bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Managing Sustainability with Eco-Business Intelligence Instruments
Authors: Valentin Grecu , Silviu Nate
Published: August 2014

In response to increasing concerns of society about environmental degradation and increasing demands for a transition to a more sustainable society, the business companies are increasingly active in aligning their processes and services with a sustainability agenda. Production, distribution and supply of goods and services require material and energy consumption, having an impact on natural resources both quantitatively and qualitatively, generating waste, pollution and disrupting ecosystems. Ecobusiness intelligence is the capacity of people, processes and applications/tools to organize business information, to facilitate consistent access to them and analyse them in order to improve management decisions, for better performance management of the organizations that are increasingly pressed to synchronize their processes and services with a sustainable development agenda, through the development, testing and implementation of decision support software. This paper advances the idea that BI methods and tools have an important but as yet not well studied role to play in helping organizations implement and monitor sustainable and socially responsible business practices.
University Rankings: The Many Sides of the Debate
Authors: Mmantsetsa Marope , Peter J. Wells , Silvia Florea
Published: August 2014

Within the context of bourgeoning institutions that rank higher education institutions, this paper examines the merits and demerits of university rankings and diverse ranking methodologies. It explores and presents recent developments and diversification of international rankings and highlights their general trend towards more broadly balanced and multidimensional criteria. The paper concludes that like any other complex endeavour, rankings have their pros and cons but the latter does not justify their abandonment. What is required is public education that builds a discerning user who can optimally gain from the use of rankings while avoiding their pitfalls. The original version of this article was first published in the UNESCO volume Rankings and Accountability in Higher Education: Uses and Misuses (2013) Paris: UNESCO.
In Search of a Quality Culture: The Awkward Truths of an Indeterminate Maxim
Authors: Peter J. Wells , Diana Florea
Published: August 2014

The paper explores the evolutions and realities of institutional “Quality Culture” (QC) and unpicks blurred definitions of QC that are to determine whether it has a valid voice in the modern quality assurance vernacular. The authors question whether QC is a practical and achievable goal, or if it is little less than a theoretical conceptual buzz-term that ignores the realities of existing impregnable structures or individual malaise barring real progress towards a process of quality enhancement. It queries whether a QC is equally achievable in the private sector and public sectors. Taking a tertiary educational institution and a cultural institution (opera company) as examples, the authors demonstrate how a culture of quality can be bread via a process that is at once both systematic and organic, individual and inclusive, guided yet self-monitored.
Dual Tasking With the Timed “Up & Go” Test Improves Detection of Risk of Falls in People With Parkinson Disease
Authors: Vance Roisin C. , Healy Dan G. , Galvin Rose , French Helen P.
Published: August 2014

Background

Falls are a common and disabling feature of Parkinson disease (PD). Early identification of patients at greatest risk of falling is a key goal of physical therapy assessment. The Timed “Up & Go” Test (TUG), a frequently used mobility assessment tool, has moderate sensitivity and specificity for identifying fall risk.

Objective

The study objective was to investigate whether adding a task (cognitive or manual) to the TUG (TUG-cognitive or TUG-manual, respectively) increases the utility of the test for identifying fall risk in people with PD.

Design

This was a retrospective cohort study of people with PD (N=36).

Methods

Participants were compared on the basis of self-reported fall exposure in the preceding 6 months (those who had experienced falls [“fallers”] versus those who had not [“nonfallers”]). The time taken to complete the TUG, TUG-cognitive, and TUG-manual was measured for both groups. Between-group differences were calculated with the Mann-Whitney U test. The discriminative performance of the test at various cutoff values was examined, and estimates of sensitivity and specificity were based on receiver operating characteristic curve plots.

Results

Fallers took significantly longer than nonfallers (n=19) to complete the TUG under all 3 conditions. The TUG-cognitive showed optimal discriminative performance (receiver operating characteristic area under the curve=0.82; 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.64, 0.92) at a cutoff of 14.7 seconds. The TUG-cognitive was more likely to correctly classify participants with a low risk of falling (positive likelihood ratio=2.9) (<14.7 seconds) and had higher estimates of sensitivity (0.76; 95% CI=0.52, 0.90) than of specificity (0.73; 95% CI=0.51, 0.88) at this threshold (negative likelihood ratio=0.32).

Limitations

Retrospective classification of fallers and nonfallers was used.

Conclusions

The addition of a cognitive task to the TUG enhanced the identification of fall risk in people with PD. The TUG-cognitive should be considered a component of a multifaceted fall risk assessment in people with PD.
Do Maternal Interactive Behaviors Correlate With Developmental Outcomes and Mastery Motivation in Toddlers With and Without Motor Delay?
Authors: Wang Pei-Jung , Morgan George A. , Hwang Ai-Wen , Chen Li-Chiou , Liao Hua-Fang
Published: August 2014

Background

Maternal interactive behaviors theoretically affect developmental outcomes and mastery motivation in young children. However, these associations are inconsistent in the literature.

Objective

The purposes of this study were: (1) to examine the differences in maternal behaviors between toddlers with motor delay (MD) and those with typical development (TD), (2) to investigate the correlation of maternal behaviors and developmental quotients (DQs) in toddlers with MD and TD, and (3) to examine the correlation of maternal behaviors and mastery motivation in toddlers with MD and TD.

Design

This was a sex- and mental age–matched case-control study.

Methods

Twenty-two mother-child dyads of toddlers with MD (ages 23–47 months) and 22 dyads of sex- and mental age–matched toddlers with TD (ages 15–29 months) were recruited. Maternal scores from the Nursing Child Assessment Teaching Scale, 2 indicators of motivation (persistence and mastery pleasure) from individualized mastery tasks and the Dimensions of Mastery Questionnaire, and DQs from the Comprehensive Developmental Inventory for Infants and Children were assessed.

Results

Mothers of children in the MD group showed significantly lower cognitive growth fostering scores than mothers of children in the TD group. Maternal total scores were significantly correlated with whole DQs in both groups. In the MD group, maternal total scores correlated significantly with DMQ mastery pleasure but not with mastery task motivation.

Limitations

The study design makes it impossible to know the causal relationships between maternal behaviors and children’s DQs and motivation.

Conclusions

Mothers of toddlers with MD exhibited less adequate interactive behaviors than mothers of toddlers with TD. Because higher-quality maternal behaviors correlated with higher DQs in the MD group, clinicians should encourage parents to participate in early intervention programs and model high-quality parenting behavior to enhance parents’ and children’s outcomes.
Tenth Annual Brown Lecture in Education Research
Authors: Orfield Gary
Published: August 2014

This article reviews the impacts of the civil rights policies framed in the 1960s and the anti–civil rights political and legal movements that reversed them. It documents rising segregation by race and poverty. The policy reversals and transformation of U.S. demography require a new civil rights strategy. Vast immigrations, the sinking White birthrate and massive suburban change means it must be multiracial and metropolitan and reflect the huge increase in students from language-minority homes. School policy must be linked with social and economic policy. Housing integration is critical since residence is often destiny for children of color. Researchers are key participants in developing new policies and explaining possibilities for positive change within a stalemated political and legal system. The article outlines essential components of a new civil rights policy.
Development of approximation method to evaluate isotopic composition of burnt fuel
Authors: Aleshin S. S. , Shcherenko A. I.
Published: August 2014

This paper deals with the development of an approximation method to evaluate the isotopic composition of burnt VVER fuel rods (with U-Gd) by engineering codes (TVS-M, PERMAK-A) and taking into account fuel rods depletion conditions. Burn-up conditions for fuel rods differ from each other during operation due to the presence of water cavities, absorber and other within FA. Therefore, the isotopes evolution during burn-up in different fuel rods goes on in different manner even with identical values of fuel burn-up (MW · day/kg U). The isotopic content evolution can be described in detail by spectral codes. However, a full-size core calculation takes much running time. The approximation method, which takes into account fuel rods spectral differences during operation, was considered. The method is based on spectral functionality (a non asymptotic factor) usage, which allows to take into account the spectral conditions and history of exposure.
Assessment of reactor scram effectiveness based on measured worth of separate CR groups
Authors: Afanasiev D. , Pinegin A. , Afanasiev V.
Published: August 2014

The paper proposes the assessment techniques for reactor scram effectiveness (including the case of getting stuck CR of the greatest effectiveness) based on the comparison of measured and calculated effectiveness of individual CR groups. The paper assesses the weight coefficients with which the differences between measured and calculated effectiveness of individual CR groups are taken into account in reactor scram efficiency assessment. Methodological uncertainties of this technique are evaluated in the paper.
Investigation of the hot-channel calculation methodology in case of shroud-less assemblies
Authors: Tóta Á. , Keresztúri A. , Panka I. , Molnár A. , Temesvári E.
Published: August 2014

The fulfillment of the safety analysis acceptance criteria and the normal operation safety related limitations are usually evaluated by using separate hot-channel or/and hot-assembly thermal hydraulic calculations, especially for the closed VVER-440 assemblies. However, the shroud-less assemblies of the expected new NPP units in Hungary or even those of some recently foreseen VVER-440 are raising several questions; like what is the role of the coolant mixing between the neighboring assemblies and can the closed assembly approximation be regarded as conservative for DBA analyses. Focusing an anticipated transient without scram (ATWS) event, the paper evaluates the thermal hydraulic calculation methodology of the shroud-less assemblies by supplementing the computational domain step by step with the closest pins and subchannels of the neighboring assemblies. We concluded that assembly-wise coolant cross-flows and significant changes in the hot-channel DNBR can appear in case of shroud-less assemblies.
Intradiploic occipital pseudomeningocele in a patient with remote history of surgical treatment of Chiari malformation
Authors: Mahaney Kelly B. , Menezes Arnold H.
Published: August 2014

An intradiploic CSF pseudocyst is a rare entity that has been described in association with trauma, as a sequela of untreated hydrocephalus, or occasionally as a congenital finding in older adults. The authors present the case of a woman with a remote history of a posterior fossa intradural procedure, in which she underwent Chiari malformation decompression, Silastic substitute–assisted duraplasty, and occipitocervical fusion; she presented 19 years later with recurrent symptoms of Chiari malformation. She was found to have an occipital intradiploic pseudomeningocele, arising within her dorsal occipitocervical fusion mass and resulting in dorsal hindbrain compression. She underwent a posterior fossa decompression and revision of her failed duraplasty, and she had a good recovery. This case demonstrates intradiploic CSF pseudomeningocele as a rare potential delayed complication of an intradural procedure for the treatment of Chiari malformation with occipitocervical fusion.
Gamma Knife surgery for incidental cerebral arteriovenous malformations
Authors: Yen Chun-Po , Ding Dale , Cheng Ching-Hsiao , Starke Robert M. , Shaffrey Mark , Sheehan Jason
Published: August 2014

Object

A relatively benign natural course of unruptured cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) has recently been recognized, and the decision to treat incidentally found AVMs has been questioned. This study aims to evaluate the long-term imaging and clinical outcomes of patients with asymptomatic, incidentally discovered AVMs treated with Gamma Knife surgery (GKS).

Methods

Thirty-one patients, each with an incidentally diagnosed AVM, underwent GKS between 1989 and 2009. The nidus volumes ranged from 0.3 to 11.1 cm3 (median 3.2 cm3). A margin dose between 15 and 26 Gy (median 20 Gy) was used to treat the AVMs. Four patients underwent repeat GKS for still-patent AVM residuals after the initial GKS procedure. Clinical follow-up ranged from 24 to 196 months, with a mean of 78 months (median 51 months) after the initial GKS.

Results

Following GKS, 19 patients (61.3%) had a total AVM obliteration on angiography. In 7 patients (22.6%), no flow voids were observed on MRI but angiographic confirmation was not available. In 5 patients (16.1%), the AVMs remained patent. A small nidus volume was significantly associated with increased AVM obliteration rate. Thirteen patients (41.9%) developed radiation-induced imaging changes: 11 were asymptomatic (35.5%), 1 had only headache (3.2%), and 1 developed seizure and neurological deficits (3.2%). Two patients each had 1 hemorrhage during the latency period (116.5 risk years), yielding an annual hemorrhage rate of 1.7% before AVM obliteration.

Conclusions

The decision to treat asymptomatic AVMs, and if so, which treatment approach to use, remain the subject of debate. GKS as a minimally invasive procedure appears to achieve a reasonable outcome with low procedure-related morbidity. In those patients with incidental AVMs, the benefits as well as the risks of radiosurgical intervention will only be fully defined with long-term follow-up.
Spontaneous resolution of perforator aneurysms of the posterior circulation
Authors: Chavent Adrien , Lefevre Pierre-Henri , Thouant Pierre , Cao Catherine , Kazemi Apolline , Mourier Klaus , Ricolfi Frederic
Published: August 2014

The authors present the cases of 3 patients with ruptured perforator aneurysms of the posterior circulation. Patients were 39, 55, and 59 years old. None of the patients had relevant past medical or family history. All presented with World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies Grade I and Fisher Grade 2 or 3 subarachnoid hemorrhage. Initial angiography results were normal. A second cerebral angiogram in each case revealed a small (< 3 mm) aneurysm of perforator arteries of the posterior circulation. Patients were successfully managed conservatively. None of the patients developed symptomatic vasospasm, rebleeding, or hydrocephaly. Control angiograms at 3 months showed spontaneous resolution of the aneurysm in all cases. Rupture of perforator aneurysms of the posterior circulation is a rare condition and it may be underdiagnosed because of limitations of imaging techniques. Treatments can lead to complications in highly functional territories and should be considered wisely, especially due to the fact that the causes and natural history of such aneurysms are unknown and spontaneous healing remains a possibility.
Ventricular reservoir versus ventriculosubgaleal shunt for posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus in preterm infants: infection risks and ventriculoperitoneal shunt rate
Authors: Wang Joanna Y. , Amin Anubhav G. , Jallo George I. , Ahn Edward S.
Published: August 2014

Object

The most common neurosurgical condition observed in preterm infants is intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), which often results in posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH). These conditions portend an unfavorable prognosis; therefore, the potential for poor neurodevelopmental outcomes necessitates a better understanding of the comparative effectiveness of 2 temporary devices commonly used before the permanent insertion of a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt: the ventricular reservoir and the ventriculosubgaleal shunt (VSGS).

Methods

The authors analyzed retrospectively collected information for 90 patients with IVH and PHH who were treated with insertion of a ventricular reservoir (n = 44) or VSGS (n = 46) at their institution over a 14-year period.

Results

The mean gestational age and weight at device insertion were lower for VSGS patients (30.1 ± 1.9 weeks, 1.12 ± 0.31 kg) than for reservoir patients (31.8 ± 2.9 weeks, 1.33 ± 0.37 kg; p = 0.002 and p = 0.004, respectively). Ventricular reservoir insertion was predictive of more CSF taps prior to VP shunt placement compared with VSGS placement (10 ± 8.7 taps vs 1.6 ± 1.7 taps, p < 0.001). VSGS patients experienced a longer time interval prior to VP shunt placement than reservoir patients (80.8 ± 67.5 days vs 48.8 ± 26.4 days, p = 0.012), which corresponded to VSGS patients gaining more weight by the time of shunt placement than reservoir patients (3.31 ± 2.0 kg vs 2.42 ± 0.63 kg, p = 0.016). Reservoir patients demonstrated a trend toward more positive CSF cultures compared with VSGS patients (n = 9 [20.5%] vs n = 5 [10.9%], p = 0.21). There were no significant differences in the rates of overt device infection requiring removal (reservoir, 6.8%; VSGS, 6.5%), VP shunt insertion (reservoir, 77.3%; VSGS, 76.1%), or early VP shunt infection (reservoir, 11.4%; VSGS, 13.0%) between the 2 cohorts.

Conclusions

Although the rates of VP shunt requirement and device infection were similar between patients treated with the reservoir versus the VSGS, VSGS patients were significantly older and had achieved greater weights at the time of VP shunt insertion. The authors' results suggest that the VSGS requires less labor-intensive management by ventricular tapping; the VSGS patients also attained higher weights and more optimal surgical candidacy at the time of VP shunt insertion. The potential differences in long-term developmental and neurological outcomes between VSGS and reservoir placement warrant further study.
Freehand thoracic pedicle screw technique using a uniform entry point and sagittal trajectory for all levels: preliminary clinical experience
Authors: Fennell Vernard S. , Palejwala Sheri , Skoch Jesse , Stidd David A. , Baaj Ali A.
Published: August 2014

Object

Experience with freehand thoracic pedicle screw placement is well described in the literature. Published techniques rely on various starting points and trajectories for each level or segment of the thoracic spine. Furthermore, few studies provide specific guidance on sagittal and axial trajectories. The goal of this study was to propose a uniform entry point and sagittal trajectory for all thoracic levels during freehand pedicle screw placement and determine the accuracy of this technique.

Methods

The authors retrospectively reviewed postoperative CT scans of 33 consecutive patients who underwent open, freehand thoracic pedicle-screw fixation using a uniform entry point and sagittal trajectory for all levels. The same entry point for each level was defined as a point 3 mm caudal to the junction of the transverse process and the lateral margin of the superior articulating process, and the sagittal trajectory was always orthogonal to the dorsal curvature of the spine at that level. The medial angulation (axial trajectory) was approximately 30° at T-1 and T-2, and 20° from T-3 to T-12. Breach was defined as greater than 25% of the screw diameter residing outside of the pedicle or vertebral body.

Results

A total of 219 thoracic pedicle screws were placed with a 96% accuracy rate. There were no medial breaches and 9 minor lateral breaches (4.1%). None of the screws had to be repositioned postoperatively, and there were no neurovascular complications associated with the breaches.

Conclusions

It is feasible to place freehand thoracic pedicle screws using a uniform entry point and sagittal trajectory for all levels. The entry point does not have to be adjusted for each level as reported in existing studies, although this technique was not tested in severe scoliotic spines. While other techniques are effective and widely used, this particular method provides more specific parameters and may be easier to learn, teach, and adopt.
Correction: Marino, M.; Misuri, L.; Carati, A.; Brogioli, D. Proof-of-Concept of a Zinc-Silver Battery for the Extraction of Energy from a Concentration Difference. Energies 2014, 7, 3664–3683
Authors: Marino Massimo , Misuri Lorenza , Carati Andrea , Brogioli Doriano
Published: August 2014

We would like to change the authors’ affiliations on Page 3664 of paper [1] from:[...]
The Fibrous Form Confers Unique Properties on Materials
Authors: Bondy Stephen
Published: August 2014

The main distinguishing feature of the fiber is simply that it is a particle where the ratio of length to width ratio is very large. This provides connectivity between two relatively remote areas. Such linkage may confer strength through physical linkage or may relate primarily to information transfer. In the inorganic world, fibers can originate as a result of the process by which the solid material is condensed from the corresponding liquid form. Man-made fibrous materials are essentially polymers of a single or several molecular species repeated many times, or, in the case of metals, chains of elemental atoms. A host of man-made fibers have been developed in the last 50 years. A large range of uses has been found for these products. These include clothing, upholstery, fiber optic cables, filters, insulation, electromagnetic screening, and boat and aircraft construction. [...]
The Effect of Fiber Bleaching Treatment on the Properties of Poly(lactic acid)/Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch Fiber Composites
Authors: Rayung Marwah , Ibrahim Nor , Zainuddin Norhazlin , Saad Wan , Razak Nur , Chieng Buong
Published: August 2014

In this work, biodegradable composites from poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) fiber were prepared by melt blending method. Prior to mixing, the fiber was modified through bleaching treatment using hydrogen peroxide. Bleached fiber composite showed an improvement in mechanical properties as compared to untreated fiber composite due to the enhanced fiber/matrix interfacial adhesion. Interestingly, fiber bleaching treatment also improved the physical appearance of the composite. The study was extended by blending the composites with commercially available masterbatch colorant.
Investigation of the Dominant Factors Influencing the ERA15 Temperature Increments at the Subtropical and Temperate Belts with a Focus over the Eastern Mediterranean Region
Authors: Hirsch-Eshkol Tali , Baharad Anat , Alpert Pinhas
Published: August 2014

A stepwise multi regression-based statistics was employed for prioritizing the influence of several factors, anthropogenic and/or natural, on the ERA15 temperature increments. The 5 factors that are defined as predictors are: topography, aerosol index (TOMS-AI), tropospheric vertical velocity along with two anthropogenic factors, population density and land use changes (Land Use Change Index (LUCI) and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) trends). The seismic hazard assessment factor was also chosen as the “dummy variable” for validity. Special focus was given to the land use change factor, which was based on two different data sets; Human Impacts on Terrestrial Ecosystems (HITE) data of historical land use/land cover data and of NDVI trends during 1982 and 1991. The increment analysis updates of temperature, increments analysis update (IAU) (T), the predicted variable, was obtained from the ERA15 (1979–1993) reanalysis. The research consists of both spatial and vertical analyses, as well as the potential synergies of selected variables. The spatial geographic analysis is divided into three categories; (1) coarse region; (2) subregion analysis; and (c) a “small cell” of 4° × 4° analysis covering the global domain. It is shown that the following three factors, topography, TOMS-AI and NDVI, are statistically significant (at the p < 0.05 level) in the relationship with the IAU (T), which means that they are the most effective predictors of IAU (T), especially at the 700-hPa level during March–June. The 850-hPa level presents the weakest contribution to IAU (T), probably due to the contradicting influences of the various variables at this level. It was found that the land use effect, as expressed by the NDVI trends factor, shows a strong decrease with height and is one of the most influential near-surface factors over the East Mediterranean (EM), which explains up to 20% of the temperature increments in January at 700 hPa. Moreover, its influence is significant (p < 0.05) through all of the different stages of the multiple regression runs, a major finding not quantified earlier. The choice of monthly means was found to be not optimal, particularly for the tropospheric vertical velocity, due to the averaging of the synoptic systems within a month.
Accuracy of Canadian Food Labels for Sodium Content of Food
Authors: Fitzpatrick Laura , Arcand JoAnne , L'Abbe Mary , Deng Mengying , Duhaney Tara , Campbell Norm
Published: August 2014

The accuracy of the Nutrition Facts table (NFt) has a significant impact on Canadian efforts to reduce dietary sodium and monitor sodium content in foods. This study assessed the accuracy of sodium (and calories, trans fat, saturated fat, sugar) reported on the NFt for selected foods and beverages in Canada. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) sampled over 1000 foods and beverages from supermarkets, bakeries, and restaurants across Canada between January 2006 and December 2010. The samples were analyzed in CFIA laboratories. Results were requested for products with ≥1 of the following nutrients tested: sodium, calories, saturated fat, trans fat, and sugar. Differences between the label and laboratory values were calculated for each product. Overall, 16.7% (n = 169) of products were “unsatisfactory” with laboratory values exceeding ±20% of the NFt value. Sodium had the highest number of unsatisfactory products (n = 49, 18.4%) and trans fat had the lowest number of unsatisfactory products (n = 16, 4.3%). The proportion of unsatisfactory products for saturated fat, calories, and sugar was 15.8%, 14.2%, and 12.9%, respectively. All of the unsatisfactory products had excess nutrient content relative to the NFt. Sodium and calories were consistently underreported (p < 0.05), while NFt values for the other nutrients were not statistically different than laboratory values. Increased monitoring of NFt sodium values is recommended in order to increase consumer confidence in this nutrition tool, to encourage industry to accurately report nutrient content and to continue using the NFt to guide research, education, and policy development.
Mitochondrial Targeted Endonuclease III DNA Repair Enzyme Protects against Ventilator Induced Lung Injury in Mice
Authors: Hashizume Masahiro , Mouner Marc , Chouteau Joshua , Gorodnya Olena , Ruchko Mykhaylo , Wilson Glenn , Gillespie Mark , Parker James
Published: August 2014

The mitochondrial targeted DNA repair enzyme, 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase 1, was previously reported to protect against mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage and ventilator induced lung injury (VILI). In the present study we determined whether mitochondrial targeted endonuclease III (EndoIII) which cleaves oxidized pyrimidines rather than purines from damaged DNA would also protect the lung. Minimal injury from 1 h ventilation at 40 cmH2O peak inflation pressure (PIP) was reversed by EndoIII pretreatment. Moderate lung injury due to ventilation for 2 h at 40 cmH2O PIP produced a 25-fold increase in total extravascular albumin space, a 60% increase in W/D weight ratio, and marked increases in MIP-2 and IL-6. Oxidative mtDNA damage and decreases in the total tissue glutathione (GSH) and the GSH/GSSH ratio also occurred. All of these indices of injury were attenuated by mitochondrial targeted EndoIII. Massive lung injury caused by 2 h ventilation at 50 cmH2O PIP was not attenuated by EndoIII pretreatment, but all untreated mice died prior to completing the two hour ventilation protocol, whereas all EndoIII-treated mice lived for the duration of ventilation. Thus, mitochondrial targeted DNA repair enzymes were protective against mild and moderate lung damage and they enhanced survival in the most severely injured group.
A Review on Potentiality of Nano Filler/Natural Fiber Filled Polymer Hybrid Composites
Authors: Saba Naheed , Tahir Paridah , Jawaid Mohammad
Published: August 2014

The increasing demand for greener and biodegradable materials leading to the satisfaction of society requires a compelling towards the advancement of nano-materials science. The polymeric matrix materials with suitable and proper filler, better filler/matrix interaction together with advanced and new methods or approaches are able to develop polymeric composites which shows great prospective applications in constructions and buildings, automotive, aerospace and packaging industries. The biodegradability of the natural fibers is considered as the most important and interesting aspects of their utilization in polymeric materials. Nanocomposite shows considerable applications in different fields because of larger surface area, and greater aspect ratio, with fascinating properties. Being environmentally friendly, applications of nanocomposites offer new technology and business opportunities for several sectors, such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, and biotechnology industries. Hybrid bio-based composites that exploit the synergy between natural fibers in a nano-reinforced bio-based polymer can lead to improved properties along with maintaining environmental appeal. This review article intended to present information about diverse classes of natural fibers, nanofiller, cellulosic fiber based composite, nanocomposite, and natural fiber/nanofiller-based hybrid composite with specific concern to their applications. It will also provide summary of the emerging new aspects of nanotechnology for development of hybrid composites for the sustainable and greener environment.
Advanced Shape Memory Technology to Reshape Product Design, Manufacturing and Recycling
Authors: Yang Wen , Lu Haibao , Huang Wei , Qi Hang , Wu Xue , Sun Ke
Published: August 2014

This paper provides a brief review on the advanced shape memory technology (ASMT) with a focus on polymeric materials. In addition to introducing the concept and fundamentals of the ASMT, the potential applications of the ASMT either alone or integrated with an existing mature technique (such as, 3D printing, quick response (QR) code, lenticular lens) and phenomena (e.g., wrinkling and stress-enhanced swelling effect) in product design, manufacturing, and recycling are demonstrated. It is concluded that the ASMT is indeed able to provide a range of powerful approaches to reshape part of the life cycle or the whole life cycle of products.
Energy-Efficient ZigBee-Based Wireless Sensor Network for Track Bicycle Performance Monitoring
Authors: Gharghan Sadik , Nordin Rosdiadee , Ismail Mahamod
Published: August 2014

In a wireless sensor network (WSN), saving power is a vital requirement. In this paper, a simple point-to-point bike WSN was considered. The data of bike parameters, speed and cadence, were monitored and transmitted via a wireless communication based on the ZigBee protocol. Since the bike parameters are monitored and transmitted on every bike wheel rotation, this means the sensor node does not sleep for a long time, causing power consumption to rise. Therefore, a newly proposed algorithm, known as the Redundancy and Converged Data (RCD) algorithm, was implemented for this application to put the sensor node into sleep mode while maintaining the performance measurements. This is achieved by minimizing the data packets transmitted as much as possible and fusing the data of speed and cadence by utilizing the correlation measurements between them to minimize the number of sensor nodes in the network to one node, which results in reduced power consumption, cost, and size, in addition to simpler hardware implementation. Execution of the proposed RCD algorithm shows that this approach can reduce the current consumption to 1.69 mA, and save 95% of the sensor node energy. Also, the comparison results with different wireless standard technologies demonstrate minimal current consumption in the sensor node.
Use of Temperature and Humidity Sensors to Determine Moisture Content of Oolong Tea
Authors: Chen Andrew , Chen Hsuan-Yu , Chen Chiachung
Published: August 2014

The measurement of tea moisture content is important for processing and storing tea. The moisture content of tea affects the quality and durability of the product. Some electrical devices have been proposed to measure the moisture content of tea leaves but are not practical. Their performance is influenced by material density and packing. The official oven method is time-consuming. In this study, the moisture content of Oolong tea was measured by the equilibrium relative humidity technique. The equilibrium relative humidity, and temperature, of tea materials were measured by using temperature and relative humidity sensors. Sensors were calibrated, and calibration equations were established to improve accuracy. The moisture content was calculated by using an equilibrium moisture content model. The error of the moisture content determined with this method was within 0.5% w.b. at moisture <15% w.b. Uncertainty analysis revealed that the performance of the humidity sensor had a significant effect on the accuracy of moisture determination.
Correction: Supuk, T.G., et al. Design, Development and Testing of a Low-Cost sEMG System and Its Use in Recording Muscle Activity in Human Gait. Sensors 2014, 14, 8235–8258
Authors: Supuk Tamara , Skelin Ana , Cic Maja
Published: August 2014

The authors wish to make the following correction to this paper [1]. Due to an error Figure 15 was a duplicate of Figure 13, the former Figure 15 (labelled here as Previous Figure 15) should be replaced by the new version shown below (labeled here as New Figure 15):[...]
Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving Potential in China: A Directional Meta-Frontier DEA Approach
Authors: Wang Qunwei , Zhou Peng , Zhao Zengyao , Shen Neng
Published: August 2014

Increasing energy efficiency and exploiting energy saving potential are two important practices that can help to ensure future energy security in China. This paper proposes a new total factor energy efficiency indicator, based on the directional meta-frontier data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach, to account for the heterogeneity of production technology among provinces in China. This indicator considers both energy savings and economic development, and can also decompose the energy saving potential. An empirical research study conducted on 29 Chinese provinces indicates that the differences in energy efficiency and production technology among the Chinese regions are quite significant. Most eastern coastal provinces maintain high-energy efficiency and advanced production technology, while energy efficiency in the west is typically lower. As a rule, improvements in technical and management factors are needed to exploit energy saving potentials. However, the emphasis on these two factors in each province should differ. China’s general energy efficiency is relatively low; the absolute amount of nationwide energy saving potential is on the rise.
Proteome analysis of multidrug‐resistant, breast cancer–derived microparticles
Authors: Pokharel Deep , Padula Matthew P. , Lu Jamie F. , Tacchi Jessica L. , Luk Frederick , Djordjevic Steven P. , Bebawy Mary
Published: August 2014

Cancer multidrug resistance (MDR) occurs when cancer cells evade the cytotoxic actions of chemotherapeutics through the active efflux of drugs from within the cells. Our group have previously demonstrated that multidrug‐resistant breast cancer cells spontaneously shed microparticles (MPs) and that these MPs can transfer resistance to drug‐responsive cells and confer MDR on those cells in as little as 4 h. Furthermore, we also showed that, unlike MPs derived from leukaemia cells, breast cancer–derived MPs display a tissue selectivity in the transfer of P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp), transferring the resistance protein only to malignant breast cells. This study aims to define the proteome of breast cancer–derived MPs in order to understand the differences in protein profiles between those shed from drug‐resistant versus drug‐sensitive breast cancer cells. In doing so, we detail the protein cargo required for the intercellular transfer of MDR to drug‐sensitive recipient cells and the factors governing the transfer selectivity to malignant breast cells. We describe the first proteomic analysis of MPs derived from human breast cancer cells using SDS PAGE and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS), in which we identify 120 unique proteins found only in drug‐resistant, breast cancer–derived MPs. Our results demonstrate that the MP‐mediated transfer of P‐gp to recipient cells occurs alongside CD44; the Ezrin, Radixin and Moesin protein family (ERM); and cytoskeleton motor proteins within the MP cargo.
First description of the male caste of the Himalayan endemic ant Lasius alienoflavus Bingham, 1903 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), with re-description of the female and queen castes
Authors: Bharti Himender , Gul Irfan
Published: August 2014

The present paper provides a description of the male caste and re-description of the worker and queen castes of the poorly known ant species Lasius alienoflavus Bingham, 1903. This species has hitherto been reported only from the Himalayas, and the present data are also based on specimens collected in the north-western part of the mountain range. Likewise other Himalayan ants, this species also shows restricted distribution, which suggests a rather high degree of endemism (45%) of this group in the Himalayas.
Promoting Instructional Technology for Effective and Efficient Academic Performance in Nigerian Schools
Authors: Olusola Ogunlade B.
Published: August 2014

The concept of Instructional Technology (IT) has become recognized as a crucial element in the educational field. Instructional technologies are now supporting curricula that promote effectiveness and efficiency in academic performance of all levels of education in Nigerian schools. The objectives of bringing all the instructional tools together are to engage students and have the best potential that enhances learning outcomes. The concern of this chapter, therefore, is to address the agreeable definition of instructional technology, IT as educational problem solver focused on emerging technologies for teaching and learning. Areas of consideration are instructional technologies and its challenges, effective organization of instructional materials in schools, usefulness of local instructional packages, and obstacles in using instructional technology in Nigerian schools. The chapter concludes and recommends that schools should create enabling environments for the use of Instructional Technology (IT), which would enhance efficiency in teaching and learning.
Adoption and Use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in Library and Information Centres
Authors: Idiegbeyan-Ose Jerome , Idahosa Mary , Adewole-Odeshi Egbe
Published: August 2014

This chapter discusses ICTs adoption and use in libraries and its implication on the educational systems. The survey method is used; data is collected with the aid of questionnaires. The purpose of the study is to find out the present state of ICTs in libraries in Nigeria, the areas where ICTs have impacted the library and educational system, opportunities of ICTs adoption and use in libraries, challenges of ICTs adoption and use in libraries, and remedies to the challenges for effective ICTs adoption and use in libraries. Five universities, each from South-South and South-West Nigeria, are used for the study. The findings reveal that the libraries have adopted and are using ICT facilities for their functions and services. It also reveals that ICT facilities in libraries have impacted the educational systems in several ways. The chapter recommends that government should fund libraries adequately for effective and efficient service delivery.
Managing and Planning Technology Usage and Integration in Teacher Education Programs in an Emergent Nation
Authors: Ololube Nwachukwu Prince
Published: August 2014

This chapter explores the impact of the changing context of Information Technologies (ITs) and Information Systems (ISs) on Teacher Education (TE). ITs and ISs have influenced educational philosophy and classroom practices all over the world. Significant technological innovations over the last three decades have altered the environment in which educators operate and profoundly changed the experience of both formal and informal education. The impact and pervasiveness of ITs and ISs have forced traditional Colleges of Education and University Faculties of Education into a period of transition and transformation. Colleges and Faculties of Education have, for example, become sites of branding and rebranding. The policy makers associated with these programs reflexively look to market-based solutions without first giving serious thought to the challenges preventing the effective integration and use of ITs and ISs in TE, particularly in developing economies. Using a theory-based method of analysis, this chapter gathers and analyzes contemporary views and ideas on education and technology. This chapter finds that the impact of ITs and ISs on TE programs in Nigeria has shortchanged these programs. As a result, education consumers and stakeholders are dissatisfied with the slow integration and use of ITs and ISs in government-owned institutions of higher education in general and in TE programs in particular.
Technology Integration in the Classroom
Authors: Otunla Adekunle Olusola , Akinyemi Joshua Odunayo
Published: August 2014

Increased access to ICT tools and resources has provided opportunities for learning technologies. This chapter focuses on classroom integration of social media among a group of Nigerian graduate students using asynchronous online discussion. The study involved an intact class of 33 participants who were engaged in a threaded discussion for a period of 14 weeks at the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan. A duly validated instrument with reliability co-efficient of 0.85 was used, and data collected were analysed using frequencies and percentages. Results revealed high competency level among the majority (84.8%) in checking, composing, and sending e-mail. Participants were actively engaged in AOD during the period, even though access to the Internet by the majority (63.6%) was through the commercial cyber cafes. The majority (66.7%) actively participated in the AOD, and their opinion was predominantly positive about the perceived impact of AOD. A major barrier to their participation in AOD is limited access to computer and Internet facilities. Therefore, the authors recommend provision of ICT infrastructure within the learning and on-campus residential environments by university administrators for cheaper and unrestricted technology access and that lecturers should become more proactive in technology-driven teaching.
Adopting Digital Technologies in the Classroom
Authors: Yu Zhonggen , Xu Qianqian
Published: August 2014

Clickers have been obtaining popularity in the West, although they are less popularized in the East. This chapter, by reviewing the studies on the impact of use of clickers on learning and cognitive loads, identifies the effectiveness of clickers, and the possible influence of the use of clickers on cognitive loads is also explored. This may pave a solid foundation for further popularization in the East. It is concluded that Clickers technology might be more suitable for large-enrollment classes in that it could provide students with opportunities of polling anonymously and quietly. Students might feel less nervous when answering questions anonymously.
Re-Branding Community Organizations for the Actualization of Development Goals in the Rural Communities in Nigeria
Authors: Oyelami Oyekunle
Published: August 2014

Community organizations, also known as community-based organizations, are civil society and non-profit social organizations based in the community with the main thrust being benefiting their members and the community at large. Community organizations have their roots in the community members organizing themselves for needs identification and realization of development goals. They are a subset of the wider group of non-profit organizations. Community organizations operate with the locality to ensure the community with sustainable provisions of community-service and action. This chapter highlights some measures for making community organizations more active and alive in the community of operations.
Behavioural Data Collection Using Mobile Phones
Authors: Asakura Yasuo , Hato Eiji , Maruyama Takuya
Published: August 2014

This chapter reviews the development of mobile phone-based travel survey instruments and systems over the last 15 years and discusses the issues and challenges that they will likely face in the future. The essential ideas were proposed in earlier mobile phone surveys in the 1990s but have since become more sophisticated. Probe Person (PP) survey systems were developed in the 2000s using GPS-assisted mobile phones connected to Internet Web diaries, and were implemented in several cities in Japan. This chapter presents the characteristics of PP systems and survey examples. Smartphone-based travel survey systems have recently been developed and implemented all over the world. This chapter includes a case study of a smartphone-based PP survey system in Kumamoto, Japan. Advantages and remaining issues are discussed with the goal of improving information use and enhancing communication technologies in the field of travel data collection and analysis.
Understanding Trip Misreporting Behavior Using Global Positioning System-Assisted Household Travel Survey
Authors: Jin Xia , Asgari Hamidreza , Hossan Md Sakoat
Published: August 2014

Trip misreporting has been a persistent and well-known problem with household travel surveys. Global Positioning System (GPS)-based prompted-recall method provides the opportunity to capture reliable and accurate travel information from the respondents. By comparing the GPS sample with the diary sample, this chapter investigates the pattern and magnitude of trip misreporting behavior, with a focus on shopping and discretionary tours within 15-minutes trip distance. Econometric models are developed to account for trip misreporting in tour frequency models by introducing a sample-indicator variable. The interaction effects of the sample-indicator variable with various personal and household variables are tested, which reflect the influences of these personal and household attributes on trip misreporting behavior. A number of personal and household characteristics showed significant impacts on misreporting, including driver license status, race, person type, household type, household income, and number of household vehicles.