bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Traditional Festivals
Authors: Fournier Laurent Sébastien
Published: May 2019

This essay considers both the history of the growing academic field of festive studies and the history of my own involvement in this field. I first rely on some of the major works of accepted scholarship to show that social scientists and ethnologists had been concerned with festivals and public celebrations for a very long time before this field transformed into a specific area of research. I then show how my own practice in the ethnology of European traditional festivals and rituals evolved toward the idea of interdisciplinary festive studies in the two last decades or so. After connecting these two scales of time—the history of social sciences and my own path as an individual researcher—I eventually suggest possible avenues for future research in festive studies.
Where "Art Meets Life"
Authors: Franklin Adrian
Published: May 2019

In Hobart, a litany of winter festivals flopped and failed until the arrival of Mona (Museum of Old and New Art), a private museum owned by mathematician, successful online gambler, and autodidact David Walsh. Since 2013, its new festival, Dark Mofo, not only has reignited long-somnolent traditions of midwinter festival imaginaries among its postcolonial society but also has proved to be an effective vehicle for galvanizing an all-of-community form of urban activation, engagement, and regeneration. It has also completely overwhelmed the city with visitors keen to participate in a no-holds-barred ritual week with major global artists and musicians keen to be on its carnivalesque platforms. While Mona has explored grotesque realism themes of sex, death, and the body in its darkened, labyrinthine and subterranean levels, Dark Mofo has permitted their mix of carnivalesque and Dionysian metaphors and embodied practices/politics to take over the entire city in a week of programmatic mischief and misrule at midwinter. Research by an Australian Research Council–funded study of Mona and its festive register will be used to account for its origins and innovation as well as its social, cultural, and economic composition and impact.
The Archive and the Festival
Authors: Voigt Lisa
Published: May 2019

This article offers a brief overview and assessment of the opportunities and challenges that written, visual, and digital records hold for the study of early modern festivals, using Diana Taylor’s terminology of the “archive” and the “repertoire” and examples from colonial Latin American and early modern Iberian festivals as points of departure. While archival records are far from transparent records of the events, they can help to illuminate the multiple, sometimes conflicting agendas behind both the festivals and their pictorial or textual representation. Digital archives promise to make early modern festivals more broadly accessible for comprehensive and comparative study, but they carry their own risks by disconnecting both researchers and records from the embodied presence of contemporary festive repertoires.
Editorial
Authors: Litwicki Ellen , Godet Aurelie
Published: May 2019

No abstract.
Turismo rural en el distrito de Chacas, departamento de Ancash, Perú
Authors: Sicheri Monteverde Luis Guillermo , Nolazco Labajos Fernando Alexis , Malvas Silvestre Silvia Francisca
Published: May 2019

La investigación se realizó en Chacas – Ancash, dirigido a la comunidad y especialistas en el sector turístico. El objetivo fue diseñar un plan de potencialización del turismo rural en el distrito de Chacas, departamento de Ancash, Perú, para lo cual se tuvo que realizar un diagnóstico con el apoyo de las encuestas y entrevistas. El estudio se trabajó con el enfoque mixto, sintagma holístico, de tipo proyectiva, abordando en un plan a partir de las debilidades identificadas. La muestra estuvo constituida por cincuenta y un pobladores, y tres expertos en turismo vinculados al distrito. En los resultados destaca que los pobladores se identifican con el lugar donde habitan y participan de sus costumbres. En este sentido, las actividades de artesanía, agroturismo, caza, pesca y gastronomía están vinculadas al turismo rural. Por otra parte, hace falta mayor infraestructura para que los turistas pernocten y se alimenten, sobre todo cuando se realizan las fiestas costumbristas como es la Virgen de Asunción. Los atractivos turísticos carecen de señalización. El traslado se realiza por vía terrestre resultando ser costoso, a esto se añade la carencia de agencias de viaje que brinden servicios de manera continua. Por otra parte, destaca la existencia de varios recursos turísticos como la laguna Esmeralda, Patarcocha, Yana Raju, Laguna Belaunde, los cuales aún no se han puesto en valor. Finalmente, como alternativa de solución se planteó la implementación de trekking y hiking para el desarrollo del turismo rural, también la implementación de un portal web, fortalecimiento de la identidad cultural a través de talleres de artesanía, danza en los niños y el fomento del empleo a través de la práctica de la actividad turística.
Entornos digitales y credibilidad en los medios en época de la posverdad
Authors: Castillo-Yépez Carlos , Quezada Lourdes
Published: May 2019

La presente investigación indaga sobre la utilización de los medios de comunicación con presencia en entornos digitales como fuentes creíbles de información. Se pretende mostrar qué tipo de plataformas utilizan los ecuatorianos para informarse, así como medir el nivel de preocupación por la credibilidad de los contenidos que consumen y experiencias con las fake news. Se utilizó la metodología cuantitativa con aplicación de un cuestionario a una muestra no probabilística conformada por 384 personas. Entre los resultados se evidencian las principales redes sociales utilizadas para informarse y dónde aparecen, en mayor medida, las noticias falsas.
El principio de inmediación y la actividad probatoria en la normativa procesal ecuatoriana
Authors: Gallegos Rita Ximena
Published: May 2019

El principio de inmediación en el sistema procesal oral implica la interacción del juez en la recepción de la prueba, las partes, testigos y peritos, permitiendo una decisión judicial, con la información de calidad obtenida en la audiencia.  Sin embargo, qué sucede cuando los jueces que intervinieron en la actividad probatoria, que dieron su decisión oral, no pueden intervenir en la elaboración y suscripción de la sentencia, acaso otros jueces, tendrían que declarar la nulidad de lo actuado y realizar una nueva audiencia de juicio para inmediar con la prueba, o a través de los medios magnetofónicos, otros jueces pueden elaborar la sentencia.  Frente a esta situación, la otrora Corte Suprema de  Justicia emitió la Resolución No. 564, de 26 de octubre de 2011, y la actual Corte Nacional de Justicia expidió la Resolución No. 18-2017 de 22 de noviembre del 2017,  por lo que, el eje central del presente trabajo radica en determinar si las citadas resoluciones, vulneran el principio de inmediación probatoria en el Código Orgánico General de Procesos y en el Código Orgánico Integral Penal, abordando este problema a través de un estudio crítico, doctrinal, normativo y  jurisprudencial.
The Effects of Ti Additions and Deposition Parameters on the Structural and Mechanical Properties of Stainless Steel-Nitride Thin Films
Authors: Alresheedi Faisal I. , Krzanowski James E.
Published: May 2019

This study examines the structure and properties of stainless steel coatings deposited to incorporate large concentrations of nitrogen along with varying amounts of titanium. Deposition was carried out using magnetron co-sputtering of stainless steel and titanium from separate targets in a mixed Ar/N2 gas atmosphere. Composition analysis by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed that while films with up to 4 at.% Ti exhibited little change in nitrogen content (compared to films deposited without Ti) and remained sub-stoichiometric with respect to N content. Films with 7–8 at.% Ti had a higher N level and further increasing the Ti level to 11–12 at.% resulted in stoichiometric N levels. X-ray diffraction showed that the films all had a nominally FCC structure with no additional phases. However, the peak locations for the (111) and (200) reflections indicated a distorted lattice characteristic of the S-phase, with calculated c/a values ranging from 1.007 to 1.033. The Ti additions, along with the corresponding increase in N content, helped reduce the extent of lattice distortion. The film microstructure of the higher (11–12 at.%) Ti films also showed higher density, lower surface roughness, and a finer grain structure. As a result, these films had a higher hardness compared to the sub-stoichiometric films, with hardness levels in the range of 18–23 GPa, typical of transition metal nitrides coatings.
Safflower Biodiesel: Improvement of its Oxidative Stability by Using BHA and TBHQ
Authors: Nogales-Delgado Sergio , Encinar José María , González Juan Félix
Published: May 2019

Biodiesel is gaining more and more importance due to environmental issues. This way, alternative and sustainable crops as new biofuel sources are demanded. Safflower could be a sustainable raw material for biodiesel production, showing one disadvantage (as many biodiesels from vegetable oils), that is, a short oxidative stability. Consequently, the use of antioxidants to increase this parameter is mandatory. The aim of this research work was to assess the effect of two antioxidants (butylated hydroxyanisole, BHA, and tert-butylhydroquinone, TBHQ) on the oxidative stability of safflower biodiesel, which was characterized paying attention to its fatty acid methyl ester profile. For oxidative stability, the Rancimat method was used, whereas for fatty acid profile gas chromatography was selected. For the remaining parameters, the methods were followed according to the UNE-EN 14214 standard. The overall conclusion was that safflower biodiesel could comply with the standard, thanks to the use of antioxidants, with TBHQ being more effective than BHA. On the other hand, the combined use of these antioxidants did not show, especially at low concentrations, a synergic or additive effect, which makes the mixture of these antioxidants unsuitable to improve the oxidative stability.
Numerical and Experimental Study of the Solo Duck Wave Energy Converter
Authors: Wu Jinming , Yao Yingxue , Sun Dongke , Ni Zhonghua , Göteman Malin
Published: May 2019

The Edinburgh Duck is one of the highly-efficient wave energy converters (WECs). Compared to the spine-connected Duck configuration, the solo Duck will be able to use the point absorber effect to enhance its power capture performance. In this paper, a 3D computational fluid dynamic (CFD) model is developed to predict the hydrodynamic performance of the solo Duck WEC in regular waveswithin a wide range ofwave steepness until the Duck capsizes. A set of experiments was designed to validate the accuracy of the CFD model. Boundary element method (BEM) simulations are also performed for comparison. CFD results agree well with experimental results and the main difference comes from the friction in the mechanical transmission system. CFD results also agree well with BEM results and differences appear at large wave steepness as a result of two hydrodynamic nonlinear factors: the nonlinear waveform and the vortex generation process. The influence of both two nonlinear factors iscombined to be quantitatively represented by the drag torque coefficient.The vortex generation process is found to cause a rapid drop of the pressure force due to the vortexes taking away the kinetic energy from the fluid.
Simulation Study of an Oxy-Biomass-Based Boiler for Nearly Zero Emission Using Aspen Plus
Authors: Shah Imran Ali , Gou Xiang , Wu Jinxiang
Published: May 2019

Bioenergy integrated CO2 capture is considered to be one of the viable options to reduce the carbon footprint in the atmosphere, as well as to lower dependability on the usage of fossil fuels. The present simulation-based study comprises the oxy bio-CCS technique with the objective of bringing about cleaner thermal energy production with nearly zero emissions, CO2 capture and purification, and with the ability to remove NOx and SO2 from the flue gas and to generate valuable byproducts, i.e., HNO3 and H2SO4. In the present work, a simulation on utilization of biomass resources by applying the oxy combustion technique was carried out, and CO2 sequestration through pressurized reactive distillation column (PRDC) was integrated into the boiler. Based on our proposed laboratory scale bio-CCS plant with oxy combustion technique, the designed thermal load was kept at 20 kWth using maize stalk as primary fuel. With the objective of achieving cleaner production with near zero emissions, CO2 rich flue gas and moisture generated during oxy combustion were hauled in PRDC for NOx and SO2 absorption and CO2 purification. The oxy combustion technique is unique due to its characteristic low output of NO sourced by fuel inherent nitrogen. The respective mechanisms of fuel inherent nitrogen conversion to NOx, and later, the conversion of NOx and SO2 to HNO3 and H2SO4 respectively, involve complex chemistry with the involvement of N–S intermediate species. Based on the flue gas composition generated by oxy biomass combustion, the focus was given to the fuel NOx, whereby different rates of NO formation from fuel inherent nitrogen were studied to investigate the optimum rates of conversion of NOx during conversion reactions. The rate of conversion of NOx and SO2 were studied under fixed temperature and pressure. The factors affecting the rate of conversion were optimized through sensitivity analysiês to get the best possible operational parameters. These variable factors include ratios of liquid to gas feed flow, vapor-liquid holdups and bottom recycling. The results obtained through optimizing the various factors of the proposed system have shown great potential in terms of maximizing productivity. Around 88.91% of the 20 kWth boiler’s efficiency was obtained. The rate of conversion of NOx and SO2 were recorded at 98.05% and 87.42% respectively under parameters of 30 °C temperature, 3 MPa pressure, 10% feed stream holdup, liquid/gaseous feed stream ratio of 0.04 and a recycling rate of the bottom product of 20%. During the simulation process, production of around four kilograms per hour of CO2 with 94.13% purity was achieved.
Prediction of Bubble Departure in Forced Convection Boiling with a Mechanistic Model That Considers Dynamic Contact Angle and Base Expansion
Authors: Setoodeh Hamed , Ding Wei , Lucas Dirk , Hampel Uwe
Published: May 2019

A mechanistic model for bubble dynamics in flow boiling that is based on a force balance approach for a growing bubble is introduced. It considers the evaporation of the microlayer underneath the bubble, thermal diffusion and condensation around the bubble cap as well as dynamic inclination and contact angles between the bubble and the heating wall. It requires no recalibration of parameters to predict the bubble growth. Validation against different experimental flow boiling data was carried out with no case-dependent recalibration and yielded good agreement. The simulations confirmed the dependency of bubble departure and lift-off diameters on different parameters such as heat flux, liquid properties, subcooling temperature, system pressure, inclination angle of channel, channel geometry and mass flow rate.
Long-Term Impacts of Fuel Treatment Placement with Respect to Forest Cover Type on Potential Fire Behavior across a Mountainous Landscape
Authors: Ex Seth A. , Ziegler Justin P. , Tinkham Wade T. , Hoffman Chad M.
Published: May 2019

Research Highlights: The impact of variation in fuels and fuel dynamics among forest cover types on the outcome of fuel treatments is poorly understood. This study investigated the potential effects of treatment placement with respect to cover type on the development of potential fire behavior over time for 48 km2 of forest in Colorado, USA. Our findings can inform the placement of fuel treatments in similar forests to maximize their effectiveness and longevity. Background and Objectives: Efficient placement of fuel treatments is essential to maximize the impact of limited resources for fuels management. We investigated how the placement of treatments with respect to forest cover type affected the rate of spread, size, and prevalence of different fire types for simulated wildfires for 50 years after treatment. Materials and Methods: We generated an analysis landscape consisting of two cover types: stands on southerly aspects had low rates of tree growth and regeneration compared to stands on northerly aspects. We then simulated 1) thinning treatments across 20% of the landscape, with treatments exclusively located on either southerly (‘south treatment’) or northerly (‘north treatment’) aspects; 2) subsequent tree growth and regeneration; and 3) wildfires at 10-year intervals. Finally, we used metrics of fuel hazard and potential fire behavior to understand the interplay between stand-level fuel dynamics and related impacts to potential fire behavior across the broader landscape. Results: Although post-treatment metrics of stand-level fuel hazard were similar among treatment scenarios, only the south treatment reduced rates of fire spread and fire size relative to no treatment. Most differences in modeled fire behavior between treatment scenarios disappeared after two decades, despite persistently greater rates of stand-level fuel hazard development post-treatment for the north treatment. For all scenarios, the overall trajectory was of shrinking fires and less crown fire behavior over time, owing to crown recession in untreated stands. Conclusions: Systematic differences among cover types, such as those in our study area, have the potential to influence fuel treatment outcomes. However, complex interactions between treatment effects, topography, and vegetation structure and dynamics warrant additional study.
Advances in Genetics of Regeneration in Metabesity
Authors: Gauthier Benoit , Bermúdez-Silva Francisco
Published: May 2019

‘Metabesity’ is a recent term comprising a wide range of diseases with underlying metabolic disarrangements at its root, and whose aetiology lies in complex relationships among genes and the obesogenic environment to which individuals are currently exposed in most countries. Of note, epigenetic changes are increasingly being reported to play an outstanding role in carrying deleterious information that, together with susceptibility genes, boost the development of metabesity in subsequent generations. In this context, it is noteworthy to mention that the transition from the pre-industrial era to the current high-technology society and global economy, even after suffering two world wars, has been very fast. By contrast, evolution-driven processes, such as biological ones, are slow. In fact, there is a general consensus that at the metabolic level, adipogenic processes and thrifty pathways prevail over those promoting energy expenditure in a way that currently leads to metabolic diseases by excessive energy storage. In such an imbalanced social–biological scenario, genes that were beneficial in the past have shifted to becoming detrimental, i.e., favouring metabesity, which is quickly growing to reach pandemic proportions.
Gene and Base Editing as a Therapeutic Option for Cystic Fibrosis—Learning from Other Diseases
Authors: Mention Karen , Santos Lúcia , Harrison Patrick T.
Published: May 2019

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a monogenic autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the CFTR gene. There are at least 346 disease-causing variants in the CFTR gene, but effective small-molecule therapies exist for only ~10% of them. One option to treat all mutations is CFTR cDNA-based therapy, but clinical trials to date have only been able to stabilise rather than improve lung function disease in patients. While cDNA-based therapy is already a clinical reality for a number of diseases, some animal studies have clearly established that precision genome editing can be significantly more effective than cDNA addition. These observations have led to a number of gene-editing clinical trials for a small number of such genetic disorders. To date, gene-editing strategies to correct CFTR mutations have been conducted exclusively in cell models, with no in vivo gene-editing studies yet described. Here, we highlight some of the key breakthroughs in in vivo and ex vivo gene and base editing in animal models for other diseases and discuss what might be learned from these studies in the development of editing strategies that may be applied to cystic fibrosis as a potential therapeutic approach. There are many hurdles that need to be overcome, including the in vivo delivery of editing machinery or successful engraftment of ex vivo-edited cells, as well as minimising potential off-target effects. However, a successful proof-of-concept study for gene or base editing in one or more of the available CF animal models could pave the way towards a long-term therapeutic strategy for this disease.
Road Traffic Noise at the Residence, Annoyance, and Cognitive Function in Elderly Women
Authors: Fuks Kateryna B. , Wigmann Claudia , Altug Hicran , Schikowski Tamara
Published: May 2019

The detrimental effects of traffic noise on cognition in children are well documented. Not much is known about the health effects in adults. We investigated the association of residential exposure to road traffic noise and annoyance due to road traffic noise with cognitive function in a cohort of 288 elderly women from the longitudinal Study on the influence of Air pollution on Lung function, Inflammation and Aging (SALIA) in Germany. Residential noise levels—weighted 24-h mean (LDEN) and nighttime noise (LNIGHT)—were modeled for the most exposed facade of dwellings and dichotomized at ≥50 dB(A). Traffic noise annoyance (day and night) was estimated by questionnaire. Cognitive function was assessed using the Consortium to Establish a Registry on Alzheimer’s Disease (CERAD-Plus) Neuropsychological Assessment Battery. The modeled noise levels were associated with impaired total cognition and the constructional praxis domain, independently of air pollution. Self-reported noise annoyance was associated with better performance in semantic memory and constructional praxis domains. This finding should be interpreted with caution since we could not control for potential confounding by hearing loss. Noise levels and annoyance were associated, but their health effects seemed mutually independent.
Natural Radiation in the Rocks, Soils, and Groundwater of Southern Florida with a Discussion on Potential Health Impacts
Authors: Missimer Thomas M. , Teaf Christopher , Maliva Robert G. , Danley-Thomson Ashley , Covert Douglas , Hegy Michael
Published: May 2019

Southern Florida is underlain by rocks and sediments that naturally contain radioactive isotopes. The primary origin of the radioactive isotopes is Miocene-aged phosphate deposits that can be enriched in uranium-238 and its daughter isotopes. Nodular phosphate containing radionuclides from the Miocene has been reworked into younger formations and is ubiquitous in southern Florida. When the nodular phosphate is exposed to groundwater with geochemical conditions favorable for its dissolution, uranium, radium, and radon may be released into the groundwater system. Uranium concentrations have been measured above the 30 µg/L drinking water standard at only one location in Lee County. Radium226/228 exceedances of the drinking water standard have been documented in numerous wells in Sarasota County. Indoor radon activities have exceeded the 4 piC/L guideline in five southern Florida counties. The exceedance of radioactivity standards in drinking water does not occur in municipal drinking water supplies, but rather only in some domestic self-supply wells. Health risks for exposure to radiation from domestic self-supply wells could be mitigated by testing of well water and, if necessary, switching to the use of a different aquifer or treatment process. While the risk of exposure to radon in indoor air in southern Florida is generally low, some areas are enriched in soil radon that migrates into structures, which could be addressed by improved ventilation.
Trends in Suicide Mortality by Method from 1979 to 2016 in Japan
Authors: Dhungel Bibha , Sugai Maaya Kita , Gilmour Stuart
Published: May 2019

Suicide is a major public health concern in Japan. This study aimed to characterize the trends in suicide mortality in Japan by method since 1979. Using data from the Japan vital registration system, we calculated age-standardized rates of suicide mortality separately by sex and method. We conducted a log-linear regression of suicide mortality rates separately by sex, and linear regression analysis of the proportion of deaths due to hanging, including a test for change in level and trend in 1998. While crude suicide rates were static over the time period, age-adjusted rates declined. The significant increase in suicide mortality in 1998 was primarily driven by large changes in the rate of hanging, with suicide deaths after 1998 having 36.7% higher odds of being due to hanging for men (95% CI: 16.3–60.8%), and 21.9% higher odds of being due to hanging for women (95% CI: 9.2–35.9%). Hanging has become an increasingly important method for committing suicide over the past 40 years, and although suicide rates have been declining continuously over this time, more effort is needed to prevent hanging and address the potential cultural drivers of suicide if the rate is to continue to decline in the future.
Community Perceptions of Alcohol Exposed Pregnancy Prevention Program for American Indian and Alaska Native Teens
Authors: Shrestha Umit , Hanson Jessica , Weber Tess , Ingersoll Karen
Published: May 2019

A community needs assessment during a tribally-led Changing High-Risk Alcohol Use and Increasing Contraception Effectiveness Study (CHOICES) intervention highlighted the need to reduce the risk for alcohol exposed pregnancy (AEP) among American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) adolescent girls. The CHOICES for American Indian Teens (CHAT) Program aims to reduce the risk of AEP among AIAN teens in one Northern Plains tribal community. The CHAT team adopted an iterative process to modify the tribally-led CHOICES curriculum for AIAN teens. This paper describes the iterative process as well as the community perception towards AEP prevention among AIAN teens. The CHAT team conducted several levels of formative and qualitative research, including one-on-one interviews (n = 15) with community members, AIAN elders and school counsellors; and three focus groups with AIAN adolescent girls (n = 15). A qualitative data analysis identified several recommendations that centered on making the information regarding alcohol and birth control appealing to teens; ensuring the confidentiality of the participants; making the program culturally relevant; and including boys in the program. This study outlines various components prioritized by community members in creating a culturally-relevant and age-appropriate AEP prevention program and provides community perceptions of AEP prevention for the teens in this community
Removal of Sulfamethoxazole, Sulfathiazole and Sulfamethazine in their Mixed Solution by UV/H2O2 Process
Authors: Zhu Guangcan , Sun Qi , Wang Chuya , Yang Zhonglian , Xue Qi
Published: May 2019

Sulfamethoxazole (SMZ), sulfathiazole (STZ) and sulfamethazine (SMT) are typical sulfonamides, which are widespread in aqueous environments and have aroused great concern in recent years. In this study, the photochemical oxidation of SMZ, STZ and SMT in their mixed solution using UV/H2O2 process was innovatively investigated. The result showed that the sulfonamides could be completely decomposed in the UV/H2O2 system, and each contaminant in the co-existence system fitted the pseudo-first-order kinetic model. The removal of sulfonamides was influenced by the initial concentration of the mixed solution, the intensity of UV light irradiation, the dosage of H2O2 and the initial pH of the solution. The increase of UV light intensity and H2O2 dosage substantially enhanced the decomposition efficiency, while a higher initial concentration of mixed solution heavily suppressed the decomposition rate. The decomposition of SMZ and SMT during the UV/H2O2 process was favorable under neutral and acidic conditions. Moreover, the generated intermediates of SMZ, STZ and SMT during the UV/H2O2 process were identified in depth, and a corresponding degradation pathway was proposed.
Chromium Monitoring in Water by Colorimetry Using Optimised 1,5-Diphenylcarbazide Method
Authors: Lace Annija , Ryan David , Bowkett Mark , Cleary John
Published: May 2019

Chromium contamination of drinking water has become a global problem due to its extensive use in industry. The most commonly used methods for chromium detection in water are laboratory-based methods, such as atomic absorption spectroscopy and mass spectroscopy. Although these methods are highly selective and sensitive, they require expensive maintenance and highly trained staff. Therefore, there is a growing demand for cost effective and portable detection methods that would meet the demand for mass monitoring. Microfluidic detection systems based on optical detection have great potential for onsite monitoring applications. Furthermore, their small size enables rapid sample throughput and minimises both reagent consumption and waste generation. In contrast to standard laboratory methods, there is also no requirement for sample transport and storage. The aim of this study is to optimise a colorimetric method based on 1,5-diphenylcarbazide dye for incorporation into a microfluidic detection system. Rapid colour development was observed after the addition of the dye and samples were measured at 543 nm. Beer’s law was obeyed in the range between 0.03–3 mg·L−1. The detection limit and quantitation limit were found to be 0.023 and 0.076 mg·L−1, respectively.
Food Insecurity and Hunger in Rich Countries—It Is Time for Action against Inequality
Authors: Pollard Christina M , Booth Sue
Published: May 2019

Household food insecurity is a serious public health concern in rich countries with developed economies closely associated with inequality. The prevalence of household food insecurity is relatively high in some developed countries, ranging from 8 to 20% of the population. Human rights approaches have the potential to address the structural causes, not just the symptoms of food insecurity. Despite most developed countries ratifying the Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights over 40 years ago, food insecurity rates suggest current social protections are inadequate. The contemporary framing of the solution to food insecurity in developed countries is that of diverting food waste to the hungry to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals agenda (Goals 2 and 12.3). An estimated 60 million people or 7.2% of the population in high income countries used food banks in 2013. Although providing food assistance to those who are hungry is an important strategy, the current focus distracts attention away from the ineffectiveness of government policies in addressing the social determinants of food insecurity. Much of the action needed to improve household food security falls to actors outside the health sector. There is evidence of promising actions to address the social determinants of food insecurity in some developed countries. Learning from these, there is a strong case for government leadership, for action within and across government, and effective engagement with other sectors to deliver a coordinated, collaborative, and cooperative response to finding pathways out of food insecurity.
Rotavirus Infection and Vaccination: Knowledge, Beliefs, and Behaviors among Parents in Italy
Authors: Napolitano Francesco , Ali Adou Abdoulkader , Vastola Alessandra , Angelillo Italo Francesco
Published: May 2019

This study was designed to investigate the knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors about rotavirus infection and its vaccination in a sample of parents in Naples, Italy. The survey was conducted between June and December 2018 among parents of children aged 3 months to 3 years. A total of 40.7% of the study subjects declared that they had heard about rotavirus infection and 60.8% and 59.2% were aware about the vaccination and of its availability in Italy. Parents with a child aged <1 year and those who reported the physicians as source of information were more likely to have heard about rotavirus infection and to know that the vaccination is available in Italy. More than half (56.4%) were worried that their children could have a rotavirus gastroenteritis and this was most likely to occur in those who have heard about rotavirus infection. Only 15.3% declared that they had immunized their children against rotavirus infection. Parents who considered it dangerous for their children to contract the rotavirus gastroenteritis, those who considered the rotavirus vaccine useful, and those who had received information by physicians were more likely to have vaccinated their children against the infection. More than half of the parents who did not immunize their children expressed their willingness to vaccinate them. Developing and implementing additional public education programs are needed for better knowledge toward rotavirus infection and vaccination and a high coverage among parents.
Farm Machine Use and Pesticide Expenditure in Maize Production: Health and Environment Implications
Authors: Zhang Jing , Wang Jianhua , Zhou Xiaoshi
Published: May 2019

Although chemical pesticide use has increased agricultural productivity, it has caused adverse effects on human health and the environment. For example, pesticide exposure may result in the incidence of a human health condition (e.g., heart disease, immune disorders, cancer, and damaged skin) and it can pollute air, water, and soil conditions and damage biodiversity. Mitigating the negative externalities associated with pesticide use is essential to improve human health and environmental performance. In this study, we are trying to explore whether farm machine use reduces pesticide expenditure by analyzing farm household survey data collected from 493 maize farmers in China. An endogenous switching regression model is employed to address the sample selection bias issue associated with voluntary farm machine use. The empirical results reveal that farm machine use exerts a negative and statistically significant impact on pesticide expenditure. The findings highlight the important role of farm machines in helping reduce pesticide expenditure, which is, in turn, beneficial for improving human health conditions and environmental performance.
The Expression of the Chemokine CXCL14 Correlates with Several Aggressive Aspects of Glioblastoma and Promotes Key Properties of Glioblastoma Cells
Authors: Fazi Barbara , Proserpio Carla , Galardi Silvia , Annesi Francesca , Cola Mattia , Mangiola Annunziato , Michienzi Alessandro , Ciafrè Silvia Anna
Published: May 2019

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a primary brain tumor whose prognosis is inevitably dismal, leading patients to death in about 15 months from diagnosis. Tumor cells in the mass of the neoplasm are in continuous exchange with cells of the stromal microenvironment, through the production of soluble molecules, among which chemokines play prominent roles. CXCL14 is a chemokine with a pro-tumor role in breast and prostate carcinoma, where it is secreted by cancer associated fibroblasts, and contributes to tumor growth and invasion. We previously observed that CXCL14 expression is higher in GBM tissues than in healthy white matter. Here, we study the effects of exogenously supplemented CXCL14 on key tumorigenic properties of human GBM cell lines. We show that CXCL14 enhances the migration ability and the proliferation of U87MG and LN229 GBM cell lines. None of these effects was affected by the use of AMD3100, an inhibitor of CXCR4 receptor, suggesting that the observed CXCL14 effects are not mediated by this receptor. We also provide evidence that CXCL14 enhances the sphere-forming ability of glioblastoma stem cells, considered the initiating cells, and is responsible for tumor onset, growth and recurrence. In support of our in vitro results, we present data from several GBM expression datasets, demonstrating that CXCL14 expression is inversely correlated with overall survival, that it is enriched at the leading edge of the tumors and in infiltrating tumor areas, and it characterizes mesenchymal and NON G-CIMP tumors, known to have a particularly bad prognosis. Overall, our results point to CXCL14 as a protumorigenic chemokine in GBM.
Short-Wavelength Sensitive Cone (S-cone) Testing as an Outcome Measure for NR2E3 Clinical Treatment Trials
Authors: Roman Alejandro J. , Powers Christian A. , Semenov Evelyn P. , Sheplock Rebecca , Aksianiuk Valeryia , Russell Robert C. , Sumaroka Alexander , Garafalo Alexandra V. , Cideciyan Artur V. , Jacobson Samuel G.
Published: May 2019

Recessively-inherited NR2E3 gene mutations cause an unusual retinopathy with abnormally-increased short-wavelength sensitive cone (S-cone) function, in addition to reduced rod and long/middle-wavelength sensitive cone (L/M-cone) function. Progress toward clinical trials to treat patients with this otherwise incurable retinal degeneration prompted the need to determine efficacy outcome measures. Comparisons were made between three computerized perimeters available in the clinic. These perimeters could deliver short-wavelength stimuli on longer-wavelength adapting backgrounds to measure whether S-cone vision can be quantified. Results from a cohort of normal subjects were compared across the three perimeters to determine S-cone isolation and test-retest variability. S-cone perimetry data from NR2E3-ESCS (enhanced S-cone syndrome) patients were examined and determined to have five stages of disease severity. Using these stages, strategies were proposed for monitoring efficacy of either a focal or retina-wide intervention. This work sets the stage for clinical trials.
Development of a Bioluminescent BRCA1-Deficient Xenograft Model of Disseminated, High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Shen Yen Ting , Wang Lucy , Evans James C. , Allen Christine , Piquette-Miller Micheline
Published: May 2019

Successful translation of preclinical data relies on valid and comprehensive animal models. While high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is the most prevalent subtype, the most commonly used ovarian cancer cell lines are not representative of HGSOC. In addition, 50% of ovarian cancer patients present with dysfunctional BRCA1/2, however currently there is a shortage of BRCA-deficient models. By utilizing the OVCAR8 cell line, which contains a hypermethylated BRCA1 promoter, the aim of the current study was to establish and characterize an animal model for BRCA-deficient HGSOC. Transfection of the luciferase gene to OVCAR8 cells enabled bioluminescent imaging for real-time, non-invasive monitoring of tumor growth. The resulting model was characterized by peritoneal metastasis and ascites formation at late stages of disease. Immunohistochemical staining revealed high-grade serous histology in all resected tumor nodules. Immunoblotting and qPCR analysis demonstrated BRCA1 deficiency was maintained in vivo. Moderate to strong correlations were observed between bioluminescent signal and tumor weight. Lastly, intraperitoneal administration of carboplatin significantly reduced tumor growth as measured by bioluminescence. The current model demonstrated BRCA1 deficiency and a high resemblance of the clinical features of HGSOC. This model may be well-suited for evaluation of therapeutic efficacy in BRCA-deficient HGSOC.
Three-Dimensional Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationships (3D-QSAR) on a Series of Piperazine-Carboxamides Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH) Inhibitors as a Useful Tool for the Design of New Cannabinoid Ligands
Authors: Lorca Marcos , Valdes Yudisladys , Chung Hery , Romero-Parra Javier , Pessoa-Mahana C. David , Mella Jaime
Published: May 2019

Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH) is one of the main enzymes responsible for endocannabinoid metabolism. Inhibition of FAAH increases endogenous levels of fatty acid ethanolamides such as anandamide (AEA) and thus consitutes an indirect strategy that can be used to modulate endocannabinoid tone. In the present work, we present a three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationships/comparative molecular similarity indices analysis (3D-QSAR/CoMSIA) study on a series of 90 reported irreversible inhibitors of FAAH sharing a piperazine-carboxamide scaffold. The model obtained was extensively validated (q2 = 0.734; r2 = 0.966; r2m = 0.723). Finally, based on the information derived from the contour maps we designed a series of 10 new compounds with high predicted FAAH inhibition (predicted pIC50 of the best-proposed compounds = 12.196; 12.416).
Antifungal Resistance in Clinical Isolates of Aspergillus spp.: When Local Epidemiology Breaks the Norm
Authors: Romero Mercedes , Messina Fernando , Marin Emmanuel , Arechavala Alicia , Depardo Roxana , Walker Laura , Negroni Ricardo , Santiso Gabriela
Published: May 2019

Aspergillosis is a set of very frequent and widely distributed opportunistic diseases. Azoles are the first choice for most clinical forms. However, the distribution of azole-resistant strains is not well known around the world, especially in developing countries. The aim of our study was to determine the proportion of non-wild type strains among the clinical isolates of Aspergillus spp. To this end, the minimum inhibitory concentration of three azoles and amphotericin B (used occasionally in severe forms) was studied by broth microdilution. Unexpectedly, it was found that 8.1% of the isolates studied have a diminished susceptibility to itraconazole. This value turned out to be similar to the highest azole resistance rate reported in different countries across the world.
Attenuation of a Slow Subsonic A0 Mode Ultrasonic Guided Wave in Thin Plastic Films
Authors: Kažys Rymantas , Šliteris Reimondas , Mažeika Liudas , Tumšys Olgirdas , Žukauskas Egidijus
Published: May 2019

The ultrasonic testing technique using Lamb waves is widely used for the non-destructive testing and evaluation of various structures. For air-coupled excitation and the reception of A0 mode Lamb waves, leaky guided waves are usually exploited. However, at low frequencies (<100 kHz), the velocity of this mode in plastic and composite materials can become slower than the ultrasound velocity in air, and its propagation in films is accompanied only by an evanescent wave in air. To date, the information about the attenuation of the slow A0 mode is very contradictory. Therefore, the objective of this investigation was the measurement of the attenuation of the slow A0 mode in thin plastic films. The measurement of the attenuation of normal displacements of the film caused by a propagating slow A0 mode is discussed. The normal displacements of the film at different distances from the source were measured by a laser interferometer. In order to reduce diffraction errors, the measurement method based on the excitation of cylindrical but not plane waves was proposed. The slow A0 mode was excited in the polyvinylchloride film by a dry contact type ultrasonic transducer made of high-efficiency PMN-32%PT strip-like piezoelectric crystal. It was found that that the attenuation of the slow A0 mode in PVC film at the frequency of 44 kHz is 2 dB/cm. The obtained results can be useful for the development of quality control methods for plastic films.
Effect of Lithium-Slag in the Performance of Slag Cement Mortar Based on Least-Squares Support Vector Machine Prediction
Authors: Lu Jianghu , Yu Zhexuan , Zhu Yuanzhe , Huang Shaowen , Luo Qi , Zhang Siyu
Published: May 2019

There is a universally accepted view that environmental pollution should be controlled while improving cement mortar natural abilities. The purpose of this study is to develop a green cement mortar that has better compressive strength and anti-chloride ion permeability. Two industrial wastes, lithium-slag and slag, were added to cement mortar, and the role of lithium-slag was to activate slag. In addition, to save economic and time costs, this paper also used the least-squares support vector machine (LS-SVM) method to predict the property changes of cementitious-based materials. Then multiple natural abilities of samples, including compressive strength, anti-chloride ion permeability, and fluidity, were tested. In addition, LS-SVM and traditional support vector machine (SVM) were used to train and forecast the performance, including compressive strength. The results show that lithium-slag can activate slag to improve the compressive strength, anti-chloride ion permeability of mortar, and LS-SVM sharpens accuracy by 11% compared to SVM.
Enhanced Sensing and Data Processing System for Continuous Profiling of Pavement Deflection
Authors: Nam Boo Hyun , Stokoe Kenneth H. , Youn Heejung
Published: May 2019

Continuous pavement deflection profiling in a nondestructive manner has received great attention because of its efficiency in pavement evaluation. The Rolling Dynamic Deflectometer (RDD) is a continuous pavement deflection profiling technology and has demonstrated its successful use at many pavement projects. However, RDD’s current test speed of 1.6 km/h (with the prototype rolling sensor) often limits its use in large-coverage projects and traffic congested areas. Increasing the test speed creates a higher-noise environment, lowered signal-to-noise ratio, and sensor decoupling with the ground surface. This study presents the enhancement to the RDD for increased test speed, associated with the new design of the lower-level rolling sensor and higher-performance digital filter and data processing. The new sensor along with the enhanced data processing could increase the spatial resolution of the deflection data, which allows the increase of the test speed of the RDD.
Study on Optimization Technology to Strengthen Ni-Based Composite Coating Electroplate Containing Nanodiamond
Authors: Liu Meihua , Wang Dongai , Wang Huaiwen , Shi Yan , Liu Bing , Li Feihui , Gong Yunlan , Zhang Wengang
Published: May 2019

Ni-based composite coating containing nanodiamonds was deposited on the substrate of Q235A low-carbon steel in a traditional Watts solution, without any additive. The nanodiamond grains prepared by detonation synthesis were measured by Transmission electron microscope (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The electrochemical behavior of Ni2+ ion in the composite bath including nanodiamonds was studied by linear sweep voltammetry experiments, and the morphology, elastic modulus, and hardness of Ni-based composite coating were characterized using Scanning Electron microscope (SEM) and the nano-indenter XP tester. Effects of the nanodiamond concentration in the bath, stirring speed, and the electroplate mode on the properties of Ni-based composite coating were investigated. The results show that the reduction of Ni2+ ion in the electroplating process increased initially, and then decreased as the nanodiamond concentration in the bath increased from 4 g/L to 16 g/L, irrespective of whether direct current (DC), single-pulse, or double-pulse electroplating mode was used. The highest over-potential could be obtained when the nanodiamond concentration in the bath was 8 g/L. Moreover, the hardness and elastic modulus of the composite coating prepared by the DC electroplating mode were 4.68 and 194.30 GPa, respectively. By using the same plating parameters, the coating prepared by the double-pulse electroplating mode showed better properties, with hardness and elastic modulus values of 5.22 and 197.38 GPa, respectively.