bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Meta-Analysis of miR-146a Polymorphisms Association with Coronary Artery Diseases and Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Bao Mei-Hua , Xiao Yan , Zhang Qing-Song , Luo Huai-Qing , Luo Ji , Zhao Juan , Li Guang-Yi , Zeng Jie , Li Jian-Ming
Published: June 2015

Coronary artery disease (CAD) and ischemic stroke (IS) are manifestations of atherosclerosis, with a high death rate. miR-146a is a microRNA that participates in the progress of CAD and IS. A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the precursor of miR-146a, rs2910164, was found to be associated with the risks of CAD and IS. However, the results were inconsistent and inconclusive. A meta-analysis was performed to assess the relationship of rs2910164 and CAD as well as IS susceptibility. The database Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM) were searched for related studies. Crude odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were used to investigate the strength of the association by random- or fixed-effect model. A total of eight studies, with 3138 cases and 3097 controls were identified for the meta-analysis. The results shows that rs2910164 is associated with the risk of CAD significantly in allelic model (OR = 0.86), homozygous model (OR = 0.70), heterozygous model (OR = 0.80) and dominant model (OR = 0.76). The subjects carrying the GG genotype, GG + GC genotype or G allele are at lower risks of CAD. For the susceptibility of IS, there are no significant associations between rs2910164 and total studies. However, in subgroup analysis by sample size and ethnicity, the GG, GG + GC and G allele of rs2910164 are found to be associated with higher risks of IS in large sample size group and in Koreans, under homozygous and dominant models. In conclusion, the current meta-analysis suggests lower risks of CAD for GG, GG + GC genotype and G allele of rs2910164, while rs2910164 is not associated with the risk of IS. Thus rs2910164 might be recommended as a predictor for susceptibility of CAD, but not IS.
Evidence for P-Glycoprotein Involvement in Cell Volume Regulation Using Coulter Sizing in Flow Cytometry
Authors: Pasquier Jennifer , Rioult Damien , Abu-Kaoud Nadine , Hoarau-Véchot Jessica , Marin Matthieu , Foll Frank
Published: June 2015

The regulation of cell volume is an essential function that is coupled to a variety of physiological processes such as receptor recycling, excitability and contraction, cell proliferation, migration, and programmed cell death. Under stress, cells undergo emergency swelling and respond to such a phenomenon with a regulatory volume decrease (RVD) where they release cellular ions, and other osmolytes as well as a concomitant loss of water. The link between P-glycoprotein, a transmembrane transporter, and cell volume regulation is controversial, and changes in cells volume are measured using microscopy or electrophysiology. For instance, by using the patch-clamp method, our team demonstrated that chloride currents activated in the RVD were more intense and rapid in a breast cancer cell line overexpressing the P-glycoprotein (P-gp). The Cell Lab Quanta SC is a flow cytometry system that simultaneously measures electronic volume, side scatter and three fluorescent colors; altogether this provides unsurpassed population resolution and accurate cell counting. Therefore, here we propose a novel method to follow cellular volume. By using the Coulter-type channel of the cytometer Cell Lab Quanta SC MPL (multi-platform loading), we demonstrated a role for the P-gp during different osmotic treatments, but also a differential activity of the P-gp through the cell cycle. Altogether, our data strongly suggests a role of P-gp in cell volume regulation.
Atrazine Triggers DNA Damage Response and Induces DNA Double-Strand Breaks in MCF-10A Cells
Authors: Huang Peixin , Yang John , Ning Jie , Wang Michael , Song Qisheng
Published: June 2015

Atrazine, a pre-emergent herbicide in the chloro-s-triazine family, has been widely used in crop lands and often detected in agriculture watersheds, which is considered as a potential threat to human health. Although atrazine and its metabolites showed an elevated incidence of mammary tumors in female Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats, no molecular evidence was found relevant to its carcinogenesis in humans. This study aims to determine whether atrazine could induce the expression of DNA damage response-related proteins in normal human breast epithelial cells (MCF-10A) and to examine the cytotoxicity of atrazine at a molecular level. Our results indicate that a short-term exposure of MCF-10A to an environmentally-detectable concentration of atrazine (0.1 µg/mL) significantly increased the expression of tumor necrosis factor receptor-1 (TNFR1) and phosphorylated Rad17 in the cells. Atrazine treatment increased H2AX phosphorylation (γH2AX) and the formation of γH2AX foci in the nuclei of MCF-10A cells. Atrazine also sequentially elevated DNA damage checkpoint proteins of ATM- and RAD3-related (ATR), ATRIP and phospho-Chk1, suggesting that atrazine could induce DNA double-strand breaks and trigger the DNA damage response ATR-Chk1 pathway in MCF-10A cells. Further investigations are needed to determine whether atrazine-triggered DNA double-strand breaks and DNA damage response ATR-Chk1 pathway occur in vivo.
Ginsenoside Rd Protects SH-SY5Y Cells against 1-Methyl-4-phenylpyridinium Induced Injury
Authors: Liu Yang , Zhang Ren-Yu , Zhao Jun , Dong Zheng , Feng Dong-Yun , Wu Rui , Shi Ming , Zhao Gang
Published: June 2015

Ginsenoside Rd (GSRd), one of the main active monomer compounds from the medical plant Panax ginseng, has been shown to promote neuronal survival in models of ischemic cerebral damage. As an extending study, here we examined whether GSRd could exert a beneficial effect in an experimental Parkinson disease (PD) model in vitro, in which SH-SY5Y cells were injured by 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+), an active metabolic product of the classical Parkinsonian toxin1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). Our results, from the addition of different concentrations of GSRd (1, 10 and 50 μM), showed that GSRd at 1 and 10 μM could significantly attenuate MPP+-induced cell death. This protective effect may be ascribed to its ability to reduce intracellular reactive oxygen species levels, enhance antioxidant enzymatic activities, preserve the activity of respiratory complex I, stabilize the mitochondrial membrane potential and increase intracellular ATP levels. Additionally, the PI3K/Akt survival-signaling pathway was also involved in the protective effect of GSRd. Finally, using a mouse PD model in vivo, we also found that GSRd obviously reversed the loss of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive cells in substanitia nigra induced by MPTP. Thus, our findings demonstrated that GSRd showed a significant neuro-protective effect against experimental PD models, which may involve its antioxidant effects and mitochondrial function preservation.
Surface Attachment of Gold Nanoparticles Guided by Block Copolymer Micellar Films and Its Application in Silicon Etching
Authors: Wei Mingjie , Wang Yong
Published: June 2015

Patterning metallic nanoparticles on substrate surfaces is important in a number of applications. However, it remains challenging to fabricate such patterned nanoparticles with easily controlled structural parameters, including particle sizes and densities, from simple methods. We report on a new route to directly pattern pre-formed gold nanoparticles with different diameters on block copolymer micellar monolayers coated on silicon substrates. Due to the synergetic effect of complexation and electrostatic interactions between the micellar cores and the gold particles, incubating the copolymer-coated silicon in a gold nanoparticles suspension leads to a monolayer of gold particles attached on the coated silicon. The intermediate micellar film was then removed using oxygen plasma treatment, allowing the direct contact of the gold particles with the Si substrate. We further demonstrate that the gold nanoparticles can serve as catalysts for the localized etching of the silicon substrate, resulting in nanoporous Si with a top layer of straight pores.
Are You Sure? Confidence about the Satiating Capacity of a Food Affects Subsequent Food Intake
Authors: Schiöth Helgi , Ferriday Danielle , Davies Sarah , Benedict Christian , Elmståhl Helena , Brunstrom Jeffrey , Hogenkamp Pleunie
Published: June 2015

Expectations about a food’s satiating capacity predict self-selected portion size, food intake and food choice. However, two individuals might have a similar expectation, but one might be extremely confident while the other might be guessing. It is unclear whether confidence about an expectation affects adjustments in energy intake at a subsequent meal. In a randomized cross-over design, 24 subjects participated in three separate breakfast sessions, and were served a low-energy-dense preload (53 kcal/100 g), a high-energy-dense preload (94 kcal/100 g), or no preload. Subjects received ambiguous information about the preload’s satiating capacity and rated how confident they were about their expected satiation before consuming the preload in its entirety. They were served an ad libitum test meal 30 min later. Confidence ratings were negatively associated with energy compensation after consuming the high-energy-dense preload (r = −0.61; p = 0.001). The same relationship was evident after consuming the low-energy-dense preload, but only after controlling for dietary restraint, hunger prior to, and liking of the test meal (p = 0.03). Our results suggest that confidence modifies short-term controls of food intake by affecting energy compensation. These results merit consideration because imprecise caloric compensation has been identified as a potential risk factor for a positive energy balance and weight gain.
Estimation of Surface Soil Moisture from Thermal Infrared Remote Sensing Using an Improved Trapezoid Method
Authors: Yang Yuting , Guan Huade , Long Di , Liu Bing , Qin Guanghua , Qin Jun , Batelaan Okke
Published: June 2015

Surface soil moisture (SM) plays a fundamental role in energy and water partitioning in the soil–plant–atmosphere continuum. A reliable and operational algorithm is much needed to retrieve regional surface SM at high spatial and temporal resolutions. Here, we provide an operational framework of estimating surface SM at fine spatial resolutions (using visible/thermal infrared images and concurrent meteorological data) based on a trapezoidal space defined by remotely sensed vegetation cover (Fc) and land surface temperature (LST). Theoretical solutions of the wet and dry edges were derived to achieve a more accurate and effective determination of the Fc/LST space. Subjectivity and uncertainty arising from visual examination of extreme boundaries can consequently be largely reduced. In addition, theoretical derivation of the extreme boundaries allows a per-pixel determination of the VI/LST space such that the assumption of uniform atmospheric forcing over the entire domain is no longer required. The developed approach was tested at the Tibetan Plateau Soil Moisture/Temperature Monitoring Network (SMTMN) site in central Tibet, China, from August 2010 to August 2011 using Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Terra images. Results indicate that the developed trapezoid model reproduced the spatial and temporal patterns of observed surface SM reasonably well, with showing a root-mean-square error of 0.06 m3·m−3 at the site level and 0.03 m3·m−3 at the regional scale. In addition, a case study on 2 September 2010 highlighted the importance of the theoretically calculated wet and dry edges, as they can effectively obviate subjectivity and uncertainties in determining the Fc/LST space arising from visual interpretation of satellite images. Compared with Land Surface Models (LSMs) in Global Land Data Assimilation System-1, the remote sensing-based trapezoid approach gave generally better surface SM estimates, whereas the LSMs showed systematic underestimation. Sensitivity analyses suggested that the trapezoid method is most sensitive to field capacity and temperature but less sensitive to other meteorological observations and parameters.
Mass and Force Sensing of an Adsorbate on a Beam Resonator Sensor
Authors: Zhang Yin , Zhao Ya-Pu
Published: June 2015

The mass sensing superiority of a micro-/nano-mechanical resonator sensor over conventional mass spectrometry has been, or at least is being firmly established. Because the sensing mechanism of a mechanical resonator sensor is the shifts of resonant frequencies, how to link the shifts of resonant frequencies with the material properties of an analyte formulates an inverse problem. Besides the analyte/adsorbate mass, many other factors, such as position and axial force, can also cause the shifts of resonant frequencies. The in situ measurement of the adsorbate position and axial force is extremely difficult if not impossible, especially when an adsorbate is as small as a molecule or an atom. Extra instruments are also required. In this study, an inverse problem of using three resonant frequencies to determine the mass, position and axial force is formulated and solved. The accuracy of the inverse problem solving method is demonstrated, and how the method can be used in the real application of a nanomechanical resonator is also discussed. Solving the inverse problem is helpful to the development and application of a mechanical resonator sensor for two reasons: reducing extra experimental equipment and achieving better mass sensing by considering more factors.
Effect of a Toolkit and a One-Day Teacher Education Workshop on ESD Teaching Content and Methods—A Study from Kosovo
Authors: Spahiu Mimoza , Lindemann-Matthies Petra
Published: June 2015

Environmental education in Kosovo is currently under reform. The new strategy for sustainable development demands a strong focus on education for sustainability in schools. However, a lack of teacher education might impede new approaches in the classroom. This study investigated how teachers in Kosovo approach locally-relevant environmental issues in the classroom before and after a one-day in-service workshop on teaching approaches related to education for sustainable development (ESD). Data were gathered in nine classes with a systematic observation scheme and processed using Flanders’ interaction analysis categories system. During the workshop, a specially designed toolkit was introduced to the participants (nine biology teachers from the upper secondary level). The toolkit included teaching approaches suitable for ESD and focused on air and water pollution, waste management, energy saving, and the conservation of biodiversity. Before the workshop, teacher-talk occupied more than 90% of a typical 45-min lesson, and instructions were frontal and directive. After the workshop, pupil-talk strongly increased (up to 88%), and pupils were actively engaged in activities suitable for ESD. Supportive training can thus help teachers to improve their instructional practices. However, only those teachers who had reported support from head teachers and colleagues were still frequently using the toolkit after one year.
Participatory Sustainability Approach to Value Capture-Based Urban Rail Financing in India through Deliberated Stakeholder Engagement
Authors: Jillella Satya , Matan Annie , Newman Peter
Published: June 2015

Increasingly, cities around the world are seeking innovative financial mechanisms to build rail transit projects. Land value capture (VC) is a financing mechanism to fund urban rail transit. Often VC mechanisms are viewed only as a financing tool applied in relation to increased land values from the administration and legislation perspectives, without actively involving the community in the process. The lack of such participation has resulted in the under collection of the true value established. The transit beneficiary community and city tax payers are especially important stakeholders in this process as their willingness to participate is really critical to the overall VC success and transport outcome. This paper introduces a participatory sustainability approach to enable a more deliberated stakeholder engagement intervention across the VC life cycle. A four-step “Participatory Strategic Value Capture (PSVC)” framework is proposed offering step-by-step guidance toward facilitating a meaningful stakeholder dialogue, deliberation, and collaboration around the stated engagement interests. The PSVC framework, applied to the proposed Bangalore sub-urban rail project in India, has demonstrated the importance of stakeholder engagement using deliberated participatory approaches from a win-win perspective.
A Highly Specific Monoclonal Antibody for Botulinum Neurotoxin Type A-Cleaved SNAP25
Authors: Rhéaume Catherine , Cai Brian , Wang Joanne , Fernández-Salas Ester , Aoki K. , Francis Joseph , Broide Ron
Published: June 2015

Botulinum neurotoxin type-A (BoNT/A), as onabotulinumtoxinA, is approved globally for 11 major therapeutic and cosmetic indications. While the mechanism of action for BoNT/A at the presynaptic nerve terminal has been established, questions remain regarding intracellular trafficking patterns and overall fate of the toxin. Resolving these questions partly depends on the ability to detect BoNT/A’s location, distribution, and movement within a cell. Due to BoNT/A’s high potency and extremely low concentrations within neurons, an alternative approach has been employed. This involves utilizing specific antibodies against the BoNT/A-cleaved SNAP25 substrate (SNAP25197) to track the enzymatic activity of toxin within cells. Using our highly specific mouse monoclonal antibody (mAb) against SNAP25197, we generated human and murine recombinant versions (rMAb) using specific backbone immunoglobulins. In this study, we validated the specificity of our anti-SNAP25197 rMAbs in several different assays and performed side-by-side comparisons to commercially-available and in-house antibodies against SNAP25. Our rMAbs were highly specific for SNAP25197 in all assays and on several different BoNT/A-treated tissues, showing no cross-reactivity with full-length SNAP25. This was not the case with other reportedly SNAP25197-selective antibodies, which were selective in some, but not all assays. The rMAbs described herein represent effective new tools for detecting BoNT/A activity within cells.
SUSTAINABLE WATER MANAGEMENT AT MAJOR AUSTRALIAN REGIONAL AIRPORTS: THE CASE OF MILDURA AIRPORT
Authors: Somerville Alexander , Baxter Glenn S. , Richardson Steven , Wild Graham
Published: June 2015

Sustainable water management is an essential aspect of all industries. This is particularly true in regional Australia, which in known for its harsh climate, with arid conditions. In this work we investigate the sustainable water management of major Australian regional airports. A specific case study of Mildura Airport, as the largest regional airport in the State of Victoria, is presented. Potable water is of particular importance, as it has the largest cost associated with its use. Sustainable means of supplying potable water can be significant to the operating costs of a regional airport. In an attempt to determine the potential for water harvesting at regional airports a novel image processing approach was taken to analyse the water capture area. This involved utilising satellite imagery and the image processing functionalities of Matlab, with some simple mathematics to estimate roofed areas. From here meteorological data gives rainfall data, in terms of depth, facilitating volume capture potentials. It was found that the average potable water harvesting potential for Mildura Airport is 3.964 megalitres per year.
Aplicación del Láser Escáner Terrestre (TLS) a la modelización de estructuras: precisión, exactitud y diseño de la adquisición de datos en casos reales
Authors: Ramos L. , Marchamalo M. , Rejas J. G. , Martínez R.
Published: June 2015

El láser escáner terrestre se emplea en numerosas aplicaciones de Ingeniería, debido a las prestaciones de los equipos y a las precisiones alcanzadas. Se presenta la aplicación del TLS a la modelización de estructuras y paramentos verticales. Se analizan los factores que influyen en la precisión final: registro de nubes, tipo de dianas y el efecto del ángulo y distancia de escaneo. Se realizó una prueba de campo con testigos calibrados, obteniendo valores reales de precisión y exactitud para los rangos de distancia más usuales en Ingeniería.

Se propone y valida el empleo de gráficos patrón que relacionan las variables precisión y exactitud con los factores distancia y ángulo de escaneo para el diseño de trabajos de campo. Se expone su aplicación al diseño de los escaneos para el control de movimientos de una presa. Se realizan recomendaciones para la aplicación de la técnica TLS a grandes estructuras.
Análisis de comparación fractal de la Sagrada Familia con las Catedrales Góticas
Authors: Samper A. , Herrera B.
Published: June 2015

El Templo de la Sagrada Familia es considerado construcción no gótica. Esta negación, en parte, es debida por el conocido hecho de que la distribución de fuerzas, en el Gótico, queda contrarrestada estructuralmente con elementos de apoyo laterales. Sin embargo, en el Templo la distribución de fuerzas se contrarresta estructuralmente «de manera orgánica»; o sea, se neutraliza con la construcción de superficies cuádricas que de manera natural genera tal distribución. Sin negar lo anterior, aquí, con técnicas de Geometría fractal, descriptiva y computacional, aplicadas a las proyecciones básicas del proyecto del Templo, parametrizamos la característica consistente en la efectividad de ocupar espacio, la escabrosidad de sus elementos. Concluiremos que tal característica sí es gótica, con semejanza general a las catedrales góticas, y en especial con las catedrales de Burgos, París, Amiens y Chartres.
A Cognitive Analytics Management Framework (CAM-Part 2)
Authors: Osman Ibrahim H. , Anouze Abdel Latef
Published: June 2015

In Chapter 1, The CAM framework focused on the development of innovative social business models through the usage of frontier data envelopment analysis to measure shared value for a sustainable growth of an organization. Chapter 2 first discusses the causes and effects of societal challenges and how shared value models can alleviate them. Second, successful technology and non-technology innovations for shared-value models are reviewed. Third, guidelines to develop key performance smart indicators, pitfalls traps, and phases of budgeting steps for the design of performance management and measurement systems are discussed. Fourth, big data and business analytics challenges, potentials, models, and tools are presented. Fifth, the essential components for designing a corporate big data strategy are suggested. Finally, new ideas are explained to democratize shared-value knowledge through electronic services to transform loyalty of people from parties, clergies, and dictatorships to society's loyalty to achieve smarter communities in the 21st century.
Corruption, Economic Development, and Insecurity in Colombia
Authors: Poveda Alexander Cotte
Published: June 2015

This research evaluates the connection between corruption, economic development, and insecurity in several Colombian departments. This chapter explores the dynamics of these variables using two empirical techniques: the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and the Dynamic Panel Data Model (DPDM). DEA is performed to evaluate social performance in terms of corruption, economic development, and insecurity in Colombian departments with a higher level and risk of corruption and insecurity. Dynamic panel data analysis is performed to define the variables that affect corruption, insecurity, and economic development. The DEA model provides evidence that corruption and insecurity have different trends where economic development, natural resources, and political instability are key factors. The dynamic panel data model applied shows that Colombian departments with a higher level and risk of corruption and insecurity have lower economic growth, development, and social conditions, but higher levels of mineral resources and illegal drug activity, as well as the presence of irregular armed groups.
Global Financial Crisis and Bank Productivity in Mexico
Authors: Serrano Francisco Vargas , Guerrero Luis Rentería , Cheng Gang , Zervopoulos Panagiotis D. , Moreno Arnulfo Castellanos
Published: June 2015

This chapter presents an attempt to compare the productivity of the Mexican banking sector in two different periods: the 2007-2011 period of global financial crisis and the 2003-2006 stage, which can be regarded as a relatively stable period. The purpose of this study is to disclose whether the global financial crisis affected Mexican banking productivity. Three Data Envelopment Models (DEA) are tested in order to assess whether there is a significant difference between the productivity patterns of Mexican banks before and after the financial crisis. Such models are the radial Malmquist Index, the non-radial and slacks-based model, and non-radial and non-oriented. Essentially, no significant difference of productivity indicators for both foreign and domestic banks was found. Likewise, no significant difference between the pre- and post-crisis periods was perceived, as far as productivity indicators are concerned. Therefore, the global financial crisis was effectless in banking operation.
Semantic Web Standards for Publishing and Integrating Open Data
Authors: Polleres Axel , Steyskal Simon
Published: June 2015

The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) as the main standardization body for Web standards has set a particular focus on publishing and integrating Open Data. In this chapter, the authors explain various standards from the W3C's Semantic Web activity and the—potential—role they play in the context of Open Data: RDF, as a standard data format for publishing and consuming structured information on the Web; the Linked Data principles for interlinking RDF data published across the Web and leveraging a Web of Data; RDFS and OWL to describe vocabularies used in RDF and for describing mappings between such vocabularies. The authors conclude with a review of current deployments of these standards on the Web, particularly within public Open Data initiatives, and discuss potential risks and challenges.
E-Participation with Stakeholders' Feedback Platforms
Authors: Bouchard Guillaume , Clinchant Stephane , Convertino Gregorio
Published: June 2015

Natural language summarization and other social media analytics tools enable a communication manager to rapidly browse through a large number of text documents authored by citizens and get a sense of their interests and opinions. However, this approach is rather passive and unidirectional because it does not allow proposing to the citizen to express their opinions on specific topics. Similarly, social media platforms allow a crowd of individuals to answer questions but not support a “one-to-many” dialogue, where the communication manager, acting on behalf of the public authorities, can interact with the crowd. In this chapter, the authors describe a software platform that aims to address this gap and describe the system envisioned in the FUPOL project.
Hot Topic Sensing, Text Analysis, and Summarization
Authors: Bouchard Guillaume , Clinchant Stephane , Darling William
Published: June 2015

Social monitoring platforms are software services that enable the rapid analysis of massive amounts of information (mostly text messages) expressed in social networks. Their usage today mostly focuses on marketing industries that need to reach their customers in a proper way. In the e-government domain, however, such tools have mostly been used by political parties as a support to election campaigns, but few have been actually used to provide a comprehensive understanding of the citizens' needs in everyday life. In this chapter, the authors present a set of data analytics tools that can help public authorities to extract and summarize textual content from Internet forums and social media feeds. There are many potential applications of these tools, such as the visualization of the main political discussion in the city, early detection of disagreement with the local politics, and city services connected to social media.
Future Policy Implementation
Authors: Gusev Marjan , Veselinovska Biljana , Guseva Ana , Gjurovikj Branko
Published: June 2015

This chapter presents an optimization model intended to support the policy design regarding the scheduling of different recreational activities at the Vodno Mountain. It is aimed to explore barriers and facilitators in order to measure this mountain's recreation and amenity values, while preserving the natural environment, minimizing noise pollution and criminal activity, and avoiding conflicts as much as possible. The final goal is to achieve the undertaking of different recreational activities in such a manner that they do not interfere with each other. Optimization functions are defined as an input to a simulation model, which will be developed in the future. In addition, citizens are included in the process of policy decision making by creating social media surveys and gathering online public opinion. Thus, citizens would also understand how and why certain decisions and laws for the recreational use of Vodno will be imposed.
Future Policy Implementation
Authors: Guseva Ana , Gusev Marjan , Veselinovska Biljana
Published: June 2015

This chapter presents a comprehensive new governance model to support the policy design and implementation lifecycle. The innovations are driven by the demand of citizens and political decision makers to support the policy domains in urban regions with appropriate ICT technologies. It will target domains such as sustainably development, urban planning, and more specifically, fostering bicycle inter-modality in the city of Skopje. The scientific approach is based on complexity science. The proposed optimization model is aimed to explore barriers and facilitators to using bicycles as a transport means in Skopje, considering bicycle riding for transport on private bicycles, and different share schemes.
Product Placement in Video Games
Authors: Küster Inés , Vila Natalia , Hernández Asunción , Canales Pedro , Castillo Vicente
Published: June 2015

Organizations look for new ways of communication as traditional media is being saturated with advertising messages. One of the alternatives is product placement in video games. This chapter analyses this new communication alternative. Moreover, through an investigation the chapter shows the consequences of placing a brand in this form of electronic entertainment – in the sense of image transfer from the video game to the brand. Specifically, this chapter focuses on the emotions evoked by the video game. Therefore, the present study develops a scale of emotions adapted to the theme of this research. Additionally, this study analyses the differences between types of product placement and their effects in the image transfer. All conclusions are extracted from the concept map technique.
Product Placement in the Pharmaceutical Industry
Authors: Orti Jose Enrique De la rubia , Larza Eva Maria Giner , Summerfield Lynn , Orti Daniel de la Rubia
Published: June 2015

While physician-oriented marketing remains the largest factor in drug advertising and direct-to-consumer advertising has increased its budget during the last few years (IMS Health, 2001), pharmaceutical brands are exploring new ways to target consumers in a softer way. Product placement in entertainment media allows the promotion of brand drugs in a natural and entertaining context. Using a case study methodology, this chapter analyses the use of product placement of a brand drug (Sinemet) in the television series ER (NBC). To do so, first of all product placement definition and main marketing goals are provided. Then the authors address the legal framework of product placement for brand drugs in television series. Using parasocial attachment theory (Russell & Stern, 2006) and meaning transfer theory (McCracken, 1986) the relationship between actors, brand drugs, and spectators is analyzed. The type of placement and expected outcomes of brand drugs product placement are also analyzed.
Seasonal Statistical Variability of Precipitations in Dobrogea and Danube Delta
Authors: Minea Gabriel , Bandoc Georgeta , Neculau Gianina
Published: June 2015

The objective of this chapter is to highlight the seasonal statistical variability of rainfalls in Danube Delta and Dobrogea Tableland (Romania), considering the extreme and outliers values. The geomorphological and evaporimetric features of this region are also mentioned. Area of study is a complex geographical region, with two major units: the Dobrogea Tableland and the Danube Delta spread over 14,695 sq. km in the south-eastern part of Romania. The outcomes show that the minimum and maximum values of the lower quartile median and of the upper quartile median with the highest values occur in summer. The lowest values occur for all the indicators during winter and there are intermediate values for all indicators during autumn and spring. Regarding the seasonal variability of rainfalls, it has a mosaic distribution of the outliers and extreme values. The extreme values record a small number of values, both in autumn and summer. The maximum number of extreme values is during spring and winter. The drought is amplified by evaporation from water surface in summer.
Drought Effects on Groundwater in Dobrogea Plateau
Authors: Drăguşin Doina
Published: June 2015

The study aims to analyse the impact of the drought phenomenon on groundwater in Dobrogea Plateau, taking into account the specific climatic and hydrological factors and especially the geological and structural context in which it delineates the main hydrostructures. The groundwater is subject to climatic and anthropogenic impacts whose weight are difficult to assess, so until now, a hydrogeological drought index was not identified. The effects of climate change impact are reflected in the fluctuations of the piezometric surface of the shallow aquifers, the deepest aquifers being influenced rather by socio-economic issues. To achieve the objective of the research, the available data (climate, hydrological and hydrogeological) were processed using GIS and Excel softs and the results (maps, graphs, tables) were interpreted and correlated in some relevant conclusions.
The Emergence of Artificial Autonomy
Authors: Cardoso Fernando da Costa , Pereira Luís Moniz
Published: June 2015

In this chapter we set forth a case study of the integration of philosophy and computer science using artificial agents, beings ruled by abductive logic and emergent behavior. Our first step in this chapter is to highlight different models that we developed of such agents (a set of them related with evolutionary game theory and one model of a narrative storyteller robot). As we indicate, each model exemplifies different aspects of the bottom of the hill of autonomy as an emergent property of artificial systems specified through three aspects (“Self control”, “Adaptivity to the environment” and “Response to environment”). In summary, our conception is that autonomy, when presented as an emergent characteristic, could fill the important place given it by elaborations in philosophical ethics and one that leads us to a clearer comprehension of where to direct our efforts in the field of artificial agents. We conclude this chapter with the notion that this reevaluation of autonomy is necessary for the enhanced comprehension of human morality.
Ethical Concerns in Human Enhancement
Authors: Tran Ben
Published: June 2015

The purpose of this chapter is on issue of fairness and equity in corporations and organizational settings due to advantages received as a result of human enhancement. In so doing, the purpose of this chapter will also analyze the paradigms of bioethics and (business) ethics and legality will be utilized in analyzing the issue of fairness and equity in corporations and organizational settings due to advantages received as a result of human enhancement. Human enhancement, used in this chapter, includes any activity by which we improve our bodies, minds, or abilities beyond what we regard today as normal. In relations to advantages in corporations and organizational settings, human enhancement, used in this chapter, means ways to make functional changes to human characteristic, also referred to as neuro-cognitive enhancements, beyond what we regard as typical, normal, or statistically normal range of functioning for an individual.
Ethical Responsibilities of Preserving Academicians in an Age of Mechanized Learning
Authors: Willis III James E. , Strunk Viktoria Alane
Published: June 2015

In quickly-changing educational delivery modalities, the central role of the instructor is being redefined by technology. Examining some of the various causes with ethical frameworks of utilitarianism, relativism, and care ethics, the centrality of human agency in educational interaction is argued to be indispensable. While exploring the forefront of online, face-to-face, and massive open online courses, the shape and technique of teaching and learning as well as their corollary research methodologies are being modified with automated technology. Ethical engagement with new technologies like learning analytics, automatic tutors, and automated, rubric-driven graders is proposed to be a frontier of critical thinking.
A Novel Noonan Syndrome RAF1 Mutation: Lethal Course in a Preterm Infant
Authors: Ratola Ana , Silva Helena Moreira , Guedes Ana , Mota Céu , Braga Ana Cristina , Oliveira Dulce , Alegria Artur , Carvalho Carmen , Álvares Sílvia , Proença Elisa
Published: June 2015

Noonan syndrome is a relatively common and heterogeneous genetic disorder, associated with congenital heart defect in about 50% of the cases. If the defect is not severe, life expectancy is normal. We report a case of Noonan syndrome in a preterm infant with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and lethal outcome associated to acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by Adenovirus pneumonia. A novel mutation in the RAF1 gene was identified: c.782C>G (p.Pro261Arg) in heterozygosity, not described previously in the literature. Consequently, the common clinical course in this mutation and its respective contribution to the early fatal outcome is unknown. No conclusion can be established regarding genotype/phenotype correlation.
A Lower Bound on the Euler–Poincaré Characteristic of Certain Surfaces of General Type with a Linear Pencil of Hyperelliptic Curves
Authors: Ishida Hirotaka
Published: June 2015

Let S be a surface of general type. In this article, when there exists a relatively minimal hyperelliptic fibration whose slope is less than or equal to four, we give a lower bound on the Euler–Poincaré characteristic of S. Furthermore, we prove that our bound is the best possible by giving required hyperelliptic fibrations.
Infinitely Many Rotationally Symmetric Solutions to a Class of Semilinear Laplace–Beltrami Equations on Spheres
Authors: Castro Alfonso , Fischer Emily M.
Published: June 2015

We show that a class of semilinear Laplace–Beltrami equations on the unit sphere in ℝn has inûnitely many rotationally symmetric solutions. The solutions to these equations are the solutions to a two point boundary value problem for a singular ordinary differential equation. We prove the existence of such solutions using energy and phase plane analysis. We derive a Pohozaev-type identity in order to prove that the energy to an associated initial value problem tends to infinity as the energy at the singularity tends to infinity. The nonlinearity is allowed to grow as fast as |s|p-1s for |s| large with 1 < p < (n + 5)/(n − 3).
A Nursing Intelligence System to Support Secondary Use of Nursing Routine Data
Authors: Rauchegger F. , Ammenwerth E. , Hackl W.O.
Published: June 2015

Background: Nursing care is facing exponential growth of information from nursing documentation. This amount of electronically available data collected routinely opens up new opportunities for secondary use.

Objectives: To present a case study of a nursing intelligence system for reusing routinely collected nursing documentation data for multiple purposes, including quality management of nursing care.

Methods: The SPIRIT framework for systematically planning the reuse of clinical routine data was leveraged to design a nursing intelligence system which then was implemented using open source tools in a large university hospital group following the spiral model of software engineering.

Results: The nursing intelligence system is in routine use now and updated regularly, and includes over 40 million data sets. It allows the outcome and quality analysis of data related to the nursing process.

Conclusions: Following a systematic approach for planning and designing a solution for reusing routine care data appeared to be successful. The resulting nursing intelligence system is useful in practice now, but remains malleable for future changes.

Citation: Hackl WO, Rauchegger F, Ammenwerth E A Nursing Intelligence System to Support Secondary Use of Nursing Routine Data. Appl Clin Inform 2015; 6: 418–428

http://dx.doi.org/10.4338/ACI-2015-04-RA-0037
Assessment of Autism Symptoms During the Neonatal Period: Is There Early Evidence of Autism Risk?
Authors: Pineda Roberta , Melchior Kelsey , Oberle Sarah , Inder Terrie , Rogers Cynthia
Published: June 2015

OBJECTIVE. To define neonatal social characteristics related to autism risk.

METHOD. Sixty-two preterm infants underwent neonatal neurobehavioral testing. At age 2 yr, participants were assessed with the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers and Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, 3rd edition.

RESULTS. Positive autism screening was associated with absence of gaze aversion, χ = 5.90, p =.01, odds ratio = 5.05, and absence of endpoint nystagmus, χ = 4.78, p = .02, odds ratio = 8.47. Demonstrating gaze aversion was related to better language outcomes, t(55) = −3.07, p ≤ .003. Displaying endpoint nystagmus was related to better language outcomes, t(61) = −3.06, p = .003, cognitive outcomes, t(63) = −5.04, p < .001, and motor outcomes, t(62) = −2.82, p = .006.

CONCLUSION. Atypical social interactions were not observed among infants who later screened positive for autism. Instead, the presence of gaze aversion and endpoint nystagmus was related to better developmental outcomes. Understanding early behaviors associated with autism may enable early identification and lead to timely therapy activation to improve function.
Self-Administered, Home-Based SMART (Sensorimotor Active Rehabilitation Training) Arm Training: A Single-Case Report
Authors: Hayward Kathryn S. , Neibling Bridee A. , Barker Ruth N.
Published: June 2015

This single-case, mixed-method study explored the feasibility of self-administered, home-based SMART (sensorimotor active rehabilitation training) Arm training for a 57-yr-old man with severe upper-limb disability after a right frontoparietal hemorrhagic stroke 9 mo earlier. Over 4 wk of self-administered, home-based SMART Arm training, the participant completed 2,100 repetitions unassisted. His wife provided support for equipment set-up and training progressions. Clinically meaningful improvements in arm impairment (strength), activity (arm and hand tasks), and participation (use of arm in everyday tasks) occurred after training (at 4 wk) and at follow-up (at 16 wk). Areas for refinement of SMART Arm training derived from thematic analysis of the participant’s and researchers’ journals focused on enabling independence, ensuring home and user friendliness, maintaining the motivation to persevere, progressing toward everyday tasks, and integrating practice into daily routine. These findings suggest that further investigation of self-administered, home-based SMART Arm training is warranted for people with stroke who have severe upper-limb disability.
The structure of symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder according to DSM-5 and assessed by PDS-5 – preliminary results
Authors: Zawadzki Bogdan , Popiel Agnieszka , Foa Edna B. , Jakubowska Barbara , Cyniak-Cieciura Maria , Pragłowska Ewa
Published: June 2015

Background

The structure of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms has been studied and discussed since the introduction of PTSD as a diagnostic entity in the DSM-III (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders III) in 1980. Many studies supported a four-factor or a five-factor models, both inconsistent with DSM-IV. It is unclear whether current DSM-5 criteria appropriately reflect the empirical structure of PTSD symptoms.

Participants and procedure

In this study the structure of PTSD symptoms was examined by confirmatory factor analysis conducted on the data obtained from 388 individuals (150 males and 239 females aged 18-83) who experienced a traumatic event and completed the PDS-5 (Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale-5), a self-report scale according to the DSM-5 criteria.

Results

Fitting of different models based on DSM-IV, DSM-5 and other the most common four- and five-factor conceptualizations of PTSD symptoms structure was examined. The data analyses demonstrated the best fit of the six-factor model based on the conceptualization of Elhai et al. (2011) with the additional factor of negative cognitions and mood.

Conclusions

The DSM-5 diagnostic criteria do not reflect the empirical PTSD symptom structure. The data suggest also that it is reasonable to separate the core PTSD symptoms from broad PTSD symptomatology.
Exploring challenging classroom behaviors from teachers’ perspective: a mixed-method study
Authors: Castelli Stefano , Addimando Loredana , Pepe Alessandro
Published: June 2015

Background

In order to explore the representation of challenging students’ behaviors through teachers’ words, the present paper reports Italian teachers’ replies to the open-ended instruction “Describe the behavior of the student you find most challenging in your class”, analyzed through a mixed-method approach.

Participants and procedure

The respondents were teachers from primary and lower secondary schools (N = 518) in the city of Milan and in other urban and sub-urban areas of the Lombardy Region, Italy.

Results

Results from correspondence analysis of the open question suggested two main factors. The first factor, labeled perceived willfulness, seems to confirm that in the appraisal of challenging behaviors teachers’ personal beliefs about the origin of students’ misconducts play an important role. When behaviors are perceived as “involuntary” (such as learning difficulties), teachers seems to play a more care-taking role in comparison to conducts that are viewed as voluntarily destructive. The second factor can be described as the impact that behaviors have on the teaching process.

Conclusions

The qualitative analysis seems to accurately capture even the nuances of what is portrayed by the quantitative survey and helps us in understanding why, in other Italian studies, the Weak student emerged as the most difficult student for Italian teachers: if this population finds it difficult to discriminate between aggressiveness, hostility and hyperactivity, then it is not surprising that this last category gains salience and, maybe, over-representation in surveys.