bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome Associated with Colon-Cancer
Authors: Tsukada Katsuhiko , Azuhata Hiroshi , Yonekura Hiroaki , Haraguchi Masashi , Katoh Hiroyuki , Kimura Hitoshi , Kuwano Hiroyuki
Published: September 2017

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), a potentially hazardous side effect of antipsychotic agents, usually develops within 10 days after receiving these agents. We describe a 65-year-old male who developed NMS after taking neuroleptics for alcohol dependence syndrome for several years. He was successfully treated by stopping these agents but three months later, an advanced sigmoid colon cancer was detected. He underwent surgery and the clinical course was uneventful. The present case is rare in that he developed NMS after long-term neuroleptic therapy and concurrent alimentary tract malignancy can be a risk factor for the development of NMS.
Utilizing two-tiered screening for early detection of autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Khowaja Meena , Robins Diana L , Adamson Lauren B
Published: September 2017

Despite advances in autism screening practices, challenges persist, including barriers to implementing universal screening in primary care and difficulty accessing services. The high false positive rate of Level 1 screening methods presents especially daunting difficulties because it increases the need for comprehensive autism evaluations. This study explored whether two-tiered screening—combining Level 1 (Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised with Follow-Up) and Level 2 (Screening Tool for Autism in Toddlers and Young Children) measures—improves the early detection of autism. This study examined a sample of 109 toddlers who screened positive on Level 1 screening and completed a Level 2 screening measure prior to a diagnostic evaluation. Results indicated that two-tiered screening reduced the false positive rate using published Screening Tool for Autism in Toddlers and Young Children cutoffs compared to Level 1 screening alone, although at a cost to sensitivity. However, alternative Screening Tool for Autism in Toddlers and Young Children scoring in the two-tiered screening improved both positive predictive value and sensitivity. Exploratory analyses were conducted, including comparison of autism symptoms and clinical profiles across screening subsamples. Recommendations regarding clinical implications of two-tiered screening and future areas of research are presented.
Distinctive role of income in the all-cause mortality among working age migrants and the settled population in Finland: A follow-up study from 2001 to 2014
Authors: Patel Kishan , Kouvonen Anne , Koskinen Aki , Kokkinen Lauri , Donnelly Michael , O’Reilly Dermot , Vaananen Ari
Published: September 2017

Background: Although income level may play a significant part in mortality among migrants, previous research has not focused on the relationship between income, migration and mortality risk. The aim of this register study was to compare all-cause mortality by income level between different migrant groups and the majority settled population of Finland. Methods: A random sample was drawn of 1,058,391 working age people (age range 18–64 years; 50.4% men) living in Finland in 2000 and linked to mortality data from 2001 to 2014. The data were obtained from Statistics Finland. Cox proportional hazards models were used to investigate the association between region of origin and all-cause mortality in low- and high-income groups. Results: The risk for all-cause mortality was significantly lower among migrants than among the settled majority population (hazards ratio (HR) 0.57; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.53–0.62). After adjustment for age, sex, marital status, employment status and personal income, the risk of mortality was significantly reduced for low-income migrants compared with the settled majority population with a low income level (HR 0.46; 95% CI 0.42–0.50) and for high-income migrants compared with the high-income settled majority (HR 0.81; 95% CI 0.69–0.95). Results comparing individual high-income migrant groups and the settled population were not significant. Low-income migrants from Africa, the Middle East and Asia had the lowest mortality risk of any migrant group studied (HR 0.32; 95% CI 0.27–0.39). Conclusions: Particularly low-income migrants seem to display a survival advantage compared with the corresponding income group in the settled majority population. Downward social mobility, differences in health-related lifestyles and the healthy migrant effect may explain this phenomenon.
Responding creatively to Bone and Blaise (2015) through packaging, drawing and assembling
Authors: Potts Miriam
Published: September 2017

In this colloquium, the author responds artistically to Bone and Blaise’s article ‘An uneasy assemblage: Prisoners, animals, asylum-seeking children and posthuman packaging’, published in Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood in 2015, continuing their trajectory of ‘different kinds of images than those usually seen in an article in an early childhood journal’. Here, I employ the practice of making as an experimental research method to reconsider the relational and ethical issues raised in Bone and Blaise’s primary article.
Emotional labour and governmentality: Productive power in childcare
Authors: Monrad Merete
Published: September 2017

This article examines the interplay between governance and cost-containment efforts in the public sector and the emotional labour and well-being of childcare workers. Care-work researchers have highlighted the complexities of power in emotional labour, such as the fact that emotional labour may simultaneously benefit the individual worker and reproduce inequalities that may be detrimental to workers’ well-being. The goal of this article is to develop a theoretical understanding of power in emotional labour and to show how power is related to emotional labour not only in terms of lack of control, status and resources, but also productively in terms of the subjectivities enabled by organisations. The article draws on the works of Foucault and Rose, particularly the concepts of productive power and governmentality, and suggests that emotional labour may be conceptualised as a technology of the self. The potential benefits of governmentality and productive power in terms of connecting emotional labour to larger structures are illustrated by qualitative interviews with Danish childcare workers, which show how emotional labour may become a form of self-governance that contributes to the individualisation of work-related responsibilities.
Conscientious objection to deceased organ donation by healthcare professionals
Authors: Shaw David , Gardiner Dale , Lewis Penney , Jansen Nichon , Wind Tineke , Samuel Undine , Georgieva Denie , Ploeg Rutger , Broderick Andrew
Published: September 2017

In this article, we analyse the potential benefits and disadvantages of permitting healthcare professionals to invoke conscientious objection to deceased organ donation. There is some evidence that permitting doctors and nurses to register objections can ultimately lead to attitudinal change and acceptance of organ donation. However, while there may be grounds for conscientious objection in other cases such as abortion and euthanasia, the life-saving nature of donation and transplantation renders objection in this context more difficult to justify. In general, dialogue between healthcare professionals is a more appropriate solution, and any objections must be justified with a strong rationale in hospitals where such policies are put in place.
Liberals Possess More National Consensus on Political Attitudes in the United States: An Examination Across 40 Years
Authors: Ondish Peter , Stern Chadly
Published: September 2017

Do liberals or conservatives have more agreement in their political attitudes? Recent research indicates that conservatives may have more like-minded social groups than do liberals, but whether conservatives have more consensus on a broad, national level remains an open question. Using two nationally representative data sets (the General Social Survey and the American National Election Studies), we examined the attitudes of over 80,000 people on more than 400 political issues (e.g., attitudes toward welfare, gun control, same-sex marriage) across approximately 40 years. In both data sets, we found that liberals possessed a larger degree of agreement in their political attitudes than did conservatives. Additionally, both liberals and conservatives possessed more consensus than did political moderates. These results indicate that social–cognitive motivations for building similarity and consensus within one’s self-created social groups may also yield less consensus on a broad, national level. We discuss implications for effective political mobilization and social change.
The acromiohumeral centre edge angle: A new radiographic measurement and its association with rotator cuff pathology
Authors: Singleton Neal , Agius Lewis , Andrews Stephen
Published: September 2017

Background:

Various radiographic measurements that describe humeral head coverage by the acromion and the effect on rotator cuff pathology have been reported. This study aimed to describe and validate a new radiographic measurement, the acromiohumeral centre edge angle (ACEA).

Methods:

We compared the ACEA on computed tomography (CT) and plain X-ray to determine whether X-ray is accurate for measuring this angle. We then compared the results from this control population with 107 patients with acute rotator cuff tears. We compared functional outcomes in rotator cuff tear patients to determine whether the ACEA has any effect on outcome after surgery. An intra- and inter-observer variability analysis was performed and we compared the ACEA to the acromial index (AI) on rotation X-rays.

Results:

The ACEA was comparable on CT and plain X-ray and was most accurate when true anteroposterior glenohumeral X-rays were used (15.94° vs. 15.87° on CT, p = 0.476). The ACEA showed high intra- and inter-observer reproducibility and was unchanged on internal and external rotation X-rays (20.48 vs. 20.47, p = 0.842), whereas the AI was significantly different (0.74 vs. 0.70, p < 0.001). The ACEA was significantly higher in our rotator cuff tear patients than the control population (23.9° vs. 16.6°, p < 0.001), although a higher ACEA was not associated with poorer outcomes.

Conclusion:

The ACEA is a valid measurement for describing humeral head coverage by the acromion and can be accurately measured on plain radiographs with good reproducibility. It is unaffected by shoulder rotation and was significantly higher in patients with acute rotator cuff tears.
Return to Play Following Shoulder Stabilization: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Ialenti Marc N. , Mulvihill Jeffrey D. , Feinstein Max , Zhang Alan L. , Feeley Brian T.
Published: September 2017

Background:

Anterior shoulder instability can be a disabling condition for the young athlete; however, the best surgical treatment remains controversial. Traditionally, anterior shoulder instability was treated with open stabilization. More recently, arthroscopic repair of the Bankart injury with suture anchor fixation has become an accepted technique.

Hypothesis:

No systematic reviews have compared the rate of return to play following arthroscopic Bankart repair with suture anchor fixation with the Bristow-Latarjet procedure and open stabilization. We hypothesized that the rate of return to play will be similar regardless of surgical technique.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis focused on return to play following shoulder stabilization. Inclusion criteria included studies in English that reported on rate of return to play and clinical outcomes following primary arthroscopic Bankart repair with suture anchors, the Latarjet procedure, or open stabilization. Statistical analyses included Student t tests and analyses of variance.

Results:

Sixteen papers reporting on 1036 patients were included. A total of 545 patients underwent arthroscopic Bankart repair with suture anchors, 353 with the Latarjet procedure, and 138 with open repair. No significant difference was found in patient demographic data among the studies. Patients returned to sport at the same level of play (preinjury level) more consistently following arthroscopic Bankart repair (71%) or the Latarjet procedure (73%) than open stabilization (66%) ( P < .05). Return to play at any level and postoperative Rowe scores were not significantly different among studies. Recurrent dislocation was significantly less following the Latarjet procedure (3.5%) than after arthroscopic Bankart repair (6.6%) or open stabilization (6.7%) ( P < .05).

Conclusion:

This systematic review demonstrates a greater rate of return to play at the preinjury level following arthroscopic Bankart repair and the Latarjet procedure than open stabilization. Despite this difference, >65% of all treated athletes returned to sport at their preinjury levels, with other outcome measures being similar among the treatment groups. Therefore, arthroscopic Bankart repair, the Latarjet procedure, and open stabilization remain good surgical options in the treatment of the athlete with anterior shoulder instability.
Guidelines for Becoming a Teacher Leader in Rural Special Education
Authors: Collins Belva C. , Leahy Maria Marsella , Ault Melinda Jones
Published: September 2017

Special education teachers have a unique set of skills and opportunities to become leaders in the field of education. Some rural special education teachers, however, may not see themselves as potential leaders or believe they have opportunities to be leaders. This article provides guidelines for rural special education teachers to consider in becoming leaders at the school, community, and national levels.
Survival in individuals with severe alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency (PiZZ) in comparison to a general population with known smoking habits
Authors: Tanash Hanan A. , Ekström Magnus , Rönmark Eva , Lindberg Anne , Piitulainen Eeva
Published: September 2017

Knowledge about the natural history of severe alpha 1-antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency (PiZZ) is limited. Our aim was to compare the survival of PiZZ individuals with randomly selected controls from the Swedish general population.

The PiZZ subjects (n=1585) were selected from the Swedish National AATD Register. The controls (n=5999) were randomly selected from the Swedish population register. Smoking habits were known for all subjects.

Median follow-up times for the PiZZ subjects (731 never-smokers) and controls (3179 never-smokers) were 12 and 17 years, respectively (p<0.001). During follow-up, 473 PiZZ subjects (30%), and 747 controls (12%) died. The PiZZ subjects had a significantly shorter survival time than the controls, p<0.001. After adjustment for gender, age, smoking habits and presence of respiratory symptoms, the risk of death was still significantly higher for the PiZZ individuals than for the controls, hazard ratio (HR) 3.2 (95% CI 2.8–3.6; p<0.001). By contrast, the risk of death was not increased in never-smoking PiZZ individuals identified by screening, compared to never-smoking controls, HR 1.2 (95% CI 0.6–2.2).

The never-smoking PiZZ individuals identified by screening had a similar life expectancy to the never-smokers in the Swedish general population. Early diagnosis of AAT deficiency is of utmost importance.
Interplay between cigarette smoking and pulmonary reverse lipid transport
Authors: Jubinville Éric , Talbot Maude , Bérubé Jean-Christophe , Hamel-Auger Mélanie , Maranda-Robitaille Michaël , Beaulieu Marie-Josée , Aubin Sophie , Paré Marie-Ève , Kallend David G. , Arsenault Benoit , Bossé Yohan , Morissette Mathieu C.
Published: September 2017

Reverse lipid transport is critical to maintain homeostasis. Smoking causes lipid accumulation in macrophages, therefore suggesting suboptimal reverse lipid transport mechanisms. In this study, we investigated the interplay between smoking and reverse lipid transport and the consequences on smoking-induced lung and peripheral alterations.

To investigate the relationship between smoking and reverse lipid transport, we used a clinical lung gene expression dataset and a mouse model of cigarette smoke exposure. We also used ApoA-1−/−mice, with reduced reverse lipid transport capacity, and a recombinant ApoA-1 Milano/phospholipid complex (MDCO-216) to boost reverse lipid transport. Cellular and functional analyses were performed on the lungs and impact on body composition was also assessed.

Smoking affects pulmonary expression ofabca1,abcg1,apoeandscarb1in both mice and humans, key genes involved in reverse lipid transport. In mice, the capacity of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and serum to stimulate cholesterol efflux in macrophages was increased after a single exposure to cigarette smoke. ApoA-1−/−mice showed increased lung neutrophilia, larger macrophages and greater loss in lean mass in response to smoking, whereas treatment with MDCO-216 reduced the size of macrophages and increased the lean mass of mice exposed to cigarette smoke.

Altogether, this study shows a functional interaction between smoking and reverse lipid transport, and opens new avenues for better understanding the link between metabolic and pulmonary diseases related to smoking.
RESPITE: switching to riociguat in pulmonary arterial hypertension patients with inadequate response to phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors
Authors: Hoeper Marius M. , Simonneau Gérald , Corris Paul A. , Ghofrani Hossein-Ardeschir , Klinger James R. , Langleben David , Naeije Robert , Jansa Pavel , Rosenkranz Stephan , Scelsi Laura , Grünig Ekkehard , Vizza Carmine Dario , Chang MiKyung , Colorado Pablo , Meier Christian , Busse Dennis , Benza Raymond L.
Published: September 2017

A proportion of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) patients do not reach treatment goals with phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE5i). RESPITE investigated the safety, feasibility and benefit of switching from PDE5i to riociguat in these patients.

RESPITE was a 24-week, open-label, multicentre, uncontrolled study. Patients in World Health Organization (WHO) functional class (FC) III, with 6-min walking distance (6MWD) 165–440 m, cardiac index <3.0 L·min−1·m−2and pulmonary vascular resistance >400 dyn·s·cm−5underwent a 1–3 day PDE5i treatment-free period before receiving riociguat adjusted up to 2.5 mg maximumt.i.d. Exploratory end-points included change in 6MWD, WHO FC,N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and safety.

Of 61 patients enrolled, 51 (84%) completed RESPITE. 50 (82%) were receiving concomitant endothelin receptor antagonists. At week 24, mean±sd6MWD had increased by 31±63 m, NT-proBNP decreased by 347±1235 pg·mL−1and WHO FC improved in 28 patients (54%). 32 patients (52%) experienced study drug-related adverse events and 10 (16%) experienced serious adverse events (2 (3%) study drug-related, none during the PDE5i treatment-free period). Six patients (10%) experienced clinical worsening, including death in two (not study drug-related).

In conclusion, selected patients with PAH may benefit from switching from PDE5i to riociguat, but this strategy needs to be further studied.
Photosensitized Luminescence of Highly Thermostable Mononuclear Eu(III) Complexes with π-Expanded β-Diketonate Ligands
Authors: Koizuka Toru , Yamamoto Masanori , Kitagawa Yuichi , Nakanishi Takayuki , Fushimi Koji , Hasegawa Yasuchika
Published: September 2017

Thermostable mononuclear Eu(III) complexes with a π-expanded system, [Eu(btfa)3(DPEPO)] and [Eu(ntfa)3(DPEPO)] (DPEPO: bis[2-(diphenylphosphino)phenyl] ether oxide, btfa: benzoyltrifluoroacetonate, ntfa: 3-(2-naphthoyl)-1,1,1-trifluoroacetonate), are reported. Decomposition temperature (dp) of [Eu(btfa)3(DPEPO)] and that of [Eu(ntfa)3(DPEPO)] are estimated to be 320 °C and 318 °C, respectively. These values are higher than that of the previous [Eu(hfa)3(DPEPO)] (hfa: hexafluoroacetylacetonate, dp = 228 °C). The photosensitized emission quantum yield Φπ–π* and photosensitized energy transfer efficiency ηsens of [Eu(ntfa)3(DPEPO)] (Φπ–π* = 45%, ηsens = 77%) are larger than those of [Eu(btfa)3(DPEPO)] (Φπ–π* = 38%, ηsens = 55%). The thermostable Eu(III) complex with a π-expanded system is expected to be useful for fabrication of LED devices.
Synthesis and Properties of Bicyclo[2.2.2]octadiene- and Benzene-Fused Bis(thiaporphyrin)s
Authors: Uno Hidemitsu , Tagawa Kazunari , Mori Shigeki , Okujima Tetsuo , Takase Masayoshi , Nakae Takahiro
Published: September 2017

In this study, a benzene-fused bis(thiaporphyrin) was synthesized by the retro-Diels–Alder reaction of a bicyclo[2.2.2]octadiene (BCOD)-fused bis(thiaporphyrin) precursor. This precursor was prepared by the double [3+1] porphyrin synthesis of the BCOD-fused dipyrrole with thiatripyrrane. The ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectrum of benzene-fused bis(thiaporphyrin) in dichloromethane was extremely different from that of the corresponding benzene-fused bis(porphyrin). In contrast, extremely similar spectra were obtained in the presence of trifluoroacetic acid. The similar electronic structures in the protonated states were supported by X-ray analysis and time-dependent density-functional theory (TD-DFT) calculations.
Efficient Dynamic Barter Exchange
Authors: Anderson Ross , Ashlagi Itai , Gamarnik David , Kanoria Yash
Published: September 2017

We study dynamic matching policies in a stochastic marketplace for barter, with agents arriving over time. Each agent is endowed with an item and is interested in an item possessed by another agent homogeneously with probability p, independently for all pairs of agents. Three settings are considered with respect to the types of allowed exchanges: (a) only two-way cycles, in which two agents swap items, (b) two-way or three-way cycles, (c) (unbounded) chains initiated by an agent who provides an item but expects nothing in return.

We consider the average waiting time as a measure of efficiency and find that the cost outweighs the benefit from waiting to thicken the market. In particular, in each of the above settings, a policy that conducts exchanges in a greedy fashion is near optimal. Further, for small p, we find that allowing three-way cycles greatly reduces the waiting time over just two-way cycles, and conducting exchanges through a chain further reduces the waiting time significantly. Thus, a centralized planner can achieve the smallest waiting times by using a greedy policy, and by facilitating three-way cycles and chains, if possible.

The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/opre.2017.1644 .
ASSESSMENT OF CAREER SELECTION PROBLEMS IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: A MCDM APPROACH
Authors: Ali Yousaf , Iftikhar Naveed , Edwin Cedric Aimal
Published: September 2017

Career selection is one of the most vital and challenging decisions in the life of Career selection is one of the most vital and challenging decisions in the life of an individual. In many cases, the individual is not solely responsible for their career choice. In order to address this problem and provide remedial measures, a sample of engineering students was taken from different institutions in Pakistan. Based on the student’s current and previous academic performance and interest in their projects, a weighted index was constructed with empirical evidence. This index reflects the overall comprehensiveness of the career decision. The study revealed that 57.4% of the students are enrolled because of self-interest, while the remaining have other reasons. Furthermore, it was found that a significant number of students experience poor outcomes because of bad decisions in relation to how they choose their career. Data analysis suggests that the majority of the students who choose their career due to the influence of others show poor performance on the index rating. The reason for the career choice of the students indicates a highly significant ((p-value = 0.003) association. A gamma test is used to determine the direction of the association. The results also indicate a negative trend when there is a shift of career choice from one due to self-interest to one based on the outlook of the career. This research takes into account all of the important factors in career choice, and is particularly useful for guidance counselors of high schools and colleges as it provides a framework for career choice decisions for students. Finally, the researchers propose a decision making criteria and a numerical model for guiding counselors and students. https://doi.org/10.13033/ijahp.v9.i2.488
SELECTION OF A FIGHTER AIRCRAFT TO IMPROVE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF AIR COMBAT IN THE WAR ON TERROR: PAKISTAN AIR FORCE – A CASE IN POINT
Authors: Ali Yousaf , Asghar Ali , Muhammad Noor , Salman Aneel
Published: September 2017

The selection of military aircraft, by nature, is a process consisting of conflicting goals and objectives at the conceptual, preliminary, and detailed level. In order to ease the process of making decisions wisely from a varied group of options available, Multiple Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) methods are applied effectively. A scenario is put forth pertaining to defense acquisition, when a contemporary air force needs to select and add new and better fighter aircrafts to their pre-existing fleets. This paper studies the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and its goal to improve its aerial defense and precise ground strike capabilities. Moreover, this paper aims to help raise the bar of general aerial defense and counter terrorism operations. This research paper also sets an appropriate methodological approach for defense procurement and the fleet up-gradation planning process via the use of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), an MCDM technique. Furthermore, this study specifically focuses on a set of ten technical and economic criteria, applied over six alternative aircraft while, keeping in mind, the counter-insurgency and aerial defense requirements of PAF. Lastly, a Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) has been applied to ensure that the selected alternative is in line with the economic constraints faced by the limited fiscal budget of Pakistan.https://doi.org/10.13033/ijahp.v9.i2.489
Facebook and political participation: Going beyond over-optimistic predictions
Authors: Casteltrione Isidoropaolo
Published: September 2017

In the last decade there has been a proliferation of academic studies examining the links between social networking websites (SNSs) and citizens’ political participation. Focusing on Facebook and on the specific contexts of Italy and the United Kingdom, this article adds to this strand of research and explores the limitations of this SNS as a political platform. The findings indicate three possible factors limiting the contributions of Facebook to political participation, namely, the non-universality of Facebook, its questionable credibility as a political information source and the enduring relevance of the offline dimension of political participation. In the light of these results, the article goes on to argue that the mobilizing force of Facebook rests, at least in part, on its connection with the offline world. Moreover, the research evidence underpinning this article suggests that the most effective way in which Facebook can aid political participation is, perhaps, by bridging the online–offline divide, integrating and supporting other media and offline activities.
Translocal empowerment communication: Mediated networks of civil society organizations for political empowerment
Authors: Kannengießer Sigrid
Published: September 2017

The theoretical concept of translocal empowerment communication is developed in this article on the basis of an empirical study: the Association for Progressive Communications Women’s Networking Support Program was analysed as a case study of a translocal network of civil society actors whose aim is to empower marginalized women politically using media and communication technologies. The network was analysed using a qualitative approach, and Manuel Castells’ network metaphor was helpful to structure the findings and to uncover power structures within the network and the network and its environment. The concept translocal empowerment communication points on the one hand to the translocally mediated connectivity of civil society organizations striving for political empowerment of marginalized people through local media projects; on the other hand, it refers to power structures and inequalities that are produced by translocally mediated networks of civil society actors.
Video activism in the Brazilian protests: Genres, narratives and political participation
Authors: de Sousa Ana Lúcia Nunes , Cervi Laura
Published: September 2017

This article examines communication practices, specific genres and audio-visual narratives developed by Brazilian video activists in the context of the protests against the FIFA World Cup competition in 2014. Analysing 170 videos produced between June and July 2014, using digital methods, audio-visual analysis and the Lilleker and Vedel scheme crossed with the Carpentier model to analyse political participation, we try to reveal what level of participation these videos represent and to discover their political nature, classifying them by level of participation. In addition, this article will attempt to highlight that the videos worked as a source of information, debate and deliberation, promoting participation, which could generate more empowerment and participation if the activists improved contextualization and the quality of the narrative.
El concepto físico-químico de materia en las escuelas latinoamericanas de educación primaria: Cuándo y con qué profundidad se trabaja
Authors: Atrio Cerezo Santiago , Calvo Pascual M. Araceli
Published: September 2017

En este artículo se busca identificar cuándo y con qué profundidad se atienden contenidos sobre “la Materia” en los sistemas educativos latinoamericanos en Educación Primaria. Para ello se realiza en primer lugar un análisis de su presencia en los currículos oficiales de una decena de países latinoamericanos y de los problemas detectados por expertos de distintos países. A continuación se muestran los resultados de la explotación de datos aportados por el Segundo Estudio Regional Comparativo y Explicativo (SERCE), desarrollado por la UNESCO. El estudio concluye que los contenidos sobre “la Materia” están presentes en el currículo y en las aulas de los diez países, aunque con diferencias entre ellos, pero también se evidencia la importancia de la formación en Didáctica de las Ciencias del profesorado, ya que los recursos y la metodología utilizada determinarán el grado de aprendizaje de los contenidos científicos. Dicha metodología debe tener presente el contexto sociocultural del alumnado, equilibrando los tiempos dedicados a su enseñanza en las escuelas ubicadas en localizaciones urbanas y rurales, públicas y privadas.
Scattering from reflective diffraction gratings: the challenges of measurement and simulation
Authors: Kroneberger Monika , Fray Sebastian
Published: September 2017

The accurate simulation of stray light is essential for the prediction of signal detection fidelity in an optical instrument with high contrast requirements. In a spectrometer, the scattering from reflective gratings is poorly understood and difficult to characterize, but contributes significantly to the overall system stray light and reduction in contrast. This paper describes the approaches that will be taken at OHB System AG to establish a sufficiently precise fitting of bidirectional scatter distribution functions (BSDFs) to existing data obtained from measurements of scattering from gratings. The work is being undertaken in preparation for the analysis and fitting of a BSDF to the scattering from the grating for the FLEX low-resolution spectrometer that will be measured in the second half of 2017.
Effects of illumination on image reconstruction via Fourier ptychography
Authors: Cao Xinrui , Sinzinger Stefan
Published: September 2017

The Fourier ptychographic microscopy (FPM) technique provides high-resolution images by combining a traditional imaging system, e.g. a microscope or a 4f-imaging system, with a multiplexing illumination system, e.g. an LED array and numerical image processing for enhanced image reconstruction. In order to numerically combine images that are captured under varying illumination angles, an iterative phase-retrieval algorithm is often applied. However, in practice, the performance of the FPM algorithm degrades due to the imperfections of the optical system, the image noise caused by the camera, etc. To eliminate the influence of the aberrations of the imaging system, an embedded pupil function recovery (EPRY)-FPM algorithm has been proposed [Opt. Express 22, 4960–4972 (2014)]. In this paper, we study how the performance of FPM and EPRY-FPM algorithms are affected by imperfections of the illumination system using both numerical simulations and experiments. The investigated imperfections include varying and non-uniform intensities, and wavefront aberrations. Our study shows that the aberrations of the illumination system significantly affect the performance of both FPM and EPRY-FPM algorithms. Hence, in practice, aberrations in the illumination system gain significant influence on the resulting image quality.
Ultrasound-Based Indoor Robot Localization Using Ambient Temperature Compensation
Authors: Nagy Csaba , Biró-Ambrus Zalán , Márton Lőrinc
Published: September 2017

This paper focuses on the hardware development of an indoor ultrasound based robot localization system. The problems related to the ultrasound based distance measurements are presented and solutions are proposed related to Time of Flight measurements and measurement synchronization. An optimization based compensation method is introduced to attenuate the effect of the ambient temperature on the distance measurement precision. Experimental measurements were performed to analyze the applicability of the developed system and measurement methods.
Development of Motion Detection Algorithms Based on Simultaneous Execution Using Mobile Phone Sensors
Authors: Sándor Zsófia , Kis Gergely
Published: September 2017

The proliferation of sensor networks employing wireless data transmission technologies has paved the way for the collection of large amounts of measurement data. Several research teams have used this opportunity to develop algorithms aimed at gaining information from sensor data. Motion detection is one of the most actively researched areas. In this article, we present a system for examining motion detection in a general environment. In other words, motion forms are not identified with various wearable sensors; instead, we use the data collected by the sensors of mobile phones kept with almost all members of society now.
Evaluation of Different Thin-Client Based Virtual Classroom Architectures
Authors: Darabont Örs , Kiss Konrád József , Domokos József
Published: September 2017

This paper presents an evaluation of different methods used to deliver virtual machines capable of being accessed remotely by thin-clients. The objective of the research was to provide a recommendation for building a cost-effective computer infrastructure for use in two scenarios: as a programming lab, and as an office infrastructure.

We have found that different thin-client solutions based on single board computers are reliable solutions for commercially available thin client replacement, because they can run free Linux-based operating systems, can handle Remote Desktop Protocol, have lower acquisition costs, lower power consumption and offer almost the same computing performance.

For providing remote desktops, there are several methods and virtualization platforms available. We benchmarked some of these platforms in order to choose the one best-suited for implementation. Our conclusion is that Microsoft Remote Desktop Services outperforms the virtualization based solutions, but it entails high license fees. Of the virtualization solutions tested, the VMW are ESXi based one is the most reliable choice.
Macroscopic Thin Film Deposition Model for the Two-Reactive-Gas Sputtering Process
Authors: Kelemen András , Biró Domokos , Fekete Albert-Zsombor , Jakab-Farkas László , Madarász Róbert Rossi
Published: September 2017

The presence of a second reactive gas in the magnetron sputtering chamber makes the process much more complicated, and the process control much more difficult than in the case of a single reactive gas. Macroscopic models have been developed in order to explain the complex phenomena and to provide support for the process control. These models are able to explain the nonlinearities of the process and the strong coupling between the control channels.

This paper introduces a model created with the intention to of gaining a good grasp of the process, especially regarding the conditions necessary to obtain the required stoichiometry of the film deposited on the substrate. For this purpose, we modelled the formation of the desired ternary compound both directly from the available particle fluxes and from intermediary compounds. The surface of the substrate is divided into eight dynamically variable regions, covered by different compounds, each exposed to the streams of five types of particles.

We present the analytical model and provide simulation results in order to demonstrate its capability toof describeing the nonlinear phenomena, which that characterisze the two-gas sputtering process.
Biotechnology of siderophores in high-impact scientific fields
Authors: De Serrano Luis O.
Published: September 2017

Different aspects of bacterial and fungal siderophore biotechnological applications will be discussed. Areas of application presented include, but are not limited to agriculture, medicine, pharmacology, bioremediation, biodegradation and food industry. In agriculture-related applications, siderophores could be employed to enhance plant growth due to their uptake by rhizobia. Siderophores hindered the presence of plant pathogens in biocontrol strategies. Bioremediation studies on siderophores discuss mostly the mobilization of heavy metals and radionuclides; the emulsifying effects of siderophore-producing microorganisms in oil-contaminated environments are also presented. The different applications found in literature based in medicine and pharmacological approaches range from iron overload to drug delivery systems and, more recently, vaccines. Additional research should be done in siderophore production and their metabolic relevance to have a deeper understanding for future biotechnological advances.
Parallel RANSAC for Point Cloud Registration
Authors: Koguciuk Daniel
Published: September 2017

In this paper, a project and implementation of the parallel RANSAC algorithm in CUDA architecture for point cloud registration are presented. At the beginning, a serial state of the art method with several heuristic improvements from the literature compared to basic RANSAC is introduced. Subsequently, its algorithmic parallelization and CUDA implementation details are discussed. The comparative test has proven a significant program execution acceleration. The result is finding of the local coordinate system of the object in the scene in the near real-time conditions. The source code is shared on the Internet as a part of the Heuros system.
3D Object Detection and Recognition for Robotic Grasping Based on RGB-D Images and Global Features
Authors: Czajewski Witold , Kołomyjec Krzysztof
Published: September 2017

This paper describes the results of experiments on detection and recognition of 3D objects in RGB-D images provided by the Microsoft Kinect sensor. While the studies focus on single image use, sequences of frames are also considered and evaluated. Observed objects are categorized based on both geometrical and visual cues, but the emphasis is laid on the performance of the point cloud matching method. To this end, a rarely used approach consisting of independent VFH and CRH descriptors matching, followed by ICP and HV algorithms from the Point Cloud Library is applied. Successfully recognized objects are then subjected to a classical 2D analysis based on color histogram comparison exclusively with objects in the same geometrical category. The proposed two-stage approach allows to distinguish objects of similar geometry and different visual appearance, like soda cans of various brands. By separating geometry and color identification phases, the applied system is still able to categorize objects based on their geometry, even if there is no color match. The recognized objects are then localized in the three-dimensional space and autonomously grasped by a manipulator. To evaluate this approach, a special validation set was created, and additionally a selected scene from the Washington RGB-D Object Dataset was used.
Place Classification using Dempster-Shafer Theory
Authors: Siemiątkowska Barbara , Harasymowicz-Boggio Bogdan
Published: September 2017

The paper presents a novel place labeling method. It is assumed that an indoor mobile robot equipped with a camera or RGB-D sensor ambulates an indoor environment. The places visited by the robot are classified based on objects which have been recognized. Each object (or set of objects) votes for a set of room classes. Data aggregation is performed using Dempster-Shafer theory (DST), which can be regarded as a generalization of the Bayesian theory. The possibility of taking into account the uncertainty of data is the main advantage of the described method. The classic Dempster’s rule of data aggregation has been criticized because it can lead to non-intuitive results. Many alternative methods have been proposed and several were tested during our experiments. Most place classification methods assume a closed world model, i.e. a test sample is assigned to the most probable class even if its corresponding probability is very small. An advantage of our system is the intrinsic capability of giving unknown class as an answer in such situations, which can be used by the robot to take appropriate actions.
Benchmark of 6D SLAM (6D Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping) Algorithms with Robotic Mobile Mapping Systems
Authors: Bedkowski Janusz , Röhling Timo , Hoeller Frank , Shulz Dirk , Schneider Frank E.
Published: September 2017

This work concerns the study of 6DSLAM algorithms with an application of robotic mobile mapping systems. The architecture of the 6DSLAM algorithm is designed for evaluation of different data registration strategies. The algorithm is composed of the iterative registration component, thus ICP (Iterative Closest Point), ICP (point to projection), ICP with semantic discrimination of points, LS3D (Least Square Surface Matching), NDT (Normal Distribution Transform) can be chosen. Loop closing is based on LUM and LS3D. The main research goal was to investigate the semantic discrimination of measured points that improve the accuracy of final map especially in demanding scenarios such as multi-level maps (e.g., climbing stairs). The parallel programming based nearest neighborhood search implementation such as point to point, point to projection, semantic discrimination of points is used. The 6DSLAM framework is based on modified 3DTK and PCL open source libraries and parallel programming techniques using NVIDIA CUDA. The paper shows experiments that are demonstrating advantages of proposed approach in relation to practical applications. The major added value of presented research is the qualitative and quantitative evaluation based on realistic scenarios including ground truth data obtained by geodetic survey. The research novelty looking from mobile robotics is the evaluation of LS3D algorithm well known in geodesy.
Green bio-inspired synthesis, characterization and activity of silver nanoparticle forms of Centaurea virgata Lam. and the isolated flavonoid eupatorin
Authors: Tüzün Burcu Sümer , Hohmann Judit , Kivcak Bijen
Published: September 2017

A green synthesis method of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) usingCentaurea virgataLam. extract and the isolated compound eupatorin was investigated in this study. Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM)/energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction analysis and zeta potential were used for characterization of AgNPs. The UV-Vis spectrum exhibited a characteristic absorption band at 420 nm for monodisperse nanoparticles. FTIR measurements also proved the formation. X-ray diffraction patterns showed peaks at (110) and (112), which are characteristic for hexagonal crystals and also showed peaks at (111), (200) and (240), which are characteristic for orthorhombic crystals. The TEM images of AgNPs show that the morphology of AgNPs was predominantly spherical. Obtained AgNPs were highly stable according to the zeta potential values. The nitric oxide scavenging activity, which is also related to anticancer activity, of AgNPs was evaluated. It can be concluded thatC. virgataLam. extract and eupatorin can be used as a reducing agent for potential antioxidant AgNP formation.
A new method for the synthesis of 4H-1,3,5-oxadiazine derivatives
Authors: Zadorozhnii Pavlo V. , Kiselev Vadym V. , Pokotylo Ihor O. , Kharchenko Aleksandr V.
Published: September 2017

A new, simple method for the synthesis of 4H-1,3,5-oxadiazine derivatives was developed based on the dehydrogenation reaction of N-amidoalkylated thioureas with dicyclohexylcarbodiimide. The reaction was carried out in acetonitrile under reflux for 50–60 min. The precipitated products were easily purified by crystallization from acetonitrile or ethanol. The yields were 30–70%. The structure of the synthesized compounds was determined by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, MS and X-ray crystallography.
Curriculation and Competence Based Education Training (CBET) in Tanzania: A Critical Assessment of Public Administration and Management (PAM) Curricula at Tanzania Public Service College (TPSC)
Authors: Ramadhani Marijani
Published: September 2017

The article directs the discourse in Public Administration and Management (PAM) curricula at Tanzania Public Service College. The motive for this attempt is based on the fact that Public Administration (PA) is itself recognized as a profession whose teaching aims at producing competent professionals and therefore needs constant review to conform to the current work complexities. Five big questions and content analysis are used as the basis for directing the discourse. The findings indicate that curriculation for PAM is complex and dynamic. Moreover, the findings indicate that the two curricula are more vocational than educational as there is little weight allocated for occupational course modules (36 out of 360 in PA) and (126 out of 360 in HRM). This may pose the danger of “pourtpouri” problem in curriculum design. The article proposes rethinking interventions on curriculation for PAM at TPSC to benefit from Public Administration discipline.
Human Resource Reforms in Public Administration: The Importance of the Reward System
Authors: De Freitas Bradley Christopher
Published: September 2017

Human resource management encompasses administrating and managing human resources or otherwise known as employees. The HR or Human Resources department of any company, whether it be public or private, deals with the day to aspects pertaining to employees, from the recruitment process to probably the most important aspect for any employee; remuneration and benefits. The importance of finding a perfect equilibrium between monetary and non-monetary incentives is crucial in obtaining an efficient work environment, as well as increasing productivity and employee motivation. Having an administrative background or knowledge is essential for any HR manager, in order to detect and implement the most beneficial reward system for both implicated parties.

This paper aims to examine human resource reforms in public administration, primarily in reference to the remunerations of civil servants and employees by giving examples of the importance of salary within the structure of human resource management, looking at new laws involving the increase of salaries within the near future, concluding with suggestions on improving the reward system implemented by human resource managers in Romania’s system of public administration.