bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘Excess of It’: Reviewing 'William Shakespeare’s Long Lost First Play (abridged)'
Authors: Hatfull Ronan James , Hatfull Ronan
Published: August 2018

It is timely in 2016, the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death, to consider his legacy as a figure ingrained within popular culture. This critical review will investigate one of the chief exponents and parodists of the dichotomy which Shakespeare symbolises between supposed ‘highbrow’ and ‘lowbrow’ culture: the Reduced Shakespeare Company, a comedic theatre troupe who, to use their own slogan of droll self-deprecation, have been ‘reducing expectations since 1981’.The review will investigate the company’s most recent and tenth production, William Shakespeare’s Long Lost First Play (abridged), as a template for considering Shakespearean parody, focusing on the contemporary process of adapting and condensing Shakespeare’s texts within a populist context.Debuted at the Folger Shakespeare Library in April 2016, the play was first performed in the United Kingdom in August 2016 as part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. It is those performances upon which this review focuses. It will also use primary material drawn from live interviews and rehearsal observations conducted with Reed Martin and Austin Tichenor, the company’s managing partners, co-directors, co-writers and performers.
Security Sector Reform - Limitations and Prospects of the Scholarly Debate
Authors: Wingens Michael , Wingens Michael
Published: August 2018

This article seeks to critically assess the current scholarly debate on security sector reform (SSR) by examining conceptual gaps and limitations of the research on SSR. It is argued that the academic debate on SSR is stuck within the existing policy approach and limited due to its focus on domestic state actors and institutions. The vast majority of studies do not go beyond questions of programme effectiveness and policy success. Current research on the topic struggles with various conceptual challenges that hinder the translation of the SSR agenda into actual operational realities. Nevertheless, recent contributions to this field of research turn away from limited perspectives on external interests towards a greater emphasis on local perspectives and dynamics.
Participatory Development: A Tool of Pedagogy
Authors: Opaluwah Akor Omachile
Published: August 2018

Participatory development has been heralded as the tool that is capable of bringing development to the most marginalised people. Theorists including Robert Chambers, Mohan Giles, Kristian Stokke, Paulo Freire and Amartya Sen have argued extensively on the importance of including people in the decisions that affect their livelihood. This tool of participation has been employed as a means of accomplishing projects that appeal to a larger group of people. Though a debatable improvement from the top-down approach, this approach to communication has relegated the use of participation to being a means. Further benefits actually emanate from the use of the participatory approach to development. One of such is in its pedagogical capacity; especially in teaching people about institutional structures and civic engagement. To harness this capacity of participatory development, participation must be viewed as an end of its own. This article is an investigation into this pedagogical capacity of participatory development. It focuses on participation in non-physical activities such as participatory budgeting and participatory policy making. This is in order to understand its effect on the capacity of citizens to understand and engage with social structures which affect their livelihood. Understanding this capacity of participatory development to increase the level of civic engagement between citizens and their society, is needed for better development planning. Thus, the conclusion highlights the potential for participation to increase citizen engagement with the structures in society. Again, it is with such understanding, that participatory projects and processes can be designed to produce benefits that transcend the lifeline of the project.
Current Trends in Natural Products Research from the CBNP10 Symposium at Warwick
Authors: Alberti Fabrizio
Published: August 2018

Natural products are compounds that are produced by living organisms. They have numerous applications in our everyday life, from antibiotics to herbicides. They possess great chemical and structural diversity, which gives them a leading position as a source of new drugs. Many institutions worldwide are focusing more and more on natural product research, with microorganisms and plants being the most common source for discovery of new compounds. On the 30th June and 1st July 2016, early-career scientists working in the field of natural products gathered at the University of Warwick for the 10th edition of the Chemistry and Biology of Natural Products Symposium (CBNP10). This critical reflection reviews, in the context of the current research in the field, the major considerations that arose from this meeting.
FEATURES OF STATE REGULATION OF INVESTMENTS IN RECREATIONAL AND TOURIST NATURAL RESOURCES
Authors: Rassadnikova S.I.
Published: August 2018

The article analyzes and presents the problems of the issues and features of state regulation of investments in the recreational and tourist nature of the seaside regions, defining their theoretical and applied aspects is an actual scientific topic for finding ways of economic growth, competitiveness of the country, improving the quality of life and improving the population, preserving a rich natural resource potential. The necessity of further researches and realization of the real bases of formation of the system of the state regulation of investments in the recreational and tourist nature use from the standpoint of sustainable tourism and recreation is substantiated. Therefore, state regulation of investments requires the inclusion of direct methods of influencing state-owned objects through projects, budgets and programs, and, on the other hand, creating attractive conditions for attracting investments, their effective use, creating a favorable investment climate for sustainable development and conservation and protection , the use of natural recreational and tourist resources. It is proposed to develop the conceptual bases of state regulation of investment in recreation and tourism environmental management based on the ideas and principles of sustainable development refers to a system of modern ideas, the leading idea which defines a single, overall plan effective use of natural resources, tourism and recreation and environmental and recreational areas. Therefore, in our understanding of the basic components of the theoretical principles of state regulation of investment in recreation and tourism wildlife is a description of the purpose, principles, conditions and basic directions, which contain a combination of methods, forms and instruments of influence on the investment development of recreation and tourism of nature using and adapting foreign experience.
GLOBAL PRESENT INFRASTRUCTURE MEGAPROJECTS
Authors: Rybchuk A.V.
Published: August 2018

The article analyzes the problems of existing gap between actual investment and the implementation of infrastructure of megaprojects. The system of financial support and the mechanism of investment attractiveness of large infrastructure projects is studied.
ABOUT PRINCIPLES OF PRECEDENCE AND TRANSCENDENCE IN ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT (SOCIO-ECONOMIC-ECONOMIC CONTEXT)
Authors: Stepanova K.V. , Stepanov V.N.
Published: August 2018

The paper discusses the methodological aspects of the principles of adaptive management for socio-economic, economic-ecological and other systems. Adaptive management includes a set of methods that allow to change the parameters of the regulating system depending on management actions and outcomes and external impacts. Adaptive management is based inter alia on the principles of �precedence� (past experience) and �transcendence� (beyond experience). The principle of precedence includes past experience in decision making (study the problem "from the bottom"). Based on the definition of transcendence (something that is fundamentally unavailable to experiential knowledge or not based on experience), transcendental analysis is considered as analysis of complex nonlinear phenomena and processes with a high degree of uncertainty (study the problem �from the top�). The paper presents a conceptual model of adaptive management based on the principles of precedence and transcendence. This model includes the next steps: definition and general description of the object of adaptive management; study of the object "from the bottom", based on past experience; study the object of adaptive management "from the top", taking into account a kind of "absolute", which goes beyond the existing experience; vision of the system based on the incidence matrix, ranking of interests and threats; decision making taking into account improvement of previous decisions and implementation of idealized transcendental model.
The concept of the principles of precedence and transcendence in adaptive management is considered in the paper in the context of incident theory in order to form the system vision and rank the system from the point of view of interests (as a resource of development) or threats (as an anti-resource of development)
Kolon perforasyonunda histomorfolojik tanı güçlükleri
Authors: Baş Yılmaz , Şahin Mustafa
Published: August 2018

Bu derlemede, kolon perforasyonu
saptanan ve parsiyel/total kolektomi uygulanan olgularda histomorfolojik tanı
güçlükleri değerlendirildi. Patoloji pratiğinde klinik bilgiler dâhilinde kolon
perforasyonunun histomorfolojik bulgularını rapor etmek güç olmamakla birlikte
bazı vakalarda karakteristik bulguların olmayışı tanı güçlükleri
doğurabilmektedir. Her ne kadar histolojik tanı için klinik bilgiler çoğu zaman
yeterli olsa da, Crohn, amibik kolit ve intestinal Behçet hastalığı gibi
vakalarda ayırıcı tanı güçlükleri patoloji pratiğinde yaşanmaktadır.
Böbrek hastaları ve oruç ibadeti
Authors: Demir Mehmet Emin
Published: August 2018

Ramazan ayında yapılan oruç ibadetinin böbrek hastalarını
nasıl etkilediği tam olarak bilinmemektedir. Kabul gören ciddi bilimsel
çalışmaların genelde batı toplumunda yürütülmesi ve batı toplumunda geniş
kitlelerin aynı anda katıldığı böyle bir ibadetin olmamasından dolayı bu konuda
gerçek bilimsel veriler eksiktir.
Streptococcus agalactiae suşlarının antimikrobiyal direnç paterni: beş yıllık tek merkez değerlendirmesi
Authors: SAVCI Ünsal , ŞAHİN Mustafa , TOPRAK Sezer , SUNGUR Mustafa
Published: August 2018

Amaç:
Streptococcus agalactiae’nın ciddi neanatal ve postpartum enfeksiyonlara neden olduğu
bilinmektedir. Ayrıca immünsupresif hastaları da etkilemektedir. Bu
hastalıkların tedavisinde penisilin ilk tercih edilen antimikrobiyal ajandır. Ancak
penisilin alerjisi olan hastalar, son zamanlarda bildirilen penisilin toleransı
ve diğer alternatif antimikrobiyal ajanlara karşı artan direnç oranları
tedaviyi zorlaştırmaktadır. Bu
çalışmada çeşitli klinik örneklerden izole edilen GBS suşlarında antibiyotik
direnç profillerini belirleyerek daha etkili tedaviye katkıda bulunmayı
amaçladık.Gereç
ve Yöntem:  2012 - 2016 yılları arasında klinik
mikrobiyoloji laboratuvarında çeşitli klinik örneklerden izole edilen toplam 80
GBS suşu retrospektif olarak değerlendirilmiştir. Bakteri identifikasyonu ve
antibiyotik duyarlılık testleri konvansiyonel metodlar ve VITEK®-2
(BioMérieux, Fransa) otomatize identifkasyon cihazı kullanılarak yapılmıştır.Bulgular: Tüm GBS izolatları penisilin, imipenem, meropenem, linezolid,
 trimetoprim sulfametoksazol,
tigesiklin, teikoplanin ve vankomisine duyarlı bulunmuştur. İzolatların
tetraksiklin, eritromisin, siprofloksasin, klindamisin, moksifloksasin ve
ampisilin direnç oranları ise sırasıyla %91,5, %50,0, %31,0, %23,7, %23,3 ve
%2,9’dur.

Sonuç: Çalışmamızda
bölgemizde GBS izolatlarında penisiline direnç görülmemiştir. Penisilin, bu enfeksiyonların tedavisinde ilk
tercih edilen ajan olarak kullanılmaktadır. Ancak alternatif ilaçlarda artan direnç oranları göz önüne
alındığında GBS enfeksiyonlarının etkin tedavi ve profilaksisi
için antimikrobiyal duyarlılık testlerinin yapılması önerilir.
Assessing Mild Behavioral Impairment with the Mild Behavioral Impairment-Checklist in People with Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Mallo Sabela C. , Ismail Zahinoor , Pereiro Arturo X. , Facal David , Lojo-Seoane Cristina , Campos-Magdaleno María , Juncos-Rabadán Onésimo
Published: August 2018

Background:

Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) are non-cognitive, behavioral, or psychiatric symptoms, common in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and associated with a higher risk of dementia. Mild behavioral impairment (MBI) is a validated diagnostic entity, that describes the emergence of later life NPS in pre-dementia states. The Mild Behavioral Impairment Checklist (MBI-C) is the first measure developed to assess MBI.

Objective:

To estimate the prevalence of MBI in people with MCI and to study the score distribution, sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic utility of the MBI-C, and its correlations with neuropsychological tests.

Methods:

One hundred eleven MCI participants were evaluated with the Questionnaire for Subjective Memory Complaints (QSMC), Mini-Mental State Examination, Cambridge Cognitive Assessment-Revised, Neuropsychiatric Inventory-Questionnaire (NPI-Q), Geriatric Depression Scale-15 items (GDS-15), Lawton and Brody Index, and the MBI-C, which was administered by phone to participants’ informants. Descriptive, logistic regression, ROC curve, and bivariate correlations analyses were performed.

Results:

MBI diagnosis prevalence was 14.2%. The total MBI-C score differentiated people with MBI at a cutoff-point of 6.5, optimizing sensitivity and specificity. MBI-C total score correlated positively with NPI-Q, QSMC, GDS-15, and Lawton and Brody Index.

Conclusion:

The total MBI-C score, obtained by phone administration, is sensitive for detecting MBI in people with MCI. The MBI-C scores indicated that MCI participants had subtle NPS that were correlated to their subjective memory complaints reported by informants, depressive symptoms, and negatively with Instrumental Activities of Daily Living. Further research should be done to clarify the predictive role of NPS in MCI for incident dementia.
Spatial Prospects of Commercialization of Samanabad, Lahore
Authors: Zia Umair , Pasha Ali , Zaidi Shabih-ul-Hassan
Published: August 2018

Spatial prospects of land-use commercialization are studied using the method of finding Pearson correlation coefficients. It was discovered that the current layout of Main Road, Samanabad carries a spectrum of opportunities if an effective policy is made and implemented, timely. It was concluded that there still exists a significantly large green area which can help alleviate noise and pollution. Service lanes and medians are still not entirely barren and service lanes are still functional. The structure of the Main Market, Samanabad along with several half-a-century old houses on Main Road is still intact. Due to the nature of commercialization, the existing buildings still have not risen to heights which require high infrastructural loads (such as electricity and water). Even natural light is still accessible to several single room apartments of originally- designed Main Market. All these factors can be preserved using site-specific planning regulations.
Green Buildings as solution for Sustainable Housing: Role of Private Housing Schemes, Lahore, Pakistan
Authors: Baig Ammad
Published: August 2018

Housing is a basic need of every human being. Apart from the financial and social problems faced by our nation, we encounter energy crisis, climatic changes and their impacts on a daily basis. There is an urgent need of efficient green houses for our nation to continue living in a healthy environment. This need is reflected by the congestion of our cities, increasing population and energy demand. Pakistan is one of the countries with highest energy consumption at domestic level. Sustainable urban communities are based on an approach that links economic, social and environmental issues and solutions. They are designed to be socially and economically viable, environmentally sustainable and equitable places. Rapid urbanization demands a lot of housing stocks in urban areas. This paper examines sustainable development in the housing sector of Pakistan towards green building specifically focusing on the private housing scheme developers. Their lack of vision regarding green building adaptation is perplexing. Grand Avenue Housing Scheme, Lahore has been selected as the case study area to highlight the importance of green building. Primary and secondary data has been collected from this housing scheme developer, different software like Google Earth Pro and Sketch Up Pro has been used for 3D visualization of proposed building in the case study area. Internationally, there is a lot of focus on green building construction technology. However, in Pakistan there is no research and implementation of this technology. We need to rectify this situation so that much needed energy can be saved and to promote sustainable housing.
Guest Editorial
Authors: Knox Shane
Published: August 2018

              It is with great anticipation and excitement that we launch the first edition of the Irish Journal of Paramedicine.  The Irish College of Paramedics (ICoP) are sincerely grateful to the Editor, Mr. Alan Batt, for this initiative and for his invitation to participate in this, the first Irish journal for national and international pre-hospital practitioners.

              The Irish College of Paramedics, like our regulatory body the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC), has identified research in pre-hospital care as a central and important objective.  In furthering our role as a professional body ICoP believe research by pre-hospital practitioners is essential to developing the profession.  Like many other healthcare professions, paramedicine needs to develop a culture of research to contribute to the improvements in guidelines, culture, ethics and practice so as to impact positively on our patients whilst promoting this evolving profession.

Research in the pre-hospital arena is sparse and there is an immediate need to contribute to this important field.  This past decade has seen some improvement in the amount of reputable journals focused on pre-hospital care exclusively and these are very much welcomed.  Indeed these journals, to their credit, encourage submissions from paramedics and other pre-hospital practitioners, students and related faculty.

The Australasian Journal of Paramedicine has really set the standard and paramedic profession has benefitted from their innovative approach to publishing.  This model allows contributions from those practitioners interested in publishing, some for the first time.  The net benefit is a varied and interesting cross section of literature from many core and peripheral fields of paramedicine.

The Irish Journal of Paramedicine will have a similar ethos and I know the entire approach has the ability to contribute positively to our profession.  The fact too that this journal is ‘open access’ will also allow for minimal restriction of articles and maximum exposure to authors.  I am honoured to be part of the editorial team whilst amazed at the international mix of experience in this team.

I hope the launch of the Irish Journal of Paramedicine will encourage all those members of our community interested in publishing to contribute through direct submission and that we all support this outstanding initiative.

A journal dedicated to promoting and advancing the science of pre-hospital care and all things related, has the full support of the Irish College of Paramedics.  We are delighted to make the Irish Journal of Paramedicine the official journal of the Irish College of Paramedics and we wish Alan and the entire team all the very best.

Thank you Alan.

Shane Knox PhD MSc HDip AssocCIPD Cert.Mgt MCPara

President of the Irish College of Paramedics

 
EMS Gathering 2016 Abstracts
Authors: Batt Alan M
Published: August 2018

Abstracts from oral and poster presentations at the 2016 EMS Gathering.
International and Unifying Standards of Pre-hospital Care
Authors: Knox Shane
Published: August 2018

The author discusses a proposal to unify international standards of pre-hospital care delivery.
Rescue 116
Authors: O'Connor Joseph
Published: August 2018

A poem by Joseph O'Connor dedicated to the crew of Rescue 116.
EMS Gathering 2017 Abstract Supplement
Authors: Batt Alan M
Published: August 2018

Abstracts for oral and poster presentations at the EMS Gathering 2017 held in Kinsale, Ireland from 3rd to 5th May 2017.
Out of alignment? A critical reflection on the student-teacher relationship in project-based paramedicine education.
Authors: Rae John , MacQuarrie Alexander
Published: August 2018

This article draws on our experiences in project-based learning and in particular our experiences in facilitating a group of paramedicine students tasked with the responsibility of evaluating clinical simulation debriefing sessions.

Using critical reflection as the research methodology, we unearthed and reworked our experiences in this project, especially the experiences of one of us, Sandy, who took on role of project facilitator. The article identifies the importance of alignment between student and teacher in project-based learning and a set of principles are offered to guide and support this in project-based teaching. These principles include open communication and respect, the suspension of conventional belief, and reflection on professional practice.

 

 

 

 
What Australian and Irish paramedic registrants can learn from the UK: lessons in developing professionalism.
Authors: Townsend Ruth M
Published: August 2018

To act with professionalism is to act within a set of moral norms, principles and standards of conduct and competency

Problems arise when paramedics do not understand what it means to be a professional, and this is largely due to gaps in education.

Regulation should not be seen as a threat, but rather as a positive way of advancing the profession, and focussing on doing the best for patients.

Education plays a key role in creating a culture of professionalism, a solid foundation of professionalism and a professional identity. This education must be consistent. 

Paramedics should be supported in their professional development with a greater emphasis on applied ethics to facilitate professional problem-solving and a more comprehensive understanding of the regulatory system.
Physical fitness of paramedic students during vocational training - a follow-up study
Authors: Paakkonen Heikki , Ring Joachim , Kettunen Jyrki
Published: August 2018

Introduction: Paramedics’ work includes periods of physically light activity, but also involves short periods of relatively intense physical activity.  Even during their studies paramedic students’ days involve a lot of sitting, i.e. physically sedentary behaviour. We initiated a programme to motivate paramedic students to be physically active during their studies. In this study we report physical fitness among paramedic students who for one year participated in brief physical activity counselling consisting of both verbal and a written individually tailored exercise program

Methods: A total of 40 paramedic students (26 female, 14 male) had participated voluntarily in a physical activity programme alongside their studies. Subjects’ maximal oxygen consumption and muscle strength were measured at baseline and at one-year follow-up. According to the results of the baseline tests all students were given an individual exercise programme, which included aerobic and muscle strength training.

Results: Sixty-five percent (26/40) of the students participated in the follow-up examinations. At baseline male students had higher mean maximal oxygen consumption (VO2Max) and, as expected, greater absolute muscle strength than their female counterparts (all p-values <0.05). During the follow-up females had improved their VO2Max on average by 2.4 ml/kg/min. Furthermore, females on average improved the number of squats  by 4.2 [95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.01 to 8.33] repetitions, and males improved the number of push-ups (mean improvement 4.8, 95% CI 1.93 to 7.57), and left arm grip strength (mean improvement 4.0 kg, 95% CI 1.39 to 6.53).

Conclusions: It seems to be possible to maintain, and even slightly improve paramedic students’ physical fitness with a self-directed, guided, home exercise programme. This approach could enhance prospective paramedics’ willingness to develop the necessary physical qualities long-term throughout their clinical careers. 
Importance of Breast Self-Examination among Rural Women for Early Detection of Breast Cancer: Bangladesh Perspectives
Authors: Fouzia Negar
Published: August 2018

No Abstract AvailableJournal of Science Foundation 2017;15(2):29-30
Role of Splint in Patients with Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Authors: Khan Ehsanul Haque , Mahmood Khurshid , Moonmoon Taslima Hoq , Tanim Bidoura
Published: August 2018

Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition Encountered in the department of physical medicine and rehabilitation. Splinting wrist in patients with carpal Tunnel syndrome is good conservative management tool in patients specially who wake up at night.Objective: This study was conducted to assess the role of splint in patients with symptoms of carpal syndrome.Methodology: This was a quasi-experimental study. This study was conducted in the department of physical medicine and rehabilitation department at Dhaka medical college hospital during July 2006 t0 January 2007 time period. Patients were selected randomly from the outpatient department physical medicine and Rehabilitation of Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Patients who had symptoms consistent with carpal tunnel syndrome that was numbness, tingling and burning sensation in the hand, duration of symptoms more than two weeks or more than three times in last six months, who were residents of Dhaka city and who were able to follow up regularly were included as study population. Patients were enrolled randomly into splinted and non-splinted group by odd and even number. Splinted group were treated by splint, drugs, ergomic training and exercise. Non-splinted group were treated by same drugs, ergonomic training and exercise only. The splint was a tailor made volar static wrist splint prepared by same orthoptist for every patient with splint. Outcomes were measured by Visual Analogue scale (VAS) and Levine Symptom Severity Scale (LSSS) at second fourth and six weeks follow up visits. The data were collected into splinted and non-splinted groups.Result: There were 51 hands in 34 patients enrolled for the study. Among them 26 were in the splinted group and 23 were in the non-splinted group.Conclusion: In this study splinted group showed significant improvement.Journal of Science Foundation, July 2017;15(2):48-51
Novel Nozzle Shapes for Synthetic Jet Actuators Intended to Enhance Jet Momentum Flux
Authors: Kordík Jozef , Trávníček Zdeněk
Published: August 2018

An axisymmetric synthetic jet actuator based on a loudspeaker and five types of flanged nozzles were experimentally tested and compared. The first (reference) type of nozzle was a common sharp-edged circular hole. The second type had a rounded lip on the inside. The third nozzle type was assembled from these two types of nozzles—it had a rounded lip on the inside and straight section on the outside. The fourth nozzle was assembled using orifice plates such that the rounded lips were at both inner and outer nozzle ends. The last nozzle was equipped with an auxiliary nozzle plate placed at a small distance downstream of the main nozzle. The actuators with particular nozzles were tested by direct measurement of the synthetic jet (SJ) time-mean thrust using precision scales. Velocity profiles at the actuator nozzle exit were measured by a hot-wire anemometer. Experiments were performed at eight power levels and at the actuator resonance frequency. The highest momentum flux was achieved by the nozzle equipped with an auxiliary nozzle plate. Namely, an enhancement was approximately 31% in comparison with an effect of the reference nozzle at the same input power. Furthermore, based on the cavity pressure and the experimental velocity profiles, parameters for a lumped element model (mass of moving fluid and pressure loss coefficient) were evaluated. These values were studied as functions of the dimensionless stroke length.
Investigation into the Thermal Response and Pharmacological Activity of Substituted Schiff Bases on α-Amylase and α-Glucosidase
Authors: Okoli Bamidele Joseph , Modise Johannes Sekomeng
Published: August 2018

The emphasis of previous studies has targeted the development of insulin mimic with little attention given to the development of metabolic enzyme inhibitors. Our focus is to synthesise nine o-hydroxy and p-nitro-azomethine analogues, investigate their digestive enzyme inhibitory capacity, as well as the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The substituted Schiff bases were analysed using thermal gravimetric analyser (TGA), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), elemental analyser, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Determination of synthetic yield revealed that the o-hydroxy analogues produced the highest yield of ≥77.1% compared to p-nitro and unsubstituted analogues. Spectra study showed the presence of azomethine stretching vibration at 1698–1613 cm−1, proton signals at δ 8.46–9.81, and carbon signals at δ 145.95–159.53 ppm. Investigation into the thermal property indicated an elevated melting point for the o-hydroxy analogue, compared to the p-nitro derivative which showed high stability to heat. There are similarities in crystalline structure with few unique patterns suggesting different substituent group. The antioxidant activities of the substituted analogues registered low half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50), with exception to the ferric reducing power; indicating that the Schiff bases are weak siderophores. All nine Schiff bases were bacteriostatic or fungistatic at the screened concentrations; however, the nitro-substituted analogues have an enhanced activity with Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values of 0.03–2.54 µM. Both o-hydroxy and p-nitro-substitution does not improve the antifungal activity of the compounds against A. niger. The o-hydroxyl and p-nitro Schiff base derivatives showed enhanced activity towards the inhibition of α -amylase and α-glucosidase by hydroxylation and glycosylation, respectively. Although, hydroxy derivatives of sulphonic acid derived Schiff base slightly decreased the activities on α-glucosidase and α-amylase. Our findings suggest that p-nitro substitution enhances the in vitro nonenzymatic activity while the o-hydroxy derivatives are good hydrolase inhibitors. Therefore, substituent modification can be used as an enhancement technique in designing novel pharmacophore.
A Novel Risk Assessment Methodology for SCADA Maritime Logistics Environments
Authors: Kalogeraki Eleni-Maria , Papastergiou Spyridon , Mouratidis Haralambos , Polemi Nineta
Published: August 2018

In recent years maritime logistics infrastructures are the global links among societies and economies. This challenges adversaries to intrude on the cyber-dependent ICTs by performing high-level intelligent techniques. A potential cyber-attack on such infrastructures can cause tremendous damages starting from supply chain service disruption ending up with threatening the whole human welfare. Current risk management policies embed significant limitations in terms of capturing the specific security requirements of ICTs and control/monitoring devices, such as IoT platforms, satellites and time installations, which are primary functioning for the provision of Maritime Logistics and Supply Chain (MLoSC) services. This work presents a novel risk assessment methodology capable of addressing the security particularities and specificities of the complex nature of SCADA infrastructures and Cyber-Physical Systems (CPSs) of the Maritime Logistics Industry. The methodology identifies asset vulnerabilities and threats to estimate the cyber-risks and their cascading effects within the supply chain, introducing a set of subsequent security assessment services. The utilization of these services is demonstrated via a critical, real-life SCADA scenario indicating how they can facilitate supply chain operators in comprehending the threat landscape of their infrastructures and guide them how to adopt optimal mitigation strategies to counter or eliminate their cyber-risks.
A Review of Tunable Acoustic Metamaterials
Authors: Chen Shuang , Fan Yuancheng , Fu Quanhong , Wu Hongjing , Jin Yabin , Zheng Jianbang , Zhang Fuli
Published: August 2018

Acoustic metamaterial science is an emerging field at the frontier of modern acoustics. It provides a prominent platform for acoustic wave control in subwavelength-sized metadevices or metasystems. However, most of the metamaterials can only work in a narrow frequency band once fabricated, which limits the practical application of acoustic metamaterials. This paper highlights some recent progress in tunable acoustic metamaterials based on various modulation techniques. Acoustic metamaterials have been designed to control the attenuation of acoustic waves, invisibility cloaking, and acoustic wavefront engineering, such as focusing via manipulating the acoustic impedance of metamaterials. The reviewed techniques are promising in extending the novel acoustics response into wider frequency bands, in that tunable acoustic metamaterials may be exploited for unusual applications compared to conventional acoustic devices.
Processing and Prebiotics Characteristics of β-Glucan Extract from Highland Barley
Authors: Ren Yao , Xie Haoyu , Liu Li , Jia Dongying , Yao Kai , Chi Yuanlong
Published: August 2018

β-glucan extract (GE) was obtained from highland barley bran using alkaline–acid–alcohol extraction method. The stability, solubility, foaming ability, and prebiotics characteristics of GE were assessed consecutively. GE demonstrated excellent heat stability (hardly degraded at 220 °C) and pH stability, especially at neutral or alkaline condition, and its solubility was significantly influenced by temperature instead of pH or NaCl, achieving 0.91 g/100 g at 100 °C. Good foaming ability and foam stability of GE were observed during low temperatures (≤40 °C), neutral or alkaline condition. GE indicated a strong anti-digestibility capacity of resisting the hydrolysis of α-amylase and simulated human gastric acid. Interestingly, GE could effectively promote the growth of Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Bifidobacterium adolescentis, which was close to fructooligosaccharide. The results of this study could offer valuable information for the application of β-glucan from highland barley as prebiotics in promoting human intestinal health metabolism.
A Software Reliability Model Considering the Syntax Error in Uncertainty Environment, Optimal Release Time, and Sensitivity Analysis
Authors: Lee Da Hye , Chang In Hong , Pham Hoang , Song Kwang Yoon
Published: August 2018

The goal set by software developers is to develop high quality and reliable software products. During the past decades, software has become complex, and thus, it is difficult to develop stable software products. Software failures often cause serious social or economic losses, and therefore, software reliability is considered important. Software reliability growth models (SRGMs) have been used to estimate software reliability. In this work, we introduce a new software reliability model and compare it with several non-homogeneous Poisson process (NHPP) models. In addition, we compare the goodness of fit for existing SRGMs using actual data sets based on eight criteria. The results allow us to determine which model is optimal.
Evaluation of Chemical Strategies for Improving the Stability and Oral Toxicity of Insecticidal Peptides
Authors: Herzig Volker , De Araujo Aline Dantas , Greenwood Kathryn P. , Chin Yanni K.-Y. , Windley Monique J. , Chong Youmie , Muttenthaler Markus , Mobli Mehdi , Audsley Neil , Nicholson Graham M. , Alewood Paul F. , King Glenn F.
Published: August 2018

Spider venoms are a rich source of insecticidal peptide toxins. Their development as bioinsecticides has, however, been hampered due to concerns about potential lack of stability and oral bioactivity. We therefore systematically evaluated several synthetic strategies to increase the stability and oral potency of the potent insecticidal spider-venom peptide ω-HXTX-Hv1a (Hv1a). Selective chemical replacement of disulfide bridges with diselenide bonds and N- to C-terminal cyclization were anticipated to improve Hv1a resistance to proteolytic digestion, and thereby its activity when delivered orally. We found that native Hv1a is orally active in blowflies, but 91-fold less potent than when administered by injection. Introduction of a single diselenide bond had no effect on the susceptibility to scrambling or the oral activity of Hv1a. N- to C-terminal cyclization of the peptide backbone did not significantly improve the potency of Hv1a when injected into blowflies and it led to a significant decrease in oral activity. We show that this is likely due to a dramatically reduced rate of translocation of cyclic Hv1a across the insect midgut, highlighting the importance of testing bioavailability in addition to toxin stability.
Sex Differences and the Influence of Sex Hormones on Cognition through Adulthood and the Aging Process
Authors: Gurvich Caroline , Hoy Kate , Thomas Natalie , Kulkarni Jayashri
Published: August 2018

Hormones of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis that regulate reproductive function have multiple effects on the development, maintenance and function of the brain. Sex differences in cognitive functioning have been reported in both health and disease, which may be partly attributed to sex hormones. The aim of the current paper was to provide a theoretical review of how sex hormones influence cognitive functioning across the lifespan as well as provide an overview of the literature on sex differences and the role of sex hormones in cognitive decline, specifically in relation to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). A summary of current hormone and sex-based interventions for enhancing cognitive functioning and/or reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease is also provided.
Catalytic Performances of Au–Pt Nanoparticles on Phosphorous Functionalized Carbon Nanofibers towards HMF Oxidation
Authors: Campisi Sebastiano , Capelli Sofia , Motta Davide , Trujillo Felipe , Davies Thomas , Prati Laura , Dimitratos Nikolaos , Villa Alberto
Published: August 2018

Herein, we reported the utilization of pre-formed Au–Pt nanoparticles deposited on phosphorus functionalized carbons as effective catalysts for the oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA). Au–Pt nanoparticles have been prepared by a two-step methodology using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as protective agent and a combination of NaBH4 and H2 as reducing agents. Three carbon nanofibers (CNFs) with different graphitization degrees have been functionalized through treatment with an H3PO4–HNO3 mixture at 150 °C, in order to incorporate P groups on carbon surface. Surface and structural properties of the synthesized functionalized materials have been investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Raman spectroscopy. The structural and surface properties of carbon nanofibers determine the amount of P-functionalities, which is a key parameter affecting the catalytic performances of Au–Pt. Indeed, the highest activity and stability has been achieved for Au–Pt deposited on the sample, which showed the largest amount of P-groups on the surface.
Characterization of Light-To-Frequency Converter for Visible Light Communication Systems
Authors: Martínez Ciro Roger Alexander , López Giraldo Francisco Eugenio , Betancur Perez Andrés Felipe , Luna Rivera Martín
Published: August 2018

PIN (positive intrinsic negative) photodiodes and analog-to-digital converters (ADC) are commonly used on visible light communication (VLC) receivers in order to retrieve the data on detected signals. In this paper, a visible light communication receiver based on a light to frequency converter (LTF) is proposed. We characterized the LTF and derived an equation for signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) estimation in terms of its input optical power, and the frequency of the output periodic signal. The experiments show that the periodic signal of the LTF converter has a maximum output frequency of 600 kHz at a distance of 6.2 cm. In this setup, measured SNR reached 18.75 dB, while the lowest obtained SNR with 1.1 m length was roughly −35.1 dB. The results obtained suggest that a bit rate of 150 kbps can be achieved with an on-off keying (OOK) modulation format. We analyzed the results and discuss the advantages and limitations of the LTF converter for optical wireless communication purposes.
A Cost-Effective Decentralized Control for AC-Stacked Photovoltaic Inverters
Authors: Han Hua , Luo Chao , Hou Xiaochao , Su Mei , Yuan Wenbin , Liu Zhangjie , Guerrero Josep M.
Published: August 2018

For an AC-stacked photovoltaic (PV) inverter system with N cascaded inverters, existing control methods require at least N communication links to acquire the grid synchronization signal. In this paper, a novel decentralized control is proposed. For N inverters, only one inverter nearest the point of common coupling (PCC) needs a communication link to acquire the grid voltage phase and all other N − 1 inverters use only local measured information to achieved fully decentralized local control. Specifically, one inverter with a communication link utilizes the grid voltage phase and adopts current control mode to achieve a required power factor (PF). All other inverters need only local information without communication links and adopt voltage control mode to achieve maximum power point tracking (MPPT) and self-synchronization with grid voltage. Compared with existing methods, the communication link and complexity is greatly reduced, thus improved reliability and reduced communication costs are achieved. The effectiveness of the proposed control is verified by simulation tests.
Effects of Dual Modification with Succinylation and Annealing on Physicochemical, Thermal and Morphological Properties of Corn Starch
Authors: Ariyantoro Achmad Ridwan , Katsuno Nakako , Nishizu Takahisa
Published: August 2018

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of annealing, succinylation, and a dual modification process (succinylation–annealing) on the physicochemical, thermal, and morphological properties of corn starch. Specifically, the properties of interest were the water-binding capacity (WBC), swelling power, paste clarity, solubility, pasting properties, stability ratio, and thermal and morphological characteristics. The dual modification process increased the physicochemical properties (WBC, swelling power, peak viscosity, and paste clarity) and increased the gelatinization temperature and gelatinization enthalpy (∆H), but had no effect on the morphological properties and X-ray diffraction patterns. A comparison of samples, made using each of the processes, showed that dual modification increased the stability ratio (more stable viscosity under thermal and shear stress), which was 0.69 for dual modified starch, compared with 0.64, 0.58 and 0.44 for native, succinylated, and annealed starches, respectively. The findings of the present study are of potential use in the food industry.
Orthogeriatrics and Hip Fracture Care in the UK: Factors Driving Change to More Integrated Models of Care
Authors: Middleton Mark
Published: August 2018

In the United Kingdom (UK), approximately 80,000 hip fractures each year result in an estimated annual cost of two billion pounds in direct healthcare costs alone. Various models of care exist for collaboration between orthopaedic surgeons and geriatricians in response to the complex medical, rehabilitation, and social needs of this patient group. Mounting evidence suggests that more integrated models of orthogeriatric care result in superior quality of care indicators and clinical outcomes. Clinical governance through national guidelines, audit through the National Hip Fracture Database (NHFD), and financial incentives through the Best Practice Tariff (providing a £1335 bonus for each patient) have driven hip fracture care in the UK forward. The demanded improvement in quality indicators has increased the popularity of collaborative care models and particularly integrated orthogeriatric services. A significant fall in 30-day mortality has resulted nationally. Ongoing data collection by the NHFD will lead to greater understanding of the impact of all elements of hip fracture care including models of orthogeriatrics.
Allostatic Load Biomarker Associations with Depressive Symptoms Vary among US Black and White Women and Men
Authors: Bey Ganga S. , Jesdale Bill M. , Ulbricht Christine M. , Mick Eric O. , Person Sharina D.
Published: August 2018

The prevalence and severity of depression differ in women and men and across racial groups. Psychosocial factors such as chronic stress have been proposed as contributors, but causes of this variation are not fully understood. Allostatic load, a measure of the physiological burden of chronic stress, is known to be associated with depression. Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005–2010, we examined the associations of nine allostatic load biomarkers with depression among US black and white adults aged 18–64 years (n = 6431). Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionaire-9; logistic models estimated adjusted odds of depression based on allostatic load biomarkers. High-risk levels of c-reactive protein were significantly associated with increased odds of depression among white women (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.1–2.5) and men (aOR = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.1–2.8) but not black women (aOR = 0.8, 95% CI: 0.6–1.1) or men (aOR = 0.9, 95% CI: 0.5–1.5). Among black men, hypertension (aOR = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.1–2.7) and adverse serum albumin levels (aOR = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.0–2.9) predicted depression, while high total cholesterol was associated with depression among black women (aOR = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.0–2.7). The associations between allostatic load biomarkers and depression varies with gendered race, suggesting that, despite consistent symptomatology, underlying disease mechanisms may differ between these groups.
Ripening Characteristics and Pigment Changes in Russeted Pear Fruit in Response to Ethylene and 1-MCP
Authors: Charoenchongsuk Nongluk , Matsumoto Daiki , Itai Akihiro , Murayama Hideki
Published: August 2018

Ripening characteristics and pigment changes were investigated in ‘La France’, ‘Gorham’, and their russeted sports ‘Gold La France’ and ‘Grand Champion’ pears. Fruit were harvested at commercial maturity and ripened at 20 °C. In all cultivars, fruit softening was concomitant with a burst in ethylene production. Interestingly, such changes were delayed in russet pear when compared with their wild-types. Chlorophyll level in russet pear at harvest was the same as in the wild-type. In ‘Gorham’ and ‘Grand Champion’ pears, its level rapidly decreased during ripening. Ethylene or 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) did not affect the color and pigments in ‘La France’ and ‘Gold La France’ pears. In contrast, in ‘Gorham’ and ‘Grand Champion’ pears, chlorophyll degradation was suppressed by 1-MCP treatment, but not completely. These results suggested that chlorophyll degradation was regulated by both ethylene-dependent and ethylene-independent means. The influence of ethylene on the expression of chlorophyll-degradation-related genes seemed to be similar in both russet and wild-type. The Stay green-1 gene was stimulated by ethylene and suppressed by 1-MCP treatment. In contrast, little effect of ethylene or 1-MCP was observed on chlorophyllase 1, pheophytinase, pheophorbide a oxygenase, and NYC1-like genes.