bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cost-Effective, Custom-Designed Wet Wrap Garments for Children: Experience at Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital
Authors: Dhandha Maulik Manharlal , Siegfried Elaine C
Published: June 2017

Wet wrap therapy is a well-known, effective short-term treatment for inflammatory skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. The traditional wet wrap technique involves application of a corticosteroid ointment and emollient followed by a 2-layer mummy-style wrap using roll gauze and vinyl wrap.  However, this method is time consuming and labor intensive.  On the other hand, commercially-available eczema clothing are expensive. Ordering difficulties and barriers to maintaining a bulk supply resulted in frequent stock depletion, leaving patients and staff no choices other than roll gauze and vinyl wrap. With a grant from the Cardinal Glennon Foundation we designed cost-effective, allergen-free wet wrap garments for pediatric patients. The inner layer garments were made from white cotton, chosen for its natural abundance, folding endurance, conduction of heat, cost effectiveness and low allergenicity risk. Nylon was used for the outer layer, chosen for its light weight and moisture retention. All the garments were made without dye, metal, elastic or other allergens. Plain cotton strings were used to secure the waist. The garments were half the cost of branded eczema clothing, based on internal online market research.Hospital staff members involved in directly providing wet wrap treatments have appreciated these garments for ease of use, patient comfort, and durable supply. Future Quality Assessment and Quality Improvement studies to compare the advantages of this treatment with traditional wraps will allow better evaluation of this custom designed clothing
A Review on Phytochemical Constituents and Pharmacological Activities of Ricinus communis L. Plant
Authors: Kumar Manoj
Published: June 2017

The medicinal plants have a vital role to take care of the healthy human life. The large family Euphorbiaceae contains
nearly about 300 genera and 7,500 species. Amongst all, Ricinus communis L. or castor bean plant has high traditional and
medicinal values towards a disease free community. The castor bean plant is effective as antifertility activity,
antiimplantation activity, antinociceptive activity, anticancer activity, antioxidant activity, immunomodulatory activity,
hepatoprotective activity, antidiabetic activity, antiulcer activity, antimicrobial activity, insecticidal activity, molluscicidal
and larvicidal activity, bone regeneration activity, central analgesic activity, antihistaminic activity, antiasthmatic activity,
cytotoxic activity, lipolytic activity, antiinflammatory activity, and wound healing activity. In addition, the constituents
present in this plant are beneficial for the purpose of contraception, leaving no detrimental effects on the body. The
objective of the present review focuses on the phytochemical constituents, pharmacological activities and future
perspectives of the R. communis L. plant.
Immunological and Molecular Study of Toxoplasma gondii in AlNajaf Governorate - Iraq
Authors: Al-Hadraawy Saleem Khteer , Abbas Hadi Fedhil
Published: June 2017

The study was conducted on 350 aborted women and thirty healthy women, whom have visited Central public Health
Laboratory in Al-Najaf Governorate during the period from November 2014 to May, 2015. This study was designed to
investigate of some tests which determine the infection with T.gondii in clinical suspected women in an- Najaf governorate
by using two methods, detected specific IgG and IgM by VIDAS technique and PCR technique to indicate Toxoplasma
gondii. Furthermore, it is designed to determine the effects of T.gondii infection on some parameters such as blood cells,
cytokine and immunoglobulins besides, the results indicate that PCR were the best methods that can be used in diagnosis
and to determine the prevalence of T.gondii. Yet the blood parameters gave a clear understanding to physicians to cure
patients. Whereas the numbers, percentage, sensitivity and specificity of infected women vary with different tests were 67
(19.14%) (93.05) (98.31), while PCR gave the highest numbers, percentage, sensitivity and specificity were 71 (20.28%)
(98.61) (99, 64) respectively for each test. DNA of T.gondii parasite was determined by PCR was using three specific
primers (B1, 18S and P30) whereas the number, percentage and sensitivity of infected women of these primers were 71
(20.28%) (98, 61%), 66 (18.85%) (91.66%), and 62 (17.71%) (87.32%) respectively. By comparing these primers to
evaluate the efficiency in diagnostic of T.gondii. The results indicated that B1, 18S are the highest primers and P30 is the
lowest primers in diagnostic efficiency. The results showed a significant elevation (P less than 0.05) in serum concentration of pro
inflammatory cytokines interleukin-5 (IL-5), interleukin -27 (IL-27) and immunoglobulin M, while no significant (P>0.05)
in level of immunoglobulin G in T.gondii infection patients compared to control group. However, the total Leukocyte
count showed significant increase (P less than 0.05) in infected women compared to the control group due to elevation percentage
of neutrophil, monocyte, eosinophil, and lymphocytes while the number of Basophil, remain normal. There were positive
correlation between proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-5 (IL-5), interleukin-27 (IL-27) and neutrophil, lymphocytes
and IgM levels. The current study has also revealed positive correlation between lymphocytes and immunoglobulin M.
The results have also exhibited a negative correlation between Il-5, IL-27 and IgG. Also, revealed a negative correlation
between neutrophil, lymphocyte and IgG. The current study has concluded that the infection with T.gondii effect on blood
cells, immunity of the body and the PCR test are the best methods and B1is the best primer used in the diagnosis of T.gondii
parasite.
Detection of Phytochemical and Pharmacological Properties of Crude Extracts of Tribulus terrestris Collected from Tribal Regions of Baglan (M.S.), India
Authors: D. Vasait Rajendrabhai
Published: June 2017

Nature is rich source of medicinal plants and herbal remedies but due to inadequacy of information about their chemical
and therapeutic properties some of these sources are still remained unrevealed. Herbal drugs are the potential source of
therapeutic aid for the treatment and prevention of various infections and diseases. Naturally occurring shrub Tribulus
terrestris was collected from tribal area of Baglan Region (Nashik District). The extracts of plant parts such as leaves and
fruits were prepared in water, acetone and chloroform. The detection of important phytochemicals of plant Tribulus
terrestris was attempted. Each crude extract of leaves and fruit of plant Tribulus terrestris was comparatively analyzed for
presence of phytoconstituents. Phytochemical analysis of crude extracts of Tribulus terrestris showed presence of
carbohydrates, amino acids, proteins, glycosides, tannins, terpenoids, phenols, alkaloids and saponins.
Chemical Composition and Antibacterial Activity of the Essential Oil from the Seeds of Plectranthus hadiensis
Authors: Sripathi Raju , Ravi Subban
Published: June 2017

Plectranthus is a large and widespread genus of Lamiaceae family with a diversity of ethnobotanical uses. In traditional
medicine, the juice of stem and leaves of Plectranthus hadiensis which is mixed with honey is taken as a remedy for
diarrhea. The aim of the present study is to determine the chemical composition of the essential oil from the seed of P.
hadiensis and to evaluate antimicrobial efficacy of the oil. The essential oil of the seeds from P. hadiensis is obtained by
hydro-distillation and analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS). It results in the
identification of 25 compounds representing 99.3%, of the total oil. The main compound is Piperitone oxide (33.33%).
Antibacterial activity of the essential oil of P. hadiensis is tested against two Gram-positive and two Gram-negative
bacteria, using zone of inhibition method. The essential oils inhibit the organisms and shows the zone of inhibition in the
range of 20-35mm. The essential oil can serve as an antibacterial agent.
Pharmacognostic Evaluation, Phytochemical Screening and Antimicrobial Activity of Stem Bark of Ficus Krishnae
Authors: Kanjikar Amarvani P. , Londonkar Ramesh L.
Published: June 2017

Ficus krishnae is a perennial plant, used in number of folklore medicine, to treat ulcer, vomiting, fever, inflammation,
diabetes, dysentery, leprosy and cancer etc. The present research deals with the study of pharmacognostic, phytochemical
and antimicrobial activity of stem bark of Ficus krishnae. The pharmacognostic parameters for the study were
physicochemical, fluorescence analysis and preliminary phytochemical screening along with mineral analysis. In
physicochemical evaluation the ash value and extract value were studied. The antimicrobial activity of the stem bark extract
against pathogenic strains was evaluated based on the inhibition zone using well diffusion assay; minimum inhibition
concentration (MIC) is studied using micro dilution method. The powder of Ficus krishnae was successively extracted
with petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol and aqueous by hot soxhlet extraction. The preliminary screening was carried
out for different extract. Fluorescence analysis has showed the normal ranges of fluorescence colour for the crude powder.
The preliminary phytochemical screening resat also indicated the presence of principle active compounds of Ficus krishnae
which include phenols, flavonoids, saponin, alkaloids, glycosides, oils, fats, steroids, proteins and carbohydrates. The
inorganic element analysisstudy indicated the presence of calcium, potassium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, molybdenum,
vanadium, titanium and cadmium. In the present study we have tested antimicrobial activity of Petroleum ether, chloroform,
methanol and Aqueous extractions of stem bark of Ficus krishnae plant against six bacteria (E.coli, Staphylococcus
aureus, ENT, Enterococcus fecalis, salmonella typhi,) and one fungi (Aspergillus niger). These studies gives information
of physicochemical character and preliminary property of stem bark of Ficus krisnae for the identification of crude drug
and it promote the search for isolation of medicinally valuable active compounds.
Genomic investigation of a suspected outbreak of Legionella pneumophila ST82 reveals undetected heterogeneity by the present gold-standard methods, Denmark, July to November 2014
Authors: Schjørring Susanne , Stegger Marc , Kjelsø Charlotte , Lilje Berit , Bangsborg Jette M , Petersen Randi F , David Sophia , Uldum Søren A ,   on behalf of the ESCMID Study Group for Legionella Infections (ESGLI)
Published: June 2017

Between July and November 2014, 15 community-acquired cases of Legionnaires´ disease (LD), including four with Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 sequence type (ST) 82, were diagnosed in Northern Zealand, Denmark. An outbreak was suspected. No ST82 isolates were found in environmental samples and no external source was established. Four putative-outbreak ST82 isolates were retrospectively subjected to whole genome sequencing (WGS) followed by phylogenetic analyses with epidemiologically unrelated ST82 sequences. The four putative-outbreak ST82 sequences fell into two clades, the two clades were separated by ca 1,700 single nt polymorphisms (SNP)s when recombination regions were included but only by 12 to 21 SNPs when these were removed. A single putative-outbreak ST82 isolate sequence segregated in the first clade. The other three clustered in the second clade, where all included sequences had < 5 SNP differences between them. Intriguingly, this clade also comprised epidemiologically unrelated isolate sequences from the UK and Denmark dating back as early as 2011. The study confirms that recombination plays a major role in L. pneumophila evolution. On the other hand, strains belonging to the same ST can have only few SNP differences despite being sampled over both large timespans and geographic distances. These are two important factors to consider in outbreak investigations.
Assessing the Damaging Effects of Railway Dynamic Wheel Loads on Railway Foundations
Authors: Burrow Michael P. N. , Shi Jin , Wehbi Mohamed , Ghataora Gurmel S.
Published: June 2017

Dynamic train wheel loads, which can be significantly greater than static loads, occur because of a variety of factors and unless they are properly considered in track structural design, significant unplanned maintenance and premature track failure may result. This is particularly so for traditional ballasted railways built on soft foundations, because although ballast lends itself to maintenance, it is often problematic and costly to repair damaged foundations. A novel rigorous analytical–numerical approach is described to predict and characterize, for the first time, the damage to which railway foundations can be subjected as a result of dynamic loads. The approach marries a sophisticated three-dimensional dynamic model of the train–track system incorporating vertical track quality, foundation soil distress models, statistical analysis methods, and results of field investigation. The resulting analyses demonstrate that the magnitudes and distributions of dynamic loads are a function of train speed and track quality, and that specific locations experience significantly higher amounts of damage, which can lead to a variety of track faults. The approach is illustrated via a study of a heavy haul railway line in China where the wheel loads and tonnage carried are set to increase significantly. Findings from the study suggest that the thickness of the ballasted layer would need to increase by over 20% to prevent premature foundation failure provided that the track is maintained in good condition, and by significantly more should the track condition be allowed to deteriorate.
Synthesis of new derivatives of 4-(4-methyl-5H-pyrimido[4,5-b][1,4]thiazin-2-yl)morpholine and 4-methyl-2-(piperidin-1-yl)-5H-pyrimido[4,5-b][1,4]thiazine
Authors: Karimian Azam , Karimian Hassan
Published: June 2017

Several derivatives of the novel 4-(4-methyl-5 H-pyrimido[4,5- b][1,4]thiazin-2-yl)morpholine and 4-methyl-2-(piperidin-1-yl)-5 H-pyrimido[4,5- b][1,4]thiazine ring systems have been synthesised through cyclocondensation of 5-amino-6-methylpyrimidine-4-thiols and the appropriate α-haloketone in glacial acetic acid under reflux.
The Democricy to Come
Authors: Bennington Geoffrey
Published: June 2017

A recurrent typographical slip makes a democrat of Democritus, Demokratos of Demokritos, in an exemplary instance of the atomists' persistent analogy of atoms and letters. This essay argues that the rhythmic resonances between ancient materialism and democracy can be read in terms of a fundamental scatter that tends to deconstruct the teleologism endemic in the philosophical tradition's thinking about politics (and indeed matter). The curious resistance that scatter opposes to any kind of telos (including that of any absolute scatter) might itself make deconstruction interestingly resonate with the differential vibrations of string theory.
Glucose Content and In Vitro Bioaccessibility in Sweet Potato and Winter Squash Varieties during Storage
Authors: Zaccari Fernanda , Cabrera María , Saadoun Ali
Published: June 2017

Glucose content and in vitro bioaccessibility were determined in raw and cooked pulp of Arapey, Cuabé, and Beauregard sweet potato varieties, as well as Maravilla del Mercado and Atlas winter squash, after zero, two, four, and six months of storage (14 °C, 80% relative humidity (RH)). The total glucose content in 100 g of raw pulp was, for Arapey, 17.7 g; Beauregard, 13.2 g; Cuabé, 12.6 g; Atlas, 4.0 g; and in Maravilla del Mercado, 4.1 g. These contents were reduced by cooking process and storage time, 1.1 to 1.5 times, respectively, depending on the sweet potato variety. In winter squash varieties, the total glucose content was not modified by cooking, while the storage increased glucose content 2.8 times in the second month. After in vitro digestion, the glucose content released was 7.0 times higher in sweet potato (6.4 g) than in winter squash (0.91 g) varieties. Glucose released by in vitro digestion for sweet potato stored for six months did not change, but in winter squashes, stored Atlas released glucose content increased 1.6 times. In conclusion, in sweet potato and winter squash, the glucose content and the released glucose during digestive simulation depends on the variety and the storage time. These factors strongly affect the supply of glucose for human nutrition and should be taken into account for adjusting a diet according to consumer needs.
Tricholides A and B and Unnarmicin D: New Hybrid PKS-NRPS Macrocycles Isolated from an Environmental Collection of Trichodesmium thiebautii
Authors: Bertin Matthew , Roduit Alexandre , Sun Jiadong , Alves Gabriella , Via Christopher , Gonzalez Miguel , Zimba Paul , Moeller Peter
Published: June 2017

Bioassay-guided isolation of the lipophilic extract of Trichodesmium thiebautii bloom material led to the purification and structure characterization of two new hybrid polyketide-non-ribosomal peptide (PKS-NRPS) macrocyclic compounds, tricholides A and B (1 and 2). A third macrocyclic compound, unnarmicin D (3), was identified as a new depsipeptide in the unnarmicin family, given its structural similarity to the existing compounds in this group. The planar structures of 1–3 were determined using 1D and 2D NMR spectra and complementary spectroscopic and spectrometric procedures. The absolute configurations of the amino acid components of 1–3 were determined via acid hydrolysis, derivitization with Marfey’s reagent and HPLC-UV comparison to authentic amino acid standards. The absolute configuration of the 3-hydroxydodecanoic acid moiety in 3 was determined using a modified Mosher’s esterification procedure on a linear derivative of tricharmicin (4) and additionally by a comparison of 13C NMR shifts of 3 to known depsipeptides with β-hydroxy acid subunits. Tricholide B (2) showed moderate cytotoxicity to Neuro-2A murine neuroblastoma cells (EC50: 14.5 ± 6.2 μM).
Effect of Anode Pulse-Width on the Microstructure and Wear Resistance of Microarc Oxidation Coatings
Authors: Li Zhen-Wei , Di Shi-Chun
Published: June 2017

Microarc oxidation (MAO) coatings were prepared on 2024-T4 aluminum alloys using a pulsed bipolar power supply at different anode pulse-widths. After the MAO coatings were formed, the micropores and microcracks on the surface of the MAO coatings were filled with Fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) dispersion for preparing MAO self-lubricating composite coatings containing FEP. The effect of the anode pulse-width on the microstructure and wear resistance of the microarc oxidation coatings was investigated. The wear resistance of the microarc oxidation self-lubricating composite coatings was analyzed. The results revealed that the MAO self-lubricating composite coatings integrated the advantages of wear resistance of the MAO ceramic coatings and a low friction coefficient of FEP. Compared to the MAO coatings, the microarc oxidation self-lubricating composite coatings exhibited a lower friction coefficient and lower wear rates.
Diosmin, a Citrus Nutrient, Activates Imidazoline Receptors to Alleviate Blood Glucose and Lipids in Type 1-Like Diabetic Rats
Authors: Hsu Chia-Chen , Lin Mang , Cheng Juei-Tang , Wu Ming
Published: June 2017

Diosmin is a nutrient that is widely contained in citrus and that has been indicated to improve glucose metabolism in diabetic disorders. Recently, we demonstrated that diosmin induces β-endorphin to lower hyperglycemia in diabetic rats. However, the mechanisms of diosmin in opioid secretion were unclear. Therefore, we focused on the secretion of opioids from isolated adrenal glands induced by diosmin. The changes in the released β-endorphin-like immunoreactivity (BER) were determined using ELISA. Diosmin increased the BER level in a dose-dependent manner, and this effect was markedly reduced in the absence of calcium ions. Activation of the imidazoline I-2 receptor (I-2R) has been introduced to induce opioid secretion. Interestingly, we observed that diosmin activates CHO cells expressing I-R. Additionally, diosmin-increased BER was inhibited by the blockade of I-2R in isolated adrenal glands. Additionally, an antagonist of I-2R blocked diosmin-induced effects, including the reduction in hyperglycemia and the increase in plasma BER in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats (STZ-diabetic rats). Repeated treatment of STZ-diabetic rats with diosmin for one week induced changes in hepatic glycogen, lipid levels, and the expression of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK). Furthermore, an antagonist of I-2R blocked the diosmin-induced changes. Additionally, plasma lipids modified by diosmin were also reversed by the blockade of I-2R in STZ-diabetic rats. Taken together, we suggest that diosmin may activate I-2R to enhance the secretion of β-endorphin from adrenal glands and to influence metabolic homeostasis, resulting in alleviation of blood glucose and lipids in STZ-diabetic rats.
A New Kind of Aesthetics —The Mathematical Structure of the Aesthetic
Authors: Kubota Akihiro , Hori Hirokazu , Naruse Makoto , Akiba Fuminori
Published: June 2017

This paper proposes a new approach to the investigation into aesthetics. Specifically, it~argues that it is possible to explain the aesthetic and its underlying dynamic relations with an~axiomatic structure (the octahedral axiom-derived category) based on contemporary mathematics (namely category theory), and through this argument suggests the possibility for discussion about the mathematical structure of the aesthetic. If there were a way to describe the structure of the aesthetic with the language of mathematical structures and mathematical axioms---a~language completely devoid of arbitrariness---then we would make possible a universal argument about the essential human activity of ``the aesthetic'', and we would also gain a new method and viewpoint into the philosophy and meaning of the act of creating a work of art and artistic activities. This paper presents one mathematical structure as a foundation in constructing the science of dynamic aesthetics based on axiomatic functionalism, which is in turn based on a new interdisciplinary investigation into the generative structure of the aesthetic.
3D continuum phonon model for group-IV 2D materials
Authors: Willatzen Morten , Lew Yan Voon Lok C , Gandi Appala Naidu , Schwingenschlögl Udo
Published: June 2017

A general three-dimensional continuum model of phonons in two-dimensional materials is developed. Our first-principles derivation includes full consideration of the lattice anisotropy and flexural modes perpendicular to the layers and can thus be applied to any two-dimensional material. In this paper, we use the model to not only compare the phonon spectra among the group-IV materials but also to study whether these phonons differ from those of a compound material such as molybdenum disulfide. The origin of quadratic modes is clarified. Mode coupling for both graphene and silicene is obtained, contrary to previous works. Our model allows us to predict the existence of confined optical phonon modes for the group-IV materials but not for molybdenum disulfide. A comparison of the long-wavelength modes to density-functional results is included.
Tandem Swift and INTEGRAL Data to Revisit the Orbital and Superorbital Periods of 1E 1740.7–2942
Authors: Stecchini Paulo Eduardo , Castro Manuel , Jablonski Francisco , D’Amico Flavio , Braga João
Published: June 2017

The black hole candidate 1E 1740.7−2942 is one of the strongest hard X-ray sources in the Galactic Center region. No counterparts in longer wavelengths have been identified for this object yet. The presence of characteristic timing signatures in the flux history of X-ray sources has been shown to be an important diagnostic tool for the properties of these systems. Using simultaneous data from NASA’s Swift and ESA’s INTEGRAL missions, we have found two periodic signatures at 12.61 ± 0.06 days and 171.1 ± 3.0 days in long-term hard X-ray light curves of 1E 1740.7−2942. We interpret those as the orbital and superorbital periods of the object, respectively. The reported orbital period is in good agreement with previous studies of 1E 1740.7−2942 using NASA’s RXTE data. We present here the first firm evidence of a superorbital period for 1E 1740.7−2942, which has important implications for the nature of the binary system.
The First Scattered-light Image of the Debris Disk around the Sco–Cen Target HD 129590
Authors: Matthews Elisabeth , Hinkley Sasha , Vigan Arthur , Kennedy Grant , Rizzuto Aaron , Stapelfeldt Karl , Mawet Dimitri , Booth Mark , Chen Christine , Jang-Condell Hannah
Published: June 2017

We present the first scattered-light image of the debris disk around HD 129590, a ∼1.3 M
⊙ G1V member of the Scorpius–Centaurus association with an age of ∼10–16 Myr. The debris disk is imaged with the high contrast imaging instrument SPHERE at the Very Large Telescope, and is revealed by both the IRDIS and IFS subsytems, operating in the H and YJ bands respectively. The disk has a high infrared luminosity of

 ∼ 5 × 10−3, and has been resolved in other studies using ALMA. We detect a nearly edge-on ring, with evidence of an inner clearing. We fit the debris disk using a model characterized by a single bright ring, with radius ∼60–70 au, in broad agreement with previous analyses of the target SED. The disk is vertically thin, and has an inclination angle of ∼75°. Along with other previously imaged edge-on disks in the Sco–Cen association such as HD 110058, HD 115600, and HD 111520, this disk image will allow of the structure and morphology of very young debris disks, shortly after the epoch of planet formation has ceased.
A pictorial review of reconstructive foot and ankle surgery: evaluation and intervention of the flatfoot deformity
Authors: Meyr Andrew James , Sansosti Laura E , Ali Sayed
Published: June 2017

This pictorial review focuses on basic procedures performed within the field of podiatric surgery, specifically for elective reconstruction of the midfoot and rearfoot with focus on the flatfoot deformity.  Our goal is to demonstrate objective radiographic parameters that surgeons utilize to initially define the deformity, lead to procedure selection, and judge post-operative outcomes.  We hope that radiologists will employ this information to improve their assessment of post-operative radiographs following reconstructive foot surgeries.  First, relevant radiographic measurements are defined and their role in procedure selection explained.  Second, the specific surgical procedures of the Evans calcaneal osteotomy, medial calcaneal slide osteotomy, Cotton osteotomy, subtalar joint arthroeresis, and arthrodeses of the rearfoot are described.  Finally, specific plain film radiographic findings that judge post-operative outcomes for each procedure are detailed.
Calcification of the epiglottis presenting as foreign body sensation in the neck
Authors: Jeph Sunil , Aidi Michael , Shah Ahmed , Ly Thu-Thao , Bronov Oleg
Published: June 2017

The epiglottis plays an important role in preventing food of different consistencies from entering the airway during swallowing. Calcification of epiglottis can, potentially, alter and limit its movement causing aspiration amongst other swallowing problems. Isolated calcification of the epiglottis and its clinical presentation remains a poorly understood entity for radiologists as well as clinicians. Therefore, it is important to recognize the imaging features of epiglottic calcification, and it's known clinical presentations to help clinicians with early diagnosis and management.
Preferred Place of Care and Death Among the Terminally Ill
Authors: Woo Raymond Kam-wing , Kwok Annie Oi Ling , Tse Doris Man Wah
Published: June 2017

The research on patients' preferred place of care and death has received increasing attention in recent decades. In palliative care, one of the main goals is to facilitate patients to stay in their preferred place of care, and to die in the place of their choice. Although ‘home' is often quoted as the most preferred place of care and death among the terminally-ill in other places, local studies suggested otherwise. In Hong Kong, death is highly institutionalized with the vast majority of deaths occurring in public hospitals. Local culture, health care system and its provision and accessibility, presence of public health care policy on palliative care and care for the terminally-ill are among the factors affecting patients' preferred and actual place of care and death. This chapter is going to provide an overview of the recent studies and to discuss the topic from the Asian perspectives, and to highlight on the debates on the related policies.
Extended Adaptive Join Operator with Bind-Bloom Join for Federated SPARQL Queries
Authors: Oguz Damla , Yin Shaoyi , Ergenç Belgin , Hameurlain Abdelkader , Dikenelli Oguz
Published: June 2017

The goal of query optimization in query federation over linked data is to minimize the response time and the completion time. Communication time has the highest impact on them both. Static query optimization can end up with inefficient execution plans due to unpredictable data arrival rates and missing statistics. This study is an extension of adaptive join operator which always begins with symmetric hash join to minimize the response time, and can change the join method to bind join to minimize the completion time. The authors extend adaptive join operator with bind-bloom join to further reduce the communication time and, consequently, to minimize the completion time. They compare the new operator with symmetric hash join, bind join, bind-bloom join, and adaptive join operator with respect to the response time and the completion time. Performance evaluation shows that the extended operator provides optimal response time and further reduces the completion time. Moreover, it has the adaptation ability to different data arrival rates.
E-government Contribution to Better Performance by Public Sector
Authors: Abu-Shanab Emad Ahmed
Published: June 2017

E-government is a new phenomenon that improves public services provision to citizens, improves public sector performance, and enriches the political arena. Such ambitious objectives are not fully investigated in the literature, where most research focused on the service provision area. Improving public sector's performance is a vital dimension of e-government benefits and addresses the demands for cutting budgets and the financial situations facing many governments across the world. This study explored the e-government literature to summarize the reported contributions of e-government in relation to improving government performance. The second objective is to conduct an empirical test for our propositions based on public employees' perceptions regarding the set of benefits and contributions alleged by research. A sample of 107 public employees filled a survey summarizing the contributions of e-government based on 6 major dimensions. Conclusions and future work are stated at the end.
Crowdsourcing the Disaster Management Cycle
Authors: Harrison Sara E , Johnson Peter A
Published: June 2017

Crowdsourcing is a communication platform that can be used during and after a disastrous event. Previous research in crisis crowdsourcing demonstrates its wide adoption for aiding response efforts by non-government organizations and public citizens. There is a gap in understanding the government use of crowdsourcing for emergency management, and in the use of crowdsourcing for mitigation and preparedness. This research aims to characterize crowdsourcing in all phases of the disaster management cycle by government agencies in Canada and the USA. Semi-structured interviews conducted with 22 government officials from both countries reveal that crisis crowdsourced information is used in all phases of the disaster management cycle, though direct crowdsourcing is yet to be applied in the pre-disaster phases. Emergency management officials and scholars have an opportunity to discover new ways to directly use crowdsourcing for mitigation and preparedness.
Social Media and Disasters
Authors: Gray Briony J. , Weal Mark J , Martin David
Published: June 2017

Conceptual frameworks which seek to integrate social media uses into disaster management strategies are employed in a range of events. With continued variations to online practices, developments in technology, and changes in online behaviours, it is imperative to provide conceptual frameworks which are relevant, current and insightful. This paper firstly conceptualizes a range of recent literature through inductive coding and proposes a new conceptual framework of current social media uses. Secondly, the framework is applied to a case study of a multi-hazard disaster: which are predicted to grow in severity and frequency due to climate change, alongside increased habitation of at-risk zones. Storm Desmond 2015 has been selected. Snowball sampling is used to identify networks of interest, and thematic analysis used to track changes in Twitter content over time. Web accessibility and information reliability issues are presented and discussed.
Impact of Non-Typical Antenna Configurations on Higher Order Sectored Sites in Ultra Dense Networks
Authors: Sheikh Muhammad Usman , Lempiäinen Jukka
Published: June 2017

The site densification and higher order sectorization are the two well-known possible ways of increasing the system capacity. However, to take the full advantage of these techniques they should be implemented with optimum antenna configuration. The target of this paper is to highlight the gain of using an optimized antenna configuration for 3-, and 6-sector sites in achieving a better quality (SINR) and capacity. Generally, a 3-sector site is deployed with 65° HPBW antenna; however, it was observed that for ultra-dense networks i.e. 100 m to 250 m ISD distance 3-sector site gives better result with 32° HPBW antenna. Similarly, performance of 6-sector site was found better with 16° HPBW antenna at small ISDs, whereas at large intersite distances the 32° HPBW antenna was found to be a preferred choice. It was observed that spectral efficiency of the cell degrades with site densification and higher order sectorization, but the overall capacity of a system improves due to more number of sectors and cells.
A new species of the genus Indotrichius Krikken, 2009 from Southern Vietnam (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae, Cetoniinae)
Authors: Ricchiardi Enrico
Published: June 2017

Four species of Trichiina from the Himalayas and adjacent regions were up till now associated with the genus Indotrichius Krikken, 2009. Surprisingly, a new species, here described, was collected in the province of Lam Dong, in the south of Vietnam, considerably expanding the distribution range of Indotrichius. The genus is shortly re-diagnosed and a list of species is given.
First record of Bruchidius raddianae in Italy: infested seeds of Vachellia karroo from Lampedusa island (Coleoptera: Bruchidae; Fabales: Fabaceae)
Authors: Toma Luciano , Ramos Rafael Yus , Severini Francesco , Di Luca Marco , Mei Maurizio , Zampetti Marcello Franco
Published: June 2017

Bruchidius raddianae (Anton & Delobel 2003), a species of seed beetle spread in Northern Africa, was detected for the first time in Europe in some localities of the Southern Iberian Peninsula in 2007. In Spain this coleopteran lives on the shrubs of the South African acacia tree, Vachellia karroo (Hayne) Banfi & Galasso, currently present in the Southern Iberian Peninsula. From seeds of V. karroo collected in October 2015, in Lampedusa island, Italy, where this plant is widely spread, 45 specimens of this coleopteran emerged. This observation represents the first record of B. raddianae in Italy and the second one for Europe.
New data on the Australasian Xantholinini. 9th. New genus, new species, and new records from Australia, New Caledonia and New Zealand (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) [259th contribution to the knowledge of the Staphylinidae]
Authors: Bordoni Arnaldo
Published: June 2017

One genus and four species of Xantholinini are described as new: Kamilaroius serpens gen. n., sp. n. and Andelis australis sp. n. from Australia; Zeteotomus caledonicus sp. n. from New Caledonia, and Wangareiella suborbata sp. n. from New Zealand. The male genitalia of Australinus megacephalus (Lea) are figured for the first time. New records of other species of Xantholinini from the Australasian region are listed.
Photonics Society of Poland: towards a new decade
Authors: Woliński Tomasz R.
Published: June 2017

Editorial note for Photonics Letters of Poland Vol. 9 No. 2.
¿Qué piensan los mejores estudiantes universitarios? Voces de futuros educadores
Authors: González-Geraldo J. L. , Del Rincón Igea B.
Published: June 2017

El presente trabajo profundiza en la excelencia universitaria desde, según el incipiente Espacio Europeo de Educación Superior (EEES), la parte más importante del proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje: el estudiante. A lo largo de cinco cursos académicos (2010-2015) del Grado de Educación Social y de uno del Grado en Maestro de Educación Primaria (2015- 2016), ambos de la Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM), se identificó a todos los candidatos que podían optar a la mayor distinción, Matrícula de Honor, en cada una de las cuatro asignaturas estudiadas (N = 22). A cada uno de ellos se le pidió que elaborara una defensa final por escrito, un egodocumento, donde argumentaran por qué deberían recibir dicha calificación. El análisis de los discursos elaborados, como elemento decisivo a la hora de otorgar la excelencia académica, presenta un excelente ejercicio de introspección que convierte la evaluación del aprendizaje en una evaluación para el aprendizaje. Más allá del conocimiento (saber) y las destrezas adquiridas (saber hacer), los estudiantes sobresalientes presentan aspectos éticos difíciles de ignorar: equidad, honradez, altruismo, etc. (saber ser y estar). La diferencia entre un estudiante sobresaliente y alguien que merece una Matrícula de Honor puede que no radique en unas simples décimas entre el nueve y el diez. La presente experiencia es de utilidad para todos aquellos profesores universitarios preocupados por la calidad de la educación superior, poniendo sobre la mesa la necesidad de replantear una excelencia exclusivamente centrada en criterios cuantitativos.
Teamwork dynamics analysis as a teaching resource in operations management courses
Authors: Oltra Mestre Maria J. , Garcia Palao Cristina , Flor Marisa
Published: June 2017

Team working is a form to organize the work in numerosus production contexts and so an competence to be develop in students from several high educational courses. The objective of the work is to research on how to facilitate the teamworking competence development on operations management students. Action learning is use as methodology and student’s reflections are the base for making proposals which are mainly related with using process analysis as reference for the teams flow work analysis.
Learning to Teach Lean Management through Games: Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Martínez Jurado Pedro José , Moyano Fuentes José
Published: June 2017

The mail goal of this work is to analyze and synthesize the research on teaching methods of Lean Management through games. For this a systematic literature review has been carried out. The main results show: a) A classification of the literature and the main topics consi- dered, b) a bibliometric analysis, and c) a discussion of the empirical evidence. Finally, we propose new opportunities and challenges that should be addressed by future research.
Distance Learning in Clinical Transplantation: A Successful Model in Post-Graduate Education
Authors: Halawa Ahmed , Sharma Ajay , Bridson Julie M , Lyon Sarah , Prescott Denise , Guha Arpan , Taylor David
Published: June 2017

Background and Purpose: There are misconceptions among clinicians and educational bodies that online courseswould not suit clinically orientated medical education, where bedside management and direct contact with realpatients is the key to the learning process. Whereas, the proponents of online education believe that a well-designedand properly blueprinted course can deliver the required education that would efficiently meet the expectations ofboth the student and these educational bodies. While variations in medical practice are a norm that warrant a flexibleand, at the same time, a focused approach is required to ensure that ‘threshold concepts’ are learnt, which is anadditional challenge. We aimed to facilitate the students to develop skills of learning from work-based reflectivepractice by linking with their own real-time analysis of their own clinical experience. This is supported by a robustscientific basis, a unique opportunity for many clinicians who may not have a reliable opportunity for discussion and,thereby, this course (MSc in Transplantation) provides a platform that allows everyone to learn from each other’sexperience by using ‘e-blackboard®’.Methods: Not just a knowledge transfer, the critical thresholds of each and every chapter in the 4 modules of MSc inTransplantation Sciences were defined to a razor-sharp precision. Learning objectives of learning activity wereaimed to achieve constructive alignment with critical threshold. We employed Kirkpatrick pyramid (satisfaction,learning, impact, results and return on investment) (a) for the evaluation of our performance as educators of theprogramme, and (b) to evaluate the acceptance of this non-traditional format in clinical medicine education bypostgraduate students (80 transplant clinicians from 22 countries).Results: Students’ survey of the first cohort (satisfaction, Kirkpatrick level 1) reported 93% students’ satisfactionrate. 93% of the students passed module one (learning Kirkpatrick level 2) and 100% subscription to module two(return on investment Kirkpatrick level 5).Conclusion: For a successful model in distance learning in clinical medicine it is imperative to establish an effectivesupportive contact using a range of modalities in order to allow real-time reflective practice that is so crucial inenabling the students to learn from their own clinical experience.
Social Intelligence of Principals and Its Relationship with Creative Behavior
Authors: Kriemeen Hani , Hajaia Sulaiman
Published: June 2017

The study aimed at investigating the level of the social intelligence among the male and female principals in TafilaGovernorate from the teachers views and its relationship with creative behavior.The sample consisted of 190 male and female teachers chosen randomly. For achieving the goals of the study, theresearchers developed two instruments, the first one was for social intelligence including 29 items, and the secondone was for creative behavior including 22 items distributed on five domains: flexibility, originality, fluency,sensitivity to problems, and risk acceptance.The results indicated that the level of social intelligence of principals was mid, and for creative behavior as well. Theresults also showed that there is a statistically significance positive correlative relationship between socialintelligence and creative behavior.
The Influence of Cooperatif Learning Model and Critical Thinking on Essay Writing Skills (Experiment Study)
Authors: Istiara Febriyantina , Lustyantie Ninuk
Published: June 2017

The purpose of this research was to find out whether there is any influence on cooperative learning model and criticalthinking on English essay writing skills. The data was collected through (1) multiple choice reading test of criticalthinking instrument and (2) essay writing test. The research used treatment by level 2 x 2 design. The technique ofanalysis data used two ways ANOVA. The research finding shows that: 1) it is significant between English essaywriting skill between students that was learned by task-based learning and think talk write learning, it is Fh (bk) =9.93 and Ft (0,05(1,40) = 4.08. So, Fh(k) > Ft that is interaction. English essay writing skills have studied usingtask-based learning was better than think talk write learning in high critical thinking with Qaccount 12,91. English essaywriting skills have studied using think talk write learning was better than task-based learning in low critical thinkingwith Qaccount 14.1.
Septic Arthritis of the Shoulder: A Comparison of Treatment Methods
Authors: Jiang Jimmy J. , Piponov Hristo I. , Mass Daniel P. , Angeles Jovito G. , Shi Lewis L.
Published: June 2017

Introduction:

In-hospital outcomes were compared among patients with shoulder septic arthritis treated with arthrocentesis, open irrigation and débridement, or arthroscopic irrigation and débridement.

Methods:

The Nationwide Inpatient Sample database was queried for all cases of native shoulder septic arthritis between 2002 and 2011. Patient demographics, comorbidities, and hospitalization complications were compared for the shoulder arthrocentesis (nonsurgical) and open or arthroscopic irrigation and débridement (surgical) groups.

Results:

Data for 7,145 patients were analyzed. Medical comorbidities and complications were more common in the nonsurgical group than in the open surgical group (septicemia, 36.7% versus 23.6%, P < 0.001; death, 6.5% versus 2.5%, P < 0.001; pneumonia, 11.3% versus 6.2%, P < 0.001; septic shock, 4% versus 2.2%, P < 0.001; and urinary tract infection, 15.5% versus 10.2%, P < 0.001). The mean length of stay was longer in the nonsurgical group compared with the open surgical group (11.5 days versus 10.5 days, respectively; P = 0.002) and the percentage of patients discharged to home was lower (55.1% versus 64.0%, respectively; P < 0.001). Compared with the open surgical group, the arthroscopic surgical group had higher incidences of perioperative septicemia and urinary tract infection and similar average length of stay, hospital charges, and blood transfusion rates, but a lower incidence of osteomyelitis (P < 0.001). In a subgroup of patients with septicemia, Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequently cultured causative organism.

Discussion:

Septic arthritis in the shoulder is challenging to manage, and patients often have medical comorbidities and complications. In this study, the nonsurgically treated patients had substantially more preexisting comorbidities and in-hospital complications than the surgically treated patients had, which likely contributed to the longer average length of stay and lower discharge percentage in the nonsurgical group.

Conclusion:

Patients with septic arthritis of the shoulder frequently experience substantial systemic complications regardless of the treatment method. Septicemia was a common complication among all treatment groups, with cultures most frequently indicating Staphylococcus aureus as the causative organism.

Level of Evidence: Therapeutic level III
A Study on the Mechanical Properties for Ternary Polymer Blends
Authors: Hameed Awham M.
Published: June 2017

In this work, two ternary polymer blends were prepared by mixing EP with (UP/PSR) and (PVC/PSR) respectively. Different mixing ratios were used (5, 10, 15 and 20) wt.% of the added polymers. Impact, tensile, compression, flexural and hardness tests were performed on the prepared blends. The results of testing showed that the first ternary blend A (EP/UP/PSR) records tensile strength values higher than that of the second ternary blend B (EP/ PVC/PSR). At 20wt.% of mixing, the blend B records higher impact strength than that of the blend A. There is large difference in the flexural behavior between A and B blends where the blend A records the highest value of flexural strength (F.S) at (5wt.%) while the blend B records the highest value of (F.S) at (20wt.%). From compression test, it is obvious that the values of compressive strength decrease of blend B more than that of the blend A as well as the same behavior can be obtained through the hardness test.