bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal Coordination Strategy of Regional Vertical Emission Abatement Collaboration in a Low-Carbon Environment
Authors: You Daming , Jiang Ke , Li Zhendong
Published: February 2018

This study introduces a time factor into a low-carbon context, and supposes the contamination control state of local government and the ability of polluting enterprise to abate emissions as linear increasing functions in a regional low-carbon emission abatement cooperation chain. The local government effectuates and upholds the low-carbon development within the jurisdiction that is primarily seeking to transform regional economic development modes, while the polluting enterprise abates the amounts of emitted carbon in the entire period of product through simplifying production, facilitating decontamination, and adopting production technology, thus leading to less contamination. On that basis, we infer that the coordinated joint carbon reduction model and two decentralization contracts expound the dynamic coordination strategy for a regional cooperation chain in terms of vertical carbon abatement. Furthermore, feedback equilibrium strategies that are concerned with several diverse conditions are compared and analyzed. The main results show that a collaborative centralized contract is able to promote the regional low-carbon cooperation chain in order to achieve a win–win situation in both economic and environmental performance. Additionally, the optimal profits of the entire regional low-carbon cooperation channel under an integration scenario evidently outstrip that of two non-collaborative decentralization schemes. Eventually, the validity of the conclusions is verified with a case description and numerical simulation, and the sensitivity of the relevant parameters is analyzed in order to lay a theoretical foundation and thus facilitate the sustainable development of a regional low-carbon environment.
The Value Relevance of Environmental, Social, and Governance Performance: The Brazilian Case
Authors: Miralles-Quirós María , Miralles-Quirós José , Valente Gonçalves Luis
Published: February 2018

There is extensive literature on the value relevance of social responsibility for companies that operate in developed countries. However, little is known about the influence of these practices on the price of assets listed on emerging economies, such as Brazil. In this context, the aim of this study is to analyse whether social responsibility activities carried out by companies listed on the São Paulo Stock Exchange during the 2010–2015 period play a significant role in enhancing firm value. Unlike previous studies, we distinguish between the three modern pillars of sustainability: environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG). Our overall results support the value enhancing theory rather than the shareholder expense theory. However, it is important to note that the results also show that the market does not significantly value the three ESG pillars. Specifically, the market positively and significantly values the environmental practices carried out by companies not related to environmentally sensitive industries. In contrast, the market positively and significantly values the social and corporate governance practices carried out by the companies belonging to these sensitive industries. These findings are relevant for both investors and the managers of these companies, policy makers, customers, and citizens concerned about ESG issues.
An Optimal Strategic Business Model for Small Businesses Using Online Platforms
Authors: Kim Hana , Lee Daeho , Ryu Min
Published: February 2018

As ecommerce continues to grow, small businesses are using a variety of platforms to secure potential consumers. However, it is important for small business owners to choose an efficient business model because of constraints such as technical problems. In this study, based on platform characteristics we divide online shopping platforms into different types as follows: (1) information brokerage services; (2) online malls; and (3) omni-channel platforms. The efficiency of each group is measured by stochastic frontier analysis, and the efficiency comparison between the groups is made using meta-frontier analysis. As a result of the study, it is found that the efficiency of small business owners increases as functional integration increases, satisfying utilitarian motivations. However, a platform with greater integration that has a social presence satisfying hedonic motivations improves the efficiency of all small businesses using the platform instead of just the efficiency of a marginal number of small business owners. This study, based on the dynamic capabilities viewpoint, suggests that the omni-channel platform represents the most sustainable approach for small business owners undergoing difficulties such as technological and organizational changes.
Contribution of Schinziophyton rautanenii to Sustainable Diets, Livelihood Needs and Environmental Sustainability in Southern Africa
Authors: Maroyi Alfred
Published: February 2018

Schinziophyton rautanenii is a multipurpose plant species in Southern Africa which provides numerous ecosystem goods and services. This review evaluated the contribution of the species to sustainable diets, livelihood needs and environmental sustainability throughout the geographical range of the species. The literature relevant to the study was obtained from scientific databases such as ScienceDirect, SciFinder, Pubmed, Google Scholar, Medline and SCOPUS. Literature was also obtained from the University of Fort Hare library, dissertation search engines like ProQuest, Open-thesis, OATD, and EThOS. S. rautanenii is an essential source of food, herbal medicines, income, oil, timber and wood. The species provides substantial health, economic and ecological benefits to local communities that depend on the species as a source of livelihood needs. This study represents a holistic view on multiple ecosystem goods and services that are derived from S. rautanenii forming an essential component of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations General Assembly. Use, cultivation and management of S. rautanenii in Southern Africa offers enormous potential for contributing to the fulfillment of the SDGs, resulting in improved food security, household nutrition and health, income, livelihoods, ecological balance, sustainable diets and food systems.
Analyzing on-Street Parking Duration and Demand in a Metropolitan City of a Developing Country: A Case Study of Yogyakarta City, Indonesia
Authors: Ajeng Carolina , Gim Tae-Hyoung
Published: February 2018

On-street parking is an urgent issue to address in a fast-growing city of a developing country, such as Yogyakarta City in Indonesia. However, this issue has not been satisfactorily studied due to a lack of relevant parking data. Using a sample of 21 street segments that are currently used for on-street parking in the central district of the city, this study analyzes how the parking duration and demand are differentiated by street and land use characteristics. The characteristics are evaluated through a field survey, which is supplemented by remote sensing and GIS. Specifically, QuickBird imagery is used to roughly examine the length and angle of the street segments and GIS data to calculate parking capacity and demand as well as to confirm the street length and angle. Regression models find that the parking duration is affected by the street length, parking volume, and commercial type of land use, while the street length also differentiates the parking demand. Although the model for the parking demand has only one significant variable—street length—its variation is better accounted for by the same set of variables than the variation in the parking duration. Regarding the street length, it is found to be the only significant variable in the demand model, but it becomes the weakest among those significant in the duration model, where the land use type has the highest magnitude.
Standard Data-Based Predictive Modeling for Power Consumption in Turning Machining
Authors: Shin Seung-Jun , Woo Jungyub , Rachuri Sudarsan , Meilanitasari Prita
Published: February 2018

In the metal cutting industry, power consumption is an important metric in the analysis of energy efficiency since it relates to energy consumption of machine tools. Much of the research has developed predictive models that correlate process planning decisions with power consumption through theoretical and/or experimental modeling approaches. These models are created by using the theory of metal cutting mechanics and Design of Experiments. However, these models may lose their ability to predict results correctly outside the required assumptions and limited experimental conditions. Thus, they cannot accurately reflect a diversity of machining configurations; i.e., selections of machine tool, workpiece, cutting tool, coolant option, and machining operation for producing a part, which a machining shop has operated. This paper proposes a predictive modeling approach based on historical data collected from machine tool operations. The proposed approach can create multiple predictive models for power consumption, which can be applicable to the diverse machining configurations. It can create fine-grained models predictable up to the level of a numerical control program. It uses standard-based data interfaces such as STEP-NC and MTConnect to implement interoperable and comprehensive data representations. This paper also presents a case study to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Urban Chinese Consumers’ Willingness to Pay for Pork with Certified Labels: A Discrete Choice Experiment
Authors: Wang Jianhua , Ge Jiaye , Ma Yuting
Published: February 2018

The paper aims to investigate Chinese consumers’ willingness-to-pay (WTP) for pork characterized by four attributes, namely food safety certification labels, location-of-origin, “free from veterinary drug residues” label, and price, based on a choice experiment conducted among 844 consumers from Jiangsu and Anhui provinces, China. A Random Parameter Logit model was estimated to elicit consumers’ WTP. The results showed that Jiangsu consumers’ WTP for pork with a “Organic Food” certification (26.78 Yuan) was the highest among all attributes, followed by “Green Food” certification (20.22 Yuan), “free from veterinary drug residues” label (23.18 Yuan), and location-of-origin (12.77 Yuan). However, there was only a moderate preference for “Safe Food” certification (8.10 Yuan). In addition, respondents from the more developed region (i.e., Jiangsu) had significantly higher WTP for all attributes than respondents from Anhui, a less developed region. The Random Parameter Logit model shows that better educational attainment and higher income were two factors that were associated with a higher WTP. The main policy recommendations are that public awareness of the different types of verifications should be improved and that authorization of certification logos should be enforced strictly so that food with certification logos are always reflective of the standard being followed.
A Statistical Tool to Detect and Locate Abnormal Operating Conditions in Photovoltaic Systems
Authors: Vergura Silvano
Published: February 2018

The paper is focused on the energy performance of the photovoltaic systems constituted by several arrays. The main idea is to compare the statistical distributions of the energy dataset of the arrays. For small-medium-size photovoltaic plant, the environmental conditions affect equally all the arrays, so the comparative procedure is independent from the solar radiation and the cell temperature; therefore, it can also be applied to a photovoltaic plant not equipped by a weather station. If the procedure is iterated and new energy data are added at each new run, the analysis becomes cumulative and allows following the trend of some benchmarks. The methodology is based on an algorithm, which suggests the user, step by step, the suitable statistical tool to use. The first one is the Hartigan’s dip test that is able to discriminate the unimodal distribution from the multimodal one. This stage is very important to decide whether a parametric test can be used or not, because the parametric tests—based on known distributions—are usually more performing than the nonparametric ones. The procedure is effective in detecting and locating abnormal operating conditions, before they become failures. A case study is proposed, based on a real operating photovoltaic plant. Three periods are separately analyzed: one month, six months, and one year.
Vegetation Succession on Degraded Sites in the Pomacochas Basin (Amazonas, N Peru)—Ecological Options for Forest Restoration
Authors: Walentowski Helge , Heinrichs Steffi , Hohnwald Stefan , Wiegand Alexander , Heinen Henry , Thren Martin , Gamarra Torres Oscar , Sabogal Ana , Zerbe Stefan
Published: February 2018

The Andes of northern Peru are still widely covered with forests, but increasingly suffer from habitat fragmentation. Subsequent soil degradation often leads to the abandonment of overused forests and pastures. Ecological knowledge on the restoration potential, e.g., on dependencies of soil conditions and altitude, is scarce. Therefore, we compared soil and vegetation patterns along nine transects within the upper Pomacochas Basin, which is an important biodiversity corridor along the Andes, between remaining forests, succession sites and pastures. Anthropogenic successional and disturbance levels, geological substrate, and altitude have the most important ecological impacts on vegetation and tree species composition. Species responded to sandstone versus calcareous substrates, but also to depths of the organic soil layer, and light conditions. The absence of organic layers under pastures contrasted with the accumulation of thick organic layers under forest cover. Vegetation composition at succession sites revealed certain starting points (herbal stage, bush stage, or secondary forest) for restoration that will determine the length of regeneration paths. Pre-forest patches of Alchornea sp. and Parathesis sp. may act as habitat stepping stones for expeditiously restoring biocorridors for wildlife. The key findings can contribute to the sustainable use and conservation of biodiversity in a fragile ecoregion.
Index System to Evaluate the Quarries Ecological Restoration
Authors: Zhang Qiuqin , Zhang Tianzhu , Liu Xiang
Published: February 2018

The restoration and evaluation of degraded ecosystems is an important component of the sustainable development of complex “human-natural-economic” ecosystems. Based on an analysis of ecosystem evolution and the integration of structure, function, and services, this study proposes that ecosystems can be returned to a self-maintaining, dynamic balance by enriching system elements, strengthening the relationships between the different elements and diverse ecological processes, and restoring internal functions, which includes the self-regulation of degraded ecosystems. This study developed and categorized quarry ecosystem recovery indicators based on the Core Capabilities of the Society for Ecological Restoration (SER) International through literature review and the development of recovery plans. Metrics identified in the literature were validated through the recovery plan review and the case study, and based on the findings, a user-friendly checklist for practitioners was established. Three elements and 17 indicators representing ecological processes, vegetation structures, and ecological functions were developed to evaluate and manage the ecological restoration of an abandoned quarry.
A Sustainable Organic Production Model for “Food Sovereignty” in the United Arab Emirates and Sicily-Italy
Authors: Butti Al Shamsi Khalid , Compagnoni Antonio , Timpanaro Giuseppe , Cosentino Salvatore Luciano , Guarnaccia Paolo
Published: February 2018

The aim of this research is to contribute to food security by studying the development of integrated organic production models related to the biodiversity of food sources, soil fertility and water availability, both in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Sicily. Using the FAO’s multi-facetted approach of the Sustainable Assessment of Food and Agriculture Systems (SAFA) Tool, combined with interviews and visits to two organic farming communities in the UAE and Sicily, preliminary results were obtained consisting of: SAFA reports for each farmer and each community and the identification of some additional SAFA Tool indicators for local markets and migrant worker relations. Overall, the two systems contain elements described in the literature, such as Short Food Local Systems and as such contribute to territorial food support. Some best practices in organic production, direct marketing and migrant worker integration were identified and shared with farmers. The study highlights some operational issues that will be further focused upon in the future.
Tolerance and Excretion of the Mycotoxins Aflatoxin B1, Zearalenone, Deoxynivalenol, and Ochratoxin A by Alphitobius diaperinus and Hermetia illucens from Contaminated Substrates
Authors: Camenzuli Louise , Van Dam Ruud , De Rijk Theo , Andriessen Rob , Van Schelt Jeroen , Van der Fels-Klerx H.
Published: February 2018

This study aimed to investigate the potential accumulation of mycotoxins in the lesser mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus, LMW) and black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens, BSF) larvae. Feed was spiked with aflatoxin B1, deoxynivalenol (DON), ochratoxin A or zearalenone, and as a mixture of mycotoxins, to concentrations of 1, 10, and 25 times the maximum limits set by the European Commission for complete feed. This maximum limit is 0.02 mg/kg for aflatoxin B1, 5 mg/kg for DON, 0.5 mg/kg for zearalenone and 0.1 mg/kg for ochratoxin A. The mycotoxins and some of their metabolites were analysed in the larvae and residual material using a validated and accredited LC-MS/MS-based method. Metabolites considered were aflatoxicol, aflatoxin P1, aflatoxin Q1, and aflatoxin M1, 3-acetyl-DON, 15-acetyl-DON and DON-3-glycoside, and α- and β-zearalenol. No differences were observed between larvae reared on mycotoxins individually or as a mixture with regards to both larvae development and mycotoxin accumulation/excretion. None of the mycotoxins accumulated in the larvae and were only detected in BSF larvae several orders of magnitude lower than the concentration in feed. Mass balance calculations showed that BSF and LMW larvae metabolized the four mycotoxins to different extents. Metabolites accounted for minimal amounts of the mass balance, except for zearalenone metabolites in the BSF treatments, which accounted for an average maximum of 86% of the overall mass balance. Both insect species showed to excrete or metabolize the four mycotoxins present in their feed. Hence, safe limits for these mycotoxins in substrates to be used for these two insect species possibly could be higher than for production animals. However, additional analytical and toxicological research to fully understand the safe limits of mycotoxins in insect feed, and thus the safety of the insects, is required.
A Fluorescent Cell-Based System for Imaging Zika Virus Infection in Real-Time
Authors: McFadden Michael , Mitchell-Dick Aaron , Vazquez Christine , Roder Allison , Labagnara Kevin , McMahon John , Silver Debra , Horner Stacy
Published: February 2018

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a re-emerging flavivirus that is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito or through sexual contact with an infected partner. ZIKV infection during pregnancy has been associated with numerous fetal abnormalities, including prenatal lethality and microcephaly. However, until recent outbreaks in the Americas, ZIKV has been relatively understudied, and therefore the biology and pathogenesis of ZIKV infection remain incompletely understood. Better methods to study ZIKV infection in live cells could enhance our understanding of the biology of ZIKV and the mechanisms by which ZIKV contributes to fetal abnormalities. To this end, we developed a fluorescent cell-based reporter system allowing for live imaging of ZIKV-infected cells. This system utilizes the protease activity of the ZIKV non-structural proteins 2B and 3 (NS2B-NS3) to specifically mark virus-infected cells. Here, we demonstrate the utility of this fluorescent reporter for identifying cells infected by ZIKV strains of two lineages. Further, we use this system to determine that apoptosis is induced in cells directly infected with ZIKV in a cell-autonomous manner. Ultimately, approaches that can directly track ZIKV-infected cells at the single cell-level have the potential to yield new insights into the host-pathogen interactions that regulate ZIKV infection and pathogenesis.
Development and Validation of a Novel Dual Luciferase Reporter Gene Assay to Quantify Ebola Virus VP24 Inhibition of IFN Signaling
Authors: Fanunza Elisa , Frau Aldo , Sgarbanti Marco , Orsatti Roberto , Corona Angela , Tramontano Enzo
Published: February 2018

The interferon (IFN) system is the first line of defense against viral infections. Evasion of IFN signaling by Ebola viral protein 24 (VP24) is a critical event in the pathogenesis of the infection and, hence, VP24 is a potential target for drug development. Since no drugs target VP24, the identification of molecules able to inhibit VP24, restoring and possibly enhancing the IFN response, is a goal of concern. Accordingly, we developed a dual signal firefly and Renilla luciferase cell-based drug screening assay able to quantify IFN-mediated induction of Interferon Stimulated Genes (ISGs) and its inhibition by VP24. Human Embryonic Kidney 293T (HEK293T) cells were transiently transfected with a luciferase reporter gene construct driven by the promoter of ISGs, Interferon-Stimulated Response Element (ISRE). Stimulation of cells with IFN-α activated the IFN cascade leading to the expression of ISRE. Cotransfection of cells with a plasmid expressing VP24 cloned from a virus isolated during the last 2014 outbreak led to the inhibition of ISRE transcription, quantified by a luminescent signal. To adapt this system to test a large number of compounds, we performed it in 96-well plates; optimized the assay analyzing different parameters; and validated the system by calculating the Z′- and Z-factor, which showed values of 0.62 and 0.53 for IFN-α stimulation assay and VP24 inhibition assay, respectively, indicative of robust assay performance.
Time Intervals in Sequence Sampling, Not Data Modifications, Have a Major Impact on Estimates of HIV Escape Rates
Authors: Ganusov Vitaly
Published: February 2018

The ability of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) to avoid recognition by humoral and cellular immunity (viral escape) is well-documented, but the strength of the immune response needed to cause such a viral escape remains poorly quantified. Several previous studies observed a more rapid escape of HIV from CD8 T cell responses in the acute phase of infection compared to chronic infection. The rate of HIV escape was estimated with the help of simple mathematical models, and results were interpreted to suggest that CD8 T cell responses causing escape in acute HIV infection may be more efficient at killing virus-infected cells than responses that cause escape in chronic infection, or alternatively, that early escapes occur in epitopes mutations in which there is minimal fitness cost to the virus. However, these conclusions were challenged on several grounds, including linkage and interference of multiple escape mutations due to a low population size and because of potential issues associated with modifying the data to estimate escape rates. Here we use a sampling method which does not require data modification to show that previous results on the decline of the viral escape rate with time since infection remain unchanged. However, using this method we also show that estimates of the escape rate are highly sensitive to the time interval between measurements, with longer intervals biasing estimates of the escape rate downwards. Our results thus suggest that data modifications for early and late escapes were not the primary reason for the observed decline in the escape rate with time since infection. However, longer sampling periods for escapes in chronic infection strongly influence estimates of the escape rate. More frequent sampling of viral sequences in chronic infection may improve our understanding of factors influencing the rate of HIV escape from CD8 T cell responses.
On the Hydrodynamic Geometry of Flow-Through versus Restricted Lagoons
Authors: Fourniotis Nikolaos , Horsch Georgios , Leftheriotis Georgios
Published: February 2018

The classification of a lagoon as a restricted lagoon is shown to depend not solely on its geometry but also on the tidal hydraulics. By numerically simulating the tidal exchange of two lagoons of similar geometrical dimensions, the Nidova lagoon and the Papas lagoon, in Western Greece, subject to very similar tidal forcing, applied to the two tidal inlets in the first case and three in the second, very different residence times are found, namely 2.5 days for the Nidova and 25–30 days for the Papas lagoon. This large difference is attributed to the fact that whereas the Papas lagoon functions as a typical restricted lagoon, in which the water renewal is achieved by mixing in the lagoon of the tidal prism water exchanged within a tidal cycle, the Nidova lagoon functions as a flow-through system because of the differential arrival of the tide at its two tidal inlets. It is suggested that this way of enhancing the flushing rate of a lagoon be considered, whenever possible, when creating a new tidal inlet to the lagoon.
Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) in Sustainable Urban Water Management
Authors: Page Declan , Bekele Elise , Vanderzalm Joanne , Sidhu Jatinder
Published: February 2018

To meet increasing urban water requirements in a sustainable way, there is a need to diversify future sources of supply and storage. However, to date, there has been a lag in the uptake of managed aquifer recharge (MAR) for diversifying water sources in urban areas. This study draws on examples of the use of MAR as an approach to support sustainable urban water management. Recharged water may be sourced from a variety of sources and in urban centers, MAR provides a means to recycle underutilized urban storm water and treated wastewater to maximize their water resource potential and to minimize any detrimental effects associated with their disposal. The number, diversity and scale of urban MAR projects is growing internationally due to water shortages, fewer available dam sites, high evaporative losses from surface storages, and lower costs compared with alternatives where the conditions are favorable, including water treatment. Water quality improvements during aquifer storage are increasingly being documented at demonstration sites and more recently, full-scale operational urban schemes. This growing body of knowledge allows more confidence in understanding the potential role of aquifers in water treatment for regulators. In urban areas, confined aquifers provide better protection for waters recharged via wells to supplement potable water supplies. However, unconfined aquifers may generally be used for nonpotable purposes to substitute for municipal water supplies and, in some cases, provide adequate protection for recovery as potable water. The barriers to MAR adoption as part of sustainable urban water management include lack of awareness of recent developments and a lack of transparency in costs, but most importantly the often fragmented nature of urban water resources and environmental management.
Minimum Performance Requirements for Microbial Fuel Cells to Achieve Energy-Neutral Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Stoll Zachary , Dolfing Jan , Xu Pei
Published: February 2018

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have recently achieved energy-positive wastewater treatment at pilot scale. Despite these achievements, there is still a limited understanding as to whether all wastewaters contain sufficient amounts of energy and, if so, whether MFCs can capture a sufficient amount of energy to offset electrical energy requirements in the wastewater treatment process. Currently, there are no tools or methods available that can determine whether an MFC can be energy-neutral a priori. To address this, we derived a simple relationship by setting the electrical energy requirements of a wastewater treatment facility equal to the net energy output of the MFC, such that the resulting expression describes the minimum chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal needed to achieve energy-neutral treatment. The resulting equation is simply a function of electrical energy requirements, Coulombic Efficiency, and cell voltage. This work provides the first ever quantitative method for determining if the MFCs are feasible to achieve energy-neutral treatment for a given wastewater and what level of performance is needed.
Reducing risk of type 2 diabetes after gestational diabetes: a qualitative study to explore the potential of technology in primary care
Authors: McMillan Brian , Easton Katherine , Goyder Elizabeth , Delaney Brigitte , Madhuvrata Priya , Abdelgalil Reem , Mitchell Caroline
Published: February 2018

Background

Despite the seven-fold increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) among females previously diagnosed with gestational diabetes (GD), annual rates of follow-up in primary care are low. There is a need to consider how to reduce the incidence of progression to T2DM among this high-risk group.

Aim

To examine the views of females diagnosed with GD to ascertain how to improve primary care support postnatally, and the potential role of technology in reducing the risk of progression to T2DM.

Design and setting

A qualitative study of a purposive sample of 27 postnatal females leaving secondary care with a recent diagnosis of GD.

Method

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 27 females, who had been previously diagnosed with GD, at around 6–12 weeks postnatally. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, and analysed thematically.

Results

Facilitators and barriers to engaging in a healthy postnatal lifestyle were identified, the most dominant being competing demands on time. Although females were generally satisfied with the secondary care they received antenatally, they felt abandoned postnatally and were uncertain what to expect from their GP in terms of follow-up and support. Females felt postnatal care could be improved by greater clarity regarding this, and enhanced by peer support, multidisciplinary input, and subsidised facilities. Technology was seen as a potential adjunct by providing information, enabling flexible and personalised self-management, and facilitating social support.

Conclusion

A more tailored approach for females previously diagnosed with GD may help reduce the risk of progression to T2DM. A need for future research to test the efficacy of using technology as an adjunct to current care was identified.
The genus Parasola in Pakistan with the description of two new species
Authors: Hussain Shah , Ahma Habib , Ullah Sadiq , Afshan Najam-Ul-Sehar , Pfister Donald H. , Sher Hassan , Ali Haidar , Khalid Abdul N.
Published: February 2018

Parasola is a genus of small, veil-less coprinoid mushrooms in the family Psathyrellaceae (Agaricales). The genus is not well documented in Asia, specifically in Pakistan. In this study we describe two new species Parasolaglabra and P.pseudolactea from Pakistan, based on morphological and molecular data. Phylogeny based on three DNA regions: nuc rDNA region encompassing the internal transcribed spacers 1 and 2 along with the 5.8S rDNA (ITS), nuc 28S rDNA D1-D2 domains (28S) and translation elongation factor 1α gene (TEF1α) show that the new taxa are clustered in a clade formed by the members of section Parasola of genus Parasola. Parasolaglabra with grayish pileus, slightly depressed pileal disc, lamellae separated from the stipe by pseudocollarium, basidiospores 14.5–16.5 × 9.5–11.5 × 8.0–10.5 µm, in front view broadly ovoid to oblong, some with rhomboidal outline, in side view ellipsoid, with eccentric germ-pore of 1.5 µm diameter. Parasolapseudolactea with yellowish brown to dull brown pileus, disc indistinctly umbonate, lamellae free, pseudocollarium absent, basidiospores 13.5–14.5 × 10.5–12.0 × 9.5–10.5 µm, in face view rounded triangular to heart shaped, rarely ovoid to subglobose, in side view ellipsoid to oblong, with eccentric germ-pore of 1.5 µm diam. In addition to these new species, P.auricoma and P.lilatincta were also studied. Morphological descriptions for the new species and comparison with known Parasola species are provided. Our observations highlight the diversity of Parasola in northern Pakistan and further document the need for additional systematic focus on the region’s fungi.
Taxonomic review of the deep water flathead genus Parabembras with description of the new species Parabembras multisquamata from the western Pacific Ocean (Teleostei, Parabembridae)
Authors: Kai Yoshiaki , Fricke Ronald
Published: February 2018

Three valid species ofParabembrasare recognized:P.curta,P.robinsoni, and the new speciesP.multisquamata.Parabembrasrobinsonifrom the southwestern Indian Ocean (South Africa to Mozambique) is easily distinguishable from the other species in having eleven spines in the first dorsal fin, a distinct symphyseal knob on the lower jaw, two preocular spines, and a single lachrymal spine.Parabembrasmultisquamatafrom the southwestern Pacific (Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea) and the Philippines, andP.curta, known from the northwestern Pacific (southern Japan to South China Sea), are similar in sharing the absence of a symphyseal knob on the lower jaw, the presence of two lachrymal spines, and a single preocular spine, but the former is clearly distinguished from the latter in usually having 10 spines in the first dorsal fin (vs. eight or nine spines inP.curta), 9–11 supraocular spines (vs. 6–8 inP.curta), 40–44 pored lateral line scales (vs. 34–39 inP.curta), and the pectoral fin extending beyond the level of the anus (vs. not reaching to the level of the anus inP.curta).
Rpb5, a subunit shared by eukaryotic RNA polymerases, cooperates with prefoldin-like Bud27/URI
Authors: Martónez-Ferníndez Veránica , Navarro Francisco
Published: February 2018

Rpb5 is one of the five common subunits to all eukaryotic RNA polymerases, which is conserved in archaea, but not in bacteria. Among these common subunits, it is the only one that is not interchangeable between yeasts and humans, and accounts for the functional incompatibility of yeast and human subunits. Rpb5 has been proposed to contribute to the gene-specific activation of RNA pol II, notably during the infectious cycle of the hepatitis B virus, and also to participate in general transcription mediated by all eukaryotic RNA pol. The structural analysis of Rpb5 and its interaction with different transcription factors, regulators and DNA, accounts for Rpb5 being necessary to maintain the correct conformation of the shelf module of RNA pol II, which favors the proper organization of the transcription bubble and the clamp closure of the enzyme.

In this work we provide details about subunit Rpb5's structure, conservation and the role it plays in transcription regulation by analyzing the different interactions with several factors, as well as its participation in the assembly of the three RNA pols, in cooperation with prefoldin-like Bud27/URI.
Revisión, análisis y evaluación de sistemas para la gestión de activos multimedia en organizaciones
Authors: Cascón-Katchadourian Jesús , Ruiz-Rodríguez Antonio Ángel , Alberich-Pascual Jordi
Published: February 2018

Las organizaciones contemporáneas se han visto abocadas a la gestión creciente de activos digitales de naturaleza audiovisual y multimedia, muchos de ellos de interés patrimonial. El presente artículo realiza la revisión y análisis de cinco gestores de activos multimedia de plena significación en la actualidad. Tras sistematizar las características generales y módulos que deben satisfacer este tipo de sistemas, hemos procedido a la evaluación de los sistemas de gestión documental seleccionados, alcanzando como resultado la discusión de las ventajas que nos proporciona cada uno de ellos, sus características distintivas, así como la evaluación de su adecuación profesional.
Perceptions of Students for Gamification Approach: Kahoot as a Case Study
Authors: Bicen Huseyin , Kocakoyun Senay
Published: February 2018

A novel learning experience that increases student motivation can be created in a learning environment that includes a gamification approach to assess competence. Student views on gamification were surveyed to determine the best application of this method, the environment necessary for its use, and the manner by which the application should proceed. The effect of a gamification approach on student achievement through intra-class competition was assessed using quantitative and qualitative methods. In this study, the Kahoot application was the preferred gamification method used. Participating students included 65 undergraduate students studying at the Department of Preschool Teaching. The findings showed that inclusion of a gamification method increased the interest of students in the class, and increased student ambitions for success. This method was also found to have a positive impact on student motivation. Furthermore, the results of this study indicate that the Kahoot application can be used effectively for gamification of lessons. In conclusion, the gamification method has an impact on students that renders them more ambitious and motivated to study.
Construction of SPOC-based Learning Model and its Application in Linguistics Teaching
Authors: Lu Hua
Published: February 2018

The design of a reasonable learning model must take the new internet age into consideration. Following a contrastive study between MOOCs and SPOCs, a SPOC-based learning model is proposed in this paper. This new learning model consists of four components, the preliminary component composed of anterior analysis and course construction, the restrictive admission component for student number control, the learning procedure component which is subdivided into pre-class session, class session and post-class session, and the evaluation component which includes both online assessment and classroom assessment. This model has its advantages and is shown to be effective through the demonstration of its application in teaching linguistics to college students.
Design of Multimedia-based Digital Storybooks for Preschool Education
Authors: Prasetya Didik Dwi , Hirashima Tsukasa
Published: February 2018

Storytelling is one of the suitable approaches to deliver the right information and build the character education of young children. The story content presented by utilizing multimedia elements is able to offer more attractive and increase interest for children. This paper proposes an ICT approach through multimedia-based digital storybook design with an EPUB reflowable format that can be accessed using various electronic devices, whether desktop, laptop, or mobile. The research subjects are limited to 4-5-year-old preschool children. The research reveals that children were very enthusiastic about storybooks, with or without supports from teachers
Multiple lung abscesses caused by Streptococcus constellatus
Authors: Rognoni Vanina , Malara Annalisa , Storti Enrico , Anesi Adriano
Published: February 2018

Despite numerous descriptions of body abscesses produced by Streptococcus milleri group bacteria, lung abscesses caused by this group remain under-reported and the clinical and laboratory features have yet to be fully characterised. We present the case of a patient admitted with lung multiple abscesses produced by Streptococcus constellatus.
Bacterial vaginosis: epidemiologic, clinical and diagnostic updates
Authors: Dirani Giorgio , Zannoli Silvia , Pedna Maria Federica , Congestrì Francesco , Farabegoli Patrizia , Dalmo Barbara , Sambri Vittorio
Published: February 2018

Background and aims. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is one the more frequently identified genital syndrome among childbearing aged women. The basic condition that generates this condition is a modification in the vaginal microbiota. The aim of this paper is to briefly review the current status of the art of BV and to report the results of a pilot study performed with an innovative PCR based technique. Materials and Methods. 36 samples of vaginal fluid routinely submitted for the diagnosis of BV to the Unit of Microbiology – GRHL were comparatively evaluated by standard techniques and with the HP-Vaginiti e Vaginosi NLM kit that simultaneously detects in a quantitative way specific DNA from Candida (albicans, glabrata; krusei, tropicalis), Gardnerella vaginalis, Lactobacillus spp. and Atopobium vaginae. Results and conclusions. Candida spp. has been identified in 8 samples with culture and in 15 with the molecular test. 29 G. vaginalis were found by PCR whereas only in 7 samples a specific prescription for this microbe was present (of which 4 positive). A. vaginae has been identified in 20 samples by the molecular approach and Lactobacillus spp. was identified in 19 samples (by culture) and in 32 by PCR. The overall diagnosis of BV was made in 9 patients by standard techniques and in 7 by applying the molecular approach. (Cohen’s kappa test: 0,84). The findings of this study clearly demonstrate that the joint use of the routine culture- based techniques with the multiplex PCR methods amplifies by far the sensitivity of the overall diagnostic workflow of BV.
Proteomics: the new era of microbiology
Authors: Toscano Marco , De Grandi Roberta , Drago Lorenzo
Published: February 2018

Proteome refers to the entire complement of protein, expressed by a genome, cell, tissue or organism which is studied by proteomics. The aim of the present work is to review the main applications of proteomics in the clinical microbiology.
Differences Between Men and Women in Balance and Tremor in Relation to Plantar Fascia Laxity During the Menstrual Cycle
Authors: Lee Haneul , Petrofsky Jerrold
Published: February 2018

Context: 

Although much attention has been paid to the effect of estrogen on the knee ligaments, little has been done to examine the ligaments in the foot, such as the plantar fascia, and how they may be altered during the menstrual cycle.

Objective: 

To (1) examine sex differences in plantar fascia thickness and laxity and postural sway and (2) identify any menstrual cycle effects on plantar fascia laxity, postural sway, and neuromuscular tremor between menstruation and the ovulation phase.

Design: 

Case-control study.

Setting: 

Research laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants: 

Fifteen healthy women (age = 25.9 ± 1.8 years) and 15 healthy men (age = 27.3 ± 2.0 years) volunteered to participate in this study.

Intervention(s): 

We asked participants to perform 8 balance tasks on a force platform while we assessed postural sway and tremor.

Main Outcome Measure(s): 

Plantar fascia length and thickness unloaded and loaded with body weight were measured via ultrasound. Postural sway and tremor were measured using a force platform.

Results: 

Plantar fascia length and thickness with pressure were greater in ovulating women compared with men (P < .001), but no differences were found between women during menstruation and men. Postural sway and tremor were greater at ovulation than during menstruation (P < .05), and men had less sway than ovulating women on the 3 most difficult balance tasks (P < .01).

Conclusions: 

Plantar fascia laxity was increased and postural sway and tremor were decreased at ovulation compared with menstruation in women. Postural sway and tremor in men were the same as in women during menstruation. These findings support the need to be aware of the effect of sex hormones on balance to prevent lower extremity injuries during sport activities.
Post-konstitusionele regspraak oor die wysiging van diskriminerende bepalings in testamentêre trusts met 'n liefdadigheidsoogmerk
Authors: Steyn Henda
Published: February 2018

Die testamentêre trust as sui generis regsfiguur speel 'n belangrike sosiale rol in die Suid-Afrikaanse reg. Die gewildheid van hierdie instelling as boedelbeplanning meganisme het aansienlik toegeneem, deels as gevolg van die beskerming wat aan die testateur se afhanklikes gebied word en deels as gevolg van die eenvoudige, dog doeltreffende praktiese werking daarvan. Een van die groot voordele van ‘n Testamentêre trust is die gemak waarmee ‘n erflater se wense, soos vervat in sy/haar testament, geïnterpreteer en geïmplementeer kan word. Daar is in ons reg ‘n besliste wisselwerking tussen die erfreg en die trustreg van toepassing op testamentêre trusts. Die beginsel van testeervryheid is ‘n konsep wat in die Suid-Afrikaanse reg met die nodige respek behandel word en alhoewel dit onderhewig is aan sekere gemeenregtelike en statutêre beperkings, is die aanvaarde siening dat daar effek gegee sal word aan die wense van ‘n testateur soos uitgedruk in sy / haar testament. Die bestaande politieke en sosiale omgewing in Suid-Afrika, soos wat onderskryf en vervat word in die Grondwet van die Republiek van Suid-Afrika (hierna verwys as die Grondwet), plaas egter ‘n groter beperking op die reg op individuele testeervryheid. Die huidige tendens bestaan dat indien ‘n Testamentêre trust geskep word en ‘n openbare instelling soos ‘n universiteit betrokke is, die testamentêre trust gewysig sal word indien enige van die bepalings daarin vervat geklassifiseer kan word as om diskriminerend van aard te wees. Hierdie artikel fokus op die evaluering van die ratio decidendi van die howe in onlangse hofuitsprake. Dit sal die neiging beklemtoon dat al die howe van dieselfde mening is dat die sogenaamde “diskriminerende bepalings” in testamentêre trusts met ‘n liefdadigheidsoogmerk gewysig moet word, maar dat die howe se interpretasie van die feite met betrekking tot die verskillende toepaslike areas in ons reg wissel van geval tot geval. Dit sal duidelik aantoon dat die tyd aangebreek het vir 'n spesifieke stel reëls, wat konsekwent toegepas kan word – ‘n grondwetlik gebaseer boni mores kriteria om eenvormigheid en regverdigheid te verseker, en dat die huidige status quo nie aanvaarbaar is, slegs omdat dit die gewenste resultate lewer nie.
Effectiveness of a Household Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Package on an Outpatient Program for Severe Acute Malnutrition: A Pragmatic Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial in Chad
Authors: Altmann Mathias , Altare Chiara , van der Spek Nanette , Barbiche Jean-Christophe , Dodos Jovana , Bechir Mahamat , Ait Aissa Myriam , Kolsteren Patrick
Published: February 2018

Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) interventions have a small but measurable benefit on stunting, but not on wasting. Our objective was to assess the effectiveness of a household WASH package on the performance of an Outpatient Therapeutic feeding Program (OTP) for severe acute malnutrition (SAM). We conducted a cluster-randomized controlled trial embedded in a routine OTP. The study population included 20 health centers (clusters) from Mao and Mondo districts in Chad. Both arms received the OTP. The intervention arm received an additional household WASH package (chlorine, soap, water storage container, and promotion on its use). The primary objective measures were the relapse rates to SAM at 2 and 6 months post-recovery. The secondary objectives included the recovery rate from SAM, the time-to-recovery, the weight gain, and the diarrhea longitudinal prevalence in OTP. The study lasted from April 2015 to May 2016. Among the 1,603 recruited children, 845 were in the intervention arm and 758 in the control arm. No differences in the relapse rates were noticed at 2 (−0.4%; P = 0.911) and 6 (−1.0%; P = 0.532) months. The intervention decreased the time-to-recovery (−4.4 days; P = 0.038), improved the recovery rate (10.5%; P = 0.034), and the absolute weight gain (3.0 g/d; P = 0.014). No statistical differences were noticed for the diarrhea longitudinal prevalence (−1.7%; P = 0.223) and the weight gain velocity (0.4 g/kg/d; P = 0.086). Our results showed that adding a household WASH package did not decrease post-recovery relapse rates but increased the recovery rate among children admitted in OTP. We recommend further robust trials in other settings to confirm our results.