bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Efficient Cloud Scheduling Algorithm for the Conservation of Energy through Broadcasting
Authors: Sultanpure Kavita Arjun , Gupta Abhishek , Reddy L. S. S.
Published: April 2018

Method of broadcasting is the well known operation that is used for providing support to different computing protocols in cloud computing. Attaining energy efficiency is one of the prominent challenges, that is quite significant in the scheduling process that is used in cloud computing as, there are fixed limits that have to be met by the system. In this research paper, we are particularly focusing on the cloud server maintenance and scheduling process and to do so, we are using the interactive broadcasting energy efficient computing technique along with the cloud computing server. Additionally, the remote host machines used for cloud services are dissipating more power and with that they are consuming more and more energy. The effect of the power consumption is one of the main factors for determining the cost of the computing resources. With the idea of using the avoidance technology for assigning the data center resources that dynamically depend on the application demands and supports the cloud computing with the optimization of the servers in use.
Traffic Light Signal Parameters Optimization using Modification of Multielement Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Wijaya I Gede Pasek Suta , Uchimura Keeichi , Koutaki Gou
Published: April 2018

A strategy to optimize traffic light signal parameters is presented for solving traffic congestion problem using modification of the Multielement Genetic Algorithm (MEGA). The aim of this method is to improve the lack of vehicle throughput (FF ) of the works called as traffic light signal parameters optimization using the MEGA and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO). In this case, the modification of MEGA is done by adding Hash-Table for saving some best populations for accelerating the recombination process of MEGA which is shortly called as H-MEGA. The experimental results show that the H-MEGA based optimization provides better performance than MEGA and PSO based methods (improving the FF of both MEGA and PSO based optimization methods by about 10.01% (from 82,63% to 92.64%) and 6.88% (from 85.76% to 92.64%), respectively). In addition, the H-MEGA improve significantly the real FF of Ooe Toroku road network of Kumamoto City, Japan about 21.62%.
Presentation of an Algorithm for Secure Data Transmission based on Optimal Route Selection during Electromagnetic Interference Occurrence
Authors: Mohammadi A. H. Poursoltan , Amirani M. Chehel , Faghihi F.
Published: April 2018

This paper proposes a comprehensive algorithm for secure data transmission via communication conductors considering route optimization, shielding and data authentication. Using of appropriate coding method causes more efficiency for suggested algorithm during electromagnetic field attack occurrence. In this paper, MOM simulation via FIKO software is done for field distribution. Due to critical situation of malfunctioning of data transferring, appropriate shield is designed and examined by shielding effectiveness (SE) criterion resulted of MOM simulation; finally to achieve reliability of data security, MAC hash function is used for space with field attack probability, turbo code is employed.
Smart City Readiness based on Smart City Council’s Readiness Framework
Authors: Achmad Kusuma Adi , Nugroho Lukito Edi , Djunaedi Achmad , Widyawan Widyawan
Published: April 2018

The level of urbanization which may impact on urban problems could be resolved through city development enabled and supported by the advanced ICT to build the city smart. To develop the city smart, the readiness of smart cities enablers should be assessed. The study was conducted based on pilot study through a survey on the smart city readiness. The analysis of smart city readiness in Yogyakarta showed that the evaluation of smart city projects implemented partially; only operational and asset optimization, and access to comprehensive device management implemented over 50%. Smart city readiness not only be measured by technological aspect but also need to be measured as non-technological aspects. Thus, measurement of readiness smart city can be more comprehensive.
A Self-Tuned Simulated Annealing Algorithm Using Hidden Markov Model
Authors: Lalaoui Mohamed , El Afia Abdellatif , Chiheb Raddouane
Published: April 2018

Simulated Annealing algorithm (SA) is a well-known probabilistic heuristic. It mimics the annealing process in metallurgy to approximate the global minimum of an optimization problem. The SA has many parameters which need to be tuned manually when applied to a specific problem. The tuning may be difficult and time-consuming. This paper aims to overcome this difficulty by using a self-tuning approach based on a machine learning algorithm called Hidden Markov Model (HMM). The main idea is allowing the SA to adapt his own cooling law at each iteration, according to the search history. An experiment was performed on many benchmark functions to show the efficiency of this approach compared to the classical one.
A Minimum Cloud Cover Mosaic Image Model of the Operational Land Imager Landsat-8 Multitemporal Data using Tile based
Authors: Dewanti Dimyati Ratih , Danoedoro Projo , Hartono Hartono , Kustiyo Kustiyo
Published: April 2018

The need for remote sensing minimum cloud cover or cloud free mosaic images is now increasing in line with the increased of national development activities based on one map policy. However, the continuity and availability of cloud and haze free remote sensing data for the purpose of monitoring the natural resources are still low. This paper presents a model of medium resolution remote sensing data processing of Landsat-8 uses a new approach called mosaic tile based model (MTB), which is developed from the mosaic pixel based model (MPB) algorithm, to obtain an annual multitemporal mosaic image with minimum cloud cover mosaic imageries. The MTB model is an approach constructed from a set of pixels (called tiles) considering the image quality that is extracted from cloud and haze free areas, vegetation coverage, and open land coverage of multitemporal imageries. The data used in the model are from Landsat-8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) covering 10 scenes area, with 2.5 years recording period from June 2015 to June 2017; covered Riau, West Sumatra and North Sumatra Provinces. The MTB model is examined with tile size of 0.1 degrees (11x11 km2), 0.05 degrees (5.5x5.5 km2), and 0.02 degrees (2.2x2.2 km2). The result of the analysis shows that the smallest tile size 0.02 gives the best result in terms of minimum cloud cover and haze (or named clear area). The comparison of clear area values to cloud cover and haze for three years (2015, 2016 and 2017) for the three mosaic images of MTB are 68.2%, 78.8%, and 86.4%, respectively.
Performance Evaluation of Smart Home System using Internet of Things
Authors: Gunawan Teddy Surya , Yaldi Intan Rahmithul Husna , Kartiwi Mira , Mansor Hasmah
Published: April 2018

Nowadays, many researches have been conducted on smart home. Smart home control system (SHCS) can be integrated into an existing home appliances to reduce the need for human intervention, increase security and energy efficiency. We have proposed a smart home system using internet of things and four types of sensors, including PIR, temperature, ultrasonic, and smoke gas sensor for automatic environmental control and intrustion detection. In this paper, the performance of the previously developed prototype of smart home system will be evaluated. First, experiments on various sensors will be conducted. Next, the communicaton channel using wireless and Ethernet modules will be discussed. Moreover, the overall SHCS will be evaluated in terms of hardware and software performance. Additionaly, solar charger enhances the availability of our prototype system. Results showed the effectiveness of our proposed smart home system in the prototype and real life experiments.
A Unified Approach for Performance Degradation Analysis from Transistor to Gate Level
Authors: Hussain Izhar , Vacca Marco , Riente Fabrizio , Graziano Mariagrazia
Published: April 2018

In this paper, we present an extensive analysis of the performance degradation in MOSFET based circuits. The physical effects that we consider are the random dopant fluctuation (RDF), the oxide thickness fluctuation (OTF) and the Hot-carrier-Instability (HCI). The work that we propose is based on two main key points: First, the performance degradation is studied considering BULK, Silicon-On-Insulator (SOI) and Double Gate (DG) MOSFET technologies. The analysis considers technology nodes from 45nm to 11nm. For the HCI effect we consider also the time-dependent evolution of the parameters of the circuit. Second, the analysis is performed from transistor level to gate level. Models are used to evaluate the variation of transistors key parameters, and how these variation affects performance at gate level as well.The work here presented was obtained using TAMTAMS Web, an open and publicly available framework for analysis of circuits based on transistors. The use of TAMTAMS Web greatly increases the value of this work, given that the analysis can be easily extended and improved in both complexity and depth.
Schedulability of Rate Monotonic Algorithm using Improved Time Demand Analysis for Multiprocessor Environment
Authors: Das Leena , Mohapatra Sourav , Mohapatra Durga Prasad
Published: April 2018

Real-Time Monotonic algorithm (RMA) is a widely used static priority scheduling algorithm. For application of RMA at various systems, it is essential to determine the system’s feasibility first. The various existing algorithms perform the analysis by reducing the scheduling points in a given task set. In this paper we propose a schedubility test algorithm, which reduces the number of tasks to be analyzed instead of reducing the scheduling points of a given task. This significantly reduces the number of iterations taken to compute feasibility. This algorithm can be used along with the existing algorithms to effectively reduce the high complexities encountered in processing large task sets. We also extend our algorithm to multiprocessor environment and compare number of iterations with different number of processors. This paper then compares the proposed algorithm with existing algorithm. The expected results show that the proposed algorithm performs better than the existing algorithms.
A Framework for Optimizing the Process of Energy Harvesting from Ambient RF Sources
Authors: Sharma Ruchi , Balaji S.
Published: April 2018

Energy harvesting has been an active research topic in the past half a decade with respect to wireless networks. We reviewed some of the recent techniques towards improving energy harvesting performance to find that there is a large scope of improvement in terms of optimization and addressing problems pertaining to low-powered communicating mobile nodes. Therefore, we present a framework for identifying available RF sources of energy and constructing a robust link between the energy source and the mobile device. We apply linear optimization approach to enhance the performance of energy harvesting. Probabilility theory is used for identification of event loss in the presence of different number of nodes as well as node distances. The objective of the proposed system is to offer better availability of RF signals as well as better probability of energy harvesting for mobile devices. The proposed technique is also found to be computationally cost effective.
A Study of Superconducting Transformer with Short-Circuit Current Limitation
Authors: Manusov V.Z. , Pavlyuchenko D.A. , Ahyoev J.S.
Published: April 2018

The paper presents physico-mathematical models for analyzing transient processes in electrical networks having transformers with a high temperature superconducting winding. One of the main purposes of the study is the investigation of the short circuit current limitation process with the use of a transformer with a high temperature superconducting winding, that allows the combination of two series-connected elements, transformer and reactor, in one device. The efficiency of this method for short circuit current limitation is provided by the fact that the critical value of superconducting winding temperature is exceeded under short circuit current flowing, then it passes into the normal state with a high impedance winding, thus limiting a short circuit current. It is important to know the moment when superconducting material passes into the normal state with the loss of superconductivity. For this purpose, the program for calculating the quantity of heat under short circuit current flowing before its interruption was developed. If a 40 MVA transformer with a high temperature superconducting winding is considered, short circuit should be cleared after 100 ms without transformer disconnection. It is proposed to use a hybrid winding in addition to the main winding for short circuit current limitation. Conducted investigations showed that the return of a winding into the superconducting state depends primarily on the ratio between a short circuit current and a rated load current. This represents the criterion for returning or not returning into the superconducting state for transformer windings.
Multi-objective Optimization of PID Controller using Pareto-based Surrogate Modeling Algorithm for MIMO Evaporator System
Authors: Faruq Amrul , Nor Shah Mohd Fauzi , Abdullah Shahrum Shah
Published: April 2018

Most control engineering problems are characterized by several objectives, which have to be satisfied simultaneously. Two widely used methods for finding the optimal solution to such problems are aggregating to a single criterion, and using Pareto-optimal solutions. This paper proposed a Pareto-based Surrogate Modeling Algorithm (PSMA) approach using a combination of Surrogate Modeling (SM) optimization and Pareto-optimal solution to find a fixed-gain, discrete-time Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) controller for a Multi Input Multi Output (MIMO) Forced Circulation Evaporator (FCE) process plant. Experimental results show that a multi-objective, PSMA search was able to give a good approximation to the optimum controller parameters in this case. The Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II) method was also used to optimize the controller parameters and as comparison with PSMA.
Attitude Control of Quadrotor Using PD Plus Feedforward controller on SO(3)
Authors: Ginting Almido H , Wahyunggoro Oyas , Cahyadi Adha Imam
Published: April 2018

This paper proposes a simple scheme of Proportional-Derivative (PD) plus Feedforward controller on SO(3) to control the attitude of a quadrotor. This controller only needs the measurement of angular velocity to calculate the exponential coordinates of the rotation matrix. With rotation matrix as an error variable of the controller, the simulation shows that the controller is able to drive the attitude of the quadrotor from hovering condition to desired attitude and from an attitude condition goes to the hovering condition, despite the system is disturbed. When the system is convergent, the rotation error matrix will be a 3x3 identity matrix.
Hybrid Microstrip Diplexer Design for Multi-band WiMAX Application in 2.3 and 3.5 GHz Bands
Authors: Sazali M. A. , Shairi N. A. , Zakaria Z.
Published: April 2018

In this paper, a design of hybrid microstrip diplexer is proposed for multi-band Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) application in 2.3 and 3.5 GHz bands. The diplexer consists of a combination of two different filter designs. These filters were designed based on microstripline coupling techniques in order to obtain minimum insertion losses and achieve the desired frequency bandwidth. Therefore, a coupled open loop ring resonator was chosen for the filter design in 2.3 GHz band and a folded coupled line resonator was chosen for the filter design in 3.5 GHz band. Then, these filters were combined with a ring manifold matching network to be a hybrid microstrip diplexer. Based on the results, good agreements were achieved between the simulation and measurement results in terms of insertion loss, return loss and bandwidth in the 2.3 and 3.5 GHz bands.
Performances Concatenated LDPC based STBC-OFDM System and MRC Receivers
Authors: Maammar Nejwa El , Bri Seddik , Foshi Jaouad
Published: April 2018

This paper presents the bit error rate performance of the low density parity check (LDPC) with the concatenation of convolutional channel coding based orthogonal frequency-division-multiplexing (OFDM) using space time block coded (STBC). The OFDM wireless communication system incorporates 3/4-rated convolutional encoder under various digital modulations (BPSK, QPSK and QAM) over an additative white gaussian noise (AWGN) and fading (Raleigh and Rician) channels. At the receiving section of the simulated system, Maximum Ratio combining (MRC) channel equalization technique has been implemented to extract transmitted symbols without enhancing noise power.
The End User Requirement for Project Management Software Accuracy
Authors: Fachrurrazi Fachrurrazi
Published: April 2018

This research explains the relationship between the end user requirement and accuracy of PMS (Project Management Software). The research aims are to analyze the PMS accuracy and measuring the probability of PMS accuracy in achieving ±1% of the end user requirement. The bias statistical method will be used to prove the PMS accuracy that based on the hypothesis testing. The result indicates the PMS is still accurate to be implemented in Aceh-Indonesia area projects that using the SNI (National Indonesia Standard as current method) with the accuracy index of ±7.5%. The achievement probability of reaching the end user requirement is still low of ±21.77%. In case of the PMS, the low achievement of the end user requirement is not only caused by the low accuracy of the PMS but also caused by the amount of variability error, which is influenced by the amount of variation of the project activity. In this study, we confirm that it is necessary to reconcile both conditions between the PMS accuracy and the end user requirements.
Development of Decision Support System for Ordering Goods using Fuzzy Tsukamoto
Authors: Setyono Andik , Aeni Siti Nur
Published: April 2018

The determination of a number of items in the right number is very essential for a company, but in actual practice, it is not trivial task. There are many factors that influence them such as inventory and sales levels. If a number of the ordering goods is too slight or too much, it will effect in the fulfillment of consumer demand. One of the ways that can be used to predict a number of ordering goods is a Fuzzy Inference System (FIS) using Tsukamoto fuzzy logic method. Three variables that are used in this study, namely sales, inventory, and ordering or purchasing. The sales input variables are divided into 3 categories, namely down, constant, and rise. Then, inventory input variebles are divided into 3 categories, namely a slight, moderate and many, likewise ordering input variables also consists in 3 categories, namely less, constant, and increase. The next step is the combination of rules from all events, then performing inference and defuzzifikasi to find average centered. To prove the applied method against manual calculations are then implemented in the developed system. The results of the system calculation do not much different with the calculation results that are done by manually. This is proven by information in the table of Mean Squared Error (MSE) with error results of under 1. So, without prejudice to accuracy in the calculation, the system can be used to save time in determining the amount of the ordering goods. The proposed method can help for research object, in this case is retail company to determine a number of ordering goods.
Performance Enhancement in Active Power Filter (APF) by FPGA Implementation
Authors: N Shamala , Lakshminarayana C.
Published: April 2018

The generated electrical power in present days is not able to meet its end-user requirement as power demand is gradually increasing and expected to be increasing more in future days. In the power quality management, the parameters/factors like harmonic currents (HC) and reactive power (RP) yields the major issues in the power distribution units causing transformer heating, line losses, and machine vibration. To overcome these issues, several control mechanisms have been presented and implemented in recent past. The control algorithm based on synchronous reference frame (SRF) offers a better response by dividing the HC and RP. But the SRF based control algorithm requires better synchronization among the utility voltage and input current. To achieve this, the existing researches have used digital signal processing (DSP) and microcontroller, but these systems fail to provide better performance as they face issues like limited sampling time, less accuracy, and high computational complexity. Thus, to enhance the performance of active power filter (APF), we present an FPGA based approach. Also, to validate the performance of the proposed approach, we have used Xilinx 14.7 and Modelsim (6.3f) simulator and compared with other previous work. From the results analysis, it is found that the approach has good performance.
Review of under Frequency Load Shedding Program of Kosovo Power System based on ENTSO-E Requirements
Authors: Kabashi Gazmend , Kabashi Skender
Published: April 2018

Under-frequency load shedding (UFLS) is designed to protect the power system when the frequency drops below given thresholds by switching off certain amounts of the load aiming thus to balance generation and load. This paper presents a review of the existing UFLS (Under Frequency Load Shedding) program in compliance with recently revised Police-5 of Operational Handbook of ENTSO-e. The proposed review of the current UFLS program for Kosovo Power System has considered the main standards requirements and guidelines for UFLS set by ENTSO-E. This work examine system performance by conducting dynamic simulations of UFLS schemes subject to different imbalances between load and generation, and includes three power system island mode scenarios with different equivalent inertia of the system, respectively different size of the systems. With aim to define the best program of UFLS, which fits to the Kosovo Power System frequency behavior, two different UFLS programs are analyzed and results are compared. The proposed program is tested using a large scale PSS/E model which represents interconnected power system area of Southeast Europe.
Non-integer IMC based PID Design for Load Frequency Control of Power System Through Reduced Model Order
Authors: Kasireddy Idamakanti , Nasir Abdul Wahid , Singh Arun Kumar
Published: April 2018

This paper deals with non-integer internal model control (FIMC) based proportional-integral-derivative(PID) design for load frequency control (LFC) of single area non-reheated thermal power system under parameter divergence and random load disturbance. Firstly, a fractional second order plus dead time(SOPDT) reduced system model is obtained using genetic algorithm through step error minimization. Secondly, a FIMC based PID controller is designed for single area power system based on reduced system model. Proposed controller is equipped with single area non-reheated thermal power system. The resulting controller is tested using MATLAB/SIMULINK under various conditions. The simulation results show that the controller can accommodate system parameter uncertainty and load disturbance. Further, simulation shows that it maintains robust performance as well as minimizes the effect of load fluctuations on frequency deviation. Finally, the proposed method applied to two area power system to show the effectiveness.
Granular Mobility-Factor Analysis Framework for enriching Occupancy Sensing with Doppler Radar
Authors: Mane Preethi K. , Rao K. Narasimha
Published: April 2018

With the growing need for adoption of smarter resource control system in existing infrastructure, the proliferation of occupancy sensing is slowly increasing its pace. After reviewing an existing system, we find that utilization of Doppler radar is less progressive in enhancing the accuracy of occupancy sensing operation. Therefore, we introduce a novel analytical model that is meant for incorporating granularity in tracing the psychological periodic characteristic of an object by emphasizing on the mobility and uncertainty movement of an object in the monitoring area. Hence, the model is more emphasized on identifying the rate of change in any periodic physiological characteristic of an object with the aid of mathematical modelling. At the same time, the model extracts certain traits of frequency shift and directionality for better tracking of the unidentified object behavior where its applicabilibility can be generalized in majority of the fields related to object detection.
Matthieu Béra. Émile Durkheim à Bordeaux (1887-1902)
Authors: Carvalho Filho Juarez Lopes de
Published: April 2018

Resenha de Émile Durkheim à Bordeaux (1887-1902).
Trabalho e ação sindical em Redes Globais de Produção
Authors: Ramalho José Ricardo , Dos Santos Rodrigo Salles Pereira
Published: April 2018

O artigo pretende fazer um balanço da incorporação do trabalho e da ação coletiva sindical à abordagem das redes globais de produção (RGPs) e de seus limites e potencial para o desenvolvimento de uma concepção sociológica multiagente e multiescalar do mundo do trabalho. Partindo da organização em rede das estratégias corporativas e seus impactos sobre as condições e relações de trabalho, a intenção é aprofundar o entendimento: (1) da conformação de redes laborais dispersas geograficamente, embora funcionalmente integradas; (2) do impacto destas sobre as formas de agência individual de trabalhadores, em suas variadas segmentações etária, étnica, de gênero e geográfica; e (3) das restrições e oportunidades à emergência de formas de ação e poder coletivo transnacionais condicionantes da agência econômica e política e influentes sobre a forma concreta dessas redes.
Modelos de produção e relações de trabalho no México do século XXI
Authors: Toledo Enrique de la Garza
Published: April 2018

O artigo discute os problemas do modelo exportador manufatureiro, estabelecido no México, na década de 1980, enfatizando a questão do trabalho e dos sindicatos. A escolha do setor manufatureiro ocorre por ter sido ele apresentado como motor da economia devido às exportações, embora o setor de serviços tivesse uma participação maior no PIB mexicano. A proposta é analisar os segmentos industriais que são motores da exportação e o peso dos baixos salários e do sindicalismo dominante – corporativista - nessa configuração econômica.
O desmonte dos direitos, as novas configurações do trabalho e o esvaziamento da ação coletiva: consequências da reforma trabalhista
Authors: Krein José Dari
Published: April 2018

O presente artigo procura analisar a reforma trabalhista sancionada recentemente no Brasil. Para isso, são destacados os seus efeitos sobre a configuração dos elementos centrais da relação de emprego (formas de contratação, jornada, remuneração e proteção social) e sobre a organização sindical. Parte-se da hipótese que a reforma trabalhista em questão ajusta a regulação do trabalho às características do capitalismo contemporâneo, predominando a visão do trabalho como “labor” e não como “opus”. A reforma amplia a liberdade dos empregadores em determinar as condições de contratação, o uso da força de trabalho e a remuneração dos trabalhadores. Ou seja, busca-se imputar o processo de definição das regras da relação de emprego às empresas, restringindo a participação das organizações dos trabalhadores e do Estado. Esse processo acarreta, primeiramente, o aumento da insegurança dos trabalhadores e a perda de direitos, bem como a diminuição da proteção social. A reforma também busca esvaziar as organizações sindicais na qualidade de organizações de classe, visto que passa a prevalecer a visão de organizações mais descentralizadas e articuladas com os interesses das empresas.
Helen Sampson. International seafarers and transnationalism in the twenty-first century
Authors: Pasqualini Juliana Campregher , Martins Fernando Ramalho
Published: April 2018

Resenha de International seafarers and transnationalism in the twenty-first century
Curso de resistência dos materiais
Authors:   Universidade de São Paulo. Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos, Proença Sergio Persival Baroncini
Published: April 2018

Essa publicação resulta da experiência de alguns anos de trabalho do autor no ensino das disciplinas relativas ao tema "Resistência dos Materiais" para cursos de graduação em engenharia da Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos - EESC/USP. Fundamentalmente são notas de aulas que foram revistas e compiladas, procurando expressar o entendimento do autor sobre o assunto, segundo uma abordagem propositadamente dotada de forte conteúdo conceitual.
Há diferenças na qualidade da dieta de trabalhadoras remuneradas e donas de casa?
Authors: Assumpção Daniela de , Senicato Caroline , Fisberg Regina Mara , Canesqui Ana Maria , Barros Marilisa Berti de Azevedo
Published: April 2018

OBJETIVO: Verificar se existe associação entre qualidade da dieta e inserção das mulheres no mercado de trabalho e se o nível de escolaridade modificaria essa associação; analisar as diferenças segundo escolaridade; e avaliar se a inserção ou não no mercado modifica a associação entre qualidade da dieta e escolaridade. MÉTODOS:Trata-se de estudo transversal de base populacional, que utilizou dados do Inquérito de Saúde de Campinas (ISACamp 2008). A alimentação de 464 mulheres, de 18 a 64 anos, foi avaliada por meio do Índice de Qualidade da Dieta Revisado. Foram estimadas as médias do escore total e dos componentes do índice com o uso de regressão linear simples e múltipla. RESULTADOS: Nenhuma diferença foi observada entre qualidade da dieta de donas de casa e trabalhadoras remuneradas. A análise estratificada por escolaridade mostrou menor ingestão de frutas entre as donas de casa no segmento de pior escolaridade, em comparação às trabalhadoras remuneradas. Entre as mulheres, a menor escolaridade esteve associada à pior qualidade global da dieta e à maior ingestão de sódio e menor ingestão de frutas, vegetais, grãos integrais, leite e gordura saturada. Em contraste, a inserção no mercado de trabalho modificou o efeito da escolaridade sobre a qualidade da dieta. No estrato de donas de casa, a baixa escolaridade foi associada à pior qualidade da dieta e ao menor consumo de frutas, vegetais verde-escuros e alaranjados e grãos integrais. Entre as trabalhadoras remuneradas, a baixa escolaridade mostrou-se associada à ingestão maior de sódio e menor de vegetais, cereais integrais e leite e laticínios. CONCLUSÕES:Os resultados expõem iniquidades no perfil alimentar em relação à escolaridade e à inserção no mercado de trabalho, sinalizando a relevância de políticas públicas que ampliem o acesso à educação e à orientação sobre dieta saudável.
Prepregnancy body mass index, gestational weight gain, and birth weight in the BRISA cohort
Authors: Lima Raina Jansen Cutrim Propp , Batista Rosângela Fernandes Lucena , Ribeiro Marizélia Rodrigues Costa , Ribeiro Cecília Cláudia Costa , Simões Vanda Maria Ferreira , Lima Neto Pedro Martins , Silva Antônio Augusto Moura da , Bettiol Heloisa
Published: April 2018

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effects of maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index and weight gain during pregnancy on the baby’s birth weight. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study with 5,024 mothers and their newborns using a Brazilian birth cohort study. In the proposed model, estimated by structural equation modeling, we tested socioeconomic status, age, marital status, pre-pregnancy body mass index, smoking habit and alcohol consumption during pregnancy, hypertension and gestational diabetes, gestational weight gain, and type of delivery as determinants of the baby’s birth weight. RESULTS: For a gain of 4 kg/m2 (1 Standard Deviation [SD]) in pre-pregnancy body mass index, there was a 0.126 SD increase in birth weight, corresponding to 68 grams (p < 0.001). A 6 kg increase (1 SD) in gestational weight gain represented a 0.280 SD increase in newborn weight, correponding to 151.2 grams (p < 0.001). The positive effect of pre-pregnancy body mass index on birth weight was direct (standardized coefficient [SC] = 0.202; p < 0.001), but the negative indirect effect was small (SC = -0.076, p < 0.001) and partially mediated by the lower weight gain during pregnancy (SC = -0.070, p < 0.001). The positive effect of weight gain during pregnany on birth weight was predominantly direct (SC = 0.269, p < 0.001), with a small indirect effect of cesarean delivery (SC = 0.011; p < 0.001). Women with a higher pre-pregnancy body mass index gained less weight during pregnancy (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The effect of gestational weight gain on the increase in birth weight was greater than that of pre-pregnancy body mass index.
Burnout in the staff of a chronic care hospital
Authors: Merino-Plaza Maria Jose , Carrera-Hueso Francisco Javier , Arribas-Boscá Nuria , Martínez-Asensi Amparo , Trull-Maravilla Emilia , Fikri-Benbrahim Narjis
Published: April 2018

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of Burnout in a medium or long-stay hospital, to monitor its evolution and to highlight the importance of cut-off points used to avoid distortions in the interpretation of the results. METHODS: Two cross-sectional studies (2013–2016) were carried out, applying the Spanish version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory to the staff of a chronic care hospital (n = 323). Result variables were: Burnout prevalence and a high degree of affectation of the subscales and predictor variables: sociodemographic characteristics and factors that trigger and modulate the syndrome. The association between variables was quantified using odds ratio. RESULTS: The participation rate went from 31.5% to 39.3%. The professionals presented a mean level of Burnout in both moments, observing a lower degree of affectation of the depersonalization subscales and personal accomplishment in the 2016 cut-off. The average score of the subscales in 2016 was 21.5 for emotional fatigue, 4.7 for depersonalization and 41.7 for personal fulfillment, compared to the values of emotional fatigue = 21.6, depersonalization = 6.9 and personal fulfillment = 36.3 obtained in 2013. The emotional fatigue score was slightly higher than the mean value of the national studies (19.9), while the rest of the values were similar to the mean values of the studies considered. The prevalence of Burnout and the interpretation of the results varied significantly according to the cut-off points considered. In both studies, sociodemographic variables showed little significance, while social support and interpersonal relationships were associated with the degree of burnout among professionals. CONCLUSIONS: Our prevalence of Burnout was similar to that of other studies consulted, although the emotional component is more marked in our environment. The interpretation of the results varied significantly according to the cut-off points applied, due to the cross-cultural differences.
Factors associated with preventable infant death: a multiple logistic regression
Authors: Silva Sandra Maria Cunha Vidal e , Tuon Rogério Antonio , Probst Livia Fernandes , Gondinho Brunna Verna Castro , Pereira Antonio Carlos , Meneghim Marcelo de Castro , Cortellazzi Karine Laura , Ambrosano Glaucia Maria Bovi
Published: April 2018

OBJECTIVE: To identify and analyze factors associated with preventable child deaths. METHODS: This analytical cross-sectional study had preventable child mortality as dependent variable. From a population of 34,284 live births, we have selected a systematic sample of 4,402 children who did not die compared to 272 children who died from preventable causes during the period studied. The independent variables were analyzed in four hierarchical blocks: sociodemographic factors, the characteristics of the mother, prenatal and delivery care, and health conditions of the patient and neonatal care. We performed a descriptive statistical analysis and estimated multiple hierarchical logistic regression models. RESULTS: Approximatelly 35.3% of the deaths could have been prevented with the early diagnosis and treatment of diseases during pregnancy and 26.8% of them could have been prevented with better care conditions for pregnant women. CONCLUSIONS: The following characteristics of the mother are determinant for the higher mortality of children before the first year of life: living in neighborhoods with an average family income lower than four minimum wages, being aged ≤ 19 years, having one or more alive children, having a child with low APGAR level at the fifth minute of life, and having a child with low birth weight.
Ventricular Electrical Delay Measured From Body Surface ECGs Is Associated With Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Response in Left Bundle Branch Block Patients From the MADIT-CRT Trial (Multicenter Automatic Defibrillator Implantation-Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy)
Authors: Plesinger Filip , Jurak Pavel , Halamek Josef , Nejedly Petr , Leinveber Pavel , Viscor Ivo , Vondra Vlastimil , McNitt Scott , Polonsky Bronislava , Moss Arthur J. , Zareba Wojciech , Couderc Jean-Philippe
Published: April 2018

Background:

Although cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is beneficial in heart failure patients with left bundle branch block, 30% of these patients do not respond to the therapy. Identifying these patients before implantation of the device is one of the current challenges in clinical cardiology.

Methods:

We verified the diagnostic contribution and an optimized computerized approach to measuring ventricular electrical activation delay (VED) from body surface 12-lead ECGs. We applied the method to ECGs acquired before implantation (baseline) in the MADIT-CRT trial (Multicenter Automatic Defibrillator Implantation-Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy). VED values were dichotomized using its quartiles, and we tested the association of VED values with the MADIT-CRT primary end point of heart failure or death. Multivariate Cox proportional models were used to estimate the risk of study end points. In addition, the association between VED values and hemodynamic changes after CRT-D implantation was examined using 1-year follow-up echocardiograms.

RESULTS:

Our results showed that left bundle branch block patients with baseline VED <31.2 ms had a 35% risk of MADIT-CRT end points, whereas patients with VED ≥31.2 ms had a 14% risk (
P
<0.001). The hazard ratio for predicting primary end points in patients with low VED was 2.34 (95% confidence interval, 1.53–3.57;
P
<0.001). Higher VED values were also associated with beneficial hemodynamic changes. These strong VED associations were not found in the right bundle branch block and intraventricular conduction delay cohorts of the MADIT-CRT trial.

Conclusions:

Left bundle branch block patients with a high baseline VED value benefited most from CRT, whereas left bundle branch block patients with low VED did not show CRT benefits.
Ablation of the Ligament of Marshall and Left Stellate Ganglion Similarly Reduces Ventricular Arrhythmias During Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Liu Shan , Yu Xiaomei , Luo Da , Qin Zhiliang , Wang Xiaoying , He Wenbo , Ma Ruisong , Hu Huihui , Xie Jing , He Bo , Lu Zhibing , Jiang Hong
Published: April 2018

Background:

Sympathetic denervation exerts protective effects against ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) induced by acute myocardial infarction. The results of a previous study indicated that the distal part of the ligament of Marshall (LOM
LSPV
) might be a sympathetic conduit between the left stellate ganglion (LSG) and the ventricles. The present study was designed to compare the effects between LSG and LOM
LSPV
ablation on ischemia-induced VAs.

Methods:

Twenty-nine dogs were randomly divided into sham ablation group (group 1, n=9), LOM
LSPV
ablation group (group 2, n=10), and LSG ablation group (group 3, n=10). Ablation was performed before occlusion of the left anterior coronary artery. Changes in the heart rate variability, serum norepinephrine, ventricular effective refractory period, and blood pressure induced by LSG stimulation were observed, and the occurrence of VAs was recorded. Immunostaining examinations of LOM
LSPV
were performed in dogs without ablation.

RESULTS:

In group 2, LOM
LSPV
ablation evidently attenuated blood pressure elevation induced by LSG stimulation. Both LOM
LSPV
ablation and LSG ablation similarly prolonged ventricular effective refractory period and reduced the concentration of serum norepinephrine, the sympathetic index of heart rate variability, and the incidence of VAs compared with sham ablation. Abundant sympathetic nerve fibers were observed in LOM
LSPV
.

Conclusions:

LOM
LSPV
ablation prevented acute myocardial infarction–induced VAs with the same efficiency as LSG ablation, potentially by blocking the sympathetic pathway from the LSG to the heart.
Biomedical Informatics on the Cloud
Authors: Ping Peipei , Hermjakob Henning , Polson Jennifer S. , Benos Panagiotis V. , Wang Wei
Published: April 2018

In the digital age of cardiovascular medicine, the rate of biomedical discovery can be greatly accelerated by the guidance and resources required to unearth potential collections of knowledge. A unified computational platform leverages metadata to not only provide direction but also empower researchers to mine a wealth of biomedical information and forge novel mechanistic insights. This review takes the opportunity to present an overview of the cloud-based computational environment, including the functional roles of metadata, the architecture schema of indexing and search, and the practical scenarios of machine learning–supported molecular signature extraction. By introducing several established resources and state-of-the-art workflows, we share with our readers a broadly defined informatics framework to phenotype cardiovascular health and disease.
Benefits of a Legally Non-Binding Agreement: The Case of the 2013 US-Russian Agreement on the Elimination of Syrian Chemical Weapons
Authors: Hayashi Mika
Published: April 2018

The deal struck between the United States and Russia in September 2013, the ‘Framework for Elimination of Syrian Chemical Weapons,’ amounts to a legally non-binding agreement, and not a treaty. The objective of this agreement – namely, that of averting the pending crisis in Syria at that time – highlights what a non-binding agreement, as opposed to a treaty, can do. Somewhat curiously, various actors kept referring to the 2013 agreement even when binding instruments covering the same questions were in place. Thus, this note also explores the distinct benefits of the 2013 agreement even in the presence of the binding instruments. In some cases, the preference for the 2013 agreement can be explained as a search for leverage against Russia. In other cases, the rhetorical preference for the non-binding agreement could indicate a desire to discuss the question of enforcement without addressing institutional requirements of the OPCW or the UN Security Council.
20α- and 20β-dihydrocortisone may interfere in LC-MS/MS determination of cortisol in saliva and urine
Authors: Israelsson Marlen , Brattsand Ralph , Brattsand Göran
Published: April 2018

Background

LC-MS/MS methods offer high selectivity in cortisol determinations. However, endogenous steroid metabolites may still interfere and compromise the results, for example in the diagnosis of Cushing’s syndrome. Erroneously elevated cortisol may, in particular, be misleading at the low concentrations found in salivary samples obtained at late night and after dexamethasone suppression.

Methods

Interferences in our LC-MS/MS method used for determination of cortisol in saliva and urine were identified by comparing their retention times and mass spectra with those of pure candidate substances. The chromatographic conditions used in our LC-MS/MS method, including column and mobile phase gradient, were varied in order to separate the target compound from the interferences.

Results

Two interferences, which were co-eluting or eluting close to cortisol in our original method, were successfully separated from cortisol by adjustment of the chromatographic conditions. These interferences were found in both urine and saliva and were identified as the two endogenous cortisol isomers 20α- and 20β-dihydrocortisone. The isomers share molecular mass and mass spectrometric fragmentation pattern with cortisol using electrospray ionization in the positive-ion mode. Both give rise to the transitions m/z 363.1>121.1, 363.1>115.1 and 363.1>97.1. In our original LC-MS/MS setup, the 20β-dihydrocortisone co-eluted with cortisol in the chromatography step resulting in false high determinations.

Conclusions

Cortisol determination by LC-MS/MS may suffer from erroneously elevated results unless 20α- and 20β-dihydrocortisone are chromatographically separated from cortisol.
Altered mean platelet volume in children with Henoch-Schonlein purpura and its association with disease activity
Authors: Shi Xiang , Li Wen-Chao , Mo Li-Jun , Li Xiao-Hong , Luo Yu-Zhen , Qin Liu-Qun , Yang Zheng , Mo Wu-Ning
Published: April 2018

Background

Henoch-Schonlein purpura is a systemic small-vessel vasculitis that occurs mainly in children. A review of the literature has suggested a correlation between mean platelet volume and several inflammatory disorders. However, to the best of our knowledge, any potential correlation between mean platelet volume and Henoch-Schonlein purpura has not been reported in the literature. Therefore, our study aimed to evaluate the role of mean platelet volume concentrations in patients with Henoch-Schonlein purpura.

Methods

This study included 97 children with Henoch-Schonlein purpura and 120 healthy individuals as controls.

Results

Mean platelet volume concentrations were found to be significantly lower in Henoch-Schonlein purpura patients compared with healthy controls (8.1 ± 0.86 vs. 9.4 ± 0.81, P < 0.001). Similarly, significant negative correlations were observed between mean platelet volume and neutrophil count, platelet count and erythrocyte sedimentation rate in patients with Henoch-Schonlein purpura (r=−0.327, P = 0.001; r=−0.419, P < 0.001; r=−0.255, P = 0.012). Interestingly, mean platelet volume was significantly lower in the acute phase compared with the convalescent phase of Henoch-Schonlein purpura patients (7.8 ± 0.86 vs. 8.3 ± 0.77, P = 0.002). A cut-off value for mean platelet volume was 7.85 with area under the curve of 0.726 to identify acute phase vs. convalescent phase in patients with Henoch-Schonlein purpura. Mean platelet volume was independently associated with Henoch-Schonlein purpura in logistic regression analysis (odds ratio = 0.114, 95% confidence interval = 0.053–0.243, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that mean platelet volume is inversely associated with disease in patients with Henoch-Schonlein purpura, and mean platelet volume may be a useful marker to identify active disease in Henoch-Schonlein purpura patients.
Personal and Organizational Determinants of Job Satisfaction for Workers With Disabilities
Authors: Sundar Vidya , Brucker Debra L.
Published: April 2018

Although persons with disabilities are underrepresented in the workforce, a substantial portion of adults with disabilities does work. Job satisfaction, an important predictor of productivity, job tenure, and absenteeism, may be influenced by a unique set of personal and organizational factors for persons with disabilities. Using data from the 2015 Kessler Foundation National Employment and Disability Survey (KFNEDS), we examine personal and organizational predictors of job satisfaction for American workers with disabilities. Findings from the study suggest that educational attainment, perceived pay disparities, and supervisor attitudes are associated with job satisfaction for workers with disabilities. Coworker attitudes were not associated with job satisfaction for this population.