bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-speed, high-accuracy 3D shape measurement based on binary color fringe defocused projection
Authors: Li B. , Fu Y. , Wang Z. , Zhang J.
Published: August 2015

A widely used method in high-speed 3D shape measurement, color-code fringe projection requires the projection of only one image. In traditional color-code method, the projected fringe is compounded by sinusoidal fringes, grayscale value distribution ranges from 0–255, and projection speed is limited to 120 frames/s. Consequently, measurement speed is restricted, and a nonlinear gamma of the projector exists, as well as high harmonics, which have a great influence on measurement accuracy. Binary color-code fringe defocused projection is proposed to solve the abovementioned problems. With the proposed method, projection speed can switch to tens of K frames/s because it only has two grayscale values (0 and 255). A standard sinusoidal color-code fringe can be generated by properly defocusing the binary color-code fringe, thereby overcoming the influence of nonlinear gamma and ultimately improving measurement accuracy. Experiment results verify the feasibility and superiority of the proposed method.
Wide-angle spectral imaging using a Fabry-Pérot interferometer
Authors: Cano-Contreras M. , Guzman-Chavez A. D. , Vargas-Rodriguez E. , Gallegos-Arellano E. , Jauregui-Vazquez D. , Mata-Chavez R. I. , Torres-Cisneros M. , Rojas-Laguna R.
Published: August 2015

In this work, a refractive index sensor setup based on a biconically tapered fiber (BTF) concatenated to an intrinsic all-fiber micro Fabry-Perot interferometer (MFPI) is presented. Here, the power of the MFPI spectral fringes decreases as the refractive index interacts with the evanescent field of the BTF segment. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the RI sensitivity can be enhanced by bending the BTF segment. Finally, it is shown that by using this sensing arrangement, at ∼1.53 μm wavelength, it is possible to detect refractive index changes within the measurement range of 1.3 to 1.7 RIU, with a sensitivity of 39.92 dB/RIU and a RI resolution of 2.5 ⋅ 10−3 RIU with a curvature of C = 18.02 m−1.
Guided-mode triggered switching between TE orders of a metal-based grating-waveguide
Authors: Parriaux O.
Published: August 2015

An undulated metal-based dielectric slab waveguide is shown to exhibit a high contrast broadband switching effect in the angular spectrum between the 0th order Fresnel reflection and the propagating -1st reflected diffraction orders. The switching trigger is the synchronous collinear coupling of an incident TE plane wave to the close-to-cutoff forward- and backward-propagating fundamental TE0 mode of the waveguide via the +1st and -2nd order of the periodic undulation.
Single-pixel imaging with deterministic complex-valued sensing matrices
Authors: Zhao M. , Liu J. , Chen S. , Kang C. , Xu W.
Published: August 2015

In this paper, complex deterministic sensing matrices are explored to sample the signals in the single pixel imaging (SPI). A new analysissynthesis scheme is proposed to realize the complex deterministic sensing matrix for the DMD-based SPI. The analysis process divides the complex sensing matrix into real sensing matrix and imaginary sensing matrix, and multiple imaging is performed with these sensing matrices. After synthesizing the real and imaginary measurements, the final image of complex deterministic sensing matrix is reconstructed. The performance of deterministic sensing matrix is investigated through simulation and experiment. Compared with the random sensing matrix, the deterministic sensing matrix gives more favorable reconstructed images.
Finnish Case of Basic Education for All – With Quality Learning Outcomes
Authors: Kuusilehto-Awale Lea , Lahtero Tapio
Published: August 2015

This article views behind the success of the Finnish basic education in the PISA assessments in the years 2000, 2003, 2006 and 2009. Success is here defined not only as excellent learning outcomes in reading literacy, mathematics and science, but also as a high level of educational equity and equality. The achieved outcomes are attributable to several factors, of which this article addresses especially the basic education reform of 1972-1977 and the university based teacher education leading to a master’s degree. Additional attention is paid to the autonomy of the municipalities (counties), schools and teachers in building and implementing the curricula, on the respect for learning and teachers in the Finnish society, and on the role of the Finnish evaluation system in supporting the student’s learning. Developing education is a long range effort continuing across election terms, as education is understood to be a cornerstone for the development of the society. This fact justifies our describing some of the Finnish national background bases for the comprehensive basic education system, where all students study in the same group.
Moving the “Less Desirable”: Portuguese Mass Migration to Canada, 1953–74
Authors: Fernandes Gilberto
Published: August 2015

Abstract:

The sovereignty of migration policy-makers is never absolute. This has been true for both receiving and sending states. One important check on the receiving nation's immigration policy implementation was the sending nation's own sovereignty over its expatriated citizens. These colliding sovereignties have sometimes created liminal spaces where migrants and their informal facilitators were able to subvert regulations by playing them against each other, while, at other times, they were pressed between formal gatekeepers bent on enforcing their policies. This bilateral dimension is often missing from Canadian immigration history, as is the role of homeland government officials, who brokered and supervised these migrant movements while conciliating the roles of gatekeepers and facilitators. This is especially significant when it involved authoritarian governments, such as Portugal's Estado Novo dictatorship (1926–74). How did Ottawa's relatively liberal immigration policies correspond with the Estado Novo's authoritarian stance on emigration? How did Portuguese officials influence the movement of its emigrants in Canada? How did the migrants react to the concerted top-down arrangements of two imposing governments? This article examines these and other questions in reference to the Portuguese “bulk order”, family sponsorship, and clandestine movements to Canada between 1953 and 1974.
50 MHz helicopter-borne radar data for determination of glacier thermal regime in the central Chilean Andes
Authors: Gacitúa Guisella , Uribe José A. , Wilson Ryan , Loriaux Thomas , Hernández Jorge , Rivera Andrés
Published: August 2015

Despite their importance as freshwater reservoirs for downstream river systems, few glaciers in central Chile have been comprehensively surveyed. This study presents ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and field-based observations for characterizing the englacial and basal conditions of Glaciar Olivares Alfa (33°110 S, 70°130 W), central Chilean Andes. Using a 50 MHz radar mounted onto a helicopter platform, data were collected covering large portions of the glacier accumulation and ablation zones. The radar data revealed boundaries of a temperate-ice layer at the base of the eastern body of Glaciar Olivares Alfa which appears to be covered by colder ice that extends throughout large parts of the glacier. The thickness of the temperate ice layer is highly variable across the glacier, being on average 40% of the total ice thickness. Radar data analyses reveal regions of cold ice at the bottom/base of the glacier and also patterns of highly saturated sediments beneath the glacier. Using GPR data, this study represents the most exhaustive analysis of glacier ice structure performed in the central Chilean Andes. The results will enable improved estimations of the glacier’s mass balance and ice dynamics, helping us to understand its further development and its impact on water availability.
Effectiveness of different substrate materials to prepare Trichoderma harzianum based bio-fungicides to control foot and root rot (Fusarium oxysporum) of tomato
Authors: Faruk MI , Rahman ML , Rahman MM , Islam R , Rahman MA
Published: August 2015

An investigation was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness Trichoderma harzianum based bio-fungicides multiplied on different substrates. The substrates was rice bran, wheat bran, grass pea bran and their combinations with mustard oilcake (MOC) were used to mass culture T. harzianum for the management of foot and root rot disease of tomato seedling caused by Fusarium oxysporum in seedbed. All combinations of carrier materials were found effective for preparing T. harzianum based bio-fungicides to promote germination, seedling growth and reducing pre-emergence and post-emergence mortality of tomato seedling under F. oxysporum inoculated seedbed soils. The shoot length, shoot weight, root length and root weight of tomato seedling were enhanced significantly by the application of different substrate materials of T. harzianum based bio-fungicides under F. oxysporum inoculated seedbed conditions. The individual (rice bran, wheat bran, grass pea bran) and combination of substrates (rice bran + wheat bran, rice bran + mustard oilcake, rice bran + wheat bran + MOC and wheat bran + grass pea bran + MOC) were equally suitable for mass culturing of effective T. harzianum bio-fungicides for the management of foot and root rot disease of tomato seedling in seedbed condition.Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 40(2): 279-289 June 2015
Suitability study of local bush bean cultivars intercropped with hybrid maize under different planting system in hilly areas
Authors: Shaheenuzzamn M , Biswas A , Chakma N , Islam MN , Salim M
Published: August 2015

An intercropping experiment was conducted on hill valley at Hill Agricultural Research Station, Ramgarh and Kharachari during two consecutive rabi seasons of 2012-13 and 2013-14 to select suitable local bush bean cultivar for intercropping with hybrid maize in hilly areas of Bangladesh. Seven intercropping treatments viz., T1 = Normal maize spacing (75 cm × 25 cm) + 2 rows black seeded bush bean,T2 = Normal maize spacing (75 cm × 25 cm) + 2 rows pink seeded bush bean,T3 = Maize wider spacing (100 cm × 25 cm) with 1 plant/hill + 3 rows black seeded bush bean,T4 = Maize wider spacing (100 cm × 25 cm) with 1 plant/hill + 3 rows pink seeded bush bean, T5 = Maize wider spacing (100 cm × 50 cm) with 2 plants/hill + 3 rows black seeded bush bean, T6 = Maize wider spacing (100 cm × 50 cm) with 2 plants/hill + 3 rows pink seeded bush bean and T7 = Sole maize spacing (75 cm × 25 cm) were used. Sole hybrid maize produced the highest grain yield at both the locations. Bush bean cultivars in intercropped situation depressed hybrid maize yields by 7.15-37.29% at Ramgarh and 2.56-37.51% at Khagrachari compared to sole hybrid maize. The highest maize equivalent yield of 23.10 t/ha at Ramgarh and 24.08 t/ha at Khagrachari was recorded in maize wider spacing (100 cm × 25 cm) with 1 plant/hill + 3 rows pink seeded bush bean combination (T4). The same treatment also showed the highest gross return (Tk 277200/ha at Ramgarh and Tk 288960/ha at Khagrachari), gross margin (Tk 180050/ha at Ramgarh and Tk 191810/ha at Khagrachari) and benefit cost ratio (2.85 at Ramgarh and 2.97 at Khagrachari). The result revealed that maize wider spacing (100 cm × 25 cm) with 1 plant/hill + 3 rows pink seeded bush bean could be suitable and economically profitable for hybrid maize and bush bean intercropping in hill valleys of Bangladesh.Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 40(2): 325-332 June 2015
Transcanal Endoscopic Antrostomy Hole : Its Utility in Restoring Ventilation Pathway to Epitympanum and Mastoid Antrum During Tympanoplasty
Authors: Kamal Sheikh Shawkat
Published: August 2015

Aim: To evaluate the role of newly created transcanal endoscopic antrostomy hole as a passage in restoring the aeration of epitympanum and mastoid antrum.Materials & Methods: Study design: Retrospective case series study. Study duration: From January 2013 to January 2014. Study place: Private tertiary care hospital. Patients: 27  ears of 23 adult patients (age ranging from 15years to 54years) underwent transcanal endoscopic tympanoplasty for their chronic middle ear diseases in presence of inflamed middle ear mucosa along with radiological shadows of stagnant fluid in their epitympanum and mastoid antrum. Structured three months follow-up was ensured in every case. Intervention: A hole was created at a selected site of posterior meatal wall purely through transcanal endoscopic approach that established direct communication between mastoid antrum and external auditory canal. Thereafter this newly created passage was used for three purposes- assessment of the condition of mastoid antrum, performing the water test for checking epitympanic patency and in few cases placement of temporary tube for postoperative ventilation and drainage of middle ear. Main out come measures: The feasibility, performance and management of transcanal endoscopic antrostomy hole as passage for reestablishing the aeration of epitympanum and mastoid antrum.Results: The chosen site for antrostomy hole was found effective and safe in providing convenient entrance into the mastoid antrum in every case in this study with out facing technical complexity and failure. Postoperative healing of skin over antrostomy hole was found complete in all ears without any inward growth of skin in to mastoid antrum. Available post operative CT scan imaging of temporal bones showed improved aeration in their epitympanum and mastoid antrum.Conclusions: The role of transcanal antrostomy hole has been proved worthy in restoring ventilation pathway to epitympanum and mastoid antrum during tympanoplasty. This antrostomy hole has the potentiality to be considered in future for placement of long term mastoid ventilation tube in order to treat persistent atelectatic middle ear.
Contribution of Informed Reference Prior Using Primary and Summary Measure Data in Bayesian Meta-Analysis
Authors: Soni Most Sifat Muntaha , Hossain Md Belal
Published: August 2015

When meta-analysis includes a small number of trials, inferences are sensitive to the choice of prior distributions for between-study heterogeneity. The common practice is to use vague prior but inferences depend on the degree of vagueness. Pullenayegum (2011) proposed an informed reference prior for between-study heterogeneity of binary outcomes. We employ a model for applying this prior for both primary outcome and summary measure data in Bayesian meta-analysis. We have found the same inference using both primary outcome and summary measure data. This study also suggests that the informed reference prior for between-study heterogeneity represents more relevant conclusion as compared to commonly used prior distributions.Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 63(2): 61-65, 2015 (July)
A Proposed Technique for Solving Quasi-Concave Quadratic Programming Problems with Bounded Variables
Authors: Asadujjaman M , Hasan M Babul
Published: August 2015

In this paper, a new method is proposed for finding an optimal solution to a Quasi-Concave Quadratic Programming Problem with Bounded Variables in which the objective function involves the product of two indefinite factorized linear functions and constraints functions are in the form of linear inequalities. The proposed method is mainly based upon the primal dual simplex method. The Linear Programming with Bounded Variables (LPBV) algorithm is extended to solve quasi-concave Quadratic Programming with Bounded Variables (QPBV). For developing this method, we use programming language MATHEMATICA. We also illustrate numerical examples to demonstrate our method.Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 63(2):111-117, 2015 (July)
Treatment of Wastewater Containing Organic Dyes: Recovery of Dye Adsorbed on Starch-Based Materials Through Conversion of Adsorbent into Alcohol
Authors: Saha Sati , Mollah M Yousuf Ali , Susan Md Abu Bin Hasan , Islam Md Mominul
Published: August 2015

The recovery of a cationic dye, methylene blue (MB), from the residue generated during its removal via adsorption on starch-based adsorbents from aqueous solution was studied. Adsorption characteristics of MB on wheat flour (WF) and pure starch were analyzed using UV-visible spectroscopy. WF and starch were loaded with an optimum amount of MB producing MB-WF and MB-starch, respectively, leaving residues. The desorption characteristics and % recovery of MB from both the synthetic wastes were determined. The effects of yeast and temperature on the recovery of MB were also investigated. The mechanism of desorption of MB from the surface of starch was established by analyzing the weight loss profiles for different mixtures containing water, MB, WF or starch and yeast. Finally, the MB-WF and MB-starch species were fermented using diastase enzyme and yeast and the products formed were characterized by chemical, UV-visible spectroscopic and gas chromatographic analyses. The fermentation process was found to successfully convert starch to ethanol without decolorizing the MB species present in the residue.Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 63(2):119-124, 2015 (July)
IMPROVED ENERGY RATIO METHOD TO ESTIMATE COUPLING LOSS FACTORS FOR SERIES COUPLED STRUCTURE
Authors: Gu Jintao , Sheng Meiping
Published: August 2015

Energy ratio method (ERM), which is a widely used method for coupling loss factors (CLFs) measurement, may lead to numerical problems because of the inversion of a large dimension matrix. The improved energy ratio method proposed here simplified a series several-coupled system into a two-coupled system so that it becomes a two dimensions matrix instead of large dimensions one. Coupling loss factors of a series three-coupled structure are measured using this method. Vibrating responses of the structure has been tested and predicted with loss and coupling loss factors measured here in order to verify the accuracy of measured CLFs. The agreement of vibrating responses indicates the fact that the improved energy ratio method is of great accuracy and reliability.
Treatment of Hypertension in Patients with CAD
Authors: Banerjee Sajal K
Published: August 2015

Abstract not availableUniversity Heart Journal Vol. 10, No. 1, January 2014; 1-2
Stenting of Unprotected Left Main Coronary Artery Stenosis: Immediate out comes in NICVD our Initial Experience
Authors: Karmakar Kajal Kumar , Jamaluddin Mir , Khalil Ibrahim , Rashid Bazlur , Litu Rakibul Islam , Kabir Humayun , Chowdhury AHK , Majumder AAS , Shaha Chandan Kumar , Khair Abul , Hasan Zahid , Kabir Shahin
Published: August 2015

This study aims to describe the initial experiences and immediate outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with significant left main coronary artery disease with normal LV function in National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD), Dhaka. Left main coronary artery disease is regarded as an absolute contraindication for coronary angioplasty. Recently several reports on protected or unprotected LMCA stenting or both suggested the possibility of percutaneous intervention for this prohibited area. The study was conducted in National Institute of Cardiovascular diseases & Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Participants of the study were 100 patients with a diagnosis of critical left main coronary artery disease. Information was collected on their demographic characteristics and clinical history. Relevant physical examination and laboratory investigation were performed. Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) with stent implantation were done in the left main coronary artery and other culprit vessel where required. They were followed up thoroughly during the hospital stay. The study subjects were from 35 to 70 years old. 70 male and 30 female were included in this study. According to the clinical history, 12 lead surface ECG reading and cardiac enzyme analysis 40% patient was diagnosed as unstable angina, 40% presented with chronic stable angina and rest of them presented with old myocardial infarction. Among the study population critically isolated LM disease were 30%, critical left main with other vessels disease were 70%. The pattern of LM disease involvement were osteal 40%, mid shaft 10%, distal bifurcation 30%, entire LM involving bifurcation 20%. Procedural success rate was 100%. No patient faced major advance cardiac events (MACE) during hospital stay. Stenting of unprotected LM coronary artery stenosis may be safe effective alternative to CABG in carefully selected patients with normal LV function. Further studies in larger population of this group are needed to assess late out comes.University Heart Journal Vol. 10, No. 1, January 2014; 7-12
Subpulmonary Obstruction Due to Aneurysmal Ventricular Septum in a Patient with Congenitally Corrected Transposition of the Great Arteries and Dextrocardia
Authors: Sheikh Naveen , Banerjee Sajal Krishna , Hossain Md Zahid , Islam Md Tariqul , Karim Tahmina , Hasan Atm Iqbal , Adhikary Dipal Krishna , Hasan Md Nazmul , Hoque Md Harisul
Published: August 2015

Congenitally corrected Transposition of Great Arteries is usually associated with multiple cardiac defects. Morphologic left-ventricular outflow (pulmonary) tract obstruction due to aneurysm of the membranous ventricular septum in patients with corrected transposition and ventricular septal defect is rare, but was reported in the past. This is even more uncommon in patients with dextrocardia, prompting us to document this case. Absence of the conus with resultant proximity of the aneurysm to the subpulmonary region and higher pressures in the left-sided morphologic right ventricle lead to obstruction of outflow tract in corrected transposition. Echocardiogram with Doppler interrogation and cardiac catheterization with selective cineangiography are the diagnostic tests of choice. Surgical resection of the aneurysm with patch closure of ventricular septal defect, avoiding injury to the conduction system, is recommended.University Heart Journal Vol. 10, No. 1, January 2014; 31-38
Successful Primary PCI in Left Anterior Descending Artery Managing Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Safiuddin Mohammad , Bari Ahmed Saiful , Rashid Md Sharifur , Hasan Md Hasibul , Hasan Md Nazmul , Islam Lohani Md Tajul
Published: August 2015

Coronary reperfusion with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) or fibrinolytic therapy improves outcomes in patients with acute ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) or an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) with a new or presumably new left bundle branch block or a true posterior MI. If performed in a timely fashion, PPCI is the reperfusion therapy of choice compared to fibrinolysis because it achieves a higher rate of TIMI 3 flow. Here we describe a case of acute ST elevated anterior myocardial infarction managed with primary percutaneous coronary intervention with the insertion of a drug eluting stent in the Left anterior descending Artery without any procedural complication.University Heart Journal Vol. 10, No. 1, January 2014; 45-46
Expeditious Synthesis of Noble Metal Nanoparticles Using Vitamin B12 under Microwave Irradiation
Authors: Han Changseok , Nagendra Varun , Baig R. , Varma Rajender , Nadagouda Mallikarjuna
Published: August 2015

A greener synthesis protocol for noble nanometals is developed using vitamin B12 as a reducing and capping agent in conjunction with the use of microwaves. Successful assembly of nanoparticles or microparticles with varied shapes and sizes have been demonstrated. The synthesized Ag, Au, and Pd samples were thoroughly characterized with X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, high resolution transmission microscopy, and UV-visible spectrophotometry, confirming that metallic Ag, Au, and Pd were synthesized by the green chemistry method.
Spatial and Temporal Analysis of Organic and Black Carbon Mass Concentrations in Lithuania
Authors: Pauraitė Julija , Mordas Genrik , Byčenkienė Steigvilė , Ulevicius Vidmantas
Published: August 2015

Both organic carbon (OC) and black carbon (BC) mass concentrations were measured in Lithuania at coastal/marine (Preila), rural (Rūgšteliškis), and urban background (Vilnius) environments have been analyzed to infer the spatial and temporal distributions of the OC/BC ratios from May 2013 to October 2014. OC/BC ratios reflected the location of the different sites, as well as possible different sources influencing air quality. The results from an industrialized and populated urban background area indicated that biomass combustion for heating contributed to BC and OC mass concentration. Typically, BC mean concentrations (±st.deviation) were higher in urban areas (1.72(±1.22 μg·m−3)) than in rural (0.40(±0.35 μg·m−3)) and coastal/marine (0.53(±0.43 μg·m−3)) during warm and cold (2.34(±2.15); 0.77(±0.52) and 0.84(±0.50) μg·m−3, respectively) periods, while OC concentrations were higher in urban backgrounds (5.91(±1.99 μg·m−3)) and rural areas (4.56(±3.98 μg·m−3)) during warm periods. The air mass backward trajectory analysis indicated influence of local sources in urban environment and strong influence of long-range transport in rural environment. A clear seasonal dependence of OC/BC ratios was observed at rural and urban environments. The highest OC/BC ratios were calculated in coastal/marine (6.3) and rural (9.5) environments in summer.
Soil Water Potential Control of the Relationship between Moisture and Greenhouse Gas Fluxes in Corn-Soybean Field
Authors: Panday Dinesh , Nkongolo Nsalambi
Published: August 2015

Soil water potential (Ψ) controls the dynamics of water in soils and can therefore affect greenhouse gas fluxes. We examined the relationship between soil moisture content (θ) at five different levels of water potential (Ψ = 0, −0.05, −0.1, −0.33 and −15 bar) and greenhouse gas (carbon dioxide, CO2; nitrous oxide, N2O and methane, CH4) fluxes. The study was conducted in 2011 in a silt loam soil at Freeman farm of Lincoln University. Soil samples were collected at two depths: 0–10 and 10–20 cm and their bulk densities were measured. Samples were later saturated then brought into a pressure plate for measurements of Ψ and θ. Soil air samples for greenhouse gas flux analyses were collected using static and vented chambers, 30 cm in height and 20 cm in diameter. Determination of CO2, CH4 and N2O concentrations from soil air samples were done using a Shimadzu Gas Chromatograph (GC-14). Results showed that there were significant correlations between greenhouse gas fluxes and θ held at various Ψ in the 0–10 cm depth of soil group. For instance, θ at Ψ = 0 positively correlated with measured CO2 (p = 0.0043, r = 0.49), N2O (p = 0.0020, r = 0.64) and negatively correlated with CH4 (p = 0.0125, r = −0.44) fluxes. Regression analysis showed that 24%, 41% and 19% of changes in CO2, N2O and CH4 fluxes, respectively, were due to θ at Ψ = 0 (p < 0.05). This study stresses the need to monitor soil water potential when monitoring greenhouse gas fluxes.
Goal and Purposes of the Journal Humanities Open Access—An Introduction by the Editor-in-Chief, Prof. Albrecht Classen
Authors: Classen Albrecht
Published: August 2015

Humanities Open Access is a peer-reviewed scholarly journal that aims for the highest research standards.[...]
Deep Mapping and Screen Tourism: The Oxford of Harry Potter and Inspector Morse
Authors: Cateridge James
Published: August 2015

This article proposes that the experiences of screen tourists in Oxford help to create a theoretical “deep map” of the city which explores place through narrative. Building on the travel writing of William Least Heat-Moon and other recent work in the spatial humanities, two case studies of major screen tourism drivers are considered and analyzed. The British television drama Inspector Morse (1987–2000) explores the ambiguity of Oxford intellectualism through its central character. Morse’s love of high culture, especially music, provides suggestive additional layers for multimedia mapping, which are realized online through user-adapted Google Maps and geolocated images posted on the Flickr service. Harry Potter fans may not be “pure” or independent screen tourists, but they provide a wealth of data on their interactions with filming locations via social media such as Instagram. This data provides emotional as well as factual evidence, and is accumulating into an ever richer and deeper digital map of human experience.
A Web—Based Respondent Driven Sampling Pilot Targeting Young People at Risk for Chlamydia Trachomatis in Social and Sexual Networks with Testing: A Use Evaluation
Authors: Theunissen Kevin , Hoebe Christian , Kok Gerjo , Crutzen Rik , Kara-Zaïtri Chakib , De Vries Nanne , Van Bergen Jan , Hamilton Robert , Sande Marianne , Dukers-Muijrers Nicole
Published: August 2015

Background: With the aim of targeting high-risk hidden heterosexual young people for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) testing, an innovative web-based screening strategy using Respondent Driven Sampling (RDS) and home-based CT testing, was developed, piloted and evaluated. Methods: Two STI clinic nurses encouraged 37 CT positive heterosexual young people (aged 16–25 years), called index clients, to recruit peers from their social and sexual networks using the web-based screening strategy. Eligible peers (young, living in the study area) could request a home-based CT test and recruit other peers. Results: Twelve (40%) index clients recruited 35 peers. Two of these peers recruited other peers (n = 7). In total, 35 recruited peers were eligible for participation; ten of them (29%) requested a test and eight tested. Seven tested for the first time and one (13%) was positive. Most peers were female friends (80%). Nurses were positive about using the strategy. Conclusions: The screening strategy is feasible for targeting the hidden social network. However, uptake among men and recruitment of sex-partners is low and RDS stopped early. Future studies are needed to explore the sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and impact of strategies that target people at risk who are not effectively reached by regular health care.
Engineering of Self-Assembled Fibronectin Matrix Protein and Its Effects on Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Yun Ye-Rang , Pham Le , Yoo Yie-Ri , Lee Sujin , Kim Hae-Won , Jang Jun-Hyeog
Published: August 2015

Fibronectin (FN) contributes to cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation in various cell types. To enhance the activity of fibronectin at the sites of focal adhesion, we engineered a novel recombinant fibronectin (FNIII10) fragment connected to the peptide amphiphile sequence (PA), LLLLLLCCCGGDS. In this study, the effects of FNIII10-PA on rat mesenchymal stem cells (rMSCs) were compared with those of FNIII10. FNIII10-PA showed the prominent protein adhesion activity. In addition, FNIII10-PA showed a significantly higher effect on adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation of rMSCs than FNIII10. Taken together, the FNIII10-containing self-assembled sequence enhanced rMSCs adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients with a Sustained Response to Anti-Hepatitis C Therapy
Authors: D'Ambrosio Roberta , Della Corte Cristina , Colombo Massimo
Published: August 2015

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common, life-threatening complication of longstanding infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV), likely a consequence of the direct oncogenic activity of the virus cooperating with liver cell inflammation in transforming the liver into a mitogenic and mutagenic environment. The achievement of a sustained virological response (SVR) to interferon-based therapies has been shown to benefit the course of hepatitis C in terms of reduced rates of liver-related complications and mortality from all causes. Interestingly, while achievement of an SVR is associated with a negligible risk of developing clinical decompensation over the years, the risk of HCC is not fully abrogated following HCV clearance, but it remains the dominant complication in all SVR populations. The factors accounting for such a residual risk of HCC in SVR patients are not fully understood, yet the persistence of the subverted architecture of the liver, diabetes and alcohol abuse are likely culprits. In the end, the risk of developing an HCC in SVR patients is attenuated by 75% compared to non-responders or untreated patients, whereas responders who develop an HCC may be stratified in different categories of HCC risk by a score based on the same demographic and liver disease-based variables, such as those that predict liver cancer in viremic patients. All in all, this prevents full understanding of those factors that drive HCC risk once HCV has been eradicated. Here, we critically review current understanding of HCC in SVR patients focusing on factors that predict residual risk of HCC among these patients and providing a glimpse of the expected benefits of new anti-HCV regimens based on direct antiviral agents.
Comparison of the Performance of Two Advanced Spectral Methods for the Analysis of Times Series in Paleoceanography
Authors: Pardo-Igúzquiza Eulogio , Rodríguez-Tovar Francisco
Published: August 2015

Many studies have revealed the cyclicity of past ocean/atmosphere dynamics at a wide range of time scales (from decadal to millennial time scales), based on the spectral analysis of time series of climate proxies obtained from deep sea sediment cores. Among the many techniques available for spectral analysis, the maximum entropy method and the Thomson multitaper approach have frequently been used because of their good statistical properties and high resolution with short time series. The novelty of the present study is that we compared the two methods by according to the performance of their statistical tests to assess the statistical significance of their power spectrum estimates. The statistical significance of maximum entropy estimates was assessed by a random permutation test (Pardo-Igúzquiza and Rodríguez-Tovar, 2000), while the statistical significance of the Thomson multitaper method was assessed by an F-test (Thomson, 1982). We compared the results obtained in a case study using simulated data where the spectral content of the time series was known and in a case study with real data. In both cases the results are similar: while the cycles identified as significant by maximum entropy and the permutation test have a clear physical interpretation, the F-test with the Thomson multitaper estimator tends to find as no significant the peaks in the low frequencies and tends to give as significant more spurious peaks in the middle and high frequencies. Nevertheless, the best strategy is to use both techniques and to use the advantages of each of them.
The Mucus of Actinia equina (Anthozoa, Cnidaria): An Unexplored Resource for Potential Applicative Purposes
Authors: Stabili Loredana , Schirosi Roberto , Parisi Maria , Piraino Stefano , Cammarata Matteo
Published: August 2015

The mucus produced by many marine organisms is a complex mixture of proteins and polysaccharides forming a weak watery gel. It is essential for vital processes including locomotion, navigation, structural support, heterotrophic feeding and defence against a multitude of environmental stresses, predators, parasites, and pathogens. In the present study we focused on mucus produced by a benthic cnidarian, the sea anemone Actinia equina (Linnaeus, 1758) for preventing burial by excess sedimentation and for protection. We investigated some of the physico-chemical properties of this matrix such as viscosity, osmolarity, electrical conductivity, protein, carbohydrate, and total lipid contents. Some biological activities such as hemolytic, cytotoxic, and antibacterial lysozyme-like activities were also studied. The A. equina mucus is mainly composed by water (96.2% ± 0.3%), whereas its dry weight is made of 24.2% ± 1.3% proteins and 7.8% ± 0.2% carbohydrates, with the smallest and largest components referable to lipids (0.9%) and inorganic matter (67.1%). The A. equina mucus matrix exhibited hemolytic activity on rabbit erythrocytes, cytotoxic activity against the tumor cell line K562 (human erythromyeloblastoid leukemia) and antibacterial lysozyme-like activity. The findings from this study improve the available information on the mucus composition in invertebrates and have implications for future investigations related to exploitation of A. equina and other sea anemones’ mucus as a source of bioactive compounds of high pharmaceutical and biotechnological interest.
“Weak Thought” and Christianity: Some Aspects of Vattimo’s Philosophy of Religion, Confrontation with Otakar Funda
Authors: Vašek Martin , Javorská Andrea
Published: August 2015

The article expresses the philosophical thoughts of an Italian philosopher, G.Vattimo and his development of the philosophy of M. Heidegger and essential aspects of Vattimo’s philosophy of religion. In the first part, we clarify Vattimo’s interpretation of Heidegger’s destruction of traditional metaphysics, the occurrence of ontological difference and the historical process of the oblivion of Being. According to Vattimo, the oblivion of Being is Heidegger’s reaction to European nihilism. It brings with it his philosophical questions on metaphysics, the substance of technology and course of technical civilisation. For Vattimo, it was only secularisation which enables one to pose questions about God, sense, and meaning. In a postmodern world, the world of technology and science has an ontological meaning for human beings and awakens them to who they are. In the article, we also focus our attention on some problematic points in his philosophy of religion. The first problem is a conflict among differentiated interpretations. Vattimo claims that kenosis has neither anything in common with “indefinite negation of God”, nor does it apologise for any interpretation of the Holy Scripture. In addition, he refuses radical demythologisation. In his opinion, there are no necessary reasons to follow this step. There are some authors who have serious reasons for it and the interpretation of kenosis leads to atheism. We will confront Vattimo’s philosophy with the thinking of the current Czech atheistic philosopher Otakar Funda. The next problem is a reduction of soteriology on the process of human being’s emancipation. There is no place for metaphysical evil here.
Considerations on Circuit Design and Data Acquisition of a Portable Surface Plasmon Resonance Biosensing System
Authors: Chang Keke , Chen Ruipeng , Wang Shun , Li Jianwei , Hu Xinran , Liang Hao , Cao Baiqiong , Sun Xiaohui , Ma Liuzheng , Zhu Juanhua , Jiang Min , Hu Jiandong
Published: August 2015

The aim of this study was to develop a circuit for an inexpensive portable biosensing system based on surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy. This portable biosensing system designed for field use is characterized by a special structure which consists of a microfluidic cell incorporating a right angle prism functionalized with a biomolecular identification membrane, a laser line generator and a data acquisition circuit board. The data structure, data memory capacity and a line charge-coupled device (CCD) array with a driving circuit for collecting the photoelectric signals are intensively focused on and the high performance analog-to-digital (A/D) converter is comprehensively evaluated. The interface circuit and the photoelectric signal amplifier circuit are first studied to obtain the weak signals from the line CCD array in this experiment. Quantitative measurements for validating the sensitivity of the biosensing system were implemented using ethanol solutions of various concentrations indicated by volume fractions of 5%, 8%, 15%, 20%, 25%, and 30%, respectively, without a biomembrane immobilized on the surface of the SPR sensor. The experiments demonstrated that it is possible to detect a change in the refractive index of an ethanol solution with a sensitivity of 4.99838 × 105 ΔRU/RI in terms of the changes in delta response unit with refractive index using this SPR biosensing system, whereby the theoretical limit of detection of 3.3537 × 10−5 refractive index unit (RIU) and a high linearity at the correlation coefficient of 0.98065. The results obtained from a series of tests confirmed the practicality of this cost-effective portable SPR biosensing system.
Belief Function Based Decision Fusion for Decentralized Target Classification in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Zhang Wenyu , Zhang Zhenjiang
Published: August 2015

Decision fusion in sensor networks enables sensors to improve classification accuracy while reducing the energy consumption and bandwidth demand for data transmission. In this paper, we focus on the decentralized multi-class classification fusion problem in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) and a new simple but effective decision fusion rule based on belief function theory is proposed. Unlike existing belief function based decision fusion schemes, the proposed approach is compatible with any type of classifier because the basic belief assignments (BBAs) of each sensor are constructed on the basis of the classifier’s training output confusion matrix and real-time observations. We also derive explicit global BBA in the fusion center under Dempster’s combinational rule, making the decision making operation in the fusion center greatly simplified. Also, sending the whole BBA structure to the fusion center is avoided. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed fusion rule has better performance in fusion accuracy compared with the naïve Bayes rule and weighted majority voting rule.
DNA-Redox Cation Interaction Improves the Sensitivity of an Electrochemical Immunosensor for Protein Detection
Authors: Li Ping , Ge Bixia , Ou Lily , Yao Zhihui , Yu Hua-Zhong
Published: August 2015

A simple DNA-redox cation interaction enhancement strategy has been developed to improve the sensitivity of electrochemical immunosensors for protein detection. Instead of labeling with fluorophores or redox-active groups, the detection antibodies were tethered with DNA single strands. Based on the electrostatic interaction between redox cations ([Ru(NH3)6]3+) and negatively charged DNA backbone, enhanced electrochemical signals were obtained. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) detection has been performed as a trial analysis. A linear response range up to the concentration of 25 mIU/mL and a detection limit of 1.25 mIU/mL have been achieved, both are comparable with the ultrasensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests. The method also shows great selectivity towards hCG over other hormones such as thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). By and large, our approach bears the merits of cost effectiveness and simplicity of instrumentation in comparison with conventional optical detection methods.
Immunosuppression and probiotics: are they effective and safe?
Authors: Stadlbauer V.
Published: August 2015

This opinion statement discusses indications, efficacy and safety of probiotics in immunosuppressed patients. The best evidence available is for the prophylaxis of infections in patients after liver transplantation and for patients with liver cirrhosis. For other organ transplantations and for bone marrow transplantation the efficacy of probiotic interventions has not been proven yet, but in these patient groups safety is a concern. Also in critically ill patients, the data on efficacy are inconclusive and safety is a concern. In HIV patients and patients after major surgery, probiotic bacteria seem to be safe since there are no associations with increased risks of side effects.
Data Visualization Using Weighted Voronoi Diagrams
Authors: Devulapalli Raghuveer , Peterson Neil , Carlsson John Gunnar
Published: August 2015

A Voronoi diagram is a standard spatial tessellation that partitions a domain into sub-regions based on proximity to a fixed set of landmark points. In order to maintain control over the size and shape of these sub-regions, a weighting scheme is often used, in which each landmark has a scalar value associated with it. This suggests a natural “inverse” problem: given a fixed set of landmark points in a given planar region and a set of “desired” areas, is it possible to calculate a set of weights so that each sub-region has a particular area? In this chapter, the authors give a fast scheme for determining these weights based on theory from convex optimization, which is then applied to a variety of problems in data visualization.
A Device Centric Communication System for 5G Networks
Authors: Biswash Sanjay Kumar , Nagaraj Santosh , Sarkar Mahasweta
Published: August 2015

Fifth Generation (5G) networks hold the promise of features and performance levels that is going to put the conventional cellular communication paradigm through rigorous challenges. This paper presents a novel architecture for a 5G network which will be capable of mobile device centric communication regardless of the presence of a Base Station (BS). The major contribution of this paper, lies in the proposed system and protocol design of a Device-to-Device (D2D) communication system for 5G mobile system. The proposed design has two sub-categories – (a) fully device centric and (b) partially device centric. Additionally, the devices have been designed to communicate independently or with partial dependency on support from the BS. The system has been simulated under various parameters. The simulation results showcased in this paper highlights the efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed design.
A frequency analysis of cone characteristics for the different stages of keratoconus
Authors: Munsamy Alvin J. , Moodley Vanessa R. , Naidoo Priyadeshni , Mangwarara Tendayi R. , Abdullah Radeeyah , Govender Darushen , Dlamini Phikolethu
Published: August 2015

Background: The stages of keratoconus can be classified according to the degree of corneal conicity as either early or advanced, or morphologically by the shape of the cone. Knowledge of the different cone characteristics for the different stages of keratoconus may assist practitioners in diagnosing and managing these patients.Aim: To describe the cone characteristics for the different stages of keratoconus.Methods: In this retrospective study, a sample of 190 eyes from 106 cases of previously diagnosed keratoconic patients was analysed. The stage of keratoconus and cone characteristics, namely: cone location, cone decentration, morphology, and topographical patterns were analysed using an Oculus 3M corneal topographer.Results: Our study revealed that for all stages of keratoconus centrally located cones were the most frequent, with corneal apical decentration between 0 mm and 2 mm. Frequency analysis revealed that nipple cones were most frequent in all stages. Topographical pattern frequencies revealed a wide distribution amongst the different corneal patterns in all stages of keratoconus.Conclusion: Cone analysis should be of consideration to the contact lens practitioner when deciding on management of the condition. It additionally serves to compliment the clinical signs such as nerve visibility, Fleischer’s ring, Vogt’s striae and corneal scarring.