bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enterprise application integration for high school students using blended learning system
Authors: Lubis Muharman , Fauzi Rahmat , Lubis ArifRidho
Published: October 2018

Education has purposes to improve quality of human resources and to develop readiness to look at future. It also play critical role to reduce ignorance, recognize the potency and shape the behavior in the community. There are two types well-know of education in Indonesia, which are formal (kindergarten, elementary, junior high, senior high and university) and non-formal (computer courses, English lessons, tutoring session, vocational training and professional certification). Of course, people will go to formal education to obtain graduation degree for the necessity of finding job and position in the market. But, some people tend to seek alternative to provide adequate education for their future. It hinted certain problems have been resided in the current educational model, which focus on face to face approach. Along with the rising of IT in the era of Industry 4.0 in every aspect of daily life, people learn mostly every subject through Internet without considering much on its credibility. Thus, this paper explore the possibility of using hybrid method, which is known for blended learning to be implemented in nonformal education to help facilitate the public on information availability and develop mastery-based presentation to improve the understanding of student efficiently.
Six sigma implementation model based on critical success factors (CSFs) for indonesian small and medium industries
Authors: Yuri M. Zagloel a Teuku , Ardi b Romadhani , Poncotoyo Wahyu
Published: October 2018

This study aims to build a model of critical success factors in the application of Six Sigma for Indonesian small and medium industries and their relation to the industry performance. The critical success factors, successful Six Sigma implementation and the impact on industry performance are validated and analyzed. The method used in this study is Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) based on Partial Least Square (PLS) by using SmartPLS software. This study uses 54 data from Indonesian small and medium industries that have implemented Six Sigma. The results of this study indicate that a critical success factors that has a positive impact on the successful Six Sigma implementation is the involvement and commitment top management, training and education, cultural change and industrial infrastructure. It is surprising that teamwork has a negative impact on the successful Six Sigma implementation. In addition, the successful Six Sigma implementation has a positive impact on the performance of Indonesian small and medium industries. Then, the model is valid to shows the relationship between critical success factors in the successful Six Sigma implementation on the performance of small and medium industries in Indonesia.
Assessing bank performance measurement in islamic banking industry
Authors: Ikhsan Ramdhoni Mokhamad
Published: October 2018

The Indonesian Islamic banking industry, attaining the age of more than 25 years tend to adopt conventional approach to measure its bank performance. Although this method could well inform the performance of the bank financial, this measurement fails to inform both the characteristics of Islamic banking. This study is designed to evaluate three Islamic bank performance measurements: Sharia Maqashid Index, Sharia Conformity and Profitability (SCnP), and CAMELS. Sharia Maqashid Index approach has three variables: educating individual, establishing justice, and public interest. SCnP approach has two variables: Sharia conformity and profitability. While CAMELS approach has five variables: Capital, Asset Quality, Management, Earning, and Liquidity. This study uses data from Islamic Commercial Banks registered on Bank Indonesia from 2012-2016. The data analytical technique is quantitative method using descriptive approach. The results of the study using Sharia Maqashid Index reveal that there is a difference in Islamic Commercial Banks performance. The used of SCnP reveals that none of Islamic Commercial Banks on upper right quadrant. The used of CAMELS reveals that all of Islamic Commercial Banks in Indonesia have Fairly Healthy predicate. These findings suggest that, to provide a comprehensive picture of its performance, the Islamic banks need to adopt both Sharia-based as well as financial based measurement.
Engineering of magnetic properties in doped bismuth ferrite materials
Authors: Akbar Notonegoro Hamdan , Soegijono Bambang , Mudzakir Isom
Published: October 2018

The engineering of magnetic behaviour of Li/Zn doped BiFeO3 had been done by synthesized a polycrystalline of BiFeO3, Bi0.96Li0.02FeO3, and Bi0.95Zn0.05FeO3. Investigation of crystallite structure and magnetic properties of the sampel had been done by X-ray diffraction and VSM analysis. At room temperature, the lithium and zinc doped bismuth ferrite has conducted a different magnetic behaviour. Within the ferromagnetic region, an increases of magnetic saturation or enlarger magnetic coercivity were identified. Doping lithium resulted in increasing magnetic saturation (Ms) and magnetic remanent (Mr), significantly. Meanwhile, doping zinc resulted in enlarger of magnetic coercivity coincide with the reveal of Bi20FeO40 as the second phase.
Increasing The Efficiency of The Cub Engine Assembly Lines In The Automotive Industry Using Ranked Positional Weight
Authors: Maulida Hakim Inaki , Auzan Mu’min Syarafi , Oktapiani Zaqiah Rolina
Published: October 2018

In this modern era, the competition among the manufacturing industry, especially in the automotive sector will become increasingly tight which causes companies need to innovate so that satisfaction of the consumer can be maintained. The production process will be an important aspect in the automotive industry to maintain the quality of products and ensure consumer demand can be fulfilled. The problems that often occur in the production process is in the form of production flow constraints caused by workload unbalanced in the assembly lines. The imbalance causes the assembly lines do not run in a cycle time that is determined, so that consumer demand can not be meet in the right amount and companies need to spend more to mitigate them. Therefore, this study was conducted to balance workload on the assembly line by using line balancing form Ranked Positional Weight (RPW) with a subsequent increase in the efficiency and productivity of assembly line that affect production process runs without any contraints.
Koxarthrose – Epidemiologie und Versorgungsrealität – Versorgungsdatenanalyse von 2,4 Millionen Versicherten der AOK Baden-Württemberg ab 40 Jahren
Authors: Endres Heinz , Schneider Olaf , Scharf Hanns-Peter , Kaufmann-Kolle Petra , Knapstein Sabine , Hermann Christopher , Lembeck Burkhard , Flechtenmacher Johannes
Published: October 2018

Hintergrund Aufgrund des demografischen Wandels ist mit einer steigenden Zahl an Koxarthrosefällen zu rechnen mit entsprechenden Auswirkungen auf das Gesundheitssystem. Ziel der Studie war es, konkretisierte Aussagen zur Versorgungsrealität von Koxarthrosepatienten, inklusive ihrer ambulanten Versorgung und Endoprothesenversorgung zu erhalten.

Patienten und Methodik Ausgewertet wurden die Versorgungsdaten von 2,4 Mio. Versicherten der AOK Baden-Württemberg für die Jahre 2007 bis 2016. Altersuntergrenze war 40 Jahre. Die Daten beinhalten den ambulanten und stationären Versorgungssektor.

Ergebnisse Altersstandardisiert ergibt sich eine Koxarthroseprävalenz für Frauen ab dem 40. Lebensjahr von 6,18% (95%-KI: ± 0,09%) und für Männer von 6,02% (95%-KI: ± 0,09%). Ab dem 75. Lebensjahr werden die Geschlechtsunterschiede signifikant. Das Maximum für Koxarthrose-Erstdiagnosen findet sich bei den 80- bis 84-Jährigen (Frauen: 1,31%, Männer: 1,16%). Ab dem 85. Lebensjahr weisen 17,4% der Frauen und 16,5% der Männer eine Koxarthrose auf. Das Maximum für Hüft-TEPs unter Koxarthrosepatienten (Frauen: 5,2%, Männer: 4,3%) findet sich bei den 75- bis 79-Jährigen. Nach Erstdiagnose einer Koxarthrose erhält jeder 8. AOK-Versicherte (13,0%) innerhalb des 1. Jahres und jeder 4. (24,8%) innerhalb von 8 Jahren eine Hüft-TEP. Zwischen 2009 und 2016 ist, unabhängig von der Hauptdiagnose, die Häufigkeit von Hüft-TEPs nicht gestiegen. Im Mittel wurden pro 100 000 Versichertenjahre bei Frauen 300,9 und bei Männern 275,8 Hüft-TEP OPs durchgeführt. Ab dem 80. Lebensjahr fällt die Koxarthrose als Hauptdiagnose zurück. Ab 85 weisen mehr als 70% aller Hüft-TEP-Patienten eine Femurfraktur als Hauptdiagnose auf. Nur rund ¾ der Koxarthrosepatienten waren im Jahr vor OP in ambulanter fachärztlicher Betreuung und deutlich weniger als die Hälfte erhielten eine Heilmittelverordnung.

Schlussfolgerungen Koxarthrose kommt bis zum 75. Lebensjahr bei Frauen und Männern in etwa gleich häufig vor. Dennoch werden Frauen häufiger operiert. Insgesamt kam es in den letzten 8 Jahren aber nicht zu einem Anstieg der Hüft-TEP-Erstimplantationen. Innerhalb der ersten 8 Jahre nach Erstdiagnose erhalten 24,8% aller Koxarthrosepatienten eine TEP. Die Mehrzahl wird in den ersten 8 Jahren also konservativ behandelt. Im direkten Vergleich zwischen inzidenten und prävalenten Koxarthrosepatienten zeigt sich, dass nach langjähriger therapeutischer Begleitung in den letzten 1 – 2 Jahren vor OP sowohl die fachärztliche Betreuung als auch die Heilmittelverordnung reduziert werden. Eine Neubewertung konservativer Therapiemöglichkeiten im zeitlichen Verlauf erscheint notwendig.
Osteocytes
Authors: Rupp Markus , Merboth Felix , Daghma Diaa , Biehl Christoph , El Khassawna Thaqif , Heiß Christian
Published: October 2018

Lange Zeit galten Osteozyten als passive Zuschauer der Knochenhomöostase, dem Gleichgewicht zwischen Knochenaufbau durch Osteoblasten und Knochenabbau durch Osteoklasten. Das Dogma der ruhenden, im Knochen eingemauerten funktionslosen Zellen hat sich seit der Jahrtausendwende grundlegend gewandelt. Osteozyten stehen vielmehr im Mittelpunkt des Knochenstoffwechsels und können somit als dessen Dirigent angesehen werden. Auf Grundlage einer Literaturrecherche in PubMed und Google Scholar mit den einzeln oder in Kombination verwendeten Suchbegriffen „osteocyte“, „fracture healing“, „bone healing“, „bone remodeling“, „bone metabolism“, „sclerostin“, „RANKL/OPG“, „Wnt-signaling pathway“, „FGF-23“ wurde die Rolle der Osteozyten im Knochenstoffwechsel anhand von präklinischen und klinischen Studien sowie Übersichtsarbeiten erarbeitet. Einzelne Fallberichte wurden hierfür nicht verwandt. Im Rahmen der Literaturrecherche wurden nur Publikationen in englischer oder deutscher Sprache berücksichtigt. Die sich aus Osteoblasten entwickelnden Osteozyten sind funktionell die zentrale Schaltstelle im Knochenmetabolismus. Morphologisch bildet ein Netzwerk von Osteozyten, die 90 – 95% der Zellen im Knochen ausmachen und im Gegensatz zu Osteoblasten und Osteoklasten das Alter des Gesamtorganismus erreichen können, durch mit Nexus miteinander verbundenen Dendriten innerhalb des Knochens die optimale Grundlage für deren funktionelle Aufgaben. Neben der Aufgabe als Mechanosensor im Knochen wird die Osteoblastenfunktion über Sclerostin, die Osteoklastenfunktion über den RANK/RANKL/OPG-Signalweg gesteuert. Ferner wird die Mineralisierung des Knochens über die lokale Phosphatkonzentration, der systemische Phosphathaushalt in Interaktion mit der Niere über FGF23 hormonell gesteuert. Das Verständnis der Rolle der Osteozyten verspricht eine weitere Verbesserung möglicher Therapiealternativen. Hinsichtlich des Knochenstoffwechsels sind bereits Sclerostinantikörper und Denosumab, ein monoklonaler Antikörper, der als OPG-Agonist fungiert, eingeführt worden. Neben den in der Osteoporosetherapie bereits etablierten Therapieansätzen sind Antikörper gegen FGF23 oder dessen Rezeptoren in der präklinischen und klinischen Erprobung. Auch Bortezomib, ein Proteasomeninhibitor, der die Lebensfähigkeit von Osteozyten verbessert, ist zur Therapie des multiplen Myeloms im klinischen Einsatz. Das zunehmende Verständnis der osteozytären Funktion lässt darüber hinaus weitere Therapiemöglichkeiten erwarten – in Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie sind dies insbesondere die ossäre Integration von Implantaten und die medikamentöse Beeinflussung der (gestörten) Frakturheilung.
Intervention Strategies into Glycoprotein Hormone Receptors for Modulating (Mal–)function, with Special Emphasis on the TSH Receptor
Authors: Krause Gerd , Marcinkowski Patrick
Published: October 2018

The thyrotropin receptor (TSHR), the lutropin- (LHR), and the follicotropin receptor (FSHR) belong to glycoprotein hormone receptors (GPHR), a subgroup of the class A G-protein coupled receptors. In this review, the unique features of GPHR have been taken into account for their pharmacological interventions: i) The respective hormone and stimulating or blocking antibodies are binding on the large ectodomain that is ii) via a hinge region, containing iii) an internal tethered agonist linked to the transmembrane domain. iv) Multimerization and mechanisms for negative or positive cooperativity of GPHR upon ligand binding and v) dimer- and oligomeric arrangements enabling trans-activation on GPHR signaling are considered. Available knowledge concerning the modulation of the GPHR (mal)-function and associated structural aspects by diverse entities such as antibodies, chaperones, peptides, small molecule agonists, inverse agonists, and antagonists is summarized. The TSHR is important with respect to autoimmune [Graves’ disease (GD), Graves’ orbitopathy (GO)] or non-autoimmune thyroid dysfunctions and cancer-development. To date there is neither an agonist nor antagonist modulator of pathogenic such as TSHR signaling in the clinics. However, several different ligands monoclonal stimulating and inhibiting antibodies and small molecule drug-like ligands have been reported in the last decade. In special focus are the most recent findings regarding the development and use of small molecule TSHR ligands. Finally, limitations of current knowledge and lack of information are discussed highlighting the need for intensified efforts towards understanding the interplay of TSHR multimers, especially their interaction with drug-like ligands. Important in this context is the biased ligand development.
A High Alanine Aminotransferase/Aspartate Aminotransferase Ratio Determines Insulin Resistance and Metabolically Healthy/Unhealthy Obesity in a General Adult Population in Korea: The Korean National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey 2007–2010
Authors: Kwon Soon Sung , Lee Sang-Guk
Published: October 2018

Aims Early identification of individuals with insulin resistance (IR) and metabolically unhealthy state can help prevent various diseases and improve quality of life. In this study, we investigated a possible marker of IR and metabolic health status, alanine aminotransferase/aspartate aminotransferase (ALT/AST) ratio, and aimed to confirm its feasibility in a large population study.

Methods A total of 16,371 adults from Korean National Health and Examination Survey were studied. Participants were divided into four groups according to their ALT/AST ratio quartiles. The homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance level and proportion of people with IR, impaired fasting glucose, and undiagnosed type 2 diabetes were compared for each group. Receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) curve was also used to assess the usefulness of ALT/AST ratio to identify individuals with IR and metabolically unhealthy.

Results In the groups with higher ALT/AST ratio, HOMA-IR level, proportion of IR, and proportion of individuals with IFG or type 2 diabetes mellitus was higher than that in those with low ALT/AST ratio. When analyzed with other factors related to IR, the data showed that the ALT/AST ratio was an independent predictor of IR (odds ratio 1.363, 95% confidential interval 1.323–1.405, p<0.001). When ROC curve analysis was done, area under curve (AUC) for identifying individuals with IR was 0.634. In addition, metabolically unhealthy individuals showed significantly higher ALT/AST ratio than metabolically healthy individuals (0.9780 vs 0.8511, p<0.001).

Conclusions ALT/AST ratio was well-correlated with IR, IR-related conditions, and metabolic health status. This easily accessible method to estimate IR may facilitate the early screening of IR, which can result in prevention of IR-related morbid conditions.
Conventional Amplification for Children and Adults with Severe-to-Profound Hearing Loss
Authors: Benson Emily , McCreery Ryan , Jorgensen Lindsey
Published: October 2018

The primary goal of amplification is to restore audibility without causing discomfort; for someone with severe-to-profound hearing loss, the reduced dynamic range poses unique challenges in hearing-assistive device fitting. These challenges, including physiological limitation, processing difficulties, technology constraints, and other confounding factors, must be considered when selecting, fitting, and counseling for appropriate amplification. Many of the advanced features in hearing aids do not adequately address the unique characteristics of patients with severe-to-profound hearing loss. This review article will attempt to unravel some of the challenges and associated considerations when fitting adults and children with severe-to-profound hearing loss.
Electric and Acoustic Stimulation in Cochlear Implant Recipients with Hearing Preservation
Authors: Welch Christopher , Dillon Margaret , Pillsbury Harold
Published: October 2018

Hearing loss affects 30 million people in the United States, and a subset of these patients have normal low-frequency hearing and ski-sloped high-frequency hearing loss. For these patients, hearing aids alone may not provide adequate benefit. Cochlear implantation alone has been utilized to improve speech perception. The addition of high-frequency electric hearing to low-frequency acoustic hearing in these patients is beneficial. Technical improvements have allowed preservation of low-frequency hearing in cochlear implant recipients, allowing for electric and acoustic stimulation in the same ear with significant improvements in speech perception, sound localization, music appreciation, and quality of life.
Profound Hearing Loss: Addressing Barriers to Hearing Healthcare
Authors: Pratt Sheila
Published: October 2018

The impact of profound hearing loss on infants and adults is variable and greatly influenced by improved audition derived from hearing aids and cochlear implants. However, barriers to healthcare, hearing healthcare in particular, can offset the benefits provided by these sensory devices. Common barriers include cost, location, availability of trained professionals, acceptance of the hearing loss, language and cultural differences, secondary disabilities, and mental health issues. These barriers and their distinct presentations vary somewhat by age, language, and where people live (urban vs. rural), and can interfere with receiving testing and devices in a timely manner. They also can limit auditory, speech and language therapies, and interfere with acceptance of the hearing loss and devices. Rehabilitation should focus on eliminating or reducing the adverse impact of these barriers on patients and their families. Some of which can be done through professional training and multidisciplinary activities, counseling, and community outreach.
Optimum placement and sizing of DG units based on improving voltage stability using multi-objective evolutionary algorithm
Authors: Moravej Zahra , Ardejani Pouyan Enkari , Imani Amir
Published: October 2018

This paper presents a method for locating and sizing Distributed Generation (DG) units based on the enhancement of voltage stability and network total loss reduction in radial distribution systems. In this method, a voltage stability index is used to determine the weakest buses from the voltage stability point of view as the best candidates for installing DGs. Also, an evolutionary algorithm based on Pareto Strength is used for solving the DG sizing problem. This problem is configured as a multi-objective optimization problem. The objective functions are defined as minimizing total power loss, enhancement of voltage stability and voltage profile improvement. Also, the effects of DG operating power factor and DG penetration level on total network loss and voltage stability are investigated and the DGs with the ability of generating reactive power are used. The selected DG penetration level is considered as a constraint in the evolutionary algorithm for determining the optimal size of DGs. It is shown that the selection of optimum DG penetration level can optimize the objective functions simultaneously. The proposed method is tested on a standard IEEE 69-bus radial distribution network. The obtained results are compared with similar previous methods and the appropriate performance of the proposed method is verified.
Ionic-liquid-gating setup for stable measurements and reduced electronic inhomogeneity at low temperatures
Authors: Takahide Yamaguchi , Sasama Yosuke , Takeya Hiroyuki , Takano Yoshihiko , Kageura Taisuke , Kawarada Hiroshi
Published: October 2018

The ionic-liquid-gating technique can be applied to the search for novel physical phenomena at low temperatures because of its wide controllability of the charge carrier density. Ionic-liquid-gated field-effect transistors are often fragile upon cooling, however, because of the large difference between the thermal expansion coefficients of frozen ionic liquids and solid target materials. In this paper, we provide a practical technique for setting up ionic-liquid-gated field-effect transistors for low-temperature measurements. It allows stable measurements and reduces the electronic inhomogeneity by reducing the shear strain generated in frozen ionic liquid.
Nonlinear dielectric property of InP under strong microwave field
Authors: Gao Yong , Li En , Yu Chengyong , Guo Gaofeng
Published: October 2018

In this paper, the dielectric properties of indium phosphide (InP) are investigated under a strong microwave field. By introducing a re-entrant coaxial cavity, the strong microwave field is constructed, and the dielectric properties of the material are monitored using the cavity perturbation method. It is shown that the dielectric properties of InP changes obviously under the given strong microwave field. From the experimental results and theoretical analysis, we conclude that the nonlinear behaviour is caused by a kind of non-thermal microwave effect. The experimental setup and method could also be applied to predict the consequences of non-thermal microwave effects of other high power microwave materials under strong microwave field.
Development of an analytical method for the simultaneous determination of the 17 EU Watch List compounds in surface waters: a Spanish case study
Authors: Malvar José Luis , Abril Concepción , Martín Julia , Santos Juan Luis , Aparicio Irene , Escot Carmelo , Basanta Ana , Alonso Esteban
Published: October 2018

Environmental contextIn 2015, the European Union issued a Watch List of organic pollutants resulting from anthropogenic activities. A major obstacle to controlling these pollutants in the environment is the difficulty of their simultaneous measurement at low concentrations. We developed an analytical method for the simultaneous determination in surface water of the 17 pollutants included in the EU Watch List.
AbstractA multi-class method was developed for the simultaneous determination of the 17 organic pollutants included in the EU Decision 2015/495 regarding surface waters. The target analytes were three estrogens, four pharmaceuticals, a food additive, a solar filter and eight pesticides. The target compounds were extracted through solid-phase extraction with Oasis HLB cartridges. Determination was carried out by high performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS/MS). All compounds were satisfactorily determined in one single injection, with a chromatographic run time of only 20min. The limit of detection (LOD) of the proposed method was in the range of 0.08–13ngL−1. For most of the target compounds, except for 17α-ethinylestradiol, 17β-estradiol and estrone, the LOD values were equal or below those required by the EU Decision 2015/495. Accuracy was in the range of 69–120%, whereas inter-day variability was below 20% in all cases. The validated method was applied to assess the presence of these compounds in Mediterranean surface waters. Samples were collected from 18 sampling sites located in the south of Spain. Up to 14 compounds were detected, among them, the pharmaceutical compounds were the pollutants most frequently detected at concentration levels up to 1158ngL−1 (diclofenac).
Loss of potential bat habitat following a severe wildfire: a model-based rapid assessment
Authors: Bosso Luciano , Ancillotto Leonardo , Smeraldo Sonia , D'Arco Sara , Migliozzi Antonello , Conti Paola , Russo Danilo
Published: October 2018

Fire is a major disturbance that affects ecological communities, and when fire events increase in frequency or extent, they may jeopardise biodiversity. Although long-term studies are irreplaceable to understand how biological communities respond to wildfires, a rapid, efficient assessment of the consequences of wildfire is paramount to inform habitat management and restoration. Although Species Distribution Models (SDMs) may be applied to achieve this goal, they have not yet been used in that way. In summer 2017, during an extended drought that affected Italy, a severe wildfire occurred in the Vesuvius National Park (southern Italy). We applied SDMs to assess how much potential habitat was lost by the 12 bat species occurring in the area because of the wildfire, and whether habitat fragmentation increased following the event. Our analysis supported the hypotheses we tested (i.e. that the fire event potentially affected all species through habitat reduction and fragmentation) and that the bat species potentially most affected were those adapted to foraging in cluttered habitat (forest). We show that SDMs are a valuable tool for a first, rapid assessment of the effects of large-scale wildfires, and that they may help identify the areas that need to be monitored for animal activity and phenology, and to assist in saving human and financial resources.
Offers and Offer Refusals
Authors: Anchimbe Eric A.
Published: October 2018

This study offers a pragmatic dimension to World Englishes research. It is particularly timely because pragmatics has generally been understudied in past research on World Englishes, especially postcolonial Englishes. Apart from drawing attention to the paucity of research, the book also contributes to theory formation on the emerging theoretical framework, postcolonial pragmatics, which is then applied to data from two World (postcolonial) Englishes, Ghanaian and Cameroon Englishes. The copious examples used clearly illustrate how postcolonial societies realise various pragmatic phenomena, in this case offers and offer refusals, and how these could be fruitfully explained using an analytical framework designed on the complex internal set ups of these societies. For research on social interaction in these societies to be representative, it has to take into account the complex history of their evolution, contact with other systems during colonialism, and the heritages thereof. This book does just that.
Renewable energy and power: a review of the power sector reform and renewable energy law and policy nexus in Ghana
Authors: Obeng-Darko Nana Asare
Published: October 2018

The Ghanaian government initiated its policy on power sector reform in 1995 to engender both structural and regulatory changes in the electricity market. Due to attainment of certain objective of the sector reform, some restructuring in the electricity market has been observed since the reform years. Other goals underpinning the sector reform such as the 100% national access to electricity are yet to be realized. About 30% of the Ghanaian population still lack access to electricity. This is despite the availability of renewable energy resources in Ghana and its potential for substantially increasing electricity generation capacity, which in turn, would help secure the supply of electricity. This paper examines the role of renewable energy in the power sector reform of Ghana and how the power sector reform of 1995 has contributed to the development of renewable energy law and policy in the country. Regulatory and structural changes that resulted from the power sector reform has contributed to the development of renewable energy law and policy in Ghana even though the potential for generating electricity from renewable energy resource in Ghana was overlooked during the power sector reform period.
Characteristics of lower leg and foot muscle thicknesses in sprinters: Does greater foot muscles contribute to sprint performance?
Authors: Tanaka Takahiro , Suga Tadashi , Imai Yuya , Ueno Hiromasa , Misaki Jun , Miyake Yuto , Otsuka Mitsuo , Nagano Akinori , Isaka Tadao
Published: October 2018

The present study aimed to determine the differences in thicknesses of the lower leg and foot muscles between sprinters and non‐sprinters and to examine the relationship between these muscle thicknesses and sprint performance in sprinters. Twenty‐six well‐trained sprinters and 26 body size‐matched non‐sprinters participated in this study. Total 9 muscle thicknesses of bilateral lower leg and foot muscles in participants were measured using ultrasonography. Regarding the lower leg muscles, thicknesses of the tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius medial, and gastrocnemius lateral were measured. Regarding the foot muscles, thicknesses of the flexor digitorum longus, flexor hallucis longus, peroneal longus and brevis, abductor hallucis, flexor digitorum brevis, and flexor hallucis brevis were measured. Most muscle thicknesses were significantly larger in sprinters than in non‐sprinters. The differences in mean thicknesses of both legs between the two groups were greater in the foot muscles, where it ranged from 10.2% to 17.1%, than in the lower leg muscles, where it ranged from −0.9% to 9.4%. Among foot muscles, the thickness of only the abductor hallucis was positively correlated with the personal best 100‐m sprint time in sprinters (r = 0.419, P = 0.033), indicating that a greater abductor hallucis may be a negative factor for superior sprint performance. These findings suggest that although the foot muscles in addition to the lower leg muscles are more developed in sprinters than in non‐sprinters, these muscle sizes may not contribute to achieve superior sprint performance.
Relationship between pre‐exercise muscle stiffness and muscle damage induced by eccentric exercise
Authors: Xu Jingfei , Fu Siu Ngor , Zhou Dong , Huang Chen , Hug François
Published: October 2018

This study aimed to determine whether pre‐exercise muscle stiffness is related to the amount of muscle damage induced by an eccentric exercise and to determine whether the post‐exercise increase in stiffness is homogenously distributed between the synergist muscles. Fifty healthy participants were randomly assigned to an eccentric exercise group or a control group. The shear modulus (an index of stiffness) of rectus femoris (RF), vastus lateralis (VL) and vastus medialis oblique (VMO) was measured before, immediately after and at 48 h after eccentric exercise. The maximal isometric voluntary knee extension (MVC) torque was also measured. Significant reduction in MVC torque was observed in the eccentric group both at post and 48 H when compared with pre‐exercise (both p < .001). RF shear modulus increased significantly when assessed at 90° of knee flexion at post and 48 H after the eccentric exercise (p = .004 and. 005, respectively). Slight but significant decrease in VL shear modulus was observed at post‐exercise for the eccentric group (p = .002). No change was observed in VMO. The decrease in MVC at 48 H was negatively correlated with the RF shear modulus measured at 90° of knee flexion before the exercise. Eccentric exercise induced a wide range of peak torque reduction and muscle‐head specific modulation on muscle stiffness. Participants with stiffer RF muscles exhibited greater decrease in force generating capacity at 48 H after eccentric exercise.
International public opinion surveys and public policy in Southern European democracies
Authors: Fernández-Prados Juan Sebastián , Cuenca-Piqueras Cristina , González-Moreno María José
Published: October 2018

This article aims to analyse the presence of and relationship between the most relevant comparative social research thorough international surveys and public policies reflected in the different official bulletins or gazettes of the countries of southern Europe, specifically Spain, Portugal and Italy. Following a consideration of the process of globalisation of research through surveys, four surveys were selected (Eurobarometer, World Values Survey, International Social Survey Programme, European Social Survey). The complex relationships between public opinion and public policy were also addressed. Finally, it is concluded that the most prominent international surveys have little or no presence in public policies in the countries analysed.
Identification of Cytochrome P450 Polymorphisms in Burn Patients and Impact on Fentanyl Pharmacokinetics: A Pilot Study
Authors: Grimsrud Kristin N , Ivanova Xenia , Sherwin Catherine M , Palmieri Tina L , Tran Nam K
Published: October 2018

Pain management is critical for burn care. Unfortunately, interindividual variation in pharmacokinetics (PK) due to burn hypermetabolism and genetic polymorphisms can lead to treatment failures in this at-risk population. Analgesics may be affected by genetic polymorphisms affecting cytochrome P450 (CYP) drug metabolizing enzymes. Fentanyl is a common opiate primarily metabolized by CYP3A4 subtypes. Recent studies demonstrate CYP2D6 variants, affecting fentanyl PK. Functional CYP polymorphisms can significantly alter opiate levels resulting in inadequate analgesia or life-threatening toxicity. The goal of our study was to evaluate fentanyl PK and assess associations with CYP polymorphisms. We obtained samples from the previously banked blood of 13 patients (eight males and five females) with >20% TBSA burns. Mean (SD) patient age was 41.7 (14.5) years, and mean burn size was 25.8 (15.3) %TBSA. Plasma fentanyl was quantified, and CYP genotyping was performed. Pharmacokinetic analysis was performed using Monolix software (Lixsoft, France) with a two-compartment population model best-representing fentanyl profiles. Three CYP slow-metabolizing genotypes were identified, which included CYP2D6*9, CYP2D6*29, and CYP3A4*1B. All three patients with variant polymorphisms had increased serum fentanyl concentrations due to impaired clearance. This pilot study supports the need for further research in this topic, and CYP genotyping of individual patients prior to receiving opiate analgesics to inform precision-guided decisions, improve therapeutic efficacy, and, most importantly, increase patient well-being and safety.
Introducing consistency in a dialogical framework for paraconsistent logic
Authors: Barrio Eduardo Alejandro , Clerbout Nicolas , Rahman Shahid
Published: October 2018

The logics of formal inconsistency are logics tolerant to some amount of contradiction, but in which some versions of explosion still hold. The main result of this paper is a reconstruction of two such logics in the dialogical framework. By doing so, we achieve two things. On the one hand, we provide a formal approach to argumentative situations where some contradictions may occur while keeping the idea that there may still be situations in which some propositions are ‘safe’ in the sense of immunity to the contradictions. On the other hand, we open a new line of study on these logics, in the context of the game-theoretical approach to semantics born in the 1960s, with various interesting perspectives, some of which are discussed at the end of this article.
Bleeding Disorders, the Coagulation Cascade, and Anticoagulants
Authors: Khorsand Derek , Samuelson Bethany , Ingraham Christopher
Published: October 2018

An understanding of the coagulation cascade, bleeding disorders, and anticoagulants is essential to any interventional radiology (IR) practice. IR patients are frequently critically ill and may suffer from coagulopathy, thrombocytopenia, or both. Furthermore, many IR patients present acutely or electively while on one of many commercially available anticoagulants. Knowledge of the coagulation cascade and an understanding of the hemostatic mechanisms of the body and the use of anticoagulants are essential to allow interventional radiologists to guide strategies in minimizing bleeding and bleeding risk in the IR patient. This chapter presents much of the necessary background information on hemostatis, thrombosis, and the coagulation cascade.
Radiation Safety
Authors: Thornton Raymond H.
Published: October 2018

Resist the temptation to gloss over this chapter—it discusses the risks and safest uses of ionizing radiation utilized by interventional radiologists during medical procedures every day. The metrics used to measure and report fluoroscopic and computed tomography (CT) doses to patients (information required to be reported by the Joint Commission) are discussed. Detrimental effects of radiation, including stochastic effects (i.e., adverse effects that may occur at any dose) and deterministic effects (which occur when a threshold has been exceeded), are reviewed, as are the data that the risk of stochastic effects is based upon. Finally, techniques that operators should practice during every procedure to minimize radiation dosage, summarized by the acronym I SAVE DOSE, are introduced and presented in detail.
Imaging Techniques
Authors: O’Brien Daniel C. , Huang Junjuian , Resnick Scott A.
Published: October 2018

Minimally invasive interventional radiographic procedures rely on many of the same imaging techniques as are used in diagnostic studies. This chapter describes the imaging modalities most commonly utilized by the interventional radiologist intraprocedurally. These include fluoroscopy, digital subtraction angiography (DSA), sonographic techniques for percutaneous interventions and intravascular ultrasound, and computed tomography (CT) and cone beam CT (CBCT). Imaging techniques used adjunctively in the procedure planning and follow-up phases are also briefly reviewed, including multidetector CT angiography, magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), and sonographic vascular evaluation. Specific interventions are mentioned throughout as a means of illustrating the clinical utilities of these imaging techniques, although specific procedural considerations are discussed more thoroughly elsewhere.
Tools of the Trade: Catheters and Wires
Authors: Lewis Paul , Aftab Syed , Ray Charles
Published: October 2018

The purpose of this chapter is to discuss the technical and practical features of needles, guidewires, and catheters. The chapter also addresses microcatheters, microwires, and sheaths. Surprisingly, the value of choosing the correct combination of wires and catheters to use is at times understated. Understanding the benefits and drawbacks of commonly used instruments will facilitate preprocedure planning, increase procedural success and ultimately optimize patient outcomes.
Arterial and Venous Access
Authors: Fairchild Alexandra H. , Hieb Robert A.
Published: October 2018

Vascular access is a critical part of endovascular therapy. Vascular access complications continue to represent a significant amount of morbidity and mortality related to endovascular procedures. This chapter introduces the topic of arterial access—a critical step in many interventional procedures. The ideal arterial access has a simple, percutaneous approach and a low risk of complications, is of the appropriate caliber to accommodate the sheath size for the procedure, and allows easy control of the vessel. The pros and cons of the various access sites for specific procedures are reviewed. Anatomy and access techniques of both common (e.g., femoral, radial, and brachial arteries) and less common access vessels (e.g., tibiopedal vessels, bypass grafts) are discussed in detail. A review of options to achieve hemostasis following arterial access and potential access site complications is also included. Finally, a brief discussion of venous access for visceral interventions is included.
Balloon Angioplasty and Stenting
Authors: Plotnik Adam N. , Tesoriero Joseph A. , Kee Stephen
Published: October 2018

In 1964, Charles Dotter and Melvin Judkins performed the first successful transluminal angioplasty of a superficial femoral artery stenosis. Since then, techniques of revascularization have been the cornerstone of interventional radiology (IR) practices. Angioplasty became a more recognized therapy in the mid-1970s, and in the ensuing 40 years, there have been continual advancements in this technology, resulting in highly sophisticated devices that are now available in IR suites around the world. The array of materials available is constantly evolving, as are the various uses of balloons and stents. In addition to their use in restoring patency of occluded or stenotic arteries and veins, balloons and stents are employed to restore patency in other structures, including bile ducts and ureters. In this chapter, properties of these commonly used tools and indications for their use are discussed in detail.
Basics of Embolization
Authors: Marx M. Victoria
Published: October 2018

In the domain of interventional radiology (IR), embolization procedures encompass a wide range of treatments that share one commonality: they all involve the intentional occlusion of blood vessels from an endovascular approach. The purpose of this chapter is to introduce the types of embolization agents and illustrate their use with clinical examples. Indications for embolization vary widely and include treatment of tumors, occlusion of aneurysms and arteriovenous malfiormations, and the management of acute hemorrhage. By the end of this chapter, the reader will be familiar with the properties of the embolic agents available to the interventional radiologist and have a basic understanding of which ones are appropriate to achieve specific clinical goals.
Venous Access
Authors: Meek Mary E.
Published: October 2018

This chapter reviews the characteristics of various types of central venous access catheters, infusaports, and peripherally inserted catheters frequently used in hospitals today. Temporary and long-term dialysis catheters are reviewed as well. Many different types of catheters and devices exist, and the nomenclature can be confusing. Devices are described by their size, materials, number of lumens, type of tips, the presence or absence of a cuff, and occasionally, by brand names. An in-depth understanding of the indications for placement, duration of expected use, and patient comorbidities will allow the interventional radiologist to choose the best device for the patient and treatment team.
Biopsies
Authors: Abdelsalam Mohamed E. , Sheth Rahul A. , Gupta Sanjay
Published: October 2018

Image-guided biopsy is the cornerstone of the diagnosis of both benign and malignant diseases. Interventional radiologists are commonly called upon to sample lesions in the abdomen, retroperitoneum, visceral organs, lung, bone, and luminal structures, including bile ducts and ureters. Obtaining adequate tissue for primary diagnosis and staging is critical in the care of patients with malignancy. Tissue obtained from biopsies also can be used for molecular diagnosis, which is important in guiding targeted therapy and personalized medicine. This chapter includes a detailed discussion of the modalities and techniques used by interventional radiologists to perform biopsies both safely and effectively. In addition to percutaneous needle biopsy, transvenous and endoluminal biopsies are included. The chapter concludes with tips and tricks that can be used to sample challenging lesions.
The Aorta
Authors: Cooper Kyle J. , Peña Constantino S. , Benenati James F.
Published: October 2018

The aorta is the primary conduit delivering arterial blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Understanding its formation and development is essential to explaining its variant anatomy. The aorta can be involved in a large number of conditions. Atherosclerosis is the most common process that affects the aorta. In addition, acute aortic injury can lead to ulceration, dissection, rupture, and transection. Genetic and hereditable conditions involving the aorta are conditions that can cause a number of changes to the structural makeup of the aortic wall. Understanding these condition allows their proper recognition, diagnosis, and treatment. This chapter, therefore, will review the anatomy, pathophysiology, and disease management related to the aorta.
IVC Embryology and Anatomy
Authors: Kaufman Claire S. , Quencer Keith B. , Kaufman John A.
Published: October 2018

As the largest venous structure in the body, the inferior vena cava (IVC) acts as a central conduit in many interventional radiology (IR) procedures. It originates from the regression of three paired embryonic veins in the developing embryo. Given the complex embryology of the IVC, it is not surprising that many anomalies occur. The first portion of this chapter provides an overview of the anatomy and embryology of the IVC to frame subsequent discussions later in the chapter on the anomalies and various pathologies that an interventional radiologist may encounter. An in-depth discussion on IVC filtration is also included.
Nonvascular Hepatobiliary Interventions
Authors: Yarmohammadi Hooman , Getrajdman George I.
Published: October 2018

Interventional radiologist play a major role in management of patients with ascites, nonmalignant biliary obstruction and pseudocysts of the pancreatic. The aim of this chapter is to improve interventional radiologist’s clinical knowledge in regards to above mentioned categories and to provide a brief management algorithm in treating these diseases.
Genitourinary System: The Basics
Authors: Sridhar Divya , McDermott Meredith , Chiarello Matthew
Published: October 2018

Interventional radiologists (IRs) perform a myriad of image-guided interventions throughout the genitourinary system utilizing a wide range of imaging modalities for pre-procedure planning, intra-procedural guidance, and post-procedure follow-up, and approach the system via direct percutaneous, transarterial, and transvenous routes. Therefore, it is essential for IRs to have a complete understanding of male and female genitourinary anatomy, including vasculature and innervation, as well as of the normal appearance of genitourinary structures on various imaging modalities. This chapter will give a comprehensive review of the normal genitourinary system which can later be applied to pathophysiologic processes which will be discussed in subsequent chapters.
The Female Genital System: Vascular and Nonvascular
Authors: Nadendla Pallavi , Siskin Gary
Published: October 2018

Interventional radiologists are actively engaged in the treatment of several conditions affecting the female pelvis including uterine fibroids, adenomysosis, pelvic congestion syndrome, tubo-ovarian abscess and ovarian cyst. Therefore, it is essential for interventional radiologists to understand both the procedural aspects and clinical management of these entities to ensure the best clinical outcomes. This chapter will review these conditions, including the pathophysiology, the treatment options, the periprocedural management and the results from the available literature.