stereovision triangulation problems and the concomitant line-of-sight control.
The Development of the Renewable Energy Power Industry under Feed-In Tariff and Renewable Portfolio Standard: A Case Study of China’s Photovoltaic Power Industry
Authors: Zhang Yuzhuo , Zhao Xingang , Zuo Yi , Ren Lingzhi , Wang Ling
Published: March 2017

Among the regulatory policies, feed-in tariffs (FIT) and renewable portfolio standards (RPS) are the most popular to promote the development of renewable energy power industry. They can significantly contribute to the expansion of domestic industrial activities in terms of sustainable energy. In this paper, we synthetically consider various important factors with the analysis of the existing literature, and use system dynamics (SD) to establish models of long-term development of the renewable energy power industry under FIT and RPS schemes. The model not only clearly shows the complex logical relationship between the factors but also reveals the process of coordination between the two policy tools in the development of the renewable energy power industry. In addition, as an example of development of renewable energy industry, the paper studies the development of China’s photovoltaic power industry under different scenarios. The models proposed in this paper can provide a reference for scholars to study development of the renewable energy power industry in different countries, thereby facilitating an understanding of the renewable energy power’s long-term sustainable development pattern under FIT and RPS schemes, and helping to provide references for policy-making institutions. The results show that in the perfect competitive market, the implementation of RPS can promote long-term and rapid development of China’s photovoltaic power industry given the constraints and actions of the mechanisms of RPS quota proportion, the TGC valid period, and fines, compared with FIT. At the end of the paper, policy implications are offered as references for the government.
Grid Mapping for Spatial Pattern Analyses of Recurrent Urban Traffic Congestion Based on Taxi GPS Sensing Data
Authors: Liu Yang , Yan Xuedong , Wang Yun , Yang Zhuo , Wu Jiawei
Published: March 2017

Traffic congestion is one of the most serious problems that impact urban transportation efficiency, especially in big cities. Identifying traffic congestion locations and occurring patterns is a prerequisite for urban transportation managers in order to take proper countermeasures for mitigating traffic congestion. In this study, the historical GPS sensing data of about 12,000 taxi floating cars in Beijing were used for pattern analyses of recurrent traffic congestion based on the grid mapping method. Through the use of ArcGIS software, 2D and 3D maps of the road network congestion were generated for traffic congestion pattern visualization. The study results showed that three types of traffic congestion patterns were identified, namely: point type, stemming from insufficient capacities at the nodes of the road network; line type, caused by high traffic demand or bottleneck issues in the road segments; and region type, resulting from multiple high-demand expressways merging and connecting to each other. The study illustrated that the proposed method would be effective for discovering traffic congestion locations and patterns and helpful for decision makers to take corresponding traffic engineering countermeasures in order to relieve the urban traffic congestion issues.
Erratum: Matos Silva, M.; Costa, J. Flood Adaptation Measures Applicable in the Design of Urban Public Spaces: Proposal for a Conceptual Framework. Water 2016, 8, 284
Authors: Matos Silva Maria , Costa João
Published: March 2017

The authors wish to make the following corrections to their paper [...]
Anomalous Features of Water Vapor Transport during Severe Summer and Early Fall Droughts in Southwest China
Authors: Liu Zhenchen , Lu Guihua , He Hai , Wu Zhiyong , He Jian
Published: March 2017

Water vapor transport (WVT) is an important element in drought development. In this study, we examined the geographical and vertical anomalies of WVT during severe summer and early fall drought processes and their occurrence, persistence and recovery phases in Southwest China (SWC) by using the method of standardized anomalies (SA) and composite analysis. The SA-based indices of WVT were built up to quantify composited anomalous WVT channels objectively. Essentially, we further explored the synchronous and lagged correlations between drought processes and these channels. Key points and limitations include: (1) Two drought-related WVT channels were geographically identified with composited SA below −0.2, based on the composite of severe drought processes. The Somali channel is characterized by zonally less-than-normal African-Asian continental WVT anomalies originating from Somalia, whereas the IndoChina-Peninsula channel represents meridionally less-than-normal WVT anomalies from the IndoChina-Peninsula; (2) Both geographical and vertical WVT anomalies were intensified and concentrated at the time of drought occurrence, and then weakened and became scattered at drought recovery; (3) Most drought-related WVT anomalies were distinguishable from those of wetter events; (4) The IndoChina-Peninsula channel performs better in correlations with these drought and wetter processes than the Somali channel. Therefore, dynamic and thermodynamic anomalies need to be investigated, which are important for exploring the drought mechanism.