bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Denoising Ultrasound Medical Images
Authors: A.S.C.S.Sastry  , P.V.V.Kishore MIEE  , Prasad Ch.Raghava , M.V.D.Prasad
Published: May 2016

Medical ultrasound imaging has revolutioned the diagnostics of human body in the last few decades. The major drawback of ultrasound medical images is speckle noise. Speckle noise in ultrasound images is because of multiple reflections of ultrasound waves from hard tissues. Speckle noise degrades the medical ultrasound images lessening the visible quality of the image. The aim of this paper is to improve the image quality of ultrasound medical images by applying block based hard and soft thresholding on wavelet coefficients. Medical ultrasound image transformation to wavelet domain uses debauchee's mother wavelet. Divide the approximate and detailed coefficients into uniform blocks of size 8×8, 16×16, 32×32 and 64×64. Hard and soft thresholding on these blocks of approximate and detailed coefficients reduces speckle noise. Inverse transformation to original spatial domain produces a noise reduced ultrasound image. Experiments on medical ultrasound images obtained from diagnostic centers in Vijayawada, India show good improvements to ultrasound images visually. Quality of improved images in measured using peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR), image quality index (IQI), structural similarity index (SSIM).
Web Platform to Support the Portuguese National Registry of Haemophilia and Other Inherited Blood Disorders
Authors: Teixeira Leonor , Saavedra Vasco , Ferreira Carlos , Santos Beatriz Sousa
Published: May 2016

Patient registries are essential tools for identifying and tracking people with a particular disease and for collecting epidemiological information, having a special role in rare and chronic diseases, where haemophilia and other inherited blood disorders (HoIBD) are classified. Web-based technologies represent an excellent solution to support different types of registries, due to the benefits that they can promote in the management of disease data. This work presents the web platform developed in a joint initiative between the Portuguese Association of Congenital Coagulopathies (PACC) and the University of Aveiro (UA), with the purpose of creating the first National Patients Registry (NPR) with HoIBD in Portugal. This application is hosted in the data centre of the UA, and at this moment it is already used by clinicians of the different Haemophilia Treatment Centres (HTC) located in Portugal, with the next challenge being the increase in the number of users.
Adoption and Use of Open Source Infrastructure Software by Large Corporations
Authors: Mahapatra RadhaKanta , Manzar Rashid , Bhadauria Vikram S.
Published: May 2016

Adoption and continuance of use of open source infrastructure software by large business organizations is not well understood. This study fills this gap in research by conducting a longitudinal investigation of the adoption and use of MySQL by two large corporations. One organization, an early adopter, adopted and used MySQL for several years before reverting back to a proprietary product. The other, a late adopter, made an initial adoption decision but didn't deploy it in mission critical applications. Interestingly, free software and freedom to access and modify the source code, the hallmark of the open source model, were not found to be significant in promoting adoption. In contrast, high quality maintenance support and timely product enhancement to keep up with user needs were considered critical for initial adoption and continued use of software. The study also demonstrates the need to investigate continuance of use to get a complete picture of open source software adoption and use by organizations.
Electron Microscopic Investigation on Nanostructure Behaviors of Thermal Oxidation Copper
Authors: Esa Siti Rahmah , Omar Ghazali , Yahya Rosiyah , Tamaldin Noreffendy , Hassan Aziz , Abdul Rahim Bazura , Wan Ismail Wan Azli
Published: May 2016

A copper alloy consists of 2.6% Fe, 0.15% P and 0.2% Zn with modified grain size of 500 and 750 nm were studied on their rate of diffusion at different oxidation temperature using electron microscopic imaging technique. Different oxidation temperature contributed to the variation of copper oxide particle size, surface porosity level, particle agglomeration and particle nucleation. High oxidation temperature resulted in large oxide particles formation as well as high surface porosity. The magnitude of the copper oxide growth depended on the oxidation temperature. The increase in the oxidation rate at high oxidation temperature was likely a result of faster transport of the reactants through the bulk copper due to a significant contribution from grain-boundary diffusion.
A Study on (K, Na) NbO3 Thin Films with Optimized Layer: Effect on Physical and Electrical Properties
Authors: Azmi Nurul Azuwa , Azlan Umar Al Amani , Mohd Hatta Maziati Akmal , Azam Mohd Asyadi , Rashid Mohd Warikh Abdul
Published: May 2016

(K, Na)NbO3 (KNN) thin films were prepared by sol-gel technique. Spin coating deposition and rapid thermal annealing (RTP) process were applied to produce the KNN thin films. The films obtained demonstrated that highly crystallographic orientation was produced at five layer deposition with increase (preferred orientation) peak at (1 1 1). The thickness of five layers thin films observed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) was determined to be ~200nm. However, the inhomogeneous distribution of KNN particles was detected in KNN thin films. The distribution of KNN elements was confirmed by energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectra. Improvement was observed in resistivity (2.71-7.81x106 Ω.cm) and dielectric loss (0.35%-0.21%) following the increasing number of layers.
Effects of Particulate Types on Biomass Particulate Filled Kenaf/Polypropylene Composite
Authors: Abd Latif Mohd Abrar , Abd Manaf Mohd Edeerozey , Firdaus Muhammad Izzat Syahmi , Maslamany Loganarrth , Munawar Rose Farahiyan
Published: May 2016

The application of natural fibers in composite is very encouraging because of its many benefits such as more environmental friendly and cost reduction. Recently, there is an interest on the application of kenaf-based material for high-end uses such as in automotive industry. In this research, mechanical properties of kenaf fiber reinforced polypropylene (KFRP) composite added with two different types of bio-based fillers, i.e., oil palm shell particle (OPSP) and rubber seed shell particle (RSSP) are studied. The composites were prepared by melt mixing of the materials using internal mixer, followed by compression molding process using hot press machine. The tensile and flexural strength were found to increase with the addition of OPSP as well as RSSP. However, KFRP composite added with RSSP showed better tensile, flexural and impact properties as compared to the composite added with OPSP. From microscopic observation of the raw OPSP and RSSP particles, it was observed that OPSP showed a more granular shape, while RSSP particles were flakier in shape. This difference in particle shape is believed to affect the mechanical properties of the composites as demonstrated in this study.
Effect of Carbon Particle Size and Content on the Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Recycled SLS Glass Composite
Authors: Mustafa Zaleha , Shamsudin Zurina , Othman Radzali , Sapari Nur Fashiha , Mohd Juoi Jariah , Ishak Nur Fatiha , Md Fadzullah Siti Hajar Sheikh
Published: May 2016

Glass-composite materials were prepared from the soda lime silicate (SLS) waste glass; ball clay and charcoal powder were fired to temperature of 850 °C as an effort for recycling waste glass. Various carbon contents, i.e., 1, 5, 10, 20 and 30 wt.% C were used to evaluate the effect of carbon contents on the hardness and thermal properties of glass composites. In addition, five different particles size (d0.5) of 1, 5, 20, 40 and 75 μm were used to observe the influence of particle size on the physical and mechanical properties of the glass composites. Phase analysis studies revealed the presence of quartz (ICDD: 00001-0649, 2θ = 25.6° and 35.6°), cristobalite (ICDD 00004-0379, 2θ = 22.0° and 38.4°) and wollastonite (ICDD 00002-0689, 2θ = 30.1° and 26.9°). The results showed that the optimised properties is at 1 wt.% of carbon content containing average pore size of 10 μm, with lowest porosity percentage of 1.76 %, highest Vickers microhardness of 4.6 GPa and minimum CTE. The percentage of porosity and hardness value also increased with reduction in carbon particle size.
Facile Method of Enzyme Immobilization on Silica Quasi-Nanospheres (SiO2) Synthesized Using PODFA for Biosensing Applications
Authors: Saiful Anuar Nurulaina Fasya , Misran Halina , Ahmad Salim Musdalilah , Othman S.Z.
Published: May 2016

In this study, silica spheres (SiO2) nanomaterials were introduced as the support materials for glucose sensors. Glucose oxidase (GOx) was immobilized onto SiO2 spheres (SiO2/GOx) using physical adsorption (electrostatic interaction) method. The SiO2 spheres were synthesized in-house using a nonsurfactant template of palm oil derived fatty alcohols (PODFA). Based on FT-IR analyses, SiO2/GOx exhibited N-H absorbance at ca. 2990 cm-1 and O-H absorbance at ca. 3330 cm-1. One new absorbance peak was observed at ca. 2320 cm1 attributed to the bending vibration (νbend)of silane molecules (Si-H) obtained by the interaction of GOx and the surface silanols (Si-OH). UV-Vis analysis results exihibited the presence of a new broad peak for GOx/SiO2 sample at ca. 250 nm to 280 nm suggested to be assigned to H2O2, C=C and benzene ring from GOx. The optimum pH and optimum temperature for SiO2/GOx for GOx activity were ca. 7.0 and ca. 50°C respectively. The increase of glucose concentration from 2mM to 5mM resulted to the increment of absorbance value for both GOx and SiO2/GOxsuggesting succesful immobilization of GOx on SiO2 spheres. These materials were suitable for glucose detection at very small glucose concentrations particularly in salivary glucose detection.
Comparative studies on in-vitro response of fresh and old calli of rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Amarasinghe A. A. Y. , Yang Y. S.
Published: May 2016

In-vitro responses of fresh and old calli of japonica variety, Taipei 309, and indica variety, Qiuguiai 11, were investigated with different culture procedures to develop an efficient protocol to improve the regeneration efficiency of long-term cultured calli of rice. Pre-culture media were used to restore the declined plant regeneration ability in long-term cultured calli. Both proliferation rates and regeneration efficiencies were compared between 2 varieties with fresh and old calli before and after using pre-culture media. It was clear that in-vitro culture responses were being declined after the second subculture of calli, indicating the loss of abilities to regenerate plants from long-term cultured calli in rice. An efficient protocol developed in this study with a pre-culture medium containing 10 mg/l BA,4 mg/l ABA, 1 mg/l NAA and 3% maltose showed 7-9 folds increase of in-vitro responses in longterm cultured old calli. This protocol not only restored the declined in-vitro ability, but also reduced the somaclonal variation, especially in indica variety, Qiuguiai 11. Furthermore, japonica variety, Taipei 309, performed well in the proliferation cultures before and after using pre-culture media, showing higher proliferation rates with both fresh and old calli, comparing with indica variety, Qiuguiai 11. Higher regeneration efficiencies with less number of albino plants were given by indica variety, Qiuguiai 11 throughout the study. This study clearly indicates that the invitro culture responses in rice depend mainly on the varieties of different subspecies, culture conditions and compositions, and the stages of the culture procedures.
The potential of plants and plant products in stored insect pest management
Authors: Rajapakse R. H. S.
Published: May 2016

In most of the tropical countries including Sri Lanka beetles attack store seeds and is a major cause of serious post harvest losses. In order to protect the stored product from insects not only pesticides but a formulation of plants and their products as powders, volatile oils, non volatile oils and extracts could be effectively used. An overview of available literature on use of plant products against the storage beetles in tropical regions is presented in order to highlight the importance, safe use, and effective control. Seed beetles cause an important part of the total insect damage to seed crops. The potential efficacy of a plant product can depend on the plant species, the plant part, and the time and way of harvesting. The mere fact that the natural products are used, implies that considerable variation is to be expected. Many of the tested plants do show effects against the seed beetles. The most effective plants or methods of application are not known, but results are promising and plant material can be an effective weapon in the battle against the beetles. Plants can be an effective replacement for chemical insecticides to protect stored seeds.
Indigenous knowledge as a key to sustainable development
Authors: Senanayake S. G. J. N.
Published: May 2016

Indigenous knowledge is the unique knowledge confined to a particular culture or society. It is also known as local knowledge, folk knowledge, people's knowledge, traditional wisdom or traditional science. This knowledge is generated and transmitted by communities, over time, in an effort to cope with their own agro- ecological and socio-economic environments (Fernandez, 1994). It is generated through a systematic process of observing local conditions, experimenting with solutions and readapting previously identified solutions to modified environmental, socio-economic and technological situations (Brouwers, 1993). Indigenous knowledge is passed from generation to generation, usually by word of mouth and cultural rituals, and has been the basis for agriculture, food preparation and conservation, health care, education, and the wide range of other activities that sustain a society and its environment in many parts of the world for many centuries.
Use of Caswell’s classification on food quality attributes to assess consumer perceptions towards fresh milk in tetra-packed containers
Authors: Kariyawasam S. , Jayasinghe-Mudalige U. , Weerahewa J.
Published: May 2016

This study assesses, using the Caswell’s classification on food quality attributes (1998), what quality attributes that consumers consider most important in their decision to purchase fresh milk stored in tetra-pack containers, and the impact of a number of socio-economic characteristics of consumers on this behavior. A consumer survey was carried out (n=664) in the Gampaha district from April to May in 2005, and data pertaining to 100 who consume it with the highest frequency (i.e. 3.43 packs/week) were considered for the empirical analysis. The results based on two indices, namely the “Mean Score of Quality Attribute” (MSQA) and the “Food Quality Responsive Index” (FQRI) suggest that attributes such as purity, appearance, size, convenience, and informational labeling from “value” and “package” subsets were the most important. It also shows that consumers did not judge that tetra-packs enhance attributed included in the “food safety” and “nutrition” subsets to a larger extent. The statistic outcome based on Ordered Logistic regression techniques, where the values of FQRI were used to develop four dependent variables, shows that factors such as age, marital status, sex, and level of education and income of a consumer have a significant impact on this behavior. The results suggest that the market can work effectively on promoting the sales of fresh milk by enhancing its quality in terms of value and packaging attributes, while the government should take into account of regulating the attributes of food safety and nutrition through appropriate food standards.
Methodological Issues in Predicting Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Candidates through Natural Language Processing and Machine Learning
Authors: Cohen Kevin Bretonnel , Glass Benjamin , Greiner Hansel M. , Holland-Bouley Katherine , Standridge Shannon , Arya Ravindra , Faist Robert , Morita Diego , Mangano Francesco , Connolly Brian , Glauser Tracy , Pestian John
Published: May 2016

Objective: We describe the development and evaluation of a system that uses machine learning and natural language processing techniques to identify potential candidates for surgical intervention for drug-resistant pediatric epilepsy. The data are comprised of free-text clinical notes extracted from the electronic health record (EHR). Both known clinical outcomes from the EHR and manual chart annotations provide gold standards for the patient's status. The following hypotheses are then tested: 1) machine learning methods can identify epilepsy surgery candidates as well as physicians do and 2) machine learning methods can identify candidates earlier than physicians do. These hypotheses are tested by systematically evaluating the effects of the data source, amount of training data, class balance, classification algorithm, and feature set on classifier performance. The results support both hypotheses, with F-measures ranging from 0.71 to 0.82. The feature set, classification algorithm, amount of training data, class balance, and gold standard all significantly affected classification performance. It was further observed that classification performance was better than the highest agreement between two annotators, even at one year before documented surgery referral. The results demonstrate that such machine learning methods can contribute to predicting pediatric epilepsy surgery candidates and reducing lag time to surgery referral.
Posterior Epidural Migration of a Sequestrated Lumbar Disk Fragment Causing Cauda Equina Syndrome in an Old Patient: A Case Report
Authors: Haddadi Kaveh , Qazvini Hamid Reza Ganjeh
Published: May 2016

Disk fragment relocation is commonly limited to the anterior epidural space, although posterior epidural movement of a sequestrated disk piece to the posterior epidural space is in frequent. We present an uncommon case of dorsal extradural sequestration of lumbar disk herniation. A 77-year-old man presented with severe leg pain, low back pain, and urinary incontinence. Deep tendon reflexes were inattentive at the knee and ankle, and the motor power in terms of ankle dorsiflexion and great toe dorsiflexion was 2/5 in both lower limbs. There was hypoesthesia in the S1, S2, and S3 dermatomes. Magnetic resonance imaging displayed a large isointensity lesion at the L4–L5 level on the T2 sagittal image, indenting circumferentially the thecal sac from lateral to posterior of the thecal sac. The patient underwent an L4–L5 central laminectomy. A large, solid epidural disk fragment was recognized dorsally, with major compression of the thecal sac. The patient report improved lower extremity motor function at three-month follow-up. A displaced disk fragment should be considered as causative when patients present with cauda equine syndrome and be treated as a surgical emergency.
Alcohol Consumption at Any Level Increases Risk of Injury Caused by Others: Data from the Study on Global AGEing and Adult Health
Authors: Clausen Thomas , Martinez Priscilla , Towers Andy , Greenfield Thomas , Kowal Paul
Published: May 2016

Background

Alcohol use is a well-known risk factor for injury. However, information is needed about alcohol drinking patterns and the risk of injury among older adults in low- and middle-income countries as this population grows. We aimed to examine the influence of drinking patterns on the burden of injury and investigate factors associated with different types of injury in older populations in six emerging economies.

Methods

Data from more than 37,0 adults aged 50 years and older were included from the Study on Global AGEing and Adult Health (SAGE) Wave 1 conducted in six emerging economies, namely, China, Ghana, India, Mexico, Russia, and South Africa. We investigated past-year reported injuries from falls, traffic accidents, and being hit or stabbed. Alcohol drinking patterns were measured as lifetime abstinence, ever but not past- week use, and gender-specific past-week low-risk and high-risk use. We stratified by gender and used logistic regression models to observe the association between alcohol drinking pattern and risk of injury by controlling for other factors.

Results

During the year prior to interview, 627 (2.2%) subjects reported bodily injury resulting from a car accident, 1,156 (4.2%) from a fall, and 339 (.9%) from being hit or stabbed during the past year. For women, only being a high-risk drinker increased the risk of being hit or stabbed, whereas for men, all levels of drinking were associated with an increased risk of being hit or stabbed. We observed a higher risk of being hit or stabbed from past-week high-risk drinking among women (odds ratio [OR] = 6.09, P < 0.01) than among men (OR = 3.57, P < 0.01). We observed no association between alcohol drinking pattern and injury due to car accidents for either women or men.

Conclusions

The risk of experiencing injury due to violence increased with level of alcohol exposure of the victim. The increase in alcohol use in emerging economies calls for further study into the consequences of alcohol use and for public health initiatives to reduce the risk of violence in older adult populations, with special attention to the experience of older adult women.
Kinematic and diabatic vertical velocity climatologies from a chemistry climate model
Authors: Hoppe Charlotte Marinke , Ploeger Felix , Konopka Paul , Müller Rolf
Published: May 2016

Abstract. The representation of vertical velocity in chemistry climate models is a key element for the representation of the large-scale Brewer–Dobson circulation in the stratosphere. Here, we diagnose and compare the kinematic and diabatic vertical velocities in the ECHAM/Modular Earth Submodel System (MESSy) Atmospheric Chemistry (EMAC) model. The calculation of kinematic vertical velocity is based on the continuity equation, whereas diabatic vertical velocity is computed using diabatic heating rates. Annual and monthly zonal mean climatologies of vertical velocity from a 10-year simulation are provided for both kinematic and diabatic vertical velocity representations. In general, both vertical velocity patterns show the main features of the stratospheric circulation, namely, upwelling at low latitudes and downwelling at high latitudes. The main difference in the vertical velocity pattern is a more uniform structure for diabatic and a noisier structure for kinematic vertical velocity. Diabatic vertical velocities show higher absolute values both in the upwelling branch in the inner tropics and in the downwelling regions in the polar vortices. Further, there is a latitudinal shift of the tropical upwelling branch in boreal summer between the two vertical velocity representations with the tropical upwelling region in the diabatic representation shifted southward compared to the kinematic case. Furthermore, we present mean age of air climatologies from two transport schemes in EMAC using these different vertical velocities and analyze the impact of residual circulation and mixing processes on the age of air. The age of air distributions show a hemispheric difference pattern in the stratosphere with younger air in the Southern Hemisphere and older air in the Northern Hemisphere using the transport scheme with diabatic vertical velocities. Further, the age of air climatology from the transport scheme using diabatic vertical velocities shows a younger mean age of air in the inner tropical upwelling branch and an older mean age in the extratropical tropopause region.
Technical note: Fourier approach for estimating the thermal attributes of streams
Authors: Ryo Masahiro , Leys Marie , Robinson Christopher T.
Published: May 2016

Abstract. Temperature models that directly predict ecologically important thermal attributes across spatio-temporal scales are still poorly developed. This study developed an analytical method to estimate seasonal and diel periodicities as well as irregularities in stream temperature at data-poor sites based on Fourier analysis. We first quantified the thermal attributes of a glacier-fed stream in the Swiss Alps using 2-years of hourly-recorded temperature. Stream temperature was accurately decomposed to an average 3.8 °C, diel periodicity spanning 4.9 °C, seasonal periodicity spanning 7.5 °C, and an irregularity having an average of 0.0 °C but spanning 9.7 °C. These thermal attributes then were used to estimate thermal attributes at spot-measured sites along the river, resulting in a different relative contribution (weighting) of attributes among sites. The results confirm that the developed method can infer stochastic behaviors in stream thermal attributes at spot-measured sites. Additional ways to further improve the methodological approach are discussed.
In the PaLRaP Spotlight: Glenn Miller
Authors: Campbell Stephanie
Published: May 2016

An interview with Glenn Miller, Deputy Secretary of Education and State Librarian, 2015 to present, and Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Library Association, 1995-2015.
Good Mid- to Long-Term THA Outcomes with a Modified Cementless Rectangular Biconical Stem Design
Authors: Iori Stefano , Viganò Roberto
Published: May 2016

Purpose

Second- and third-generation cementless Zweymüller stems have achieved good long-term outcomes in total hip arthroplasty (THA). The PPF cementless proximal press-fit femoral stem (Biomet Inc.) is based on the Zweymüller stem, with some prominent design differences. This study was designed to assess its performance in terms of survivorship, clinical function, and radiographic outcomes.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed 250 patients (303 hips) who underwent THA between 1998 and 2011. Patients attended a follow-up visit a mean 10.9 ± 2.6 years after the procedure. All patients underwent radiographic examination and were clinically assessed for Forgotten Joint Score (FJS) and pain visual analogue scale (VAS). Survivorship was calculated using Kaplan-Meier analysis.

Results

Clinical data were available for 142 patients (192 hips) and radiographic data for 79 patients (109 hips). Stem survival was 99.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] 96.6%-99.8%) at 10 years and 95.6% (95% CI 96.6%-99.8%) at 15 years. The median postoperative FJS was 91 (interquartile range [IQR], 75-100). The median VAS score was 0 (IQR, 0-2). Radiolucent lines were observed in 47 hips (43.1%). 25 hips (22.9%) had Grade I ossification, 17 (15.6%) Grade II, and 2 (1.8%) Grade III. 12 hips (11.0%) had osteolysis in at least 1 femoral zone.

Conclusions

The cementless proximal press-fit femoral stem was associated with good mid- to long-term survival and functional outcomes. The current design can be considered equivalent to the second- and third-generation Zweymüller stems.
In Vitro Thrombogenesis Resulting from Decreased Shear Rate and Blood Coagulability
Authors: Maruyama Osamu , Kosaka Ryo , Nishida Masahiro , Yamane Takashi , Tatsumi Eisuke , Taenaka Yoshiyuki
Published: May 2016

In vitro antithrombogenic testing with mock circulation is a useful type of pre-evaluation in ex vivo testing of mechanical assist devices. For effective in vitro testing, we have been developing a clear quantitative thrombogenesis model based on shear stress and blood coagulability. Bovine blood was used as the test medium. The activating clotting time (ACT) was adjusted with trisodium citrate and calcium chloride from 200 to 1,000 seconds. The blood was then applied to a rheometer and subjected to shear at 50 to 2,880 s-1. Blood coagulation time and degree of thrombogenesis were measured by the torque sensor of the rheometer. Prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) of the test blood were also measured after the application of shear. Blood coagulation time increased, and the degree of thrombogenesis decreased, with increases in shear rate to between 50 and 2,880 s-1. for test bloods with ACTs of 200 to 250 seconds. An ACT of 200 to 250 seconds is thus appropriate for in vitro antithrombogenic testing under a shear rate of 2,880 s-1. APTT was prolonged, whereas PT did not change, with increasing shear rate: that is, increasing the shear rate reduced thrombogenesis related to the intrinsic clotting pathway. An ACT of 200 to 250 seconds was suitable for in vitro antithrombogenic testing, and increasing the shear stress generated in the mechanical assist device reduced thrombogenesis via the intrinsic clotting pathway.
Degradation of Silk Films in Multipocket Corneal Stromal Rabbit Models
Authors: Ghezzi Chiara E. , Wang Liqiang , Behlau Irmgard , Rnjak-Kovacina Jelena , Wang Siran , Goldstein Michael H. , Liu Jingbo , Marchant Jeffrey K. , Rosenblatt Mark I. , Kaplan David L.
Published: May 2016

Introduction

The need for human cornea tissues continues to grow as an alternative option to donor tissues. Silk protein has been successfully used as a substrate to engineer corneal epithelium and stroma in vitro. Herein, we investigated the in vivo response and the effect of silk crystalline structure (beta sheet) on degradation rate of silk films in rabbit multipocket corneal models.

Methods

Three different surgical techniques (peripheral-median P-M, central-superficial C-S, central-deep C-D) were used to assess the in vivo response as well as the degradation profile of silk films with low, medium and high beta sheet (crystalline) content at 2 and 3 months after surgery.

Results

Approach C-D showed signs of sample degradation without inflammation, with one single incision and a pocket created by flushing air two thirds deep in the corneal stroma. In comparison, approaches P-M and C-S with multiple incisions presented manually dissected surgical pockets resulted in inflammation and possible extrusion of the samples, respectively. Low beta sheet samples lost structural integrity at 2 months after surgery C-D, while medium and high beta sheet content films showed initial evidence of degradation.

Conclusions

The in vivo response to the silk films was dependent on the location of the implant and pocket depth. Crystallinity content in silk films played a significant role in the timing of material degradation, without signs of inflammation and vascularization or changes in stromal organization.
Shiitake dermatitis in a 5-year old boy: First pediatric case report
Authors: Johnson Philip , Arits Aimee , Vandenplas Yvan
Published: May 2016

Shiitake mushrooms are increasingly being consumed in the West because of their possible health benefits and changing dietarypreferences. A rare but increasingly occurring undesired effect caused by the thermolabile polysaccharide lentinan in the Shiitakemushroom is the incidence of a particular toxic dermatitis called flagellate dermatitis or Shiitake dermatitis. This dermatitis isextremely pruritous, heals without scarring in one to eight weeks and the effect of treatment is doubtful. The pathogenesis has notbeen completely explained and it is unclear why some people react more than others. We here present what we believe to be thefirst pediatric case of Shiitake dermatitis in a 5-year-old boy.
Collaborative Blended Learning Writing Environment: Effects on EFL Students’ Writing Apprehension and Writing Performance
Authors: Challob Ala’a Ismael , Bakar Nadzrah Abu , Latif Hafizah
Published: May 2016

This study examined the effects of collaborative blended learning writing environment on students’ writing apprehension and writing performance as perceived by a selected group of EFL students enrolled in one of the international schools in Malaysia. Qualitative case study method was employed using semi-structured interview, learning diaries and observation. Twelve male students enrolled in Class Ten were selected to participate in a 13-week study. To learn how to write collaboratively, the students followed the procedures of the blended learning writing process. Students were divided into three groups and were given the freedom to choose the members of the group they would like to work with. They went through the writing process in face-to-face and online learning modes via the class blog and online Viber discussion. Data collected were analyzed qualitatively using thematic analysis. The findings indicated that the students had positive perceptions towards the collaborative blended learning writing environment they had experienced. They perceived that the collaborative blended learning activities had helped them reduced their writing apprehension and improve their writing performance as they experienced and learnt much knowledge concerning the micro and macro aspects of writing. Students also viewed that their online discussion and collaboration on writing in Viber groups and the class blog had assisted them greatly in their writing task.
Physical Properties of Gluten Free Sugar Cookies Containing Teff and Functional Oat Products
Authors: Inglett George. E. , Chen Diejun , Liu Sean. X.
Published: May 2016

Teff-oat composites were developed using gluten free teff flour containing essential amino acids with oat products containing beta-glucan known for lowering blood cholesterol and improving texture. The teff-oat composites were used in sugar cookies for improving nutritional and physical properties. Teff and its composites had higher water holding capacities compared to wheat flour. The pasting properties were not significantly influenced by 20% oat product replacements in teff-oat composites. The pasting viscosities of teff-OBC and teff-WOF 4:1 composites were similar to teff flour, but they were all higher than wheat flour. The elastic properties of teff-OBC (oat bran concentrate) and teff-WOF (whole oat flour) doughs were slightly higher than teff dough. Differences were also found in geometrical and textural properties of the doughs and cookies. Overall, the teff-oat cookies were acceptable in colour, flavour, and texture.
Designing Compensation for Distributed Solar Generation: Is Net Metering Ever Optimal?
Authors: Brown David P. , Sappington David E.M.
Published: May 2016

Electricity customers who install solar panels often are paid the prevailing retail price for the electricity they generate. We demonstrate that this rate of compensation typically is not optimal. A payment for distributed generation ( w) that is below the retail price of electricity ( r) often will induce the welfare-maximizing level of distributed generation (DG) when the fixed costs of centralized electricity production and the network management costs of accommodating intermittent solar DG are large, and when centralized generation and DG produce similar (pollution) externalities. w can optimally exceed r under alternative conditions. The optimal DG compensation policy varies considerably as industry conditions change. Furthermore, a requirement to equate w and r can reduce aggregate welfare substantially and can generate pronounced distributional effects.
Systematisch leren van evalueren
Authors: Knottnerus André , de Goede Peter , van der Knaap Peter
Published: May 2016

Systematic policy oriented learning through evaluation research Using values, effectiveness, independence, and quality to bridge politics and science

Policy evaluation has two main functions: it should lead to policy oriented learning and facilitate accountability. Rendering account is considered an important democratic duty but is not very popular with politicians and, hence, public officials. Learning is popular, but in practice it is often difficult to organize or, indeed, witness.

This contribution addresses the question how, in both functions, policy evaluation could be better utilized. As a starting point we the tension between scientific and political rationality and the barriers associated with these different worlds to the development of knowledge.

As indispensable for sound and productive knowledge management in government the article outlines the importance of societal values, policy effectiveness as a research angle, and the independence of researchers at major evaluations. In addition, relevant research questions, high methodological quality, responsiveness, good timing, and clear and accessible reporting are indispensable. It is argued that these are by no means abstract notions but can be brought into real day-to-day practice.

The conclusion is that a knowledge agenda for policy evaluation that is based on the search for effective policy interventions and societal values can help to bridge politics and science.
Parliamentary oversight via evaluaties?
Authors: Van Humbeeck Peter , Buyse Tim
Published: May 2016

Parliamentary oversight by evaluation? The position of the Flemish parliament from an international perspective.

Ex post evaluation is important for various reasons, in particular also from the perspective of parliaments. Evaluations feed and deepen the democratic debate by adding evidence on the results and real world impacts of laws. This strengthens each of the three institutional tasks of parliaments (initiating and approving laws, supervising government and approving the budget). Yet few parliaments in OECD countries have deployed ex post evaluation systematically.

While the rationale for ex post evaluation is broadly understood, initiatives often run into political logics. The role that parliaments play also differs greatly between countries. There is no clear best practice. Ambition, tradition, culture, political will, capacity and resources determine what is possible and desirable. A positive trend is however noticeable.

Building on examples and experiences in several parliaments, we make some recommendations to upgrade ex post evaluation practice within Parliaments. We elaborate on the Flanders’ case, where the Parliament is looking for mechanisms to extend its role in ex post evaluation. We recommend i.a. the introduction of an annual momentum on which the results of Government policies can be discussed and the performance of a number of ex post evaluations by the Parliament following the example of the French system of ‘rapports d’information’.
Market microstructure – a high frequency analysis of volume and volatility intraday patterns across the Brazilian stock market.
Authors: Da Costa Alexandre Silva , Ceretta Paulo Sergio , Müller Fernanda Maria
Published: May 2016

We investigate market microstructure with high frequency data for all stocks that participate in the Ibovespa index, the most influent index in South America. Market microstructure has been widely investigated in developed markets however not many studies focus on developing countries such as Brazil. We modeled volatility with a straightforward method using standard deviation as proxy, and classified the volume traded of all Ibovespa stocks in every 10 minutes interval of the trading days sampled. In the end, we found similarities of previous investigations documented in financial literature such as the stylized facts L-shape pattern for volatility and the U-shape for volume. One interesting finding is that during the most active trading time, the interval that comprises the closing call, volatility slumps; on the other hand, the second most active trading time, the opening, displays extreme volatility.
Capacidades dinâmicas e capital social organizacional: um estudo exploratório em ambiente de incubadora e parque tecnológico
Authors: Tondolo Vilmar Antonio Gonçalves , Tondolo Rosana Da Rosa Portella , Puffal Daniel Pedro , Bitencourt Cláudia Cristina
Published: May 2016

Technology parks and technology incubators have been used as a way of implementation of public policies for the development of innovation and entrepreneurship. Accordingly, this study aims to comprehend the relationship between Dynamic Capabilities (DCs) and Organizational Social Capital (OSC) in the environment of incubator and technology park. Regarding study method, this is a qualitative and exploratory case study. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed based on content analysis. As results, it was possible to identify the relationship between the CSO and CDs, especially the development of resources and capabilities via social ties and the role of Valetec and ITEF as promoting social interaction. The results suggest that the trajectory has the role of enhancing the benefits that businesses can obtain through CSO.
Impactos ambientais e vantagens comparativas do transporte hidroviário em relação a outros modos de transporte no sul do Brasil
Authors: Saraiva Pedro Luis de Oliveira , Maehler Alisson Eduardo , Dias Marcelo Fernandes Pacheco
Published: May 2016

The article aims to analyze the environmental impacts, the costs, the advantages and disadvantages of using the waterway transport mode relative to other modes of transport available in the south of Rio Grande do Sul region, especially in Pelotas, Rio Grande and Charquedas. The research has a qualitative approach and use the method of case study. The data collection technique was conducting interviews with various managers of Alpha Company, as well as conducting on site observation and document analysis. After analyzing the results obtained from the interviews, we drew a parallel with the theoretical background and we came to the conclusion that the waterway logistics is a viable option in reducing transport costs, because it provides reduced operating costs in order 40 % compared with road transportation. Still, the carbon dioxide emission reduction in the atmosphere is significant, because each barge carries the equivalent to loads of 140 trucks. However, it points out the need for public policies that encourage the use of the waterway mode by companies, especially in the area analyzed.
Mobilidade espacial, temporal e contextual: um estudo de inspiração etnográfica sobre o trabalho móvel em shopping center
Authors: Corso Kathiane Benedetti , Cavedon Neusa Rolita , Freitas Henrique
Published: May 2016

This paper aims to understand the behavior of mobile workers, users of Mobile and Wireless Technologies (MWT), in a shopping while workspace. Through an ethnographic look, with interviews and observation, picked up the Solar Shopping as a field of study. Shopping as a workplace means for respondents optimization “dead time”. To deal with factors intrinsic to Shopping dispersion (spatial mobility), mobile workers develop strategies to dribble these distractions. The temporal mobility is seen as an obstacle in the face of lack of separation of work and leisure time, but also the advantage of the flexibility that communication tools offer. Concerning contextual mobility, email creates an obtrusive relationship entering in one's life, so almost invasive.
Política de esporte e lazer: a elaboração de um instrumento de avaliação
Authors: Almeida Brunna Carvalho , De Paula Sílvio Luiz
Published: May 2016

This study aimed to develop an assessment tool for policieson sport and leisure Recife/PE. To achieve this goal as a theoretical framework based on the characteristics pointed out by Silva (2001) discuss theoretical issues related to the type and nature of public policy evaluation as shown by Belloni, Magellan and Sousa (2007), its dimensions as indicated Arretche (2009) and indicators as suggested Draibe (2001). To achieve this purpose was carried out action research with managers responsible for formulating and implementing policy in Recife / PE, as a collection technique were carried out focus group meetings from a pre-matrix, previously prepared from documentary research and literature. The results pointed to an evaluation process, since it focuses on the political and administrative dimensions of the politics of sport and leisure. However, the instrumentation, while guiding an assessment also presents elements for the formulation of new policies for the sector who wishes to work in the design of sport and leisure as a social right.
Adipose Mesenchymal Stromal Cell-Based Therapy for Severe Osteoarthritis of the Knee: A Phase I Dose-Escalation Trial
Authors: Pers Yves-Marie , Rackwitz Lars , Ferreira Rosanna , Pullig Oliver , Delfour Christophe , Barry Frank , Sensebe Luc , Casteilla Louis , Fleury Sandrine , Bourin Philippe , Noël Danièle , Canovas François , Cyteval Catherine , Lisignoli Gina , Schrauth Joachim , Haddad Daniel , Domergue Sophie , Noeth Ulrich , Jorgensen Christian ,   on behalf of the ADIPOA Consortium
Published: May 2016

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most widespread musculoskeletal disorder in adults. It leads to cartilage damage associated with subchondral bone changes and synovial inflammation, causing pain and disability. The present study aimed at evaluating the safety of a dose-escalation protocol of intra-articular injected adipose-derived stromal cells (ASCs) in patients with knee OA, as well as clinical efficacy as secondary endpoint. A bicentric, uncontrolled, open phase I clinical trial was conducted in France and Germany with regulatory agency approval for ASC expansion procedure in both countries. From April 2012 to December 2013, 18 consecutive patients with symptomatic and severe knee OA were treated with a single intra-articular injection of autologous ASCs. The study design consisted of three consecutive cohorts (six patients each) with dose escalation: low dose (2 × 106 cells), medium dose (10 × 106), and high dose (50 × 106). The primary outcome parameter was safety evaluated by recording adverse events throughout the trial, and secondary parameters were pain and function subscales of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index. After 6 months of follow-up, the procedure was found to be safe, and no serious adverse events were reported. Four patients experienced transient knee joint pain and swelling after local injection. Interestingly, patients treated with low-dose ASCs experienced significant improvements in pain levels and function compared with baseline. Our data suggest that the intra-articular injection of ASCs is a safe therapeutic alternative to treat severe knee OA patients. A placebo-controlled double-blind phase IIb study is being initiated to assess clinical and structural efficacy.

Significance

Although this phase I study included a limited number of patients without a placebo arm, it showed that local injection of autologous adipose-derived stem cells was safe and well tolerated in patients with knee osteoarthritis. This study also provides encouraging preliminary evidence of efficacy. Larger and controlled long-term studies are now mandatory to confirm whether this new strategy of cell therapy can improve pain and induce structural benefit in osteoarthritis.
The Permian Basin Programmatic Agreement after Seven Years of Implementation
Authors: Larralde Signa , Stein Martin , Schlanger Sarah H.
Published: May 2016

The Permian Basin Programmatic Agreement (PA) is an alternative form of Section 106 compliance offered mainly to the oil and gas industry in southeastern New Mexico for projects located on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land. Proponents of projects within the PA area may contribute to a dedicated archaeological research fund in lieu of contracting for project specific archaeological surveys, provided their proposed projects avoid recorded archaeological sites. Dedicated funding goes toward research on the archaeology and history of southeastern New Mexico. The PA calls for the consulting parties to evaluate its effectiveness during its seventh year of implementation. As a result of that recent evaluation in May 2015, the PA will be extended for 10 additional years. We discuss the reasons for the PA, successes and missteps during its first seven years, and ways that the Permian Basin PA might be used as a model elsewhere.